Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Back To School....Middle School that is
Well Andy's 1st day of 5th grade was great! He loves his teachers and so do we and we are very pleased with the school. There is another student in his class who is also from Ukraine! What are the chances. I told Andy "man God really watches out for you" and he replied, "yep, He sure does"
and smiled.
And that about sums up how we feel right now. I look back and this time last year--well this time last year we were on the beach in Ukraine...but as far as 1st days of school goes this time last year was so much different.
Last time on his 1st day of school he only knew a handful of English. He had only been in the States a few weeks. Its so crazy how time flies. It feels like we've been here forever and yet its not really even been a full year.
Yesterday Andrew and I celebrated our Anniversary. And I remember on our last anniversary we were eating pizza at the beach in Ukraine. Andy spoke maybe 10 words in English and yet we laughed and had fun...well, I remember it that way at least...my blog may say otherwise. lol
Anyway, this year we celebrated and Andy bought me roses--is that not the sweetest thing.
He told us, I have an anniversary surprise for you--out come a dozen roses. Is this kid golden or what.
This morning I was complementing Andy on his school work and how he'd already written down the full week's assignments (something he forgot a lot last school year) and he just looked at me and said "well yeah, I'm getting older and that's what you do" as if, of course. He even looks older. It's bittersweet because I want to keep him a 'baby' forever, but its so amazing to watch him mature. He explained to me how the teachers said they have more freedom this year bc its middle school and how of course with freedom comes responsibility. I swear when he said it he grew an inch. Before I know it he'll be taller than me.
Life's going well. Andy is more settled than ever. We had a great summer and as Andy so quickly agreed to before, I think, Man, God really watches out for him.
and smiled.
And that about sums up how we feel right now. I look back and this time last year--well this time last year we were on the beach in Ukraine...but as far as 1st days of school goes this time last year was so much different.
Last time on his 1st day of school he only knew a handful of English. He had only been in the States a few weeks. Its so crazy how time flies. It feels like we've been here forever and yet its not really even been a full year.
Yesterday Andrew and I celebrated our Anniversary. And I remember on our last anniversary we were eating pizza at the beach in Ukraine. Andy spoke maybe 10 words in English and yet we laughed and had fun...well, I remember it that way at least...my blog may say otherwise. lol
Anyway, this year we celebrated and Andy bought me roses--is that not the sweetest thing.
He told us, I have an anniversary surprise for you--out come a dozen roses. Is this kid golden or what.
This morning I was complementing Andy on his school work and how he'd already written down the full week's assignments (something he forgot a lot last school year) and he just looked at me and said "well yeah, I'm getting older and that's what you do" as if, of course. He even looks older. It's bittersweet because I want to keep him a 'baby' forever, but its so amazing to watch him mature. He explained to me how the teachers said they have more freedom this year bc its middle school and how of course with freedom comes responsibility. I swear when he said it he grew an inch. Before I know it he'll be taller than me.
Life's going well. Andy is more settled than ever. We had a great summer and as Andy so quickly agreed to before, I think, Man, God really watches out for him.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Andy's Best friend in Ukraine, Amir and Esther with Orphans Hope
(JPEG Image, 2736x3648 pixels) - Scaled (16%)
This is Andy's best friend, they call each other brothers. He is with Esther in this picture. She is in Ukraine and has known Andy and Amir since they were around 5 I think. You can check out her blog--there is a link on the right hand side of my blog. Esther has been a lifeline to the children of Ukraine.
She is close to Amir and has helped us to communicate with him since being back in the US.
Amir needs a family. Let us know if you want to contribute to the "Adopt Amir" fund.
This is Andy's best friend, they call each other brothers. He is with Esther in this picture. She is in Ukraine and has known Andy and Amir since they were around 5 I think. You can check out her blog--there is a link on the right hand side of my blog. Esther has been a lifeline to the children of Ukraine.
She is close to Amir and has helped us to communicate with him since being back in the US.
Amir needs a family. Let us know if you want to contribute to the "Adopt Amir" fund.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Faking a Shower
This morning Andrew was in his office early working, with the door shut. He heard Andy get up, scuffle out of his room...starting his morning routine which generally consists of him sweet talking the animals, playing with Allie and lovin' on her, showering and brushing his teeth. This is what he does on his own...or at least we thought.....
However, perhaps not....so this morning he heard all of this up until he went to the bathroom. This morning, and now I wonder how many other mornings, he fired up his electric toothbrush for all of 30 seconds, then cranked up the shower for about 20 seconds, got dressed and went about his business. HA he faked his shower! Andrew said it took everything in him not to laugh out loud. Of course Andy didn't know his Dad heard all of this. Andrew chose not to ask him if he'd showered bc he simply didn't want to force the kid to fib.
So he tells me this and of course we laugh. But tonight at dinner Andrew busted him, lightheartedly of course. I was watching Andy's face as a smile timidly spread across his lips. He saw we were laughing and I guess figured the coast was clear. Andrew of course thinks its hilarious bc he was a 10yr old boy once too and apparently did the same thing. I must say, I think it is hilarious, but I don't remember doing that when I was 10.
Andrew then recounts a story of bragging to his mom after kids camping that he didn't shower the whole week!
Upon hearing that and cracking up at both himself and his Dad he says
"I also stick my head under the sink so my hair looks wet."
At that point, me, Andrew, my Mom and my Sister lose it. He just gave away his last trick as far as showering goes.
Maybe you had to be there... or perhaps its just my first boy...but I think its so funny that Andy fakes taking a shower. He seemed so proud of himself too.
Note to self...smell his hair in order to prove he showered?
However, perhaps not....so this morning he heard all of this up until he went to the bathroom. This morning, and now I wonder how many other mornings, he fired up his electric toothbrush for all of 30 seconds, then cranked up the shower for about 20 seconds, got dressed and went about his business. HA he faked his shower! Andrew said it took everything in him not to laugh out loud. Of course Andy didn't know his Dad heard all of this. Andrew chose not to ask him if he'd showered bc he simply didn't want to force the kid to fib.
So he tells me this and of course we laugh. But tonight at dinner Andrew busted him, lightheartedly of course. I was watching Andy's face as a smile timidly spread across his lips. He saw we were laughing and I guess figured the coast was clear. Andrew of course thinks its hilarious bc he was a 10yr old boy once too and apparently did the same thing. I must say, I think it is hilarious, but I don't remember doing that when I was 10.
Andrew then recounts a story of bragging to his mom after kids camping that he didn't shower the whole week!
Upon hearing that and cracking up at both himself and his Dad he says
"I also stick my head under the sink so my hair looks wet."
At that point, me, Andrew, my Mom and my Sister lose it. He just gave away his last trick as far as showering goes.
Maybe you had to be there... or perhaps its just my first boy...but I think its so funny that Andy fakes taking a shower. He seemed so proud of himself too.
Note to self...smell his hair in order to prove he showered?
Andy's 1st Birthday Party: 11yrs old
So we made it...our first official birthday party. Andy's first ever and my first as a parent.
whoohoo milestone :)
I was hoping I'd have something really funny to write...lol but I don't. The party went over great.
We rented a huge inflatable slip n slide and the rest was "baseball themed" (well except for the pinata which Andy really wanted so of course we did). It was really fun.
I will say that I don't know of any other 10yr old who worries about the state of the house and yard for their own party. It was cute and sad at the same time. I had to keep gently reminding Andy we had it covered, we would take care of it. He was really exciting. We had a countdown going on the calendar and in the kitchen.
Of course I did my 'Motherly Duty' of worrying that we wouldn't have enough kids, or that it wouldn't be fun...whatever else there is to fret over... However, I must commend myself because I kept it under control and at some point (who knows when) I just stopped. Yeah, all on my own I was calm and collected and decided whatever would happen would happen. HA no.
Between my Mom and a few friends, that happened. Either way it was really fun, we really enjoyed ourselves and got a bunch of great pics--that need to be uploaded--and Andy scored some great gifts (can I say that? Is that tacky?)
My sister got the cake and pizza and I've never seen such an awesome cake that also tasted good--seriously it seems like you can only have one or the other. But it was great.
So here we are...1 down...tons more to go. Ahhh--insert me smiling and sighing. With this birthday/milestone comes the reminder of all the birthdays Andy didn't get to celebrate and all the years we missed. However, he is here now and it just seems normal--which is good. But it did make me stop and remember (although its easy to remember) how very blessed we are to be a family. I look at him and I just want to hug him and never let him go.
Last year we celebrated his birthday at a McDonald's in Simferopool, Ukraine. It was the first time we'd seen him in almost 2yrs and we couldn't have been happier. He spoke maybe 2 words of English and already called us Mamma and Pappa. I'll never forget him sitting there smiling from ear to ear. He had never even been to McDonald's. He ordered a cheeseburger happy meal, ice cream cone, and a chocolate muffin. He saved a few bites of his cheeseburger and half of his fries for later. And neither Andrew or myself could quit smiling or hugging him. And here I sit just shy of a year from that day (bc his real bday is the 25th) blogging about his first party. We've come along way. Thanks to all of you who've been a part. I'm actually trying not to cry just thinking about our journey. I keep a journal for Andy. I've been writing in it about him, the adoption...etc since we started this process. I was reading back through it Saturday night and there was a bday card tucked inside from what we thought was his 7th birthday. I remember his birthday then. I was at Dell and Andrew was still selling real estate. I must have thought about him all day wishing he would be here. And here we are, and he's here. It felt like it would never happen. The Lord sure does work in mysterious ways.
As I've told you before I don't go back and read these....so sorry if this one was a waste of your internet time :) I'll post pics of his bday as soon as I can get them loaded.
From dreaming on his birthday, to a McDonald's party of 4.....here we are, home all together--Mom, Dad and Andy-- :)
Happy Birthday Andy
Here's to all the birthday's to come!
whoohoo milestone :)
I was hoping I'd have something really funny to write...lol but I don't. The party went over great.
We rented a huge inflatable slip n slide and the rest was "baseball themed" (well except for the pinata which Andy really wanted so of course we did). It was really fun.
I will say that I don't know of any other 10yr old who worries about the state of the house and yard for their own party. It was cute and sad at the same time. I had to keep gently reminding Andy we had it covered, we would take care of it. He was really exciting. We had a countdown going on the calendar and in the kitchen.
Of course I did my 'Motherly Duty' of worrying that we wouldn't have enough kids, or that it wouldn't be fun...whatever else there is to fret over... However, I must commend myself because I kept it under control and at some point (who knows when) I just stopped. Yeah, all on my own I was calm and collected and decided whatever would happen would happen. HA no.
Between my Mom and a few friends, that happened. Either way it was really fun, we really enjoyed ourselves and got a bunch of great pics--that need to be uploaded--and Andy scored some great gifts (can I say that? Is that tacky?)
My sister got the cake and pizza and I've never seen such an awesome cake that also tasted good--seriously it seems like you can only have one or the other. But it was great.
So here we are...1 down...tons more to go. Ahhh--insert me smiling and sighing. With this birthday/milestone comes the reminder of all the birthdays Andy didn't get to celebrate and all the years we missed. However, he is here now and it just seems normal--which is good. But it did make me stop and remember (although its easy to remember) how very blessed we are to be a family. I look at him and I just want to hug him and never let him go.
Last year we celebrated his birthday at a McDonald's in Simferopool, Ukraine. It was the first time we'd seen him in almost 2yrs and we couldn't have been happier. He spoke maybe 2 words of English and already called us Mamma and Pappa. I'll never forget him sitting there smiling from ear to ear. He had never even been to McDonald's. He ordered a cheeseburger happy meal, ice cream cone, and a chocolate muffin. He saved a few bites of his cheeseburger and half of his fries for later. And neither Andrew or myself could quit smiling or hugging him. And here I sit just shy of a year from that day (bc his real bday is the 25th) blogging about his first party. We've come along way. Thanks to all of you who've been a part. I'm actually trying not to cry just thinking about our journey. I keep a journal for Andy. I've been writing in it about him, the adoption...etc since we started this process. I was reading back through it Saturday night and there was a bday card tucked inside from what we thought was his 7th birthday. I remember his birthday then. I was at Dell and Andrew was still selling real estate. I must have thought about him all day wishing he would be here. And here we are, and he's here. It felt like it would never happen. The Lord sure does work in mysterious ways.
As I've told you before I don't go back and read these....so sorry if this one was a waste of your internet time :) I'll post pics of his bday as soon as I can get them loaded.
From dreaming on his birthday, to a McDonald's party of 4.....here we are, home all together--Mom, Dad and Andy-- :)
Happy Birthday Andy
Here's to all the birthday's to come!
Monday, July 13, 2009
I'm Stupid
Andy got upset the other night and in his madness (whatever you want to call it) he threatened to write "I'm Stupid" on his face. It was late and we were all tired. I (of course) told him he was not stupid--so don't go emailing me :) but that if he wanted to do that I wasn't going to stop him.
I shut the door and left...praying he wouldn't call for me again.
Fingers crossed.....hold your breath...nope no more yells.
The next morning I go in to wake him up, one of my favorite things. They are so sweet and inncocent before they get up aren't they? So I'm rubbing his back and as I'm about to say "Andy wake up" he rolls over and what do I see--you got it... black marker...smeared across his precious face.
I hold back a laugh and walk outside to call Andrew, who's already left for church.
I decide to not say a thing to Andy about his new tattoo. You can tell he did it in the mirror and it doesn't actually say 'I'm stupid' it really says MI then you can see an bits of stupid but it's all crossed out... so really it looks like MI with a dark line underneath. MI is somewhat accurate if its for mission impossible...that about sums up how I feel sometimes.
So we get ready with no mention of "the mark" and later a few minutes before we are leaving he says to me "you know how you say you wouldn't let me go out looking silly?"
"Yes."
"Well" he replies " Do you really mean that."
I of course nod, because I do--I wouldn't let him go out dressed silly as I have told him before.
This of course doesn't satisfy him because he wants me to say something about his mark, fuss, get mad, anything. And I'm not.
So finally he caves and asks "well are you going to let me go looking silly."
"No. I think your clothes look nice."
hmmm I can tell he's still not satisfied with his performance...
"So you really would let me go out looking silly then."
"No I reply, I told you I wouldn't send you out dressed silly and you are not. I cannot help that you chose to write on your face."
So finally as am walking out the door he says "how do I get it off" Which I know he knows because he's already washed part of it off.
"Soap and water"
"What if it doesn't come off?" dont' get all soft he says this defiantly as if it will give him a get out of church pass.
"Well then, I guess you will go to church looking silly."
With that I go to the car and wait. Whatta ya know he comes out, with a clean face.
Guess that will teach him not to use that type of 'threat' again.
One for Mom.
Whew, I was worried this would be a bad morning.
Of course....if you read this and you have kids that know Andy PLEASE do not let them read this or know about this story. He would be devastated.....
Ok I'm trusting you...
Dear God, please don't let any of Andy's friends come up to him at church or wherever about this...or I'll die and feel like dirt.
Amen.
:)
I shut the door and left...praying he wouldn't call for me again.
Fingers crossed.....hold your breath...nope no more yells.
The next morning I go in to wake him up, one of my favorite things. They are so sweet and inncocent before they get up aren't they? So I'm rubbing his back and as I'm about to say "Andy wake up" he rolls over and what do I see--you got it... black marker...smeared across his precious face.
I hold back a laugh and walk outside to call Andrew, who's already left for church.
I decide to not say a thing to Andy about his new tattoo. You can tell he did it in the mirror and it doesn't actually say 'I'm stupid' it really says MI then you can see an bits of stupid but it's all crossed out... so really it looks like MI with a dark line underneath. MI is somewhat accurate if its for mission impossible...that about sums up how I feel sometimes.
So we get ready with no mention of "the mark" and later a few minutes before we are leaving he says to me "you know how you say you wouldn't let me go out looking silly?"
"Yes."
"Well" he replies " Do you really mean that."
I of course nod, because I do--I wouldn't let him go out dressed silly as I have told him before.
This of course doesn't satisfy him because he wants me to say something about his mark, fuss, get mad, anything. And I'm not.
So finally he caves and asks "well are you going to let me go looking silly."
"No. I think your clothes look nice."
hmmm I can tell he's still not satisfied with his performance...
"So you really would let me go out looking silly then."
"No I reply, I told you I wouldn't send you out dressed silly and you are not. I cannot help that you chose to write on your face."
So finally as am walking out the door he says "how do I get it off" Which I know he knows because he's already washed part of it off.
"Soap and water"
"What if it doesn't come off?" dont' get all soft he says this defiantly as if it will give him a get out of church pass.
"Well then, I guess you will go to church looking silly."
With that I go to the car and wait. Whatta ya know he comes out, with a clean face.
Guess that will teach him not to use that type of 'threat' again.
One for Mom.
Whew, I was worried this would be a bad morning.
Of course....if you read this and you have kids that know Andy PLEASE do not let them read this or know about this story. He would be devastated.....
Ok I'm trusting you...
Dear God, please don't let any of Andy's friends come up to him at church or wherever about this...or I'll die and feel like dirt.
Amen.
:)
Thursday, July 2, 2009
andy's 1st birthday party
andys birthday is coming up, july 25th and so we are planning his 1st birthday party! not just his 1st in America, or 1st with us but his VERY first ever!! needless to say he is excited...and oooh so cute @ it. hence me posting this from my cell phone-holy sore thumbs. after his baseball game last night we pulled into the parking lot of party city and headed inside. when he realized we were there for his party he squealed and his eyes lit up-oh yeah, i'm thinking-im in big trouble, if he's that appreciative over invites hwo can i say no to anything?? lol. anyway short story long he was in heaven the whole time. and he's making out his invites as we speak and he was so happy to do them. it was so sweet. he's looking forward to it so much we have a countdown in our kitchen! so...basically i just wanted to share how much joy he brings me-just seeing his excitement over his bday. little boys, or @ least mine, sure do know how to get their moms wrapped around their fingers! good thing he doesn,t know :)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
"Mom Guilt"
"Mom Guilt". Someone should tell all new Moms @ the extreme amount of guilt they will feel upon entering Motherhood. Guilt over any and everything at any given time. This was a surprise to me. I mean I expected a little but all the time? Something must be wrong with me. Here's a nice little example to show u how nutso I can be. I told Andy we would try to go to the library after VBS today. What I didn't think @ is the reality that we don't have time today. See I take little trips to the Magical Kingdom-mom version. Where I am super Mom and can do all things with no time constraints. I invent these super fab agendas in my head and bc in the magic kingdom they work I am comletely devasted when I am back in the real world and can't fit it all in. Luckily I don't divulge all my "splendid" plans with Andy, otherwise he'd not only be stressed but also dissapointed. So here I sit feeling like a failure bc not only can we not go to the library (which he only wants to go bc I'm making him read lol) but I also couldn't pick him up so he's riding with the neighbor and her kids bc I had to do some work. *sigh* the part that makes me nut is that he is best friends with the neighbors and they are like family. And, in fact she usually picks them up. In reality as I am drowning in my guilt the rational part of me knows he would rather be wherever the boys are. So if they r with her that's where he wants to be. If they r with me, that's where he wants to be. I know all this so why am I still feeling like a loser? Good question. No one can seem to ease it. Well, that's not true, I only tqalked to andrew as he worked and he wa super busy so he just looked at me as I half talked and half thought and trying to help smiled saying "its ok.". Ok? No I need more than that-so, I call the mom help hotline-my mom. That def helped. However I was only relieved from this guilt after talking to my sweet son. He was happy and so excited that instead of going to the library for a little while today we r going to try to go next week with the neighbors, downtown. That got me a hearty "cool. Love you Mom. Bye.". Insert relief and a smile. What I didn't tell him was my loftyh plans of taking the train to the downtown library! Nevermind its blocks from the trainstation...there I go again
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Andy is @ kroger with my neighbor and her boys-his 2 best friends. They are having a serious argument @ who's Dad is the best! My neighbor took her boys to pick out Father's day cards and let Andy tag along. She said that Andy proudly said "My dad is the BEST DAD." Of course all little boys think their Dad is the best so her son refuted this. But Andy took it really seriously and he was getting upset (lol). He told his best friend... "you don't understand, my Dad is the best. He came all the way to Ukraine to get me and adopt me."
If that isn't heart melting I don't know what is. He's so sweet. This has been such an amazing journey. I promise to fill in the gaps because we've had some really funny stories.
Oh, and they took a fart machine! My poor neighbor!
If that isn't heart melting I don't know what is. He's so sweet. This has been such an amazing journey. I promise to fill in the gaps because we've had some really funny stories.
Oh, and they took a fart machine! My poor neighbor!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I'm back....or at least trying to be
Where have I been? I don't know how it has been so long since my last post? I really do love posting....I am trying to think of a reason why I haven't had time to post....hmm Below are a few things I think may have kept me a bit tied up.
1. teaching my Andy English
2. learning how to be a mom
3. cooking
4. cleaning
5. laundry
6. figuring out how to 'make friends' with total strangers on account that they too have a 10 yr old--aawwwkwwaaaard
7. laundry
8. keeping my calm
9. debating time out with other punishments
10. being frustrated
11. being tired
12. figuring out my place as Mom at school....pta....room mom
13. little league
14. youth soccer
15. vbs
16. being a mom
17. feeling guilty
18. wondering why i feel guilty all the sudden
19. helping andy learn to read
20. laundry
21. feeling guilty....again
22. homework
23. summer!
24. playing with Andy
25. hosting sleepovers
26. play dates
27. LAUNDRY!!! AAAAH
28. answering the question--mom where are you
29. working
30. wondering what i've been up to and why i'm so busy and tired?
I gotta say I thought I could do all of the above and still write, post, edit, talk on the phone, work out and be super mom and wife. Funny thing. I can't. And I feel guilty that I can't??
Maybe some of you other Mom's can let me in on the secret.
So....I'm going to try to write more...although I don't know that anyone other than my family really cares to read it :) Nevertheless....just be patient with me as I don't edit these half the time! So don't shoot me down as I bare my soul :)
By the way....thanks for reading :)
1. teaching my Andy English
2. learning how to be a mom
3. cooking
4. cleaning
5. laundry
6. figuring out how to 'make friends' with total strangers on account that they too have a 10 yr old--aawwwkwwaaaard
7. laundry
8. keeping my calm
9. debating time out with other punishments
10. being frustrated
11. being tired
12. figuring out my place as Mom at school....pta....room mom
13. little league
14. youth soccer
15. vbs
16. being a mom
17. feeling guilty
18. wondering why i feel guilty all the sudden
19. helping andy learn to read
20. laundry
21. feeling guilty....again
22. homework
23. summer!
24. playing with Andy
25. hosting sleepovers
26. play dates
27. LAUNDRY!!! AAAAH
28. answering the question--mom where are you
29. working
30. wondering what i've been up to and why i'm so busy and tired?
I gotta say I thought I could do all of the above and still write, post, edit, talk on the phone, work out and be super mom and wife. Funny thing. I can't. And I feel guilty that I can't??
Maybe some of you other Mom's can let me in on the secret.
So....I'm going to try to write more...although I don't know that anyone other than my family really cares to read it :) Nevertheless....just be patient with me as I don't edit these half the time! So don't shoot me down as I bare my soul :)
By the way....thanks for reading :)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Christmas
A lot of you have asked me about our 1st family Christmas. I have been meaning to write about it forever as it was so wonderful and magical. I kept putting it off until I had "time" but tonight I realize that will never happen. So I'm going to write about it now--even though I am not really in a "writing mood" if you will.
So seeing as Andy is 10 and this is likely the last year he will believe in Santa Claus--I decided to really milk it for all it's worth. I mean I really want to do as much damage as possible :)
Needless to say, Andy saw Santa Claus. Not in the mall--in his TV room, in the middle of the night.
It was MAGICAL. My heart was pounding, Andrew's heart was pounding and Andy was just beyond excited.
We woke him up at about 2am (because that was when we finally got everything ready--who knew all the work that went into Christmas as a parent! wow) and told him we thought we heard Santa on our roof.
He rubbed his eyes and looked at us puzzled and then it was as if it set in and his eyes grew as big as saucers. He didn't say a word he just grabbed both of Andrews hands and crept out into the hall in front of him.
We all 3 snuck down the hall and peered around the corner to see Jolly 'ol St Nick stuffing stockings and eating cookies--right there at our fireplace! (I was so excited I almost forgot I was the one who dressed my Father-in-law up in the suit!)
We ran back to the room breathless and Andy gasped saying "I can't believe I saw Santa Claus." "Now I really believe" (hence me saying I'm inflicting damage...hey whatever, his friends still believe. So if you are a Santa hater back off).
Andrew and I were reveling in this back in the tv room after snuggling Andy back into bed. Andrew admitted that it was a lot more fun than he'd thought it would be. He didn't think Andy believed and informed me more than once that Andy was only saying he did because I had in fact told him if he didn't believe there would be no presents. Which is true--I'm hardcore on this...jk
Anyhow I have never seen a child so excited. It's amazing how a tree full of lights and the belief of a child can turn a regular old tv room into something so magical.
The next morning he told everyone. It was so fun. He of course looooved Christmas. He fell on the floor at one point arms out to each side just saying I can't believe this in response to all of his presence. It was our best BEST best Christmas ever.
There of course is more but Andrew is starting the movie without me haha and I think that's probably the part you really wanted to hear anyway. But don't worry or get all huffy--Andy knows the REAL reason for Christmas and we did plenty to ensure that. I didn't just dress up Santa :P
So seeing as Andy is 10 and this is likely the last year he will believe in Santa Claus--I decided to really milk it for all it's worth. I mean I really want to do as much damage as possible :)
Needless to say, Andy saw Santa Claus. Not in the mall--in his TV room, in the middle of the night.
It was MAGICAL. My heart was pounding, Andrew's heart was pounding and Andy was just beyond excited.
We woke him up at about 2am (because that was when we finally got everything ready--who knew all the work that went into Christmas as a parent! wow) and told him we thought we heard Santa on our roof.
He rubbed his eyes and looked at us puzzled and then it was as if it set in and his eyes grew as big as saucers. He didn't say a word he just grabbed both of Andrews hands and crept out into the hall in front of him.
We all 3 snuck down the hall and peered around the corner to see Jolly 'ol St Nick stuffing stockings and eating cookies--right there at our fireplace! (I was so excited I almost forgot I was the one who dressed my Father-in-law up in the suit!)
We ran back to the room breathless and Andy gasped saying "I can't believe I saw Santa Claus." "Now I really believe" (hence me saying I'm inflicting damage...hey whatever, his friends still believe. So if you are a Santa hater back off).
Andrew and I were reveling in this back in the tv room after snuggling Andy back into bed. Andrew admitted that it was a lot more fun than he'd thought it would be. He didn't think Andy believed and informed me more than once that Andy was only saying he did because I had in fact told him if he didn't believe there would be no presents. Which is true--I'm hardcore on this...jk
Anyhow I have never seen a child so excited. It's amazing how a tree full of lights and the belief of a child can turn a regular old tv room into something so magical.
The next morning he told everyone. It was so fun. He of course looooved Christmas. He fell on the floor at one point arms out to each side just saying I can't believe this in response to all of his presence. It was our best BEST best Christmas ever.
There of course is more but Andrew is starting the movie without me haha and I think that's probably the part you really wanted to hear anyway. But don't worry or get all huffy--Andy knows the REAL reason for Christmas and we did plenty to ensure that. I didn't just dress up Santa :P
Andy's Prayer Tonight
Dear God,
Thank you for my Mudder and my Fadder.
Thank you for my friends and my friends at school.
God help my friends and my friends at school who have no money and who's parents have no money.
God help the children in Ukraine who have no homes and no family.
God help the people on drugs. Help them to stop drugs.
God help people who don't believe in God...You. Help them start believe in You.
Help the people with no home who sleep outside, who are cold and wet and have no home.
Amen.
Thank you for my Mudder and my Fadder.
Thank you for my friends and my friends at school.
God help my friends and my friends at school who have no money and who's parents have no money.
God help the children in Ukraine who have no homes and no family.
God help the people on drugs. Help them to stop drugs.
God help people who don't believe in God...You. Help them start believe in You.
Help the people with no home who sleep outside, who are cold and wet and have no home.
Amen.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Time out
I don't know about you but time out went from being a lifesaver to a real drain. I mean really when I've got over an hour in time out--who really cares? Andy doesn't. The other day, ok week, he was reaaaallly on bad behavior. He gets time out in 5 min increments and let me just tell you he was up to 45 minutes! Judge me all you want but I'm tellin' you--it was keep adding time out or pull out all my hair and who knows what else may have happened. So...here's how this conversation went...get ready to laugh or wince...me I did both--although the laughing came much later, after the wincing, a hot bath and 3 Tylenols ;)
Me--"Andy, you have to go to bed. You can sit on the stairs and fuss as long as you want. However, you already have 20 minutes of time out tomorrow so I'd suggest you go to bed."
Andy--"I don't want to do this. I won't do this. " (insert horribly mean face)
Me--"Well it is your decision but however many minutes you sit there will be the amount of time out added to your 20 minutes tomorrow."
Andy--Screams. Stomps. Sitting.
---insert clock ticking and me doing my best to appear totally calm as I clean the kitchen.
---yep, he's still sitting on the steps staring me down.
anybody got the jeapordy music handy? No, ok I like listening to 10yr old whining, it's cool.
Finally 10 minutes later he walks to his room, however, I can tell this battle's not over. Oh no...it is faaar from over. As he walks into his room and I tell him the total amount of time out he has, (desperately hoping he'll make the right decision as I tell him to go to bed now that he'll do it. I mean surely this kid's tired) he turns and looks right at me and says "I don't care how much time out I have--I love time out. Give me 2 hours of time out."
You are wondering what I did aren't you? Well at the risk of you all thinking I'm a bad Mom, too strict, or not strict enough... I'll tell you. Just keep in mind--I'm doing the best I can and um... well, I generally only write the good things about Andy and this is just a fraction of his "bad behavior" (bless his heart :) that is what we say after something like that right?)
Well, what did I do then? I agreed and gave him 2 hours of time out. I mean it was a challenge--and with Andy--you can't back down. So 2 hours it is. He says he's happy about it. But the way he screamed as I left tells me he is in fact not happy about it at all.
So, not only did I punish Andy--but I punished MYSELF. Do you know how miserable tomorrow is going to be for us both. Oh man, if only I could call in sick.
I gotta go...Andy's been yelling for me for about 2 minutes. I guess he wants more time out?
First thing tomorrow I am coming up with a new punishment plan. This timeout thing as I said....doesn't work well enough.
When the going gets tough...the tough... go sit in the tub and cry. kiiiiiidddding.
They put THEMSELVES in time out.
Me--"Andy, you have to go to bed. You can sit on the stairs and fuss as long as you want. However, you already have 20 minutes of time out tomorrow so I'd suggest you go to bed."
Andy--"I don't want to do this. I won't do this. " (insert horribly mean face)
Me--"Well it is your decision but however many minutes you sit there will be the amount of time out added to your 20 minutes tomorrow."
Andy--Screams. Stomps. Sitting.
---insert clock ticking and me doing my best to appear totally calm as I clean the kitchen.
---yep, he's still sitting on the steps staring me down.
anybody got the jeapordy music handy? No, ok I like listening to 10yr old whining, it's cool.
Finally 10 minutes later he walks to his room, however, I can tell this battle's not over. Oh no...it is faaar from over. As he walks into his room and I tell him the total amount of time out he has, (desperately hoping he'll make the right decision as I tell him to go to bed now that he'll do it. I mean surely this kid's tired) he turns and looks right at me and says "I don't care how much time out I have--I love time out. Give me 2 hours of time out."
You are wondering what I did aren't you? Well at the risk of you all thinking I'm a bad Mom, too strict, or not strict enough... I'll tell you. Just keep in mind--I'm doing the best I can and um... well, I generally only write the good things about Andy and this is just a fraction of his "bad behavior" (bless his heart :) that is what we say after something like that right?)
Well, what did I do then? I agreed and gave him 2 hours of time out. I mean it was a challenge--and with Andy--you can't back down. So 2 hours it is. He says he's happy about it. But the way he screamed as I left tells me he is in fact not happy about it at all.
So, not only did I punish Andy--but I punished MYSELF. Do you know how miserable tomorrow is going to be for us both. Oh man, if only I could call in sick.
I gotta go...Andy's been yelling for me for about 2 minutes. I guess he wants more time out?
First thing tomorrow I am coming up with a new punishment plan. This timeout thing as I said....doesn't work well enough.
When the going gets tough...the tough... go sit in the tub and cry. kiiiiiidddding.
They put THEMSELVES in time out.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Back to School
Well today was Andy's first day back to school from Christmas break. It wouldn't be such a big deal except that he has tested out of his previous school so today's the first day at his new one. He was really excited to be going to a new school, whereas I wanted to start crying. I think Ms. Edwards could tell, as she gave me her cell number--lol. Anyhow, his English is so well that they fel he was ready for a normal school.
So the search began... oh yeah and this was all 2 days before Christmas break. Oh nothing like new parents school searching with 2 days before the break begins and no real knowledge of any of the surrounding schools.
Let me tell ya... it was greeeat. No it wasn't.
Oh well after a lot of thought and worry we decided that the best option given the time restraints and his limited ability to read in English that public school would be best right now.
Although I started out very very worried, I now feel like it was a good decision. He will be in the ELL program, because they have more 1x1 time and it is more oral as opposed to reading (which again he is still learning) and the teacher seems great.
Not to mention in order to afford private schools right now I'd have to fork over a kidney.
So we have til next school year to figure out where he'll go next. And if it's public school just start looking for our "we've moved" post cards.
School starts at 8am sharp and you can get there at 745. Being habitually late, I worried myself sick I would cause Andy to be late. This is not something he or his Dad appreciate. You'd be proud Mom, I was right on time, actually even early "yeah me." haha
The plan was for me to walk Andy in, being his first day and all, and buy his lunch tickets. But when we arrived in the carpool line he let me know he'd rather go alone. So there I sat in the drivers seat, ball cap pulled low over my unfixed hair (hey it was 730 am), smiling (to hide my nervousness--for myself and him--those carpool lines are scary!) saying "are you sure you don't want me to walk you in? It is your first day...." Holding my breath because I don't want to embarass him, but nor do I want to let him out of the car. I mean this is elementary school, not the International Newcomer's Academy with Ms. Edwards, what if someone pushes him? I gotta be there to put the smack down right? Wrong. He was worried kids might realize he was new if I walked him in. Riiiiight, because meeting you for the first time wouldn't tip them off to that.
"Ok sweetie" I smiled bravely. "Just be sure to remember all we talked about last night. And don't forget to give your teacher your lunch money."
"OK Mom." He kissed my cheek and leaped out of the car. All 60 pounds of him strutting up the sidewalk with his new back pack.
So.... this is what it feels like to be the mom of a 10 yr old. Insert me smiling, worried and happy all at the same time. This is the real stuff. INA was different, so this must be what it feels like.
I must say as cheesy as it sounds, I will never forget this morning. Seeing him dissapear into the building. Worrying if the other kids would be nice. Would he behave? What if he loses his lunch money--he'll be hungry. I should have made him eat more. He won't think well on an empty stomach. (Wow, should I go put on my "Mom Jeans?")
But most of all Just being so proud of him. He was really excited and really nervous at the same time. But there he went, all by himself. He's so cute.
I said a prayer that all Mom's probably pray, I know my Mom at least, as he walked out of my sight.
"God watch over him, keep him safe and give him peace."
And off I went... back to the house to go back to bed til time to pick him up.
What? Isn't that what "stay at home Mom's" do? KIDDING!
Back home to clean up, work out, do laundry.... you know the drill. :)
We'll see how it goes. Oh and I do have pictures to load from Christmas...stay tuned.
So the search began... oh yeah and this was all 2 days before Christmas break. Oh nothing like new parents school searching with 2 days before the break begins and no real knowledge of any of the surrounding schools.
Let me tell ya... it was greeeat. No it wasn't.
Oh well after a lot of thought and worry we decided that the best option given the time restraints and his limited ability to read in English that public school would be best right now.
Although I started out very very worried, I now feel like it was a good decision. He will be in the ELL program, because they have more 1x1 time and it is more oral as opposed to reading (which again he is still learning) and the teacher seems great.
Not to mention in order to afford private schools right now I'd have to fork over a kidney.
So we have til next school year to figure out where he'll go next. And if it's public school just start looking for our "we've moved" post cards.
School starts at 8am sharp and you can get there at 745. Being habitually late, I worried myself sick I would cause Andy to be late. This is not something he or his Dad appreciate. You'd be proud Mom, I was right on time, actually even early "yeah me." haha
The plan was for me to walk Andy in, being his first day and all, and buy his lunch tickets. But when we arrived in the carpool line he let me know he'd rather go alone. So there I sat in the drivers seat, ball cap pulled low over my unfixed hair (hey it was 730 am), smiling (to hide my nervousness--for myself and him--those carpool lines are scary!) saying "are you sure you don't want me to walk you in? It is your first day...." Holding my breath because I don't want to embarass him, but nor do I want to let him out of the car. I mean this is elementary school, not the International Newcomer's Academy with Ms. Edwards, what if someone pushes him? I gotta be there to put the smack down right? Wrong. He was worried kids might realize he was new if I walked him in. Riiiiight, because meeting you for the first time wouldn't tip them off to that.
"Ok sweetie" I smiled bravely. "Just be sure to remember all we talked about last night. And don't forget to give your teacher your lunch money."
"OK Mom." He kissed my cheek and leaped out of the car. All 60 pounds of him strutting up the sidewalk with his new back pack.
So.... this is what it feels like to be the mom of a 10 yr old. Insert me smiling, worried and happy all at the same time. This is the real stuff. INA was different, so this must be what it feels like.
I must say as cheesy as it sounds, I will never forget this morning. Seeing him dissapear into the building. Worrying if the other kids would be nice. Would he behave? What if he loses his lunch money--he'll be hungry. I should have made him eat more. He won't think well on an empty stomach. (Wow, should I go put on my "Mom Jeans?")
But most of all Just being so proud of him. He was really excited and really nervous at the same time. But there he went, all by himself. He's so cute.
I said a prayer that all Mom's probably pray, I know my Mom at least, as he walked out of my sight.
"God watch over him, keep him safe and give him peace."
And off I went... back to the house to go back to bed til time to pick him up.
What? Isn't that what "stay at home Mom's" do? KIDDING!
Back home to clean up, work out, do laundry.... you know the drill. :)
We'll see how it goes. Oh and I do have pictures to load from Christmas...stay tuned.
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