Just because we don't have enough to do

Last year I asked my boys if they wanted to join the cub scouts and I got a firm no. I asked again this year and got a shrug of the shoulders kind of response. Jay's good friend is in scouts and his Mom heads up one of the dens. She had lost some scouts from her den and had room for them.

The boys and I discussed and we all decided to go for it. The husband and I thought it would be a great experience for them, they would get to do things they wouldn't otherwise and I would hope it would help them get into a little more community volunteering.

It all began with a carnival and campfire in September. The boys had a great time and even participated in a skit with the den.

There are two den meetings a month and then a pack meeting/event once a month.

The boys had to do a little catching up. We successfully accomplished all the steps in order for them to become a Bobcat.

We follow the guide in the book. Some chapters have to be accomplished at home while others are done with the den. For example, earlier this month the boys earned their whittling chip. They learned pocket knife safety as well as whittling.

Last week the boys went on a field trip to the police station. This was a very fun night for the kids but it lasted over 2 hours, on a school night.

The boys standing in front of the station! I think they look darling in their cub scout shirt!

They were able to have their finger prints taken.

E getting fingerprinted.

All the parents stressed how you must make good choices in life so that you don't end up in jail.

I enjoyed the field trip as much as the boys. We found out that in order for you to carry a taser, you must be tased first. This is also the case with carrying mace. The officer giving us the tour said that the taser last 5 seconds but it feels more like 15. As with the mace, he said it was worse than being tased. It would feel ok when you had running water on your eyes but as soon as you stopped the burn sensation came back.

We also were able to talk with a canine officer. Interesting that their dogs live with them in their home. The dogs are very aggressive when out in public but are much different when they are home. This particular officer had small children and the dog has no problem with the kids hanging all over him.

Yes, we have one more to do on our plate but I think this one is worth fitting in. We have lots of fun stuff planned in the coming months.

Where were we.....

Oh yeah, the lack of time to get much done and me just getting more to do. I have a few things that I need and have to get off my plate this week. I am trying to complete the end of one fundraiser as we started another one. The next one should not be as difficult. You either want to order cookie dough or not with nothing to return. I am still missing so many coupon books.

I am running the fundraiser at Tee's preschool but that one won't start until November 10th, so I should have some time to rest.
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Seems like bullying is a hot subject these days. I have heard there is a situation in our school of bullying. It doesn't seem like it has been handled correctly from what I understand. Each year our principal holds a coffee and conversation for the parents, which was held earlier this month. We as parents send in questions and she get to answer them. It appears that the 5th grade class this year has been a little difficult to handle. In addition to the above mentioned bullying, it appears there are many who have a lack of respect for authority. The principal made mention of kids blatantly laughing at her while she was talking with them about their behavior. I think the saddest part of it all was when she called a parent at work to discuss their child's behavior and they said don't ever call me at work about this again. You handle it. WOW! It all starts at home doesn't it?

We try to let our kids know as often as we can that they need to be kind and considerate to others and show respect for others. I think that is lacking greatly in current times.

Lots has been going on in the last month....I will update as I can.......

Life.......

Life has just seemed not to slow down since the start of school. I am running a few positions on the PTA which have kept me very busy. Sports have kicked in plus I am having to run Tee back and forth to preschool.

I thought I would have more time but it seems like my time keeps diminishing.

I am co-chairing the fundraising committee for the PTA. We have a coupon book that is out right now and it has bombed. We are kicking ourselves for not backing out of this. The coupons really suck, to say it nicely. This year we have decided to try something different. Instead of hounding people to sell, we are asking for a direct donation. Many school PTA's do this so I am praying that we are successful. However, it would have been nice to be able to sell a good amount of something just in case.

I am also trying to get a website up for the group. Well, I am not creating the website, my FIL's wife is creating. She will then teach me how to update. I am excited about learning something new. But again probably will be a time sucker.

The boys have baseball 4 times a week. They practice 2 times a week for the Spring Travel league and then they practice 1 time a week for the fall league with one game on Sundays. If that wasn't enough, they are in an after school basketball club for the next 4 weeks. I am sure I can add more to their plate, just give me time.

Tee does like going to preschool. He loves ordering his lunch from me in the morning. He especially loves it when he gets a nice little treat.

I am at my time quota off to something different. I do hope to find time to update soon.

All beaches are created equal

I don't think so but all have sand, water and waves. What else do you need?

I LOVED going to the beach as an older teen/young adult. Love is actually an understatement. I didn't know many people who would go to the beach in between college classes. Of course, my college was near the beach. So I spent a lot of time at the beach. Then reality hit and I was a working adult so beach time was restricted to the weekends.

There is something about the beach that is so relaxing. I still love sitting on the beach listening to the breaking waves and running the sand through my toes. I would love to be able to sleep on the beach but it is not relaxing with 3 young boys running around. But the beach is very therapeutic for me.

A move from Florida to North Carolina really dampened the beach time. I was living about 3 plus hours from the coast. We would schedule summer beach vacations, which is how we found Hilton Head.

Really I was (and am) ok without going to the beach so often. My skin is thanking me now because I know I have done a lot of damage but that is another story. The only time I miss the beach is when I am at the beach.

We have lived in Maryland for almost 3 years and have not been to the shore. We have many neighbors who own places at the beach and spend a lot of time here. It was time for this to change.

We bid and won a weekend stay at a town home on Fenwick Island, Delaware from the school auction. The place belongs to one of our neighbors. Since the boys are off once again today, we decided to pull them from school on Friday and take a long weekend at the beach. We arrived late last night. The drive was about 2 1/2 hours and we had to stop to get something to eat.

The weather is beautiful. A little chilly this morning. The morning was spent at the very quiet deserted beach. The beach is a little different. For example, there is not much of a sandy area on the beach. There were so many shells on the beach. I haven't seen such large non broken shells in a long time.

We sat in our chairs swatting at the biting flies that kept landing on us watching the boys play in the sand. Where did the flies come from and why are they on the beach? We saw dolphins out swimming. We played ladder golf, which is a fun outdoor game. I was able to actually read a little bit of a magazine. No swimming for us as the water temperature is a bit too cold for us. We had a great morning.

I am looking forward to enjoying time at the beach. And although this beach is a little different than what I have been to it will work out just fine.

First day of 3 year old preschool

Tee's first day of preschool was today. He is going to our church preschool. The preschool took a year off (due to a location change) and is now up and running again. It is almost like it is new since it is being run by a new director, which from what I understand is a good thing.

Tee spent the morning saying he did not want to go to preschool. He wants to spend the day with me and who can blame him. I am so much fun.

I ran a little late this morning. It seems like I need to give myself a little more time in the morning to get there. It was a bit hectic and I was late. There was one little girl who was crying her eyes out.

Tee was ok when I dropped him off. I thought he might cling a little but he didn't. Before I left in the morning, I did notice that he found a little boy he went to preschool with last year and was playing with him.

I picked him up and again a little bit of chaos. The parents had to enter the room to pick up their child. But some children stay for lunch. So a little awkward. I am hoping they develop a better strategy. If not, I will be in talking to the director.

He did have a great day although he doesn't want to go back.

It is good to know your neighbors

Last night, before 10 pm we heard Tee up in his room wake up from his sleep with a cough that sounded much like a seal (croup) and some other strange noises. We both headed to his room to check on him. He was coughing and having a hard time breathing. Every breath in would lead to a big cry and him telling me it hurt.

I called the pediatrician's office and she asked us to put him in a bathroom with the hot water running to see if the humidity would clear him up. She also said to go ahead and give him a breathing treatment. I sat in the bathroom with him and it was painful to watch. His chest would sink in each and every time he breathed. Phlegm was coming out. He was a little hysterical. I could not calm him down.

While doing his breathing treatment, my husband called the neighbor who just happens to be a pediatrician at our practice. She came over to look and listen. I have to say she is so good at her job. She is such a nice, calm, soft spoken person. She looked at us and told us to take him to the hospital because he was not moving enough air and seemed very tight in his chest. She said a steroid treatment would help him. She left but said she would call the hospital to let them know we were on our way.

Luckily, the trip to the hospital went well. He could not speak loudly and he knew it. I was just happy he had calmed down and was smiling a little. He did say some of the funniest things on the way to the hospital. I think I used the word "hate" for something. He looks at me and says Mom you should not say that word. How right he is because I tell that to my boys all the time.

We checked in and were taken back to the pediatric area of the er. They confirmed croup and also said he had stridor which means that his airway had swollen so much that it would be like breathing through a straw. A breathing treatment and liquid steroid were given to him and then it was sit back and wait. They wanted us there 2 hours to ensure once the medication wore off it would not come back. I guess there is a possibility of it returning a little worse than when it started.

We got home around 1:30 am. And are we all tired today.

I was looking at the paper work I received regarding his condition. I am assuming he had spasmodic croup which is caused by a cold or allergy. He had been fine yesterday with just a little runny nose. So this did catch us a little off guard.

The neighbor called this morning to check on him. She is so sweet. I think I will send them a little thank you gift.

Tee just fell asleep in my bed as I was folding. So off to get housework completed.

2010 First day of school

My computer is running as slow as a turtle today for some reason. I have been trying to get my pictures ready to upload for some time. It must be a little sad because there is not much activity in this house today..........

Let the school routine begin. Today was the first day of school for the boys. It is hard to believe they are in 3rd grade already. Where did my little boys go?

Last Friday, we were able to go in and meet their teachers. Jay has a fairly young teacher. This is her 5th year teaching I believe. She is very attractive. I heard that the one of the American Girl dolls was modeled after her. E has a male teacher this year. The only male teacher in the building. I have heard great things about both of them. Luckily, my boys tend to be able to adapt to any type of teacher.

I had to get the first day of school picture of the boys. E was being a little silly while Jay was definitely more serious.

And another. He wouldn't budge.

Mr. cranky pants didn't want his picture taken. He has been missing his brothers today.

The best part was that the husband took the day off today. He was able to walk to the bus stop with us.

The bus stop was unbelievably filled with soo many children. We didn't lose that many children from last year to middle school but we have added many more children. It seemed like the bus was jam packed.

I can't wait to hear how the first day went for the boys. We are going to treat the boys tonight and take them out to dinner.

I would like to be done with 3 please

I said please.

When E and Jay were young I was prepared for the 2's. I went out a bought a book called "Making the Terrible Two's Terrific" by John Rosemond. I took the advice the book gave me and kept it around as my guide. The two's came and went and I thought I had survived. It is hard enough having to deal with one child at that stage so two is so much more work. Ya, I thought I was supermom with really great kids.

I was not prepared when one day they were 3 and they were awful. Much of my time was spent punishing them for one thing or another. I do have to admit that there were times when only one was misbehaving but I never knew which one it would be on any particular day. Funny that I don't really recall details of that year any more just bits and pieces. I guess if your mind didn't let go of some stuff then people would stop reproducing.

I do remember as they approached their 4th birthday how different they behaved. They were much easier to reason with and suddenly all became good in our house once again. Of course, we all had our days but for the most part ok.

So here I am again with one 3 year old who is just being well I guess 3 years old. He is such a darling at times. And I love it when he comes up, crawls in my lap and tells me that he loves me. It melts my heart. He is a Momma's boy for sure.

3 started off ok but has progressively gotten worse. It is the whining and screaming that really can be bothersome. If you look at him in the wrong manner he will cry. We have tried to be patient with him. He is also starting to listen to us when teaching him about asking nicely when you want something instead of crying. It is slowly starting to sink in but there always has to be crying involved first.

I noticed when we got home from our vacation that Tee was especially clingy. No doubt had something to do with the week he spent sleeping in the same bed as me. He was also even more whiny than before.

Now he is peeing in his pants. He waits until the last minute and then decides he won't go to the bathroom without me. He calls my name (the reason was unknown to me) and run around in circles. So he would just stand where ever he was and pee. He has peed on the stairs once and peed on the floor in or around the bathroom several times. Yesterday, when we were outside he came and sat on my lap and then proceeded to pee. Luckily, I figured out what he was doing before it was all over me.

He has been working towards getting a sweet treat after dinner. We have been at this since Sunday.

I had asked Tee if he needed to use the bathroom prior to me going to get in the shower today. I left him downstairs to watch his show before his nap. I called for him at 1:30 and he did not answer. So just as I was headed downstairs he is standing there with his shirt drenched with nothing on below. I asked if he peed on the floor and got a positive response. This time he locked and shut the bathroom door. Ya, like I wouldn't be able to figure this one out. The shirt alone gave it away.

I am tired of cleaning up pee. What could be causing this sudden accident streak?

My guess is that this is the only way he can express his stress. What stress could he have at such a young age? Seriously, he has it made. I guess it might be the fact that he is going to start preschool in a few weeks. He has told me that he doesn't want to go to school. But we have talked about where he is going, our church and the teachers. Every time he mentions his teachers from last year I have to tell them he will have different teachers.

I am hoping that 4 comes quickly. And Mr. Rosemond I think you need to write another book regarding the 3's.

My calendar must be wrong

It is hard to believe that in a week from Monday the boys will be back to school and we will be getting back to a routine. I am not sure where the summer went. I had grand plans to get some organizing accomplished. Boy....did I fail miserably.

We have had a lot going on this summer. It has been a really nice summer and we have all kept busy.

Our garden this year gave us a nice supply of cucumbers and zucchini. The green beans did ok in the beginning but then failed me. I think they were not getting enough water and the zucchini plant was so large that it blocked the sun. I will remember this for next year. I also grew a strawberry bush in an Earth box. It did well and even produced a few strawberries. The Earth box had to be moved off the deck and I think some bunnies have feasted on them. I would like to plant in my garden but I need to figure out how to protect them first. We have planted pumpkin seeds and hope to have a few good pumpkins for the fall.

We have had some work done in our house this summer. Every year we try to take on a project or two. Our plan is to keep our house updated and also design it our way. Of course, there are things we can't change but we are doing what we can. We had granite counter tops installed. We also took out a desk in the kitchen and added a cabinet for additional pantry space. The contractor is now working on installing our trex deck. Our deck was really showing it age. Our choice was to smooth and re-stain or put in something that requires little to no maintenance. We chose the latter.

Well, I guess we are not practical after all. We decided to get another Sequoia. The husband went to the dealership this past Saturday to negotiate. He feels like he got a good deal on the car (it is a 2010 which they are trying to clear off the lot). The car feels so much bigger to me but I have noticed that it is a little easier to manage because it turns so easily. I still miss my old car just a little.

So much to do so little time.......off to do something productive while I have a few minutes.