Kids « Girly Muse

Archive for the ‘Kids’ Category

The Tooth Fairy Strikes Again

January 16, 2013

Fist pump! We survived the influenza! Woohoo!

Getting healthier around here and happy to be…

We had a little early morning trauma today. Around 5:45, Indigo came in sounding scared and pitiful. He thought there was a mouse under his pillow and was close to tears.

He lost a tooth last night so we knew what was under his pillow. We reassured him there was no mouse and sent him back in there to check under his pillow again, which he very nervously did. He came back giving me The Evil Eye.

“The TOOTH FAIRY took my TOOTH but didn’t leave anything else,” he said pointedly to ME.

The Tooth Fairy has sorta gained a bad rap over the years. Do a search for Tooth Fairy on this blog and you’ll see a handful of posts regarding her flaws.

I knew that the other tooth fairy in the house had done their job, so I confidently sent him back in to check.

Turns out, in his half-sleep stupor, he reached under his pillow, ran into his stuffed elephant in the process and sent the tooth fairy box flying.

He came back and cuddled with me and said, “Meep,” which he later informed me meant he was sorry. That Tooth Fairy has an awfully hard life.

Posted in January 2013, Kids | 4 Comments »

First Week

January 7, 2013

How has the first week of 2013 been for you?

Highlights for me:

I’ve had some sickies over here, one little guy this morning had a really sick night. And one big guy is just getting better. I’m chugging Emergen-C like it’s water. This isn’t as much a highlight, as just what is really happening. Blech.

A dear friend of ours was married last night. We’ve known him since he was a shy, little 14 year-old, coming over to play bass at church. Watched the transition that one summer when he came back from a trip and was so much taller and thinner. Next thing you know, you blink and 17 years have gone by. He’s since become a full-fledged man and professional bass player. We’re so proud of him. He’s one of our favorite people in the world. Aaron.

I’ve been working like a crazy woman. Got a job, y’all. It’s taking over — I’m still in shock about how it’s all transpired, but I’m loving it. Editing Indie books. I’ve been quiet about it, but have to start getting the word out about why I’m not able to do as much with friends and family, etc. My flexible musician life is still going on, but I’ve just taken on a huge addition. This is the fourth year of Girly Muse, and if you’ve been with me all this time, you know I breathe books, so this is my best possible job.

Maybe I’ll tell you about some of the books soon, if you want to, you know … read them.

I must cut this short. Taking my little guy to the doctor. He’s not well at all. Send up prayers, please. xo

Posted in Heartwarming Events, January 2013, Kids | 10 Comments »

School, Yay!

September 4, 2012

I’ve been known to do a school rant or two…or twelve.

But here we are~ the first day of 8th grade AND 2nd grade. Now, we go full-force into happy, supportive, peppy mode. No more gripes now. Nope, nope, nope.

6 AM came awfully early today for my teenager. She’s slept the summer mornings away, so it was a shock to her system to be up while it was still dark. She actually woke up around 5:30 because of the First Day of School jitters. Remember those? I came stumbling downstairs and she was already in the kitchen, dressed and ready to go…

My little girl.

Snurfle.

“This is what I look like at 6:40.“

Thanks for putting up with your photograph-obsessed mother.

Going where no 8th grader has gone before…

My little fashionista…red Snow White headband, Spiderman shirt, red skinny jeans and these FABULOUS boots…

Have the best day, love.

A little break and then it all starts over with my little man. Oh, how they would love to have their school times switched. He’s the early dude. She’s the late diva. But, alas, it is not to be.

Perky much?

And a little Perry the Platypus action going on the back side…

Yes, BEWARE…my little boy is about to bring sunshine into your classroom! Treat him with loving care, please.

Snurfle, take 2.

This picture is after a million and one faces…and me saying, “OKAY, I have plenty of face pictures now, can you do one normal?” And he wipes the grin off until his lips are teensy nubs, which is actually another face…but I’ll take it.

Have the best day, love.

I will just be here, wallowing ~~having a life~~ and whatnot, until you come home.

Snurfle. Take 3.

Posted in Heartwarming Events, Kids, School, Sept 2012 | 8 Comments »

Teachers Don’t Stink

August 23, 2012

For all my ranting about school suckage earlier in the week, I must now expound on how much I do love teachers. An excellent teacher can change the course of your whole life. Someone who sees your value and finds ways of cultivating your gifts~ that’s priceless. And when it comes to trusting other people to have significant input in my daughter and son’s life, well, it’s a HUGE deal.

I’ve considered the home schooling thing many times, especially when we used to travel more with music stuff…but I always come back around to the fact that I really don’t think I would be a good teacher. My husband, on the other hand, he is a teacher at heart. Everything he says with the kids is a teaching moment. So if we ever get that tour bus I’ve been coveting, maybe he’ll be the one who takes over home schooling responsibilities. You can imagine if I get aggravated shopping for school supplies, how I’d feel trying to teach Math on a daily basis. The thought makes my stomach twist, turn and drop just a wee bit.

So I’m thankful for teachers and their ability to:

*Still have sing-songy voices the whole livelong day…not just with my children, but all the other more rotten munchkins too.

*See through what I think is good or bad and determine what still needs work and what is stellar.

*Cover ALL the subjects thoroughly, not just the one I might be able to cover.

*Remember details about my child after the dozens and dozens that file in and out of their classes all day long. (middle school)

*Make learning fun and exciting~ this is especially fun to see if the teacher starts out the year “scary” and ends up being their favorite teacher because of how they can make the subject come alive.

*Put up with all the smells.

*Tolerate the rotten attitudes and naughtiness…

*Excuse the daydreaming~ this is one I have to be particularly grateful about~ I seem to be raising some heavyduty daydreamers.

*Challenge the shortcomings of kids day after day without bang their head against the wall…at least not in the presence of my kids.

And SO MUCH MORE…

I don’t take the job of a teacher lightly. I recognize it is not my gift and I am so grateful for every teacher (at school or otherwise) who has taken the time to nurture my children. Now, if you could just cut back on homework, I will kiss your feet and write you a song. XO

Posted in August 2012, Grateful Heart, Kids, Mama Musings, School | 5 Comments »

School Sucks and Then You Die…

August 21, 2012

Remember that old saying, “Life is hard and then you die?” Or was it, “Life is short and then you die?” Or was it, well…apparently I sort of adapted it to say whatever I wanted it to, whenever I wanted to. I have been known to do that with sayings and songs…

Well, that’s how I feel about school. Life is so short/hard. Why does school have to go and wreck all our fun?

Each year, I have to endure these feelings while maintaining the School is GOOD! face before my kids.

Sure, I LOVE to get up at 6:30 to get one child on the bus and do everything all over again for the other child to get on at 8:47.

It is my life’s pleasure to get (8) Crayola Markers, washable~ NOT (12), NOT (16)…they dare NOT be generic…no, I will hunt until I find those (8) Crayola Markers, washable, and rip them out of another angry mother’s hands if I have to. Seriously, why is she so angry?

It will be no problem for me to print two dozen forms on my measly printer. I didn’t need that paper…or ink…or time.

Yes, I will be glad to send Ziploc bags, Kleenex, antibacterial wipes, two flair pens, and two highlighters that my child won’t ever use. I’m a giver.

I don’t mind writing down the exact same information for the ninth year in a row! It was time I learned my emergency contact’s number by heart anyway. I want you to remember that my child can still take acetaminophen. And that I’m still okay if you decide to publish some genius work they produce with my child’s name included. I’m glad to give you our cell numbers yet again. This time you’ll call me maybe?

It’s no big DEAL if every sickness gets passed to us because so many parents send their kids to school sick. Who wants to be healthy anyway???

Homework is our friend! We didn’t need those four hours in the evenings after a 7 hour day at school. Pile it on!

*Laughing maniacally*

Mama’s okay. Don’t be frightened, children. We LOVE school. School is…well, it’s just GOOD, that’s what.

Why are you crying, Mama?

I’m just going to miss you…I mean…I’m crying because I’m…so excited about all the FREE TIME I WILL HAVE TO DO WHATEVER I WANT! These are happy tears of joy and freedom!

Maybe School IS Good!

Maybe I DO like green eggs & ham! And even if I don’t, I must make sure THEY do.

Sigh. I obviously still need to work on my game face.

Posted in August 2012, Confession is Good for the Soul, Kids, Mama Musings, School | 12 Comments »

Strange Rules

August 17, 2012

We have strange rules in our house. It’s a common thing for us to be correcting the kids and for them to suddenly bust out laughing~ not something a parent really loves when they’re in deep correction mode. Our children have finally brought it to our attention how weird we are. Fortunately for us, they are content being different. Also, thankfully, they’re good, sweet kids; otherwise, their laughing would NOT be funny.

*A brief detour: For a while there I was afraid my daughter was going to turn out to be preppy. EEK! The very thought curled my toes. If you’re reading this, Greyley, I promise to love you even if you wear argyle cashmere sweater sets and your hair is in a perfectly coiffed ponytail every day of the week. Swallow. Blink, blink. Truly, I will.

I like it that they’re a little bit left of center. AND I feel a little bad for them at the same time. It means heartache. It also means they’re exceptional.

This is a recurring topic throughout our lives~ for both Nate AND me.

Nate looked at me the other day and said, “You know, not everyone is going to GET us.”

Um, yeah. It’s been a long hard lesson, but I think I’m finally getting THAT.

An old boyfriend said it best, “You and Nate are just out there…on a cloud…together…”

I wanted to bop him upside the head when he said that, but he was right.

Anyway…here’s a sampling of some of the rules that have come out of my mouth just recently:

*No rollerblading in the living room!

*No flooding the bathroom with bubbles!

*Stop flinging __________. (My son has a serious flinging condition. Flinging- to twirl any and everything very, very fast)

*No playing bongos on your food!

*My buns are NOT your drumset!

*OKAY, let’s De-Chipmunk right now! (think of Alvin singing and you’ll get it)

*No more skating in the tub!

*A bird is going to pluck your eyes out if you disrespect me. It’s Bible. Proverbs 30:17 (For some reason, this sends them into FITS of laughter.)

And the most frequent one of all, so perhaps not very effective:

*If you want to live a long and happy life, you WILL CLEAN YOUR ROOM.

That last one needs work. They’re too happy and young to imagine being otherwise.

Anyway…so I guess there’s four of us…out there…on a cloud…together…

Posted in August 2012, Kids, Lists of This and That, Mama Musings | 7 Comments »

My Child, the Nerd

August 12, 2012

Another week has come and gone, another chunk of summer GONE…I can’t believe how quickly the time is flying.

Weddings, birthdays, VBS, crazy children and nerds…these are the things we’ve survived this past week.

The kids were in a play at church Sunday morning. Take a look at this pair…

I don’t know if you can tell, but the one on the left played the part of a NERD. And land sakes, he did it well. He had a ton and one lines. Click “Faulty Reasoning” below to see a little video sampling of him saying my favorite line…

Faulty Reasoning

The sweetie on the right also had a fun part and led the songs…we were very proud; very proud, indeed.

And then there’s that little dose of reality that just makes life so…~~real~~…~~embarassing~~…humorous.

The Nerd had serious long lines, but I’m repeating myself. And he did it flawlessly, truly he spoke those lines with nerdlike excellence. It was so cute. HOWEVER…he seemed to have a problem in the lower regions. As in, a bundle, wedgie, whatever you might want to call it. The problem was, it was not only in the back, but also in the front.

And things escalated to an all-time nerve-inducing high when he began moving from one foot to the other, doing a little shuffle.

The I-Have-To-Go-To-The-Bathroom-Shuffle.

At first, I just thought he was nervous and that we needed to get new underwear. And new pants. Or maybe he got a mosquito bite. Or please not a rash or something.

Sigh.

Then when the dance came and the end of the play did not seem to be in sight, I began to beseech the heavens to help him hold it. But please, Lord, not literally. Don’t let him hold it literally ANYMORE.

God heard my cry and just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, it was time for a song.

Estelle (or as Indigo calls her, Mistelle), who was in charge of VBS, bless her, took my boy by the hand while the song was going and let the poor boy go to the bathroom. He came back a new man by the time the song was over.

Whew.

You just never know what miracles you’re going to see during any given day.

Lessons learned:

Force your child to use the restroom before a performance.

Pray the song comes sooner next time.

Posted in August 2012, Kids, Life, Mama Musings | 13 Comments »

Savor the Moment

May 29, 2012

This time of year is always exciting and stressful~ all the school projects to wrap up, concerts and activities to go to, and all the while, the feeling of summer is driving the undercurrent of the day. It is not the time of year that children (and their parents, or this one anyway) feel like putting their thinking caps on and doing studious things. “Summer Vacation” looms in all our minds and concentration is a lost art.

At least that’s what I’m trying to tell myself due to the fact that my brain is on Scatter Mode. There are at least 101 things I should be doing, 115 things I actually am doing and another 2,000 that somehow aren’t even on my radar.

It’s times like these that I like to stop and smell the roses. Or in reality, for me, that means to stop and engage in my life. This morning, it meant to not just absentmindedly shuffle through the huge stack of school papers that I forgot to go through on Friday, but to really SEE the beauty there…

Indigo’s regretting that he didn’t put the pants on the back…but I think these highwaters are brilliant. Lessons learned~ next time, I think he’ll glue the pants on the back.

And I love this, even though Indie doesn’t think it looks like him at ALL~

I love what it says: I like me.

Another sweet moment this morning, getting all sunscreened up for Track & Field Day at school…

Today I’m not going to think of the piles of things I have to get done…I will do one thing at a time and try to enjoy the process versus just crossing it off my list. That’s the goal. I’ll let you know if it works. XO

Posted in Family, Kids, Life, Mama Musings, May 2012 | 5 Comments »

Bedtime

May 16, 2012

This guy right here…

He keeps me in stitches.

This is a sampling of some of our conversations last night in the hour before he conked out. And does he ever conk out. When he goes, he is OUT.

But as long as he’s awake, he is my little bundle of energetic delight.

However, every now and then, he does have some down time and last night, I was the lucky one who was nearby when he did.

“Mama, will you come get in bed and cuddle with me?”

You don’t have to ask me twice! I know this will not last long and I am stretching it out as long as possible. I crawl into bed and snuggle him tight.

Indigo: Mom, can we go get a Transformer tonight?

Me: Well, we don’t have the car tonight, so…no.

Indigo: But if we did, could we?

Me: Um, well…that’s a hard question to answer…I…don’t know?

And then we both start getting tickled at each other, laughing our matching laughs, which only makes us laugh harder…

I lean over and nuzzle his soft neck that makes me swoon. He halfway sticks it out for me to get and halfway dodges me because it tickles. Either way, it makes us both giggle.

Indigo: Why do you like my neck so much?

Me: It’s so soft and it’s attached to you. Why do you like my fat arms so much?

Indie, as he’s squeezing my arm: Because they’re squishy.

We read Junie B and the Stupid, Smelly Bus and I am attempting to sound like Junie B~ sassy…but he’s getting drowsy and into chapter 4, I stop and say, “Let’s get you to bed.”

He struggles to lift his head and says, “It’s hard to stay awake when you read with no expression!”

I am offended. I am a Big Encourager of Reading with Expression.

“I was trying to sound like Junie B!”

“OHHHH!” He laughs and tries to dodge my yanking him out of my bed to take him to his.

He’s managing to walk to the bed, that’s a plus. Usually, one of us has to carry him to bed and tonight I’m the one. It’s getting increasingly harder to manage.

I kiss him and am shutting the door.

“Mama? What are we doin’ in the mornin’?”

Oh man, this takes me back. I answered this question every night for a couple years, but it’s been a while…

“The same thing we always do…sleep IN (please God, let him sleep ’til at least 7!), eat breakfast, get ready for school…”

That does the trick. He’s quiet and out before I can get down the hall…

Oh my heart. I want to remember these moments.

Posted in Kids, Mama Musings, May 2012 | 4 Comments »

Monday Muse

March 12, 2012

A lot has happened since we were together last…I hope all is well in your worlds.

To update you on the last couple of posts I wrote about Stacey and Elaina’s babies…

Baby Bailey is doing well and growing! There is no new bleeding in her brain and they will continue to check the clots that are there every week. Hopefully those will just disappear!

Elaina had her twin boys Saturday night and everyone is doing well. The boys are both around 1 lb. 8/9 oz. and are doing amazing thus far. They were born just a day short of 26 weeks and still need a lot of prayer.

And onto completely frivolous (and not so) matters…

I stayed up all night Saturday finishing the 7th Harry Potter book. It was worth the exhaustion I felt yesterday. I see Jesus all over that series, as with Lord of the Rings and of course, the Narnia books. I think the Potter ones mostly get a bad rap from people who haven’t read them. I know this is a controversial topic and we can agree to disagree…but if you haven’t read them, I dare you to give them a try.

We’ve been in the studio a lot, especially Nate, but I’ve done my share in there lately and will get more time in this week. Excited about the music we’re doing!

Had a lovely time with our friends, Crock and Terri…the fun and therapy flowed that night.

The flood in the basement continues. It rained all night and is still raining and there was a point in the night that Nate was able to stop it from coming in, but looks like it made its way back…in a big way. Ugh.

Saw a dear friend of ours and his beautiful family yesterday…Lee Her. We enjoyed sushi together and got caught up after not seeing each other for a LONG time! On a side note, Lee’s promoting an upcoming event in Maplewood~ Big Daddy Weave, mikeschair and Kerrie Roberts will be performing at the Hmong American Alliance Church on March 20th. It looks like a great night. For more information about that, click here.

We are wrapping up the last week of my daughter’s spring musical at school. I am so ready to have my girl back. I miss her! One more crazy week and then the play starts Thursday.

My husband is preparing for a trip to the Dominican Republic. It all happened quickly~ he got a passport just in time~ and will be going with our pastor and 2 other men from our church. They were originally supposed to go to Haiti, but right now visitors are discouraged, so they’re going to the DR. Please keep them in your prayers. They’ll be teaching DR and Haitian pastors for almost a week. I’m concerned that they all stay healthy~ no malaria, no dengue fever, no other weird diseases~ and that their time there is productive and fun.

If I ever wear out my black fuzzy hooded sweater, I don’t know what I’ll do. It is my security blanket. This is something that has been concerning me ever since it started leaving fuzzies all over everything it touched last Thursday night. Boo.

The kids were off school last Friday and I watched Carrie’s little girl, Anna. She was so fun. She made up beautiful songs and played harmonica and has big visions of her monarch butterfly birthday party coming up in…November. Yes, this girl plans ahead. She knew right away that she wanted Indigo to be Monarch King~ she’s Monarch Queen, of course. He has agreed and they are working on what he will have to wear to sufficiently fill his role.

Speaking of Indigo…he had a play day with Nora…remember her?

They are so hilarious and adorable together. Makes me smile, the way they get along…they’re like two little bookends, aren’t they!

Well, if that doesn’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what will. Have a happy Monday, my friends. xo

Posted in Family, Friends, Fun, Grateful Heart, Kids, Life, Prayer Requests | 6 Comments »