Elf Drama

Jingles and his hijinks might be a little too convincing.

Yesterday, Andrew stepped on his Flash action figure, breaking both legs off at the knees. Instead of being upset, though, he set the pieces in front of Jingles and asked that he take them back to Santa's workshop for repair. 

I smiled, arrogantly thinking I could fix Flash and have him back to Andrew in no time. I just needed to remember to collect the pieces after the kids went to bed, fix the toy, then stage him with Jingles to complete the illusion. Before I headed to bed, I actually remembered to grab the pieces, and initially thought I could just pop the knees back into place. 

Oh, was I wrong.

Apparently, there are little pegs which hold the bottom parts of Flash's legs in place...or, there were little pegs. They seem to have broken completely off. So, now I have to figure out how to repair Flash. Hopefully glue will work, but then Flash probably won't have legs that bend at the "joint". 

Of course, Andrew noticed that his beloved super hero was missing today, and reassured me that Jingles would bring him back after he was fixed. "Maybe Santa will even put a button on his chest, so when I press it, Flash will run super fast around the house!"

Crap. That, I can't do. I love that the kids still believe in the magic of the holiday. If I can replace this action figure, I think they will continue to believe. No pressure, right? ;) Perhaps it's time to take to the internet to search for a replacement.

Break

Just two more days left in the kids' break from school. Thank goodness. I might just make it...

The Return of Jingles

Our elf returned last night to spend the holidays with our family. The kids were elated to see Jingles waiting for them this morning, and promptly set out an elf-friendly breakfast of Hershey kisses and Smarties to welcome him back. 

Cute, right?

It really was, until I realized I had to quickly eat those candies to keep up my ruse. I stealthy unwrapped the candy, shoved it in my mouth, and arranged the wrappers around Jingles. 

Cute, right?

It was, and the kids giggled in delight when they discovered that "Jingles ate" his breakfast, and I was pretty proud of my ninja elf skills. But, they continued to "feed" Jingles all day. 

Seriously. All. Day. I don't know how I didn't get caught, sneaking the treats away each time. 

Later, they asked if they could sleep in the living room tonight (they think this is great fun). Being the weekend, of course I agreed, and then immediately wanted to bang my head against the wall. With them in the living room, I would have to stage the elf for tomorrow in the kitchen, and very quietly at that. Blurg. 

But, I managed to do it, again without getting caught. I've got mad elf skills, I guess. 

The things we do for our kids...

Shopping

As I sit here watching the ridiculous Black Friday commercials, I am feeling quite thankful that most of my holiday shopping is finished. I just can't imagine standing in line with a bunch of cranky people who are willing to throw a punch to save $5. (No judgement if you're a BF shopper; it's just not my thing.)

 

Be Nice, Shoppers

Before our Thanksgiving dinner is even digested tomorrow, my husband will be off to work to prepare for the 5pm open of his store. Many of his employees will also have to leave their families to join him at work. 

So much for a holiday. 

Whether you choose to shop tomorrow, or Friday, or anytime during the holiday season, please remember to be nice. The people working in the stores have little control over your wait time in line, nor do they decide how many of each item should be on the shelves. They are tired, their feet hurt, and they've listened to the same holiday Muzak since Halloween. They are doing their best, and you should be kind to them. 

Speaking from experience, it just takes one jerk to ruin an entire holiday season for those who work in retail. Don't be that jerk. 

Happy Thanksgiving, and merry shopping to all. 

Night Off

We spent a much needed evening at home, watching tv. The finale of Dancing with the Stars was entertaining enough to hold everyone's attention, and we were quite pleased with the outcome. 

Here's hoping everyone sleeps in tomorrow. 

Cards

Holiday cards are finally ordered. Ugh. That task really should not be the most time consuming of all the holiday items on my to-do list, but somehow, it took me days to get it crossed off.

Now let's see how long it takes me to get them addressed when they arrive. I totally should have ordered "Happy 2015" cards.

Or maybe "Happy Valentine's Day"...

Easier?

When the kids were all very small, and we were exhausted and the house was destroyed and we felt like we were behind with pretty much everything (laundry, exercise, relationships), we told ourselves "It will get easier."

The kids are now a bit older, but we are still exhausted and the house is still destroyed and we are still behind with pretty much everything. Can we keep lying to ourselves that it will get easier?

I don't think so.

The truth is that parenting never gets easier. The challenges evolve into different challenges, but I no longer believe that it will be easier to manage everything that comes with parenting.

Parenting a child with special needs throws another loop in the crazy roller coaster of life. Alex is having a terrible day; there have been many more tantrums than moments of compliance (same goes for yesterday). This is probably because our schedule was off this week, and he's out of sorts. This doesn't excuse his behavior; at least, not in my eyes, because we aren't asking him to do anything out of the ordinary. Clean up toys, take a bath, be a kind friend, and (for the love of everything pure and good) stop burping every five seconds; each of these directives has caused at least one tantrum this weekend. I'm out of ideas, and can only hope that Thanksgiving break won't be as exhausting as this weekend has been.

This is not to say that he hasn't had great moments this weekend; that would be completely untrue. Sadly, though, he saves those shining examples of his awesome personality for almost everyone but me. I selfishly want him to reserve at least some of those moments for me (Santa, are you listening?!?), but all I can do is wait out his tantrums, keep faith that he might grow out of this sooner than later, and try not to look ahead and panic over the thought of an even longer holiday break next month.

I do think it's fair to think that things will get better. Better is different than easier, so it's still ok to tell myself that.

At least, for now.

It's (maybe) Official

Blogging every day is difficult. It's even more difficult when trying to juggle work, kids, house, and everything in between. I think I may officially be over it. Good thing it happened towards the end of November, and not in February. 

Just a little over a month to go...

Oh, for the love...

I am obviously desperately in need of a vacation. One of these days I'll get back on blogging track. 

Dagnabbit

Missed another one. Crap. I blame Christmas cards. That's what took my attention last night. 

Blurg. 

And no, the cards still haven't been ordered.  

Long Day

Wednesdays are long days. Herding the kids to school, followed by work, then more herding of the kids, and then church makes for an eventful, yet tiring, schedule. 

Next week, though, our Wednesday is wide open. No school, no after school therapy for Alex, no regular Wednesday evening activities. 

I. Can't. Wait. Everyone needs a break every now and then. 

Godzilla

This evening, as Addie and I were adorning our nails with some lovely Thanksgiving Jamberry wraps, we were chatting about this and that.

"Mommy," she said, after listening to Andrew's bath time commotion upstairs, "Andrew is a lot like Godzilla."

"Oh?" I curiously responded. "How's that?"

"Well, he destroys everything in sight, and he's a total monster," she quickly explained.

I gotta give her that one.

Seasons

All through the weekend, we heard about an impending snow storm, which we pretty much disregarded. It's not unusual to hear about the possibility of severe weather around here, all through the year, but many times it just doesn't happen. I do like to know what could be coming, so we can plan accordingly, but usually the storm misses us and then we move on.

Imagine my surprise to wake up this morning to find a bunch of snow on the ground, and to hear that the kids were out of school for a snow day. In November. Craziness.

Of course, the kids were elated to have a day off, and they almost immediately wanted to play in the snow. That's when it began, the relentless chorus of "Mom, where's my ______" that comes with each new season. Gloves, hats, snow pants, boots. They wanted it all, and couldn't find any of it.

It quickly occurred to me that the four seasons have different meanings when you're a kid. Winter is "Mom, where are my mittens?" Spring is "Mo-OM! I can't find my jacket. I don't need is anyway, it's warm!" Summer, or "MOM! I can't find my other croc!", comes next, and is followed by Fall, or "Seriously, Mom, I don't need a jacket. It's still summer! Besides, I lost that jacket. Will you buy me a new hoodie?"

Seeing as we just entered "Mom, where are my mittens?", or Winter, I wish all parents the patience to search the entire house, every day, for random gloves, scarves, and boots. May we all retire someplace warm, where we never have to worry about cold weather gear again.

Ugh

Tired & cranky. Same old, same old. 

Snuggle Saturday

A crazy week makes for a disaster-zone house. Messes everywhere, laundry piling up, projects scattered about on every surface. Add in an annoying sinus headache and you could imagine that today was not a fun day. 

But, tonight I get to snuggle with my Alex. His beloved iPad is fixed, and I've got reruns of The Big Bang Theory to enjoy. 

Life is good. 

Twizzlers

When a five year old cautions you against eating too many Twizzlers, in order to avoid a tummy ache, you should probably listen. Kids tend to be in tune with how such things work. Andrew was right on the money with this one.

After discovering that Alex's iPad may be toast, I almost instantly felt a stress headache coming on, which I eventually decided to treat with a round of stress eating. Watching me cram Twizzlers down my trap probably prompted the stomach ache warning.

I should have listened to him. Now, I still have a headache, and I feel gross for inhaling a handful of licorice. When will I learn?

I think it's time for bed.

Oops...Did It Again

Hmm. What do you know? Missed another one. I'm that tired (burned out, overwhelmed, whatever). 

Even worse, I didn't even notice it until now. 

How many days left in the year?!?

Conferences

This evening, I met with the kids' teachers for the first round of parent/teacher conferences. I am happy to report that all three kids received glowing compliments from their teachers, and they are doing great with their school work. 

I'm one proud mama. :)

Heart Day

November 11th, 2004. This was the day that Alex had open heart surgery, at just 3 1/2 months old.

Scariest day of my life.

Thankfully, it went well, and the repair is "perfect", according to his cardiologist. We will be forever grateful to the skilled surgeon who fixed Al's heart.

Happy Heart Day, buddy. Ten years! How fast the time has gone...

Crops

Alex and I have been doing homework for more than an hour; he just now threw in the towel, which suits me fine, because I am ready for bed.

As we were studying for an upcoming Social Studies test, he got a serious case of giggles. Every time the word "crops" came up (which, in reviewing for a test about Native Americans, happens frequently), he nearly fell off the couch giggling. Of course, that only made me giggle, which encouraged him even more.

I'm glad we have a couple more days to review for the test!

Camera

I take a lot of photos on my phone. Taking a brief look at my Facebook page will confirm this. I have kids of whom I'm fiercely proud, and I like to share their shining moments with the world. 

Today, I'm so thankful to have a camera which is easily accessible through my phone. Without it, I may not have been able to snap the more than 200 photos I took during this weekend's run of The Wizard of Oz, in which my daughter performed. 

Remember when cameras had film? When you had just 36 chances to get a good shot, and then you had to wait until you had the film developed before you could even see if they were worthy of your expectations? I think I took 36 pictures in the first 10 minutes of the show. 

I'm not certain what I'll do with all these images. I've already posted them to Facebook, so those who live far from us can enjoy the show through the photos, if they wish. I will have some printed; some for myself, and perhaps even a set just for my daughter so she can make her own scrapbook.

I love looking at pictures, my own and those of my friends and family. I hope my incessant photo snapping brings just as much joy to others. ;) 

Addie and I, after today's performance

Saturday

Rest. Cleaning. Shopping. Musical. 

That was my day. I'm now watching the Buckeyes play yet another late game. One kid won't go to bed. 

Exhausting. Good thing we have one more day of weekend left. 

Night Two

Tonight we were treated to another terrific performance of "The Wizard of Oz". Afterward, Addie and I attended a cast party, where she has a wonderful time with new friends and I sat and chatted with fellow "stage moms".

It was a lovely way to spend a Friday night. 

Oz!

What an amazing show!

From the set, to the costumes, to each and every cast member...wow! Just fantastic. I hope every person associated with this production is just as proud as I am. More importantly, Addie has been so happy being a part of the cast, and she was just glowing after the show tonight.

Looking forward to the next performance!

Still going...

After a very long day and evening, I find myself still awake after midnight. I am exhausted. And a little hungry. 

G'night!

Election Day

I voted in this election; I actually voted early. Today, I am thankful for the opportunity to vote. 

I am also thankful that all the political calls and emails will stop. For a little while, anyway. 

We're Off to See the Wizard...

Addie was fortunate enough to be cast in an upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz, which will be performed by our church's amazing drama group. Watching this show come together has been such a pleasure, and Addie just glows when she talks about it. She has a role as a munchkin in the Lullabye League, which has been just perfect for her: not too overwhelming, but enough stage time to satisfy her growing love of performing.

Although I've seen and heard a lot of rehearsals over the last six weeks, I am excited to see the finished production, which begins this Thursday evening. If you are local, I highly encourage you to join us for one of the shows. The cast is fantastic, it's a free show, and it's The Wizard of Oz, so you know you'll love the story.

For more information about show times and location, click here. See you in Oz!

So confused

Time change. I don't like it. I am confused and tired. 

No worries, though. It will only take 6-8 weeks to get everyone readjusted. 

Here Comes Jingles...

I spent time today taking down Halloween decorations, and replacing them with a few Thanksgiving items. No Christmas decorations will go up in our house until at least the day after Thanksgiving, although I did complete a couple of holiday related items today.

After chatting with Alex and learning about a couple of games he likes to play, I immediately contacted Santa and put in a request for those games. Alex is quite difficult to buy for, as he has just a few real interests (like Hot Wheels cars...and he owns well over 200 cars at this point...), so I wanted to make sure that Santa knew about these items.

This evening, I spent some time putting together a photo book for the kids, as instructed by their North Pole elf, Jingles. He wants them to get excited for his arrival, and also be reminded that they need to behave in order for him to stick around, so we'll see how this goes.

These tasks, on top of the usual Saturday chores (laundry and housework, yuck!), and the excitement of Andrew losing his first tooth, made for quite a busy day. I am tired.

Happy November, friends. For what are you thankful? Today, I am thankful that my kids are able to share the magic of each season and be excited for upcoming holidays and traditions.

Forgetful

Preoccupied. Distracted. Otherwise amused.

I forgot to blog again last night. Wow. Add this to the long list of other things that I forgot this week (sending Al's violin in with him on Monday, sending the raisins I promised to send in with Andrew on Tuesday, sending pretzels in with Alex on Friday for his class party, sending the kids to a meeting before school on Friday...). While these seem small and insignificant (hey, at least I didn't leave a kid somewhere...), it's just very unlike me to screw up on these little details.

I think this is just another example to back up the statement that I am in desperate need of a vacation.