Its All About Choices

Abigail is a bit slower to wake-up than the average member of our household and she often says that her "legs hurt" in the morning.  Its one of those things that as soon as the blood is pumping, she never mentions it again....until tomorrow morning.

So, this morning as I ask her to bring something upstairs (shortly after she has awakened), I start hearing the whole, "my legs hurt to walk - can someone else do it?"

I start to say, "Abby, Let's go." (my inner dialogue is saying, get over it) and then I stop myself COLD and decide to try one of Danny Silk's, Loving Your Kids on Purpose techniques.

(We are huge fans of Danny and use his style of parenting in our home but his examples were especially fresh in my mind after just reviewing some of his material this past weekend)

Here's how our conversation proceeded:

Me: Abby, If you are unable to walk up and down the stairs in the morning, I don't think it would be wise for you to continue gymnastics.  Its your choice.  You can either happily walk the stairs each morning or you can remove yourself from the gymnastics roster. 

(this is said in the kindest and most sensitive voice - a huge part of what makes it work)

A: Why wouldn't I be able to continue gymnastics?

Me: Peaches, I'm concerned about putting that kind of strain on your leg muscles if walking seems to be taxing them.  Its completely your choice.  Take your time deciding.

A: (after considering options for about .2 seconds... and with a smile)  I'm going to be happy and walk the stairs.

And that, my friends, was the end of that.

Throwback Friday

Madeline's 2007 ballet recital.  The Sound of Music's Do-Re-Mi.

(she's the little peanut in blue.  scroll down and pause music before viewing)

Expressions

Last night, Madeline and I were reading one of the Bobbsey Twins books.  Do you remember these?  I had ever single one and read and re-read them as a child.  Nan and Bert, Freddie and Flossie.....those guys were the coolest.

Anyhoo.  We got to a part where Freddie is trying to solve the mystery and.... "his expression changed."

I asked Maddie if she knew what "expression" meant. 

Of course Mom!  Like, "Get out of town!"  That's an expression.

We talked about verbal expressions versus facial expressions and that's when she gave me her, 

thankyouverymuch expression.

Sweet Little Bambino

What.  A.  Miracle.

PULL IT!

Ron called a family meeting last week for a very important matter. Here's how the meeting started:    

Ron:  If you pee it - or poop it - PULL IT!   

read:  flush your waste!

(blank stares, followed by giggles)

He went on to explain that since we are all getting "older", it is high time that Mommy stopped flushing all the toilets (I might have been openly frustrated after having flushed my 16th toilet full of waste.)  

Since we often let the kids help decide the consequences, it was elected that if you forgot to PULL IT! you would forgo any treat/gum for the remainder of the day.  He had the kids repeat the mantra and adjourned the meeting.

Fast forward to today where I am about to take a much-needed siesta (that would be 2 seconds in the bathroom by myself) and find myself face-to-face with.....well, do I really need to explain further?

When I asked the kiddos who had forgotten to PULL IT!  Lauren said, "Um, it might have been me?" At the same time, Madeline peeked in and said, "Wasn't me, I wipe 3 times."  

(TMI, I know, but crucial to the story, and somewhat hilarious.....and TMI, I know)

Sure enough, there was one, small sheet of 2-ply floating.  Lauren's cover was officially blown.....and I got a visual reminder that we have more than just the PULL IT! issue to reckon with.

Crib Tent - Update

When my sweet nephew starting having crib parties this week, it reminded me that several of you have asked how Gabe is hangin' in his "new" crib.    (click here if you missed part 1)

I really think he likes it.

I gave my best attempt at a photo.  If you could catch a clearer glimpse through the mesh, you would see an all-out boycott against the camera.

I finally switched the camera to video mode so I could catch some of the action live.  He is in full pike position.....where he remained until the paparazzi disappeared.

Harlem Globetrotters

Ron and I took the big girls to the Harlem Globetrotters last week.  Now, I'm gonna be completely honest here, it was not my favorite event.  

(shocking, I know)

We took them to dinner beforehand which was the best.  However, the actual event.....well, let's just say I'm not that into Magicians of Basketball.

Aside from watching the girls (and Ron!), the most entertaining part of the night was texting back and forth with Bex.

(middle of our converstaion)

have you seen these guys?  its like the nba on steroids....except many say the nba is already on steroids....so its like watching the nba.

it might be because I have a raging case of morning  all-day-and night sickness....but I'd rather watch paint dry.  ....or sniff paint.  that might put me out of my misery.

Needless to say, I don't plan to follow them on their tour.  I am glad the girls had fun....and so did Ron.

Maddie - are you on the court with these guys?