Alice had a nurse appointment for her five year old shots today. Because I don't like to spring things like shots on a kid, I told her about it the day before. We were coloring while Angela took a surprise nap. I casually mentioned the shots and how she would not be able to go to kindergarten without them. Right after dropping the "shot bomb" news, I proceeded to mention how afterward we would go to our favorite local farm for donuts and animal feeding/petting. We also had a Toys R' Us gift card from her birthday to spend, so we would do some toy shopping as well.
The news of the good stuff seemed to counteract the fear of the shots. While Alice and I continued to color, she talked excitedly about the upcoming fun errands. After a very brief moment of silence (it is Alice, the "Motor Mouth" after all), Alice looked at me and said, "Mommy, we can get something for Angela with my gift card too so she has something new to play with." I was stunned. I totally did not expect this burst of generosity. Don't get me wrong, Alice is a great kid who is very loving of her sister, but she is also five years old. I told Alice that I would buy something for Angela with house money and thanked her for the offer.
Despite the allure of Toys R' Us, Angela fell asleep in the car on the way there. She remained asleep for most of the outing. It was a good opportunity to teach Alice the importance of making smart shopping decisions. I had her walk around the whole store before she picked her favorite thing. The funny thing about this was I had to keep reminding her to pick something for herself. Alice kept pointing out good gifts for Angela. Even when Alice finally picked her gift (the Toy Story set of Barbie and Ken), she did it with her sister in mind. "Angela can be the boy," she explained as she handed me the package.
Needless to say, Mommy splurged on a few things not covered by the gift card for her thoughtful girl. How could I not?
Friday, August 19, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Random Events that Fill My Day
Although I have been a stay at home mom for almost five years, I still have my moments when I am just not used to it. I did not feel that way when I was a teacher. Once I found my "teaching groove", the days took on a logical course. There was the preparation time, the instructional time, the grading time. Sure there were chaotic moments and stressful times, but the ebb and flow of things generally made sense. Stay at home motherhood has not followed that pattern. Instead of "ebb and flow", I deal with rapid fluctuations from mind numbingly mundane (e.g., watching Blue's Clues) to "pull my hair out" frustration. Thankfully, somewhere in the midst of these disparate poles lies hilarity as evidenced by the following interaction with Alice this afternoon.
* * *
Both girls love to look at catalogs, particularly those which feature toys and other kid stuff. Luckily for me a new One Step Ahead catalog showed up yesterday. The three of us relaxed on the sofa while paging through it. The first few pages showcased Halloween costumes (yes, you read that right; Halloween costumes in an AUGUST catalog). Upon seeing a witch costume, Alice got very excited and proclaimed, "Mommy, I want to be a bitch for Halloween."
Gosh, I hope not.
* * *
Both girls love to look at catalogs, particularly those which feature toys and other kid stuff. Luckily for me a new One Step Ahead catalog showed up yesterday. The three of us relaxed on the sofa while paging through it. The first few pages showcased Halloween costumes (yes, you read that right; Halloween costumes in an AUGUST catalog). Upon seeing a witch costume, Alice got very excited and proclaimed, "Mommy, I want to be a bitch for Halloween."
Gosh, I hope not.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Alice-ism Meets Yogi-ism
Yesterday Alice kept me company while I made some buttermilk biscuits for breakfast. She sat at the kitchen table and decided to pass the time by practicing her letter writing with a workbook. She was happily engaged in her work, so I made sure to give the typical "few more minutes" warning before everything was ready.
Alice looked up at me and stated, "I am going to work until I am done and then I will stop."
John and I shared a smile after hearing this remark. Apparently Yogi Berra lives at our house.
Alice looked up at me and stated, "I am going to work until I am done and then I will stop."
John and I shared a smile after hearing this remark. Apparently Yogi Berra lives at our house.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Danger Zone
I took the plunge and purchased a sewing machine. I figured if I can teach myself to knit then I can teach myself to sew. Armed with the knowledge acquired from my Sewing for Dummies book and my instruction manual, I took the kiddies with me to the craft store to purchase some supplies. While we were there, Angela found a small baby doll in the clearance section. I figured I had a better chance hitting the lottery than extracting it from her hand without incident, so I told Alice to pick something out too. (Those lessons in fairness have been totally ingrained in me thanks to my mother).
Alice found a pair of Disney princess binoculars that thrilled her and we made our way to the cashier. I knew that Angela relinquishing the doll to be scanned simply would not happen. I placed my items down on the counter and proceeded to pick up Anglea so the attendant could use the handheld scanner on the doll. Fearing that her possession would leave her grasp, Angela immediately began shrieking. She finally settled down when I put her on the ground and she realized that the doll never left her hand. Still, as we walked from the store, she kept saying, "Baby" over and over again. (My sister thinks she sounds like a player Frenchman when she says it). An armored truck driver noted the incident and commented to me, "Good luck trying to get that out of her hands."
I laughed and agreed. I told him that I would have a better chance getting the money he was holding from him.
The sad thing is I was probably right.
Alice found a pair of Disney princess binoculars that thrilled her and we made our way to the cashier. I knew that Angela relinquishing the doll to be scanned simply would not happen. I placed my items down on the counter and proceeded to pick up Anglea so the attendant could use the handheld scanner on the doll. Fearing that her possession would leave her grasp, Angela immediately began shrieking. She finally settled down when I put her on the ground and she realized that the doll never left her hand. Still, as we walked from the store, she kept saying, "Baby" over and over again. (My sister thinks she sounds like a player Frenchman when she says it). An armored truck driver noted the incident and commented to me, "Good luck trying to get that out of her hands."
I laughed and agreed. I told him that I would have a better chance getting the money he was holding from him.
The sad thing is I was probably right.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Odd Snippets
I love catching bits and pieces of the kids' chatter throughout the day. Sometimes, when they are playing together upstairs, I will brew myself a cup of tea and sit out of sight on the stairs so I can listen to them. Their imaginations and vocalizations never fail to put a smile on my face and make me chuckle.
Today the laugh of the day came while I cleaned the kitchen counters. Alice and Angela were playing next to the kitchen in the formal dining room. I am not sure what the game actually entailed. When I walked by the dining room to put something in the hall closet, I saw Angela crouched under the table and Alice was semi under one of the dining room chairs. I thought it was a game of hide and seek until I heard Alice ask her sister, "Angela, can you push me on the butt? I am stuck."
Ever the obliging sister, Angela replies, "Sure." A grunt of exertion follows.
The push apparently worked because the next thing I hear is, "Thanks, Ang for pushing my butt."
Now there is a conversation I thought I would never hear.
Today the laugh of the day came while I cleaned the kitchen counters. Alice and Angela were playing next to the kitchen in the formal dining room. I am not sure what the game actually entailed. When I walked by the dining room to put something in the hall closet, I saw Angela crouched under the table and Alice was semi under one of the dining room chairs. I thought it was a game of hide and seek until I heard Alice ask her sister, "Angela, can you push me on the butt? I am stuck."
Ever the obliging sister, Angela replies, "Sure." A grunt of exertion follows.
The push apparently worked because the next thing I hear is, "Thanks, Ang for pushing my butt."
Now there is a conversation I thought I would never hear.
One World, Many Stories...Adventures in Summer Reading at the Local Library
It should surprise no one that both Angela and Alice are enrolled in our local library's summer reading program. Mom is a book geek after all. Knock on wood, it seems like both girls are following in their Mama's footsteps. At the Christmas Tree Shop yesterday, Angela actually squealed for joy and clapped when we entered the kiddie book section.
We are in week three with their respective reading clubs. So far, Alice has a kazoo and a little click camera to show for her reading efforts. Angela is the proud owner of a rubber duck and a blow up mini beach ball for hers. Both girls love stories, so doing the 15 minutes a day of reading is not an issue. I have to say, however, the thought of prizes is definitely an added incentive.
In addition to the reading clubs, the library also offers several all ages programs. Since the theme of this year's summer reading program is "One World, Many Stories", each all ages session highlights some aspect of various world cultures. Thursday's offering centered on instruments from Africa and various Caribbean nations. The presenter/musician was a very enthusiastic African gentleman dressed in cultural attire. He obviously LOVED music and kids. He showed and named all the instruments he brought with him and performed using them. I expected Alice to be interested but Angela (as every two year old is) was the wild card.
Well, I think she caught the presenter's contagious joy. Every note he played was met with a squeal of complete and utter joy from Angela. She relished dancing with her sister and other children and particularly loved the African version of "Simon Says" that the gentleman performed. You should have seen Angela shake her grove thing when he commanded "Shake your hips from the left and the right." After he introduced and demonstrated all the instruments, he divided the audience into two groups and gave each child a chance to play an instrument with him. As each group performed, I marvelled at how his strong lead made his motley bands actually sound good. He even had simple instruments for his younger audience members (read: Angela). She loved performing so much that she refused to give back her instrument and performed on and off with the gentleman for the remainder of the performance. He was very good natured about the whole thing. I think he appreciated her enthusiasm for his performance. The adult members of the audience also were amused, and a little surprised I think, by Angela's joy. It was one of those moments when I wished I had my video camera with me. I particularly felt its absence when Alice decided to stretch out on her stomach during a dancing break. Angela straddled her sister like a horse, draped her body over Alice's back, and wrapped her arms around Alice's neck. A little boy on his mother's lap watched this unfold as I did. He seemed confused by it and asked his mother, "What is she doing to her?"
His mother replied, "She just loves her sister very much."
I smiled at the mom's explanation. "That she does," I thought to myself as I watched my duo start to dance together again. I wonder what will be their stories as they grow up. Their love for each other seems like it will be a constant theme woven through them. I think, perhaps, there will also be an African drum circle somewhere in Angela's.
We are in week three with their respective reading clubs. So far, Alice has a kazoo and a little click camera to show for her reading efforts. Angela is the proud owner of a rubber duck and a blow up mini beach ball for hers. Both girls love stories, so doing the 15 minutes a day of reading is not an issue. I have to say, however, the thought of prizes is definitely an added incentive.
In addition to the reading clubs, the library also offers several all ages programs. Since the theme of this year's summer reading program is "One World, Many Stories", each all ages session highlights some aspect of various world cultures. Thursday's offering centered on instruments from Africa and various Caribbean nations. The presenter/musician was a very enthusiastic African gentleman dressed in cultural attire. He obviously LOVED music and kids. He showed and named all the instruments he brought with him and performed using them. I expected Alice to be interested but Angela (as every two year old is) was the wild card.
Well, I think she caught the presenter's contagious joy. Every note he played was met with a squeal of complete and utter joy from Angela. She relished dancing with her sister and other children and particularly loved the African version of "Simon Says" that the gentleman performed. You should have seen Angela shake her grove thing when he commanded "Shake your hips from the left and the right." After he introduced and demonstrated all the instruments, he divided the audience into two groups and gave each child a chance to play an instrument with him. As each group performed, I marvelled at how his strong lead made his motley bands actually sound good. He even had simple instruments for his younger audience members (read: Angela). She loved performing so much that she refused to give back her instrument and performed on and off with the gentleman for the remainder of the performance. He was very good natured about the whole thing. I think he appreciated her enthusiasm for his performance. The adult members of the audience also were amused, and a little surprised I think, by Angela's joy. It was one of those moments when I wished I had my video camera with me. I particularly felt its absence when Alice decided to stretch out on her stomach during a dancing break. Angela straddled her sister like a horse, draped her body over Alice's back, and wrapped her arms around Alice's neck. A little boy on his mother's lap watched this unfold as I did. He seemed confused by it and asked his mother, "What is she doing to her?"
His mother replied, "She just loves her sister very much."
I smiled at the mom's explanation. "That she does," I thought to myself as I watched my duo start to dance together again. I wonder what will be their stories as they grow up. Their love for each other seems like it will be a constant theme woven through them. I think, perhaps, there will also be an African drum circle somewhere in Angela's.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Sisterly Bonding
Alice and Angela scampered off to their playroom one night after dinner. I looked at John and asked, "We're screwed, aren't we?"
Knowing exactly where my question was going, he replied, "Oh, yeah. One will lie and the other one will swear to it."
Since Alice has been on vacation, she and Angela have really bonded. Sure they have their typical arguments. No toy is as much fun as the one that a sibling has in her hand. But, more often than not, I catch little moments of love which just take my breath away- the hugs, the sleepy cuddles on the couch while watching a movie, the laughter during tea parties. I see how they look out for each other at the Tot Drop in the Y and at the local parks. Each instance dusts the haziness from childhood memories of my own and restores them into Technicolor.
When I see them playing with their dolls together, I recall the hours my sister and I spent in the basement playroom playing Barbies together. Even when Megan got too old for dolls, she would always spend some time playing with me. I remember all the little games we played from made up ones to board games.
An outdoor concert with Alice brought back all the summer evenings in the yard playing Frisbee together and catching fireflies. Swimming in the pool with the girls this week made me think about times at Stonybrook and my aunt's house. We would be in the water until we pruned. At the beach we would body surf until the waves became way too rough; we would leave the waves only to dig in the sand for sand crabs and other treasures (the ice cream truck was also good incentive to get out the water).
It is funny how all that play helps create not only fond memories but an unshakable bond. When I look at the girls, I always send up a little prayer that their relationship will be close like mine is with Megan. There is something to be said for knowing someone is in your corner to back you up whenever necessary.
Sisters rock!
Knowing exactly where my question was going, he replied, "Oh, yeah. One will lie and the other one will swear to it."
Since Alice has been on vacation, she and Angela have really bonded. Sure they have their typical arguments. No toy is as much fun as the one that a sibling has in her hand. But, more often than not, I catch little moments of love which just take my breath away- the hugs, the sleepy cuddles on the couch while watching a movie, the laughter during tea parties. I see how they look out for each other at the Tot Drop in the Y and at the local parks. Each instance dusts the haziness from childhood memories of my own and restores them into Technicolor.
When I see them playing with their dolls together, I recall the hours my sister and I spent in the basement playroom playing Barbies together. Even when Megan got too old for dolls, she would always spend some time playing with me. I remember all the little games we played from made up ones to board games.
An outdoor concert with Alice brought back all the summer evenings in the yard playing Frisbee together and catching fireflies. Swimming in the pool with the girls this week made me think about times at Stonybrook and my aunt's house. We would be in the water until we pruned. At the beach we would body surf until the waves became way too rough; we would leave the waves only to dig in the sand for sand crabs and other treasures (the ice cream truck was also good incentive to get out the water).
It is funny how all that play helps create not only fond memories but an unshakable bond. When I look at the girls, I always send up a little prayer that their relationship will be close like mine is with Megan. There is something to be said for knowing someone is in your corner to back you up whenever necessary.
Sisters rock!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
