The daredevil is driving me nuts. He is learning to read. He's been learning to read for 2 years now. We read a lot in our house. We read books to each other, his brother reads to him, we listen to books on tape, we are at the library every week and they check out a big stack that they read, look through, and I read to them. But he refuses to sound out letters and try to read words.
We've been doing sight words these past few weeks. He's getting better at them. But when it comes to writing them, he wont do it. He expects me to write them so he can trace the letters. When he did a work book page on sight words, he could copy the words into the boxes. It's the same thing copying on the line! But instead he drew circles on his page and sharpened pencils into oblivion. Agggggg!!!
I know that he will learn to read sooner or later. Brandon went from not reading to reading really well about the beginning of 2nd grade, so I put my hope that maybe that will be the same for Bryan. It's hard when you doubt yourself that they ever will get it.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Not Me Monday
It isn't me who's completely slacking on writing posts for this blog.
It isn't me who felt slightly pathetic when asked by a distant friend, "what's going on in your life?" and had just about no answer, besides what the kids had done that week.
It wasn't me who sprayed liberal amounts of spray conditioner in her daughters stinky hair to hope it smelt better before church, since we didn't have time for a bath.
It wasn't me who spent yesterday not cleaning or dusting like I thought I would, but spent the day doing a 500 piece puzzle with the hubby and kids.
It wasn't me who's been washing laundry and just heaping it into a big pile to fold and put away later.
It isn't me who's out of ideas for dinner. So out of ideas that I'm tired of eating fast food too.
It wasn't me who when reading other large family blogs wished that someone would blog about something other then food, how to cook the food, how to buy the food, and how to cook from scratch.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Not Me Monday!
Not me is trying to get the biggest, thickest pair of shoes so that Princess can ride space mountain. She just needs one more inch. She desperately wants to ride with her brothers.
Not me was going to put dinner in the crockpot, but decided to just eat out instead.
Not me has lost all the craft foam sheets.
I'm not looking forward to eating overpriced, but oh-so-yummy bengal bbq meat. Mmmmm.
I'm not loosing my voice from talking on the phone, for work. My voice was lost in vegas. I'm just such the party girl. (not).
It wasn't me who lost the hammer, the big wrench and everything else hubby has been looking for this morning.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Resale/Thrifting
I used to go thrift store hunting for most of my clothes in high school. I liked the 40s/50s look and would hunt thrift stores to try and find the cute and different stuff. Now I can't (well, I probably could) get away with dressing like that, I've mostly been buying things off the clearance racks at my favorite stores.
Yesterday a friend and I went to a kid's resale shop. It was kinda like treasure hunting. I looked through a few of the clothes but wasn't too impressed by what I found. Most of them were more then I paid for new clothes at the outlet mall. But the coolest thing was the sheet amount of toys and gear they had. Bouncers, leappads, peek-a-blocks, baby bathtubs, baby carriers, etc. It was piled everywhere. Digging through it was lots of fun. I found a step on letter mat from leapfrog for $8. The only thing remotely close to it that I have seen was $40! And it wasn't nowhere near as nice. I was so thrilled and I think that made my week. I also got a $80 highchair for $28. Not too bad either.
Now this makes me excited to go try out the other kids resale shops out there. Who knows what I may find. Maybe it will inspire me to clean out some of the kid's stuff and go sell it.
Yesterday a friend and I went to a kid's resale shop. It was kinda like treasure hunting. I looked through a few of the clothes but wasn't too impressed by what I found. Most of them were more then I paid for new clothes at the outlet mall. But the coolest thing was the sheet amount of toys and gear they had. Bouncers, leappads, peek-a-blocks, baby bathtubs, baby carriers, etc. It was piled everywhere. Digging through it was lots of fun. I found a step on letter mat from leapfrog for $8. The only thing remotely close to it that I have seen was $40! And it wasn't nowhere near as nice. I was so thrilled and I think that made my week. I also got a $80 highchair for $28. Not too bad either.
Now this makes me excited to go try out the other kids resale shops out there. Who knows what I may find. Maybe it will inspire me to clean out some of the kid's stuff and go sell it.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Lost Vegas
Where was I? I know I am horrible for not blogging for a week, again. We went to Las Vegas with my hubby on a business trip. I love how business trips work out....going to Vegas, with no wife/S.O., plenty of free girls, free beer, and things that light up and might give you money. Sounds like a good place to do business of some sort.
So to make sure to spoil my hubby's fun (no really, I wanted away from my house and my job for awhile), we packed up the 4 kids and I and took off on a 3 day tour of Vegas. Vegas is not a "kid friendly" destination like Disneyland is- but it is fun to go to with kids if you have no other option.
What can you do in Vegas with kids? Plenty! On the strip, is the M&M factory (note- this is best done without any children in strollers, as they have a tiny elevator for 4 floors, so put then in a carrier or be prepared to wait), the tram between Excalibur & Mirage, watching the boats and listening to the singers at the Venician, the forums shops at Cesars have both a show and fish to watch, the flamingos at the flamingo (plus it has some large grassy areas to let the kids run off some energy) and I'm sure there's some other free things I have missed. And you can't miss Freedmont street's light show.
Of course there are plenty of things to do that cost money, like the aquarium at the Mirage, where ever the place is that keeps the tigers, circus circus's adventure dome, and all the arcade games that some hotels have for kids. We usually don't do these, as the money x 4 kids and an adult is usually a lot, we have Disneyland annual passes, and I'm not sure if they'd enjoy it long enough to make the money worth it.
There are two places off the strip and away from the Vegas lights that are fun to do. One is the Lied's Children's Museum, the other is the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. It's worth it to allow one day for one and one day for the other. The last time we went to the Children's Museum we were there for 5 hours and could of easily played another 3 or 4. They have so much for them to do, dress up, play store, with plenty of room to move around and be loud. The Las Vegas Natural History museum had some very "museum" exhibits (aka stuffed dead things) that my kids had no interest in for the most part. They liked when they pushed a button and it lit things up (as the Genius would say, it Highlights what they thing is). They had a very neat dinosaur exhibit with HUGE dinosaurs, a fish exhibit about fish that glow, a play area with things to touch and a sub to play in, and a Egypt exhibit (that conveniently covered exactly what they were learning in history). We spent about 4 hours here, 5 probably would of been perfect. Unfortunately we didn't get the time this trip to do the kid's museum again. It was closed on Monday and that was the only day we had.
The best part about a vacation is actually missing your house! It was a nice change to be someplace else for awhile. We all had fun and can't wait to go back next year.
So to make sure to spoil my hubby's fun (no really, I wanted away from my house and my job for awhile), we packed up the 4 kids and I and took off on a 3 day tour of Vegas. Vegas is not a "kid friendly" destination like Disneyland is- but it is fun to go to with kids if you have no other option.
What can you do in Vegas with kids? Plenty! On the strip, is the M&M factory (note- this is best done without any children in strollers, as they have a tiny elevator for 4 floors, so put then in a carrier or be prepared to wait), the tram between Excalibur & Mirage, watching the boats and listening to the singers at the Venician, the forums shops at Cesars have both a show and fish to watch, the flamingos at the flamingo (plus it has some large grassy areas to let the kids run off some energy) and I'm sure there's some other free things I have missed. And you can't miss Freedmont street's light show.
Of course there are plenty of things to do that cost money, like the aquarium at the Mirage, where ever the place is that keeps the tigers, circus circus's adventure dome, and all the arcade games that some hotels have for kids. We usually don't do these, as the money x 4 kids and an adult is usually a lot, we have Disneyland annual passes, and I'm not sure if they'd enjoy it long enough to make the money worth it.
There are two places off the strip and away from the Vegas lights that are fun to do. One is the Lied's Children's Museum, the other is the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. It's worth it to allow one day for one and one day for the other. The last time we went to the Children's Museum we were there for 5 hours and could of easily played another 3 or 4. They have so much for them to do, dress up, play store, with plenty of room to move around and be loud. The Las Vegas Natural History museum had some very "museum" exhibits (aka stuffed dead things) that my kids had no interest in for the most part. They liked when they pushed a button and it lit things up (as the Genius would say, it Highlights what they thing is). They had a very neat dinosaur exhibit with HUGE dinosaurs, a fish exhibit about fish that glow, a play area with things to touch and a sub to play in, and a Egypt exhibit (that conveniently covered exactly what they were learning in history). We spent about 4 hours here, 5 probably would of been perfect. Unfortunately we didn't get the time this trip to do the kid's museum again. It was closed on Monday and that was the only day we had.
The best part about a vacation is actually missing your house! It was a nice change to be someplace else for awhile. We all had fun and can't wait to go back next year.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Target can be dangerous
I went shopping at Target today.
It was horrible.
Usually, shopping at target is peaceful and relaxing. The kids behave, we get Slurpees (Dr pepper ones even), and all is well. Not today.
For future reference- do not- I repeat- DO NOT take kids shopping ANYWHERE after they have taken a very long walk, played at the park, and not eaten much for lunch. And especially not when you are wearing slippery dress shoes and a skirt.
So we get to target after I picked up the kids from my friend, who was so nice to watch them while I had a luncheon for work (First time in 4 months I've gotten to eat a entire meal with 2 hands!). We needed to get a few things for our trip to Vegas, which we leave soon for.
I was excited to use my new shopping cart cover for Doorbuster. We had went to Costco a week ago and I put him in the car and he LOVED it. He sat the whole way around the store, so the Easter bunny brought him his very own cover.
After spending 10 minutes unpacking the kids from the car, putting the diaper bag in the cart, putting princess in the cart figuring out how to attach the seat and adjusting the straps for him, we make it into target.
We go and get slurpees and a soda for me. I was thirsty. Bad idea.
We start walking around the store (I'd really like some non-hoochie-mama shorts but not granny shorts). I realize that for some reason, target carts must be different then Costco carts, because Doorbuster can't hold himself up like he could in the Costco cart. He's also found how to turn himself just right to chew on the germy part of the cart.
It's also a pain in the butt to turn the cart, which is slightly tippy, with the shopping cart cover on the handle. Especially more so with a toddler in the basket part.
So Doorbuster starts to fuss because he keeps tipping over sideways. So I now resort to holding him up and trying to steer the cart with my elbows. This works a little bit worse then trying to steer with the bar of the cart.
I make it through the baby section, picking up some socks (I wanted white little boy socks...nope), and go to look at the clearance toddler clothes. At this point, Princess starts whining about getting out of the cart. I tell her a million times over, if she gets out of the cart, I am absolutely not putting her back in. After repeating this, I let her out. I also take Doorbuster out of the cart and take the cart cover off the handle of the cart.
As I walk away from the toddler clothes, Princess drops her cup all over the floor and begins to wail loudly. I remind myself that this is exactly the reason why I never buy sodas first. I pick up the cup, buzz an employee, and drag my cart and children away.
Target also didn't have any black exercise pants, and at this point, I had very little patience to really look at their clothes. So we walk over to the food section. I wanted breakfast stuff to take with us.
Genius starts muttering something about his soda, his hands, and how its too tiring to carry his soda. It goes in the cart, next to mine, which is the only spot I can put it at this moment.
Then princess starts whining.....you'll never guess...she wants back IN the cart. In the car that's now holding two sodas too! That I'd have to steer one handed, while holding a baby. Of course, I oh-so-smartly left my sling in the car.
At this point, I've decided that a)we look ridiculous b) I'm now being a poster child for not having many children and c) this is all mostly my fault for making bad parenting choices this afternoon.
So I take my whining child, my cart, and the other kids and march straight to the checkout. Do not pass go, Do not look for other items. I think I forgot half the things on my list, but at that point, sanity was needed more.
As soon as we check out and go out the door, the whining by princess stops.
I will never do that again. Never Ever. I will plan my trips and what I take in the store with me more carefully!
It was horrible.
Usually, shopping at target is peaceful and relaxing. The kids behave, we get Slurpees (Dr pepper ones even), and all is well. Not today.
For future reference- do not- I repeat- DO NOT take kids shopping ANYWHERE after they have taken a very long walk, played at the park, and not eaten much for lunch. And especially not when you are wearing slippery dress shoes and a skirt.
So we get to target after I picked up the kids from my friend, who was so nice to watch them while I had a luncheon for work (First time in 4 months I've gotten to eat a entire meal with 2 hands!). We needed to get a few things for our trip to Vegas, which we leave soon for.
I was excited to use my new shopping cart cover for Doorbuster. We had went to Costco a week ago and I put him in the car and he LOVED it. He sat the whole way around the store, so the Easter bunny brought him his very own cover.
After spending 10 minutes unpacking the kids from the car, putting the diaper bag in the cart, putting princess in the cart figuring out how to attach the seat and adjusting the straps for him, we make it into target.
We go and get slurpees and a soda for me. I was thirsty. Bad idea.
We start walking around the store (I'd really like some non-hoochie-mama shorts but not granny shorts). I realize that for some reason, target carts must be different then Costco carts, because Doorbuster can't hold himself up like he could in the Costco cart. He's also found how to turn himself just right to chew on the germy part of the cart.
It's also a pain in the butt to turn the cart, which is slightly tippy, with the shopping cart cover on the handle. Especially more so with a toddler in the basket part.
So Doorbuster starts to fuss because he keeps tipping over sideways. So I now resort to holding him up and trying to steer the cart with my elbows. This works a little bit worse then trying to steer with the bar of the cart.
I make it through the baby section, picking up some socks (I wanted white little boy socks...nope), and go to look at the clearance toddler clothes. At this point, Princess starts whining about getting out of the cart. I tell her a million times over, if she gets out of the cart, I am absolutely not putting her back in. After repeating this, I let her out. I also take Doorbuster out of the cart and take the cart cover off the handle of the cart.
As I walk away from the toddler clothes, Princess drops her cup all over the floor and begins to wail loudly. I remind myself that this is exactly the reason why I never buy sodas first. I pick up the cup, buzz an employee, and drag my cart and children away.
Target also didn't have any black exercise pants, and at this point, I had very little patience to really look at their clothes. So we walk over to the food section. I wanted breakfast stuff to take with us.
Genius starts muttering something about his soda, his hands, and how its too tiring to carry his soda. It goes in the cart, next to mine, which is the only spot I can put it at this moment.
Then princess starts whining.....you'll never guess...she wants back IN the cart. In the car that's now holding two sodas too! That I'd have to steer one handed, while holding a baby. Of course, I oh-so-smartly left my sling in the car.
At this point, I've decided that a)we look ridiculous b) I'm now being a poster child for not having many children and c) this is all mostly my fault for making bad parenting choices this afternoon.
So I take my whining child, my cart, and the other kids and march straight to the checkout. Do not pass go, Do not look for other items. I think I forgot half the things on my list, but at that point, sanity was needed more.
As soon as we check out and go out the door, the whining by princess stops.
I will never do that again. Never Ever. I will plan my trips and what I take in the store with me more carefully!
Talking about Thursday- Deserts!
My favorite desert recipe:
1) Go to store.
2) Go to ice cream isle.
3) Look at what's on sale.
4) Look at coupons.
5) Decide to heck with what's on sale and buy some klondike bars. And some ice cream sandwhiches
6) Purchase above items.
7) Eat one ice cream in the car while driving home.
8) Open box. Distribute a treat per child.
9) Bask in children's praise of what a good mom you are.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Interesting People You See...at the Park
I met up with a friend and we took the kids to the park. I know, not exactly exciting news. What always entertains me every time we do go to this park, is the people you find there.
Yesterday we saw:
A lady speaking Italian
A guy in his 40s with a metal detector, who was really, really searching the playground (for what? spare change dropped by the under-10 set?)
A turtle that wouldn't run away when the kids got by it
A lady who sat in the playhouse with her kids
Some women in blue/navy long skirts, with their kids all matching. I'd say Amish, but I know that's not right. We actually see them pretty often, and I'm sure us two homeschooling nuts probably have more in common with them then the other people at the park.
A dog in a stroller
A couple who had no idea that the parks had bathrooms.
Lots of "field closed" signs
Enough workers for several parks
Yesterday we saw:
A lady speaking Italian
A guy in his 40s with a metal detector, who was really, really searching the playground (for what? spare change dropped by the under-10 set?)
A turtle that wouldn't run away when the kids got by it
A lady who sat in the playhouse with her kids
Some women in blue/navy long skirts, with their kids all matching. I'd say Amish, but I know that's not right. We actually see them pretty often, and I'm sure us two homeschooling nuts probably have more in common with them then the other people at the park.
A dog in a stroller
A couple who had no idea that the parks had bathrooms.
Lots of "field closed" signs
Enough workers for several parks
Monday, April 5, 2010
Spring Break!
So I took a nice little spring break too! My kids (sorta) had one, I made them do some work so when we take a trip this month we don't have to take schoolwork with us. After all, that is kinda the point of homeschooling isn't it?
We've been busy hiding eggs, finding eggs and losing eggs. And laying around doing nothing, and going to the park with friends. It's been great!
We've been busy hiding eggs, finding eggs and losing eggs. And laying around doing nothing, and going to the park with friends. It's been great!
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