Peter at 5

I don't think I've done a post on Peter in awhile.  I figured I ought to hit all the kids.  There is so much to remember and so little brain power to do so.

Peter seems so grown up to me.  In the last year he has gone from a tiny tike to a little boy in no time flat.  I'm going to blink and he will be a young man...so I've been trying hard to not blink.

One of his favorite things to do is to smile at me.  He somehow got the idea that I love to see his smiles.  I do.  But I never told him that.  (I think someone must have told him at school.)  He has dirty blond hair and freckles across his nose.  Combined with his big blue eyes I do try to remember so clearly these days.  Because someday in the not too distant future I will be looking up at him to smile.

Peter has discovered playing video games.  His current favorite is Sklyander's.  Talk about a money marketing SCAM!  You buy the game ($60!) and then you shell out $10-15 for each character.  It is a roll playing type.  Yipes!  Makes it easy to shop for him, but really...how many little figurines does a fella need?  He's got a drawer full.  His second favorite is Star Wars.  Yes, a boy after my own heart.

His favorite color is black.  He loves skulls and mohawks.  Perhaps he'll belong to the skater crowd when he grows up.  Who knows!

He doesn't particularly like cleaning and it is like pulling teeth to get him to help.  I've noticed he doesn't see details as easily as Rebekah does.  What I mean is...it is very easy for Rebekah to figure out to put the doll toys with the doll house, the legos in the lego box and the Mr. Potato Head parts in the right container.  Peter seems to see 'toys' and throws them in containers.  Period.  He reminds me of William in this way.

We've just passed through a rough spot where Peter was getting in trouble daily at school.  We had trouble with him exposing himself and playing "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" games.  Developmentally speaking, this is normal.  The only difference is that we had ONE problem with Rebekah.  We had two solid weeks of problems with Peter.  To top it off - we had several stealing incidents and he started 'racooning' again.

Racooning:  The behavior of getting up at night and taking things. Typically things taken are put under or near his bed.  Alternatively, getting into mischief at night.

Here are three stories (which I'm sure I'll laugh at someday) that demonstrate.

Story #1
At night William frequently will run to the store.  This particular night he had stopped on his way home from the casino and got some ice cream.  The next morning I woke up and noticed the gate open.  I knew someone had been up during the night, but I wasn't sure who.  I went downstairs to wake up the older two kids.  As I was gently shaking them from their slumber, Max came running downstairs and straight under the bed.  He started licking something.  I peered down to see what it was and immediately noticed an ice cream container.  It was the brand new ice cream William had picked up the night before.  Completely ruined of course.  Peter had gotten up, apparently looked in the freezer and found the ice cream and brought it back to bed...hiding it under there.  That same day I also found my stain remover and fabric softener under the bed.  I asked him why he took those things and he just told me he was keeping them safe.

Story #2
About a week or so after the first story, I went to pick up Peter and was told he had brought a 'tool' to school.  They handed me the tool and it became immediately clear why the confiscated it.  The tool was super sharp - I later learned it was used for drilling holes in sheet rock.  I poked its pointy end and asked Peter where it came from.  He looked downcast, as he always does when he his about to get in trouble, and replied 'the basement'.  I took the tool home and gave it to William, who confirmed it indeed had been in the basement.  He had used it to drill holes in the sheet rock when we had a water leak awhile back.  It was on top of a shelf over the washer/dryer unites.

Later that same day the kids came running in.  "There is a hole in the fence!"  Let me preface this by saying we have had a lot of trouble with boards falling off.  It is an old fence that really needs to be replaced.  So we asked if a board had fallen off.  The kids replied "No...it is an actual hole."  This puzzled William and I.  "Is it like where a knot was in a board?  A round circle that has fallen out?" I asked.  We have a few of those too.

"NO!" they replied.

"Well how did the hole get there?"  The kids shrugged their shoulder and told us they weren't really sure...but they were worried about Max (our escape artist dog) getting out.  So clearly the hole was large enough for him.

William made his way into the back yard to check out the fence. Very soon he came back in.

"Well there is indeed a hole in the fence.  And strangely, I found this chunk of fence on the ground.  It has a straight edge that perfectly matches the rest of the fence.  And so weird...I found this saw laying on the ground next to it.  I was pretty sure I left it on the shelf above the washer/dryer..."

The fence was fixed that day.  Rebekah supplied the idea and Peter supplied the tools.  They were trying to escape.

Story #3
On a Sunday morning I looked down and notice Peter's shorts weighed down.  There was clearly something in his pocket.  I point to the pocket and say "Hey Peter, what's in your pocket?"  The smile immediately disappears from his face and he fumbles around with his other pocket.  He pulls out a toy car, which I had already known he had brought.

"No...not that pocket." I said, trying to give him a chance to tell me the truth.  "The other pocket."

"Nothing is in that pocket."

I sighed and knew it must be bad.  Peter is not one to tell me the truth and it has really driven me batty.  (I'm a high truth person.)  "Peter, there is something in that pocket.  Take it out right now."  He slipped his hand in his pocket and pulled out a set of keys.

I went bananas.  I only imagined he had take the keys from somewhere and I had no idea where.  Someone was missing their keys!  "Peter!  Where did those keys come from?"  He stood there silent and unmoving - frozen with the keys dangling in the air.  I had to ask him 3 more times before he finally gave me an answer.

"At home."

They could have been from home, but I wasn't entirely sure.  I got down face level with him to make sure he understood.  Lying had been happening regularly so I really couldn't trust anything he was telling me. But he continued to repeat he got them from home.  I couldn't really do anything but take them home.  I later showed William and he thought perhaps they were the "lost" keys.  You know - all those useless keys you aren't sure why you are keeping?  All bundled together?

The very next day William ended up picking the kids up from school.  So he had the joy of being greeted by the teacher with her warm smile and poised disposition - the one that always told me Peter was at it again.  This time William got to learn that Peter had again taken the bundle of keys...plus a few more.  Our motorcycle keys.  He took the keys to school and passed them out to his friends.

We did get all the important keys returned to us and most (if not all) the unimportant ones. When I asked Peter why he took them he just shrugged his shoulders.  
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Oh the stories.  I'm sure there will be many more.  Peter is creative in his own right.  He isn't really all that interested in art, but he definitely has an interest in taking things apart and how things work. In fact, he has been waiting patiently for me to get all the pictures off my old phone so he can take that apart.  His patience has been amazing.

He struggles with self-control and impulsive behavior.  I'm confident he'll get that figured out one day.  Until then, we will just keep working with him.

He's funny, charming and confident in himself.  In fact, William told him the other day he was cute.  Peter was indignant and replied "No I'm not!  I'm awesome and cool!"  I love the confidence.  I want all my kids to know that they are absolutely awesome and cool!

He's also super caring.  He loves his baby siblings (he 'smothers' Paul the same way he 'smothered' Ruth!) and dotes on them.  He loves to kiss and hug Paul.  Ruth has been pushed to the back burner a bit (which we are working with Peter to understand that isn't nice), but I've had less trouble recently getting him to help Ruthie.  He's not nurturing like Rebekah.  But he is protective.  Fiercely so.  Don't mess with his siblings - that is for sure.  And I love that about him.

I also appreciate that if we hadn't had Ruth or Paul we would have never known exactly how loving this little boy could be.  I remember worrying, when I was pregnant with Ruth, whether he would accept her easily. I wondered if there would be jealousy issues.  There absolutely hasn't.  He's happy to share his space with those he loves.  And I would have never known if God hadn't chosen to bless us with 2 more special lives.

This fall is a huge milestone.  Peter starts the B.I.G. K. Eeek.  I'm not sure when that happened - but it is.  He's looking forward to starting kindergarten but I'm not sure he really understand what it all means. I think he mostly is just excited for a new adventure.  

When your kids quote scripture...

A few weeks ago someone posted a link on Facebook regarding a blog entry that related to teaching children to be kind to one another.  My kids get along mostly.  But I've noticed increasingly that they are speaking to each other in disrespectful and unkind ways.  When I read the post, which was based on a verse, it really hit home.  So I ran with it.

First, we went over the verse:

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. ~Proverbs 12:18

We went over some examples and I actually read the blog entry to them.  (I wish I still had the link...but alas I do not!)  And Peter has really grabbed hold of this.  In fact, when he feels his sister isn't speaking kindly to him he will exclaim "REBEKAH IS USING SWORD WORDS!!!"  It kind of cracks me up.  And I really really love it.

This past weekend I was working on getting everyone fed.  William was mowing.  Ruth spilled her drink.  I was making someone a sandwich - I can't remember who's.  Rebekah told me Ruth spilled the milk and that Ruth used Rebekah's napkin to clean it up. She came into the kitchen, grabbed a new napkin and went back.  When I turned to give the sandwich to the owner, I see milk all over the table.

I lost it.  I didn't yell...but I did speak harshly.

"REBEKAH!  Why didn't you mention that there was still a mess on the table?  Why didn't you tell me it needed cleaned up?  Look!  It is getting spread everywhere!"

I cleaned up the milk and as I was doing so Peter says "Mom, those were sword words."

I replied "Yes.  That verse doesn't mean you won't ever get in trouble!  Rebekah could have let me know that this needed cleaning before the mess got worse. Or better yet, she could have cleaned it up herself!"

I sat down to the table with my own food and pondered Peter's observation.  Those were sword words.  What am I teaching them?  I thought about how I could have spoken more gently.  How the entire reason for "not yelling" was to open up lines of communication.  Speaking harshly - even though my voice wasn't raised - is really just as bad.  I glanced over at Rebekah and saw her eyes downcast as she picked at her food.

And more than anything - the Bible applies to us all.

I sighed and said..."Peter you are right.  I shouldn't have spoken so harshely.  Perhaps I should have just punished her or something to help her remember to tell me next time."

What the what?  YES!  I am an imperfect parent.  I never pretend to be otherwise.  I'm striving to be the best mom I know how.  Understanding when to let things go and when NOT too is something I frequently struggle with. 

Rebekah's eyes grew wide and then she quickly looked back at her food.

I sighed again.  I knew I had gotten it wrong.  Again.  "Peter.  You are right.  Those were sword words.  I need to try to use healing words next time.  Rebekah, I'm sorry I didn't speak more kindly.  Peter, thanks for bringing it up."  Peter beamed and Rebekah smiled. 


So I received a very important lesson from a 5 yo.  Healing is healing.  Sword words are sword words.  He still has a few things to learn too.  For example, shouting "YOU DIDN'T SAY PLEASE!  THOSE ARE SWORDS WORDS!  YOU NEED TO USE HEALING WORDS! MOOOOOOOMMMM!  REBEKAH IS USING SWORDS WORDS ON ME!!!!" at his sister is probably not appropriate.  But one step at a time for us all.

Paul at...however old he is!

The thing about returning to work is that during maternity leave, I knew exactly how old Paul was.  "He is 9 weeks and 3 days" I told someone one time.  That person cocked their head and noted how precise I was.  yep. 

Since I'm not really tracking a return to work, it gets a little trickier.  I told someone one time that I usually switch from 'weeks' to 'months' after I return to work.  That is true this time as well.  "Oh, he's about 3 and a half months."

Funny how that works.

Paul is cooing - a lot.  He loves being talked too and he loves 'talking' back.  He has this big huge smile that takes up his entire face - and he reserves it only for those times he is being talked too.  Otherwise, he is one serious baby.  And when he is concentrating hard he has what I like to call a 'duck face'.  He focuses intently and pooches his lips out...just enough for a classic duck face.

Paul's current hobbies include intensely examining his feet, talking to people, crying (particularly when he isn't being held), clearing the room with his gas and of course pooping.

In fact, we have renamed the 'bumbo seat' to the 'poop seat'.  He tends to poop while he is in it.  I recall Ruth doing the same thing.  What is it with the "bumble bee" (as Ruth calls it) and pooping?  It tends to blow out too.

Paul is already in size 2 diapers.  However, I think the next diapers we buy will be 3's.  I still have a few 1's laying around...and he really is too big for those.  I'm just trying to use 'em up.  I have some 2's...and judging by how they fit and the fact we buy diapers in bulk...3's might just make the most sense.

I can still squeeze him into 3-6 mo outfits.  He is super long and so it takes some tugs to get the snaps done.  However, I've got 12 mo outfits mixed in his drawer.  Those aren't overly large either.  He's a big boy and is routinely confused for a 6 mo old.

Rebekah loves carrying Paul around.  I let her around the house...but am nervous to let her outside of the house (re: hard cement for example).  She is kinda clumsy and I'd hate for something to happen while she was holding Paul.

Peter showers Paul in squishes and smooshes.  I don't think he knows how to express love differently?  He did the same thing with Ruth.  The kid LOVES babies though.  I try really hard to not yell at him too much or push him away too much.  But sometimes it just overloads MY senses...I can only imagine how Paul feels?  Peter also likes to declare his love for Paul.  "I love Paul more than the carpet!"  Um...ok.  So one time I asked him..."How much do you like [the current thing he was comparing his love for Paul too]?"  He replied "Not very much."  Alrighty then!  Glad we straightened that out. 

Ruth is gentle and sweet with Paul...most of the time.  She will talk to him and sometimes is perplexed that he doesn't answer.  She prefers if I answer for him.  Sometimes I will pretend that Paul is praising her for doing something (for example...getting her PJs on herself).  She will giggle and say "Paul do it again!"  She gives him the sweetest kisses that I hope to never forget...bending over him and ever so gently pooching her lips out and slobbering on his cheek.  She loves sitting in my lap when I'm holding Paul - so I do my best to make sure to never say "I can't hold you, I'm holding Paul."  This is tough.  She isn't usually happy with just sitting NEXT to me like Peter was.  But it is good.  I have even figured out how to nurse holding both of them.  I'll take my cuddles while I can.  When Ruth isn't sweet with Paul...it is absurd really.  Randomly (and with regularity...but I haven't figured out a pattern) she will just walk up and slap Paul.  She hasn't hurt him too badly yet.  But still.  I don't understand it.  It is usually very sudden (as in she is standing there fine one second...even perhaps watching TV or something then turns around and whaps him).

Max is well enough with Paul.  When Paul is crying I will frequently catch Max 'kissing' him...sigh.  Great way to build his immune system right?  I'm all "Max!  Paul is not inviting you!" but Max is Max. 

I'm curious what kind of kid Paul will grow up to be.  I wonder if he will be as verbal as Ruth has been?  Or as ornery as Peter was or Ruth is?  Will he be sweet and crafty like Rebekah? Or do I have a whole new bundle of surprises waiting for me?

Broken promises

Rebekah came running inside whaling that Peter broke his promise. We do take broken promises seriously around our house.  It is important to follow through.

"Well what did Peter promise?" we asked.

Rebekah replied "To be my servant forever!"

We immediately knew this was an invalid promise.  "What exactly does he get in return for his forever servitude?" I asked.

"A drink of water!"

"So you are upset that Peter isn't keeping his promise to be your servant forever...because you gave him a drink of water?  Let's have a talk about grace and promises that can't be kept..."

Symmetries of four

I'm pretty goofy - I sit around and think about commonalities, differences and meanings behind overly simple things.  And I've been thinking about the kids a lot.  Here are some things I've come up with.

Rebekah and Peter have the same number of syllables in their full name.
Ruth and Paul have the same number in theirs.

Of course, the girls' names both start with R and boys' start with P.

None of the name stuff was intentional.  It just worked out that way.

Rebekah and Ruth were both induced.
Peter and Paul both came on their own.

Rebekah and Ruth were both super easy babies.
Peter and Paul...well, Paul isn't as difficult as Peter but it certainly more difficult than Ruth.

Rebekah and Peter are 2 yrs 4 mo apart.
Ruth and Paul are 2 yrs 4 mo apart.
(Peter and Ruth are 2 yrs 10 mo apart.  I told you, he was more difficult of a baby than Rebekah. :-) )

These are just a few things that have crossed my mind.  I find it fascinating how there are commonalities between the first two and last two...and boys vs. girls.  I'm sure I'll come up with more. :-)

Peter's snuggles

Peter is very...loving.  Of the oldest 3, he is definitely the most affectionate.  I find this ironic - I guess because men tend to not be so lovey dovey?  I'll take it though.  I cherish each of his smothers cuddles because I figure that one day they will stop.

Last week everyone was sitting around the table.  I was sitting on the couch, nursing Paul.  So I observed this from the other room.  They were all eating dinner, talking about events in the day or whatever was generally on their mind.  I heard William tell Peter that he thought Ruth might be feeling a bit left out - since most of his affection has gone to Paul.

Peter couldn't have this, so he immediately got up and went over to Ruth and began giving her big huge squishy hugs.  Whatever it was that William observed to cause him to make this comment - he was spot on.  Ruth giggled her high pitched delighted squeal she does when she is absolutely ecstatic.  Peter hugged and hugged her.  Normally - after a moment she shoves him away.  But this time she just giggled as he hugged her.  It was so incredibly sweet - those kind of moments that makes a Mama Heart melt.

We've had a lot of snow lately.  In fact, this has been a record breaking amount of snow within a month...ever.  And we received it all over a total of 4 days.  14 inch over 2 of those days with a break, then another 6 or so over another 2 days.  The kids were going stir crazy.  Monday the roads weren't really bad and so I sent all the kids to the daycare.  (School had been cancelled for Rebekah.)  After a week of mostly being at home - I felt getting out of the house was something they needed and I couldn't really provide them by myself.

When they walked in the door that afternoon I asked Rebekah how her day was.  "GREAT!" she exclaimed.  She went on to tell me that she had to be in Peter's class.  (Normally school agers are in a separate class.  However, attendance was pretty low for the center overall.)  I asked if she got to be a helper - and she said she did.  "The only bad thing was that Peter kept hugging me ALL DAY LONG!  It was SOOOO annoying!!!" she exclaimed as she waived her hands around for emphasis.

I chuckled a bit and replied "Oh - you loved it.  Admit it!"

She smiled and looked down at her feet a moment.  "Well yeah..."

My kids not only love each other, but they have a strong desire to BE loved by one another.  I find this fascinating, as it isn't something I experienced in my family.  I know Ruth and Rebekah have a pretty good relationship right now, but I often worry about Peter and Rebekah's.  Peter is so focused on his younger siblings, that he simply knows Rebekah is there.  He looks to her for guidance and as a role model - but she doesn't see it.  She just sees him smothering the other two.  And I think she feels left out sometimes.

As a mom, I have been attempting to teach Peter how to LOVE his sisters...even his older one.  I hope the lessons stick well enough that someday when he grows up, he will understand how to make his wife feel loved and cherished.  :-)

(By the same token, I am trying to teach the girls how to respect Peter - since that is the language that speaks to men.)

And in the meantime - Peter continues to hug Paul every 2 minutes.  The other day William asked Peter to go 30 min without squashing Paul.  He lasted about 3.5 minutes.

Don't mind the obsessed pregnant lady...

I can be a bit obsessive when I'm pregnant.  I mean, I'm a planner anyway.  But when I'm pregnant...I seem to focus in on planning times 10.  It is crazy really (but we all know pregnant women are crazy...I know this...).  I've been trying this time around to NOT do this.

This month has been crazy. Work has been crazy. Home has been crazy.  And of course...as previously mentioned...I'm already crazy. 

For work - I've been trying to get some things wrapped up.  I'm starting to realize I need to simply LET GO.  Of course it isn't easy - but I've been TRYING to be pickier about what I focus my time on.

For home - I've had a lot of appointments.  I had one sick kid visit, one well kid visit and I still have an eye dr appt.  Add in valentines...and honestly it means a lot of missed work.  Work hasn't minded...but that doesn't mean *I* don't mind.  After all...I'm already feeling a burden at work to get some things wrapped up.  Vicious cycle really.

Monday was P's well child visit.  I hadn't even actually SEEN the time, because it was actually rescheduled via phone.  I had asked them the previous week when it was.  I had heard them say it twice on the phone.  I had notes that said "2:50".  I waltzed into the appointment, beaming really, because not only had I made it on time...but I was early.  The lady looked at me and said "You missed the appointment." 

"Beg your pardon?"
"Yes, you missed your appointment.  It was at 2:15.  I don't think the doctor can see you now."
[Me panicking]

We received a letter in the mail saying our doctor was leaving the practice.  I surmised he was retiring.  He's an older gentleman.  My main question for him was simply...WHICH of these doctor's do you recommend the most?  I didn't know if I'd get a real answer, but I thought it was worth asking.  The doctor had about a month left and was taking some time off too.  Plus...the baby will be here very soon.

"We have an opening March 4th."
"This baby is due March 6th.  I don't think that is a good idea."

I'll give her credit.  I told her I wanted to see the doc before he left and preferably before this baby is born.  She made it happen with some finagling.  I really really appreciate that.

The only downside was that the appointment was scheduled for Thursday.  "Sure - NO PROBLEM!" I said with a sigh of relief that everything was going to be ok.

On the way out the car...it dawned on me.  Thursday...February 14th...VALENTINES DAY!!!  Parties!  Commitments!  This was NO GOOD!

I was pretty upset with myself.

But I knew I didn't have much choice.  Dear Lord, I prayed, please figure this out for me.  I can't.  But I'm SO SAD that this is working out this way!

I emailed Rebekah's teacher and told her I wouldn't make it.  Then I did a little searching for a game idea and I sent it to her.  She loved it.

Thursday came and I took off from work.  A very busy and hectic day at work.

First, I found out my doctor was not retiring (as I had surmised).  He was relocating and would be opening his own practice.  AND we'd get to KEEP HIM!  HOORAY!  Best news all day.

We also got done in time for Peter to attend his party.  He didn't really miss out on any activities.

I received an email from Rebekah's teacher telling me the game was a HUGE HIT with the kids.  While I would have loved to have seen it, providing the game made me feel just as warm and fuzzy.

Ruth lost her balloon (which she adored) but William saved the day by stopping and getting a new one for her on the way home.

When I reflect on my day, Proverbs 3:6 comes to mind.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) 

My path doesn't get much straighter than that.

Max has a soft side

Max has to be one of the most annoying puppies I've ever had.  Or perhaps, my tolerance for annoyance is much lower these days.  (The kids use up their own fair share after all.) So I have really very little patience for Max.

He can look all innocent and sweet...

This is shortly after we got him!

But even this is rare.  He is more likely to eat shoes...

William's shoe!  Otherwise...I probably wouldn't
have stopped to take a picture.

Get into stuff he isn't supposed too...

He would NOT leave our Christmas tree alone...*sigh*

Annoy you by digging in the couch for stuff (even if you are sitting there)...

Pretend like he is all innocent and lay on your pillow as you get into bed...

He looks beat up here...but he had some puppy mange going on.

"Hug" you to death...

Make himself comfortable wherever he feels like...

This weekend, he tore up my electric blanket.  Yes, he is still alive.  He is one of the nippiest dogs I've ever had, and in particular he likes to nip at Peter.  These aren't vicious nips.  These are "We are having fun playing!" nips.  And he seems particularly fond of Peter.

Last week Peter was pretty sick.  He laid on the couch all day and even turned off his video games voluntarily.  He had that nasty bug that is going around - I was particularly proud that he recognized he needed to puke and went to the bathroom himself.

And even though he got out of bed at a normal time for him, he pretty much just went back to sleep - eventually landing on the couch.  He looked like this in the morning...

I was prepared to put Max in his kennel or outside so Peter could get some rest.  Turns out, I didn't have too.  I was thoroughly impressed that Max just curled up next to Peter and cuddled.

That afternoon Peter slept more.  Max took a turn at being a pillow.

They were like this for about an hour until I moved Peter because he looked just plain uncomfortable.

I thought perhaps Max was just sleepy - but the very next day when Peter was better (but still had to stay home since he was not symptom-free for 24 hrs), I did have to deal with Max as he was insistently pestering Peter.  Peter was also better.  This really can't be a coincidence.

All I can say is this dog knows how to worm his way into your heart.  I'm not particularly fond of him, but as long as he can figure out when to chill out then there is probably hope for him yet.

He even has moments...albeit rare...where he is good.  I took a photo of one such occasion just to have proof.

(He's chewing on one of his raw hides here...something he is SUPPOSED to chew on.)

Post Denver Fun: Off to the lake

For 4th of July, one of William's friends (who has kids similar in age to Rebekah and Peter) invited us down to his cabin by the lake.  Because William ONLY got 4th of July off, we were planning to drive up the night before and leave the next evening.  But first - I had to get home.

The drive home looked a lot like the drive out to Denver...only...ya know...in reverse.  First we had the gouge-your-eyes-out flatness.

And then some windmills - which seemed like almost home for me for some reason.

I made it home about an hour later than I intended (shooting for 5, arrived around 6).  We packed like crazy and then headed out the door around 6:30 or so.  Not bad!

Ruth by the way, was perfectly fine.  She wasn't running a fever at all.  I was prepared to stay home with her if she continued.  I think the heat from being out in the triple digit heat combined with being overtired just plain got to her.  Throw in a little teething - and honestly there are a lot of reasons for toddlers to be running fevers. :)

So this trip to the lake was SO. MUCH. FUN.  It was with a bunch of family (Williaim's friend's extended family) and no one was afraid to tell the kids what to do.  It was WONDERFUL.

The kids were spoiled - but not overly.  They were allowed to BE kids - but safely.  It was the perfect mix really and I loved every single bit of it.  It was probably the first situation I was in where I felt it was ok to relax as a parent a little bit.  I know I tend to be anal, but usually there is a root reason.  Those reasons vary from sense of responsibility, protection or fundamental philosophy differences.  But HERE...here I could see that clearly not only were most folks reasonable, but I had a duty and responsibility too.  It was MY job to throw in 2 cents on the kids when I was around.

(I'm frequently the only one with kids...thus the 'responsibility' bit.)

I enjoyed every moment of it and hope I was a good guest and get invited back! :)

So on this trip, the kids experienced their first lake trip and beach.

The kids spent a little bit on the beach before they ventured out into the water.  Once they finally did venture out - that was it.  I don't think they hung out on the beach proper again.

A view.  Ahhhhh.

Rebekah with the little girl that was her age.  They have met before and instantly hit it off then.  So this was completely heaven for them.

Awwww...can we say "Awwww"???  :-)  I love Daddy-daughter...or...Daddy-son...I guess Daddy-Kid pictures! :)  They always make my heart melt!

Peter got a hold of this squirt gun and fell in love.  I think it was glued to his arm the entire day.

My view...beautiful scenery (above) and kids having a ton of fun (below).

So - the kids swam and swam.  I had to call them in to eat some lunch and convince them to take a bit of a break to get a bite to eat.  Then they were right back in the water swimming around again.  In fact, at  one point they swam out too far.  Luckily and adult was out there and brought them back in.  Whew.  This by the way, is the EXACT thing I'm talking about.

I spent much of the afternoon on the boat with Ruth.  She was pretty tired but there was simply too much going on for her to fall asleep.

I don't wanna nap!

 So I hung out with a fussy baby.  (William kept me company. :-) )  I'd get in the water with her, but she'd be cranky.  So I'd get back on the boat and she would be less cranky...but still not sleeping.  If I could have even gotten a 30 min rest in her, I think she would have felt so much better.

The beach

 We returned after awhile and hung around for fireworks and other evening activities.  The kids had a blast and quite frankly - it was really refreshing.  I can't say enough good things about the time I had.  (I tried to convey this to the hosts too...because often when I'm around a lot of new people, I tend to be very quiet.  When you are quiet, misconceptions occur!)

We drove home that night and arrived home around midnight or so.  I tried to stay up to help William stay awake - but I really just lost it.  (The drive was only about an hour too!)  The next day I didn't have to work so I let the kids sleep in as late as they wanted - with the intention of getting them to the daycare by lunch.  This would give me time to do laundry and pack for our last trip.

The kids didn't get out of bed (and I must confess...I didn't either!) until around 10:30.  We arrived just in time for lunch!  AND I was told the kids napped like champs that day too! I told William we clearly need a LAKE in our backyard!

So in our trip to the lake - I told the kids that their grandparents (William's parents) actually live minutes away from a lake.  They were completely shocked and didn't believe me.  (I wish I were kidding.)  As luck...errr...planning?...would have it, we were headed there on Friday.  This wrapped up our week of fun.

ILs had to work Sat so we hung out at the house.  The kids learned a few things on this trip.

First, William taught them how to unsuccessfully hunt for crawdads.  Well first - they learned what a crawdad was.  Then William told them he knew how to catch them...but his fishing endeavors were failures on this day.  They all had fun anyway.

Bacon on the end of a string...

Tried another hole after a failure with the first

William did take the kids to drive across the lake on the large bridge.  (Dunno the name of it.)  They simply were in shock that such a place existed to closely.  I couldn't help but giggle.

The kids also did a little bit of gardening!  They enjoyed picking Papa's veggies!

It was a completely awesome week.  I wouldn't have taken it if I wasn't forced (company shutdown).  And while I do wish I could have used that time off for other things - I am glad I made the best of the situation and created these memories with the kids.  Rebekah STILL talks about our girl trip and Peter STILL talks about the awesome time he had at the beach.  :)

Can you definte 'nap' please...

Peter has been having a tough time lately.  He's been getting into his fair share of trouble at school and I'm not really sure why.  (Small stuff that results in timeouts.)  But one thing I've noticed is that if he doesn't at least lay down and have some down time, he's a mess by the end of the day. And usually if he'll lay down - he'll also fall asleep.  It isn't for very long, but long enough to help him think clearly.

So on a Saturday I sat down and explained to Peter that I'd really like for him to take a nap.  I explained how he tends to make bad choices, and his favorite sitter was coming over to play with him.  I said "You don't want to be naughty for her do you?"

Peter sat there and thought about it a moment.  He's pretty logical - so typically if you can get him to see your point he'll go with it.  This works WAY better than traditional punishments (although it is time and energy consuming!).

He pursed his lips and then looked up at me.  "Ok - but...do I have to close my eyes?"

Wall licking is apparently odd

This evening Peter was licking everything.

 On our way to dinner, William tells me he thinks our kids are odd.  "Really? Why?" I asked.  He starred at me and said "Licking walls isn't exactly normal."

I laughed and replied that their oddities are what make our children loveable.

"Oh, I can love them even if they were to be less odd..."

"BUT! BUT!  WE are odd!  Of course our children are odd!"

He looked at me doubtfully and said "'WE' are not odd."

"OK - fine.  I'm odd.  And I wouldn't change a thing!"

"Well, our kids DO have to take after you somehow!"

And in the meantime, William is wishing Peter would at least stop licking the wall.

Sweet, sinister and smarty pants Peter

The other day I was leaving the house. I gave all the kids a hug, told them good-bye and then walked out.  As I was getting into my car the front door opened and out came Peter.  "PETER!  Does your dad know you are out here?"

"MOMMY MOMMY MOMMY!" he said.

It isn't unusual for him to come running out for one more hug.  So I stepped back out of the car and walked around the open door...prepared to give him one more hug.

"Mommy, Rebekah wants one more hug!  She is crying!  Please come give her one!"

So I walked inside and there was William and Rebekah in our room in the back of the house.  William looked at me startled (so clearly he didn't know Peter had left) and said "You are back!"  I explained Peter came and got me because Rebekah was upset.  I gave her one more hug, as she requested.  She was happier and Peter beamed.

I kneeled and looked in Peter's eyes.  "Peter, I am so proud of you for coming to get me for your sis.  That was sweet Peter!"  He beamed.

"She was sad!" he said.  Rebekah then gave HIM a thank-you hug.

Peter amazes me every day.  He can be so selfish (get him to share stuff with his sisters is like pulling teeth!), but he truly does have a tender heart.  And when it counts, he certainly goes to bat for them.

And on the other side of things...Ruth has gotten to where she views certain toys as "hers".  And as is age typical, if anyone else touches them she gets mad.

Peter picked up on this a couple evenings ago.

And so he kept taking the said toy and running off with it around the house.  She'd scream and run after him and he would just laaaaaugh and laugh.

These two incidents were just days apart.

One last Peter story.  I was there for this one, but William shared it with me.

Peter informed William that he thought he was smarter than William.  William chuckled and replied "You think that now - but someday...ohhhhh probably around age 23 you'll change your mind."

Peter smiled big and replied "You mean I WILL be smarter then you then?"

And I do not find it surprising that Peter believes he is smarter.  I can't tell you how many times he corrects me in a day.  (He likes to chose when he is in trouble too - which I promise does NOT help him get out of trouble!)

Ruth at...oh, I've stopped counting

I'm really not sure where July went.  In fact, when I realized that the second week of July meant July was half over, I sort of went to August and I've been living there ever since.  That just means I have to continually remind myself...it really is still July.

I have much to talk about...my trip to Denver, our 4th of July and VBS.  But today I'm just going to talk about little Ruth - who is becoming less and less little.

This past weekend she determined she was going to pick her clothes out.  She stood thoughtfully in front of her drawer with her finger on her chin saying "Hummmmm".  She'd select something, hold it up and put it back.  She finally found something to wear and then threw a fit because she hadn't gotten to pick out...her diaper.  So William set her down and let her go over and pick out a diaper.

William claims this is a sure sign that boys are different from girls.  But I recall Peter coming in and bawling that he couldn't find his favorite shirt just last week.  And just about 6 wks ago we had a catastrophe when he wanted to wear jean shorts, but had none clean. I won't even get into underwear choices.  "No mom, I'm not wearing Mr. Incredible today.  I want Spiderman."  Thankfully since I've been behind on laundry, he is more than willing to look through laundry baskets to find what he wants.

I'll let William live in his bubble. :)

Peter has been getting on the couch and doing "hand stands"...you know, feet in the air, back against the couch.  Rebekah has started getting in on the action.  This has lead to Ruth attempting the feat too.  Her's looks a little different - head and one foot firmly planted on the couch, butt in the air with one foot waiving in the wind.  And she shouts "Maaammmmaaaaaa!" until I tell her I've seen her.  Everyone else can tell her good job - but she continues to shout until I say something.

Ruth is still nursing.  Shocking I know.  We are down to one time a day now, which is at bedtime.  She is a little strange in how she asks.  She looks up at me and says "uh uh O" - kinda like crying but not exactly.  It is very hard to type out - but it cracks me up every time.  I have no idea how or why she came up with this "noise".  (Peter said "babu" and Rebekah just pointed - for comparison.)  We'll probably be weaning off that last session soonish.

Ruth has a temper.  She gives you a moment or two to meet her demands...but if you don't OH MY.  And she has taken to slapping, hitting and biting.  (The older two claim to have no idea where she learned this behavior...even though I yell daily "Don't hit each other!" ;-) )  Ruth will get a very determined look on her face, bring back her little hand - staring you down all the while - and *WHAP*.  You get hit.  She'll stick her little lip out and pout that she isn't getting whatever it is she felt she was being deprived of.  Kinda cute, but obviously behavior we are trying to stop.

She answers NO to everything.  Short little whiny no's are generally really no.  Longer happier sing-songy no's are typically really yes.  We still get it wrong sometimes - which results in more slapping.

Ruth hasn't mastered jumping yet, but sure does practice diligently.  And she tries to jump in all sorts of inappropriate times.  For example - on the couch.  Or the other day she tried jumping off the front step (which she has to hold on to the wall to WALK down...).  Physical limitations be dammed.  In her head, she can do it.  So that must be all there is to it.

Ruth is also getting taller and is getting into all sorts of stuff.  And so - I'm in denial about my baby getting bigger.  I still put things on the edge of the counter and then wonder how she got it.

She will be turning 2 in October.  If I stop to count the time - it really isn't that far.  Which is why I've stopped counting.  I'll stick my head in the sand and then maybe her birthday will never come.  Maybe I'll just continue to hang out in August.

Where's the biscuit?

Saturday and Sunday mornings I'm treated to (practically) a breakfast buffet.  William cooks a large spread for us - and I love it.  :)  I'm spoiled, I know.  He'll cook up biscuits, scrambled eggs (or an omelet if you want one), turkey sausage, bacon and gravy.  We never know what the kids will eat.  Sometimes Rebekah will just eat cereal.

And they are forever asking for biscuits, smearing jelly all over them and then not eating them.

Last weekend we were all sitting at the table and Peter asked for another biscuit.

The food rule in our house is that you have to eat some of the other stuff on your plate in order to get seconds of something.  Not necessarily all.  And this rule is flexible...for example, if what we are having isn't all that healthy (say pizza and bread sticks), I will usually let them eat whatever.  It doesn't really matter in the long run.

He had eaten a fair amount of the scrambled eggs and his bacon.  William said "What?  Where did your biscuit go?  You just had it!"  Peter looked around, under his chair and his plate..."I dunno!"

William:  Did you eat it?
Peter: No.
William:  Well what did you do with it?
Peter:  Maybe Solomon ate it. (plausible...except...)
William: No, he's outside and has been the whole time.
Peter:  [blank stare]
Me:  Peter are you SURE you didn't eat it?  Maybe it is hiding in your belly...
Peter: [huge grin]  YEAH!  It is hiding in my belly!  That silly biscuit!

Oh my...I do believe he ate it.  I saw him chomping away on it but last I had noticed there was still a half a biscuit.  We did end up letting him have another one. But the fact he couldn't remember just cracked me up (and is very typical behavior of Peter).

The stinkybug

In the wee hours of the morning, Peter likes to crawl in bed with me and cuddle.  He doesn't always get too - as he tends to wake up after I'm out of bed.  And sometimes he will request cuddles even if I'm mad dashing around the house (which I try to accommodate as much as possible).

And often when Peter disagrees with me he'll say "Well I'm still your cuddle bug and I love you anyway."  An example, "Peter, put four on the floor please or you'll lose your chair."  "Ok - but I'm still your cuddle bug and I love you anyway."

So the other day we were sitting on the bed and he was getting his cuddle time in when the following conversation happened:

Peter:  Mom, I'm your cuddle bug and I will be forever!
Me:  Awww, I love cuddling with you!
Peter:  I'm YOUR cuddle bug, and I'm daddy's STINKYBUG!
Me: [laughing...can't help it] You should go tell Daddy!
Peter:  [runs into the bathroom where William is]  Daddy Daddy Daddy!  I'm your stinkybug!
William:  Oh...ok...that's good to know.
Peter:  See? [toot]
Me:  [again...laughing]

So last night William is putting the kids to bed. 

Peter:  Dad!  I'm your STINKYBUG!  [runs over and toots on William]
William:  OK! If you are my stinkybug, then that means I get to toot on you too! [returns the favor]
Rebekah: [A little nervous]  Dad...I'm *JUST* your cuddle bug...right?  RIGHT?

Who knew bodily functions could be so entertaining.  I was glad I wasn't in the room.

Wordless Wednesday: We need to go here again

Peter is FOUR

I really can't believe that Peter is 4 already.  It seems like the other day that I went into the hospital and had him just 3 hrs after check-in.

---------------
I actually STARTED this post ON his birthday - and here we are a week later and I still haven't finished it.  Even better?  Peter hasn't stopped talking about his birthday.

We try to pray at dinner every evening. I actually have the kids do it more than we do it.  I figure it gives them practice.  Peter usually eagerly volunteers and prays first.  And normally he will go through his little prayer that they do at school (including the attention getter they use to calm the kids down).  It goes something like this...

Open and close them (opening/closing hands with the words)
Open and close them
Give our hands a clap clap clap (clapping along with the word "clap")

Open and close them
Open and close them
[Fold our hands just like that] This is what it is supposed to be, but Peter actually just repeats the "give our hands a clap clap clap" LOL

Ruth does the motions - as a matter of fact, for awhile when we said "Let's pray" she would start doing the "open and close them" motions.

Then the prayer is a song.  Here are the words:

Thank you Jesus for our food,
For our food, for our food
Thank you Jesus for our food,
Thank you Jesus
Amen

Well this pas week Peter had moved on from singing the canned prayer to creating his own.  And each night he has been thanking God for his birthday.

While I find this pretty sweet...and funny...I also think it is a little ironic.  For Peter's actual birthday we had a bit of a meltdown due to a busy day and no nap.

For his day off he wanted to make the most of it - so we ate breakfast early at Burger King (I'll share pictures later) and then hit up Chuck E Cheese.  I hate Chuck E Cheese.  With a passion.  And after some reflection, I think what I hate is Chuck E Cheese crowded.  When it isn't crowded, it really isn't so bad.

We arrived at 9:30 to find it didn't open until 10.  WalMart was across the street so we went over there to mess around and waste some time.  I should have known better, but we did visit the toy isle.  Peter fell in love with a different storm trooper gun.  He exclaimed he really really really wanted it.  Of course, we hadn't gotten it for his birthday and I did tell him that.  He also saw a Sith mask that he really loved.  (We got him the storm trooper mask, which up to this point he really really really wanted.)  I also told him he did NOT get the sith mask for his birthday.  I didn't want him to be disappointed.

The great thing about going to Chuck E Cheese on a Friday when it first opens is that NO ONE is there.  I actually had a pretty good time with Peter.  I let him run wild and do whatever he wanted.  Good ol' Chuck even came out and danced with Peter.  Peter loved it at first, but then got all shy.  So I helped him dance.  Peter was rewarded with a huge wad of tickets.  They normally throw them in the air and let kids go wild over them - so I was grateful they didn't do that this time - but just let Peter take the wad.  I also thought it was neat they did that, even though Peter was the ONLY kid there.

Around noon we left and picked up some lunch for William.  (He was home with Ruth - who had been home all week with a staph infection.)  Peter was not hungry and felt like bowling.  I do have this picture handy - and even though it is taken with my crappy cell phone I love it.

Peter dancing while he waited for his ball to creep down the lane.

We played a few games and then left.  Peter insisted he STILL was not hungry but I was.  So we went to good ol' Freddy's for lunch.  He was tickled we got to sit at the "tall" tables (the kind that are bar stool height).  We chatted about everything and nothing all at once.  It was absolutely delightful.  And of course - we had ice cream.

At this point I thought he'd be tired and want to go home.  NOPE.  Not my Peter.  It was also at this point I realized how alike me he is.  He's pretty much a go go go type person.  Rebekah?  Well she likes a fair amount of "go", but she also enjoys lounging around at home - like her Dad. 

So off we went to the zoo.  Peter was efficient.  He wanted to visit the zoo AND the park, so he went to the playground AT the zoo.  Talk about multitasking!  I actually think the highlight of his trip was seeing some gorilla poop.  He was pretty fascinated with it.  Honestly, with the placement of poop (right up against the viewing area), it may have been entertaining to watch.  I could just imagine what was going through that gorillas head.  "Oh, you find THAT interesting...well watch this..."

At this point school was out so we went to pick up Rebekah.  Peter found his presents sitting on the table when we got home.  At first he loved them - but then when he remembered the gun and mask from that morning (combined with the exhausting day), we had a bit of meltdown.  It was a teaching point for Peter.  Be grateful for what you have.  It was the first time I have ever had to put a kid in timeout on their birthday.  (I don't do so lightly on a day like that!)

I think he had a pretty good birthday - especially since he is still thanking Jesus for it. 

A couple more funny Peter stories.  Peter is learning about transportation right now.  On our way to pick up Rebekah the other day we were discussing the car.  I really wish I could remember what we were discussing.  All of a sudden he got all excited and pointed and squealed "HEY LOOK MAMA!  LOOK LOOK LOOK!"  He was pointing to a motorcycle.  I thought he was going to talk about how it was red and looked like his Granny and Grandpa's motorcycle.  Nope.  "THAT IS PRANSPERTATION!" I laughed and said "It is? Can you tell me what you are learning about transportation?"  Then he paused a moment in thoughtful reflection and said "HEY!!!!  THIS CAR IS PRANSPERTATION!!"  The little light bulb over his head at that moment was absolutely adorable.  I love observing them learn and put things together.  I also love his pronunciation of the word. :)

One more Peter funny.  The director of the daycare also happens to be the pastor's wife.  I'm not normally such a fan of this kind of nepotism, but in this case it has been a good thing for the center.  We have been there long enough and we chat enough that I call her friend.

Anyway, she emailed me the other day with a funny.  They do bible time each day.  She normally goes around to the classrooms and does it with the kids except on Wednesdays.  On those days her husband, the pastor, does it.  They actually take a "field trip" to the chapel portion of the building and sit in the pews. 

On Thursday, I received the following email from her:

Peter asked me a question today during Bible Time.

We were talking about Jesus changing water into wine with his almighty power.
I don't think I ever mentioned God - we talked about Mary his mother and Jesus starting his work on earth,etc.

After Bible Time Peter asked me with all sweetness and seriousness.................

 

"Did you know that Jesus is God?"

Awesome!!

We do talk a lot about this and I thought it was adorable.  I also thought it was highly ironic, just in the context of who he was talking too.

And I think that sums up Peter at 4.  He's head strong, loving and fierce.  He loves his family and is very protective of them.  He takes his "big brother" duties very seriously.  Ruth is just starting at the daycare center.  (This is her first week...would have been second if it had not been for the staph infection.)  Yesterday she had a little trouble seeing Peter across the fence and NOT being able to go to him.  (There are two playgrounds...one for the bigger kids and one for the smaller kids.  They have a wrought iron fence in between.)  Peter's teacher told him to stay away from the fence because he was making Ruth sad.  There wasn't much more explanation than that.  When I picked him up that day he was very sad about this.  So I explained that Ruth was having a little trouble seeing him but not being able to go over and play with him.  He was OK with this explanation.  Then a few minutes later he says "HEY!  I have an idea!  Maybe I can go to her and play with her?"  I told him to suggest this to his teachers next time.

While being thoughtful is not always his forte, he does try and I appreciate the effort it takes for him (hey, he likes what he likes and he wants what he wants).  I also appreciate that he expends this effort on his sisters.  All I've ever really asked is that my children grow up to love God and each other. 

The rules at our house...

WARNING: If you have an aversion to discussing bottoms or excrement, this post is not for you.


Having kids opens up all sorts of new and interesting rules for a household.  Here are a few of ours...

1)  No pooping in the backyard unless you are actually a dog.
2)  No smelling other people's butts.  (We actually prefer the dog not do this either.)
3)  No pooping in the closet.

And we have since amended rules 1 and 2 to simply state "No pooping anywhere other than the toilette."  Lord help us if we ever need anyone to poop somewhere...other than a toilette.

With that said - we had a fun interesting comical conversation in our house the other day.  P was wallering me in my lap.  He kept putting his head in my face.  Then he turned around and put his feet in my face.

"Peter!  What ARE you doing?  I'd rather not smell your feet!"

William laughed...because...well, it wasn't him.  Then he piped up "Yeah, maybe she wants to smell your butt?"

Without missing a beat and with utter sincerity, Peter replied "But I didn't toot!"  And he hopped up and ran down the hallway leaving William and I to laugh ourselves silly.

Peter then ran back and started climbing all over William...and of course he kept trying to sniff William's butt.  William said "Why do you like to smell butts so much!"

Peter...my dearest little ornery Peter...smiled really big and said "I dunno!  That's just the way God made me!"

Wordless Wednesday: Reluctant participant

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas Cheer!