tantrum tuesday

I had the morning all planned out. Shoprite, post office, then off to drive by the dance studio to explain to Sarah why she was not going to dance class today. She has been misbehaving in class, so I thought that seeing the other girls arrive to class would shock her into understanding that I was not kidding around. She needs to check the behavior or her dancing career is over, at the tender age of 4. I know it sounds awfully mean, but this is her second year dancing, and this problem is a new one.

So, we picked up a few things at Shoprite, were I forgot something that I needed. Then, in the rain, JR threw a fit not wanting to get into the carseat and I sat, outside in the rain with him for 35 minutes. Moms walking by smiling, happy it was me and not them. Every time I tried to get him into the car he arched his back, screamed "NNNOOOOOOO" and being a strong little sucker, there was no use fighting him. So we sat, and sat, and sat some more. Finally I felt strong enough to hold in the seat while buckling each side with a somewhat free hand, trying to not to think about how he sounded like I was beating him and it seemed that millions of people were walking by, very slowly.

Now, I skipped the post office, for obvious reasons and drove onto the dance studio. Class had already been in session for a 1/2 hour, so I pointed out parents' cars, which Sarah knew, and made sure she understood her friends were dancing today, while she was not. Then I threw in a little bribe for her good behavior for next week. A new Barbie doll (which I already have for her.) If she didn't love dancing so much I would just let it be and not take her anymore, but she is obsessed! All day, all night, everything dance and ballet and tap! So, we'll see how it goes next week, if not, hubby & I end up with an extra $60/month to save for a rainy day.

holiday challenge

The holiday buzz has begun. This time of year makes me feel warm inside and happy to hug all my family and friends. It also makes me think much more of the families that do not have much. I clean up my kid's rooms and I think of children that don't have many toys to play with or warm clothes to wear. So I went through my closet. My foyer closet which contains coats. Many, many coats. I found 3 that I haven't worn in years. That I will probably never wear. So, they will be donated today. I always donate the kid's outgrown clothes. I always go through the things that I don't want anymore. But, to find something that perhaps can be useful to someone else in the cold weather, that makes me feel good. An outdated sequined belt? Not so helpful I'm thinking to someone trying to just make it through the day.

So the challenge to all is to find one coat, one item that will warm someone else up for the season and donate it now. I promise it will warm your heart too.

new definitions?

this is what spooning is in our house.....

tempers flaring, camera's clicking

A temper tantrum broke loose and I felt at that moment, no coping skills at all. How do I contend with a 2 year old on a rampage? So I did what I could - I took out the camera and his tears turned into almost a smile and a quiet "cheese!"

The greatest painted pumkins

The greatest painted pumpkins

by Sarah, age 4

These are our pumpkins.

Our pumpkins are painted in lots of different colors.

Mommy & Daddy will see them when we go home.

They are washable paints & we painted very carefully.

Our pumpkins are done.

We did it very neatly.

trick, or treat?

WE HOPE YOU HAD LOTS OF TREATS, AND NOT TOO MANY TRICKS!!