Today went...fine. I kind of felt like no one wanted to do the same thing at the same time until the very end of the day.
Then it was time for Isaac to do his chores, and he was asking what he had to do. I told him feed Flurry, S blends, and water the plants...
I: I don't want to water the plants.
A: If there wasn't an X in the box from yesterday, you need to water them. [Note: between school and bath he only fed Flurry last night.]
Isaac goes to look.
I: There's an X in the box.
A: Did you just put it there?
Isaac just smiles.
I told him that was lying and to go water the plants while I decided if he should be punished. I didn't punish him since he didn't say the X was already there and I think he understood the threat.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Tuesday: school starts!
Today was the first day back at school.
Isaac got right back in the routine, barely glancing at me when I left his room. When I picked him up he wondered if we could come back tomorrow because he was having fun playing with the new toys. Of course, in the next breath he asked when he was going to be in kindergarten. He seems quite excited for that step, and I haven't even told him there are no naps in kindergarten yet. :)
Joshua did ok. He was sad when I left, as normal. They said he played well by himself and tolerated the group activities.
My classes went fine. The first day I always feel like I'm throwing a ton of information at them and it barely sticks. But, if I skip saying it then everyone is really confused. So lots of talking and lots of standing.
When we got home the kids where loud. They're never quiet, but they seemed louder than normal. We finally calmed Joshua down by putting on some music, but then that was loud too.
Also...WoW expansion day! I didn't play that much; my favorite play style is to just do a little at a time. I like to quilt too. But I did get my new weapon and did the first quest chain.
Isaac got right back in the routine, barely glancing at me when I left his room. When I picked him up he wondered if we could come back tomorrow because he was having fun playing with the new toys. Of course, in the next breath he asked when he was going to be in kindergarten. He seems quite excited for that step, and I haven't even told him there are no naps in kindergarten yet. :)
Joshua did ok. He was sad when I left, as normal. They said he played well by himself and tolerated the group activities.
My classes went fine. The first day I always feel like I'm throwing a ton of information at them and it barely sticks. But, if I skip saying it then everyone is really confused. So lots of talking and lots of standing.
When we got home the kids where loud. They're never quiet, but they seemed louder than normal. We finally calmed Joshua down by putting on some music, but then that was loud too.
Also...WoW expansion day! I didn't play that much; my favorite play style is to just do a little at a time. I like to quilt too. But I did get my new weapon and did the first quest chain.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Monday: 56 months
Isaac is almost 56 months! (I know, it's a day early. But I took the pictures because the quilt goes to school and I figured I could balance out the late posts.)
Sleeping: Isaac decided to take some naps this month and it was always a problem. He can't go to sleep if he does that. We're slowly working out a good method to deal with it (as he'll probably take a nap at school), but it can still be annoying. (Tonight he came down, said that his extra awake time was done and that he was sick. He wanted yucky medicine for a headache. I told him sleep was good for a headache. He asked how many minutes could he come back down. Ben said thirty and he waffled. I suggested setting his time (sixty minutes) and he jumped at it. Five minutes later he seems to be asleep.)
Crying: we had some huge bouts of crying this month...longer than he's ever had before. I think what he's crying about is rather silly...usually the routine changes and he doesn't like the change. (He knows that the routine is going to change...it isn't a surprise.) It slowly seems to be getting better and yesterday he only cried for twenty minutes and didn't scream.
Activities: Although we had the few issues mentioned above, they really have only happened a few times. Most of the time he is still our silly puppy dog. He loves being silly (and Joshua encourages it a lot). He loves playing, still usually defined as Castle or Bucky, with us. He also likes Legos, going to the beach, baking, and taking his time while eating. He is not all that excited about school starting again because he doesn't want to nap or color. He still runs a lot, often with his arms waving as boosters or jets or rockets.
Chores: chores are still going pretty well, although they usually get done right before bed. He is in charge of putting his clean clothes away, and likes to use pants hangers to clip them. I decided that was fine, but that there should only be one shirt per hanger.
Sleeping: Isaac decided to take some naps this month and it was always a problem. He can't go to sleep if he does that. We're slowly working out a good method to deal with it (as he'll probably take a nap at school), but it can still be annoying. (Tonight he came down, said that his extra awake time was done and that he was sick. He wanted yucky medicine for a headache. I told him sleep was good for a headache. He asked how many minutes could he come back down. Ben said thirty and he waffled. I suggested setting his time (sixty minutes) and he jumped at it. Five minutes later he seems to be asleep.)
Crying: we had some huge bouts of crying this month...longer than he's ever had before. I think what he's crying about is rather silly...usually the routine changes and he doesn't like the change. (He knows that the routine is going to change...it isn't a surprise.) It slowly seems to be getting better and yesterday he only cried for twenty minutes and didn't scream.
Activities: Although we had the few issues mentioned above, they really have only happened a few times. Most of the time he is still our silly puppy dog. He loves being silly (and Joshua encourages it a lot). He loves playing, still usually defined as Castle or Bucky, with us. He also likes Legos, going to the beach, baking, and taking his time while eating. He is not all that excited about school starting again because he doesn't want to nap or color. He still runs a lot, often with his arms waving as boosters or jets or rockets.
Chores: chores are still going pretty well, although they usually get done right before bed. He is in charge of putting his clean clothes away, and likes to use pants hangers to clip them. I decided that was fine, but that there should only be one shirt per hanger.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Sunday: 25 months
Joshua turned 25 months today.
Eating: Joshua has started eating a bit better. He wanted seconds of pineapple today, which he hasn't touched before. He still eats an apple piece and then spits it all out.
Talking: Joshua can communicate quite well now. I'm still not sure that others would be able to understand him all that well, but he can get his point across to us. It's nice to say, "Do you want to go to the grocery store or on a stroller ride?" and get a response. His favorite phrase is "I got it." It comes up when he actually has an object or when he's done something he wanted to do.
Toilet training: We haven't pushed this very hard, but Joshua does like to wear underwear. If he poops he knows that he's supposed to go to the toilet, although he usually does it in the wrong order. When he gets to wear underwear it's been a bit of a struggle to have him sit on the toilet, but I found that if I start counting he calms down (and often counts with me). We count to about twenty, sometimes taking long breaks. A lot of his toys are pooping right now and EE got to wear some underwear this week.
Activities: He enjoys dancing and music and running. He likes to color...much more than Isaac does. He still loves to play with circuits and Legos/Duplos. He likes to read, but doesn't like to sit on your lap while reading. This often means that books only get half read.
Misc: He realized that he can move chairs/stools around to get to light switches. He likes getting Isaac's shoes for him. He still carries Bear and Elephant around all over the place. He loves robots and thinks that most things are robots, including the stand light in his room. He says he's "scared" easily, but besides running to Ben or me he doesn't seem very scared. He still listens for bears and sometimes makes bear noises. Today at church he remember the place where we go on bear hunts. He likes going down big slides. He adores his brother.
Eating: Joshua has started eating a bit better. He wanted seconds of pineapple today, which he hasn't touched before. He still eats an apple piece and then spits it all out.
Talking: Joshua can communicate quite well now. I'm still not sure that others would be able to understand him all that well, but he can get his point across to us. It's nice to say, "Do you want to go to the grocery store or on a stroller ride?" and get a response. His favorite phrase is "I got it." It comes up when he actually has an object or when he's done something he wanted to do.
Toilet training: We haven't pushed this very hard, but Joshua does like to wear underwear. If he poops he knows that he's supposed to go to the toilet, although he usually does it in the wrong order. When he gets to wear underwear it's been a bit of a struggle to have him sit on the toilet, but I found that if I start counting he calms down (and often counts with me). We count to about twenty, sometimes taking long breaks. A lot of his toys are pooping right now and EE got to wear some underwear this week.
Activities: He enjoys dancing and music and running. He likes to color...much more than Isaac does. He still loves to play with circuits and Legos/Duplos. He likes to read, but doesn't like to sit on your lap while reading. This often means that books only get half read.
Misc: He realized that he can move chairs/stools around to get to light switches. He likes getting Isaac's shoes for him. He still carries Bear and Elephant around all over the place. He loves robots and thinks that most things are robots, including the stand light in his room. He says he's "scared" easily, but besides running to Ben or me he doesn't seem very scared. He still listens for bears and sometimes makes bear noises. Today at church he remember the place where we go on bear hunts. He likes going down big slides. He adores his brother.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Saturday: Joshua's package
Joshua got a package in the mail today. I asked Isaac if he wanted to help Joshua open it. They sat in the kitchen.
I: Ok Joshua, first I look for something loose to rip, like this flap. Do you want to rip it?
J: Yes.
It rips, not much.
I: Next I use a scissors. You need to put your fingers in the black circles and cut. Ok?
J: Ok.
Joshua tries. I'm not sure what he did; I couldn't see it.
I: It usually works better if you put the scissors in a flap.
J: oh.
I: Would you like me to do it?
J: Yes.
Isaac opens the package.
I: Then you take everything out!
Joshua takes some things out but gets distracted. Isaac helps him finish the job.
My heart was melting. It was the cutest thing ever.
I: Ok Joshua, first I look for something loose to rip, like this flap. Do you want to rip it?
J: Yes.
It rips, not much.
I: Next I use a scissors. You need to put your fingers in the black circles and cut. Ok?
J: Ok.
Joshua tries. I'm not sure what he did; I couldn't see it.
I: It usually works better if you put the scissors in a flap.
J: oh.
I: Would you like me to do it?
J: Yes.
Isaac opens the package.
I: Then you take everything out!
Joshua takes some things out but gets distracted. Isaac helps him finish the job.
My heart was melting. It was the cutest thing ever.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Wednesday: Dutch Village
Every time we go by the Ferris wheel in Dutch Village, Isaac has wanted to know when he could go on it. Today was the day!
Of course, we got there and he saw how tall it was and changed his mind. I had to change it back for him. He hung on so tightly, but by the end seemed to be enjoying it.
I think Joshua might have enjoyed it too, but he said he didn't want to go on. I wasn't going to push it.
We wandered around, climbing on all the stuff.
Then went for a carousel ride. Joshua never seemed too sure about it, but Isaac enjoyed it after I was his seat belt.
We wandered around a bit more, checking out a maze and a pump duck race. So simple, yet so fun.
Isaac wanted to go on the last ride. I didn't think he'd enjoy it, but he liked the whole thing. Maybe just because it looks like a fast spinny ride is why I thought he wouldn't like it. I went on it with him and didn't find it bad at all. Once you get up to a constant speed you just stay there - no ups or downs or speed changes - so it was nice and gentle.
Isaac brought Aunt C on one last Ferris wheel ride, we took a quick look at the train, and then headed out. We barely touched the barn animals. It always surprises me how much fun the place is...it seems like it should just be a tourist trap, but it's more like a fancy playground and tourist trap and you can do whatever part(s) you want.
Joshua and Aunt C bonded during the outing and as she was leaving he blew her a kiss. Super sweet and I'm not sure I've seen him do that unprompted before. :)
Of course, we got there and he saw how tall it was and changed his mind. I had to change it back for him. He hung on so tightly, but by the end seemed to be enjoying it.
We wandered around, climbing on all the stuff.
Then went for a carousel ride. Joshua never seemed too sure about it, but Isaac enjoyed it after I was his seat belt.
We wandered around a bit more, checking out a maze and a pump duck race. So simple, yet so fun.
Isaac wanted to go on the last ride. I didn't think he'd enjoy it, but he liked the whole thing. Maybe just because it looks like a fast spinny ride is why I thought he wouldn't like it. I went on it with him and didn't find it bad at all. Once you get up to a constant speed you just stay there - no ups or downs or speed changes - so it was nice and gentle.
Isaac brought Aunt C on one last Ferris wheel ride, we took a quick look at the train, and then headed out. We barely touched the barn animals. It always surprises me how much fun the place is...it seems like it should just be a tourist trap, but it's more like a fancy playground and tourist trap and you can do whatever part(s) you want.
Joshua and Aunt C bonded during the outing and as she was leaving he blew her a kiss. Super sweet and I'm not sure I've seen him do that unprompted before. :)
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Tuesday: this and that
Isaac beat me soundly in a game of life. He didn't start out with a big loan, got a higher salary then me, and ended up getting a card where every time I spun a one I had to give him half my salary. I spun a one a lot.
Funny face. It reminded me that we didn't do the silly picture activity that we did last summer and I think it was one of the favorites. I'll probably try to do it soon.
I had some videos of Joshua too, but they mainly consist of him stomping around looking down. In the first one he was on an ant hunt and wanted me to vacuum up every little crumb that he found on the floor. In the second he had a knife and fork at the beach and was jabbing them into the sand.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Tuesday: a first time for everything
We were on a bike ride tonight, going to water the flowers. Isaac was riding pretty well. Not really fast, but not snail slow.
A bee started going around Joshua and me. I couldn't keep sight of it, so I just hoped that it disappeared. No such luck.
And with my next pedal, I squished the bee inside my knee and got my very first bee sting. (I bet you were expecting one of the boys to get stung! Can you believe that it's my first?) My first thought was, "bother, I left my phone at home. Sure hope that I'm not allergic." My second thought was, "This is annoying, but not as bad as I expected." I told Isaac that we should turn around and go home. He misunderstood me and kept going...so we did. A minute had passed and I wasn't swelling up crazy.
There has been a small ache for a surprisingly long time though. It probably doesn't help that I didn't ice it for twenty minutes and we have no other ointments for it.
A bee started going around Joshua and me. I couldn't keep sight of it, so I just hoped that it disappeared. No such luck.
And with my next pedal, I squished the bee inside my knee and got my very first bee sting. (I bet you were expecting one of the boys to get stung! Can you believe that it's my first?) My first thought was, "bother, I left my phone at home. Sure hope that I'm not allergic." My second thought was, "This is annoying, but not as bad as I expected." I told Isaac that we should turn around and go home. He misunderstood me and kept going...so we did. A minute had passed and I wasn't swelling up crazy.
There has been a small ache for a surprisingly long time though. It probably doesn't help that I didn't ice it for twenty minutes and we have no other ointments for it.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Monday: Isaac
A normal way to find Isaac lately...all cocooned in a sheet.
A: If you could invent one thing, what would it be?
I: ??
A: If you could make one -inator, what would it be?
I: An abominalinator.
A: A what?
I: An abominalinatior. You have to say it fast. It's a monster that can go through buildings on Phineas and Ferb...
A: Is it nice?
I: Yes.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Sunday: Mama said...
Isaac took a nap again today. He then had an hour long melt down when he 1) couldn't watch Ipad and 2) had to clean his room. He knew both of these things were coming; they weren't surprises. He knew without me telling him that he'd get Ipad tonight.
About half way through Joshua tried to bring the Ipad to Isaac and started crying when he couldn't. He couldn't settle after that either.
The song line kept running through my head, "Mama said there'd be days like this, there'd be days like this my Mama said." I'm sure it refers to something different, but it sure seemed to fit.
Maybe Isaac needs to stop taking naps. He usually doesn't, but he's been a bit sick. He still might need to stop taking naps.
About half way through Joshua tried to bring the Ipad to Isaac and started crying when he couldn't. He couldn't settle after that either.
The song line kept running through my head, "Mama said there'd be days like this, there'd be days like this my Mama said." I'm sure it refers to something different, but it sure seemed to fit.
Maybe Isaac needs to stop taking naps. He usually doesn't, but he's been a bit sick. He still might need to stop taking naps.
Saturday: bear! pray!
Joshua is still scared of bears on a regular basis. (Yes, sometimes he makes the noise and then gets scared of it. Sometimes he doesn't get scared.) Anyway, Isaac and I were playing Legos and Joshua got scared of bears. Since my rule of "no mean bears in the house" doesn't seem to be working very well lately, we prayed.
And then Joshua wanted to pray again.
And then bears again.
Then he wanted to pray for Isaac.
Then he wanted to pray for Mom.
Then he wanted to pray about bears.
Bears again.
Bears again.
Bears again.
Dad.
Bears.
Bears.
I sort of felt like I was doing something right, but it also seemed like a game. I went with it...there are worse games to play. :D
And then Joshua wanted to pray again.
And then bears again.
Then he wanted to pray for Isaac.
Then he wanted to pray for Mom.
Then he wanted to pray about bears.
Bears again.
Bears again.
Bears again.
Dad.
Bears.
Bears.
I sort of felt like I was doing something right, but it also seemed like a game. I went with it...there are worse games to play. :D
Friday, August 19, 2016
Friday: Happy Birthday
It's my birthday today! It was actually a very good day. We went to the pool with Betsy this morning. It was a cloudy morning and so no one else was there right away. We asked them to turn off the water features...the older boys don't use them and the younger kids are rather scared of them. And they're so loud!
Afterwards we went to Wendy's...it was a wonderful birthday treat. Besides that, things went normal with the boys, Ben brought presents and donuts and flowers, and I had a nice nap.
The boys played with all the stuffed animals...mainly throwing them down the stairs.
Creeper Joshua.
Afterwards we went to Wendy's...it was a wonderful birthday treat. Besides that, things went normal with the boys, Ben brought presents and donuts and flowers, and I had a nice nap.
The boys played with all the stuffed animals...mainly throwing them down the stairs.
Creeper Joshua.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Thursday: unexpected
In the morning, Isaac wanted to play legos. So we went downstairs to do that for a bit. We're talking, and Isaac told me that he had a scary dream last night. But it was too scary to tell me. (I said that to him once when we both had scary dreams one night.) Then Joshua suddenly says, "I'm scared" and comes to sit in my lap for the next five minutes.
A few minutes later, Isaac bursts out crying. "What happened?" I asked, completely confused. He was just sitting next to me playing with the pieces that look like banana pipes. "I don't know! My body just needs to cry!" Ok, I can empathize with that. I pulled him into my lap for a hug. (I don't know if he's heard that from me or not. It sounds like something I would say, but I'm not sure when I would have said it around him.)
In other news, the kitchen exploded. That's what I get for needing Joshua to do something by himself for a few minutes. However, it got mostly picked up...more so than it normally does after an explosion.
A few minutes later, Isaac bursts out crying. "What happened?" I asked, completely confused. He was just sitting next to me playing with the pieces that look like banana pipes. "I don't know! My body just needs to cry!" Ok, I can empathize with that. I pulled him into my lap for a hug. (I don't know if he's heard that from me or not. It sounds like something I would say, but I'm not sure when I would have said it around him.)
In other news, the kitchen exploded. That's what I get for needing Joshua to do something by himself for a few minutes. However, it got mostly picked up...more so than it normally does after an explosion.
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Wednesday: Isaac
I went into Isaac's room today and saw this.
I was a bit shocked...I thought he knew better than to write on the walls! (Although the markers are easy wash off, so I didn't freak out.) Then I looked closer. He had written on Sotch Tape that he had put up there. He originally got the tape because he made a cross (the toothpicks) and told me that Jesus died on a cross and he had to hang it up. But then rest time started and he got a bit creative. I'll admit, I wasn't sure whether to be annoyed, since it isn't really a great thing to do, or impressed at his creativity.
During rest time today he took a nap. He's been fighting a cold/cough, so it didn't surprise me too much. When that happens he gets IPad time at bedtime, because it's rather late in the afternoon and he can never go to sleep right away anyway. It works well. Usually. Today he had the biggest meltdown ever. And it kept coming back! He woke up at 4, calmed down at 4:15 to make a card, worked himself up at 4:35 when we were leaving for errands/gym, calmed down at 4:40 to eat 1/4 graham cracker, and on and on and on. Usually he's pretty easy to reason with, but today he reasoned himself back into crying...
A: Be strong! You can do it! You don't need to cry.
I: But the cries are infinity strong! [crying]
I gave up several times.
I was a bit shocked...I thought he knew better than to write on the walls! (Although the markers are easy wash off, so I didn't freak out.) Then I looked closer. He had written on Sotch Tape that he had put up there. He originally got the tape because he made a cross (the toothpicks) and told me that Jesus died on a cross and he had to hang it up. But then rest time started and he got a bit creative. I'll admit, I wasn't sure whether to be annoyed, since it isn't really a great thing to do, or impressed at his creativity.
During rest time today he took a nap. He's been fighting a cold/cough, so it didn't surprise me too much. When that happens he gets IPad time at bedtime, because it's rather late in the afternoon and he can never go to sleep right away anyway. It works well. Usually. Today he had the biggest meltdown ever. And it kept coming back! He woke up at 4, calmed down at 4:15 to make a card, worked himself up at 4:35 when we were leaving for errands/gym, calmed down at 4:40 to eat 1/4 graham cracker, and on and on and on. Usually he's pretty easy to reason with, but today he reasoned himself back into crying...
A: Be strong! You can do it! You don't need to cry.
I: But the cries are infinity strong! [crying]
I gave up several times.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Tuesday: Goldbug
Last night I went to bed a bit nervous; there were no activities planned for today. It turned out that wasn't a problem as we went out to lunch with Dad and Pat and then to a friend's house after nap time. My other plan had been to grab an activity from the jar. We drew Goldbug. Isaac said that hiding Goldbug would be more fun than making one, so we made one out of Duplos.
I agree...it doesn't look anything like Goldbug. But we made it together. We hid it around the house a few times. Then I made his brother and tricked him with it (note the red eyes...I didn't have much time to find all the pieces though). Then Isaac made Goldbug's sister...the other creation.
On our way home from lunch Isaac and I "talked" on the phone. I got him to answer a lot of questions...
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Popsicles and donuts
Q: What is your favorite thing to watch on TV?
A: Magic School Bus. [This surprised me as he doesn't choose it very often.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do?
A: Play
Q: Play what?
A: Bucky. But I don't choose it very often. We play Castle more.
Q: Who is your favorite person?
A: Grandma Cheryl, Grandma Pat, and the Grandpa that goes with Grandma Pat. [I was a bit sad not to be mentioned.]
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: The pig one and dirty one and the monkey that gets trapped. [Hogwash and Monkey with a Toolbelt]
I agree...it doesn't look anything like Goldbug. But we made it together. We hid it around the house a few times. Then I made his brother and tricked him with it (note the red eyes...I didn't have much time to find all the pieces though). Then Isaac made Goldbug's sister...the other creation.
On our way home from lunch Isaac and I "talked" on the phone. I got him to answer a lot of questions...
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Popsicles and donuts
Q: What is your favorite thing to watch on TV?
A: Magic School Bus. [This surprised me as he doesn't choose it very often.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do?
A: Play
Q: Play what?
A: Bucky. But I don't choose it very often. We play Castle more.
Q: Who is your favorite person?
A: Grandma Cheryl, Grandma Pat, and the Grandpa that goes with Grandma Pat. [I was a bit sad not to be mentioned.]
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: The pig one and dirty one and the monkey that gets trapped. [Hogwash and Monkey with a Toolbelt]
Monday, August 15, 2016
Monday: activities
We started out the day by cleaning the car. Isaac is always asking to go to Quality so that we can vacuum the car; he really likes to push the button to start the vacuum. We followed it up by a visit to Hope College. The main reason was to walk around the campus and play Pokemon Go. We needed more Pokeballs and there are a ton of places to easily get them within a small area.
Isaac kept saying "NO!" to assorted Duplos today and putting them in time out.
Isaac's sport of the day was weightlifting.
We made some bread at the end of the day. Joshua did a great job blending the zucchini.
I also asked Isaac if he wanted to crack the eggs and he declined. Joshua wanted to hand me the eggs and then decided he wanted to crack them. It surprised me on the first one, but for the second I was happy to let him do a single crack before taking it over.
Isaac kept saying "NO!" to assorted Duplos today and putting them in time out.
Isaac's sport of the day was weightlifting.
We made some bread at the end of the day. Joshua did a great job blending the zucchini.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Sunday: fencing
Isaac's latest favorite sport seems to be fencing. (I.e., swords)
Joshua's seems to be falling. He took about five spills within a hour; we finally went for a walk because he wasn't handling life well.
Also, I'm looking forward to a time when the kids can eat cleanly enough that I don't have to worry about ants so much. Seriously. I miss cleaning up for one meal and they find anything that was left. Also, it would be nice to be able to put out traps without having to worry about Joshua getting into them...that's half the problem. Although I guess behind the little couch would be safe. Maybe I'll do that tonight.
Joshua's seems to be falling. He took about five spills within a hour; we finally went for a walk because he wasn't handling life well.
Also, I'm looking forward to a time when the kids can eat cleanly enough that I don't have to worry about ants so much. Seriously. I miss cleaning up for one meal and they find anything that was left. Also, it would be nice to be able to put out traps without having to worry about Joshua getting into them...that's half the problem. Although I guess behind the little couch would be safe. Maybe I'll do that tonight.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Saturday: Joshua
Joshua had his two year well child check up this past week. He is 24.25 lb, about the 21st percentile, and 33.25", about the 18th percentile. He's right on track with his growth curves and it was really a rather boring appointment. (Although the doctor did say that children at two years old don't understand consequences. I'm not sure I agree, at least not completely. He completely understands that if he uses the toilet correctly he gets a treat.)
Joshua also did some cute things today. He put together the circut below, pressed the button, and then said, "oh no!" The fan didn't start! The thought process is there, but he neglected to put the elements together (or have batteries.)
He also did some gymnastics while eating. He was watching the women's floor routine and really got into it.
Joshua also did some cute things today. He put together the circut below, pressed the button, and then said, "oh no!" The fan didn't start! The thought process is there, but he neglected to put the elements together (or have batteries.)
He also did some gymnastics while eating. He was watching the women's floor routine and really got into it.
Friday, August 12, 2016
Friday: lunch
I met up with some old friends for lunch today. It was a very nice time and went by way too quickly.
Afterwards I went to B&N to have a hot chocolate and read and just enjoy a bit more time without the kids. :)
Afterwards I went to B&N to have a hot chocolate and read and just enjoy a bit more time without the kids. :)
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Thursday: tired
Today I was rather tired. I'm not really sure why; besides not taking a nap (and some extra walking) yesterday I didn't do anything differently. But I could not wake up and put the boys in front of the TV for a while...it works well with Isaac, but only for a short while with Joshua.
Swimming lessons were the same; I feel as though the instructors should push Isaac more. He says he doesn't want to do something and they don't push really hard. I know they're trying to make them comfortable in the water, but it isn't what I was hoping for. (I think these are better than the ones he took last year, but next year might be looking for a different place. Although I expect when he's ready he'll do it, regardless of where he is.)
The rest of the day went fine. Joshua seemed extra tired. Isaac is still enjoying gymnastics and diving in the Olympics, but especially the rings. It's a bit too bad as the rings are not one of the more popular events in the gymnastics and aren't shown a ton. We has a huge mess in the living room as assorted toys are brought out during viewing.
Swimming lessons were the same; I feel as though the instructors should push Isaac more. He says he doesn't want to do something and they don't push really hard. I know they're trying to make them comfortable in the water, but it isn't what I was hoping for. (I think these are better than the ones he took last year, but next year might be looking for a different place. Although I expect when he's ready he'll do it, regardless of where he is.)
The rest of the day went fine. Joshua seemed extra tired. Isaac is still enjoying gymnastics and diving in the Olympics, but especially the rings. It's a bit too bad as the rings are not one of the more popular events in the gymnastics and aren't shown a ton. We has a huge mess in the living room as assorted toys are brought out during viewing.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Wednesday: quilt show
This afternoon I went to the big quilt show in Grand Rapids. I went last year and didn't have enough time before I had to leave; this time I had plenty of time. I was trying to figure out why...and I think there are two main reasons. I didn't have as many things that I was looking to buy, so I didn't really spend much time in the vendor area. I felt as though there were a lot of art/applique quilts, and while they are amazing they just don't interest me that much.
I did feel as though some of the quilts I've made were of similar quality to the ones shown...I always think that I should enter, but never have a quilt ready at the right time that isn't waiting to go somewhere else. One of these years I probably will though, just to see if I even get in.
There was a lot of matchstick/straight line quilting in the modern quilts, and that surprised me a bit. It actually made it a little boring. There was some amazing quilting in the quilts as a whole...my ability is quite a ways away from many of those quilts. I did notice that many quilts had microquilting (very dense) quilting so that other areas seemed to puff up in comparison. I really liked it, and always have, but haven't done it much. That's something I would like to do more.
I also enjoyed looking at the challenge pieces - challenge pieces are where quilters in a group all make a small quilt based on a theme. They are (usually) not judged, but I find it so interesting how many people can take one or two sentences and come up with such different quilts. I am actually working on a challenge piece at the moment, and since this post has no other pictures I'll show you were I was at the beginning of the month. It has since then doubled in size and quilting just started this evening.
I did feel as though some of the quilts I've made were of similar quality to the ones shown...I always think that I should enter, but never have a quilt ready at the right time that isn't waiting to go somewhere else. One of these years I probably will though, just to see if I even get in.
There was a lot of matchstick/straight line quilting in the modern quilts, and that surprised me a bit. It actually made it a little boring. There was some amazing quilting in the quilts as a whole...my ability is quite a ways away from many of those quilts. I did notice that many quilts had microquilting (very dense) quilting so that other areas seemed to puff up in comparison. I really liked it, and always have, but haven't done it much. That's something I would like to do more.
I also enjoyed looking at the challenge pieces - challenge pieces are where quilters in a group all make a small quilt based on a theme. They are (usually) not judged, but I find it so interesting how many people can take one or two sentences and come up with such different quilts. I am actually working on a challenge piece at the moment, and since this post has no other pictures I'll show you were I was at the beginning of the month. It has since then doubled in size and quilting just started this evening.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Tuesday: one of those days
It was just one of those days. Not bad, but not great either. I have a ton of things I should be doing, but I am not doing them. I am doing other things that are good to be doing, but I also just don't want to do any of the things on my list. So when I do have some time I don't necessarily work on getting caught up.
And several of the things of the list involve making decisions or talking to people and those items are harder for me...they aren't hard things to do, but I just don't like them as much.
update: maybe part of my problem is that I put foolish items like this on the list. When do I expect this to be done...realistically?
And several of the things of the list involve making decisions or talking to people and those items are harder for me...they aren't hard things to do, but I just don't like them as much.
update: maybe part of my problem is that I put foolish items like this on the list. When do I expect this to be done...realistically?
Monday: misc
Today I learned that Isaac's favorite olympic event is gymnastics, specifically the rings.
Also, here is Joshua trying to pop some packaging with a wooden spoon. Isaac was barely successful with an ice cream scoop, so I think Joshua thought anything from that drawer might work.
Also, here is Joshua trying to pop some packaging with a wooden spoon. Isaac was barely successful with an ice cream scoop, so I think Joshua thought anything from that drawer might work.
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Sunday: puddles and cleaning
There was one lone puddle in the church parking lot today. (It's been a while since we've had any rain, and I think it was from the sprinklers.) The boys are good about not stepping in it on the way into church, so I let them splash on the way out.
This afternoon Isaac was told to clean his room. He procrastinated, knowing the consequence of not doing it would be to not be able to watch TV with the family while eating. He decided to keep cleaning instead of eating when the time came...and it still took him a while to finish. He was able to watch the last of the synchronized diving with us though.
This afternoon Isaac was told to clean his room. He procrastinated, knowing the consequence of not doing it would be to not be able to watch TV with the family while eating. He decided to keep cleaning instead of eating when the time came...and it still took him a while to finish. He was able to watch the last of the synchronized diving with us though.
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Saturday: olympics
Today we watched a lot of Olympics. We don't watch sports much, and I find them so interesting, so I'm not going to worry (too much) about how much TV we watch in the next two weeks. We saw some rowing and some cycling this morning. We saw a bit more cycling this afternoon and then quite a bit of gymnastics. I thought Isaac might especially enjoy these since he did some gymnastics this summer. I'm not sure he enjoyed them more than the other events, but he did note that his goal when jumping off the vault was to not hit his head...he would put his hands out in front of him first.
Then this evening Ben and I are watching assorted events on our computers. It's weird how we can be watching the same thing but have slightly different things on our computers...often the times are off slightly, but sometimes one of us will get a "coverage will resume shortly" while the other person has some event going on.
Then this evening Ben and I are watching assorted events on our computers. It's weird how we can be watching the same thing but have slightly different things on our computers...often the times are off slightly, but sometimes one of us will get a "coverage will resume shortly" while the other person has some event going on.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
A bit ago: 55 months
Isaac is now a month older!
I think last month I mentioned that the why questions had restarted. They're still going on, but with questions such as, "why did you say cool?" "Why did you say yeah?" The answer to all of these is that it is just a basic way of conversing so that you know that I've heard you. The first few times it was fine to answer; the 50th was super annoying.
Chores are going pretty well. He understands s-blends and enjoys saying the new ones that he's found during normal conversations (like spooky and sneak). I think he's getting a lot better at saying them too. He actually seems to enjoy putting the silverware away because he likes putting away the knives and scissors, which are up high. Today he hung up his T-shirts by himself. He still needs prompting to do his chores, but does them willingly.
He still likes to be silly. He often tells Ben to have a "good wackadoodle" day in the morning and that "I hope you come home soon." He tries to scare Ben and I often. He got Ben once, but still hasn't succeeded with me. Part of it is that he isn't sneaky, part of it is that I just often know where he is.
He loves to play, but is also happy to help me with several chores if they're at least a little fun. This especially includes baking and cooking. He really enjoys going to close beach. He still runs a lot, often saying "za-za-zoom!!" He also often has rockets on or his arms going in a certain motion make him go faster too. I get a bit lost often, but nod and he runs off.
Isaac can now open the garage door (using the button by the door to the house) by himself. It's quite a stretch, but he can do it. He does not like water in his face. He does like playing with Joshua, but Joshua still can't be in his bedroom unless Isaac and an adult are present. He also likes trying to teach Joshua new words or ask him questions...today he tried to ask Joshua how many gummy bears were in his snack cup. I didn't say anything, but was thinking that Joshua wouldn't know even if he could count to five.
He is still a lot of fun to be with. I feel like there were less tears this month, which was awesome. (A few when he was tired, but it was understandable.) He can ask great questions and has a crazy memory of things we've done in the past.
I think last month I mentioned that the why questions had restarted. They're still going on, but with questions such as, "why did you say cool?" "Why did you say yeah?" The answer to all of these is that it is just a basic way of conversing so that you know that I've heard you. The first few times it was fine to answer; the 50th was super annoying.
Chores are going pretty well. He understands s-blends and enjoys saying the new ones that he's found during normal conversations (like spooky and sneak). I think he's getting a lot better at saying them too. He actually seems to enjoy putting the silverware away because he likes putting away the knives and scissors, which are up high. Today he hung up his T-shirts by himself. He still needs prompting to do his chores, but does them willingly.
He still likes to be silly. He often tells Ben to have a "good wackadoodle" day in the morning and that "I hope you come home soon." He tries to scare Ben and I often. He got Ben once, but still hasn't succeeded with me. Part of it is that he isn't sneaky, part of it is that I just often know where he is.
He loves to play, but is also happy to help me with several chores if they're at least a little fun. This especially includes baking and cooking. He really enjoys going to close beach. He still runs a lot, often saying "za-za-zoom!!" He also often has rockets on or his arms going in a certain motion make him go faster too. I get a bit lost often, but nod and he runs off.
Isaac can now open the garage door (using the button by the door to the house) by himself. It's quite a stretch, but he can do it. He does not like water in his face. He does like playing with Joshua, but Joshua still can't be in his bedroom unless Isaac and an adult are present. He also likes trying to teach Joshua new words or ask him questions...today he tried to ask Joshua how many gummy bears were in his snack cup. I didn't say anything, but was thinking that Joshua wouldn't know even if he could count to five.
He is still a lot of fun to be with. I feel like there were less tears this month, which was awesome. (A few when he was tired, but it was understandable.) He can ask great questions and has a crazy memory of things we've done in the past.
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