Tanner has a horrible fear of dogs. We think it may have stemmed from our neighbor's German Shepherd who passed away last year. This dog was wonderful with children, but her wagging tail had a habit of knocking Tanner over a time or two.
So, it shouldn't of surprised us that Tanner was frightened of dogs. But, we didn't realize how terrified of them he was. When we went to Denver in July, Tanner spent the day with Aunt Sherry. Well, more specifically with Aunt Sherry's kitchen counter. He was so scared of the dog that he wouldn't get down off the countertop. Morgan, our animal lover, absolutely adored the dog. She spent the day laying on the floor, petting Huney, and feeding her Scooby snacks.
So, as Randy's trip to Denver approached, Morgan kept asking if he would get to see "Aunt Sherry, Uncle Al, and Huney". And, when we called Daddy in Denver, she always inquired about Huney.
Early Tuesday morning, the kids ran upstairs to say hi to daddy - even though he was in the shower.
Morgan's first question was "Daddy, did you bring Huney home with you?"
"Yes."
"Where is she?"
"In the closet."
In the next instant, the shower door was open and a terrified Tanner was hopping in the shower with Randy - pajamas and all.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Hmpf....
Friday's conversation...
Morgan: "Mommy, why are you wearing those shoes?" (referring to my dress shoes)
"I have a meeting, honey, and mommy has to dress up and look nice. Do I look pretty today?"
"No."
"Why not!?!?"
"You're not wearing pink."
Morgan: "Mommy, why are you wearing those shoes?" (referring to my dress shoes)
"I have a meeting, honey, and mommy has to dress up and look nice. Do I look pretty today?"
"No."
"Why not!?!?"
"You're not wearing pink."
Friday, August 24, 2007
Come On, Four!
The age of three is by far the WORST age we have encountered (so far). I really didn't think two was all that bad, and at least they weren't waking up through the night. It just hasn't seemed like for the last three months that both kids can be happy at any time. And, the fighting...it's enough to drive me crazy.
This morning was a prime example. Tanner is always the first up - he's awake when I come downstairs to get them up. So, I get him out of bed, we go to the bathroom and then wake up Morgan (who is not a morning person). I get out their clothes, and Morgan asks to wear a dress.
"Morgan, your dresses aren't clean. How about a skirt?"
"No."
I pick out a T-shirt/short option and a T-shirt/skirt option. "Why don't you chose which one you want to wear?"
"No." (Arms now crossed on the floor in front of me and big pouty lip sticking out.)
"Morgan, you can chose what you want to wear from these two outfits."
"No, I want to wear a dress!"
"Please choose, Morgan." (Trying to keep my patience...)
"No."
"Fine, I'm chosing."
She jumps through the air and snatches at the skirt. Of course, since she procrastinated too long, that isn't an option any more. She falls onto the floor, a heaping, sobbing mess.
And, that doesn't touch the conversation regarding going to the bathroom, going upstairs, eating breakfast, or watching Mickey Mouse. I don't cave in to the behaviour, because if I do - that only reinforces that when she does this, she'll get her way, right?
Is it just me who is crazed by the age of three? Or is there a parenting secret out there that I don't know about?
And, other twin parents - did/do your twins fight? How do you handle that? It's so difficult to take something away from one as a punishment (i.e. TV or a toy) when they share so much and are together all the time.
This morning was a prime example. Tanner is always the first up - he's awake when I come downstairs to get them up. So, I get him out of bed, we go to the bathroom and then wake up Morgan (who is not a morning person). I get out their clothes, and Morgan asks to wear a dress.
"Morgan, your dresses aren't clean. How about a skirt?"
"No."
I pick out a T-shirt/short option and a T-shirt/skirt option. "Why don't you chose which one you want to wear?"
"No." (Arms now crossed on the floor in front of me and big pouty lip sticking out.)
"Morgan, you can chose what you want to wear from these two outfits."
"No, I want to wear a dress!"
"Please choose, Morgan." (Trying to keep my patience...)
"No."
"Fine, I'm chosing."
She jumps through the air and snatches at the skirt. Of course, since she procrastinated too long, that isn't an option any more. She falls onto the floor, a heaping, sobbing mess.
And, that doesn't touch the conversation regarding going to the bathroom, going upstairs, eating breakfast, or watching Mickey Mouse. I don't cave in to the behaviour, because if I do - that only reinforces that when she does this, she'll get her way, right?
Is it just me who is crazed by the age of three? Or is there a parenting secret out there that I don't know about?
And, other twin parents - did/do your twins fight? How do you handle that? It's so difficult to take something away from one as a punishment (i.e. TV or a toy) when they share so much and are together all the time.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
On The Farm
At least once a year, Randy & I try to take the kids to his Uncle's House to spend some time on "the farm". We managed to sneak out last year for an anniversary. At that time, the kids got to chase after the cows, and we snapped this picture.
It's amazing how much the farm changes from year to year. They've had a lot of rain this year. It's much greener, the green, short vegetation you see in this picture is as tall as the kids are these year. There is no lack of feed, so the cows are further away from the house. None the less, the kids had a blast doing all the "fun" things on the farm.
Morgan was SO excited to see the cats. Thank goodness for cousin Joey who worked for weeks to tame a couple of kittens so Morgan could play with them.
Tanner helped feed & water the cats.
Then, he was ready to do other fun things. Like ride in the big red truck...
Where's Morgan? Oh, yeah, with the cats...
Checking out the combine:
Walking the farm with Uncle Randy (love this shot) :
It's amazing how much the farm changes from year to year. They've had a lot of rain this year. It's much greener, the green, short vegetation you see in this picture is as tall as the kids are these year. There is no lack of feed, so the cows are further away from the house. None the less, the kids had a blast doing all the "fun" things on the farm.
Morgan was SO excited to see the cats. Thank goodness for cousin Joey who worked for weeks to tame a couple of kittens so Morgan could play with them.
Tanner helped feed & water the cats.
Then, he was ready to do other fun things. Like ride in the big red truck...
"Driving" the yellow tractor:
Where's Morgan? Oh, yeah, with the cats...
Checking out the combine:
Walking the farm with Uncle Randy (love this shot) :
Taking a 4-wheeler ride out to the pasture to see the cows (see all that green behind them, that's the same pasture from last year's picture):
And where was Morgan? Still with the cats...
Ok...so she didn't spend the ENTIRE time with the cats. We did pry her away for a few minutes to check the combine and ride out to the pasture. But 90% of the time...yep, she was with the cats.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Because it's too cute
We spent the weekend in Western Kansas (which is somewhat like "Upstate New York" - anything West of Kansas City is "Western Kansas"). We spent the night at Randy's Uncle & Aunt's home (also Tanner's godparents) after a cousin's wedding. This is the uncle that my husband was named after and his wonderful wife, Elaine.
The kids got to spend time on the farm, sitting in the tractors and trucks, riding four wheelers, petting cats, and going to see the cows. But the cutest thing ever, was the fact that the kids just couldn't quite remember who's house we were visitng.
When asked where we were staying, they always referred to it as....
Uncle Randy and Unc-Elanine's house.
Pictures to follow.
The kids got to spend time on the farm, sitting in the tractors and trucks, riding four wheelers, petting cats, and going to see the cows. But the cutest thing ever, was the fact that the kids just couldn't quite remember who's house we were visitng.
When asked where we were staying, they always referred to it as....
Uncle Randy and Unc-Elanine's house.
Pictures to follow.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
She May Be Nagging a Little Too Much
My mother-in-law is a devout Catholic. Oftentimes when we call in the evening, Grandpa will tell Tanner & Morgan that grandma is "at church".
On the way home from the grocery store on Sunday, we drove by a church. Here's how the conversation went from there:
Morgan: Mommy, that's a church, Jesus lives in Church!
Mommy: Yes, dear.
Tanner: No, Mor-dan. Grandma lives in church.
On the way home from the grocery store on Sunday, we drove by a church. Here's how the conversation went from there:
Morgan: Mommy, that's a church, Jesus lives in Church!
Mommy: Yes, dear.
Tanner: No, Mor-dan. Grandma lives in church.
Dear Blog,
Umm...hi, it's me. I'm sorry, I haven't been neglecting you. You see, things have been busy. Really, really busy.
Remember that whole job thing? Well, I think I finally got it figured out. As much as we really didn't like the thought of moving, the opportunity is just too good to pass up. It really came down to the fact that I can't do this job in Kansas City. I would have to go back to a job in a related field, but with completely different hours and priorities. This job is fun, I enjoy the work, and I think I add value to the company.
The decision process wasn't easy. I took the advice of a friend who told me to "pray for roadblocks". That's what Randy & I did. At first, we saw many roadblocks. The company didn't want to pay me what I wanted for the move - that went away. We were concerned about selling our house and having two mortgage payments - the company allowed us not to move until after the house has sold. Randy's change in jobs - nearly every company he has applied to has expressed interest. We worried that my mom wouldn't be able to come visit, but she's had some health issues lately which will even prevent her from coming to see us in Kansas City.
Today is the day that we put the house on the market. This house was built from the ground up by Randy,I, and my family. I know no one else will appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears that went into this home. Will they appreciate all the little things that we did to make the home easier to live in? Will they know that the corner near our master bedroom door is where the kids have spent almost all of their timeouts over the last two years? Will they see the fact that the last two ballusters on our railing are different from the previous ten? Will they appreciate the cost or labor that went into building the playground and putting the rubber mulch underneath it? Will they realize how much the willow tree has grown from the small tree we planted six years ago? Will they know the Ash tree in the yard was planted for Tanner and the Maple for Morgan? Will they know the beautiful pink Crepe Mertle was planted in Angel Haley's memory?
And, as much as I know moving out of this house will be the third most difficult thing I've probably done, I'm kind of looking forward to the future, too.
Remember that whole job thing? Well, I think I finally got it figured out. As much as we really didn't like the thought of moving, the opportunity is just too good to pass up. It really came down to the fact that I can't do this job in Kansas City. I would have to go back to a job in a related field, but with completely different hours and priorities. This job is fun, I enjoy the work, and I think I add value to the company.
The decision process wasn't easy. I took the advice of a friend who told me to "pray for roadblocks". That's what Randy & I did. At first, we saw many roadblocks. The company didn't want to pay me what I wanted for the move - that went away. We were concerned about selling our house and having two mortgage payments - the company allowed us not to move until after the house has sold. Randy's change in jobs - nearly every company he has applied to has expressed interest. We worried that my mom wouldn't be able to come visit, but she's had some health issues lately which will even prevent her from coming to see us in Kansas City.
Today is the day that we put the house on the market. This house was built from the ground up by Randy,I, and my family. I know no one else will appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears that went into this home. Will they appreciate all the little things that we did to make the home easier to live in? Will they know that the corner near our master bedroom door is where the kids have spent almost all of their timeouts over the last two years? Will they see the fact that the last two ballusters on our railing are different from the previous ten? Will they appreciate the cost or labor that went into building the playground and putting the rubber mulch underneath it? Will they realize how much the willow tree has grown from the small tree we planted six years ago? Will they know the Ash tree in the yard was planted for Tanner and the Maple for Morgan? Will they know the beautiful pink Crepe Mertle was planted in Angel Haley's memory?
And, as much as I know moving out of this house will be the third most difficult thing I've probably done, I'm kind of looking forward to the future, too.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Boomerang
Randy & I have debated for a long time whether or not we should put the kids in separate bedrooms. Until now, we've held off through a variety of methods that included separating them at naptime, punishment, and plain old bribery.
Over the last few months, the length of time between when we put them down and when they actually went to sleep has gradually increased. As of the middle of last week, it was averaging about 1 hr 30 minutes. That's right folks, 1 hour and 30 minutes in their bad chatting and frolicing. Many nights, we'd have to go in and threaten punishment or referree fights that broke out.
So, we made the plunge last night and put them in separate bedrooms. Thirty minutes after they were in their beds, they were fast asleep.
The problem with them going to sleep so early?
....
...
..
.
They also woke up early...5 a.m. to be exact.
We're keeping the separate bedrooms, but adjusting their bedtimes.
Over the last few months, the length of time between when we put them down and when they actually went to sleep has gradually increased. As of the middle of last week, it was averaging about 1 hr 30 minutes. That's right folks, 1 hour and 30 minutes in their bad chatting and frolicing. Many nights, we'd have to go in and threaten punishment or referree fights that broke out.
So, we made the plunge last night and put them in separate bedrooms. Thirty minutes after they were in their beds, they were fast asleep.
The problem with them going to sleep so early?
....
...
..
.
They also woke up early...5 a.m. to be exact.
We're keeping the separate bedrooms, but adjusting their bedtimes.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
And it only gets worse...
I've commented before on how three is worse than two (the age, not the number of children). It's only getting worse, as demonstrated by these two examples.
Morgan has now decided that "I'm big now". To her, this means that she can now get out of bed by herself. Yes, for over 3 years, Randy & I have had the children convinced to NOT get out of bed unless we come into their room and tell them they can get up. Twice today, Morgan has come upstairs without crying out or asking for us to come get her up. Hopefully the boy hasn't figured out this trick.
A few minutes ago, Randy asked Tanner to let him help blow his nose. "No, daddy, I'm big enough to do it by myself".
Three...going on thirteen.
Morgan has now decided that "I'm big now". To her, this means that she can now get out of bed by herself. Yes, for over 3 years, Randy & I have had the children convinced to NOT get out of bed unless we come into their room and tell them they can get up. Twice today, Morgan has come upstairs without crying out or asking for us to come get her up. Hopefully the boy hasn't figured out this trick.
A few minutes ago, Randy asked Tanner to let him help blow his nose. "No, daddy, I'm big enough to do it by myself".
Three...going on thirteen.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
He's Got Some 'Splainin' to Do
My husband just got a letter in the mail from a small school district in Western Kansas. The letter reads:
Dear Mr. ____,
The special education records for your child, Corey, are no longer needed by the (Uniform School District). The physical destruction of these records will take place after 40 days. You have a right to a copy of the data within the records.
I think he's got some explaining to do...huh?
Dear Mr. ____,
The special education records for your child, Corey, are no longer needed by the (Uniform School District). The physical destruction of these records will take place after 40 days. You have a right to a copy of the data within the records.
I think he's got some explaining to do...huh?
Friday, July 06, 2007
COOKIE
Well, I think the roles in our family have been pretty well set. And, watching them the last few days have only confirmed our suspicions.
Morgan is our leader. When in a classroom setting, she always wants to make the teacher happy. She's the first in line, and hangs on the teacher's every word. She's going to be the kid who asks the teacher for homework.
Tanner is going to be the class clown. Even now, when he is the youngest in the classroom, he's hard at work at it. Ever since he's been in daycare, people have always said "everyone loves Tanner". How could they not - he's the class clown, always cracking people up and getting them to laugh.
His latest stunt...he's calling his teacher Cookie. He'll walk in every morning, giggling, and shout out, "Hey Cookie".
((sigh)) I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot of time in the principal's office.
Morgan is our leader. When in a classroom setting, she always wants to make the teacher happy. She's the first in line, and hangs on the teacher's every word. She's going to be the kid who asks the teacher for homework.
Tanner is going to be the class clown. Even now, when he is the youngest in the classroom, he's hard at work at it. Ever since he's been in daycare, people have always said "everyone loves Tanner". How could they not - he's the class clown, always cracking people up and getting them to laugh.
His latest stunt...he's calling his teacher Cookie. He'll walk in every morning, giggling, and shout out, "Hey Cookie".
((sigh)) I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot of time in the principal's office.
Monday, July 02, 2007
But you should see the other little girl...
Doesn't that just look absolutely painful? No, she didn't real beat another child up, but Morgan had a brawl with the sidewalk at daycare today. I have to admit that I'm cringing whenever I look at her right now. I'm going to go take some Tylenol now...
Friday, June 29, 2007
A Trip to Denver
Well, while nothing is set in stone yet, I have agreed to go to Denver for 3 days to check out the locatin - cost of housing, daycare, etc - and see if we decide that our family is ready to relocate.
It's a difficult decision, but what really ties us to Kansas City is our home. Randy & I built this home with our blood, sweat, and tears - and leaving that behind is difficult. We have nearly two acres of land here - enough room to spread our legs, and lookout our window in the morning without having the neighbor waving at us. We have really good neighbors right now (except for Crazy George and his toothless bear) - friends for our kids to grow up with. Our home is close enough that my mom can still come visit for the day...since staying overnight isn't an option for her as a parapalegic.
Denver opens the door for more opportunities. Randy's sister is in Denver, and his parents are actually closer than they are to Kansas City. The cost of living is higher, but so are the salaries. It will be a tough decision, but now, it's mostly our decision to make.
And, on the flip side, if we don't move to Denver, the company needs me to go to Australia for 10 days. Anyone want to watch a set of three year old twins for two weeks?
It's a difficult decision, but what really ties us to Kansas City is our home. Randy & I built this home with our blood, sweat, and tears - and leaving that behind is difficult. We have nearly two acres of land here - enough room to spread our legs, and lookout our window in the morning without having the neighbor waving at us. We have really good neighbors right now (except for Crazy George and his toothless bear) - friends for our kids to grow up with. Our home is close enough that my mom can still come visit for the day...since staying overnight isn't an option for her as a parapalegic.
Denver opens the door for more opportunities. Randy's sister is in Denver, and his parents are actually closer than they are to Kansas City. The cost of living is higher, but so are the salaries. It will be a tough decision, but now, it's mostly our decision to make.
And, on the flip side, if we don't move to Denver, the company needs me to go to Australia for 10 days. Anyone want to watch a set of three year old twins for two weeks?
Spelling Bee
Tonight Morgan was sitting on the floor when she said, "Morgan is spelled M-O-R-G-A-N"
I asked her to repeat it because I was quite astonished...
"M-O-R-G-A...b - c - d - e - f - g - h - i - j - k - l - m -N!"
Well, mostly right...
I asked her to repeat it because I was quite astonished...
"M-O-R-G-A...b - c - d - e - f - g - h - i - j - k - l - m -N!"
Well, mostly right...
Monday, June 25, 2007
Hanging by a Thread
I've talked several times about the upcoming change in my career path...it seems to finally be coming to a head.
I received this e-mail from my boss this evening:
I think Randy is more anxious to know what the outcome is than I am...I don't know if I want to know...denial can be a good thing, right?
I received this e-mail from my boss this evening:
I need to talk with you tomorrow about what we have come up with for you. Its all good as far as I am concerned.
I think Randy is more anxious to know what the outcome is than I am...I don't know if I want to know...denial can be a good thing, right?
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Never Underestimate the Boy
We often underestimate what the boy understands, and then he will suddenly astound us with his knowledge.
Tonight, as usual, I was putting the kids in their pajamas. Our kids bedrooms are in the basement of the house, so it's cool, and we always dress them in long sleeves. I chose their Christmas pajamas from last year - one says I Love Mommy & one says I Love Daddy.
I asked Morgan, "What do your pajamas say?"
Morgan: "I love M-O-M - I love mommy!"
Me: "Tanner, what do your pajamas say?"
Tanner: "I love ATM."
Tonight, as usual, I was putting the kids in their pajamas. Our kids bedrooms are in the basement of the house, so it's cool, and we always dress them in long sleeves. I chose their Christmas pajamas from last year - one says I Love Mommy & one says I Love Daddy.
I asked Morgan, "What do your pajamas say?"
Morgan: "I love M-O-M - I love mommy!"
Me: "Tanner, what do your pajamas say?"
Tanner: "I love ATM."
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Out Done
I think Morgan's song may have been out done by a liver friend of ours. This child is not a native English speaker but is taking English in his preschool class. He came home singing about the Itchy Bitchy Spider.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Shake It
We've taught the kids bits and pieces of different songs. One of their favorites is this one. Except, since we didn't want to teach the kids the word booty, we would substitue other things...leg, arm, you name it.
Last night, as I was helping Tanner on the potty (you know where this is going, right?), I hear Morgan singing....
"Shake shake shake...shake shake shake...shake your penis...shake your penis".
(Burying head in hands...)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Lola and other cute things kids say
I don't know where Tanner has come up with it lately, but he's taken to calling daddy "Lola". And, he knows it's funny. He'll come up and start talking to "Looo-la" and then start giggling so much that he can't continue.
Morgan has quite a few lately.
"Mommy, there's a flea!"
"Honey, that's not a flea, it's a fly"
"No, mommy, that's a flea."
"Morgan, let me wipe your nose it's running."
"My nose is not running, it just has snot coming out of it."
And, of course, if we laugh at her, we get this:
"Mommy, don't laugh to me!"
Morgan has quite a few lately.
"Mommy, there's a flea!"
"Honey, that's not a flea, it's a fly"
"No, mommy, that's a flea."
"Morgan, let me wipe your nose it's running."
"My nose is not running, it just has snot coming out of it."
And, of course, if we laugh at her, we get this:
"Mommy, don't laugh to me!"
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