One of many ways women are different than women

Earlier I was wondering why even though I am sick, aching all over with an upset stomach and so on and so forth I am downstairs washing the dishes. As I went to take some medicine, I noticed that both sinks were full of dirty dishes and could not force myself to go back upstairs to bed knowing that there was no more room in the sink for my children to put their dishes. So thirty minutes later when my slightly upset stomach became extremely upset and the dishes were down to half a sink I went back to bed. Why can't I just ignore them especially when I am sick?

Rescheduling

I have noticed a gradual change in my life. When I was single, rarely did I ever reschedule outings with friends and when I did, it was not usually me finding the need to change the plans. Then I had my first child, I noticed I would preface making plans with at times with: as long as everything works out I will see you on ... (See, I learned pretty quick that a baby makes you have to reschedule from time to time.) Now that I have four children, that preface is a given. When our family commits to something, I will do everything in my power to hold to that commitment but things come up. If you have even one child, I am sure you understand what I mean. Unexpected things constantly and consistently crop up to name a brief few: illness, exploding diapers, injuries(esp. trips to the emergency room), disobedience on the part of one or many (I am not even going to get started on some of the stunts they have pulled right before we were supposed to walk out the door.) and the list goes on. Thankfully most of the people I am around understand and know about that preface even if it is not verbalized but every once in a while I run into someone who does not. This is to those who do not: I guarantee I am truly sorry and disappointed if I have to reschedule with you but especially at this time in my life rescheduling is essential and not only done for my benefit but your as well because seriously who want to have a child who is throwing up on there hands. I do not ever appreciate it and I gave birth to them!

Classes

Our school like most charter homeschools offer classes every week. This was our schools first week of classes and while my children love the classes I have to admit when we got home I was exhausted! My kids were ready to do a five-mile-marathon. I on the other hand was ready to sleep for a week. Jeremiah attended 3 classes (Math, English & Spanish) while Erik went to 2 (Math & Spanish). My big question is someone able to explain why today was more tiring then when I am the primary teacher?

FYI

Erik "Mommy you need to make more tea tonight or tomorrow just an FYI."

Mean Bees

We had fun at our school's meet and greet today. The kids played at the park (It was hosted at Freedom Park), ate chips, salsa and Taco Bell for lunch and had a great time until... the end when Matthew was stung by a bee on his finger. I pulled the stinger out (Yes, I know that you have to be very careful about not squeezing the stinger or it will release more venom but a three year old does not and will not keep still to be able to remove it properly.) and Randi rushed him over to put cold water on it. (Of course, we did not have any ice!) I grabbed the antihistamine spray, a band aid and a penny. (I heard from a circulating e-mail that something in the penny counter acts the effect of the venom and have been wanting to try out the claim. I just did not think my three-year-old would be the Guiana pig! According to further research the e-mail was more than likely false.) Put it all on him and came home during which time he proceeded to tell us that ice would make him feel better, watching Bob (the Builder) would make him feel better and eating various assorted treats (IE donuts, cookies, ice cream, etc) would make him feel better. I did let him milk it for the first day. On another note, he seems to be absolutely fine which I believe is due to his hardiness but has since told "I like bugs but bees mean." and "I no like bees."

Chore Charts

I have been talking to my friends recently about chores and schedules since school is upon us. I have noticed that when my boys are on a fairly consistent schedule everything in our house runs smoother. I also read something from Christina in her blog Hands Full and Loving It (mostly). She made a comet I whole heatedly agree with:

"Want to know a secret? It doesn't really matter what system you use to get your kids to do their chores. What matters is that you change it every once in a while."

I have notice I receive less resistance when I switch up the chores every few months.This is very brief overview since we will be changing again because of school season I have to work out new schedules.

For now Erik is responsible for sweeping after every meal (the first two he can do with the sweeper) after dinner he has to sweep (with the broom) and mop. This is usually not done until the baby is in bed though because we have had a few accidents. He also needs to go through and make sure the kitchen counters are tidied up.

Jeremiah is responsible for unloading the dishwasher. He also has to wipe the table and chairs after every meal.

They are both responsible for keeping their room clean and doing general pick up. Depending on the day I let them know if they have extras IE Erik wash dishes or Jeremiah wipe kitchen counters.

Matthew has to do chores with me and as I designate. He is old enough to do them but I do not expect him to remember what they are without telling him. Also, he still does better with specific directions IE go put this toy in the play room.

Seth is growing into the lets see how much havoc I can wreck stage so we usually just try to distract him and get him motivated to throw things in the basket or box. This sometimes backfires as he will dump it or try to take the things out faster than you are able to put them in.

Stubborn or Cautious?

Our little boy will not walk. I am not worried that he will not ever walk but slightly annoyed that he is not making my life easier by walking. He crawls all over and usually has black on his knees as well as the top of his feet (not the bottom because then he would be walking).

I attributed this to him being stubborn. He climbs and happens to be quite adapt. (He was able to climb half way up a fairly steep slide before an adult decide it was too dangerous.)

I am now beginning to wonder if he is just overly cautious. He will walk with us. He will walk holding on to my capris which seems to me as if it would be harder than if he would just walk. He will push objects around. He will stand by himself. He just will not walk by himself!

I noticed something today as I was watching him play at the park before he does most things he checks a few times to make sure he can do it. He checked his footing three times before he climbed up something the first time. After the first time though FULL THROTTLE! I guess it is time to fall back on the reassurance that he will be able to walk across the stage in time to receive his diploma. (I just am not sure if that is his High school or College diploma!)