What AM I Going to Do With This Kid?

The glue on Nathan's chin lasted lass than three days. I noticed this morning it was gone. It had been peeling around the edges and I had to glue one side down again after Hannah shut the door on him and it started bleeding. I used the infamous NexCare skin glue that I poured in Tyler's eye last year. ;) I managed to keep it out of Nathan's, however! But despite my efforts it is off now. That is my luck. We have never had glue that lasted the "6-7 days" like the doctors always say. At least the injury is mostly together...until he bumps it again. So, here is the solution some have offered...



My dad has been saying for a couple years (mind you, Nathan is only three) that he needs to wear a helmet. And last Thursday, when I told him of our most recent trip to the InstaCare, he offered once again, to buy one for Nathan. But after this last incident, a few more people suggested it too. The kid won't keep a BandAid on. Do you really think he'll keep this on?
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Hailey's birthday was fun. We gave her a camera that she was SO excited about! My parents gave her a mu mu and lei for her American Girl (AG) She loves it! (Thanks guys!) Casey was so jealous of her camera that he moped around the house all night. He kept making comments like, "I can't even express in words how jealous I am." Have I ever known him to ask for a camera? Or take a picture? No.


Saturday I took Hailey and five friends ice skating. We spent two hours there, but I think the girls only spent a total of 27 minutes actually skating. A good part of the time was filled with me lacing and unlacing each girls' skates at least twice, trying to get them more comfortable.The rest was girl drama. A few of them were fighting over who they thought a certain boy likes. These girls are 9 and 10 years old! That is Jr. High stuff.

This is the very reason I wanted Hailey to get into American Girl. If it will keep her a 'little girl' longer, I don't care how much it costs. You can't put a price tag on that. I am thrilled that Hailey asked for AG stuff for her birthday and Christmas again this year. That just bought me another year of her childhood.

I look at other kids my children's ages and I am in awe. They are so much more mature than mine. I have tried very hard to make sure my kids stay kids.my kids. I ma very choosy about what I let them watch or play or wear. I feel very lucky. Casey still likes Disney movies. I attribute their naivety to the fact that we don't have TV. It does pose one problem, though. They have great imaginations. For 11 moths out of the year, this is great. But for that one month before Christmas, it's a problem. You see, without commercials, (and since I avoid taking them shopping with me) they don't know what is on the market. So they make up things they want Santa to bring. This year, Hannah asked for a dog. That walks. And barks. And has a pink bow on it's ear. And a switch on the bottom. And a leash. And a house. And a bowl. And a bone. Now, since Santa's elves make toys, this is not a problem for the big man himself. But if say, mom and dad wanted to give this to her, it would be a challenge. They would probably have to shop in the pet aisle- not in the toy department. It's all good, though. Like I said- whatever it takes to keep them young.

Deja Vu

So today started out as any other. I had high hopes of what I would accomplish. You see, tomorrow is Hailey's birthday. I have certain things I do for each person's birthday, and they usually require a day of errands and other preparations at home. Well, Hailey's birthday is a little more complicated. Throw into it, that fact that Christmas is in 11 days. So, not only do I have birthday errands and preparations- but Christmas, as well. So I had a long list of things to do today, and I had plans to start around 10:00 (meaning out the door by 10:00.) That is until Nathan pulled one of his "split my head open and take me to the Insta Care" routines. Yep. Right around 9:00 AM, just as I was about to get into a much-needed shower, he came to me crying. There wasn't much blood, but his chin was definitely gaping. I was still determined to get my things done, and I didn't know how they would react if I took him back four weeks to the day since the last set of stitches. So, I decided I would just use a butterfly bandage. That lasted about two seconds. That kid won't leave a Bandaid on. So, I hopped in the shower, woke Hannah up, and took her and Emma to my friend's house. Luckily, the doctor was able to glue it closed and so far it has held- that is pretty good. Once again, he was a model patient and the doctor and nurses commented on how good he was. Yes, nurses. They brought two in for reinforcements- probably figuring we would have to sit on him. But Nathan is a veteran. He just laid there. In fact, at first, he was so giggly, that anytime I tried to touch him, he would start snorting and laughing hysterically. Only Nathan. What will I do with him?.....

Christmas is Coming...

...the goose is getting fat. We have been listening to Christmas music around here since Halloween. But for some reason, I am just not feeling it. Then Casey came home from school singing, "Christmas is Coming" and I remembered the old Muppet's Christmas record we listened to every year at Christmas. I want that record. There is nothing like Miss Piggy to bring the holiday spirit. And John Denver. And of course, Mannheim Steamroller. I think I am on a new quest.

I am sitting here bloggin' on the couch, playing fetch with my cat. You read it right. My kitten, Oreo, plays fetch. We are convinced he is half dog. He eats table scraps, licks you and plays fetch. Of course, this makes him that much more likable to Randy. :) And I must say, the floor is a little cleaner after dinner than usual.

An update on the Internet purchases...so far, so good. I have received three packages so far. After I got over the frustrations the other day, I decided I like shopping online. I love waiting for the UPS guy or FedEx man (that is, when it is not a passport I'm waiting for!) There is just something more exciting about opening up a big box and sifting through all the blown-up plastic bags to find the one little item in the bottom of the box. It is almost like I am the one receiving the present. And then I get to wrap it up and go through it all over again Christmas morning watching the kids.

Internet Shopping Woes

Saturday was a fun day. we didn't do much work. As I said earlier, the kids spent most of the day outside. I love it when they do that. Although, when everyone else is playing, I don't feel much like working. So, even though it would have been prime cleaning time, I just couldn't do it. I need a break, too. So I worked on some Christmas presents and hung out with Emma. She hadn't been feeling well Friday, and had a mystery fever Friday night. I couldn't find a working thermometer, but I'd say it was around 103-104. Maybe higher. The Motrin brought it down and she only needed one more dose. Then it was gone for good. I can never figure out why my kids do that. They get scorching fevers and then they are gone. No other symptoms. I remember the first time Hailey got a high fever. She wasn't even a year old. Casey had never had a fever before, so it was new to me. Her temp was 106.7. I pretty much freaked out thinking that her brain was frying. I called the pediatrician in a panic and as calm as could be, he told me to alternate Motrin and Tylenol every two hours. He said if it didn't come down by morning, to call him. WHAT?! Aren't you worried?! Shouldn't she be dead by now?! I guess some kids just get high fevers. 104 for most of my kids is normal. Casey on the other hand, if he hits 99, he's in bad shape.

OK, that was a tangent....so...Saturday night, Randy surprised us by taking us all to Chuck-a-Rama. He was celebrating a recent raise and the fact that he finally sold the Ford Explorer he bought at an auction back in August. The kids were so excited. They love it there. While eating her scone and lemon chiffon, Hailey asked me if it was a "Five Star" restaurant. Um no, Hailey. We don't go out to eat often, as you can guess.

And that night, Randy and Hailey slept in the igloo. They had a blast! Hailey will probably talk about it the rest of her life. And yes, they stayed warm- even their toes!

Sunday I had Sharing Time again. It went well, and it's actually not as bad I thought it was going to be. When we got home from church, I put Emma down for a nap while Randy went home teaching with Casey. Hailey has been occupying Tyler, Hannah and Nathan in her room playing 'school'. They spend hours in there and whine when it's time to eat dinner. I'm not complaining. I thought I would take advantage of the free time and take a nap. That was a mistake. Somehow while I was sleeping, my glasses got mysteriously broken and my keys lost. I still can't find them.

Today was, well, Monday. The lack of work on the weekend always catches up to me. But I have learned that we can spend all day cleaning Saturday, and by Sunday night, the house is a mess. I just didn't want to do that again.

So, about the Internet troubles...Hailey had asked for some American Girl stuff. I was undecided which things I was going to buy, and was waiting to talk it over with Randy. I had actually put things in my 'cart' but was waiting for his approval. He has been so busy with work that the first chance we had to talk about it was Friday. We hopped online, and low and behold, the outfit she wanted is sold out. Not just back orderd. SOLD OUT. They will make no more. It was an outfit that belonged to "The Girl of the Year"- so they won't be making anymore. I was bummed, but figured, I'll just get one on eBay or find a knock-off. No such luck. Unless I want to pay $40 for a $12 cowboy hat...FOR A DOLL! I was cringing at $12. There is no way I'll pay that much. So much for that idea. Oh yeah, and the other thing we were getting for her birthday- back ordred until January 4th, 2008! It is hard enough thinking of things for her birthday AND Christmas at the same time, I don't need this. So that was my Friday and Saturday.

Randy and I talked last night again about presents for the kids. We decided on some things I had already looked at online. So this morning, I got online to purchase them. As I placed an item in my bag on Amazon, a big red noticed flashed on the top of the screen. "The item you selected has increased from $13.29 to $16.99 since you placed it in your bag. The final price will be reflected at check-out." ARGH!

The next item to buy was for Randy. It is the one thing he asked for that isn't super practical, ie. socks or shoes. It is still practical- that is just him, but it's somewhat of a luxury. It was out of stock as well. I checked a half dozen or more stores and finally found a store that had one...for $13 more than the first place that had them last week! It said, "Only two left. Order soon." I wasn't going to waste any time. I was on a mission. Can you see how Nathan was able to do some damage upstairs?

Next on the list was Nathan's. I had searched all over the Internet last week for his. I wanted a simple wooden train track to expand the existing one we have. You know, the one I paid $12 for at Target several years back. I could not bring myself to spending $80- $100 for a Thomas or Brio one. And could not find a cheap one anywhere. After much searching, I finally did late last week. When I went back today (after confirming with Randy) it was nowhere to be found. This is starting to sound a little unbelievable isn't it? It gets better.

We decided to get Emma a little push corn popper thing. You know, one of those noisy toys that I will regret buying an hour after she opens it? It's a standard toy. We have looked at buying one a dozen times before and I have opted not to. But with her being number six, there is not much else we haven't already purchased. So I am willing to give it a try. That is- IF I COULD FIND ONE! I didn't want an electronic one that counts in five languages, plays fifty different songs and potty-trains your child (although some light house-work might come in handy and be worth the higher price tag!) I just want a basic cheap popper toy that my kids will annoy me with. Is that too much to ask? Apparently so.

After 3 hours of frustration, it was time to take Hannah to school and run some errands. And my house was a DISASTER (alas being 'fired')! I was just glad that in the end, I got most of what I was looking for. I should have stuck to my original plan of not buiying them anything.

I'm Fired

Some more funny Nathan stories....

~We have been watching an office building being constructed near our house. Every time we pass it, Nathan points it out. All the kids loved seeing the steel beams placed by the crane and every new development is exciting. So the other day as we were driving home from tumbling, they had plastic sheeting draped over half of it in preparation for the stucco or other exterior. Nathan noticed it and said, "Uh, Mom. They are putting it in a package!"

~Yesterday, he came out of the bathroom and proclaimed, "I almost saw the Holy Ghost." Not completely mind you- just almost. He said that the Holy Ghost was his friend, and he is nice. He wasn't afraid, and he was just standing there in the bathroom. It kind of makes me wonder what he did see. Or if it is just the wild imagination of a three year-old.

~Today, I was getting ready to leave when a friend called. After talking for few minutes, I told her I needed to go run errands before the kids got home. As we were backing out of the driveway, Nathan asked, "Are you dropping me off at Erin's house?"

~I was trying to round up a few Christmas presents online this morning (I have not had good luck with internet shopping lately- I'll get into that later...) While I was on the computer, Nathan managed to dump 1000 Legos on the floor, and also the contents of three board games. The mess spread from my front room, through the entry way, and down into the family room. I asked him to pick it up and he refused. Several times. I told him I would help, but that he needed to help, too. He made up one excuse after another (he has good teachers, you know!) I persisted, as did he. He paused, and sighed and then said, "Fine then. You're fired!"

Today I'd be OK with that. Do I sign papers on the way out? Is there a severance package? Not that it matters. Just show me the door and I'll go willingly. Some days are just like that.

Eskimos

So this is our weather here this week. It is 28 degrees right now. I am very grateful for my furnace. But even as we speak, my scoutmaster husband and 9 year-old daughter think it is great fun to be sleeping outside. WHY? You ask. Because they are completely insane. OK, so they did build this igloo today:



I helped for a little while, but the wind was blowing and it was COLD! Brrrrr.


I guess after spending 5 hours building it, they just couldn't pass up the chance to freeze their tails off for another 8 hours...

They actually say it is warm inside....

Maybe they are part Eskimo....

Here is Casey and 'sledding hill' he made in the back yard...

Here he is doing a nose-dive off the tramp onto the ginormous hill...

Nathan has fallen, but he can't get up...(at least there was only one bathroom emergency today!)

Tyler spent most of the day in the snow. He bundled up around 8:00 AM and only took a few breaks before dinner..I'm tellin' ya- part Eskimo.

Never Put Beads in Your Nose

I feel like all my posts revolve around Nathan- but he is so stinkin' funny and keeps us so busy, that right now, he is the center of our stories.


Several months ago, Nathan put a Perler bead into his nose. It was after 10 PM, and the doctor's office and insta care were closed. Trying to save a ER co-pay (I know, you'd think I would have learned the first time...that's another story for those of you who don't know it.) we attempted to get it out ourselves. No such luck. We tried everything from tweezers, to an ear cleaner thingy, to a bulb syringe to a vacuum (I know, I know...) After almost an hour of unsuccessful attempts, I decided I would just call the ENT that is so familiar with Nathan. I asked him if it was OK to leave it overnight and come to his office the next day. I was afraid he might aspirate it in his sleep. The doctor assured me it would be fine, and we arranged a time the next day. Five minutes later, he called back and asked me if I could meet him at his office. He said he got thinking and decided we would both sleep better if he just took it out. By this time it was 11:30. What good mom has their three year old up at 11:30. If he had been asleep at a decent time, it never would have happened in the first place! It only took the doctor a minute to remove the culprit. He checked for more and we were on our way. I was glad I called him after all as he didn't even charge me for the visit! So fast forward to last Saturday.....


Randy was bending over, tying his shoe when Nathan jumped on his back and threw his arms around his neck. I grabbed Nathan by the waist and tried to pull him off Randy. He had quite a hold on Randy and ended up upside-down. I shook him around a little, teasing him., and put him back down. When he got off Randy, his nose started to bleed a little and out came these:

...And I was worried about leaving one in overnight!

Last night I was giving Casey a much needed trim when Nathan asked for a 'short-cut'. As I was finishing up his haircut, he instructed me to make 'fire hair'. He moved his hands around to illustrate the way he wanted his hair styled- complete with sound effects. He wanted it in a faux-hawk. Silly kid. I guess it has a new name at our house.


At dinner he was saying the prayer-as always. He loves to thank Heavenly Father for pretty much everything, and usually just goes through his day. Last night was no different. "Thank you we could play in the snow. Thank you we could pee in our snow pants. Thank you we could change into new clothes." At this point, none of us could contain ourselves. He goes on, "Thank you we could stop laughing." And so on... What am I going to do with him?