3/30/13
3/25/13
Backpacking Weavers Needle...
The two big kids got to break in their backpacking gear they got for Christmas with an overnight backpacking trip with dad! They had fun, but were not a fan of the food!
Cactus in the leg!
Dad helping out in the end.
3/12/13
We are doing something right...
I think most mothers dwell on the ways that they are failing as moms. For me I know I spend far too much time on the computer...and let my little ones watch far too much TV. When I do not work out early, I put off my children (even get mad at them) when they interrupt my mid day workouts. (although I have made a point to stop when ever possible to hold Mikah when she comes in asking to be held).
Then there are those times where we know we are doing the right things for our kids, but they resent us for it. This weekend after the Science Fair was canceled due to the storm, I offered to get the kids a treat at the store. Instead they wanted toys and began to sound entitled, so I withdrew the offer and explained that they were being selfish. I am a big fan of repentance and second chances and the kids know it. So they asked for one. I said they could get their treat if they behaved in the store. Sure enough they started misbehaving in the produce isle (we were about half way done- most of our shopping happens in the produce isle) and their treats were give up. After that I got no help, I got grunts and Ben was crying. A woman stopped to help me and hold Ben, (he was not for it). The kids complained and Jake said that I did not want them to have a good day and I was happy that the Fair was canceled. That could not have been further from the truth. I explained that I wish they were all going home with treats, because that would mean that they followed directions and behaved in the store. And everybody would be happy. I explained too that it was their choice to misbehave after being asked not to (and several warnings) and they should only be disappointed in them selves and their choices. I would have had happier kids if I caved to the treats, but I followed through. But my kids hated me.
Then there are the times where I do the right thing and the kids love it. Not often. We have been doing well at scripture study. It is nice having 2 readers now, although Jake is new to reading. A lot of the words are short and he sounds them all out, and pauses for me to read the big ones. I challenge him and have him sound out some of the larger words too. He asked to read extra lines last night. That made me so happy. He just reads so well when we read scriptures. Then he asked if he could take Book of Mormon on the bus to read! Wowza. I am always so impressed at his progresss. I was so worried, because he would often give up and get mad at me when I tried to teach him things! After scriptures we read a few chapters from a book. We zoomed through all the Hatchett books, they kept asking for more Brian. Then we read My Side of the Mountain, and the LOVED it too. We are reading an adventure book now, but the kids love the survival books, so I will lean that way when we are done with this one.
Besides reading, we are trying to do better with the kid date thing. With winter Nate would take one or 2 of the kids up to ski at sunrise. I would count this as a kid date because they ended up with one on one time with Dad. But Maes did not always go, she had basketball and did not really want to go all the time ( even though she got some nice skis this year). So I am working on the kid date thing. I think Nate and I will rotate months. Tomorrow Maes and I will go out to lunch.
But I cannot get too prideful with my great mommy accomplishments where my kids appreciate me. I have offered to rock each kid once a week so they get mom time. Last night was Maesyn and we looked over her book order. I ordered 2 books and she wanted some stationary. I explained that we are only doing book. I reminded her that last time I bought her a non book item (Monster High Fashion Design) she left it outside in the rain for days. I did not like the way she treated the gift and if she did not take care of her belongings I was not buying them any more. She could work and save money for it. So she went to bed hating me for being mean!
ARGHHHH!
Then there are those times where we know we are doing the right things for our kids, but they resent us for it. This weekend after the Science Fair was canceled due to the storm, I offered to get the kids a treat at the store. Instead they wanted toys and began to sound entitled, so I withdrew the offer and explained that they were being selfish. I am a big fan of repentance and second chances and the kids know it. So they asked for one. I said they could get their treat if they behaved in the store. Sure enough they started misbehaving in the produce isle (we were about half way done- most of our shopping happens in the produce isle) and their treats were give up. After that I got no help, I got grunts and Ben was crying. A woman stopped to help me and hold Ben, (he was not for it). The kids complained and Jake said that I did not want them to have a good day and I was happy that the Fair was canceled. That could not have been further from the truth. I explained that I wish they were all going home with treats, because that would mean that they followed directions and behaved in the store. And everybody would be happy. I explained too that it was their choice to misbehave after being asked not to (and several warnings) and they should only be disappointed in them selves and their choices. I would have had happier kids if I caved to the treats, but I followed through. But my kids hated me.
Then there are the times where I do the right thing and the kids love it. Not often. We have been doing well at scripture study. It is nice having 2 readers now, although Jake is new to reading. A lot of the words are short and he sounds them all out, and pauses for me to read the big ones. I challenge him and have him sound out some of the larger words too. He asked to read extra lines last night. That made me so happy. He just reads so well when we read scriptures. Then he asked if he could take Book of Mormon on the bus to read! Wowza. I am always so impressed at his progresss. I was so worried, because he would often give up and get mad at me when I tried to teach him things! After scriptures we read a few chapters from a book. We zoomed through all the Hatchett books, they kept asking for more Brian. Then we read My Side of the Mountain, and the LOVED it too. We are reading an adventure book now, but the kids love the survival books, so I will lean that way when we are done with this one.
Besides reading, we are trying to do better with the kid date thing. With winter Nate would take one or 2 of the kids up to ski at sunrise. I would count this as a kid date because they ended up with one on one time with Dad. But Maes did not always go, she had basketball and did not really want to go all the time ( even though she got some nice skis this year). So I am working on the kid date thing. I think Nate and I will rotate months. Tomorrow Maes and I will go out to lunch.
But I cannot get too prideful with my great mommy accomplishments where my kids appreciate me. I have offered to rock each kid once a week so they get mom time. Last night was Maesyn and we looked over her book order. I ordered 2 books and she wanted some stationary. I explained that we are only doing book. I reminded her that last time I bought her a non book item (Monster High Fashion Design) she left it outside in the rain for days. I did not like the way she treated the gift and if she did not take care of her belongings I was not buying them any more. She could work and save money for it. So she went to bed hating me for being mean!
ARGHHHH!
3/7/13
3/2/13
Flagstaff Regionals for Odyssey of the mind.
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