Thankful Thursdays

This Thursday I am thankful for:

• My staple gun, can of spray paint and a roll of batting - hello, beautiful new blanket box.
• Boxes of hand-me-down clothes - we are HUGE fans of Elise Boutique.
• Getting off the couch and moving. I might hate exercise, but it's starting to love me.
• Two hours after a three year old's tantrum being told, with genuineness, Mama I'm sorry I screamed at you and hit. There's nothing better than a genuine apology.
• Deciding to make this for dinner last night - so yummy and comforting and cheesey.
• Mornings that are cool enough to require a robe, but evenings that are warm enough to invite a gin and tonic on the patio.
• Impromtu playdates that are filled with tons of three year old giggles.
• Yellow finches on the bird feeder.
• Mums blooming on the front porch.
• Having a kid who loves going to school.
• Making the decision to buy this outfit last October during Gymboree's clearance - perfect for Red Day at school was today!

Daily Report

I have to remind myself, when she's whining or pouting or spitting, that I'd rather have her act this way with me than with other people.

Most adults that Addie comes in contact think that she is a perfect princess. I am always told, by whomever she has just been with, that she is so sweet or has such good manners or listens so well. More often than not I am told that she was no trouble at all.

I am always thankful to hear such kind things about my daughter. Who doesn't want to have a child that other people genuinely like? I would much prefer to hear such compliments over gosh, she was moody today or she could use a little work on her P's and Q's or I had to ask her 17 times to pick up her toys.

What bothers me, I guess, is that the last three statements are some variation of what Andy gets to hear each night when he gets home. He'll inevitably ask How was she today? and I'll, without hesitation, provide a list of the things that went bad during the day. Whether it be her screeching at the cat, throwing toys, blatantly not listening or sticking her tongue out at me. It is rare that Andy gets to hear all the good things about Addie, because after ten hours of she and I one-on-one all I seem to be able to remember is the bad stuff.

Somehow I block out the good. Like how she feeds the cat and reminds me to refill the water bowl. Or when she tells me the frozen waffle I toasted is yummy and that I am such a good cook. I forget that she tried to help clean the kitchen or that she drew a picture just for me.

By then time he gets home it slips my mind that she hugged me just because she felt like it and that she curled up on my lap to read princess stories and fell asleep. Instead of remembering the giggles during our tea parties all I can focus on is the tantrum that occurred when it was time to pick up her room.

I think that I need to tell Andy about our day - all of it. From the tears when I made her pigtails too tight to the smiles because I cut her peanut butter sandwich into a heart. He needs to know about her temper tantrums and her kindness.

I am sure that not everyday I can greet him when he comes home and say She is so sweet - she was no trouble at all, but I think it would be best if I could, more often than not, find the silver lining instead of just seeing the storm cloud.

Because it is true - she is so sweet.

And just a tad bit sassy...

Thankful Thursdays

This Thursday I am thankful for:

• A weekend with out travel or plans.
• My fabulous new Kindle.
• A wonderfully clean car.
• Preschool twice a week for three hours.
• Evening playtime for Andy and Addie (because it means I can hide upstairs and read my Kindle).
• Trying a new recipe and not flubbing it.
• Grocery shopping by myself and crossing everything off my list.
• Warm weather and sunny skies for the start of Autumn.
• The effectiveness of amoxicillin.
• Hot coffee in the morning - and iced coffee in the afternoon.
• Seeing Addie have such a great time with Papa and Grandma Johnson.
• Getting the floor mopped - and the lovely smell of Fabuloso.
• Elastic waist bands - they just make everything so much more comfortable.
• Celebrating with one of my best friends right after she got engaged to a wonderful man.

Gleek?

After exercise today Addie and I stopped by Meijer - her favorite store. We bought me some new eyeshadow (in case I decide to make a little effort), Andy some beer (because he works hard), and Addie some sparkle purple nail polish (since she's fancy).

When we got home it was requested demanded that a tiny set of toes and fingers get bedazzled.
While we painted and dried I flipped on the DVRed season premiere of Glee.

Admittedly, I only saw a few episodes this summer, but I find the show hysterically inappropriate and super entertaining. Most likely I am on my way becoming a total Gleek.

Besides, it was co-created by a Rambler, and I got me some Rambler pride.

Anyway, as Addie's bedazzled nails dried we watched Glee - and when they broke out into Empire State of Mind she jumped off my lap, clapped and said Mama! Daddy loves this song!! Me too - I love it!

And I sh*t you not she joined in belting out ' it make you a brannew lights itspire you hewre in New Yowrk New Yowrk New Yowrk".

So far, that was the absolute highlight of my day.

The tantrums are fabulous these days. Tantrums and pouting - the majority of my day is occupied with tantrums and pouting. And the pouting, the endless pouting, is usually accompanied by crossed arms, stomping feet and a hanging head.

It is usually in response to not getting her way or being told this dreadful word: No.

Mommy, can I have peanuts and a Popsicle for breakfast?
No.
Pout. Crossed arms. Glare


Mom, can I have the new Tinkerbell movie? Roller skates? Another kitty? A fish? That cool thing? Can I have? Can I have? Can I have?
Um, No. No. NO. No. No. No. No. NO!
Crocodile tears, big pout, hands on hips.


Mama? We go somewhere today? The zoo? The museum? My friend's house? Meijer? I love Meijer Mom!
Not today babe. No. Nope. Not today. Sorry babe, No.
Stomping, pout, crossed arms, glare.


It okay that I jump on the couch? It okay that I put on your make-up Mama? Look mama, I put stickers on the couch, a necklace on Mich. I pour fruit punch BY MYSELF Mom! Mama, I play with the scissors?
No! No Addie. Don't do that! Ack! STOP. Absolutely not.
Stomp, pout, tears, stomp, bigger pout.



Unfortunately for her I have about two reactions to the pout, stomp, arm crossed, glare response: I either find it hysterical and have to turn around and silently laugh to myself or I find it ridiculous and annoying and (like a toddler) I become more resolved to NOT do what she wants.


Yes, I am responding to a toddler with toddler tactics. I know I should be taking the higher road, teaching by example yadayadayada. But her endless, usually irrational, Can I haves and I wants aren't once or twice a day. No - when she's in prime form they are uttered multiple times an hour.

I totally understand her tactics - she is persistent and relentless and hoping to wear me down in order to ultimately get what she wants.

I use the exact same approach on her father.

How else can you explain the existence of that orange fur ball that has lived with us for the past nine years? Or the new dressers in the bedroom? Or my painted bedroom, bathrooms and kitchen?

Persistence and relentlessness - annoying, but, on occassion, effective.

Thankful Thursdays

This Thursday I am thankful for:

• The fact that I am not a preschool teacher - holy crap 12 three year old is a lot of work.
• That I have the ability to volunteer at preschool in Addie's classroom - nothing is more comical than watching kids attempt to play DuckDuckGoose for the first time.
• Crystal Light Fruit Punch (or as Addie would say Poot Frounch) - it's like crack, only it won't ruin my life.
• That I am starting to feel recovered from a wonderful wedding weekend.
• The person who invented feta cheese, it makes my life so much more flavorful and enjoyable.
• Seven p.m. dinner reservations without the kiddo and with friends.
• Not being the designated driver for said dinner reservations.
• That Andy and I get each other's sense of humor...and that we just get each other.
• The sound of wind chimes.
• That I didn't place a friendly bet on Top Chef - I would have lost.
• Sugar Free Popsicles - much like Crystal Light, they are my drug of choice these days.
• The brief smell of Autumn in the air - I am ready for jeans and long sleeve t-shirts.
• Target's 75 percent off rack - it's amazing and guilt free.
• My mother making beach plans for the Spring - I am always happy to participate in a beach vacation!

Preschool Review

As I am sure you guessed - she loved big girl school. She loved the Sensory Center (the water table). She loved the Pretend Center (dress up and tea parties). She loved the creative center (paints and markers). She loved Story Time and Sharing Time and Miss Sue's earrings and her heart shaped peanut butter sandwich.
She told me about the big girl potty and the water fountain and playing outside. She said she made new friends, but she doesn't know any of their names. She said she loved her school bag and her hook and the story about the little owl. She said she thought big girl school was super cool.

And then she said, as she gripped my hand, on our way to the car : Mama? I cried a little bit. I cried on the climbing wall when I got stuck. Miss Sue helped me and I was okay.

And Mama? I cried a little bit in the duck room too. I cried because I missed you Mama.

The first scenario I believe completely.

The second scenario I think was total a lie - not that I didn't appreciate it.

Big Girl School

This morning:

7:15 a.m. Mama! The sun's awake, it's time to get going! I got my big girl school today!!

7:21 a.m. Mom? Is it time to go yet? I'm ready to rumble! I can't waita my big girl school.

7:49 a.m. Mom! Mom! I want a waffle - but don't forget my peanut butter sandwhich. I want it shaped like a heart and I wanta keep it in my princess lunch box and I wanta eat it at big girl school.

8:39 a.m. Mmmm. Mmmmm. Mom? I think I wanta wear my purple leggins. Yeah. Purple. NO! No, I wanta my pink leggins Mama. Pink leggins be perfect for big girl school.

8:51 a.m. Mom?! Let's go outside and get some pictures. I no stand in the sun and I smile at the camera for big girl school. I bring my school bag and lunch box to take pictures?

9:12 a.m. Mom? It's timeta go to my big girl school. It finally time. You ready to rumble, Mama?

In the car:

9:16 a.m. Mama? This the way to my big girl school? Miss Sue be there? She wears duckie earrings.

9:18 a.m. Mom you no stay with me at big girl school, right? I go all by myself? You not going to be there, right?

9:22 a.m. Mommy? Are we almost there yet? Almost to my big girl school?

9:25 a.m. I use my manners today. I play with new friends and use the potty and drink from the water foutain and I agonna listen, Mama.

9:28 a.m. Mom why we waiting in this line? Is this the line to go into school? I go in all by myself right? You no stay, I do it by myself.

9:31 a.m. Bye Mom! I see you soon! Love you! Bye Mom!!

9:32 a.m. Away she walks. Tote bag over one shoulder, almost as big as her. I watched her in the mirror as I drove out of the parking lot. Off she walked toward class, and then she paused for a second, looked over her shoulder, found me, shrugged, waved and marched off to school. Without a second thought.

And then, at 9:33 a.m. I found myself alone and crying. Yet again.

*Catch the cat in the background of the last picture? In every first day of school picture I have, from six years old on, my mutt, Chemo, was faithfully watching through the front door. You know seeing our silly cat do the same struck a cord with me...

Carolina Bride

Most of the day was full of little smiles, a few tears and nervous giggles. The sky constantly changed moods, threatening to rain. The ceremony had to moved inside, but the wedding was happening no matter what Mother Nature's intentions. Chicken salad sandwiches and fruit salad was washed down with Sparkletinis.

Hair was coiffed. Makeup was applied. The photographer, cake and flowers arrived right on time. Slowly friends and family started to show up - the nervous giggles and small smiles faded away to grins and all out laughter. The wedding coordinator (aka: Brian) kept us on time and on task.

The dress was on...the bride was ready. The groom was waiting. And then the tears came - her's not mine. The 'oh my god I'm getting married' tears. The 'this is the day I've been waiting for' tears. The 'I'm about to walk down the aisle with my father to my husband' tears. The 'crap I'm crying and I have $70 worth of make-up on' tears.

I blotted a tissue to her eyes and said it was time to breathe...and walk her ass down that aisle. And through the tears, she smiled, gave me one those Christie looks and said "But these are good tears".

By the time she made it to the end of the aisle she was all smiles - and so was he. And so was every guest in the room

And then they got married. And their happily ever after started.

And the bride? The bride was fabulous.

Her Turn

We're on our way to watch them say "I Do".

What a weekend it will be!

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday I am thankful for:

• Cooler temperatures mixed with sunny skies.
• Remembering to return the DVDs I borrowed from the library on time.
• Finding a sassy $40 dress from The Red Dot Boutique marked down to $10 - in my size!
• Watching Hoarders and being inspired to start really keeping up on housework.
• Monday spent on the couch watching a West Wing marathon with the husband.
• An adult dinner with a friend I haven't seen in two months at Otto's.
• A weekend that was full of friends and family and a trip to Findlay Market.
• Discovering Kung Fu Girl Reisling - yum.
• Going to meet the preschool teacher today. OH MY GOD does she really start preschool next week? REALLY??
• The coming weekend - a grown up get away to celebrate the wedding of one our best friends.
• Making the decision to officially tell the half marathon to suck it and feeling NO guilt or shame about it.
• The endless style of a certain little one.

Like Kate

Mama? (in the car, on our way home from a particularly good workout)

Hmmm? (me feeling sweaty and fiddling with the air conditioner)

Mama, when I grow bigger I want to be like Kate.

Like Kate, sweetie? Kate who?

Mama, I want be like A-cago Kate.

Really? How do you want to be like her?

I wanna have white hair. And pour my own milk. And I gonna take out the trash and drive a car. I grow up and have a kitty like A-cago Kate and lip stick. Yeah, just like A-cago Kate. I like her.

Later in the day we had lunch at Melt with A-cago Kate. Addie ran through the restaurant and smothered Kate with a huge hug and a squeal.

Kate and I managed to chat while we ate, but most of the lunch was Addie showing Kate pictures on my phone, exploring the hidden treasures of Kate's purse, regaling Kate with stories of our summer adventures and explaining how much she loves ice cream.

Watching them chat made me realize that Addie was onto something in the car: Kate is kind, generous, patient, successful, loyal and smart.

Just the kind of person I hope Addie will be when she grows bigger.

*The Blackberry picture is a little grainy - and as you can see Kate's hair is blond not white.

Thankful Thursdays

This Thursday I am thankful for:

• Cooking fish for dinner, on my own without the help of the husband, and it being relatively successful.
• Two and half hours to myself that was well spent at Costco and Old Time Pottery leisurely walking the aisles contemplating purchases.
• Snuggles on the couch while watching Curious George.
• Finally finding the hokey love, laugh, live sign for my kitchen that I have been searching for endlessly.
• Seeing the scale go down a few numbers.
• Having finally cleaned and organized the garage - it no longer looks like a yard sale every time the garage door is open.
• Blue painted toenails on a toddler.
• Shorter, darker hair - like the good old days.
• Having an overdue phone date with my older brother.
• Having friends come to visit for the day and the weekend.
• A planned lunch at Melt for tomorrow.
• Deciding to listen to my body (er, my knee) and throw the towel in on the half marathon. I am 5Ker from now on and I'm okay for that (prepare for many rants to come).
• Not having the poison ivy that is hanging out on husband's arm.
• The rediscovery of Addie's pigtails.
• The last load of laundry being put in the dryer.
• A chilled glass of pinot grigio.