Change of Heart

Today we said a bittersweet goodbye to B's Tuesday basketball class. Bittersweet because for many weeks, he dreaded going. He cried on the way there and also when I dropped him off. He always have a great time once they got going, but it took a long time for him to remember that he did, indeed, enjoy this class. One of the main reasons he loved it so much were the two fabulous coaches, Sydney and Frank. After a couple of weeks of tearful times at drop off, Coach Sydney took the initiative to just grab B by the hand and get him running. He'd instantly forget that he was sad and would enjoy the rest of the class. Coach Frank was always providing silly comic relief, making jokes that the 3-6 year olds thought were funnier than anything. As today was the last day, parents were encouraged to stay and watch the entire class. The kids got a special treat at the end of class which included trying to keep balloons off the floor and certificates of completion. And as they did each class, they ended with a big, loud cheer.

Though G wasn't officially in the class, the coaches always let her join in the class cheer.

Little Man - Mommy Date Night

B and I got dressed up for the local parks & rec dinner/dance tonight.
We finished the evening with a little dessert (and hot chocolate) at a
24 hour diner like I always did in high school. "Isn't this the best
date ever, Mom?" Melts my heart!

Sushi - Preschool Style

I think I have talked of this hit before, but I don't have time to cross reference if I have. Anyway, today G helped make her lunch - PB&J sushi. Thanks to babysitter Annie for introducing us to this very creative spin on a classic.

Step 1 - Roll out the bread

Step 2 - Apply layer of Peanut Butter

Step 3 - Add Jam or Jelly - flavor optional

Step 4 - spread thin layer

Step 5 - Roll

Step 6 - Cut into several pieces

Step 7 - plate and wait for Mom to stop taking photos so you can eat your lunch!

G has become a picky eater. That being said, she ate this entire "sandwich" in about 5 minutes.

Now that is cold!

I am HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY that we are not digging out from a snow storm (yet). I can handle the wind and cold. Our fountain, not so much. If nothing else, it looks really cool.

Naughty or Nice?

I don't think we are alone this time of year when we use the idea of nice behavior being rewarded with presents under the tree and bad choices leading to a lack of gifts. We actually visited with one Santa this year who told both kids that they weren't on the nice list (yet) and that they had to step it up in order to get a coveted spot on said list. I do think these discussions have helped B be a bit nicer to us all, while the entire concept is LOST on G! Oh well.

One little wrinkle that I can't figure out is that the two times B has talked with the big guy, he has asked for dinosaurs for Christmas. Not an unusual request for a four year old. HOWEVER, he never plays with dinosaurs. We have a few dinosaur items (coloring book, stamps) that he thinks are fine, but nothing that is a must have or must do. Ever. For some reason, when he's feeling on the spot, he pulls the idea of wanting dinosaurs out of thin air. It's isn't a big deal because the elves in this family still have time for shopping, but I am baffled.

One of THOSE afternoons

G just got up from her nap. She has pretty much been in tears since I got her out of her crib (30 minutes ago), which leads me to believe she should go back for more sleep. So far, she has cried because the TV is off, the Christmas lights are on, Daddy is at work. We sat for a bit and cuddled. She cried for most of the cuddle, but we cuddled anyway. She calmed for a bit (a few minutes), even laughed at B. Then, she wanted a snack. When I finally realized she was asking for Teddy Grahams, I let her have 4 of them. She then cried because I put them on a plate, instead of in a bowl. Before realizing she wanted Teddy Grahams, I asked 3 times if she wanted some toast. No. No. No. When she saw my toast, she cried because she, too, wanted toast. Then she cried because it wasn't ready yet. Once it was ready, she asked that I put butter on it. I buttered it and placed it on her plate, to which she cried, "Noooooo budder!!" Now, while I type, she is crying, "I want Daddy!" over and over and over again. This is what I hear whenever she doesn't get her way. If I knew what her way was, maybe she would get it (except for the TV). Recently I heard a radio DJ give advice to a new father. He said, if you have daughters, you should learn to stand in the middle of the room and cry for no reason. This way you will fit in. Right now, I think he is spot on.

I DID IT!

Here we are. Day 30. Do I have any cute pictures to post? Nope. Any major life altering revelations? Nope. Soap Boxes to stand upon? Nope. Just a pat on the back to myself for actually getting (more than) 30 posts up this month and a renewed commitment to posting on my blog. Thanks to the few of you who are still checking in (Hi, Mom and Dad!). I do this mostly to keep myself sane but it is also fun to know that people check it out every once in awhile.