Pizza Is Our Friend

Sometimes, I have a momentary lack of judgement as a mother. Today brought one of those times.

Because Andrew needed picked up from day camp at 4pm, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to go shopping for Father's Day gifts, since we would already be out.

Right before rush hour.

In the midst of ridiculous construction traffic. (Seriously, close more roads.)

When everyone was tired after a looooooong week.

So, yeah, lack of judgement. But, the kids did want to select treasures to present to their dad on Sunday, so we had to carry on with our mission. After sitting through relentless traffic, we made it to Target, and I discovered that Alex had fallen asleep. Major dilemma! I knew he would be a wreck after waking up, making our cranky shopping trip even worse, but it took us about 35 minutes to go five miles, and I wasn't about to commit to trying again on Saturday.

We waited about 10 minutes, until Alex groggily agreed to walk into Target, but we weren't four steps into the store before the kids wreaking havoc. Hanging right by the door was a large collection of Cavs t-shirts, which immediately caught Andrew's eye. He wanted to give Mark a playoff t-shirt (I talked him out of that one; can you really expect a jilted fan to wear a playoff tee when their team lost??), and then a kids' t-shirt (again, talked him out of it), all while Alex stealthily moved away from us, hunting for the Hot Wheels. And, as per typical Kearns Target Protocol, Andrew announced loudly that he needed to pee, causing the boys to race to the bathroom.

After bladders were voided, we started our gift hunt once again. Alex, still desperately wanting to find the Hot Wheels (for himself, mind you, not as part of his dad's gift), planted himself in the middle of an aisle while the younger kids debated on another gift idea. There he sat, in all his angry criss-cross-applesauce glory, while other shoppers pretended to not watch the Kearns Family Circus. Eventually, he was back on his feet and we continued on with our shopping.

Once we finished at Target, we got back into the annoying traffic, and headed toward the grocery store. We were all even more hot and grumpy, and I knew the quick stop at Kroger was going to be a nightmare.

The kids did not disappoint.

They fought over which cart to choose, who would push the cart, what we were buying, through which line we would check out. Alex attempted to run down at least three other shoppers with our cart (and please, for the love of everything pure and good, if he ever tries to do this to you, do NOT smile and say "It's ok!" while I am reprimanding him...but that's another blog for another time).

We stumbled back out into the parking lot, loaded up our groceries, and Alex reminded me for the 432nd time that I had promised him a pizza for dinner. Fortunately for him, I was in no mood to cook AND I had a coupon AND I could pick up the pizza to save the delivery charge and tip. I ordered online and decided that I would stop and pick up a little treat for my own dinner while we waited for Al's pizza. We finally reached our fourth and final stop (hallelujah!): the pizza joint. I pulled out my phone and checked to make sure we weren't too early, although it had been at least 15 minutes which was plenty of time to make a plain cheese pizza. Right?

Wrong!! Why on earth did they need 65-75 minutes to prepare my takeout order? I had no idea, but I was determined to find out.

I marched the kids inside and pointed at a bench; they must have sensed my exasperation because they all sat down (in birth order,  no less!), wide eyed and ready to watch their mom handle the situation.

I began my sob story to the young woman behind the counter: "I ordered 15 minutes ago," "we've sat in traffic all evening," "my kid has a disability and I promised him this pizza." I quickly realized that I had draped myself over the counter, arms splayed out as I leaned in (probably looking crazed and scary!), but I went one further: "You're gonna need to help me out here. I either need a refund, or a pizza, like right now!" I wasn't rude, as it wasn't this person's fault, but it was obvious that I was agitated.

The young woman looked at me with a rather incredulous gaze, quietly asked for my name, and then said "You're pizza is ready!" I stood up straight, smoothed out my shirt, lifted my chin, and signed the receipt. I then herded the kids back to the car and we once again slid into our place in traffic and eventually made it home.

I could blame the erroneous confirmation email on a wonky automated system, but no. You know why that pizza was ready after 15 minutes and not 65? BECAUSE PIZZA IS OUR FRIEND AND WILL NEVER LET US DOWN. I just know it.

I also know that I really, really need a vacation. Or, at the very least, a day without being imprisoned in my car with all three kids, stuck in traffic.

Yay, summer.

Less Than Two Weeks!

Summer, as we know it, is quickly coming to an end. With school starting again in less than two weeks, I'm wondering how much more fun we can squeeze into the last days of summer break.

My kids have been plenty busy this summer, with camps, play dates, VBS, birthday parties, and typical every day kid stuff. We've played soccer and kickball and baseball in the backyard; we've captured lightening bugs and stayed up late watching movies. With the cooler-than-normal weather, we've not been to the pool as much, but the mild temperatures (low 80s in July in Ohio!) have made it more pleasant to spend a day at the zoo.

With at least one more big activity planned (a day at an amusement park), I think my kids would agree that they've enjoyed a great summer. I'm hoping our transition back into our school schedule will be an easy one; or, if nothing else, an uneventful one. The kids are excited to get back to school, and I'm more than ready to be back on a "normal" schedule.

Here's to a lovely last 12 days of summer...but who's counting?

Silly String

Who knew silly string could be so fun?

After seeing many colorful cans of the stuff at the craft store last week, Addie asked if we could get them for her birthday sleepover. My initial reaction was the same I always give when the kids want me to buy silly string: "No way." But, after a second thought, I reconsidered and starting throwing cans of it into our cart; you only turn eight once in your life, after all! Addie's eyes lit up as she realized that I changed my mind, and she happily started helping.

The girls at Addie's party had an absolute blast with it. It was too much fun to watch them running around in the backyard, spraying each other with the colorful strands of gooey mess, and listening to them shriek in delight. It was a great addition to her birthday celebration.

Today, we found ourselves back at the craft store for another errand, and we discovered that the silly string is now on sale, 60% off! What else could I do but load up with 10 cans of the stuff (two for each of us in the family), and then after a split moment's pause, I threw in four more cans to deliver to my niece and nephew (as we would see them later in the day).

Once everyone was home for the evening, we launched the most epic silly string battle in our little family's history. We had a ball, chasing each other down in the yard and taking aim, then covering everyone head to toe in the neon strings. We made a huge mess, but it was totally worth it. I'm hoping this is one of those special memories that the kids will hang onto as school begins and thoughts of summer drift away.

VBS

Our summer has been filled with many activities; typically, we've had something different to do each week. This week, we're spending our evenings with our church family for Vacation Bible School.

My kids absolutely love VBS: from singing and dancing to crafts and games, they are having a wonderful time. Plus, they are learning and spending time with friends, so it really is a great experience.  We are blessed to have so many fabulous volunteers putting this program together for them.  It is a lot of work, but it all seamlessly comes together for a week full of fun.

It makes me happy to hear the kids chatter about VBS during the day, and then again on our way home. Our days this week are quite long, but it is more than worth it. I am grateful for such a fantastic opportunity for them, and I truly appreciate all the efforts which make the week possible.

My happy little monkey at VBS

Baseball Saturday

Saturday: two baseball games, in hot and humid weather.  Exhausting.

Nope, I didn't play; I was busy playing the role of #1 fan for each of my boys as they played in this Ohio summer weather.  Top off two games with some grocery shopping, a quick walk with the dog (who just started a new wellness plan), and kids who are an evil mix of tired and hyper, and I'm done.

Never mind the piles of laundry, the long list of Team Alex related tasks, and the stack of books that I would like to sit and read.  I'm heading to bed, with an ice cream bar and reruns of The Big Bang Theory.

Don't judge.

Lightening Bugs

When my sister and I were little, it was not uncommon for us to chase down lightening bugs in the summer months.  We would build little houses for them, out of jars or plastic containers, catch them, and then basically watch them suffocate in their new "habitats".  Or, we would pull out their little light-up-thingy and then smear it on the sidewalk to watch the concrete glow.  (Hey, no one ever said we were humane about our bug hunting.)

Perhaps it's because I'm usually rushing from one kid activity to the next in the evenings, or just trying to survive until bedtime, but until this week I can not remember ever seeing enough lightening bugs to give my kids a chance to enjoy them.  The other night, I realized just how many were floating around our backyard.  I made a mental note to share them with the kids, then dragged myself upstairs to bed.

Tonight, while trying to convince the dog to go outside, I noticed them again.  This time, I pounced on the opportunity.  I yelled to Alex to come out and see.  Addie must have sensed something interesting was happening, since Al was supposed to be getting ready for bed yet I just called him outside.  Soon, the three of us were creeping through the yard, hunting lightening bugs.

We spent the next ten minutes or so chasing them; I do not recall ever having so much trouble catching them! It was awful; apparently, another downfall to getting older is that your hand-eye coordination, in the dark, diminishes. Al nearly smashed a few in his attempts to catch one, but finally Addie had a new little friend climbing up her arm.

They were completely in awe.  We watched the little bug glow, then light up even more, as he crawled around Ad's hands.  The kids giggled, and then Alex asked if he could hold the bug (huge for a kid with sensory issues).  We played with the bug for a few more minutes, and then I shooed the kids inside for bed. (No, of course I didn't show them how you can squish the bugs and make the patio glow!)

The kids have done (and will get to do) many fun things this summer, but it's these little, quiet moments that I hope will stand out in their favorite memories.

In Case You're Wondering...

My children will return to school seven weeks from today.  But who's counting?  Certainly not their tired, cranky, overwhelmed mother.  She never complains.  Not ever.

Go Go Go

Yet another busy summer day.

Work, shopping, arcade games, puppet show, ice cream...this is all in addition to the typical everyday happenings.

I. Am. Exhausted.

Again.

Tired as I am, I dutifully worked on some Team Alex tasks (have you liked our Facebook page yet??), and am attempting this pitiful blog entry.  As I've said before, it totally counts.

So, hey, if you're reading, you should totally click on the links in this post to donate to Team Alex and "like" our Facebook page.  I would be grateful.

And now, g'night.

Bubbles

So, this happened today:

Seriously, school hasn't even been out a full week yet, and I'm already dealing with this crap.

Transitions are just the worst.  Any parent of a child with special needs will wholeheartedly agree with that, and I suspect that a lot of other parents would concur.  A change in the schedule brings about an array of difficult behaviors.  It just takes one of the kids to start a chain reaction; when one acts out, they all jump on the Let's-Make-Mom's-Head-Explode bandwagon.  By the time that we get used to summer, and these behaviors level out, it will be August and time to go back to school.  And that will bring another transition. Fun!

After today, I hope the time quickly passes.

Don't be a hater.  Don't remind me of how many wonderful memories can be made over a summer break.  I get that; not every moment of our break will be like today.  I'll enjoy those precious moments just as any other mom would, but until you spend a day with my monkeys (when they behave as they do for me, not as they do for everyone else!), keep your fluffy, sparkly, rainbow-laced comments to yourself.

There may be a ban on bubbles around here for awhile, but I'm certain they'll find some other mischief before the summer ends.

Memorial Day

Beautiful weather. Good food. Great friends. Quiet reflection and appreciation for the sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families. 

All of these things made for a lovely Memorial Day.  

Last Day of School

What a day. 

As of 1:30pm today, all three kids began their summer break. Once again, I amazed myself by squeezing in a whole day of errands into two hours. 

I popped into the kids' school to spend a bit of time at their class parties, then we took off to check off some items on my To-Do list. Mission accomplished. 

I am desperate to get my house in order this weekend, so we can get on a summertime chore schedule and not waste all kinds of time playing catch up with housework. It will take a small miracle to get this place in shape, so wish me luck there. 

Fumes

I have been on the go, nonstop, today.  I left this house at 9am(ish), and didn't return until 3:45pm.  In that time, I killed a mile-long to-do list, and had lunch with my kids at school.  Tired doesn't even begin to describe how I feel right now.  Definitely running on fumes, that's for sure.

But, the fun's not over yet!

I took a brief break from chores to post this blog (so I don't have to sit down to do it later), so I will soon return to the glamorous everyday chores (that never get done every day, let's be real).  Al has track practice later (unless I learn a rain dance in the next few minutes...), and then a music lesson, and then we'll have dinner, homework, and baths to accomplish before I can go fall over in a corner somewhere.

I'd love to say that after school is out (in just eight more school days!), our schedule eases up a bit, but since I'm working now that just won't be the case.  I just need to find ways to fit in lots of summer fun on my days off so the kids enjoy their break.

Wish me luck on that one.  ;)

Hideout

With summer quickly approaching, I've been trying to think of fun, creative ways to keep the kids outside. There are too many indoor traps that will waste away their summer.  While I do believe that they need breaks (it gets super hot and humid here some days!), and as long as they aren't spending the entire day watching tv (quiet time and small doses to relax are fine), I want them to be outdoors.

I would love to build a fairy garden with Addie, and all three kids have an interest in growing vegetables.  I have grand plans for landscaping, so there will plenty of outdoor chores to be done each day.  I also had a brainstorm for creating a simple, yet functional, hideout for them.  With the fenced in backyard, I think I can pull a clothesline diagonally across one of the corners.  Then, I will somehow rig some fabric, creating a "wall" and allowing the kids a space to go into and have secret club meetings and whatever else kids do in a hideout.  Even though I couldn't think of an easier plan if I tried, the kids are so excited for the construction of their new space.

I really hope it works out.  If not, I'll have to formulate a Plan B, I suppose.

What other fun, creative activities can the little ducklings enjoy this summer?  I'd love to hear your ideas!

Countdown

Summer is upon us!  The kids only have 18 school days left for this year.  As much as I dread the change of routine for Alex (there is never a seamless transition), I am more than ready to move on from this school year.

I've been thinking of all the fun things we should anticipate: summer reading programs at the library, the new exhibit at the zoo, evenings at the pool, relaxed bedtimes and morning schedules, all the fun day camps and VBS, and lots more!  I also read recently that this summer could be cooler than usual, because the extreme cold this winter (something about the Great Lakes still being frozen??).  I don't know if that's true, but I would love to have a less humid, pleasant summer (as opposed to the stifling hot and humid summers we typically get).

If we can hang on and get through the jam-packed schedule of the next few weeks, we'll make it to summer break.  I will soon have a fourth grader, a third grader, and a Kindergartner!  Seems impossible.