Don't play in the plant!

we need to get going on a sandbox

I really want to make "You're going to sit in your crib!" a good enough threat/punishment that she will recognize that she did something wrong. Unfortunately she likes it in her crib.

She found a ring from the top of a milk jug and had been putting it around her neck/arms/wrist as jewelry. I don't think I've ever seen anyone do that.

always check the width of the curtains you're buying, even if the length is correct, you still might end up with a space between them.

Park Place

Anna got pushed down at a park/wading pond. It was only us and two slightly older boys, when she approached them (clad only in her sodden diaper) she showed hesitation at walking out into the water again, so one of them..he didn't really push, or shove, something a little less violent, nevertheless Anna fell down rather clumsily. She stayed upright and wasn't in any danger. During this whole event I stood back to see what would happen and the mother of the boys jumped up and got to her before I did, she apologized profusely and chastised her child (not as sternly as some would) Anna was obviously ready to go so I changed her diaper and gathered our things. They apologized again as I passed, but I was totally okay with the situation.

Then I started to worry that I was too okay about the situation. Aren't mother's supposed to be outraged when their child is bullied at the park? Shouldn't I be offended and miffed and fuming?

well, I'm none of those things. Maybe I just see getting pushed down at the park as a learning experience. "Life sucks Anna, get used to it" maybe I'm just not one of those "Helicopter" parents that's always hovering around to keep kids from doing anything. As we drove out of the parking lot I thought to tell Anna "Don't expect boys to change as they get older."

I don't think there is a point here, but you read it anyway.

PS. If you want the story to get a little deeper, when the boys first came in, the future offender ran over to me as he saw my little baggie of cereal treats. I gave him some. Three minutes later he came back for some more. His parents were embarrassed but I was totally ok with it. I will always buy the affection of children with candy and attention. Three minutes after that he pushed Anna over.

Post #277

The other day Ben commented that he liked Anna's hair down and natural, he thought she would look weird with clips and things making it point straight up. So while he was at the store I put many bobby pins in her hair to make a mowhawk.

This was just version 1.0, after I changed her clothes and had to do it again, it was much better. Ben was not a fan. This is what he decided would look better.

The "Newsie" look.


On an unrelated note, the flowers in our yard have started blooming. I had no concept, we moved in in August, so we have never seen this yard maxed out. The yard is thick with Irises of every color. They are everywhere, and apparently they are really easy to take care of, drought resistant and etc. which is good because we don't have a sprinkler system.
The Iris is named for the Goddess of the Rainbow, it is also what the Fleur de Lis is based on. So I think I will name our house "The Irises" (It's very "Thousand Oaks" isn't it?)

these rust ones are my favorite

beautiful clover flowers

Just Like the Good Old Days...sort of.

I have been remarkably happy all day. The obstacles to this were (in no particular order): A fussy baby (teething probably), no car, no phone in the afternoon, no Ben (school started again).

Nevertheless, I found joy in the little things. Like a generous naptime wherein I was able to shower, water the plants in the front yard, clean out a potential sandbox, and read "Zippy" while sitting in the sun and watering the grass. Later it was hanging Anna's laundry outside on a makeshift clothesline in the hot sun, watching little leaguers across the fence as I took down the laundry, not watching too much TV or spending too much time online. Actually getting things done.

Still, my house still looks like a baby tornado came through (which I think did) and Anna and I will probably split a box of Mac N Cheese for dinner. It just feels good to not be accountable for my time today, except to myself (and Anna to a lesser degree).

PS, if you are Dad and reading this, we need to call AT&T together, if you are not Dad, but know if and where I could find him tomorrow, please let me know - but not by phone (or text)

Catch!

So Ben left with Anna this morning, giving me 2 FREE HOURS! I can't even believe it. So I thought I would do something on this blog so that you might remember us.
I think I use this blog more as like a google reader, because it updates every time someone updates their blog, so I never update my own, I just check it 30 times a day to see if any of you have updated yours. and I always read them. but never comment. I'm sorry.

Looking back on the week, yesterday we planted our vegetables. You may remember that I covered the vegetable garden bed with chicken wire to deter cats. Well, that means we had to cut holes in the chicken wire for each plant. ouch. 6 tomatoes, 3 peppers, 2 zucchini. did you realize that zucchini has two c's? I didn't.

Monday was a fabulous day, and I am so grateful to everyone who helped make it so. I really enjoyed all of it.

Sunday was Mother's Day/Beetle's farewell. I was excited to see everyone show up and totally forget about Mother's Day.

In conclusion, and to mend any fences I may have injured in this post, I give you this totally legitimate commercial that Rainn Wilson linked to on twitter.

Withdrawal

I'm suffering from cellular withdrawal. My phone must have gotten swine flu because yesterday, it started acting funny and eventually we were unable to keep it away from the light. Ben even drove up to Salt Lake to the iphone store, but they said it was out of warranty, so we said good night.

Now I find myself instinctively grabbing at my pocket to turn on some music, or take a picture, or text someone. Alas, each time I am reminded of the departed. So we must move upward and onward.

Maybe Beetle will let me use her phone when she leaves.