Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Sunday Grumps
We are really thankful that our kids like going to church. We have been fortunate to have several churches to check out in our area and have found one that we really like as adults and has a neat kids program, too. Sundays can be such a hectic day and it’s a blessing to not have to deal with clingy kids who don’t want to go to class. (Although we’ve done it in the past and will do it again if things ever change.) But one thing that never seems to get better is the Sunday Grumps. Pretty much every Sunday after church we are all dragging, ready for lunch and a bit out of sorts. Most days it’s manageable and after we get some lunch in us we’re good to go. But it really hit Abby hard this morning. When I picked her up from her class the teacher mentioned that she was a bit “tired” today. As I wondered what exactly that meant to this particular teacher, she quickly followed that up with, “Not a problem, just a little on the grumpy side.” So as we walked out to the car this little dialogue ensued.
Me: So Abby, I heard you were a little grumpy in class today. Are you tired? (What was I thinking? You never ask a three year old this!)
Abby: I’m not tired! I will not nap! I will not sleep. Instead I will scream!
Me: Oh, someone really is ready for a nap.
Abby: No! I don’t want a nap! I will get out of bed and play with my toys. I will come out of my room!
Me: Hmhmm. Well honey, if you choose to do that, then just know you’ll be in trouble.
Abby: I will come out and say “I’m not in trouble!”
Jack: Oh Abby. You are really tired.
Can you guess who’s conked out for a nap at this very moment? =)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
It’s a…
BOY!!
We found out on Monday that Ellis child #3 is a little boy! We feel very blessed and we’re all excited, but especially Jack who was really hoping for a brother! Baby Boy is healthy and growing right on track. We are looking forward to all the love and fun this little man will bring.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
End of Summer
It doesn’t quite feel like the end of summer, what with the temperature still in the high 90’s, but I guess Labor Day usually signals an end of sorts to summer. And what a fun summer we’ve had! Here are some of our highlights to close out the season.
We made several trips to the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. This year, Tim’s parents bought passes for the kids and we are thoroughly enjoying them. It’s so nice to be able to just go for a few hours and then head home, knowing we can come back whenever we’d like. I’m lovin’ Abby’s attitude in the first picture here.
Jack’s first year at VBS, or as our church called it, “Summer Sizzler.” He had a great time!
At the end of Jack’s Summer Sizzler week, he went to the evening celebration and we took Abby out to Ruby’s. She loved having Daddy all to herself, and the strawberry milkshake was a big hit too!
Lots of fun times with family! It was a treat to have my parents visit us so much this summer. Here’s Abby falling asleep on Grandpa’s lap and the kids with their cousins making their silly faces.
Abby really became interested in helping me in the kitchen this summer. She is the resident lettuce-washer now. =)
Going to a baseball game with my parents up in Visalia. My Dad won the fan dugout through a drawing at the local blood bank and treated us and several other friends to a free game sitting in a dugout with misters and our own personal waitress. Pretty fun! The kids loved it, especially Jack, who kept track of the score the whole entire game. I don’t think his eyes left the field for more than a couple minutes the whole game. I was amazed at how engaged he was!
Finding a new fun place to eat that the kids love - The Pancake House. Jack gets plain pancakes and Abby chooses chocolate-chip. We now go there after church pretty often. Jack and Abby love to eat breakfast for lunch!
And lots more fun times…! We had a great summer filled with friends, family and new experiences. And now we’re ready for Fall - my favorite time of year!
Jack had his first day of Kindergarten today. We have chosen to homeschool him this year, but he is going to an Enrichment Class at a local charter school twice a week. I couldn’t have been more proud of my boy! Wearing his Lightning McQueen backpack with pride, he walked in with a smile on his face, found a seat and said, “Bye, Mom!” Jack has usually had trouble adjusting to new situations, so we’ve talked about this day all summer. He usually breaks into tears and clings to me when faced with a new situation, so I really wasn’t sure what we’d be dealing with today. I went in, knowing full well that I might have to stay for awhile to help him adjust. I think Jack and I were both pleasantly surprised and excited to see him handle this milestone occasion so well! I peeked a little bit as the teacher was calling roll and when she said his name, his hand shot in the air and he had a big grin on his face. What a relief. When I picked him up he proudly showed me the new pencil he earned for following the rules and seemed pleased with his first day. I wrote a prayer for Jack in my journal this morning that said this: Bless Jack in his first day of kindergarten. Oh Jesus, please calm him heart - help him not to cry and to be curious and excited. Help the children to be kind to each other and bless his teacher as she teaches and keeps the class engaged. I just pray this will be a good, special day for my son. Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayer in just the way I imagined! Some of my favorite things around my house are family treasures from the past. I really enjoy looking at or using things that I know were special to my grandparents, aunts or other relatives. The past few months have brought several more treasures into my house. My Dad and aunts have been helping my Grandma sort out her things and I became the recipient of several family heirlooms. I love these links to the past! Grandma collected plates and here is a sample of some that were given to me, as well as one of her bracelets. This rocket ship was my Grandpa’s. He passed away several years ago, but as my Dad went through Grandma’s things he found some of Grandpa’s fun things too. This is actually a little bank. You push a lever down, place the coin in the slot, and then push a button that releases the lever which shoots the coin into the rocket. Very fun for the kids! My mom gave me this pitcher that she has had for 25+ years. I love pitchers, and I especially love the simplicity of this one and, of course, the fact that it was my Mom’s. This little tea set was given to me by Tim’s Aunt Suzanne a couple years ago. I think it’s so sweet. Tim and I picked up a little treasure of our own a few months ago and it should be here somewhere around February. Jack and Abby can show you a little picture of it. These are our three favorite treasures, for sure!! And just in case you can’t see that very well, Jack shows you a little closer view… I haven’t been blogging much lately because June seemed to just fly by in a whirlwind of guests and fun activities. My mom came to stay with us for about 10 days earlier in the month and we enjoyed having her here with us! (My Dad was visiting his family back in Minnesota. They had both travelled back a couple months ago, but my Dad was going back again to help my Grandma settle into a new nursing facility and visit his sisters.) Usually when my parents visit there is a holiday or birthday we’re celebrating, so it was great to share our daily routine with her. However we did keep her busy taking her to the beach, the Wild Animal Park and the kids’ swim lessons. The kids loved having Grandma to play with at the beach in Oceanside! Abby also turned three in June and we had a little party for her at the park. The kids all seemed to enjoy themselves, but it was HOT. The kids were not in the mood to have their picture taken, so here is the best family picture we got out of them! Grandma and the Birthday Girl. (So I guess we did end up celebrating one birthday while she was here!) My mom was such a huge help the day of the party. She and Tim took Jack over early and set everything up. All I did was get Abby ready and bring her over. It was lovely! My Dad returned from his MN trip and he and my Mom gave Abby her first bike for her birthday. She’s getting the hang of it! I thought this picture was so adorable because she’s all decked out in the fun jewelry she got from her friends. My Dad was calling her “Princess Bling-Bling.” That about sums it up! =) Jack and Grandpa love to run their remote control Hummers around! And finally, last week my parents,my brother and his family came to visit us. What a jam-packed, fun week! Chuck E. Cheese, the San Diego Zoo, the beach, watching the kids play in the kiddie pool, joking, laughing…we always enjoy our family times! We took some pictures of the kids, but the best ones were when we had them do their goofy faces. Too cute! From here out the summer is pretty open. We’re enjoying some lazy summer days. Ok, I was joking about being demanding and mean. The other title for my personality according to that test is The Perfectionist. Honestly, having done a lot of personality tests, I was surprised at how accurate some of it was based on such a short test: Perfectionists are realistic, conscientious, and principled. They strive to live up to their high ideals. How to Get Along with Me - Take your share of the responsibility so I don’t end up with all the work. What I Like About Being a One - being self-disciplined and able to accomplish a great deal What’s Hard About Being a One - being disappointed with myself or others when my expectations are not met Ones as Children Often - criticize themselves in anticipation of criticism from others Ones as Parents - teach their children responsibility and strong moral values The rational, idealistic type. Yeah, I’m pretty much demanding and mean.
This was an interesting personality test that I found linked from another friend’s blog. Here are the results from my test, which describe me pretty well. Peacemakers are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them. How to Get Along with Me: What I Like About Being a Nine: What’s Hard About Being a Nine: Nines as Children Often: Nines as Parents: Dear Abigail, Happy 3rd Birthday, love! We feel so blessed to have you in our life. What a spunky, silly, sweet, goofy girl you are! The past three years have gone by so quickly and you really are becoming a little girl now, no longer a baby. You are such a fun sister and a sweet daughter. We can’t imagine life without you and love all the laughter and kisses you give us every day. We pray God will guide you and bless you throughout your whole life, that you will learn to hear His voice and know that even though we can’t see Him, He’s there and He loves you. We love you so much, sweet girl. We’re crazy about you and can’t get enough of you! Love, Today was Jack’s last day of sports class. He has had such a great time trying out all the different sports and interacting with the other kids and coaches. We’ve looked forward to it every Tuesday and will miss it! Here he is with his coaches. After class today they gave each child their own Master Jr. Sports ball to take home. I think Jack will probably sleep with it tonight! =) For their final day, they did track and field. This was Tim’s sport of choice during his high school years, and Jack enjoyed it just like Dad. Jump, Jack, jump! I found 4 and 5 year olds jumping hurdles to be one of the cutest things ever. Here he is running the track with his buddy, Shelbi! Abby and I sat on the sidelines, cheering and eating blueberries. I got this little vampire face out of her - kind of scary! But she’s usually a cute little bundle of energy who spends lots of time running up and down the hill. And of course, it wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun without our friends! After the class, we enjoyed a little picnic with Heidi, Cheryl (Heidi’s mom and a huge help with so many kids to look after!), Shelbi, Maggie and Elijah. We’ve enjoyed this time with them so much! First of all, THANK YOU to all of you who offered suggestions, advice or even just empathy! Your knowledge and support were such an encouragement. Several of you emailed me personally and I appreciate you taking the time to think about my troubles and respond. For those of you who are wondering, Abby is doing much better. This past week she has actually slept solid every night. Yippee!! Our plan of attack went like this: 2. Exercise, exercise, exercise! Play outside, jump on the trampoline, walk at the grocery store, etc. 3. Turn off her lamp after she falls asleep at night. We put in a tiny wall night light so there’s some light if she wakes up, but not enough to possibly trick her into thinking morning has come at 3 am. 4. Watch her nutrition carefully, making sure she doesn’t eat certain foods at night that could cause wakefulness. 5. Extra love and attention during the day. So have I mentioned we have sleep issues? =) Mommies (and the occasional Daddies that see this), please help! I have written about Abby’s difficult sleep habits before, and while I thought they had cleared up, apparently they haven’t. For the past two nights she has woken up around 3 and remained awake for over 2 hours. For those of you who are unsure, Abby will turn three in a couple weeks. I have never encountered anyone whose almost-three year old still woke up like this in the middle of the night. Please tell me if yours has and how you dealt with it, or if it finally just resolved itself. Let me tell you how I dealt with it and you can point out to my muddy, sleep-deprived brain what I did wrong and how to fix it. (Yes, Brian. It’s open season.) The first night: Abby came into my bed, but then I walked her back to her own bed, took away all her books (she usually has a couple books in her bed) and turned the night light off. (Maybe any light at all is a distraction for her?) I then laid down with her because she’s not used to sleeping in darkness and I wanted her to be calm. She was angry with me, but eventually went to sleep after about an hour. Last night : She came into my room at 3:15. Same thing. Walked her back, turned off the night light, made sure her bed was empty of any books/toys, and laid down with her. At 5:00 she was still awake. I wasn’t playing or talking with her. Abby was just laying there, wide awake. I finally went back to my room, telling her to stay in bed until I got her up. Of course she didn’t listen to me and got up several times, which resulted in some discipline and me firmly putting her back in bed. She’s still in there now, quiet, but I am afraid to even peek in at her. This is not a new scenario. It comes and goes and I am at a loss as to how to deal with it. I know she needs more sleep. She doesn’t nap very much, and she definitely doesn’t function well on 7-8 hours of sleep a day. She’s miserable and crabby off and on during the day. Do I need to go back to a morning nap? Take every single book and toy out of her room and barricade her in at night? Stock up on Children’s Benadryl at Costco? (Just kidding.) I don’t usually lay down with her because I think that can lead to bad habits, but I was just so desperate for sleep the past couple nights. When I don’t lay down with her, she almost always winds up getting up and playing or dragging a bunch of books in her bed. I may get more sleep, but Abby doesn’t. I am wiped out and at my wits end. Do I need to take her to the pediatrician? I’ve never gotten very much out of talking to the medical profession about issues like sleep, discipline and eating habits. It’s always the same old party line. I don’t know though, maybe it’s time to try again. However, I’ve found that other moms are usually the best source of advice, so I am really, really, really open to your suggestions. I need some light at the end of this tunnel. That, or a good hotel room.
This was an encouraging read today. If you’re a mom, you will benefit from these words of encouragement!
The other day the kids and I were running errands. It was lunchtime and I decided we’d stop at McDonald’s for a bite to eat before heading home. I didn’t mention it to the kids, but pretty soon Jack hollered from the backseat, “Mom, can we go to McDonald’s for lunch?” fully expecting me to say no. I usually do. When I smiled and said “Sure, kiddo” you should have the seen the look of surprise and then excitement that swept over his face. He looked over at Abby and said, “Abby! Guess what? We’re going to McDonald’s! Wooooo-hoo!” I feel like God just did that to me. When we first moved out here I really struggled with leaving behind our good friends in Fullerton, especially our friends Dale and Melissa. Not knowing very many people out here I often prayed desperately and specifically for God to send this friend to me. I felt almost foolish praying for this because I just didn’t think it would ever be a possibility. Dale and Melissa seemed set in Fullerton for good. But through a turn of events in their life, things have changed and they’ll soon be moving only half an hour from us! Wooooo-hoo!! I know God didn’t move them out here just for me, but I enjoy thinking how He must have chuckled at my request, already knowing that while He would bring new friends into my life out here, He would also look with tenderness on my request and answer, “Sure, kiddo.” So the past few weekends Tim has gone in to Fullerton to give Dale a hand with his projects while Melissa and the kids have come out this direction to get away from all the mess and hang out with us. The kids get along great and Melissa and I never run out of things to talk about. She’s like a sister to me, or at least what I imagine having a sister is like! Here are some pictures of our time together. Last weekend we made Fruit Loop necklaces and here are Noah and Jack, dying to eat their creations Cute Olivia Breaking out the play-do The gang “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Luke 7:11
Monday, August 25, 2008
First Day of School!
Daddy and the Kindergartener
(Jack didn’t take his Tiger into school with him, but Tiger did keep us company in the car on the way there!)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Treasures
Monday, July 07, 2008
Busy June
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Perfectionist
- Acknowledge my achievements.
- I’m hard on myself. Reassure me that I’m fine the way I am.
- Tell me that you value my advice.
- Be fair and considerate, as I am.
- Apologize if you have been unthoughtful. It will help me to forgive.
- Gently encourage me to lighten up and to laugh at myself when I get uptight, but hear my worries first.
- working hard to make the world a better place
- having high standards and ethics; not compromising myself
- being reasonable, responsible, and dedicated in everything I do
- being able to put facts together, coming to good understandings, and figuring out wise solutions
- being the best I can be and bringing out the best in other people
- feeling burdened by too much responsibility
- thinking that what I do is never good enough
- not being appreciated for what I do for people
- being upset because others aren’t trying as hard as I am
- obsessing about what I did or what I should do
- being tense, anxious, and taking things too seriously
- refrain from doing things that they think might not come out perfect
- focus on living up to the expectations of their parents and teachers
- are very responsible; may assume the role of parent
- hold back negative emotions (“good children aren’t angry”)
- are consistent and fair
- discipline firmly Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Reformer
Saturday, June 21, 2008
The Peacemaker
The Peacemaker (the Nine)
If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don’t like expectations or pressure.
I like to listen and to be of service, but don’t take advatage of this.
Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit.
Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It’s OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally.
Ask me questions to help me get clear.
Tell me when you like how I look. I’m not averse to flattery.
Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings.
I like a good discussion but not a confrontation.
Let me know you like what I’ve done or said.
Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life.
being nonjudgmental and accepting
caring for and being concerned about others
being able to relax and have a good time
knowing that most people enjoy my company; I’m easy to be around
my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator
my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now
being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe
being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive
being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline
being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally
being confused about what I really want
caring too much about what others will think of me
not being listened to or taken seriously
feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant
tune out a lot, especially when others argue
are “good” children: deny anger or keep it to themselves
are supportive, kind, and warm
are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective
Monday, June 16, 2008
Happy Birthday, Abby!
Mommy and Daddy
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Jr. Sports
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Abby’s Snoozing: A Sleep Update
1. No more naps. We turned “nap time” into “rest time”, and just let her play quietly in her room. No having to stay on the bed anymore. She has fallen asleep in the car a couple times, but only once transferred inside where she did nap for a good 2 hours. I realize this actually breaks the rule, but she still doesn’t function that well without naps, so I figure one or two a week as needed may be the ticket.
Since this week has gone so well, we think that there may have been lots of little things that were adding up to her sleep difficulties. So many of the things we are doing now seem so “duh”, but I needed the reminders about each and every one of them! I’ll leave you with this funny picture. On Monday night I came home from Bible Study to find our little munchkin on the stairs, having needed some night-time company, but not wanting Daddy to discover her body out of bed. She hardly woke up when I plopped her into bed.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
At a Loss
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Ever feel like you’re just not getting this Mom thing right?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
A Good Gift