My Sis-in-law Cambrey, has been a bit under the weather with various events that have happened recently, so I decided to ask her and Hayden (her son) out for breakfast. Tarryn and Makade were kidnapped (with permission) early this morning by my other sis-in-law to go to a Mountain Man Rendezvous and would be gone the entire day.
My heart was in the right place; how naively I thought, What could be more fun that two temporarily single moms with their toddlers out for a morning meal at a happy breakfast spot like IHOP? Go ahead. Roll your eyes. You probably see what's coming and wonder how I could've been so blind.
We sit down, we start to color, a crayon gets broken, it's no longer fun to color if the crayons are broken. So......we start to bounce, (we as in a 2 and 3 year old, okay, mostly the 3 year old) then climb on mom's back (mostly the 2 year old), then play with utensils (3 year old). We finally place our orders and are told drinks are on the way. Well....., the baby wants his fair share of play and since he's strapped in a high chair, he'll find some way to have fun "gall darn-it" so he starts squealing to his content. Too bad the firemen sitting in a booth across from us didn't find content as Corban starts replicating Kellan's squeal.
"Who can make a silly face?!" I shout in an attempt to gain control over the chaos. Apparently, silly faces are only fun for about 20 seconds, so we start to make animal sounds. Firemen still don't look like they are enjoying their outing (or ours). I take Kellan out of his seat so he will want to stay seated once his food comes. Drinks come. Hayden has a yellow straw and REALLY wants a green straw but we sit (sorta) quietly for a moment.
"Drink" I casually say to Cambrey as Hayden's lidded drink falls onto the booth seat.
"DRINK!" Cambrey responds as Kellan takes my (mildly) hot chocolate and dumps it over the both of us. Commence the fury of napkin grabbing, Kellan crying, waitress and bus-boy bringing wet cloths and dry cloths, Corban lecturing, "Mom, what you do?", firemen inwardly vowing to let us burn if the building is set on fire. Ah.....the food is here!
Hayden and Kellan don't seem to want anything that is on their plate, in fact Hayden still wants a green straw. So we get that desirable colored straw and give him Kellan's pancakes. By this point, I'm just trying to get us fed and out of IHOP which now stands for Instant Humiliation Of Parents. So I order yogurt for Kellan who shouts for more after each bite as I am trying to also shovel french toast in my mouth, eggs in Corban's using my left hand while using my right hand on Kellan. "Who's idea was this?" I ask in-between unattractively large bites. "Definitely yours," is Cambrey's reply with the promise/threat "And it's the last time too!" Once we can no longer take it, we leave with half full plates on the table, 3 filthy & whiny children, and immensely mortified temporarily single moms with shame written across their entire person.
We pay with children running around taking beanie babies (strategically placed at children's reach for vending purposes *sick, sick IHOP people!*) and throwing them at each other. We head toward the door, (is it just me? Are they cheering for our departure?) and leave.
Cambrey, you're right. Never again! Once was too much!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Embrace your fears
Brandon's been gone for 3 weeks with one teeny little break in between. Usually during the first week while he is gone, I find loads of fun things for us to do and the kids are super cooperative. Then the second week comes along and I'm wearing down so the kids start taking orders less serious such as, "Make your bed" or "Please hang up your back-pack." By the third week, I've completely lost the battle and I've got absolute rebellion on my hands. Bed time gets later and later, dishwasher isn't unloaded unless I've done it myself, and clothing, toys, and various food wrappers are found in the strangest of places.
If the thought of being a single mother to four doesn't scare you, and if the mess isn't overwhelming enough, then you do what any temporarily insane mother does in a moment of weakness. You say, "Yes" to one of your children asking to have a late-night party with a "few" friends to watch a movie on Friday night when it's already Wednesday. Then she asks if we could borrow a projector from a friend and have the movie on big-screen in our back yard.
Thursday rolls around and suddenly invitations are a "must" for my 9 year old (temporarily disowned) daughter. "....And while getting ready to print the invitations the weak and feeble mother looks at her offspring and asks innocently, "How many?" The offspring is aware of the opportunity and goes for the kill...." How many species have you seen on National Geographic where the young actually eat their elders? "And now, back to your regularly scheduled programming."
Needless to say, we had somewhere around 24 children in our backyard. *Counting is super hard as they don't stop moving!* Yet somehow I survived (with the help of my brother and sister-in-law), and strangely (with the fight of my life) I got a clean house out of the deal. So my friends, because I endured this endeavor without many injuries, I say embrace your fears for they make you stronger!
If the thought of being a single mother to four doesn't scare you, and if the mess isn't overwhelming enough, then you do what any temporarily insane mother does in a moment of weakness. You say, "Yes" to one of your children asking to have a late-night party with a "few" friends to watch a movie on Friday night when it's already Wednesday. Then she asks if we could borrow a projector from a friend and have the movie on big-screen in our back yard.
Thursday rolls around and suddenly invitations are a "must" for my 9 year old (temporarily disowned) daughter. "....And while getting ready to print the invitations the weak and feeble mother looks at her offspring and asks innocently, "How many?" The offspring is aware of the opportunity and goes for the kill...." How many species have you seen on National Geographic where the young actually eat their elders? "And now, back to your regularly scheduled programming."
Needless to say, we had somewhere around 24 children in our backyard. *Counting is super hard as they don't stop moving!* Yet somehow I survived (with the help of my brother and sister-in-law), and strangely (with the fight of my life) I got a clean house out of the deal. So my friends, because I endured this endeavor without many injuries, I say embrace your fears for they make you stronger!
Some of the kids getting ready to have a race to get the wiggles out before the movie starts. The ingenious idea of my Sister-in-law, Brittany
Monday, August 25, 2008
Never gets easier
There are moments that touch a mother's heart and they vow to keep the memory tucked away inside a treasure chest in the mind to be cherished forever. The birth of a child, the first time baby says, "Mama", baby's first steps, etc. All of these moments (and more) are always special, but somehow with the next child, the magic has slightly worn off or perhaps your world is engulfed in so much that you forget to soak in the moment. Some of these moments are easily accepted as you bask in the fruits of your labor and you know it's the next step toward your child's independence or individualism, others are welcomed for the change yet not so much for that extra step toward your child's own self-reliance which is where I am right now.
The moment that I'm referring to is the first time they leave the nest to venture out from under your loving wing into another's; whom you've chosen to help teach your child the things you don't feel confident enough to teach them yourself. Yes; I'm talking about the first day of school.
Why is it so hard to pass your sweet child off to someone else to learn not only letters and numbers, but social and adaptive skills. What makes this moment so much harder to let go of your child's hand as they walk into the classroom than when you let go of their hand as they took their first steps? All I know is that with each passing child, this moment never gets easier.
The moment that I'm referring to is the first time they leave the nest to venture out from under your loving wing into another's; whom you've chosen to help teach your child the things you don't feel confident enough to teach them yourself. Yes; I'm talking about the first day of school.
Why is it so hard to pass your sweet child off to someone else to learn not only letters and numbers, but social and adaptive skills. What makes this moment so much harder to let go of your child's hand as they walk into the classroom than when you let go of their hand as they took their first steps? All I know is that with each passing child, this moment never gets easier.
Corban on his very first day of pre-school.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
3/52
Cute Tarryn was wearing the same color of top as me, so she became the candidate for shooting with me today. This was a really fast thing, as I'm a day late AGAIN!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sharp Shooter
What parent doesn't hate that sad and scary day of holding their newborn while they get their first set of shots? The eyes that trust you and sparkle with love for you is enough to want to shout, "Okay! I've changed my mind! Any illness is better than this!!!" Then it's over; the baby trembles in pain and trauma and look at you like they don't understand how you could do such a thing or let such a thing happen.
It gets a teensie-tiny bit easier with each vaccination, and each child. At least, that's what I had thought until Kellan's well-child checkup yesterday. Corban was an angel throughout the visit to the doctor as we weighed, measured, and gave Kellan a look over. The doctor leaves, the nurse comes in and says, "We've now found it's easier to give the shots if you put Kellan on your lap instead of lay him on the table." I think nothing of it, and sit Kellan on my lap.
....In view of my toddler. Who with the first scream from Kellan, looks at me like I've just run over a cat. I'm trying to comfort Kellan and Corban as the next round starts and Corban starts backing away from me as if I've just committed man-slaughter. "I'm feeling bad enough as it is!" I state to Corban as the third and last shot is entering Kellan's leg. By this time Corban is backed in a corner shaking with tear running down his cheek, and clearly more upset than Kellan who has now stopped crying.
We pack up, get our stickers, and leave. As I'm buckling Corban in the car, he finally comes forth with, "Mom, that's so mean you shot Kellan!" Now it's my turn to cry.
It gets a teensie-tiny bit easier with each vaccination, and each child. At least, that's what I had thought until Kellan's well-child checkup yesterday. Corban was an angel throughout the visit to the doctor as we weighed, measured, and gave Kellan a look over. The doctor leaves, the nurse comes in and says, "We've now found it's easier to give the shots if you put Kellan on your lap instead of lay him on the table." I think nothing of it, and sit Kellan on my lap.
....In view of my toddler. Who with the first scream from Kellan, looks at me like I've just run over a cat. I'm trying to comfort Kellan and Corban as the next round starts and Corban starts backing away from me as if I've just committed man-slaughter. "I'm feeling bad enough as it is!" I state to Corban as the third and last shot is entering Kellan's leg. By this time Corban is backed in a corner shaking with tear running down his cheek, and clearly more upset than Kellan who has now stopped crying.
We pack up, get our stickers, and leave. As I'm buckling Corban in the car, he finally comes forth with, "Mom, that's so mean you shot Kellan!" Now it's my turn to cry.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Back to School We Go!
Why is it such a bitter-sweet feeling (okay, slightly more sweet than bitter) to send your children off on their first day of school? Is it the anticipation of hoping it's a good year? That you hope they like their new teacher? Is it the fun clothes? Is it knowing I get a bit more peace in the house for a few hours before homework begins? Not sure. I just know that Tarryn's and Makade's first day was today and we are ready...as prepared as you can be anyway.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Note to self:
Never leave a bowl of noodles within arm's reach of a baby while you are darting to the potty with your toddler.
2/52
I know I'm late, which is NOT a good way to start a commitment. It's especially disappointing once you see how simplistic these *giggle* "portraits" are.
Apologizing now.
It started out that I was going to take pictures of Tarryn and me trying on fun things while we were school clothes shopping yesterday. We ran out of time so I had to come up with something else. ....well, I forgot about it until about 7 this evening. I really didn't want to take a picture to be reminded I could look this frumpy so I thought, "Hey! Corban loves to clomp around in my shoes so we'll take pictures of our feet!" Corban was ALL for it! Heels and Runners. (Kellan even wanted in on the action!) Well, there's only so much you can do with fast feet before they get bored so Corban decided to take over the photography session.
He had me blowing kisses, sticking my tongue out to the right, the left, up to the nose, down on the chin, winks, no winks, etc. Once he realized he wanted to actually be in the pics, I was pulling the ol' ape arm technique and we goofed around for a good 15 minutes; and 83 shots later, these are my second week's results.
Hey, at least they're memories.
No promises, but, better pics next week...I hope!
Apologizing now.
It started out that I was going to take pictures of Tarryn and me trying on fun things while we were school clothes shopping yesterday. We ran out of time so I had to come up with something else. ....well, I forgot about it until about 7 this evening. I really didn't want to take a picture to be reminded I could look this frumpy so I thought, "Hey! Corban loves to clomp around in my shoes so we'll take pictures of our feet!" Corban was ALL for it! Heels and Runners. (Kellan even wanted in on the action!) Well, there's only so much you can do with fast feet before they get bored so Corban decided to take over the photography session.
He had me blowing kisses, sticking my tongue out to the right, the left, up to the nose, down on the chin, winks, no winks, etc. Once he realized he wanted to actually be in the pics, I was pulling the ol' ape arm technique and we goofed around for a good 15 minutes; and 83 shots later, these are my second week's results.
Hey, at least they're memories.
No promises, but, better pics next week...I hope!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Happy Birthday, Beautiful!
Wow; I never thought I'd get this done! Editing the seven minute video of the cake, picking music, going through hundreds of pictures and then realizing how many of your child you DON'T have. (That's what happens when you have your own personal family photographer. *Britt, expect a call on this. ;0))
Anyway, I sincerely hope you enjoy glancing through Kellan's first year, at least half as much as I've enjoyed living it.
Happy Birthday, my beautiful, sweet baby!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Fifty-Two Weeks
Inspiration hits us in the most unique ways, same with the people we meet. In this case, I've done both! Photography is something that I really want to get in to. What better way than to look at other photographer's work? Somehow whilst looking through various photographer's blog sites I stumbled upon a pair of women that have started the most brilliant idea and challenge that I now feel I'm ready to embark upon.
As we all know, our children's albums are filled with their shining faces and glowing personalities. Christmas and birthday pictures are filled with their delight as they open the presents, First day of school pictures have the kids sporting backpacks and new duds, zoo pics, sibling pics, silly pics, rough-housing with dad pics, but they usually are missing something very important in their life. Me.
This is where the challenge comes in. One photo a week, for 52 weeks. One year of pictures with my children. The rules are simple: The photo must include me; all or part doesn't make a difference. One of the children, all of the children, my husband, ...whatever. As long as I am a part of the family album. Although the rules are simple, I know that this may become a challenge in more ways than one as I am forced to accept myself for who I am and post pictures in all my beauty (or lack of) and also reach out and get creative behind the lens, while being in front of the lens. I'll probably have to continue to remind myself (and you) that it's not about the quality of the photo, it's about taking the photo.
I'm excited and a little scared to start this new challenge as it may be hard to stick with for an entire year but I'm certainly going to make an effort! If you'd like to join in on this project with Amy, Jeannette, and me leave me a comment here or email me at summer@myfuller.us and/or plan to come back every Friday to see the most recent picture. Here we go!.........
As we all know, our children's albums are filled with their shining faces and glowing personalities. Christmas and birthday pictures are filled with their delight as they open the presents, First day of school pictures have the kids sporting backpacks and new duds, zoo pics, sibling pics, silly pics, rough-housing with dad pics, but they usually are missing something very important in their life. Me.
This is where the challenge comes in. One photo a week, for 52 weeks. One year of pictures with my children. The rules are simple: The photo must include me; all or part doesn't make a difference. One of the children, all of the children, my husband, ...whatever. As long as I am a part of the family album. Although the rules are simple, I know that this may become a challenge in more ways than one as I am forced to accept myself for who I am and post pictures in all my beauty (or lack of) and also reach out and get creative behind the lens, while being in front of the lens. I'll probably have to continue to remind myself (and you) that it's not about the quality of the photo, it's about taking the photo.
I'm excited and a little scared to start this new challenge as it may be hard to stick with for an entire year but I'm certainly going to make an effort! If you'd like to join in on this project with Amy, Jeannette, and me leave me a comment here or email me at summer@myfuller.us and/or plan to come back every Friday to see the most recent picture. Here we go!.........
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1/52
Who better to take my first picture of my 52 week adventure with than the little man himself, who is celebrating ending his first 52 weeks of life? My sweet Kellan who helps me to gain a new look on things, even to find every blade of grass interesting. Happy Birthday little guy!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Childish
We went to the Zoo yesterday and all the way there I had to listen to Tarryn (my 'tween-ager' ) tell me how she didn't want to go because "the zoo is childish." She then continued to tell me that the only thing she wanted to do at the zoo was go to the gift shop because she wanted to purchase a stuffed monkey TOY so the stuffed monkey TOY she already owns wouldn't be lonely.
Are you seeing the irony in this? Mom, Dad, is this seriously what I was like with random thought processes? No wonder boys get so confused about girls. No wonder girls get so emotional when we can't think straight! No wonder we only have 1 daughter. No wonder I'm scared about what's coming ahead very soon in the future with the very real teenage years. Am I ready to be told I'm embarrassing her? Am I ready to be told I don't know anything? I guess these little glimpses of what's ahead are to prep me but I'll be the first to admit it... I'M PETRIFIED!!! Will I loose my sweet baby girl forever?
Only time will tell which will be worse...1 teenage daughter with attitude, or 3 teenage boys that will most certainly eat us out of house and home. WHAT WERE WE THINKING?!?!
Are you seeing the irony in this? Mom, Dad, is this seriously what I was like with random thought processes? No wonder boys get so confused about girls. No wonder girls get so emotional when we can't think straight! No wonder we only have 1 daughter. No wonder I'm scared about what's coming ahead very soon in the future with the very real teenage years. Am I ready to be told I'm embarrassing her? Am I ready to be told I don't know anything? I guess these little glimpses of what's ahead are to prep me but I'll be the first to admit it... I'M PETRIFIED!!! Will I loose my sweet baby girl forever?
Only time will tell which will be worse...1 teenage daughter with attitude, or 3 teenage boys that will most certainly eat us out of house and home. WHAT WERE WE THINKING?!?!Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Bring on number ONE!
It's funny how perspective changes with each child you have. The first had her clothing pre-washed in Dreft, binkies were sterilized if they hit the floor, and there was a BIG first birthday bash with family and friends all around to celebrate. The second, we skipped the dreft and pre-washed with regular detergent, binkies were washed under the tap but not sterilized, but he still had a large first birthday bash. Then the third rolls around.... Why pre-wash at all? Wiping the binky off on the burp rag or (an embarrassing secret of mine) I've even stuck it in my mouth first. Party? Secluded and intimate with only siblings and parents of the birthday boy. I'm not certain why, maybe a big party just wasn't what I felt he needed. And now that number four (or "quatro" was what we'd call him in-utero before we knew the gender) is turning one, I'm not certain what to do. My heart wants to have a get-together; nothing huge, just close relatives. But will Corban (my third) feel bad later? Should this matter?
Then you've got the differences in first cakes. It seems that each one has been slightly disappointing in what I thought would be a big dig from the birthday child and the funnest, cutest pictures:
Tarryn didn't want to touch her cake and when I stuck her hand in it, she cried. (*The next day she was diagnosed with crupe so she is forgiven.)
Makade was a sport and took a bite or two but was done.
Corban didn't even get to touch his cake because he went for the candle and burnt his finger instead. (*Yes. I was the brainless parent who didn't think that one through.)
We are pretty certain that Kellan's appreciation of food will help him to go far in the cake smearing, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up.
So whether there will be a small party or a more intimate one, we will be welcoming Kellan to the wonderful world of being ONE with a cake and loads of kisses on the eighth of this month. Isn't having a birthday on 8/8/08 enough reason to celebrate? Family, expect an un-official invite. : )
Then you've got the differences in first cakes. It seems that each one has been slightly disappointing in what I thought would be a big dig from the birthday child and the funnest, cutest pictures:
Tarryn didn't want to touch her cake and when I stuck her hand in it, she cried. (*The next day she was diagnosed with crupe so she is forgiven.)
Makade was a sport and took a bite or two but was done.
Corban didn't even get to touch his cake because he went for the candle and burnt his finger instead. (*Yes. I was the brainless parent who didn't think that one through.)
We are pretty certain that Kellan's appreciation of food will help him to go far in the cake smearing, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up.
So whether there will be a small party or a more intimate one, we will be welcoming Kellan to the wonderful world of being ONE with a cake and loads of kisses on the eighth of this month. Isn't having a birthday on 8/8/08 enough reason to celebrate? Family, expect an un-official invite. : )
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
2 Weeks Left..... & Time is Ticking
I saw a sign a while ago that has eaten at my heart since. Even though it was advertising water-craft toys such as jet-skis it pulled at my heart strings by the simplicity and reality of the words:
You Only Get 18 Summers With Them.
Half of my time with Tarryn is gone and at the moment I can only think of about 3 choice seasons of summer that we've had. I'm so glad we went camping this summer but now I find myself in a rush to do something more since the children go back on the 18th of this month. I vow to myself, my children, and blog readers that I will be finding things to do with each of my children for the remainder of this summer. I know that it's not only summers that I can do things with my children, I need to reach out and expand all year round. Any great ideas would be helpful for this new goal of mine.....BLAST THAT SIGN!
You Only Get 18 Summers With Them.
Half of my time with Tarryn is gone and at the moment I can only think of about 3 choice seasons of summer that we've had. I'm so glad we went camping this summer but now I find myself in a rush to do something more since the children go back on the 18th of this month. I vow to myself, my children, and blog readers that I will be finding things to do with each of my children for the remainder of this summer. I know that it's not only summers that I can do things with my children, I need to reach out and expand all year round. Any great ideas would be helpful for this new goal of mine.....BLAST THAT SIGN!
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