But Mom, We Can Do ANYTHING If We Try.....

Don't you hate when your child throws your words back at you?!

It has been a lazy, long weekend in our household. I'm still trying to take it easy after the procedure I had done on Wednesday. On Sunday, my daughter asks if we can sew. Well, sewing with a 6 year old is not always an easy task. I had figured our next sewing project would be a pillowcase for her bed. I have several character print fabrics and figured it would be easy and something useful.

I pull out several pieces of fabric and DD picks out a white background Pokemon fabric that has yellow Pikachu's and some other pink Pokemon on it. I figure great - and we'll use a different color fabric - pink - for the cuff of the case.

Well, I start to get everything ready. Get "her" machine out and set up, I iron the fabric. She says she does not want to make a pillowcase. She wants to make a Pikachu. (side note: We took a mother daughter class last year and made a teddy bear out of flannel - sort of shaped more like a gingerbread man cookie). I tell her I don't have any yellow fabric. She does not want yellow fabric, she wants to use the white, print fabric. I tell her it would be really hard to cut it and make it look like Pikachu and, without yellow fabric, it really would not look like Pikachu.

"But Mom, We Can Do ANYTHING If We Try...."

With a heavy sigh, I ask her to draw a photo of what Pikachu would look like.
I then proceeded to cut the fabric.
DD sewed it - with very little guidance from the momma. We then stuffed it - using a chopstick to help push the fiberfill in.

And here is the finished result......

It was a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Things a 6 year old says....

Dog is barking because pizza guy is at the door.

DH (to dog): "Do you know how loud you are?!"

DD (who is 6): "Kaboomy Loud"

I really should blog more....

But I find myself just doing my one sentence on Facebook regularly.
Maybe I feel I should "write" more here - make it like a story perhaps.
But maybe I should change my way of thought and just use this to get things out there.

Life is flying by. February is almost over.
Work is monotonous and I'm tired of it. (If only I had been born rich instead of Beautiful! -- okay, you can stop choking now).
Home situation is the same. Disabled hubby, growing daughter, and me totally out of it by the time evening comes along. I get myself thru the day, I work, get food, make sure bills are paid, make sure everything DD needs is done. Then when she goes to bed, I am usually ready to just go to bed. Its not that it is late - usually 8 pm. I know its part of the Depression. And it bothers me to be like this but I really don't want more medications. Then again, my iron level has been LOW -- they say it could be part of pre-menopause - oh thrill - NOT! Could it just be the iron level? I don't know.

I'm going to try to blog more often. even if it is just my one line from facebook.

Bread and Milk

It's a New England joke. Or at least a Rhode Island one.
If snow is coming, everyone rushes to the grocery store for Bread and Milk. All because of one Blizzard in 1978. So as a storm approaches, the last place you want to be is a place that sells Bread and Milk because all of RI is in there!!

And why is it -- Everytime there is a storm approaching RI, I am out of bread or milk or both!!! So what do I have to do? Go buy Bread and Milk.
And everyone thinks I'm doing it because of "the storm that's a-coming" when in fact, I'm out of one or both items and my daughter requires a PB and J sandwich at least once a day or she'll just melt or explode or something!!!!

Anyway, for those that saw me in a store - buying BREAD and MILK -- I was REALLY OUT of those foods!!!

:)

Another Year Older but 4" Taller....

DD had her annual physical today.
Her birthday is in October but for some reason, we are now into having the physical in December (you know, health care plan rules - it must be 366 from the last annual so it keeps getting bumped).
Last year - between the ages of 4 and 5, she grew 4".
Since our last physical and now - where we are 6 years old and 2 months - we have grown 3 3/4" -- just shy of 4".
She is 51 3/4" tall.
The average size of a girl who is 8 years old and 2 months.

It is a fact that maternal grandfather was over 6 feet tall. But my mother was 5 feet, 3/4" tall.
It is a fact that DH (who is 6 feet) has a paternal aunt that, if asked her height, replies "I'm 5 feet, 13 1/2" tall".
So I should not be overly surprised.

Looks like DD has picked up the tall genes.
And the good news is she is healthy in all other ways right now.... knock on wood!!!!

Anyone know of a kindergarten basketball league so we can start working on that athletic scholarship??

Christmas Spirit is Alive and Well

Yesterday, we went to a local attraction (Edaville Railroad in Carver, Ma). DH, DD a friend of DD and her father also joined us to experience the lights and train ride. It was a rather chilly evening.

The girls (both 6) were SO excited when we got there. On the train ride, every different light display resulted in a "OH LOOK OVER HERE" and an "AWESOME".

My DD wanted a specific souvenir we had seen many children with. A multi color light up "sword". I didn't see them in the gift shop or anyway. I was standing with my DD alone and I stopped a man who had a young girl that was carrying the sword. I asked where he got it and how much it was. My fear was it was only available as part of the carnival games we saw around. He said there are vendors walking around - which I hadn't noticed - and it is $5. He asked if I only had the one girl. I said we have a friend with us too. He said if I couldn't find a vendor, if you go into the gift shop and ask at the counter, they do have them. I thanked him for the information and went back to talking to my DD - because I thought $5 was a bit much and I really *should* get two - one for our friend too. DD really wanted it and was trying to tell me what she could go without in order to get one.

Before DD and I could leave the spot we were standing in, the man comes over with two swords and says "Merry Christmas". I was touched. DD said thank you. I wished him Happy Holidays. He made my DD's day with that gift.

So, yes, Santa is there - and he shows himself when you least expect it.

Patience

Patience.
I was told from a young age that I don't have any. At times, I will agree with that statement. (Especially at say the grocery store. There is something about that place that gets under my skin.)
I was told by a very significant person in my life that I should not become a teacher and that I should never have kids because that person told me I had no patience.

Here is today's no patience story --
Today, DD - who is 6, mind you - and I assembled her new computer desk. DH had been fixing up the old computer so DD could have her own. We needed a place to put it and earlier this week, I headed to Ikea and found a pink computer workstation for her and also a pink chair. Well, on Tuesday, when I brought the boxes in the house, she was biting at the bit for the chair. She helped me put the chair together right then and was very, very happy with it.

Wednesday, I thought I would get it put together while she was at school. Instead, I hooked up with a friend of mine (and her little infant) and we did some chatting, some shopping and some lunching... :)
Thursday - Thanksgiving - DD wants to make her desk right away when she wakes up but we needed to pack up to go to Grammy's house. She said when we get home we can do it. DD fell asleep in the car on the way back and went right to bed.

So, now it is Friday. And after I go hit a couple "Black Friday" sales, I get coffee and have breakfast. I figure it is time - and DD is eager to help.

Assembling any type of furniture can be trying at times. I know I've used many swear words on other items that needed assembling in the past. But with DD helping - and being ever so cute as she tries - well, it went fine. I did think at one point how much patience this is taking -- as I wait for DD to try her plastic screwdriver and her plastic hammer on the pieces. It was cute. And she also got so excited figuring out what piece went where next.

(read this sarcastic please) Imagine how much more fun I could have had if only I could have been patient.

Another Sunday

And only relaxing really accomplished. It is hard to work all day, want to spend time with your child and get things done around the house. If something has to give, for me, then it's the house.
Life is to short to fret the dust.... And the clutter... And the Laundry....

So today is another Sunday - but I do have this week off of work. My company is VERY generous and gives us a half day on the day before Thanksgiving and then the entire Friday off too. It's great for "black friday" shopping!!

DD and I had sort of a dance session in the living room. I can't believe it but she knows the party dances from school - like the Macarena. In fact she knows them better then me. oh! I feel old! I haven't been dancing in YEARS and YEARS now and she's better than me.

We played a few different games and we just spent a little over an hour reading books. I am reading chapter books to her by Barbara Park about a character Junie B. Jones. These books are AWESOME! They make us both laugh.

well, off to eat something then I do have to run to get bread for tomorrow's peanut butter and jelly lunch! :)

Lazy Weekend

Two days off.
I left the house once to get coffee on Saturday.
And that is it.
I did get the latest clean laundry all folded and put away but that consisted more of DD's clothes than mine. Mine are still in baskets. someday there will be enough hours in the day.

I surprised DD with a game - Connect Four.
Little did I know she was a 6 year old hustler. I know they play at school - but she is GOOD.
We played Uno and DVD Disney Bingo.
And we watched KungFu Panda and Clone Wars a few times each :)

oh well, it was nice and relaxing.

Bad Blogger, Bad Blogger

Yes, I am a bad blogger.
I have not been here since the end of August. Life seems just crazy.
I think I'm just going to try to do posts of many little things.
==============================================
Today, my DD who is now 6 (can you believe that??) is sitting in the back of the mini van playing with two dolls. She is pretending school. I hear "There are 6 in the class" and that they are practicing for a singing show. Then all of a sudden, DD says "Mom??" -- Which if you have a 6 year old, you know sometimes hearing that just makes you want to change your name because they say it over, and over, and over, and over, and over....... well, you get the picture.
So I say "Yes, honey". And she responds "Mom, I love you."
==============================================
Christmas is like 40-something days away! UGHHHHHHHHHHHH
==============================================
Junie B. Jones is an awesome book series. If you have not checked it out, do so IMMEDIATELY!
==============================================
Last week, DD said she wanted to be a teacher when she grows up.
Yesterday it was President and she would call a meeting and tell everyone that everything is free except for cars (1 cent each) and houses (2 cents each).
Today, at school, they did an art project of what they wanted to be. Today it is a "Police Girl" that will catch all the bad guys.
==============================================
A few weeks ago, DD wanted to be a director and make up the stories like "Clone Wars" but with a different girl character. Then when I told her to tell her dad what she wanted to be and why, her answer was "a director so I can tell everyone what to do." :)
==============================================
My house is a mess - seems worst than usual. There is not enough hours in a day when you work full time. Oh why could i have been born rich instead of beautiful??? (okay, you can stop choking on that one now).

More to come -- sooner -- I promise.

Growing Up

Why do your children grow so fast?

I sit here - in two days, my daughter starts Kindergarten. She is staying at the same school as she did for Pre-K and day care so there is no change there. She has been at this place since she was 18 months old. We know the teachers, she is comfortable there. I feel secure with her there.

But here I am, thinking this is a GIANT MILESTONE in my little one's life.

She is growing so fast. She wanted her cut short - and it makes her look like she's 8 or 9! Well, until she smiles and she has no teeth - the other top tooth fell out a couple days ago. So we officially have no upper front teeth.

She acts so grown up. She puts things together you would never think of. She has started reading.

And today, as we did crafts, she turns to me and says "Is Santa Real?". Caught me off guard. My response "Well, what do you think? He brought you presents last Christmas, right?". She says yes and I think she is no longer questioning it. But I wonder what brought this up? Is she already doubting it on her own? We were watching a Scooby Doo movie (that had nothing to do with Christmas and doing Perler bead ornaments for family members for Christmas -- so perhaps that is why Christmas was on the mind.

Later this afternoon, I took her to the playground at the park. She played with a large group of kids - mostly older than her by a couple of years. The group consisted of all ethnic groups. I was proud watching her play with them because they were all children who wanted to play and nothing else matter. Just goes to show you prejudice is a learned trait.

My baby is growing up.

Creativity Feels GOOD!

It feels good to have the "creativity" juices flowing.
I have been scrapping again. I got a few pages done at home and today, I took a vaca day from work and went to a crop at the local shop with a friend. It really does feel good to be creative.

Search for colors. Look at designs. Play with layouts. And when you are done, you have an heirloom to remember something special by.

I'm working on pictures from our DisneyWorld trip in December 2007. I'm working on the autographs - I'm taking them out of the autograph book and scrapping them onto 8x8 pages along with photos, stickers, etc.

I wish I could find more time to go to crops. It was great to be creative and have fun with new scrapping friends.

Just a Weekend.

What a weekend!
We had our first Soccer practice/scrimmage. DD did great! No attitude when she missed or did not run as fast as the others. When the "guest" coach (the actual soccer player from Europe - Oh WHAT AN ACCENT!) asked basic questions, guess who answered them all? Yes, my "shy" DD. LOL
From there we went directly to a birthday swimming b-day party/afternoon. Our friend had two parties actually - one for the school friends, one for the family. We caught only the very end of the school party and then stayed for the family one (even helped move stuff back home in the van).
Needless to say, this meant we left the house at 11 am and got home at 8 pm.

Today, we had the Softball League "banquet" -- which was really a picnic since they had 356 girls participating in the league. Hamburgs, hotdogs, macaroni salad, pasta salad, chips and watermelon. And they charged $15 per person. Luckily, players are free and as an assistant coach, I got the second "team" free ticket. DD did not know there was going to be trophies. I wanted to surprise her. Of course, this almost backfired....
She was still exhausted from yesterday. And that meant she was miserable this morning. The picnic/banquet started at 11 am. I also have coverage for work and was working on problems from about 7:30 am to 10:20 am. So me feeling we have to rush (shower and still get ready) and her overtired, well, it was a horrible scene. She didn't want to go because she got a new Leapster game yesterday and she was so into playing it this morning. I told her some of her teammates would be there but she didn't care. I know it was overtired and trying to overcontrol -- but still. I told her there was a surprise at the banquet. Told her perhaps a present. When she saw the table of trophies she was a bit in awe and when she ever got hers, she was ecstatic! The smile was ear to ear.

We came home and she went into the pool while dad work outside.
I needed alone time.
Quiet time.
I had all intentions of going in the pool in a bit. I went into the bedroom, turned on the a/c, cooled off and thought I'd watch a show and then go outside - but I fell asleep.
When I awoke, she was done swimming.

I feel like I did not get "rest" time this weekend. Perhaps next weekend.....

5 Year Old Loses 5th Tooth.... At Camp

Yes, DD lost yet another tooth. In one year she has lost 5 teeth! DH seems concerned but I know I had lost several by the time I was her age also.

For some reason, this made me sad. I'm not sure why. Perhaps the lost of another tooth indicates that she is truly growing up and she's not my baby anymore. She is getting so tall that it is getting harder to snuggle with her in a chair. She must be over 50" tall now. She talks so well - has such deep thoughts at time. She has started reading (Mind you, she has not started Kindergarten yet). She even uses deductive reasoning.

Your kids grow up and it's supposed to be a good thing. But it does leave a sad spot.

"It's Okay, Don't Worry About It".... NOT

I heard myself utter these words the other day. And I really didn't mean it. But I didn't want the person to feel bad. But it hurts not to be remembered.

No wonder men have such a problem understanding us women.

I'm talking about my wedding anniversary. It was Friday. Last year, both hubby and I forgot the date. Life is just too hectic sometimes. When he realized he missed the date, I think he was ready for me to be mad but how could I? I had forgotten it too.

Perhaps forgotten is the wrong word. With life feeling hectic and days just blending one into another, I had not realized we were at August 15th.

This year, I did *notice* the date a couple days before. I went and got DH a card and a gift card. That morning, he says "Aren't you a day early? It's tomorrow, isn't it?" I tell him no. He apologizes for not having anything and I say "It's Okay, Don't Worry About It.".

Did I say it because I mean it? No, I said it to hide my hurt and to not make him feel worst than he already was. I could tell from his apology he felt bad about it.

Every person wants to be remembered. Be thought of. Not necessarily by a present but shown the thoughtfulness that makes a person feel special.

Too bad we can't just say that outright.

Tooth Number 4 - GONE - and other stuff

Yes, yet another tooth has left.
Thursday evening just before bed time, another of DD's tooth decided to come out. Boy oh boy - I give the Tooth Fairy credit. She probably has her route all laid out and then at 8pm, out comes another tooth for a boy or girl. Now she has to juggle her schedule to get to everyone that night. Glad I don't have her job.

I have been on vacation from work for a week and 1/2 and I really don't want to go back on Monday but unless I win the lottery tonight, I guess I won't have a choice. I should have married for money. It might not "buy" happiness but it could sure make things easier.

On vacation, DD, our good friend Kiki and her DD went away to NH to a yarn conference. We took a couple of classes and my DD behaved while I was in class. We also did Canobie Lake Park. That was a great day. It wasn't too hot or humid. There is an awesome breeze throughout the park. We got back mid-week but I still took days off of work. Of course I had visions of grandeur of things I could get done but all i have done is play with DD and take her places. I know - she is this age only once. And I waited so long for her that I want to spend time with her but then when do I get anything accomplished? I guess I just can't juggle well.

...and.... Another Tooth Bites the Dust

Tonite at 8:40pm, DD lost her 3rd tooth. it is on the bottom just like the last two.

With the first two she lost, the adult teeth had already cut thru her gums. They were visible so it was not noticible that she had lost any teeth.

However, this one, the new adult tooth is not showing and she is going to have a "hole" in her smile.

Now to wait for the tooth fairy to come tonite.... hope it's not too late for her to know about it!

Making time for kids & having to tag along

In 5 ½ years, my daughter has….

• Taken dance lessons for 2 years
• Performed in 3 dance recitals, including one in Hershey Park in Hershey, PA
• Taken a gymnastics class
• Taken swim classes
• Taken ice skating lessons
• Took part in Girls Instructional Softball
• Has been to Disney and stayed on the monorail (and we won’t be doing that again any time soon $$$$)
• Has been to Sesame Park in Langhorne, Pennsylvania 3 times

I sit here and realize she did more in 5 1/2 years than I did in my first 18 years of life.

And I do know why. My mom did not drive and she was busy with her life. Anytime I asked to become involved in something I was told either she couldn't drive me, it cost too much (which we definitely had middle-income for back in the 70's), or I would hear "You won't stick with it.".

I think I know the real reason. My mom was too busy figuring out her life she didn't want to be committed to something. She didn't want to commit the time to get me somewhere every week at a specific time. She wanted to keep her calendar open in case something came along. And though some my say I was spoiled rotten, I did not get what I wanted. I didn't get to do things I wanted.

Having your child involved in activities takes alot of time. Planning. Even what will we have for dinner because we have to be at the field at 6:00. You cannot put yourself first if your child is involved in something. Well, I guess you could and not have your child participate for every instance but then what is that showing them? It is okay to say "I'll do it" and then not. No, no, no. That would not be good.

So I have signed my DD up for whatever she has asked for and I bring her to everything. I'm glad she has interests and I hope she discovers something she really, truly, and deeply enjoys to continue with.

I have one bad habit with my DD. I always ask her if she wants to go with me out - like say shopping. If not, as long as DH is home (well, he's always home :) ) and awake, she can stay home. I believe this is also from my childhood. My mom did not drive. She had to walk everywhere. My dad worked 6 days a week as a mechanic. There was no one to watch me so I had to go everywhere with my mom. To the corner store, to unemployment when she got laid off, to her work (she cleaned houses for people), I even had to go with her to a bar when my parents separated. I didn't like it but there was no choice. And I believe on some level I hold a grudge about having to tag along everywhere. So therefore, if at all possible, I will ensure my DD wants to be with me and not just drag her with me.

Amazing how our childhood can affect us, eh?

Don't Intentions Count??

I have good intentions. I just don’t always finish what I plan.
For example, a friend of mine just had a baby on Monday. They had tried for a while to get pregnant again and when she finally let me know, I was so happy for her. She also has a five year old. So, I go right out for Congratulations on being Pregnant cards – one for the mom and dad and another card that I was going to add something about congratulations you are becoming a big sister. So that was 9 months ago.

The cards are still here. In my house. Waiting to be filled out.

Now intentions, the thought, is supposed to be what is good, important.
However, in this situation, the intended recipient had no clue I had “intentions”.

I used to be on top of things like that. Buy a card, write it out, get it in the mail. But now…

I’ll blame the mommy brain.

I find things all over the house. Things I bought for a specific person then totally forgot about the gift and why I bought it. Sometimes I do remember buying it but have no clue where I put it.

But my “intentions” were good. Really they were.

According to Webster’s, “intention” can be defined as what one intends to do or bring about. I intend so much.

I have projects – crochet ones, quilt ones – that were supposed to be for people like 8 years ago. I got all the supplies. Some I may have started, some I have not. But none are done and none of the intended recipients know I had thought of them.

I wish "intentions" counted for more.

If I only knew then what I know now....

THEN...
I would have ignored everyone in my life and I would have gone to college to be a teacher.
But I was told many times by a very significant person in my life that I would never be a good educator. That I didn't have patience. For children or for "teaching".

NOW....
Those who have seen me with my 5 year old tell me how much patience I have. I don't view it as "patience" as much as always trying to understand where my child is coming from. That is what I think I have - a knack to understand someone else. In this case, understand my child.

Last summer, I used up my vacation time at work by accompanying my daughters pre-K class on field trips once a week. I so loved the experience. It felt so rewarding. My daughters teacher seemed please to have me there. I would discipline if I blatantly saw something but otherwise I would just help out in the classroom until the bus arrived and then had fun on the trips themselves. One day I brought in a story to read. The kids loved it. And so did I. It is so nice when I child is looking up at you - respecting you because you earned their respect, enjoy laughing at you when you try to be funny, enjoy the fact you "listen" to what they have to say.

The past couple of months, I've been helping coach. Again, I really did love it. I didn't love making batting orders, field positions. I loved the interaction with the girls. Earning their respect. Having them say at practice "Yes! I'm with Coach Diane". It felt great.

So I think I have proved myself with children.

AND ALSO NOW....
At work, we are hiring interns. They need to be trained. One subject in particular is something I thoroughly enjoy working with. This product is awesome in my opinion and I was asked to take over the training since the woman that did it last year is no longer there. Of course I said yes - I love to get up and spiel and explain things that I know (alright, I'll admit it -- I really love sniffing those whiteboard markers ). But it has been quite awhile in my current job position since I have had the opportunity to train. So I asked for a "test group" to practice with before having the interns.

The first session was yesterday. The previous person covered 4 topics in like 4 hours. Well I'm only about 60% done with one topic and that took me 2 hours. And I will probably use up 2 more hours tomorrow. I may get to cover part of the second topic -- but I'm not guaranteeing it.

I was actually nervous about this training yesterday. The first 1/2 hour I could feel my heart beating in my chest. But then I got over it. One person in the test group - well, I saw him at lunch time today. He said it was the best training he has had and thinks everyone should have it. I told him about feeling my heart beating as I started the training. He said it didn't show.

So now the handful of "guinea pigs" I had for training have been talking around the department and people are ASKING to have my training. I cannot explain the sense of pride this is giving me. If you could only see the smile on my face as I type this!!

And I think this proves I would have been a good teacher. Again, I think it is the same thing that makes me good at this as it is with children -- the ability to understand where my audience is coming from. To be able to speak to them, not at them. To explain in basic terms and then expand on it so the point is understood.

So I am here tonight, needing to get DD to bed. Feeling very good about training and work.

And also feeling good because a good friend sent me a nice "thank you" note for just being there to listen to her lately.

It is nice to feel good.