Rectangles vs. Circles

So, I don't know who has the magic recipe for getting children to work. The only magic I can find that really works with my kids is the kind that jingles. Therefore, today when I wanted the kids to clean their room (it was at red alert level) I offered them money for each job that they completed. "Mom," Ben asked "are you going to give us the rectangle money or the circle money?"
"Uhh. . . the circle money."
"Ah, man!"
Apparently Ben has been learning some math in school. He finally figured out that quarters aren't the best things there is. Good thing school is out for the summer. Maybe he'll forget and go back to getting excited over the circle money . . . maybe.

Kindergarten Graduation for Ben

What could be more important than kindergarten graduation? Ben made it through his first year of school and he did it with style all his own. He isn't my little boy anymore (he reminds me of that every time I try to smother him with my motherly affection). He is energetic as any boy could be, but his heart of gold stays true. He is a wonderful big brother and a vital part of our family function. I have missed him this year. I always thought it would be a relief to have one less kid at home. Instead I discovered that I had to take on extra when it came to Rachel and Emily. Ben really takes care of them well. I will be glad to have him home for the summer. Congrats to Ben for surviving kindergarten. We love you!

HUH?

Huh? That and a whole lot of stifled laughter is what came out of my mouth when I read a little essay that Ben brought home today. See if you can pick out why I am left confused.



You guessed it. I was somewhat surprised to discover that Ben's grandparents all died. What a tragedy. I called Nathan and read it to him (secretly so Ben couldn't hear us) and we both had a jolly laugh. Poor dead grandparents. (I think he was probably referring to his great grandparents. We don't use the word grandparents too often.)

What Boys Dream About

I shook Ben awake this morning. He opened his eyes and looked around, then heaved a sigh. "I was having the best dream last night."

"What was your dream about?"

"I was a hot wheels car and I was racing another hot wheels."

"Wow. Pretty cool."

"Yea."

Boys have the best dreams.

Four!

Some of you may be surprised to hear that Nate and I golf. Well, to tell you the truth, I am practically a pro. I did take a golf class during the summer of 1996. So, for our date on Saturday, we decided to go to the driving range at Cascade Springs. Surprisingly, even after twelve years, I still remembered how to hold the club and swing. Unfortunately, 90% of my hits went straight into the fence next to the driving range. Oh well. There is more good news. Nathan sucks at golf too(95% of his hits went into the fence) so we are on even ground. I think we will go play a round soon, just because there is a remote chance I might actually beat him at something and I love to rub it in when that happens.

(The next morning.)

Nathan said I lied on my last blog and that I have to come clean. When I said he hit the fence 95% of the time that may have been a small exaggeration. He did hit the fence some of the time. He also hit some that were pretty darn good. Sorry husband. I just want to look good. :) I still think I might be able to beat you on the golf course though.

My Favorite Day of the Year

I woke up this morning to a baby's cry . . . and the knowledge that I didn't have to take care of it. I heard the call of "I'm hungry." I just stayed in bed, while Nate closed the bedroom door. I smelled the aroma of french toast wafting up the stairs and I just waited for it to be brought to me. The kids were rowdy in church and I took Emily for a walk outside. We went on a picnic and Nathan got all the food ready. The kids are crying downstairs giving Nathan a miserable time and I am up here writing this blog. Will I end my Mother's Day early and help him out? I don't think so. Happy Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day to My Mom!

A mother's job never ends. I can attest to that. In January I had to have surgery. Nathan's parents and my parents dropped everything and came right up to Ogden. I was really grateful for all of them, but I got the most comfort from my mom. I know, I am 32 years old. I should have grown out of needing a mom, right? Well, I haven't. When my mom got there I was just starting to wake up. She came over and took my hand and and stood by me for awhile. I don't remember much about that day, but I remember that because it brought me so much peace. So to my mom I say, I love you and yes, I still need you. Happy Mother's Day!

Looking Forward to Mother's Day

"Rachel, go brush your hair."
"I don't want to." You'll just have to imagine the whine in her voice.
"Well, do you want to brush it or do you want mommy to brush it."
"I want you to do it."
"O.k. Then go get the brush off my vanity."
"I don't want to."
"Rach, you just don't want to do anything, do you?"
"Well, it's not mother's Day you know."

Safety Check

We went to the kids safety fair yesterday. It was out of sight. We saw a life flight helicopter take off, scaled a climbing wall, and toured a bus, fire engine, and an ambulance. The scary part was the fire house. The kids went in without me to learn about fire safety. Inside, they also taught them what to do in case of a fire. They even had fake smoke fill the house for effect. As they filed out of the house I heard the cry of sweet little Benjamin. "What's wrong?"
"I got really scared."
Then Rachel chimed in "I wasn't scared." Her face was positively beaming.

Ben's a T-Ball Man

Ben had his first T-ball practice yesterday. At first he hated it because the coach posted him at first base while other kids hit the ball. "Why am I standing here?" he asked. I tried to explain the finer points of the game to him, but failed because I am his mother not his father. As soon as he got to hit the ball and run the bases he loved it. When I asked him what his favorite part was he said "They gave me a shirt and a hat." Yes, T-ball is cool.

It's Just Nature!

I was looking out the window, watching my children play gleefully in the water this afternoon. Then something crossed my line of vision. I took a closer look. Oh, it was just another fire bug. They are visiting us by the hundreds this time of year. I watched the little bug make his way along the screen to the next fire bug. On closer inspection I noticed there were many fire bugs frolicking along on my screen. . . and it's mating season. Well. . . it's just nature I thought.

My children continued playing in the backyard. Ok, it's Sunday, and I know we are heathens, but they were playing in the sprinklers. We have this neat sprinkler that shoots a rocket into the air. Rachel was bending over getting a drink from a soft arch of falling water coming from the sprinkler, when suddenly, Ben turned up the water full blast. "That wasn't nice!" Rachel screamed with as much feeling as she could muster. "I was just playing a little joke." Ben kicked his feet in the grass, a smile playing across his lips, looking like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Brother's love to torment their sisters. It's just nature.

Emily finally went down for a nap. I was fiercely guarding the doorway into the house, trying to assure her at least an hour of good sleep. Each time a child would cross the line from outdoors to indoors I would get up in a huff and say "Shhhh. Emily is sleeping. Go back outside." Hence my quiet time was spent worrying about losing it. I worry about things way too much. It's just nature.