I always post stuff on facebook and forget to post about it on my blog. So, in the attempt to "archive" what has been going on for the past two months in our house, here are my status updates:
8/1/2010: Just watch Beauty and the Beast at the WAC with the girls. They loved it! Hannah cried when it was time to go! I'm so glad they like plays as much as I do!
8/3/2010: Pretty sure the fussiest baby in the world lives at my house. This is one of those early bedtime nights.
8/4/2010: Thinks folding clothes is the worst chore ever! I would rather clean up vomit!
8/5/2010: Don't want to be "that" mom, but Emma's soccer coach is a JERK!
8/8/2010: Emma just brought Catherine out of her room into the living room. As she was carrying her, she said "I wish we had a cage for Catherine."
8/12/2010: Hannah just told me that today her name is "Tea-Topper" and we should not call her Hannah anymore. Where does she come up with this stuff?
8/12/2010: Shopping for school clothes for Emma is NOT going well. This plaid punk style is not for us.
8/14/2010: hate cleaning on the weekends. What should take two hours takes four because my munchkins are tearing apart the rooms I'm not cleaning!
8/19/2010: Cannot believe my sweet Emma is a first grader!
8/19/2010: FINALLY! Emma is not the only one at soccer practice with a matching hairbow! The other girl is on another team, but I'm lovin' her soccer style!
8/20/2010: Sick baby = no trip to Hot Springs for a fun weekend on the lake. We are going to miss you, Honey and Daddy Brooks!
8/22/2010: Pretty sure the baby child is feeling better. She just colored on the living room wall. Is age 1 year too young to give her a magic eraser and make her clean off her art work?
8/24/2010: Catherine's new favorite word is "UH OH". It's really cute until she throws her dinner across the kitchen and immediately yells "UH OH!"
8/25/2010: I have FOUR tickets to the first Razorback game for sale! Gate 14, Sect 513, Row 11. Message me if you're interested!
8/26/2010: Why is it the days I'm in the biggest rush that I my low fuel notification comes on? Never fails!
8/28/2010: Williamson girls first soccer games this morning! YAY!
8/29/2010: Is it nap time yet????
8/30/2010: Only took Catherine three nose dives off the couch to finally figure out how to get down safely.
8/31/2010: "Well, I've been saved by the grace of southern charm. I've got a mouth like a sailor and yours is more like a Hallmark card. If you wanna pick a fight, well, I'm gonna have to say good night. I don't have to be hateful, I can just say "Bless Your Heart"....I'm just like you...only prettier"
9/2/2010: Hannah sleep walks! I woke up about 4 this morning because I heard her get up. I found her laying in the middle of the living room floor asleep. I took her back to her room and when I got up this morning, I found her asleep in Catherine's floor. Does this mean sub-conscienciously she thinks the floor is more comfortable than her bed?
9/3/2010: CCR and Reckless Kelly tonight, fun in the sun and Razorback game tomorrow...another fun weekend is here!!! Not to mention mine is a 4 day weekend!!!!
9/3/2010: CROSS CANADIAN RAGWEED!!!!!!!
9/6/2010: Really should work on my driving skills. I made two of my three kids car sick on the way home! But, we made it home from a SUPER fun weekend at Honey and Daddy Brooks house!
9/7/2010: Nothing says dinner in a house where the Mommy hasn't been to the grocery store quite like Spaghetti O's and grilled cheese. (also an indication the there is a screaming 1-year old chasing around the afore mentioned Mommy)
9/10/2010: So sleepy!
9/11/2010: It's so weird that Catherine likes bologna better than anything else. I mean, it is all beef bologna, but that basically just means it's left over cow parts vs the left over pork and chicken parts. This is the child who refuses ice cream! (I'm not sure I can continue to claim her!) ;)
9/14/2010: Today is a day I REALLY wish my mom lived closer!
9/14/2010: Hannah just said "mommy, you have dirt under your eyes." (dark circles) then she said "maybe you've been working too hard and that's why you have dirt on your eyes".
9/16/2010: Note to self: Travis needs to be the one to teach our girls how to park a car...and drive one, for that matter.
9/16/2010: Can't find Emma's other soccer sock...just call me mother of the year and/or the most organized mother around!
9/18/2010: Is it bad that I feel like ALL.THIS soccer is ruining our weekend lives!? (this status got a TON of comments about me "enjoying it")
9/18/2010: All the laundry is washed and folded. Still can find the missing gold soccer sock from earlier this week...guess my dryer ate it.
9/19/2010: Four boxes of the girl's summer clothes packed up for storage. One box of Catherine's clothes packed up for a friend. Five trash bags of clothes loaded for the Children's Shelter. Four big walker/exersaucers in the car for the children's shelter. WOW! All that = one productive morning and four SUPER clean closets!
9/20/2010: The left lane on the by-pass is called the passing lane. It should be used for (wait for it)...PASSING! not cruising along at 55 mph in a 70mph speed zone.
9/23/2010: I really STINK at finding boy baby gifts. Everything I pick out is a little too frilly. Any thoughts from the boy-mamas? What is something boyish you recieved as a gift and swooned over?
9/24/2010: JUST GOT THE GOOOOLDEN TICKET!!! two tickets to the game tomorrow in the indoor club!!! YAY! GOOOOOOO HOGS! BEAT BAMA!
9/25/2010: Wooooo pig soooie! Leavin the tailgate to head to the game!!! Go hogs! BEAT BAMA!!!!
9/25/2010: How 'bout those hogs!?
9/25/2010: Such a heart breaker. But, so many fans are quick to bash us after a loss. I still love my hogs!!!! WPS!
10/1/2010: It's official. I'm a hunter's widow. :( good luck, Travis! We will miss you. (but, don't bring any dead animals home!)
10/2/2010: The child that refused shoes two weeks ago is now wearing footie pajamas and her ugg boots!
10/3/2010: We are watching "Say Yes to the Dress". Emma said "mommy, when I get married, please take me there to get my dress. I'm going to be a beautiful princess and that place will have MY princess dress!" Travis better start saving now...
Quite an interesting hodge podge of updates. There you have it..."The Thoughts of Boni" (at least those are the thoughts socially acceptable enough to appear on facebook...I've had TONS of unspoken thoughts)
Friday, October 8, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
And, "The Mother of the Year Award" goes to....
I am sure you all know this if you have read this blog for any amount of time at all, but that award will NOT becoming home with me this year (or probably any year for that matter).
Exhibit A: Emma's "All About Me Poster",
Exhibit B: Hannah and Emma's fist fight in the front yard (which I obviously photographed as it was blog worthy!)
Exhibit C: Catherine's 1-month old fit (again...blog worthy, so I photographed it)
(You can click on the titles to read the stories...in case you have forgotten)
But, these are only a quick few reasons that I will not be making my acceptance speech. Let's be real people, I probably wouldn't even be invited to the ceremony!
So, to keep with the trend that "No-I-do-not-have-it-altogether-and-am-on-the-brink-of-insanity" and to make you other Mommies who read my blog feel like you are on Cloud 9 and could possibly win that award this year, I will tell you the latest OOPS that has resulted from the pure chaos that my house is on most days.
Travis and I have a deal. We have had this deal since Hannah was a baby. He cleans up the kitchen while I give the kids a bath. (And, before you go feeling all "poor Travis got the bad end of the deal", I let him choose and he chose dishes.) I always just throw them all in the tub together. They are all girls and it's just easier than giving 2-3 different baths.
Usually, it is chaos mixed with a little "Hannah, do NOT drink the bath water. Catherine probably peed in it!", "Emma, stop dumping cold water on your sister's head.", "Catherine Grace! SIT DOWN! NOW! SIT! TROUBLE! SIT!".
Yeah...it's a lot like that. But, it's my job and actually, it's usually pretty funny (and WAY better than cleaning up the kitchen...YUCK!).
So, last night was just like any normal night. I told the big girls to get undressed. I undressed Catherine and as I turned around to start the water, she made a break for it. I chased her down and finally got the other two corralled back in the bathroom, where I promptly shut the door to prevent any more streakers from escaping.
I put them in the tub and went down the line washing each child's hair and body. Then, it was back down the line rinsing everyone off. (Of course, I was still going through the same "Sit"s and "Stop-it"s as listed above). Finally, my job was done and the fun could begin. I let them play until it got so out of control that I looked like I had actually been in the tub with them.
One by one, I began getting the girls out, drying them off and sending them to get their PJ's on. Catherine was the last one out. As I was drying Hannah off, Catherine was standing up. I told her to sit down and of course, she promptlysat down shook her head "no" and began walking the length of the tub.
Then, it happened. (which, in my house, it was bound to happen at some point!) Catherine slipped. It was all slow motion. I saw her falling and shoved Hannah out of the way in an attempt to catch her. But, I didn't get there quick enough. Catherine fell and slammed her face on the side of the bathtub.
She was screaming and Travis came running into the bathroom. He helped Hannah get up (from the spot where I had pushed her down. Sorry, Han!). I grabbed Catherine out of the tub and wrapped her in a towel. Then, I pulled the towel back from her face and saw it. A HUGE bruise, swollen eye and cheek bone that looked a little deformed.
Travis panicked. He is the panicker when the girls get hurt. I am usually mostly calm until after everyone is deemed "ok". (Then, I usually have a T-Total melt down with tears and words only a dog can hear) I remained as calm as possible and carried her to the kitchen to put an ice pack on it.
Yeah right! Like a screaming, hysterical 1-year old is going to sit still for an ice pack. I looked and Travis and looked at the clock. Urgent care was still open, but I had to hurry. I managed to get the hysterical, black-eyed child into her PJ's, while Travis packed a diaper bag and the other two stood in the living room mouths gaping open.
I took her to the Dr. As I was checking in, the nurse semi-corked out on me. She had another nurse come look to make sure we shouldn't go straight to the ER. After they decided we were ok to be seen at Urgent Care, they huddled with some other nurses, whispered and keep looking back at us. (Please keep in mind Catherine is bucking out of my arms and screaming at the top of her lungs while this was going on.) I thought "Great. They are going to call Child Services on us. I am sure there will be a home visit involved and I cannot remember the last time I cut the girls' fingernails and toenails."
So, I did what any good mother would do. I text Travis that they might be calling Child Services and could he please make sure the girls fingernails and toenails were cut.
Finally, we saw the nurse practitioner. Catherine was asleep at this point. We woke her up and Nurse Lucy checked her eyes and felt the giant lump that had formed on the side of her face. The conclusion was no broken bones or concussion. WHEW!
So, I packed up a grouchy Catherine, told them all thank you and headed home. I was glad to see my well-groomed eldest two were already in bed and Child Services had not stopped by the house.
So, all you Mommy's out there that are still in the running for "Mother of the Year", Congrats! My only hope is to buy my way back into the contest by bribing the judges with Shelby Lynn's petifores, (Ehh...who am I kidding? I'll just order some petifores and eat them myself.)
Here are some pictures from last night after we saw the Dr. (Just so you don't worry, Catherine is doing great today. She has in fact dived head first off the couch twice this morning; only to stand up, laugh and do it all over again. So, all is normal in our house again!)
Exhibit A: Emma's "All About Me Poster",
Exhibit B: Hannah and Emma's fist fight in the front yard (which I obviously photographed as it was blog worthy!)
Exhibit C: Catherine's 1-month old fit (again...blog worthy, so I photographed it)
(You can click on the titles to read the stories...in case you have forgotten)
But, these are only a quick few reasons that I will not be making my acceptance speech. Let's be real people, I probably wouldn't even be invited to the ceremony!
So, to keep with the trend that "No-I-do-not-have-it-altogether-and-am-on-the-brink-of-insanity" and to make you other Mommies who read my blog feel like you are on Cloud 9 and could possibly win that award this year, I will tell you the latest OOPS that has resulted from the pure chaos that my house is on most days.
Travis and I have a deal. We have had this deal since Hannah was a baby. He cleans up the kitchen while I give the kids a bath. (And, before you go feeling all "poor Travis got the bad end of the deal", I let him choose and he chose dishes.) I always just throw them all in the tub together. They are all girls and it's just easier than giving 2-3 different baths.
Usually, it is chaos mixed with a little "Hannah, do NOT drink the bath water. Catherine probably peed in it!", "Emma, stop dumping cold water on your sister's head.", "Catherine Grace! SIT DOWN! NOW! SIT! TROUBLE! SIT!".
Yeah...it's a lot like that. But, it's my job and actually, it's usually pretty funny (and WAY better than cleaning up the kitchen...YUCK!).
So, last night was just like any normal night. I told the big girls to get undressed. I undressed Catherine and as I turned around to start the water, she made a break for it. I chased her down and finally got the other two corralled back in the bathroom, where I promptly shut the door to prevent any more streakers from escaping.
I put them in the tub and went down the line washing each child's hair and body. Then, it was back down the line rinsing everyone off. (Of course, I was still going through the same "Sit"s and "Stop-it"s as listed above). Finally, my job was done and the fun could begin. I let them play until it got so out of control that I looked like I had actually been in the tub with them.
One by one, I began getting the girls out, drying them off and sending them to get their PJ's on. Catherine was the last one out. As I was drying Hannah off, Catherine was standing up. I told her to sit down and of course, she promptly
Then, it happened. (which, in my house, it was bound to happen at some point!) Catherine slipped. It was all slow motion. I saw her falling and shoved Hannah out of the way in an attempt to catch her. But, I didn't get there quick enough. Catherine fell and slammed her face on the side of the bathtub.
She was screaming and Travis came running into the bathroom. He helped Hannah get up (from the spot where I had pushed her down. Sorry, Han!). I grabbed Catherine out of the tub and wrapped her in a towel. Then, I pulled the towel back from her face and saw it. A HUGE bruise, swollen eye and cheek bone that looked a little deformed.
Travis panicked. He is the panicker when the girls get hurt. I am usually mostly calm until after everyone is deemed "ok". (Then, I usually have a T-Total melt down with tears and words only a dog can hear) I remained as calm as possible and carried her to the kitchen to put an ice pack on it.
Yeah right! Like a screaming, hysterical 1-year old is going to sit still for an ice pack. I looked and Travis and looked at the clock. Urgent care was still open, but I had to hurry. I managed to get the hysterical, black-eyed child into her PJ's, while Travis packed a diaper bag and the other two stood in the living room mouths gaping open.
I took her to the Dr. As I was checking in, the nurse semi-corked out on me. She had another nurse come look to make sure we shouldn't go straight to the ER. After they decided we were ok to be seen at Urgent Care, they huddled with some other nurses, whispered and keep looking back at us. (Please keep in mind Catherine is bucking out of my arms and screaming at the top of her lungs while this was going on.) I thought "Great. They are going to call Child Services on us. I am sure there will be a home visit involved and I cannot remember the last time I cut the girls' fingernails and toenails."
So, I did what any good mother would do. I text Travis that they might be calling Child Services and could he please make sure the girls fingernails and toenails were cut.
Finally, we saw the nurse practitioner. Catherine was asleep at this point. We woke her up and Nurse Lucy checked her eyes and felt the giant lump that had formed on the side of her face. The conclusion was no broken bones or concussion. WHEW!
So, I packed up a grouchy Catherine, told them all thank you and headed home. I was glad to see my well-groomed eldest two were already in bed and Child Services had not stopped by the house.
So, all you Mommy's out there that are still in the running for "Mother of the Year", Congrats! My only hope is to buy my way back into the contest by bribing the judges with Shelby Lynn's petifores, (Ehh...who am I kidding? I'll just order some petifores and eat them myself.)
Here are some pictures from last night after we saw the Dr. (Just so you don't worry, Catherine is doing great today. She has in fact dived head first off the couch twice this morning; only to stand up, laugh and do it all over again. So, all is normal in our house again!)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Opening Weekend of Deer Season
What did we do without Daddy at home?
- We shopped, (of course!)
- We played kick ball in the living room.
- We baked cookies and a homemade pizza.
- We wrestled. (Actually, Catherine beat up the other two)
- Watched girly movies.
- Read some good books.
- Drug everything out of Catherine's toy box.
- One of us threw a few BIG fits!
- We had a fun "Girls Only" weekend...
- ...and we looked cute doing it!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Soccer or Football?
Travis and I watched both on Saturday!
Saturday morning, we went to watch these beauties kick the soccer ball all over the field.
Hannah's game was first and she scored a goal! Her sisters were SO proud of her!
Emma had a game afterwards. She did so great. Each game, I am more and more impressed with how much she improves. She is SO good on defense!
After Emma's game, we RUSHED down to Fayetteville to watch the Hogs take on Bama. We had great seats and had a blast...up until the last 6 minutes. The ending was a disappointment, but I loved getting a little Fall Football Fun in with my handsome hubby! (Bad pic of us...not sure where it all went wrong...)
Saturday morning, we went to watch these beauties kick the soccer ball all over the field.
Hannah's game was first and she scored a goal! Her sisters were SO proud of her!
Emma had a game afterwards. She did so great. Each game, I am more and more impressed with how much she improves. She is SO good on defense!
After Emma's game, we RUSHED down to Fayetteville to watch the Hogs take on Bama. We had great seats and had a blast...up until the last 6 minutes. The ending was a disappointment, but I loved getting a little Fall Football Fun in with my handsome hubby! (Bad pic of us...not sure where it all went wrong...)
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
I think we lost our instruction manual...
Or did she even come with one?
I am sure you all know the answer to that. None of my daughters came with an instruction manual, (if your kids did, we need to work out a deal!).
I thought after we had Emma and found out Hannah was another girl, "Man, this will be easy. I know EXACTLY what to do with girls.". Then, Hannah got here. She's a POLAR opposite of Emma and to say she rocked our world would be an understatement.
Then, Catherine was on her way. I thought, "OK. Two COMPLETELY different personalities under the belt. Catherine will fall somewhere in the middle and we will know what to do." Again, TOTALLY different. Nothing like either of the first two. So, of course, it's been yet another learning process.
(I am sure God is laughing at me saying "That's what you get for underestimating me!")
The thing is each one of the girls is so different. They have different likes, dislikes, personalities, hair color, eye color and giggles. I love them all for their sweet differences. I love Emma for her tender-heart and her shy nature. I love Hannah for her spunky attitude and her love of music. I love Catherine for her strong-will and desire to make others laugh. I love their differences. I beg them to embrace their differences and be kind to each other.
I do know how to do that. However, each time I get one stage (mainly discipline) figured out for each of them, the stages change. What worked before, stops working. They aren't phased by spanking/grounding/losing toys. And...I feel like it's back to square one.
(I promise there is a purpose to this post...just bear with me.)
Emma has never really been a trouble maker. She does do things here and there to get in trouble, but that is usually cured with an "I'm disappointed in you" and a stern look. She would crumble. I would love on her. We would talk about why she should/shouldn't do things. All would be right with the world.
But, 1st grade started 16 days ago. Today marks day # 17. Sixteen days ago, our sweet, never-argues, can't-stand-for-someone-to-be-disappointed Emma disappeared. Don't get me wrong, she is no where near theft and destruction of property or others. But, one issue just seems to have been looming in our house for the last sixteen days:
LYING!
You heard that right folks. Emma has been lying. (Just for the record, sneaking around and withholding the truth is the same as lying in the Williamson household). She is lying about EVERYTHING! STUPID THINGS!
(This is the point I would whip out the previously mentioned instruction manual, flip to section 32A-1 and read all about how to handle lying with Emma Claire Williamson, steps 1-8 would be followed, and the lying would be cured.)
So, Travis and I are at a loss. We have tried it all. We have talked to her about how lying is a sin and it doesn't make God happy when we lie. We talked about choices. We have spanked her. We have talked about not doing things that she would need to lie about. We have grounded her. We have talked to her about paths in life and how lying the start of the "path to jail". (Don't laugh...my child is terrified of jail because "They have no TV"). I have yelled. (Not my proudest moments...but I did!)
NOTHING IS WORKING!
I am shocked. Shocked that my little, sweet, tender-hearted Emma can lie. (She's a BAD liar). I am floored that she can sneak around and do something she KNOWS is not allowed.
I wonder two things: 1) What is going on in her life that has flipped this switch?, 2) Did I break her? Did it only take us 6 years to mess this whole parenting thing up? (I mean...that's got to be a world record right?)
So, starting today, we are on a new path with Emma. Emma is EASILY influenced by others. (I don't really relate to that, because I was always an instigator). So, Emma is going to move to the "Rewards/Consequences" form of discipline.
Just like in science, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. For every good choice, there is a reward. For every bad choice, there is a consequence. Her consequence might be picking up after Catherine, unloading the dishwasher, missing soccer practice. Her reward might be staying up 30 minutes later than Hannah and Catherine, reading a chapter out of her Kit books together, eating popcorn in her room and watching a movie on the weekend.
However, if ANY lies are told during the week, things will be taken away (TV, Trampoline, Ipod, etc) and an early bedtime enforced for the next 7 days. Also, during that 7 days, there will be no rewards given.
So, that is what we have come up with. Yes, it's a little silly. Yes, you may think we are being too hard on her. But, lots is tolerated, even over-looked, in our house. Many warnings are given about fighting with your sisters, not picking up your toys when you are done playing with them, etc. However, lying is UNACCEPTABLE.
I am sure I will let you know how the "Emma Method" works. If it works on her, I have no doubt it will be of no use on the other two! :)
On a side note: A few months ago, I received an email from Daddy Ben about kids and lying. The typical age in which a child starts lying is between 7-10. The earlier a child lies, the more advanced they are said to be, as they are able to come up with an "alternative ending" to what happened and recite that back to you. These "early liars" are also more likely to become lawyers or go into the financial field and are typically successful in their careers.
(I must have a mini-genius on my hands. I have already gotten information for her on the best law schools in the country. Also, should we embrace lying as it means a successful adulthood?)
(I'm kidding people...I'm kidding!)
I am sure you all know the answer to that. None of my daughters came with an instruction manual, (if your kids did, we need to work out a deal!).
I thought after we had Emma and found out Hannah was another girl, "Man, this will be easy. I know EXACTLY what to do with girls.". Then, Hannah got here. She's a POLAR opposite of Emma and to say she rocked our world would be an understatement.
Then, Catherine was on her way. I thought, "OK. Two COMPLETELY different personalities under the belt. Catherine will fall somewhere in the middle and we will know what to do." Again, TOTALLY different. Nothing like either of the first two. So, of course, it's been yet another learning process.
(I am sure God is laughing at me saying "That's what you get for underestimating me!")
The thing is each one of the girls is so different. They have different likes, dislikes, personalities, hair color, eye color and giggles. I love them all for their sweet differences. I love Emma for her tender-heart and her shy nature. I love Hannah for her spunky attitude and her love of music. I love Catherine for her strong-will and desire to make others laugh. I love their differences. I beg them to embrace their differences and be kind to each other.
I do know how to do that. However, each time I get one stage (mainly discipline) figured out for each of them, the stages change. What worked before, stops working. They aren't phased by spanking/grounding/losing toys. And...I feel like it's back to square one.
(I promise there is a purpose to this post...just bear with me.)
Emma has never really been a trouble maker. She does do things here and there to get in trouble, but that is usually cured with an "I'm disappointed in you" and a stern look. She would crumble. I would love on her. We would talk about why she should/shouldn't do things. All would be right with the world.
But, 1st grade started 16 days ago. Today marks day # 17. Sixteen days ago, our sweet, never-argues, can't-stand-for-someone-to-be-disappointed Emma disappeared. Don't get me wrong, she is no where near theft and destruction of property or others. But, one issue just seems to have been looming in our house for the last sixteen days:
LYING!
You heard that right folks. Emma has been lying. (Just for the record, sneaking around and withholding the truth is the same as lying in the Williamson household). She is lying about EVERYTHING! STUPID THINGS!
(This is the point I would whip out the previously mentioned instruction manual, flip to section 32A-1 and read all about how to handle lying with Emma Claire Williamson, steps 1-8 would be followed, and the lying would be cured.)
So, Travis and I are at a loss. We have tried it all. We have talked to her about how lying is a sin and it doesn't make God happy when we lie. We talked about choices. We have spanked her. We have talked about not doing things that she would need to lie about. We have grounded her. We have talked to her about paths in life and how lying the start of the "path to jail". (Don't laugh...my child is terrified of jail because "They have no TV"). I have yelled. (Not my proudest moments...but I did!)
NOTHING IS WORKING!
I am shocked. Shocked that my little, sweet, tender-hearted Emma can lie. (She's a BAD liar). I am floored that she can sneak around and do something she KNOWS is not allowed.
I wonder two things: 1) What is going on in her life that has flipped this switch?, 2) Did I break her? Did it only take us 6 years to mess this whole parenting thing up? (I mean...that's got to be a world record right?)
So, starting today, we are on a new path with Emma. Emma is EASILY influenced by others. (I don't really relate to that, because I was always an instigator). So, Emma is going to move to the "Rewards/Consequences" form of discipline.
Just like in science, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. For every good choice, there is a reward. For every bad choice, there is a consequence. Her consequence might be picking up after Catherine, unloading the dishwasher, missing soccer practice. Her reward might be staying up 30 minutes later than Hannah and Catherine, reading a chapter out of her Kit books together, eating popcorn in her room and watching a movie on the weekend.
However, if ANY lies are told during the week, things will be taken away (TV, Trampoline, Ipod, etc) and an early bedtime enforced for the next 7 days. Also, during that 7 days, there will be no rewards given.
So, that is what we have come up with. Yes, it's a little silly. Yes, you may think we are being too hard on her. But, lots is tolerated, even over-looked, in our house. Many warnings are given about fighting with your sisters, not picking up your toys when you are done playing with them, etc. However, lying is UNACCEPTABLE.
I am sure I will let you know how the "Emma Method" works. If it works on her, I have no doubt it will be of no use on the other two! :)
On a side note: A few months ago, I received an email from Daddy Ben about kids and lying. The typical age in which a child starts lying is between 7-10. The earlier a child lies, the more advanced they are said to be, as they are able to come up with an "alternative ending" to what happened and recite that back to you. These "early liars" are also more likely to become lawyers or go into the financial field and are typically successful in their careers.
(I must have a mini-genius on my hands. I have already gotten information for her on the best law schools in the country. Also, should we embrace lying as it means a successful adulthood?)
(I'm kidding people...I'm kidding!)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Jenny
I have started and erased this post so many times...not sure exactly how to start it or what to say. I want to do Jenny justice with my words describing what is happening in her life. I want so badly to tug at your hearts so fervently that you all pray for her family and her son.
But, words cannot do justice to the things that Jenny, Wes, Aubri and their sweet son are going through right now.
Jen and Wes were so proud to announce on their blog that they found out at 18 weeks they had a new man in their lives. They were soon-to-be parents of a little boy. Aubri was a soon-to-be big sister to Wesley Adam Mills. My hearts soared for them.
However, what should have been an exciting happy time in their lives, suddenly fell sad. During their routine ultrasound, Jen and Wes found out that Wesley has a birth defect. He was diagnosed with Anencephaly. The prognosis for baby Wesley is grim. Their hearts are broken.
My words cannot express the sadness I feel for them. I cannot imagine what they must be feeling. However, I do know they are both clinging tightly to each other and even tighter to the promises and love of God.
Please, go here to read the Mills family blog. She wrote this post that brought me to tears. Her heart is breaking for her son and the short time on earth that they will have with him. However, she is still looking to God, thanking Him and praying.
Keep Jenny and her family in your prayers. They can use all the support they can get.
Jenny, I love you dearly. I apologize that the words are not as eloquent as I would have liked them to be.
But, words cannot do justice to the things that Jenny, Wes, Aubri and their sweet son are going through right now.
Jen and Wes were so proud to announce on their blog that they found out at 18 weeks they had a new man in their lives. They were soon-to-be parents of a little boy. Aubri was a soon-to-be big sister to Wesley Adam Mills. My hearts soared for them.
However, what should have been an exciting happy time in their lives, suddenly fell sad. During their routine ultrasound, Jen and Wes found out that Wesley has a birth defect. He was diagnosed with Anencephaly. The prognosis for baby Wesley is grim. Their hearts are broken.
My words cannot express the sadness I feel for them. I cannot imagine what they must be feeling. However, I do know they are both clinging tightly to each other and even tighter to the promises and love of God.
Please, go here to read the Mills family blog. She wrote this post that brought me to tears. Her heart is breaking for her son and the short time on earth that they will have with him. However, she is still looking to God, thanking Him and praying.
Keep Jenny and her family in your prayers. They can use all the support they can get.
Jenny, I love you dearly. I apologize that the words are not as eloquent as I would have liked them to be.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Williamson Girls Play Soccer - First Game
Saturday was a BIG day in our house! Both Emma and Hannah had their first soccer games of the season. They had LOTS of support cheering them on. Travis, Catherine, Honey, Daddy Brooks, Grammy and I all came to the games.
Hannah was up first...
She was so excited to get a chance to play, but they only play 3 on 3. So, the coach did the line up as fair as it can get. Jersey #s 1-3 first, followed by 4-6, etc. :) Hannah was in the second group. She waited patiently with her teammates.
Finally, it was her turn! She was so excited as she pranced out on to the field. We were laughing to hard. She is so cute out there running after the ball. She kind of lags back, but finally got a chance to kick it! When she did, she looked over at us with a big grin and clapped for herself. We were all so proud of Hannah.
(She even stopped the game because she had a "finger-mail"...a hang nail. I had to go out onto the field and take care of it. All was fine after that!)
Her coach is seriously a saint. Can you imagine coaching a team of 9 three-year olds, three of which were crying at one point during the game? Yeah...me neither.
Next up, Emma's game.
It was MUCH more serious than Hannah's game. She started and was pretty pumped about it. She played defense and did a great job keeping the ball out of the box. the goalie only had to keep one ball out of the goal.
The next period, Emma played goalie. I was a nervous wreck! This period, our girls were tired, so the other team spent TONS of time on our end of the field. Emma blocked EVERY.SINGLE.BALL that came in her box. One was just inches from the line, but my girl stopped it! We were so proud of her!
During the final period, Emma played on offense. She did pretty good on offense too. Unfortunately, she has her mother's speed, so she got out run to the ball a few times. But, a little girl on her team scored and they won 1-0!
Emma also got her mother's competitive nature. After the game, she kept saying "We won! We beat them!". Luckily, I am married to a wonderful man who took the time to explain to Emma about being a gracious winner.
Hannah was up first...
Finally, it was her turn! She was so excited as she pranced out on to the field. We were laughing to hard. She is so cute out there running after the ball. She kind of lags back, but finally got a chance to kick it! When she did, she looked over at us with a big grin and clapped for herself. We were all so proud of Hannah.
(She even stopped the game because she had a "finger-mail"...a hang nail. I had to go out onto the field and take care of it. All was fine after that!)
Her coach is seriously a saint. Can you imagine coaching a team of 9 three-year olds, three of which were crying at one point during the game? Yeah...me neither.
Next up, Emma's game.
The next period, Emma played goalie. I was a nervous wreck! This period, our girls were tired, so the other team spent TONS of time on our end of the field. Emma blocked EVERY.SINGLE.BALL that came in her box. One was just inches from the line, but my girl stopped it! We were so proud of her!
During the final period, Emma played on offense. She did pretty good on offense too. Unfortunately, she has her mother's speed, so she got out run to the ball a few times. But, a little girl on her team scored and they won 1-0!
We all had so much fun. This is the first real competition that either of the big girls have competed in. I cannot describe how happy and proud I was of my girls. Both of them were good sports, hustled and keep a smile on their faces the whole time! WAY TO GO, EMMA AND HANNAH!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sick Bambino
Catherine was sick with a little stomach virus a few days ago. She was PITIFUL! I stayed home with her to cuddle my sweet girl back to health. She did a lot of this...
Luckily, she is now back to her same old, food-slingin', sister-chasin', weeble-wobblin' self!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
First of First
Last Thursday, Emma started 1st grade. Every year when school starts, I get anxious. It's almost like I am nervous about school starting. Why would I be nervous? It's Emma going into a new class with a new teacher and new expectations. I have no reason to be nervous.
Last year, when she started kindergarten, I wrote this post. It was so true. Every time I read it, it brings tears to my eyes. So, this year, the night before school, I read it.
As I was reading it, I realized. It's not the nerves of her going to a new class. It's the nerves of a Mommy who sees her oldest daughter going from a little girl to a young lady. The start of the school year is a reminder of who she was, is and is so quickly becoming.
Days are passing like hours; weeks like days; years are passing like months. I feel like no matter how hard I try to cling to every moment I have with the girls, they are so fleeting and life is moving so quickly that its like watching a movie in fast forward. No matter how hard I try to watch all the scenes flying by, I cannot catch them and remember them all.
So, when Catherine is screaming to be held, Hannah is getting out of bed asking for the 15th cup of water and Emma is arguing with me about putting on make-up just to play in, I try to remember this. I try to remember that before long, no one is going to want me to hold them. No one is going to get up 15 times just so I can come tuck her in ONE.LAST.TIME. And the "make-up just to play in", will become make-up, a normal part of our lives.
So, with that said, here are some pics from the first day of school. Since Emma got to carry a back pack, Hannah was DYING to. So, I cleaned up Emma's old one for Hannah and slapped it on her back. She loved it. (that was short lived though...she hasn't wanted to take it since!). And, while I still teared up, I wasn't as emotional as I was last year! (I still blame that on the hormones from having a brand new baby!)
Emma is in a class with one of her best friends. Her teacher is so wonderful and has all kinds of cool reward systems in her class. Emma is having a ball already. Once again, it's going to be a good school year!
Last year, when she started kindergarten, I wrote this post. It was so true. Every time I read it, it brings tears to my eyes. So, this year, the night before school, I read it.
As I was reading it, I realized. It's not the nerves of her going to a new class. It's the nerves of a Mommy who sees her oldest daughter going from a little girl to a young lady. The start of the school year is a reminder of who she was, is and is so quickly becoming.
Days are passing like hours; weeks like days; years are passing like months. I feel like no matter how hard I try to cling to every moment I have with the girls, they are so fleeting and life is moving so quickly that its like watching a movie in fast forward. No matter how hard I try to watch all the scenes flying by, I cannot catch them and remember them all.
So, when Catherine is screaming to be held, Hannah is getting out of bed asking for the 15th cup of water and Emma is arguing with me about putting on make-up just to play in, I try to remember this. I try to remember that before long, no one is going to want me to hold them. No one is going to get up 15 times just so I can come tuck her in ONE.LAST.TIME. And the "make-up just to play in", will become make-up, a normal part of our lives.
So, with that said, here are some pics from the first day of school. Since Emma got to carry a back pack, Hannah was DYING to. So, I cleaned up Emma's old one for Hannah and slapped it on her back. She loved it. (that was short lived though...she hasn't wanted to take it since!). And, while I still teared up, I wasn't as emotional as I was last year! (I still blame that on the hormones from having a brand new baby!)
Emma is in a class with one of her best friends. Her teacher is so wonderful and has all kinds of cool reward systems in her class. Emma is having a ball already. Once again, it's going to be a good school year!
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