Before I had Peppermint Patty (she is my first love), I had absolutely no clue what baby gear I needed and what baby gear I didn't. I thought if it was in the store, it was necessary. Wipe warmer. Check. Pretty bedding. Check. Diaper Genie (x2). Check. baby stuff out the wazoo. Check.
Peppermint Patty had a pretty room painted yellow with lovely boarder that matched the lovely (expensive) bedding that I had purchased. She even had a lovely rug (that matched the bedding, of course) to match as well. I agonized over the crib. I agonized over the changing table. I wondered if I should get a rocking chair.
After Peppermint Patty came I figured out I didn't really need half the baby gear I thought I did, so when Pig Pen came along (sorry in advance Pig Pen, my second love) she got nothing. She didn't even really have a "real" room of her own for a while. I simply shoved the crib and changing table in the extra room (with all the extra stuff of our house still in the extra room), threw up a decoration on one wall that matched the bedding and called it done. No paint, no extra stuff, no nothing.
And you know what.....she didn't care one bit. She didn't care that the wipe warmer was gone. She didn't care that her room was really the extra room with no fluff. She didn't care that all her clothes were hand me downs from her sister just 2 years earlier and most had stains from her sister. She just didn't care....and quite frankly I was tired....and I didn't care either.
Fair warning if a 3rd child should some how, in some miraculous manor, weasel their way into this family, they will have less than no fluff. They will get the basics. Period. They shouldn't expect more. They are the third. (don't worry....this isn't happening....you know....never)
I was in Walmart yesterday and overheard two ladies, both who were extremely pregnant (I thought I might have to rush one of them to the hospital myself), discussing if they were ready. The first lady said she still had stuff to buy. She was obvisously the first timer. The other lady said she was ready. She then turned to me and said "It's my 3rd. They don't need all that stuff." You know what.....she is right. All that stuff is really for the parents. The pretty room. The pretty gear. The 8000 outfits that will only fit for 3 minutes. The "stuff" that we think we need when really we don't.
Babies have been on this planet for as long as...well....forever. I don't think back in Adam and Eve's day Eve was wondering if her babies would be OK if she wiped their behind with a cold wipe. I also don't think back in Roman times people were wondering if they should buy the cheap stroller for $60 bucks or the expensive one for $600. These things in the end don't really matter. What matters is that when we bring babies into the world we have love, a few clothes, boobies or formula to feed them, a mountain of diapers, and a warm place for them to lay their heads. The rest is just gravy.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The English Language
Would or wood?
Me or I?
Is, am, are, was, were?
To comma or not to comma?
Does the word need an apostrophe? (don't ask me)
To or too?
How do you spell a word when spell check has no clue?
These are all things I contemplate when writing. I am NOT an English person so let me establish that first. I stood for a few years while teaching in English teachers rooms and tried to glean from them all the knowledge that should be standard for a sophomore but I had yet to pick up because I am a little behind and probably didn't pay attention "that day" when I was a sophomore myself. I tried really hard to learn more than I did already know.....but I seriously think I failed. I am no better today at figuring out where a comma should go, how exactly should I use that apostrophe, or if I should use me or I than was back in high school.
The English language is so complex and yet most of the world picks it up as a second language. Ever call in the middle of the night to have something serviced? That probably isn't an American you are talking to. So how is it possible if most of the world is trying to master my language as a second I still can't get it all straight as my first? Why can't I remember the simple rules of grammar? Why can't I spell simple every day words?
I have no answers to my questions and as much time as I spent lately contemplating "to" or "too" you think I would have come up with one. So for now I leave you with this, if the brwn cow crosses' the rode, wile I were drivin' the greane tractor, he mite git hit.
Me or I?
Is, am, are, was, were?
To comma or not to comma?
Does the word need an apostrophe? (don't ask me)
To or too?
How do you spell a word when spell check has no clue?
These are all things I contemplate when writing. I am NOT an English person so let me establish that first. I stood for a few years while teaching in English teachers rooms and tried to glean from them all the knowledge that should be standard for a sophomore but I had yet to pick up because I am a little behind and probably didn't pay attention "that day" when I was a sophomore myself. I tried really hard to learn more than I did already know.....but I seriously think I failed. I am no better today at figuring out where a comma should go, how exactly should I use that apostrophe, or if I should use me or I than was back in high school.
The English language is so complex and yet most of the world picks it up as a second language. Ever call in the middle of the night to have something serviced? That probably isn't an American you are talking to. So how is it possible if most of the world is trying to master my language as a second I still can't get it all straight as my first? Why can't I remember the simple rules of grammar? Why can't I spell simple every day words?
I have no answers to my questions and as much time as I spent lately contemplating "to" or "too" you think I would have come up with one. So for now I leave you with this, if the brwn cow crosses' the rode, wile I were drivin' the greane tractor, he mite git hit.
Things I Learned "On The Farm"
Things I learned or now cherish about growing up Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday's (and a few other sporadic days thrown in along the way) in Western Oklahoma....where the wind really does sweep down the plain. Thank you for loving on this big city girl!
1. The smell of red dirt after a field has been plowed is the best.
2. The red dirt never comes off new white shoes.
3. Hoeing peanuts at 7 am is better than at 12 noon. (do you know that peanuts grow in the ground?)
4. Hoeing peanuts at 7 am is best done with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (learned this from Jawanna House).
5. Sacking peanuts is not for the weak. (didn't have to do that many times)
6. Basketball is a sport.....and baseball.....(thanks boys for letting me play)
7. Some people really don't lock their doors.
8. Cows are scary (sorry....never got over the cows).
9. If you open your home to a preacher, his wife, and kid they will come over. :)
10. Cedar Hills Baptist Youth Camp is NOT just for learning about God.
11. I know how to flick the heads off of grasshoppers. Don't judge.
12. Dr. Pepper.
13. A small town that you can walk to the country store and still get a glass Coke bottle is the best.
14. You WILL drive 45 minutes to Walmart.
15. People really do love living in the sticks.
16. Wild mushrooms can taste like steak.
17. Deer season is a religion.
18. When your grandma and grandpa are 2-3 hours away, God will provide ones to step in. (Miss you Grandma and Grandpa Schimmel......ear tugs!)
19. Holding hands with boys is fun. (oh.....I am an idiot for this one some times....don't laugh Neely!)
20. There is this dressing they used to serve with chicken at the local stops.....they don't make it like that around here!
21. Youth Rally's are less tortuous with friends.
22. Sitting in a canyon talking about life with friends is priceless. (Thanks Neely!)
23. Wrangler butts are really nice to look at.
24. Food. OH the food! Thank you for feeding me and teaching me!
25. Allergies flare when the wheat is being combined.
26. If the wheat has to come off, the peanuts have to be dug, or the cotton has to be swathed, there will be a low attendance at church at I think that is OK with God.
27. Moving irrigation pipe must be one heck of a job and farmers have to do it often (who knew).
28. Farm kids don't get to the "big city" much. What I thought was every day was a treat.
29. All kids could drive before me....WAY before me......
30. The wind NEVER stops blowing so buy the extra strength hairspray.
31. Take a wet wash cloth in a baggy and a jar of water with you were ever you go. (Grandma Schimmel....oh Grandma Schimmel.....)
32. The Schimmel, House, Taylor, Bates, and King families are forever written on my heart. Thank you to all the families who loved on my family when we needed it. You took us into your homes and lives and made us apart of you. You taught me more about life and how to love others more than any one group of people could. Your homes, land, churches, and family are forever etched upon my heart....like the red dirt, I will never rid myself of you.....nor would I want too! Ear tugs and love to my Western Oklahoma family! :)
1. The smell of red dirt after a field has been plowed is the best.
2. The red dirt never comes off new white shoes.
3. Hoeing peanuts at 7 am is better than at 12 noon. (do you know that peanuts grow in the ground?)
4. Hoeing peanuts at 7 am is best done with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (learned this from Jawanna House).
5. Sacking peanuts is not for the weak. (didn't have to do that many times)
6. Basketball is a sport.....and baseball.....(thanks boys for letting me play)
7. Some people really don't lock their doors.
8. Cows are scary (sorry....never got over the cows).
9. If you open your home to a preacher, his wife, and kid they will come over. :)
10. Cedar Hills Baptist Youth Camp is NOT just for learning about God.
11. I know how to flick the heads off of grasshoppers. Don't judge.
12. Dr. Pepper.
13. A small town that you can walk to the country store and still get a glass Coke bottle is the best.
14. You WILL drive 45 minutes to Walmart.
15. People really do love living in the sticks.
16. Wild mushrooms can taste like steak.
17. Deer season is a religion.
18. When your grandma and grandpa are 2-3 hours away, God will provide ones to step in. (Miss you Grandma and Grandpa Schimmel......ear tugs!)
19. Holding hands with boys is fun. (oh.....I am an idiot for this one some times....don't laugh Neely!)
20. There is this dressing they used to serve with chicken at the local stops.....they don't make it like that around here!
21. Youth Rally's are less tortuous with friends.
22. Sitting in a canyon talking about life with friends is priceless. (Thanks Neely!)
23. Wrangler butts are really nice to look at.
24. Food. OH the food! Thank you for feeding me and teaching me!
25. Allergies flare when the wheat is being combined.
26. If the wheat has to come off, the peanuts have to be dug, or the cotton has to be swathed, there will be a low attendance at church at I think that is OK with God.
27. Moving irrigation pipe must be one heck of a job and farmers have to do it often (who knew).
28. Farm kids don't get to the "big city" much. What I thought was every day was a treat.
29. All kids could drive before me....WAY before me......
30. The wind NEVER stops blowing so buy the extra strength hairspray.
31. Take a wet wash cloth in a baggy and a jar of water with you were ever you go. (Grandma Schimmel....oh Grandma Schimmel.....)
32. The Schimmel, House, Taylor, Bates, and King families are forever written on my heart. Thank you to all the families who loved on my family when we needed it. You took us into your homes and lives and made us apart of you. You taught me more about life and how to love others more than any one group of people could. Your homes, land, churches, and family are forever etched upon my heart....like the red dirt, I will never rid myself of you.....nor would I want too! Ear tugs and love to my Western Oklahoma family! :)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Buying A New Car
Seriously. No Seriously. I mean REALLY. Does buying a car have to be SO hard?
Over the last few weeks I have driven about every sedan in the under $30k range. I can tell which seats are hard, which seats are nice, which interiors are European, which interiors look like a Ford, which cars are built in the same factory as another car, which salesmen are lying (most of them), which salesmen are nice, which places will want to deal, which ones won't, etc, etc, etc. It is getting RIDICULOUS!
I have finally made a decision. I would post a picture but since I still need lessons on how to do that (please help me if you know how) I will just tell you it is the Hyundai Sonata. I would prefer black, so I have to wash it every day, but will also settle for silver, dark grey, a Pacific blue, or white. I can tell you we do NOT want a $2000 dollar navigation system since I only go to Walmart, Emma's school and church. I also want leather seats, a sunroof, and would prefer if it drove itself....OK....well....maybe I am not serious about the last part....but wouldn't that be nice.
The problem now is finding said car. Do you know, KNOW, how hard it is to find this picky American woman who has more wants than needs with this car? Do you KNOW? I would curse right now but my mom is watching. Let's just say that if I have to deal with one more sales person I will die with the car I have right now.
So cheers car sales people......y'all are seriously about as bad as the plague. We love to hate you and I guess for now I am hating you more than ever. Raise your glasses and solute yourselves. You deserve it!
Over the last few weeks I have driven about every sedan in the under $30k range. I can tell which seats are hard, which seats are nice, which interiors are European, which interiors look like a Ford, which cars are built in the same factory as another car, which salesmen are lying (most of them), which salesmen are nice, which places will want to deal, which ones won't, etc, etc, etc. It is getting RIDICULOUS!
I have finally made a decision. I would post a picture but since I still need lessons on how to do that (please help me if you know how) I will just tell you it is the Hyundai Sonata. I would prefer black, so I have to wash it every day, but will also settle for silver, dark grey, a Pacific blue, or white. I can tell you we do NOT want a $2000 dollar navigation system since I only go to Walmart, Emma's school and church. I also want leather seats, a sunroof, and would prefer if it drove itself....OK....well....maybe I am not serious about the last part....but wouldn't that be nice.
The problem now is finding said car. Do you know, KNOW, how hard it is to find this picky American woman who has more wants than needs with this car? Do you KNOW? I would curse right now but my mom is watching. Let's just say that if I have to deal with one more sales person I will die with the car I have right now.
So cheers car sales people......y'all are seriously about as bad as the plague. We love to hate you and I guess for now I am hating you more than ever. Raise your glasses and solute yourselves. You deserve it!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Summer
Dear Summer,
Will you be my boyfriend faster than normal? I know you are fast, furious and come on to me like a hot locomotive most of the time. Please, please, PLEASE....BRING IT ON! I am ready for you. THE WORLD IS READY FOR YOU....BRING IT!
I am cold. I am tired. I am cold and tired. I just broke up with my boyfriend winter a few days ago (even though the restraining order and stern letter didn't seem to get to him) and I am in need of some HOT lovin'. :)
Waiting for you....
Kristin
Will you be my boyfriend faster than normal? I know you are fast, furious and come on to me like a hot locomotive most of the time. Please, please, PLEASE....BRING IT ON! I am ready for you. THE WORLD IS READY FOR YOU....BRING IT!
I am cold. I am tired. I am cold and tired. I just broke up with my boyfriend winter a few days ago (even though the restraining order and stern letter didn't seem to get to him) and I am in need of some HOT lovin'. :)
Waiting for you....
Kristin
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Breaking Up Is hard To Do
My open letter to Winter - my former boyfriend.
Dear Winter -
I love you. I really do. You come in with such gracefulness each year into my life that sometimes I don't even recognize your presence. You bring Bald Eagles to look at, great sunsets to admire, and a time to remember that life is a cycle. As much as I do love you and appreciate your snowy days to build snowmen with my girls, the cold nights to snuggle with Big Grasshopper, and time to reflect and renew my life, I am breaking up with you.
I AM BREAKING UP WITH YOU!
Did you hear me?
WE ARE THROUGH.
As much as I appreciate all you have done for me this year, I am over you. Tired. Cold. Done. I mean DONE. Did you hear me? DONE.
Thank you so much for loving me with your blustery cold winds whipping around me like a snuggly hug. Thank you for pelting my face with snow like a sloppy wet kiss. Thank you so much for bringing me all the blessings that you know how to bring, but we are done. Please stay at least 1056000 feet away from my house. This will help both of us. Please know that I like to dance in the nude under the light of the moon and stars to the weather goddess (more to drive my neighbors and parents/in-laws crazy) but that does not mean that I need you to return even if the weather goddess thinks you need to.
Thank you so much for your time. I am sorry I have to break up with you this way but there doesn't seem to be a better way seeing how you turned off your iPhone or changed your number or something. I hope you understand I love you, we just can't be together any more.
Love always.... now just go away....
Kristin
Dear Winter -
I love you. I really do. You come in with such gracefulness each year into my life that sometimes I don't even recognize your presence. You bring Bald Eagles to look at, great sunsets to admire, and a time to remember that life is a cycle. As much as I do love you and appreciate your snowy days to build snowmen with my girls, the cold nights to snuggle with Big Grasshopper, and time to reflect and renew my life, I am breaking up with you.
I AM BREAKING UP WITH YOU!
Did you hear me?
WE ARE THROUGH.
As much as I appreciate all you have done for me this year, I am over you. Tired. Cold. Done. I mean DONE. Did you hear me? DONE.
Thank you so much for loving me with your blustery cold winds whipping around me like a snuggly hug. Thank you for pelting my face with snow like a sloppy wet kiss. Thank you so much for bringing me all the blessings that you know how to bring, but we are done. Please stay at least 1056000 feet away from my house. This will help both of us. Please know that I like to dance in the nude under the light of the moon and stars to the weather goddess (more to drive my neighbors and parents/in-laws crazy) but that does not mean that I need you to return even if the weather goddess thinks you need to.
Thank you so much for your time. I am sorry I have to break up with you this way but there doesn't seem to be a better way seeing how you turned off your iPhone or changed your number or something. I hope you understand I love you, we just can't be together any more.
Love always.... now just go away....
Kristin
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snow Day
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!....but please hurry up and plow it up so we can get back to the grind that is/was/and always will be. This should be how the song really goes.
I am not saying I am not enjoying having the girls PP and PP around 24/7 fighting, laughing, fighting, crying, hitting, pushing, laughing, crying, laughing, and generally just being themselves. I am not saying that I have not enjoyed listening to the girls fight about who is going to be Mrs. W and who is going to be Mrs. G (Peppermint's teacher and the intern in her class right now) as they play school. I am not going to say that I am not enjoying watching hours and hours and HOURS of Dora, Olivia, Dino Dan, Sesame, and any other show that comes on PBS or Nick Jr. I am not saying I am not enjoying ALL time it takes to get the girls dressed and undressed just so they can spend 5-10 minutes outside before wanting to come in because it is bitterly cold. I am not saying I am not enjoying Facebooking endless times during the day. I am not saying I am not enjoying hanging out, slacking off, and doing whatever I want. I am not saying I am not enjoying not having to drive PP and PP to and from school and whatever activity that is going on during the day. I am not saying I am not enjoying the snow.....but I am over it. OVER IT. OVER IT!
At this point school will be in session until the second week in June. At this point we are eating into lake/raft/camping time and everyone knows how much I LOVE lake/raft/camping time. At this point we are eating into SUMMER. SUMMER....so as much as I love the to sing "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow," I am OVER IT....and THAT IS what I am saying....
I am not saying I am not enjoying having the girls PP and PP around 24/7 fighting, laughing, fighting, crying, hitting, pushing, laughing, crying, laughing, and generally just being themselves. I am not saying that I have not enjoyed listening to the girls fight about who is going to be Mrs. W and who is going to be Mrs. G (Peppermint's teacher and the intern in her class right now) as they play school. I am not going to say that I am not enjoying watching hours and hours and HOURS of Dora, Olivia, Dino Dan, Sesame, and any other show that comes on PBS or Nick Jr. I am not saying I am not enjoying ALL time it takes to get the girls dressed and undressed just so they can spend 5-10 minutes outside before wanting to come in because it is bitterly cold. I am not saying I am not enjoying Facebooking endless times during the day. I am not saying I am not enjoying hanging out, slacking off, and doing whatever I want. I am not saying I am not enjoying not having to drive PP and PP to and from school and whatever activity that is going on during the day. I am not saying I am not enjoying the snow.....but I am over it. OVER IT. OVER IT!
At this point school will be in session until the second week in June. At this point we are eating into lake/raft/camping time and everyone knows how much I LOVE lake/raft/camping time. At this point we are eating into SUMMER. SUMMER....so as much as I love the to sing "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow," I am OVER IT....and THAT IS what I am saying....
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Weather
"If you can't change it, go with it." - Kristin
This is my weather motto. I know my parents (Gigi and Popi) and Big Grasshopper's parents (Nana and Papa) think I have something to do with the weather and what falls from the sky....I will say that just because I dance outside naked at night to The Weather Goddess from the North Pole under the moon and stars, this does not mean I have anything to do with what falls outside. I just like to dance naked outside at night under the moon and stars and I think that should be fine. (TMI I know....sorry....and if you believe any of the above, please let me sell you some ocean front property right on Beaver Lake.) Anyways....
My real weather philosophy is very simple. "If you can't change it, go with it." We can't change it. If I were in charge it would be 90-100 most days and all of us could live on a body of water and hang out all day fishing, swimming, and floating in our rafts as the drink man brings us cold drinks when needed. We would also have private chef's that make us breakfast, lunch, and dinner and we would never have to lift a finger. But, because I seem NOT to be in charge, please note that their is an EPICALLY HISTORIC snow storm coming and you better get ready....or go out and do a little naked dancing of your own to your own weather god/goddess under the light of the moon and stars....but you better hurry....because snow is coming!
Happy Dancing!!
This is my weather motto. I know my parents (Gigi and Popi) and Big Grasshopper's parents (Nana and Papa) think I have something to do with the weather and what falls from the sky....I will say that just because I dance outside naked at night to The Weather Goddess from the North Pole under the moon and stars, this does not mean I have anything to do with what falls outside. I just like to dance naked outside at night under the moon and stars and I think that should be fine. (TMI I know....sorry....and if you believe any of the above, please let me sell you some ocean front property right on Beaver Lake.) Anyways....
My real weather philosophy is very simple. "If you can't change it, go with it." We can't change it. If I were in charge it would be 90-100 most days and all of us could live on a body of water and hang out all day fishing, swimming, and floating in our rafts as the drink man brings us cold drinks when needed. We would also have private chef's that make us breakfast, lunch, and dinner and we would never have to lift a finger. But, because I seem NOT to be in charge, please note that their is an EPICALLY HISTORIC snow storm coming and you better get ready....or go out and do a little naked dancing of your own to your own weather god/goddess under the light of the moon and stars....but you better hurry....because snow is coming!
Happy Dancing!!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Birds And The Bees
As I was changing last night Peppermint Patty came in. I am pretty open and find nudity really not that big of a deal (and I can tell you after pushing out two babies, babies don't find nudity that big of a deal either). I do try to be discreet with some things but if I am changing my clothes and putting on my PJ's and one of the girls comes in I don't really think it is that big of a deal. Anyways, PP comes in and the following conversation takes place.
Peppermint: Mom. (looking at me in a weird wondering way) Where do babies come from?
Me: (thinking I can go one of two ways, I simply ask) Where do you think babies come from?
Peppermint: Your poo poo part?
Me: Close, your pee pee parts.
Peppermint: Ouch! That would hurt. How big are babies? (using her hands to figure out how big a baby comes out of a pee pee part....me trying to show her) Ouch! I don't think I want to have babies. I think that would really hurt!
Me: Good. I am glad you don't want to have babies. (me thinking - YES! because for the past 6 or 8 months PP has been talking about nothing but having babies and becoming a mom...immediately....which I know isn't possible but I would like to hold it off for as long as possible...)
PP: OK Mom....(goes away happy I answered her question and no other concern has she.)
I bring this up to bring up a story. The other day a situation came up with someone else with a student talking about where babies come from and we started talking about if we could or could not give "the talk."
I personally don't think "the talk" really needs to be "a big talk" at all if you are open and honest from the beginning. I think if you always answer the questions that are asked as honest, open, and on a level a child can handle, a long surprising talk never needs to take place. I also think most parents need to be talking to their kids way before they do. I am not saying PP needs to know about periods and all the mechanics of sex right at this moment, but if something comes up, I am very open to answering her questions in a way that will be on her level that will make sense to her. I also personally believe (because I matured physically very early and had no clue what was going on) that kids have the right to know what is happening to their bodies and that if honesty and openness don't happen they will go somewhere else to find the information...and in this day and age I really don't want my girls, PP and PP, to go to the internet or somewhere else to figure things out. (Remember the talks with other girls on the playground about what was happening with your body? If you didn't have THOSE playground talks, find yourself blessed.) I also have this theory that if you have a period, vagina, penis, and sex you can talk about it with your kids.
So....we have started "the talk" that I hope will not be a talk at all but a very long discussion about life as it comes....sorry if this offends or if your kid learns something from my kids before you think they are ready....but maybe they are more ready than we all give them credit.
Peppermint: Mom. (looking at me in a weird wondering way) Where do babies come from?
Me: (thinking I can go one of two ways, I simply ask) Where do you think babies come from?
Peppermint: Your poo poo part?
Me: Close, your pee pee parts.
Peppermint: Ouch! That would hurt. How big are babies? (using her hands to figure out how big a baby comes out of a pee pee part....me trying to show her) Ouch! I don't think I want to have babies. I think that would really hurt!
Me: Good. I am glad you don't want to have babies. (me thinking - YES! because for the past 6 or 8 months PP has been talking about nothing but having babies and becoming a mom...immediately....which I know isn't possible but I would like to hold it off for as long as possible...)
PP: OK Mom....(goes away happy I answered her question and no other concern has she.)
I bring this up to bring up a story. The other day a situation came up with someone else with a student talking about where babies come from and we started talking about if we could or could not give "the talk."
I personally don't think "the talk" really needs to be "a big talk" at all if you are open and honest from the beginning. I think if you always answer the questions that are asked as honest, open, and on a level a child can handle, a long surprising talk never needs to take place. I also think most parents need to be talking to their kids way before they do. I am not saying PP needs to know about periods and all the mechanics of sex right at this moment, but if something comes up, I am very open to answering her questions in a way that will be on her level that will make sense to her. I also personally believe (because I matured physically very early and had no clue what was going on) that kids have the right to know what is happening to their bodies and that if honesty and openness don't happen they will go somewhere else to find the information...and in this day and age I really don't want my girls, PP and PP, to go to the internet or somewhere else to figure things out. (Remember the talks with other girls on the playground about what was happening with your body? If you didn't have THOSE playground talks, find yourself blessed.) I also have this theory that if you have a period, vagina, penis, and sex you can talk about it with your kids.
So....we have started "the talk" that I hope will not be a talk at all but a very long discussion about life as it comes....sorry if this offends or if your kid learns something from my kids before you think they are ready....but maybe they are more ready than we all give them credit.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Not Your Mama's Kindergarten
After a semester of Peppermint Patty being in kindergarten I can tell you a lot has changed since you and I (supposing you were born before 1990ish) went to school. First, I went to half day kindergarten. I arrived, put up my stuff (I think I had stuff but don't really remember), got my crayon box, and tried to sit at the girls table. I am sure Mrs. Bell did interactive things, we sat on carpet squares, and were interactive but I really have no clue because I honestly can't remember. I think my biggest achievement was writing my name, saying my ABC's, and tying my shoes. We had recess, PE, music, art, library, and probably something else. Before lunch I was picked up by La Petite, went and ate lunch, and then took a 2 hour nap. I am not sure we actually "learned" something but then again, I have already said I can't really remember. It was a LONG time ago.
Today PP is at kindergarten all day. She is learning way more than tying her shoes, skipping, and just saying her ABC's. This week they are learning punctuation. Really? My child, who can't write a sentence without a tremendous amount of help, is learning about punctuation. By the end of the year I have been told they will be reading basic sentences, know how to read simple sight words, and be able to write a paragraph. Really? A paragraph? WOW! I don't think I wrote a paragraph until at least 2nd grade and I probably remember that because it was with Mrs. Branson, second semester, about President Lincoln or Washington (not sure why I remember that...but whatever).
In some ways I am happy they are doing more than tying your shoe, skipping, having 3 recesses, taking naps, and coloring a few pages. I am glad they are pushing PP to learn more than I did in kindergarten, first, and probably some second grade combined. But really? Really?
I guess she is ready.....but don't know if I am. Going to go tie my shoes and skip now.....and maybe later I will call Mrs. Ball (the best HS English teacher I know) and see if she can teach me how to write a paragraph correctly.
Today PP is at kindergarten all day. She is learning way more than tying her shoes, skipping, and just saying her ABC's. This week they are learning punctuation. Really? My child, who can't write a sentence without a tremendous amount of help, is learning about punctuation. By the end of the year I have been told they will be reading basic sentences, know how to read simple sight words, and be able to write a paragraph. Really? A paragraph? WOW! I don't think I wrote a paragraph until at least 2nd grade and I probably remember that because it was with Mrs. Branson, second semester, about President Lincoln or Washington (not sure why I remember that...but whatever).
In some ways I am happy they are doing more than tying your shoe, skipping, having 3 recesses, taking naps, and coloring a few pages. I am glad they are pushing PP to learn more than I did in kindergarten, first, and probably some second grade combined. But really? Really?
I guess she is ready.....but don't know if I am. Going to go tie my shoes and skip now.....and maybe later I will call Mrs. Ball (the best HS English teacher I know) and see if she can teach me how to write a paragraph correctly.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2011 Resolutions
I don't normally make New Year's resolutions. They seem kind of silly to me and for some reason I know I am going to break them no matter how big or little they are. This year there are some things I would like to accomplish so maybe I will just put these out in the universe and in a year come back and see what has stayed out in the universe.
1. Read the Bible more. Any reading would be more than I am doing now most days so simply to read the Bible every day, even just a verse, would be a huge improvement. I also want to put out fleeces and see where God takes me, not where I take God.
2. Feel better. Part of that would be to lose weight but I am not writing that down....Feel better sounds much more all in compassing. Part of the feel better is to eat better, move more, and hopefully that will lead to losing weight which will mean I will feel better.
3. Take more chances. I am not sure what that means but sometimes I need to step out of my comfort zone and go with the flow a little more.
4. Not be so loud. I know everyone who knows me knows this probably isn't possible but....maybe.....
5. Not cuss so much. I only have a few words I really like. My youngest child, Pig Pen, has decided she likes one of the words as well. (I know, I am a great example.) So, for the sake of everyone I am going to try to get those couple of words out of my vocab.
6. Do more for myself. I think I am itching for something because I don't do enough for myself to keep my inner spirit going. Maybe I will take a cooking class or two, or another cake decorating class, or try to learn to knit again, or learn to sew. I don't know what the something is but whatever it is I hope it is for myself.
7. I want to not be so scared of the unknown. I am always worried about the unknown. I hate that. I really would like to - in the words of Nike - Just Do It.
8. I want to Facebook less. I know, I know. Facebook queen. I know. If I could hold myself to checking once in the morning and once at the evening or afternoon that would be a great accomplishment.
9. I want to find more balance at home. I am really bad at doing laundry, cleaning on a regular basis, and keeping things going as much as I should. I have made lists in the past of what to do on this day or that day, but this year I hope to just do a little every day and keep it up so it isn't as much as a struggle as it has been.
10. I want to be a better wife and mother. I know this is number 10 but it very easily could be number 2. I need to be a better partner for BG and a better mama for the girls. I think part of this is doing all of the above.
11. Stop biting my finger nails. I know...it is gross....I know....I know....I have tried....I am going to try again....I know.....Yes.....I know.......
I could keep going because there is A LOT to improve but I think we are all that way (If you aren't, please take me to lunch - you can buy - and tell me your secret). We all have things we want to improve, want to stop, or want to fix. I am no different. I am just putting these things out there in the universe. I don't know if any of these things are really possible but I am putting them out there in the universe and next year this time I will look back and see how the universe and I have done.
1. Read the Bible more. Any reading would be more than I am doing now most days so simply to read the Bible every day, even just a verse, would be a huge improvement. I also want to put out fleeces and see where God takes me, not where I take God.
2. Feel better. Part of that would be to lose weight but I am not writing that down....Feel better sounds much more all in compassing. Part of the feel better is to eat better, move more, and hopefully that will lead to losing weight which will mean I will feel better.
3. Take more chances. I am not sure what that means but sometimes I need to step out of my comfort zone and go with the flow a little more.
4. Not be so loud. I know everyone who knows me knows this probably isn't possible but....maybe.....
5. Not cuss so much. I only have a few words I really like. My youngest child, Pig Pen, has decided she likes one of the words as well. (I know, I am a great example.) So, for the sake of everyone I am going to try to get those couple of words out of my vocab.
6. Do more for myself. I think I am itching for something because I don't do enough for myself to keep my inner spirit going. Maybe I will take a cooking class or two, or another cake decorating class, or try to learn to knit again, or learn to sew. I don't know what the something is but whatever it is I hope it is for myself.
7. I want to not be so scared of the unknown. I am always worried about the unknown. I hate that. I really would like to - in the words of Nike - Just Do It.
8. I want to Facebook less. I know, I know. Facebook queen. I know. If I could hold myself to checking once in the morning and once at the evening or afternoon that would be a great accomplishment.
9. I want to find more balance at home. I am really bad at doing laundry, cleaning on a regular basis, and keeping things going as much as I should. I have made lists in the past of what to do on this day or that day, but this year I hope to just do a little every day and keep it up so it isn't as much as a struggle as it has been.
10. I want to be a better wife and mother. I know this is number 10 but it very easily could be number 2. I need to be a better partner for BG and a better mama for the girls. I think part of this is doing all of the above.
11. Stop biting my finger nails. I know...it is gross....I know....I know....I have tried....I am going to try again....I know.....Yes.....I know.......
I could keep going because there is A LOT to improve but I think we are all that way (If you aren't, please take me to lunch - you can buy - and tell me your secret). We all have things we want to improve, want to stop, or want to fix. I am no different. I am just putting these things out there in the universe. I don't know if any of these things are really possible but I am putting them out there in the universe and next year this time I will look back and see how the universe and I have done.
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