How does a 4 year old spell tragedy?
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Someone else blowing out your birthday candles.
Sweet Smile
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I’m feeling a little guilty… I really complain about this kid too much. He’s about to turn 4 and the older he gets the more interesting he is. I love how kids at this age are interested in everything and their questions are progressively more thoughtful (and funny- yesterday, Big J asked what God’s last name was). I love that he’s just as apt to sit down and watch an opera with me for a while as he is to watch Yo Gabba Gabba. So, while I regularly lament all the screaming and other challenges that come with raising him, I know we’re so blessed to have him and looking forward to knowing him better with each year that passes.
Containment
By · CommentsI’ve always been more of a pictures person than words person. If someone asks how to get somewhere, I draw a map rather than write out directions. I particularly like blogs that post 1 photo a day, and I thought I might try it myself, since my one of my goals is to improve my photography skills anyway. So here goes…
The gates are on order from Amazon. Meanwhile, what do you think of our improvised containment devices? The giant bean bag I got for free has come in handy in more ways than one! I really thought Big J was busy, and he was, but he never tried to open the toilet lid and never got into cabinets and pulled books off of shelves the way Little D does. Oh… and that dinosaur toy is the BEST. TOY. EVER. Big J has loved it at every age so far.
In your face
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Big J is playing one of his “I’m almost 4 and I’m a big pain in the buttocks” games this morning. He wants out of his nighttime diaper and into some comfortable underwear, but he wants to push my buttons and control the situation in order to cause the most angst possible in the process. I’m not playing his little game. He doesn’t really need my help, as he can pretty much dress himself, but I am feeling generous this morning and have offered to help if he will meet me halfway. He has rejected my kind offer and has opted instead to whine incessantly. I have my mp3 player headphones on so I can’t hear the whining. Eventually, he’s sort of writhing around on the floor beside me in full rabid preschooler mode, nearly foaming at the mouth he’s so worked up. This goes on for some time, when suddenly Little D comes around the corner from their bedroom carrying a pair of underwear and throws it into Big J’s face.
It was a moment of utter perfection.
I laughed so hard I about needed a diaper myself. Meanwhile Big J is in the bedroom now, clothes laid out and instructed not to come out until he is dressed. I may see him around lunchtime.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Did You Know?
By · CommentsIt’s amazing to think of how quickly things have changed over the last 20 years or so. Wonder what things will be like when my boys are in college? When I was in college, I knew one person who had a computer. I didn’t know what a font was. My parents lived in Germany (my dad was stationed there) and I talked to them once a month on the phone because it was so expensive. I used the card catalog in the library and turned in papers typed on a typewriter. For some people, simpler times = better times. Not me. I love having information at my fingertips. I love feeling so connected to my family even though they live so far away.
Here’s an interesting quote from the video:
It is estimated that a week’s worth of the New York Times contains more information than a person was likely to come across in a lifetime in the 18th century.
My Life in Picture Books
By · CommentsThis is my life right now:
I’d love to see what your life is like in picture books!
Get and Give Free Stuff With Freecycle
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I just joined a Freecycle group and after only a couple of days I’m already thinking it is totally cool. We all have stuff that is perfectly good that we no longer have a need for, but don’t want to bother with trying to sell or save for a garage sale sometime in the distant future. There are over 4,700 Freecycle groups across the globe, giving people the opportunity to find someone who might be able to use the stuff they don’t need anymore. You can also post messages seeking particular items that you’re in need of. Check it out!
Temporary Tenants
By · CommentsThere is a giant pile of bird poo just outside our back door. This is why:
If they weren’t so cute I’d be annoyed at the mess to clean up. The little guy on the left looks grumpy huh? He’s mad because we’re scaring off his momma by climbing up on a ladder to take his picture. He’s plotting his revenge – planning to poop on my head later, no doubt.
You know, that nest is really impressive when you think about it. It looks like it’s made of mud.
They’re driving our cats crazy…
My son, the theologian
By · CommentsBig J is a budding theologian. He is receiving special revelation from God daily, particularly on matters where we disagree:
“God says we have to be kind. If you don’t be kind God will bury you.” (not sure where he got the “bury” idea)
“God says we have two options: play games or watch TV.”
And, my personal favorite, falling into the age old trap of making Bible verses we’ve been teaching him mean what HE wants them to mean:
Me: “No, you may not watch TV.” Big J: “But Mom! God says I can do ALL things through Christ.”
