Poor old blog! Im still here!
Well, we have a cold going around the family, sort of a sore throat that turns into a hacky cough. The bad thing about a big family is that it can take a long long time for something to go through the whole crew---then by the time you are ALL better, a month ? Its time to get sick again! Actually, we have been quite healthy this winter, amazingly so. Quite a change from last year when I was to the point of tears at how we literally didnt get to have a winter whatsoever!
Living across the street from a big park is wonderful, when I do not feel like getting it together to go over there is when I most need it--and the wonderful little froggy rain boots we got the boys from /Target have proved to be indispensable for the omnipresent mud everywhere. I put them in the washing machine and dry them on their sides next to the furnace at night. (They get so muddy, as in, black ooze filling the tops and insides) that a little wipe-down doesnt quite cut it!
The mud is "worth it" for sure, because down in the valley of the park, where obviously, all the water is, there are mallard ducks and sticks to throw and hills to run up and down and it is so joyous to go from bickering over snacks and remotes to running in the sun and watching birds. EVERYtime I feel too tired or whatever to go over there I am always SO glad I did it....until its time to leave!
The little boys have been giving me a run for my money lately. TONS of screaming and defiance and I am trying so hard to be patient, above it all, not taking it personally, but wow. This makes leaving the park, and all the fun times sort of bad. I can warn them about how we have "five minutes left!" and in my heart I know it doesnt matter--when it is time to actually go, all the little single-serving mom and dad "friends" who chatted me up get to now witness the extreme scene. One boy hides, one runs away from me, and/or they scream bloody murder "IM NOT GOING HOME MA-MAAAAAA!!!!!" .....it totally sucks. A million things flash through my head, images of Nanny 911 (television show), trying to not worry about what people think, but grateful for the public keeping me from being "too mean"....embarrassment, worry, annoyance. Do I pull one of those cheesy and idiotic and weird things where I pretend "Im leaving without you?" .....I cant very well go pick them both up and push the stroller, too. I usually just quietly walk away and try not to cry, thinking about where I went wrong and how things didnt ever, ever used to be this way. Ive been practicing deep breathing, waiting a few moments before speaking, etc but its hard. They eventually come but crying like they are being attacked by wolves, I mean, hysterical angry screeching, not boo hoo mommy I love the parky-poo, oh no---its a wonder noone calls the cops on me for stealing little boys, for real.
So yeah, behavior issues have been pretty much all I remember from this week. When kids act that way, the days are long, unrewarding, anxious. Steve gets home today at 1pm and I am completely free to do things that I want to do! I think I will hang some homemade curtains, take pictures for the blog, and sleep. Next weekend is my birthday, April 3rd, and I do NOT want to be sick.
8 comments:
Aww seriously! That is the pits, days like that are really draining. I'm sorry. Perhaps a talk before even going over to the park would help? You know, everyone gathers and at eye level you have a discussion about the reason you're all going and who needs to be listened to whilst there and what happens when mom says time to go in 5 minutes? Right, that means start thinking about how when she calls you again in 5 minutes that you all actually have to go home. And that is not fun because who wants to leave the park, right? But who do we need to listen to and obey? Right, mom. What will happen if screaming and crying ensues when mom says it's time to go home? Um hm, we won't be able to go to the park next time. Period. No one wants that right? I love taking you to the park as much as you love going. I also love it when you listen to me. Ok, now everybody let's get our boots on! Woo hoo!
I don't know? Maybe you should delete this because it has already been done and it doesn't work? Sorry if this comes across as horrible and nosey...it's the only thing I could think to offer, not like you were asking for help. I just know how much you love your kids and seeing the toll this could be awesome experience is having on you this week especially just pushed me to do it. Have a great day, and happy almost birthday! Woooot! =0)
I never thought t wash rain (mud) boots in the washer - that's brilliant!
and I feel your pain about the public scenes...I imagine many of those other parents are thinking, 'There but for the grace of God..." ie. "sucks to be her today - glad it's not my turn but it might be tomorrow"...if anyone is judging then they are not worth worrying over & will someday be on the other side of the issue...
It all sounds exhausting. Hang in there, mama! Someday they'll remember the days at the park and in the mud and they'll have forgotten about having to leave the park. And you will too. That may be small comfort at this date, but maybe tuck it away in your mind somewhere? You're a great loving mom, public scenes or no. Keep the faith! ;-)
Thank you guys sooooo much! I was smiling from ear to ear to hear the supportive and good advice! It really helps!
Also, yeah, I put all shoes in the washer, and they never seem to get "ruined". Usually it is either furnace weather or hot out, so I dry them that way. I have put sneakers in the dryer but somrtimes that really messes up the shapes of the insides. But washer, oh yes indeed.
Thank you guys sooooo much! I was smiling from ear to ear to hear the supportive and good advice! It really helps!
Also, yeah, I put all shoes in the washer, and they never seem to get "ruined". Usually it is either furnace weather or hot out, so I dry them that way. I have put sneakers in the dryer but somrtimes that really messes up the shapes of the insides. But washer, oh yes indeed.
I've been there too, Joy.
leaving anywhere isn't easy with little ones. At one point, having two 18 month olds who could run in different directions was the worst.
Don't worry about the scenes - other moms of many can relate. And for those who don't have many small children, they may never understand.
I always kept four very small pieces of chocolate in my pocket for such occaisions. Bribery, I know, but when the park is fun and it's hard to leave, sometimes the tiniest bit of incentive to leave is what it took.
My youngest are now both 5 and I don't carry chocolate (mostly) but I did this winter when it was time to leave the ski hill - they knew they could have a small piece when they were all in the car.
After a cold winter, the warm earth, waking up, and the spring smells and freedom is just so wonderful.
Erin
Erin
Ugh. I've been there and had to do that. I agree how hard it can be to round up multiple kiddos and stay nice about it. Of course, my oldest is equal to at least 3 extras, so that makes it REALLY fun. Not.
Good luck with all that.
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