On school days at 11:30 (or 10:30 if it's Friday), I pick up Heathen #2 from kindergarten. Because of daycare costs, the younger two Heathens go to my Godson's house. And his house is, of course, outside of the school district.
I leave work, go get him, and drive him to the sitter's. It's probably only a 10 minute trip - on a slow day. But it's been a great chance to talk to just him, without any other Heathens interrupting or butting in. I turn off the radio and we chat the whole way to the sitter's.
Yesterday, for some reason, he announced that he knew he wasn't going to live forever and he started to become very morbid and upset. Young children do this on occasion. Sometimes it's hard to snap them out of it.
I informed him that he couldn't die for a very long time. That he would be older that Pap is when he finally gets around to it - and Pap is 82. He would be soooo old that he wouldn't have any teeth left anymore.
Something about my teeth comment really caught his attention and we talked about dentures for the rest of the trip. How you take out your dentures and soak them in a bowl overnight just like I take out my contacts. How you're all gums when you aren't wearing them. How it's hard to chew cookies without teeth, but you could still suck on lollipops. This whole conversation involved me making "gum faces" and talking as though I no longer had teeth either. Heathen #2 loved it.
He got out of the van, gave me a kiss, walked up the porch steps, and waved before he went in the door at the sitter's house. He was no longer upset that he wasn't going to live forever. It's amazing what a little chat can accomplish.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Thinking with Fingers
The assistant zookeeper swears that he can sit and do something without thoughts running through his head. I don't understand that. There is a dialogue running through my head from this minute I wake up until the minute that I fall asleep at night.
Blogging for me is simply typing the dialogue that runs in my head. Maybe that was why I never had trouble writing papers in high school or college. Give me a topic, and turn me loose.
I don't understand what goes through people's heads all day if it is not a running dialogue. How do you NOT think? I realize that some people think in pictures (or so I'm told).
I think the Heathens think like I do. I can watch their thoughts cross over their faces and go through their eyes. They have very readable faces. I've been told that my face is like that as well. I'm not really sure though, as I've never looked in the mirror with that intention.
Anyway, I don't know that this entry really makes much sense. I understand what I'm typing, but I don't know that anyone else will. Not that it matters. These are my thoughts on zoo life and everything attached to it!
Blogging for me is simply typing the dialogue that runs in my head. Maybe that was why I never had trouble writing papers in high school or college. Give me a topic, and turn me loose.
I don't understand what goes through people's heads all day if it is not a running dialogue. How do you NOT think? I realize that some people think in pictures (or so I'm told).
I think the Heathens think like I do. I can watch their thoughts cross over their faces and go through their eyes. They have very readable faces. I've been told that my face is like that as well. I'm not really sure though, as I've never looked in the mirror with that intention.
Anyway, I don't know that this entry really makes much sense. I understand what I'm typing, but I don't know that anyone else will. Not that it matters. These are my thoughts on zoo life and everything attached to it!
Thoughts on Mothering Manuals
I spent some time on Amazon today looking for some light reading. Once the Heathens are in bed and the Asst. Zookeeper has left for the night, I love to curl up with the two psychotic cats and read a worthless novel. By "worthless," I mean one that does not hold value in the eyes of high school English teachers. Usually, my novels are a historical romance set in Scotland or England and involve either people of titles or people of qualities that are usually attributed to titled people. Don't worry, I know what I mean. These novels of mine are my mental escape from being the head zookeeper at my zoo.
The way Amazon's site works, as you browse through books and titles, it complies a recommended reading list based on your previous views and purchases. The site "learns" your preferences.
Somehow, I ended up looking at what I call "mothering manuals." The new age version of Dr. Spock. Some of them are written with all seriousness and you know those books are read and worshipped by the Manic Mamas. Some of them are written with an organic look and are used by the Flower Children's Children. There are mothering manuals for every kind of mother around.
I confess to being a Manic Mama at times. Regardless of how hard I struggle, it's hard not to be. The world of elementary school is full of them. At the Heathens' elementary school, I've gotten to know many of them. These women are the ones that have the perfectly coiffed hair, perfectly polished nails, smudge-less makeup, pressed clothing (that's perfectly in style) - and all this has been accomplished before they personally take their child to school every morning. Their children are spitting images of them.
I have actually found myself getting ready in the morning and thinking about my personal appearance in terms of "when I pick Heathen #2 up from kindergarten..... I don't want to be seen in that!" AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! What's wrong with me!?!?!?
Who cares? My Heathens rarely notice what I wear. That is unless they think they'll get brownie points (Momma you look pretty.... kind of thing). The Asst. Zookeeper rarely notices. Which is good - it means I'm a lot more to him than a fashion statement. But I know that other mothers notice. And I know this for a fact - because I notice what other mothers are wearing.
I also notice how they dress their kids, what shoes/purses they buy, whether their hair is obviously fixed or they've just rolled out of bed. I notice. And I know that they notice me. That's what mothering is - noticing and then comparing and finding things lacking.
This tirade started because of the mothering manuals! I admit that I've purchased them - for both myself and as gifts for friends as they've entered the world of mothers. The ones I've purchased for friends have been ones that have the ideology of "it won't be perfect, laugh at your mistakes." Those are also the ones that I find myself gravitating towards.
Once or twice I've looked at a mothering manual that was serious in nature. It had a lot of DOs and DON'Ts in it - lists of them. And I knew at every time I looked at one, that I was a sham as a mother. A good mother would have purchased the book and turned it into a religion. A good mother would have posted the lists all over the house and pinned them to her children. A good mother would have children that stayed in their beds and were quiet after lights out. And I'm definitely not that mother.
The urge to read mothering manuals comes from the deepest place inside me. Millions of women have does this long before I ever started on my own roller coaster. Somewhere, one of them had to be perfect - and she had to have written a book that gives her plan for perfection. If I just read enough of those manuals, I will find that ONE that will give me the secrets for which I'm looking!
The silliest part of the whole "mothering manual" issue for me is that I know that it will never matter how many books I read or buy. Every time I look through one and I read the blurb about the author, I always think, "Wow, and she wrote a book, too!" Just one more thing to add to my mothering to-do list - write the perfect mothering manual.
I must go now. I have to pick up the Heathens, then feed them and divide them evenly between scouts, swimming lessons and the playroom at the YMCA. I need to run and clear my head. It's almost as successful as reading a "worthless" novel. Which I plan to do tonight - no mothering manuals for me!
The way Amazon's site works, as you browse through books and titles, it complies a recommended reading list based on your previous views and purchases. The site "learns" your preferences.
Somehow, I ended up looking at what I call "mothering manuals." The new age version of Dr. Spock. Some of them are written with all seriousness and you know those books are read and worshipped by the Manic Mamas. Some of them are written with an organic look and are used by the Flower Children's Children. There are mothering manuals for every kind of mother around.
I confess to being a Manic Mama at times. Regardless of how hard I struggle, it's hard not to be. The world of elementary school is full of them. At the Heathens' elementary school, I've gotten to know many of them. These women are the ones that have the perfectly coiffed hair, perfectly polished nails, smudge-less makeup, pressed clothing (that's perfectly in style) - and all this has been accomplished before they personally take their child to school every morning. Their children are spitting images of them.
I have actually found myself getting ready in the morning and thinking about my personal appearance in terms of "when I pick Heathen #2 up from kindergarten..... I don't want to be seen in that!" AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! What's wrong with me!?!?!?
Who cares? My Heathens rarely notice what I wear. That is unless they think they'll get brownie points (Momma you look pretty.... kind of thing). The Asst. Zookeeper rarely notices. Which is good - it means I'm a lot more to him than a fashion statement. But I know that other mothers notice. And I know this for a fact - because I notice what other mothers are wearing.
I also notice how they dress their kids, what shoes/purses they buy, whether their hair is obviously fixed or they've just rolled out of bed. I notice. And I know that they notice me. That's what mothering is - noticing and then comparing and finding things lacking.
This tirade started because of the mothering manuals! I admit that I've purchased them - for both myself and as gifts for friends as they've entered the world of mothers. The ones I've purchased for friends have been ones that have the ideology of "it won't be perfect, laugh at your mistakes." Those are also the ones that I find myself gravitating towards.
Once or twice I've looked at a mothering manual that was serious in nature. It had a lot of DOs and DON'Ts in it - lists of them. And I knew at every time I looked at one, that I was a sham as a mother. A good mother would have purchased the book and turned it into a religion. A good mother would have posted the lists all over the house and pinned them to her children. A good mother would have children that stayed in their beds and were quiet after lights out. And I'm definitely not that mother.
The urge to read mothering manuals comes from the deepest place inside me. Millions of women have does this long before I ever started on my own roller coaster. Somewhere, one of them had to be perfect - and she had to have written a book that gives her plan for perfection. If I just read enough of those manuals, I will find that ONE that will give me the secrets for which I'm looking!
The silliest part of the whole "mothering manual" issue for me is that I know that it will never matter how many books I read or buy. Every time I look through one and I read the blurb about the author, I always think, "Wow, and she wrote a book, too!" Just one more thing to add to my mothering to-do list - write the perfect mothering manual.
I must go now. I have to pick up the Heathens, then feed them and divide them evenly between scouts, swimming lessons and the playroom at the YMCA. I need to run and clear my head. It's almost as successful as reading a "worthless" novel. Which I plan to do tonight - no mothering manuals for me!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Round and Round We Go!
It was another busy - but enjoyable - weekend at our zoo. After our Friday snow day (hurray!), the Asst. Zookeeper took Heathen #2 snowboarding for the evening. Heathens #1 and #3 stayed at the zoo with me. We ordered pizza and ate from paper plates - high style as always. :)
While the boys played Friday evening, I sewed a gingerbread cookie costume for Heathen #2's ballet company. Two weeks ago, an email went out to all the Grade 1 mothers - "Does anyone know how to sew who is willing to help make the costumes? They will be simple." Stupid me. I volunteered. I thought I was volunteering to help. Trouble is, no one else volunteered to help. So Friday night I sewed and I actually enjoyed it. I haven't taken the time to sew in years - since I was pregnant with Heathen #3 actually. I'm actually looking forward to doing it now.
Saturday morning, the Heathens all slept in - bless them! Heathen #2 had ballet at 1 and Heathen #1 went sled riding at a friend's house. Then we packed the Heathens into the van and went to my mother's house for dinner to celebrate my birthday. Chocolate cake with peanut butter icing! Life is good!
Sunday was the FUN day. It started as all Sundays do - getting everyone up and ready for Sunday School. Only, for the first time ever, I let my boys wear jeans and sneakers to church. That's what I wore as well. I felt really weird doing it and I was conscious of it the whole time. Talk about being trained to one way of thinking!
As soon as Sunday School was over, we drove home and picked up the Asst. Zookeeper. Then we met the whole family at BIL#1's house (that would be "brother-in-law" - the Asst. Zookeeper's older brother) and headed for Pittsburgh Mills Mall. By saying "the whole family," I do mean the whole family. Our zoo of 5, BIL#1's family of 4, BIL#2's family of 3, the INLAWS themselves, and the GRAND INLAWS as well. It was a convoy of four vehicles.
We went to play glow-in-the-dark miniature golf for BIL#1's 30th birthday. It was awesome and the kids had a great time! Afterward we went to the food court to have birthday cookie-cake. And then the kids all had the ride on the carousel that was in the food court.
The GRAND INLAWS wanted to pay for the kids to ride the carousel. And then looked completely content watching the kids go round and round in circles. These are the GRAND INLAWS. Nana and Pap.
While the boys played Friday evening, I sewed a gingerbread cookie costume for Heathen #2's ballet company. Two weeks ago, an email went out to all the Grade 1 mothers - "Does anyone know how to sew who is willing to help make the costumes? They will be simple." Stupid me. I volunteered. I thought I was volunteering to help. Trouble is, no one else volunteered to help. So Friday night I sewed and I actually enjoyed it. I haven't taken the time to sew in years - since I was pregnant with Heathen #3 actually. I'm actually looking forward to doing it now.
Saturday morning, the Heathens all slept in - bless them! Heathen #2 had ballet at 1 and Heathen #1 went sled riding at a friend's house. Then we packed the Heathens into the van and went to my mother's house for dinner to celebrate my birthday. Chocolate cake with peanut butter icing! Life is good!
Sunday was the FUN day. It started as all Sundays do - getting everyone up and ready for Sunday School. Only, for the first time ever, I let my boys wear jeans and sneakers to church. That's what I wore as well. I felt really weird doing it and I was conscious of it the whole time. Talk about being trained to one way of thinking!
As soon as Sunday School was over, we drove home and picked up the Asst. Zookeeper. Then we met the whole family at BIL#1's house (that would be "brother-in-law" - the Asst. Zookeeper's older brother) and headed for Pittsburgh Mills Mall. By saying "the whole family," I do mean the whole family. Our zoo of 5, BIL#1's family of 4, BIL#2's family of 3, the INLAWS themselves, and the GRAND INLAWS as well. It was a convoy of four vehicles.
We went to play glow-in-the-dark miniature golf for BIL#1's 30th birthday. It was awesome and the kids had a great time! Afterward we went to the food court to have birthday cookie-cake. And then the kids all had the ride on the carousel that was in the food court.
The GRAND INLAWS wanted to pay for the kids to ride the carousel. And then looked completely content watching the kids go round and round in circles. These are the GRAND INLAWS. Nana and Pap.
Here are my Heathens and a few of their cousins:
And, of course, you have to enjoy watching them go round and round and round and round and....
Friday, February 22, 2008
Snow Day!!!!!!
I was thrilled this morning when I saw the word "closed" under our school district. I immediately called the office, informed them that I was using a comp day, and crawled back under the covers. It's even better because it's Friday.
The boys all emerged from their rooms at their own pace. I'm not even sure when it happened. I finally left my blankets at 11:30 with my hair standing up in all directions. But I felt calm and as though I could keep up with things for the first time in quite a while. It's amazing what sleep can accomplish.
My Heathens are all over the house in various states of dress - or undress. Heathen #1 is wearing the same jeans as yesterday. I'm pretty safe in guessing that he slept in them. Heathen #2 is wearing underwear and blue soccer socks pulled up to his knees. And Heathen #3 is in a diaper and pajama pants. But they are content.
They were so excited that it was a snow day and that we were just going to stay home. I think they needed a day off as badly as I do. They watched TV, eaten snacks, played dress-up, danced, and built new beds for themselves out of blankets and Rubbermaid totes.
The zoo is trashed - and I am not exaggerating. There is "stuff" everywhere - in every room, on every piece of furniture, on every floor. It's been the usually hectic week here and the clutter has taken over again. So far, I've managed to load and start the dishwasher. I'm hoping to completely reclaim my house by Sunday night. But today's a snow day. I wonder where I left the novel I've been attempting to read...
The boys all emerged from their rooms at their own pace. I'm not even sure when it happened. I finally left my blankets at 11:30 with my hair standing up in all directions. But I felt calm and as though I could keep up with things for the first time in quite a while. It's amazing what sleep can accomplish.
My Heathens are all over the house in various states of dress - or undress. Heathen #1 is wearing the same jeans as yesterday. I'm pretty safe in guessing that he slept in them. Heathen #2 is wearing underwear and blue soccer socks pulled up to his knees. And Heathen #3 is in a diaper and pajama pants. But they are content.
They were so excited that it was a snow day and that we were just going to stay home. I think they needed a day off as badly as I do. They watched TV, eaten snacks, played dress-up, danced, and built new beds for themselves out of blankets and Rubbermaid totes.
The zoo is trashed - and I am not exaggerating. There is "stuff" everywhere - in every room, on every piece of furniture, on every floor. It's been the usually hectic week here and the clutter has taken over again. So far, I've managed to load and start the dishwasher. I'm hoping to completely reclaim my house by Sunday night. But today's a snow day. I wonder where I left the novel I've been attempting to read...
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Snowboarding & M&Ms
Last week, the Assistant Zookeeper took the older two Heathens snowboarding at Blue Knob. Heathen #1 got a snowboard for Christmas two years ago, and Heathen #2 got one this past Christmas. And, of course, the Assistant Zookeeper needed to have a snowboard so that the Heathens could go. Ironic, isn't it?
Anyway, the boys all went Friday evening. Since I was home with the remaining Heathen, Dan took video of the boys so that I could see. Here is Tristan - slowly and cautiously, but able to do some "moves." Gavin simply takes off and falls down - but he always jumps back up and keeps going.
And here's one video of the two of them together. Gavin is off and running without waiting for Tristan. He falls and gets back up again before Tristan even catches up!
Anyway, the boys all went Friday evening. Since I was home with the remaining Heathen, Dan took video of the boys so that I could see. Here is Tristan - slowly and cautiously, but able to do some "moves." Gavin simply takes off and falls down - but he always jumps back up and keeps going.
And here's one video of the two of them together. Gavin is off and running without waiting for Tristan. He falls and gets back up again before Tristan even catches up!
Heathen #3 remained home with me and was quite entertained by M&Ms. He didn't realize that I was recording him and our conversation until after I started. Then all he wanted to do was watch himself on the little screen on the camera. But here he is with his M&Ms:
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Holidays on the Home Front
This was a busy week at the Zoo. Not only was it Valentine's Day, but it was also my birthday this week. I'm not 29 - according to the Assistant Zookeeper, the most popular birthday among women ever! :) But Valentine's Day comes first, so I'll start there.
I managed to have a clean red shirt for myself and all the Heathens for Thursday, which was V-Day. Considering the amount of backed up laundry currently, this was no small task. While I was in the shower, a vase of white roses appeared around the shower curtain. Not known for being a "sensitive" guy, the Assistant Zookeeper definitely won points that morning. He'd also brought home a teddy bear for Heathen #1 to give to his main squeeze, Laken.
Over the course of the day, I managed to pick up cards and chocolate for all my Heathens, nieces, nephew, godson, and godson's brother. And one for the Assistant Zookeeper. We picked up all the boys and we headed to Ponderosa for dinner as the older two Heathens had coupons from school. It was definitely a good day.
This morning, my birthday, I got up the Heathens for church and Sunday School. After church, we came home and the Heathens played for an hour while I curled up in bed beside Assistant Zookeeper. He asked where I would like to go for lunch - and I felt like Taco Bell. :) Then we had some time to kill before attending a birthday party, and we went to Value City. I got myself a new pair of shoes and a fantastic new purse - it's ORANGE! After the party, we came back home. The kids played nicely this evening. And they went to bed without any trouble. It was heaven.
Now, as for my age - I can't say that I'm bothered. I'm not old. And I still don't have a single gray hair. I figure I'm doing pretty good - 3 sons, an assistant zookeeper, and no hair dye yet!
I managed to have a clean red shirt for myself and all the Heathens for Thursday, which was V-Day. Considering the amount of backed up laundry currently, this was no small task. While I was in the shower, a vase of white roses appeared around the shower curtain. Not known for being a "sensitive" guy, the Assistant Zookeeper definitely won points that morning. He'd also brought home a teddy bear for Heathen #1 to give to his main squeeze, Laken.
Over the course of the day, I managed to pick up cards and chocolate for all my Heathens, nieces, nephew, godson, and godson's brother. And one for the Assistant Zookeeper. We picked up all the boys and we headed to Ponderosa for dinner as the older two Heathens had coupons from school. It was definitely a good day.
This morning, my birthday, I got up the Heathens for church and Sunday School. After church, we came home and the Heathens played for an hour while I curled up in bed beside Assistant Zookeeper. He asked where I would like to go for lunch - and I felt like Taco Bell. :) Then we had some time to kill before attending a birthday party, and we went to Value City. I got myself a new pair of shoes and a fantastic new purse - it's ORANGE! After the party, we came back home. The kids played nicely this evening. And they went to bed without any trouble. It was heaven.
Now, as for my age - I can't say that I'm bothered. I'm not old. And I still don't have a single gray hair. I figure I'm doing pretty good - 3 sons, an assistant zookeeper, and no hair dye yet!
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