Ahhh...potty training #4

So kid #4 gets all the benefits of our years of potty training experience, right? Well, not exactly. That only works if #1, 2, and 3 were similar, in either age or gender. But no. #4 wants to potty train before she turns three, and she's, well, a she. Lucy decided to jump on the potty a few months ago, which all the boys did, but then didn't really ever progress, just like them. So we thought we were in good shape and just went about our business.

Then yesterday she decided to up her game, and by up her game I mean pick the absolutely WORST day to take that next step (well, no the worst day - that would have been the day before as we've been REALLY sick this week). But yesterday, Tom was walking past the bathroom and saw a pile of poo on the floor and started cursing the cat's name. Then he turned and saw a nekkid Lucy. Yes, she went the bathroom IN the bathroom successfully, she just missed the potty. If it weren't for the fact that I wasn't 100% I might have freaked out more. She's almost a half a year younger than ANY of the boys when they did this, so we're dealing with a two year old potty training instead of a three year old. And she pooped in the bathroom, NOT in the potty. Lucy managed to strip off all of her clothes, pulled off her diaper, poop on the floor, and stay clear of it while wandering and looking for one of us (or maybe not - she was free and clean so she might have been running nekkid through the house).

So what the heck am I supposed to do here? I have a kiddo that doesn't want mom or dad in the bathroom while she's in there (her brothers tell her to scoot out when they go in so why shouldn't she tell us to scoot out). I have a kiddo that at any point and time can not only get undressed and plop herself down on the potty properly, but also get off, close the potty, get her diaper back on and put on her clothes (she did that today), then wash her hands and sneak back OUT of the bathroom, all very quietly. And she's TWO folks. So you can't reason with her, the consequences are not quite comprehensible for her, and she's fiercely independent (YEA!!!). But man, this whole two year old girl potty training is going to be a rough ride. What have we gotten ourselves into here with this whole girl thing? And yes, I know this isn't the last time I'll be asking that question.

Homework - Do it or what?

I recently got a note from the little boys' teachers - Ian and Sam haven't turned in their homework in several weeks. After my initial, "Really, that long?" and a quick giggle to myself about the fact that they actually chose NOT to turn in their homework, I went to find out why.

My role in this house is and has always been more of a homework reminder, not a homework do-er or a homework checker. Yet here I find myself thrust into the role of follow up and follow through person because my kids, who were doing the work and not turning it in, or not doing it and telling me it was done (two very different kids) didn't get the job done.

In this house we give you time to do your work, a place to plop down and read/color/calculate/create/write/whatever, and help if you get stuck and ask, but I'm not checking each night to see if the work is complete and correct. My job is to provide a place for the boys to work and an environment in which they can successfully complete their work, but not to do the work for them or to turn it in for them. Well, they hit their first bump in the road on that one. Not turning in your homework at our school has weird consequences because we don't have grades. They get grades for efforts and achievement, but only O, G, S, and N. This might be the time for an Nor two to show up on a report card. I'd give it to them if they were my students. This time though, I got a quick note from the teacher that they were missing the work, and a polite request to get them to turn it in.

I believe that elementary school is the time and place to learn how to manage your time, complete assignments, and learn to be organized in general. This is the time to try things and fail, when those consequences aren't as great. I don't tie my kids' shoes, pack their lunches or make sure they've completed their homework - this is when they need to learn to stand on their own and do all of those things. It is a safe environment to do so - where else besides elementary school can you walk in with mismatched clothing, incomplete homework, and no protein in your lunch and still have a very successful day? My kids are learning the ropes and are much more independent than others, but if this means that they will sometimes not turn in their homework on time, well, so be it. This is their chance to learn what those consequences are without having it impact the rest of their lives (or their future educational career - remember that big fat zero in high school for not turning in one assignment?). I'd much rather have them learn that lesson now than in middle school, or heaven forbid, in high school.

So apologies to their 2nd grade teachers. My kids will not always turn in their work complete and on time, but know that when you send those notes home that they are learning that lesson and you are setting them up for a much brighter educational career, and a much easier life path.

Date Night!

Around here date night is a big deal. It's a big deal because it costs an arm and a leg to get out the door for us (four kids will do that!) and we want to make the most of it. Recently we've rediscovered the theater. It started with a performance of South Pacific, and it's only going up from there. We were able to dress up, hit the town, and of course, it started snowing while we were at the performance, so my poor hubby had to get out in dress shoes and a suit and shovel the driveway when we got home! It's not often that we get out, but we're getting better at it (snowstorm aside - it happens occasionally around here). While we used to go on dates pre-kids to places like restaurants, movies, and the like, since then it's been a pretty sad run of dates. First it was movies and dinners, then it morphed into a trip to Target or Walmart (with out the kids it's a different experience), and now it's back to actual grown up dates for us. Very, very cool (as evidenced by the big giant smiles and Kennedy peering over our shoulders).

If you are desperate for a date, head on over to my review bog and enter to win tickets to see Blue Man group this week! Contest is open until Sunday, so pop on over there!

A tumultuous two weeks

I'm a firm believer of what you throw out in to the universe you get back ten fold. But what on earth have I thrown out lately to get back this crap? Really - lice, bad, bad viruses, weird muscle pulls? These things, in combination with weird weather patterns has me watching out for the 10 plagues. You know - of Biblical proportion. Yikes. Over the past few weeks we have endured all kinds of nasties, trials, and tests. We're fine, and it's nothing we could't handle, but the rapid succession of stuff that we're been through has been painful to manage to say the least. We are through the lice, the viruses are lifting, and the muscle pulls, well, my obliques for the first time in 38 years introduced themselves to the rest of my body. Geeez. Thanks. But don't mind me. I'll be sitting here curled up with my pillow and tea...and Advil.

Love this ASL!

So this is one video that I won't link as it's got a bad word or two. I will say though that aside from absolutely loving this song, the ASL interpretation of this is oh so cool. To Anna, the girl that did this for her college level final - GOOD FOR YOU!

Here's the link: F**k You Sign Language Interpretation - be sure to clear the room of kiddies before you play it or they'll learn all kinds of fun words! But definitely check it out - it's fantastic!

Best Commercial EVER!

Being a HUGE Star Wars fan, a big fan of VW, and an appreciator (is that even a word?) of little kids going the distance (as well as advertising agencies hitting the nail on the head), I share with you the best commercial ever:

Love Netflix Instant!

The other day I was sitting and listening to five kids laugh and giggle as they watched Home Alone 2. After about 10 minutes I had to walk away - can't stand that movie. But what I really liked was that the kiddo that was staying over mentioned the movie, two of my kids asked if we could watch it, and I could say Yes because it was on Netflix and I could stream it instantly. How cool is that.

Later on I was sitting at my computer looking up a few TV shows that I wanted to catch in the past, and noticed that Netflix made a few recommendations for me. That made ME laugh and giggle - this is why:

The Scorpion King

Veronica Mars

Gavin & Stacey

Psych

Best in Show

Assassins in Love

Black Hawk Down

Dora the Explorer Season 2

The Taking of Pelham 123

Saturday Night Live Season 31

Yes, these are the things that Netflix suggests that I watch based on what I have in my queue. Here's what they say:

How these are chosen for you:
We create this list based on your recent rental and watching history, ratings, queue adds and taste preference settings.
We try to present a regularly updated selection of titles chosen specifically for you -- older titles that you may have missed and new releases.

Huh. Dora and Taking of Pelham 123? Yeah. Best in Show and Psych? LOVE them! But Veronica Mars, Assassins in Love? Just don't get it. I guess they think I'm all about British comedies/children's cartoons/adventures/teen dramas/dark humor. Never thought about it like that, but they aren't too far off.

Birth of an Island

This kind of stuff blows my mind when I see it. We all know that it happens, but to see actual video of an island erupting is really cool:

Hang in there!

Found the doll this way a few weeks ago - just hanging on by her...head. Reminds me of that "Hang in there" kitty picture that we all know and *ahem* love.

Cool lens #1!

Well, it's a six image mirage lens actually, and it pops right onto my iPhone! It's just about the coolest of the three lens filters that I recently got from Photojojo! And it really does help to have a willing subject. Thanks Max! More pictures with me three new lenses coming soon!

2 Year Old Chores

Yup, our two year old does chores, and has since before she actually turned two. All of the rest of our kids do chores every night, so she figured that she'd jump right in on those too. Since she was so willing, we gave her age appropriate chores - picking up her trains and unloading the dishwasher. Yes, you read that correctly - Lucy unloads the dishwasher, and does a pretty decent job of it too. Recently though she's started trying to LOAD the dishwasher. Now, when you are just below counter height, can't reach the sink, and still aren't 100% sure which is the trash and which is the sink, maybe loading the dishwasher isn't a good chore for you. But Lucy did it anyway. I came around the corner and this is what I found:

Lucy couldn't find any actual dirty dishes, so she got some plates and bowls from the cabinet and loaded those in the dishwasher, along with a wrapper from a bar, which was clearly dirty. Two year olds are entertaining.

Safety latches?

Really now. When a barely two year old kiddo can break the childproof latches and get into cabinets, then perhaps the childproof latches aren't so childproof after all:

Yes, those are two of the six that we had around the kitchen, three of which are broken or no longer attached. Nice, huh?

Day 6

This is the first in a series of posts that were written as my husband spent a chunk of time out of town recently. Just sharing them with everyone now that he's back safe and sound, and I've regained my sanity (and have gotten some sleep as well).

Apparently I can make it five days without my hubby and maintain my sanity. The sixth day, however, nearly sent me over the edge. It had nothing to do with the actual day today. The kids got off to school relatively smoothly (the bus came early but no biggie). I had my nephew here for a few hours and he and Lucy LOVE playing together so that was easy. The boys brought a friend home from school (it's Friday after all - woo hoo the weekend!), and they all played fine. Max has a really late soccer game (starts at 9pm) but he caught a ride with a friend, so no bedtime issues here.

So what was it that is throwing me for a loop? Nothing in particular, everything in general. Soccer, school, PTA, toddler, boys, girls, (Cat is good - no stress there), and the list goes on. Dishes are done, floor is as clean as can be expected, and aside from the toys strewn about by the two year olds this AM, house is in good shape. So what is it really that's giving me jitters, making me antsy, pushing me to the edge?

Honestly, I think that I've shifted from a real introvert - always have been one - to someone who needs her alone time but also needs to download at the end of the day. I have been married to Tom for the past 12 years, together for almost 17 total, and this is going to end up being the longest stretch since we moved in together that we've been apart. Tom used to travel a lot, but the kids were MUCH younger, and I was able to talk to him all the time. Knowing that I'm not going to talk to him much over the next week or so is an interesting thought, one I'm trying to balance with my daily load of stuff that I usually share with him each night.

So, I think today was a minor hiccup, and I'm moving on. Little gripes and observances will just have to sit for a bit longer, or just go away. Nothing major brewing so no need to reach out to anyone - spending time over the weekend with the kids and other grown ups at soccer will suffice. Odd thought though - after 17 years not talking to Tom for a full week. I'll get back soon on this - gotta let it simmer some more.

Gulp!

Can we say spoiled? At least it's caffeine free...

But hey, what are you supposed to do when there's no juice to be found and you can't run out to get some? Let's chalk this up to fine motor practice and call the first canned soda a successful venture (just ignore the wet jacket)!

Caught in the act

Caught the little one reading

one of her favorites - Dora the

Explorer. Seems she doesn't

mind being dragged to the

craft store by her mom so

much after all.

Go Cowboys!

Yes, even Lucy is getting in on the action around here. It's coming up towards the end of football season - you know - that time of year when I reappear after spending HOURS each weekend in front of the TV. My poor husband calls himself a football widower. But this year wasn't so good for any of our teams. Two didn't make their playoffs (Dallas and UTexas) and one did make a bowl game and not only showed up but played well an won - GO FSU! But it was a lame-o football season all in all. The BCS Championship was only shown on cable TV, and we might have two #6 seeds playing in the Super Bowl. Good thing we had our little Cowboys fan around to make us smile! We are tried and true Cowboys fans around here - no fair weather fans in this house! And the only rule for the kids is that you can cheer for any team you want unless they are playing the Cowboys, and so far so good on that front. So pay attention to that big grin Cowboys - she's got a winning smile and we want a better season next year!

Bambino Balls

How cute are these?

If only there was a baby here to put them on (please don't read any father into that than you should...) If you want some for your little Bambino you can get them here. Just had to share as I thought these were SUPER cute!

Playing with Colors on Picnik

Here's the original:Then, we have the colors:

Cool, huh? LOVE Picnik! Makes it so snappy to do things like this.

YIKES! Big storm indeed

No wonder they are tweaking about this one. I was just hoping for some sledding snow - maybe I'll get my wish tomorrow!

Oscar Snubs

Bet you thought this was all about these actors who didn't get the nomination. Nope, not at all. This is all about the fact that I see so few movies each year (and it's getting worse) that for the first time ever I haven't seen a single movie that's up for any of the Oscars in ANY of the main categories. It's all about me snubbing the Oscars.

Best Motion Picture of the Year

Black Swan

The Fighter

Inception

The Kids Are All Right

The King's Speech

127 Hours

The Social Network

Toy Story 3

True Grit

Winter's Bone

Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

Javier Bardem, Biutiful

Jeff Bridges, True Grit

Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network

Colin Firth, The King's Speech

James Franco, 127 Hours

Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

Christian Bale, The Fighter

John Hawkes, Winter's Bone

Jeremy Renner, The Town

Mark Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right

Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech

Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right

Nicole Kidman, Rabbit Hole

Jennifer Lawrence, Winter's Bone

Natalie Portman, Black Swan

Michelle Wiliams, Blue Valentine

Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams, The Fighter
Helena Bonham Carter, The King's Speech
Melissa Leo, The Fighter
Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit
Jacki Weaver, Animal Kingdom

In fact, I haven't even seen any of the flicks nominated for Best Animation:

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year

How to Train Your Dragon

The Illusionist

Toy Story 3

And those animated flicks are the ones I usually catch. In face, you have to go all the way down to Original Song, Achievement in Art Direction, and Achievement in Visual Effects to catch the TWO movies that I've seen this year that even show up on this list. Tangled (we LOVED Tangled) and Alice in Wonderland (GREAT film) show up in some of those categories, but at what point did I lose complete touch with movieland?

I've never been one to catch all the "great" films that get the nod, but up until this year I at least knew the names of the films that got Best Picture nominations, and for the most part could tell you what they are about. But this year, not so much. Let's see -True Grit? Remake of a John Wayne Movie, and I'm not really a fan of his. Black Swan? Stars Queen Amidala I think - she's one of my favorites. What else do we have - Oh! 127 hours. That's the one that's making folk sick when they watch it. An the rest, well, not a clue (Except for Toy Story 3, of course, but can't tell you a thing about it other than it's a sequel and I believe it's in 3D). You see, clearly out of touch with movieland here - not intentionally though I'm not meaning to snub movieland, but somehow this year it just happened. Maybe this is a sign that I need more movie date nights with Tom...

*Thanks E Online for filling me in on the complete list of nominees again this year!