IKEA - Like Father, Like Sons
Published August 27, 2010 @ 15:21 in Amazing Kids
We have been spending some time this week rearranging the boys room. The boys share a room, and we had bought bunk beds that also work as separate beds a few years ago.
Son Two, thinking himself mature as he enters grade three, has asked for a desk in his room. The idea of sending him to his room to do his homework instead of fighting with him to do his home at the kitchen table while I am making dinner, really, really appeals to me.
We spent a few minutes searching through the IKEA catalogue and online, and decided on the Micke Desk with shelf and the Moses chair.
Today we ventured to IKEA to make the purchase. First, we waited in the longest line-up that I had ever seen at IKEA for lunch. And they no longer serve chicken buddies as a kids meal.
After lunch we walked around, and around, and around until we came to the desks and chairs. Then Daughter needed to pee, and needed to go all the way back to the IKEA restaurant for the washroom.
Looking at the desks I decided that the Micke with the top part looked too small and childish. Instead, I picked out the Micke large two person side-by-side version which actually seems sort of perfect for both boys. I then told them that the only chairs that would work with with the desk were the cheap ones, but they could each choose a colour. They also each chose a garbage can on their way out (luckily only $2.99 so I didn't really care that they couldn't agree on a colour.)
We are home now, and the desk is sitting in the back of the minivan waiting for Daddy to come home from work.
The boys, however, have brought in their chairs and put them together. Completely by themselves without my help.
Now, there are many adults I know who are afraid of the IKEA directions and their lack of language, but the boys worked together (shock of shockers) and had the chairs assembled in less than 10 minutes. I just had to remind them to put the plastic in the garbage and recycle the cardboard.
Soon they will have a lovely IKEA desk set up in bedroom. And soon they will be back and school and back to homework.
 Article Permalink  0 Comments
Summer Love
Published August 27, 2010 @ 00:14 in Being Mommy
I've fallen in love a few times this summer. No, this isn't a secret from my Husband. He knows that I am a hopeless romantic, and fall in and out of love with the seasons.
This summer, I have fallen in love twice.
First, I fell in love with knitting. There is something amazing about creating something beautiful and wearable with my own two hands. I have my Nana to thank for teaching me to knit 31 years ago. I was probably a lousy student, but I have that desire to create and so I came back to knitting, and now am spending far too much time planning future projects. So far this summer I have knit a scarf (yes, summer...) a baby blanket, and two hats (yes, summer! I know, I know...)
Unfortunately, not only have I fallen for knitting, but I have fallen for purchasing yarn online. KnitPicks. I've learned that there is knitter slang, "SABLE: Stash Amassed Beyond Life Expectancy." Stash, for those of you who can't guess, is the yarn. Yes, this actually means that you have so much yarn, and so many projects planned, that you couldn't possibly finish them all before you die... Pleasant thought.
My other new summer love is tea. But not just any tea. Life Long Oolong from David's Tea. Again, in the spring if you would have told me that I would amass a stash of tea that I may not be able to drink before death (or before it goes bad) I wouldn't have believed you. In fact, I didn't even own a kettle a month ago. Seriously!
But now it is tea and knitting, knitting and tea. Iced tea. Hot tea.
Tea whilst knitting.
Currently, I am using some "stash" to make a dress for Daughter. For the record, because I tend to be a "loose" knitter (no comments, please!) it took me no fewer than 9 tries to get going on the dress! Now I am finally on my way. She wants me to finish so she can wear it to the first day of school. Hate to tell her, but it may not happen...
Ah, summer love. Question - will you still be there for me when the leaves start to fall and the sky turns grey?
Article Permalink 0 Comments
Hasbro Toys Event - Part 1
Published August 24, 2010 @ 17:24 in Amazing Kids
Today the kids and I attended a Hasbro Holiday toy event. The kids were invited to take a look at some of the new toys coming out this fall for Christmas. Yes, somewhere, someone is already thinking of Christmas shopping (and someone really crazy may have already even started their purchasing!)
My first thought when we were invited was to say no. Not because I don't like attending events with my kids, but they have been crazy this summer and I was concerned that they could follow the "rules" of the day.
For days I have been preparing them:
- No fighting
- No yelling
- No grabbing
- No throwing
- No fighting (yes, always on the list at least twice)
- No purchasing
- No taking
- No breaking
Yep. Lots of "NO"s. Perhaps a better parent would have been focusing instead on the positive, what they could do, not what they couldn't. But I really just wanted them to get out of their without wrecking the place and embarrassing me. I did try to make them think that playing with toys that weren't even in stores yet was pretty neat, but we settled on it being an opportunity to write an early Christmas list. Very early.
My plan was to leave extra early so that we were not in a rush. Of course, we were rushed. And I was confused about parking downtown (almost parked in a tow-away zone that turned into street parking at 6 pm.) And the kids don't walk as fast as I do. And I wasn't sure exactly were I was going, though I had the address and had googled and mapquested it. Twice.
But we arrived, on time, slightly out of breath, and sweaty.
The representatives were amazing, and the kids loved playing with all of the toys. Son One even loved the preschool toys and girl toys.
Daughter, predictably, latched on to Baby Alive, and decided that I needed to make sure that her Christmas list asked for two. The boys liked this crazy Nerf machine gun thing, and an amazing Tonka Monster Ricochet Truck.
I will review some of the toys that I loved and I think would make great gifts this Christmas in another post. Yes, I took notes.
Daughter, aged four, was the only one of the three who really complained when leaving because she just didn't understand why we couldn't just buy the Baby Alive now. I mean, they were new and just sitting there in their boxes! She "pleased" and "pretty pleased" and even "por favoured" all of the women there at least 20 times. I am sure another 20 and they would have caved just to get her out of there.
They did leave us with a goody-bag. The kids were thrilled. And I was please that we made it through the morning without reining supreme chaos on a downtown office.
Article Permalink 0 Comments
Tune up for School - checking the "eyes"
Published August 23, 2010 @ 17:49 in Amazing Kids, Being Mommy
Last week I took Son Two and Daughter for an eye check-up. This was Daughter's first, and Son Two's second, and I thought it would be something good for her to do before starting school, and for Son Two to be ready for reading off the board in Grade One.
Neither Husband nor I wear glasses (I had a brief stint with lenses when I was a consultant, but I think it was more staring at laptop screen for 14 hours a day that caused eye fatigue) so I assume that my children won't need them; heredity, right?
Both of our moms do wear glasses, and all four of our sisters, too (though both of Husband's sisters and my mom have now had surgery to correct their vision.)
Most moms have heard that newborns have notoriously bad eyesight (I've heard as bad as 20/200). That is why breastfeeding is great because they can focus 12 - 18 inches from their faces, and high contrast images, like black and white, also help babies focus.
Moms also have vision changes during pregnancy and breast feeding, as the hormone changes can soften the cornea and change your vision.
Daughter is Four, and her vision was about 20/30; this is considered normal for her age and will likely improve to 20/20 by the time she is six.
Son Two was tested and had 20/15 vision, though it is possibly better just we didn't test further.
20/20 vision is a sort of baseline. It means that what a "normal" person can read on an eye chart at 20 feet. Therefor, son's 20/15 means that what a person with "normal" vision can read on an eye chart at 15 feet, he can read a 20 feet.
Son Two tried to help me, whose vision is worsening with age according to my Optometrist. He was yelling out the answers, like "D! Mom! It is a D!" Lucky for me our optometrist also has sons his age and wasn't too perturbed by the disturbance.
My vision, while still 20/20, is worsening. The Dr. told me to come back in 5 years for reading glasses and asked if I was finding it harder to drive and see at night... HMMMM...
Article Permalink 0 Comments
Wonderland - NOT JUST FOR KIDS!
Published August 23, 2010 @ 15:44 in Kids Activities, Loving Daddy
Saturday was Husband's 38th birthday.
I wanted us to do something fun, and since the kids were committed to visiting grandparents for the weekend, I suggested Paramount Canada's Wonderland. When I was a teen, it was just, "WONDERLAND." When did it become such a mouthful?
We arrived at Wonderland, and learned that if we bought 2011 Season's Passes for $59.99 plus HST, then we would get in for FREE that day (not until the end of the season, which I thought was the offer last time we purchased late in the season).
I've always loved roller coasters, and driving up and down the 400 I knew that I was going to try the Behemoth.
The first ride we went on was Flight Deck. This was also the LONGEST line up that day in the park. HATED IT! My ears got bashed around so much, that the sign recommending that you removed your earrings actually made sense, DUH!
The next ride was the Sledge Hammer. Here we saw a guy in line get taken out by a flying iphone. Yep, came flying right out of someone's pocket on the ride, hit him in the eye, and he went down and stayed down. OUCH!
Next was the Behemoth. LOVED IT! Scared because you actually don't feel like you are being held in at all. Plus the cars and coaster look to me like something that may have been designed by Dr. Suess. I don't recommend this ride for my kids - yet.
Husband really wanted to try that one near the entrance where they hoist you up and you sort of fly - sort of like a bungee jump swing thing. Birthday or not, I really, really couldn't talk myself into it.
He insisted on the DropZone. The only good things about that ride are the short line, and that it only lasts 4 seconds. Four seconds of sheer terror, but still only four seconds.
Finally, we shared a funnel cake; this was the first one ever for both of us.
Getting tired, we decided to ride the Behemoth one more time (yes, after the funnel cake). They were calling for thunderstorms so they said that certain rides and attractions would be shut down. Funnily enough, the Behemoth, at 230 feet likely in my mind the first thing to be struck by lightening, was not shut down.
It was a great date, but we were so exhausted that Husband feel asleep half way through the movie we rented, "the men who stare at goats."
Happy Birthday Sweetheart! Love ya.
Article Permalink 0 Comments
Peeing In the Park
Published August 18, 2010 @ 13:58 in Being Mommy, My Rules
Can someone please explain to me why every time I take my children to the park, I have to witness two or three other children PEEING in the bushes????
UGH!
Am I the only one who finds this disgusting?
I know that parents will try to tell me that it is "natural" "convenient" or "well - they really had to go!" but today I witnesses two children peeing mere steps away from public washrooms! Yes, in one case the public bathroom wasn't pristine, but it was clean, bright and well stocked, and in the other case it was less than 15 feet from the doors of a very nice community centre.
Yes, I know that boys can just whip it out and pee anyway, but that doesn't mean that they have to, right? I mean, in a MODERN, CIVILIZED SOCIETY we have toilets for a reason.
I've had playdates pee in my backyard. Seriously parents? Of course I blame the parents! Someone has told and/or modeled that it is OK to pee anywhere, anytime.
Maybe I don't understand, not having the parts and the freedom. And yes, I am sure that my boys have, on occasion, peed against a tree.
But in public parks? Near playgrounds? Yuck! Not to mention the creeps hanging out in the trees around the playground watching your little ones "wee" (yes, they do!)
PLEASE parents, show some consideration for others. Teach you children about privacy, civil rules, common decency and proper bathroom briquette. And stop grossing the rest of us out.
Today Daughter pointed and yelled, "LOOK AT THAT BOY PEEING OVER THERE!" Neither mother nor child looked at all chagrined.
Article Permalink 0 Comments
Skateboarding Camp
Published August 18, 2010 @ 10:05 in Kids Activities
Son One is at a skateboarding camp this week, and he loves it!
Son One tends to be a little fearful and timid when trying new things - especially when there is a potential for injury. He isn't fearless like his siblings. Actually, Son Two is a scaredy-cat when it comes to rollercoaster and waterslides, so maybe each kid just has their thing.
Who knew that there were some many different and amazing camp options out there? Whatever your child's interest, you can find something for them. AND it works out well because you are not committing to a year of an activity, just a week. So if they aren't as interested as they think, they don't have to go back!
In Toronto I find camps fill up rather early. Our favourites this summer have been this skateboard camp, the ROM camp for Son Two, and Swansea Tennis camp (our third year at both ROM and Swansea).
Yes, I called Sick Kids Hospital and ensured that their best orthopedic surgeon wasn't on holidays before I signed Son One up for this week. The camp requires helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards. They also work with kids a lot and really seem to know what they are doing!
Next week we don't have any camps scheduled. This means that Mommy and Kids will get to sleep in. YEAH! Maybe Monday will be our Pajama Day.
Article Permalink 0 Comments
Little Bee - By Chris Cleave
Published August 17, 2010 @ 11:23 in Being Mommy
Just picked up this book, and can't put it down! I am torn between wanting to read it as quickly as possible to find out the story, and reading and savouring every beautiful word and phrase.
Little Bee is a rare gem. I hadn't heard anything about this book, but picked it up on a whim when visiting Chapters on Saturday. I was intrigued by the lack of story information about the book, and thought that the only way to get in on the secret was to read it. Apparently I have missed all of the media attention.
The last book that has pulled my like this was, The Book Thief.
I keep putting Little Bee down just to absorb! Amazing.
I don't want to let you know what happens. I want to you to read this book, and experience if for yourself. Already there have been tears, and I am just starting... WOW.
Article Permalink 0 Comments
Gardening Woes
Published August 14, 2010 @ 07:23 in Around the House
Every morning, I walk outside in my nightgown, and check my vegetables.
Yes, perhaps I am turning into that crazy women wearing her nightgown around, but it is only my backyard...
If the vegetables look good, then I send Son Two out to take a look. Out of the three of the kids, he is most interested and likes the idea of "harvesting." I am sure he gets that from his ex-farmer dad.
This morning I put my coffee on and headed out. Here are my issues:
1) My tomatoes are all green! We have had TWO orange tomatoes so far. I have a ROMA tomato that is softball size and ready to fall off the vine, but has been green for weeks. Why aren't my tomatoes turning orange? They are in sun, and we've had tomatoes in that part of the garden before. UGH! (NOTE: No one in our house actually eats tomatoes, so it isn't that big of a deal... but it is getting frustrating! I did want to try to make homemade sauce.)
2) My cucumbers are all U-shaped. And one side of the U - closest to the vine - gets big and the other side stays skinny. Hmpf.
3) I have two of the world's tiniest green peppers. When they will grow into beautiful red peppers so I can make fajitas, no one knows. The last pepper "fell" off the plant before it turned colour (perhaps with a little help from the harvester in the family - though he denies it!)
Looking out at my garden, I see lovely paving stone, a hot tub flowing into a pool... yes, I am dreaming. But you don't have to worry about stone or water turning orange, right?
Article Permalink 0 Comments
What are you good at?
Published August 12, 2010 @ 23:01 in Amazing Kids, Being Mommy
I am lying in bed, sad for myself. After you read this, I give you permission to feel sorry for me, too.
I was putting Son Two to sleep. He is slightly feverish and has a cold, and asked that I lay down with him. No problem, sweetheart.
Unfortunately, he has watched Degrassi with me, and has lots of questions about Adam/Gracie Torres and the boy/girl. Of course, I had to explain. You see, we are all born the way we are. We are all different. We don't get to choose things about ourselves, like eye colour, height, hair colour. Some boys like boys, and some boys like girls. And some girls like girls. So you can't pick on someone because of the way that they are, because they didn't choose that. Except if they are mean, because you choose to be mean. But we have to appreciate people for who they are and what they can do. Some people are smart, some people are athletic. Some people are really good friends. (By the way, if you could follow all of the tangents of this discussion, then I assume that you have some experience explaining complicated and sensitive topics to a six year old who may or may not really care, or may just be asking questions to postpone falling asleep.)
I pointed out to Son Two things about him that he "just is," like smart, and great with numbers, and athletic - a good lacrosse player and an amazing hockey player.
Then I made a mistake. I asked Son Two what he thinks Mommy is good at, expecting answers like reading (I am world-class consumer of fiction), baking (cakes and cookies), knitting, even driving.
Son Two: Ummm... I don't know anything that you are good at.
Silence. Too shocked to respond. Good at nothing? Really? He has known me for 6 1/2 years and can't think of a single thing? Come on! He could have at least said something lame (yet sweet) like, "You are a good mommy!"
He notices my silence, and realizes that his answer may not have been exactly what I was looking for. He tries again.
Son Two: Well, I haven't seen you do everything yet.
Thanks honey. I bet if I asked him what Daddy is good at, he would have lots of things to tell me about. Unfortunately, he has fallen asleep and I am on my own to list good things about myself.
Article Permalink 0 Comments
Daughter's Haircut
Published August 11, 2010 @ 08:14 in Amazing Kids, Kids Activities
Daughter finally got a real haircut, with a real hairdresser!
I was getting my hair done on Monday afternoon, and she claimed that she wanted hers cut as well. I was pretty excited - besides the time she cut her own hair last year, she hasn't had a haircut at all. Yes, a bit of a mop-top, but I love her all-day-bed-head look! It really works for her.
She came with me to my hairdresser, where she was pampered! Watching cartoons while I got my colour painted on (yes, I do colour my hair... now everyone knows!) and then Oreo Cookies and milk. Snacks? Well, I guess I get a cappuccino. And of course since her brothers get a lollipop as they leave the barbers, so did she get to pick a lollipop on her way out the door!
Daughter was pretty good sitting in the chair, though stillness isn't easy for her, and he took a few inches off in the back to really even it out. Plus he trimmed her bangs, and she loved it! While lounging in the stylist's chair, she sighed, "this is the life!" Hmmm... am I raising a spoiled princess? I'll let you know after our pedicures and shopping today.
Of course, nothing is more important about getting your hair done than the reactions of the males in your household. Son Two is not one to disappoint.
Me: How do you like my hair cut?
Son Two: You got your hair cut? I couldn't tell. It looks the same to me.
Me: You are growing up to be just like your father, aren't you?
Son Two: Huh?
Daughter is flouncing around showing off her new style, and I am thrilled that she finally let some who knows what he is doing cut her hair. Her fear that "haircuts" mean clippers and a barber shop seem to be behind her. Soon she will be requesting haircuts!
Article Permalink 0 Comments
New Baby Boy!
Published August 10, 2010 @ 09:17 in
While I was posting that last entry, my sister-in-law was giving birth to a baby boy!
That is all of the information we have right now. Congratulations!
Article Permalink 0 Comments
Where Babies Come Out
Published August 10, 2010 @ 09:02 in Amazing Kids, Being Mommy
Daughter is talking about babies. She loves them, and as one of her aunts is due any minutes with baby number four (yes, some people don't know when to stop - JOKE!) it is all daughter can talk about.
Actually conversation on the ride home from dropping her brother off at camp:
Daughter: This baby is either going to be a girl or a boy baby, right?
Me: Correct.
Daughter: So it will be a she or a he.
Me: Right.
Daughter: I know where babies come out.
Me: (concerned that I have to have this conversation with a four year old. I a mean - it is not even 9 am yet! Urgh!) Where do babies come out? (Yes, I had to ask.)
Daughter: Babies come out of the hospital! That's where you got us, right?
Me: (too shocked and relieved to do anything but laugh!)
Daughter: Mommy? Why are you laughing?
OK, now I know that I should correct her assumption that I just went and somehow picked her up at the hospital, but I really feel like I've dodged a bullet with this one, and I haven't had breakfast yet so I didn't want to get into the talk anyway. I know that next time I won't be so lucky.
Article Permalink 0 Comments
|
Entry Feed