Friday, February 27, 2009

Eh.

I really wish I had something to write about.

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Decision

Before Isaac left for school on Friday, he and I said a prayer that we would have help in making the right choice about school. I took Isaac over to the charter school for a tour and signed enrollment papers. As I was filling them out I had the distinct thought, "This is not right for you." I didn't have a bad feeling about the school itself, just that it was not right for us. Which kind of surprised me. I didn't say anything to Isaac about it, I wanted to see how he felt about it without his opinion being tainted by my own.

Anyway, after we got home Isaac said his own prayer to help him make a decision. I told him that I wouldn't ask him about it anymore but that when he felt like he had his answer he could tell me. That night we all loaded in the car and as we drove I started to tell Jeremiah that we had visited the school. As soon as I said the word "school," Isaac piped in, "Mom, I have my answer. I'll stay." I felt some tears in my eyes as I told him that that was the feeling I'd had too.

But I kept thinking about it. I was pretty confused because once you get an answer from the Holy Ghost you should have peace about it, but it was still on my mind. I brought it up to Jeremiah on Sunday and he said that even though I felt like I had my answer, I should still pray and ask if what I felt was correct. So Isaac and I knelt down again and offered a prayer to that effect. I felt more at peace...until I had a dream where Isaac was in the halls of the charter school.

I've finally concluded that I was battling the answer I received against the answer that I thought I wanted. I know several people who would jump at the chance to send their child(ren) to the charter school, and I think I've let that cloud my judgement. I was leaning toward the charter school, although I don't have any solid reasons.

At any rate, Isaac happily boarded the bus this morning to head off to another day of Kindergarten. He was happy to be seing the same classroom. He told me he didn't want to leave his teacher. I don't think he was afraid of change. I think he was just more open to the Spirit than I was. Once he made his decision, he didn't waver. He probably wondered why I kept bringing up the subject. I just want what's best for him. As long as he's happy, I'm happy.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Timing

Why do opportunities always come at a time when you're not ready? Before Isaac began school we had has name put into a lottery for a charter school. I had heard lots of poor reports about the school he is now attending, but since he didn't get in to the charter school we sent him anyway.

He is doing very well in school and simply adores his teacher, as do I. So this morning I got a phone call saying that there was an opening in the Kindergarten, would Isaac like to attend?

Help! I don't know how I feel about him switching schools mid-year. Plus the charter school does all-day Kindergarten. Although he's enjoyed his current school for Kindergarten, I think it's mostly due to his teacher and I don't know that I will feel so great about it next year. Plus, if I let him into the charter school it is more likely that his siblings will also be able to attend when they reach school age.

So, do I keep him where he is because he's happy and so far there's nothing bad to report? Or do I switch schools just to avoid possible future discontent?

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Like He and I Are Peers

Last night we had Chocodiles for a treat after FHE. There were only 4 and I had already decided I didn't really want one at the moment. Kenley decided that she wasn't in the mood either. I put the last one in the fridge to save for later. Isaac inquired why I didn't eat one. "Where's the extra one?" he asked.

"There wasn't an extra one. The last one was mine, but I don't want to eat it right now."

Isaac leans in and whispers conspiratorially, "Maybe once the kids go to bed."

Dreams

They say that dreams are your hearts most sincere desire made manifest while you sleep. I say "That's crap."

Last night I had several dreams...among them: me as a Jedi aboard the Death Star, me in a national dance contest judged by Paula Abdul and Amy Poehler, and also me and an old "friend with benefits" hiding in a trench while we waited for soldiers to leave so that we could make s'mores.

I'd like someone to interpret that!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Maternal Ponderings

You know those flecks of toothpaste and other mouth matter that splatter on the mirror after you brush and floss your teeth? Well, when you help your kids brush their teeth, you become the mirror.

Kids have no sense of personal space. I could be crammed into a shoebox and still have 3 kids asking if they could sit on my lap.

I've never understood why kids fight against taking a nap when some days I would agree to host a swimming party for thirty 1-yr olds if I was promised I could take a 2-hr nap.

No matter how "independent" a child may seem, they still want/need you there at nearly every moment, even if they don't require your participation.

Children can live indefinitely on Ovaltine and cinnamon toast. (We're still researching that statement.)

Friday, February 06, 2009

Wouldn't You Love To Get Inside Their Heads?

Yesterday was a weird day for me. I had hot flashes with alternating fits of chills all day. Not sure what that was all about, but I'm feeling better today.

Anyway, while I was staggering between internal climates, dinner-time inevitably presented itself, even though I tried to fight it off by laying helplessly on the couch. I had already decided to make Spam casserole (don't knock it 'til youve tried it) and needed some potatoes from the basement. I asked Kenley to go get some for me. She was more than happy to oblige, but returned from the basement with 3 quart jars of apple pie filling.

"Thank you, sweetheart, but those are apples, not potatoes."

She looks at me earnestly and says, "But when they're magic they'll be potatoes."

Sometimes it's really hard to argue with the logic of a 3-yr old.

Thursday, February 05, 2009

My "Widdle" Boy

I love this video of Jack. He was so happy that day. I said "ready?" right before I pushed record and for some reason that made him laugh. He was so sweet - no camera shyness here. Like how he calls both Isaac and Kenley "Iyat?" That's already changed. Kenley is now "Eh-wee," which is funny to me because he says "candy" just fine and they sound a lot alike. It cracks me up how after I say "milk" he thinks he instantly needs a drink. It's all over after that.

Also, just for the record, he learned to say "bottle" before he learned "drink." Every drink to him is a bottle, even though he hasn't used one for months. I just felt like I should clarify that.