Aug. 31, 2009 - The only thing I can predict is that life is unpredictable...
Ok, the title sounds so serious -- really, this post will be light-hearted...but, let me tell you, it has been a rather rough day in the trenches....and it's only 3:37 pm! In fact, I should probably be interacting with my children, but I just need a break, so I'm going to risk a little insanity while I melt away into the parallel world that this blog sometimes is for me...
Last week, I had cooperative, excited kids. This led to an excited, energetic mom.
Today has seen the total replacement of cooperative with behavior that can only be described as "monster-like". Well, not completely...but, I would say, percentage-wise, it's been 35 percent good behavior, 80 percent bad. (And yes, I do know that adds up to more than 100 percent. That's just how I roll....)
However, as I try to do, I have discovered little gems even in this day -- when my 2 year old has not napped (and thus, neither have I) -- my 5 year old has called me "a mean jerk" -- and my 3 year old has whined about a snack for 45 minutes, after eating 2 bites of lunch. Auuuuurgh!
But, the 2 year old is still happy, relaxed, and relatively un-whiny, despite no nap. In fact, even though he just used our new school markers to color all over himself (he is naked right now, did I mention that? Did I also mention I'm not sure how or when that happened?), and peed on the floor as he giggled up at me -- I can handle happy-crazy-toddler. Whiny-tired-irritated-toddler might be pressing it right now.
I got a "tea time" snack ready for us just a few moments ago, to the happiness of all involved. I assigned 5 year old to clean up a toy set, our Mass Kit, before snack. He couldn't find all the little squishy foam hosts, and was about to pitch a fit. "I think they're inside the coin pig," I offered. They were. "Wow, mom, you really DO know where everything in our house is!" said the jubilant Espen. "Not so bad for a mean jerk, am I?" I said, playfully. Really, it was playful. But, I did want to make a point. And he totally got it. He said immediately, "Mom, I'm really sorry for calling you that. I was mad. But that is a really mean thing to say." I hugged him, and thanked him for his apology.
Okay, and how about the 3 year old? Where are his little gems? Throughout the day, we have read several stories. He did fantastically well and was very enthusiastic about his morning lessons. He retained, by sight, several new letters we'd been working on last week. He has helped clean up, and has done alright playing with his little brother. He's probably the gemmiest gem of the day -- and I love him. I had written last time of his crankiness. Yep, it's still present, especially around 3 pm (perhaps this is a hint from the Lord we need to be saying the Divine Mercy chaplet as a family?????) But, we're working through it. God is helping me to be patient. Thanks for your prayers, too!
Back to the grind --
Thanks for reading our little slice of life. God bless!
Comment
Sep. 2, 2009 - Hi
Posted by chris36
I can definitely relate to days like those. But, I admire you for being able to focus on the positive things. That helps.
Love,
Chris
Sep. 9, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by OldSchoolMarm
I hope all is going a bit smoother for you :-). Thanks for visiting and your comment, it's always nice to see you dropped by.
Blessings and hope your week has been wonderfully productive! Julie
