What I Learned This Week

Within the past few months, our church has begun the long road of starting small groups. I am a part of the pilot group and am currently leading a group devoted to parenting. We began our group by reading Gary Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages of Children. We've gotten off to a slow start due to illnesses and schedule conflicts, but I think we are finally getting back on track...just in time for the holidays! LOL!

Anyway, I was nervous about starting this group. I am a teacher and I love "leading" a group of 5-year-olds. But a group of adults? About a topic I am no expert on? That was a bit out of my comfort zone! Luckily the wonderful people who joined the group are also wonderful friends who are going through all the same trials and tribulations that I am going through!

We spent this past Sunday discussing the first two chapters of the book. The first chapter talked a great deal about unconditional love and filling your child's love tank. And this is what I learned:

Every weekend we try so hard to accomplish so many errands and tackle so many projects. Then we spent the time wondering why the kids are so off-the-wall crazy! One of the women in the group mentioned that they child would act up whenever they needed a bit more Mommy or Daddy time, and it all clicked for me! Obviously the kids are trying to tell us to stop and enjoy time with them! So this next weekend...it's all about family!

For more "What I Learned This Week" entries, hop on over to Musing of a Housewife!

What I Learned This Week

The theme for this week is illness...particularly of the H1N1-type!

I have learned...

...when your child struggles to breathe, you head directly to the emergency room and stare intently at the machine that tells you your child's oxygen levels...and prayer for numbers in the high 90s, not the 80s!

...when you walk into said ER with your own mask and share that your child is immuno-suppressed, you get to bypass the 6 hour waiting room wait!

...but be prepared to withstand the glares and dirty looks from all the parents who can't skip the wait.

...Motrin and breathing treatments can make a sick kid feel MUCH better!

...it is possible to be awake enough at 1:00am to drive from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of Tamaflu...and you are so thankful that you live in an urban area that has lots of 24-hour pharmacies!

...people will take two steps back when you share that your child has been diagnosed with H1N1.

...it is really hard to be the parent that goes to work when your sick little ones stay home with the other parent. I was definitely not at 100% today.

...it was super-sweet and sad at the same time to hear Tater say that she had fun going to the hospital because she got Mommy all to herself.

...there is nothing scarier than a child who can't breathe right and not knowing which direction their health is going...and then having to wait if we relapse and get worse.

...even when they are sick, there is nothing better than having a little one to cuddle all night...and that's where I'm heading right now!

What I Learned This Week

I'm joining Jo-Lynne at Musing of a Housewife again this week...and have I ever been learning!

I learned Bruiser's tantrums and biting are a bit more than that of a normal two-year-old. We've learned he has a sensory processing disorder. I've been trying to think of an easy way to describe that but I'm not there yet. He will be starting therapy this week to learn how to direct his energy and anger. And Daddy and I will be learning calming techniques for when he melts down. Hopefully, when he turns three and ages out of Early Intervention, the school department will continue his services. We met with them last week and it went well...we'll get an answer in December (because the brilliant school department is the same brilliant one I work for and they thrive on last minute decisions!).

I did learn that his learning issues are not my fault! I didn't do anything or not do anything to cause him to be this way...and from what I've been told, that's a big step on my part!

I learned we have wonderful friends who helped to make Miss Wiggles' first birthday celebration a success! We had a great day, in spite of the rain.

I learned that even with those great friends, we still missed a few faces...you know who you are and know you were missed!

I learned that a weekend visit with the grandparents is just what the children needed! And it is possible to have Papa and Mimi leave on Monday morning without the downpour of tears!

I learned that if there is chocolate cake on the counter, Bruiser will find a way to get it in his mouth!

I learned that Tater can be dancing around the kitchen and her hand can happen to just fall into the icing!

I learned there must be a black cloud over our house alerting squirrels to commit suicide in our fountain - we had our third one this weekend and we don't even live in the country!

I learned Bruiser cannot go to dance class and wait! IT DOES NOT WORK!!!!!

I learned the dreaded flu has hit our school and I just want to curl up in my house and keep my little ones healthy!

What I Learned This Week

As adults, we think we know so much! Then we become parents and learn that we know NOTHING!!!! Here's a taste of my newly learned lessons from this week!

1. We are soccer drop-outs! Tater has hung up the towel, turned in the cleats, and retired her jersey. We skipped this past week because it was really chilly and Tater had a bad cough. Daddy asked her if she wanted to go to soccer this next week and she responded, "No, thanks...I think soccer is all done."

2. Just when you think you are moving on with your life after important friends move away, your children know how to break your heart once again! Tater said today "When is Pastor Liz coming back? I miss her!" and Miss Wiggles has been calling for "Na-na, Na-na!" again. They just know how to bring back the tears!

3. Bruiser remains a mystery. We thought we were progressing with his speech therapy but now the therapists are seeing evidence of some sensory issues. You fix one thing to discover that something else might be broken? Craziness! But say a prayer for us - we head for his first IEP meting with the school department on Thursday and I'm nervous about how it will go!

4. There is nothing better than homemade, fresh-popped popcorn!


5. Babies DO grow up - no matter how hard you try to stop them! This time last year, I was anxiously waiting to meet Miss Wiggles and now she is almost one! She has been the best surprise for our family and we treasure every moment, every giggle, every wiggle with her...

...even those that seem to be occurring in the middle of the night! Miss Wiggles has discovered the joy of having time alone with Mommy and Daddy after the others are in bed. She has learned to cry until we get her up so she doesn't wake the other ones and then she giggles and cuddles away. Who could be upset with that? But when you don't go to bed until midnight, this is how you look at your morning nap time - snores and all!


6. You can struggle with health issues for months on end and finally find the answers you need and a few blessings hidden inside! Tater has had terrible eczema since birth, which has grown into an extreme case within the past few months. After waiting since August for an appointment (and that's by going through my doctor's office - by myself, it would have been December!), we saw the most wonderful dermatologist who prescribed the miracle medicine! Twice a day we lather Tater with a cortisone oil lotion with a peanut oil base. It smells yummy and has worked wonders! But it does tends to be a bit greasy and we now have these permanent reminders right outside our bedroom door! Too sweet!

7. That same sweetness has learned the power behind her cuteness. While on the phone with Papa one night this week, I asked Tater if she wanted to talk to talk with him. She started looking all sad and said "No, thank you. I'm too sad until my Papa gets here to my house." She sure made Papa's "heart sad"!

On that note, I'm off to clean for weekend guests (yes, Papa and Mimi are going to Tater's house!), continue with the never ending laundry, and continue with the party planning (Miss Wiggles is turning one whether I like it or not!).

What I Learned This Week

*We began behavior charts, trying to calm down the whiny one (Tater) and impatient one (Bruiser). And I questioned how well Bruiser would understand the process - since he is only 2! Well, Sunday I walked into the kitchen and found him adding stickers to his chart. He had reached up and pulled down the stickers where I had them hanging - supposedly out of his reach! - and decided he had earned stickers all on his own. I asked him why he was putting stickers on the chart and he responded with "I good listener, Momma!" And to top it all off, he was putting the stickers next to the good listener spot!

*Four-year-olds really crack me up! Tater was riding in the car with Daddy on Saturday when all of a sudden she announced, "I'm having a concert in five minutes, Daddy. You had better start singing or you're out!" And what did Daddy do? He started singing!

*Later that day, I told Tater she could go to the grocery store with me if she got dressed. She said to Daddy, "okay, roll over (he was laying on the floor) and I'll scratch your back one time. Then you have to get me dressed." Who needs parents when you have a little mommy!

* Miss Wiggles can be so cute and so bad at the same time! She was cuddling up to me the other night, being super cute!, when all of a sudden she chomped down on my arm! I yelped and told her "NO!" and she promptly burst into tears! She looked so sad that I couldn't possibly stay mad at her!

* Calendars are a good thing until you forget to look at them and double-book yourself! I missed my book club (and well-deserved adult time!) today because I scheduled Bruiser's speech therapy at the same time! Grrrrr!

* We love Tater's new dermatologist! We have lotion (actually more of an oil) that actually stops her itchies and a plan of attack to heal her! If only it hadn't taken so long to get an appointment!

* Everyone says how important it is to get a flu shot but no one tells you how much work it is to actually arrange for them! We have two shots down and four more to go (Miss Wiggles has to get two doses!) - and that's not even counting the H1N1! But the good news was that Bruiser and Miss Wiggles went yesterday and Miss Wiggles' 12 month check-up was scheduled for exactly one month later when she needs her second flu shot - I couldn't have planned it any better!

* The bite of a two-year-old really hurts when its you, but it breaks your heart when his victim his baby sister! Any advise on how to get him to stop? We tried soap in his mouth and he just asked for more!

* There is nothing better at the end of a crazy, stressful day than the hugs and kisses of your little ones!

What I Learned This Week

This week I'm joining Jo-Lynne's carnival - with a list!

I learned...

...quick weekend trips are never quick!

...our life never seems to go as planned - why do children always get sick when you are out of town? And have to travel 6 hours in the car to get home?

...I don't dread Daddy going away on business - I CAN do this all on my own!

...it feels really good to crawl into bed at 8:00 and watch TV!

...I need a cleaning lady!

...two-year-olds love the praise they get for using the potty but still refuse to do it own their own! Come on, Bruiser Boy...we want to stop buying diapers!

...Miss Wiggles will NEVER give up her bottle!

...the sweetest thing ever is watching your baby take her first step...to you!

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What I Learned This Week

This week I'm re-joining Jo-Lynne's carnival!

I learned...

...its really hard to work, take care of three children, clean the house, cook real meals, do the laundry, and try to enjoy quality family time...and Daddy's really don't get it!

...it's the little things that matter to little one - like taking snack to preschool and bringing home a new Matchbox car!

...there is nothing better than enjoying a crisp fall day with your family and good group of friends!

...four-year-olds love to bake and create...

...and four-year-olds know how to lie! Oh, yes! Tater was "doing art" yesterday and cut her nightgown accidentally. Instead of telling me what really happened, she fabricated a story of Shadow biting her "really hard!" I quickly caught on when I realized Shadow wasn't even in the house during the event! I think Daddy and I are in for some really trouble in the years to come!

...babies grow up WAY too fast! And they think its okay to learn how to motor on two feet. And they know just how to upset their older siblings and sit back enjoy the screaming they create - which happened about five seconds after this picture was taken!

...it's so much fun to win a blog contest (Thanks, Muzbeecrazy!)

...boys can be potty trained...with the angle of bribery!

...parents of three toddlers need to have a really good sense of humor, unlike most of the world!

...children's excitement about going "up the hill to Papa's house" is contagious!

What I Learned This Week

I am finally re-joining Jo-Lynne at Musing of a Housewife for What I Learned This Week! It's amazing how easily you can get off track...especially in the summer!

1. I learned that I can survive with three children for an entire week without Daddy - and actually enjoy it!

2. I learned that five days of full-day VBS is too much for a child with a fragile immune system. Tater is in a full relapse with her kidney disease and we are saying crazy prayers that she is better by Sunday (when I fly alone with the three children to Papa and Mimi's).

3. I learned that when you call the airline in a panic and ask if Daddy can get a gate pass because you are traveling alone with three children 4 and under, the airline is just as panic as you! It's amazing how easily we got the gate pass - I should have done this sooner!

4. I learned that Bruiser can be excited to see his school and then refuse to get out of the car.

5. I learned there is nothing better than hearing Tater say her own prayer at dinner because she learned how to talk to God at VBS!

"Dear God, You are great. Thank you for this food. Thank you for helping Daddy make the food. That's it!"

6. I learned that I love the freedom of Daddy being back so I can run errands and go for walks without kids!

7. I learned that the kids really can entertain themselves for a bit while I read.

8. I learned that G-Baby is growing up way to fast - she loves to be on the ground and moving (not real crawling yet!) all around.

9. I so use this blog for bribery - "If you do swim lessons, I'll take picture and put it on the blog!"

10. I remembered that I LOVE SUMMER VACATION!

What I Learned This Week!

When I wrote my entry yesterday, it was to help restore my mental state, but I really should have thought ahead...it SO could have been today's "What I Learned This Week"! But I suppose that would be considered cheating in blog world, so I will dig deep and think about what I learned this week!

1. Change is inevitable. Enough said but click here if you want to know more!

2. A missing child is a very, very, very scary thing in a mommy's life! Again, enough said but click here if you want to know more!

3. It is impossible to try to understand a man's thought process. Daddy actually thought this was the right place to leave all his tools!

4. You can live in a great neighborhood, full of friendly people who love your kids and animals like their own, and there will still be one bad seed! I debated about posting about this but it's still bugging me and I can't let it go! So time for some writing therapy! Last week, one of our neighbors called the "puppy police" (what Tater calls them!) on Shadow. So we had a friendly visit from the local animal control officer, who very nicely explained to Daddy that "a neighbor" was irritated by Shadow's constant barking and that she knew of several other neighbors (who have dogs that bark and cry more than Shadow!) who felt that way too. Oh, and by the way we forgot renew our dog licence. Well, we admitted to forgetting about the licence (life got away from us again!) but his rabies was up-to-date and we were all set on that front. As for the barking, I have kept a journal of Shadow's noises for the past week (like I have nothing better to do!) and guess what - 10 barks and 7 growls. Hmmmmm...I wonder who is barking because its not Shadow! Unless someone has super-sensitive ears and those 10 little barks set off her bad attitude!

5. And, speaking of dogs, this is what happens when your child's ball goes over the fence and into the yard of three dogs!

6. Finally, I have found a new decorating passion! On Friday night, my friend drug me along to a home party for Uppercase Living and I fell in love! For those of you who aren't familiar with the company, Uppercase Living produces vinyl quotes and expressions that you adhere to your walls for accents. They are affordable and fun! I just placed my order today, so when they arrive, I'll post pictures!

What I Learned This Week!

I learned...

...an ear infection in a child with tubes looks like his ear is draining blood...ugh!

...children with ear infections don't sleep!

...that when the nurse at the pediatrician's office sees that crazy Mommy look in your eyes after the receptionist tells you that you are going to have to come back in three hours with all three children again - in the same day - they amazingly find an immediately available doctor to check your son's bleeding ear!

...there are times you can reason with a 4-year-old but only if they are willing to listen!

...bribery is a natural part of motherhood! While we were at our local Target shopping for any toy Tater wanted so she would go on stage and dance all four of her numbers at her recital, we ran into a good friend and her son shopping for any toy he wanted so he would take his medicine for the week! And we are both educated teachers!

...children love interactive, creative learning experiences (well I already knew this!). Now that we are at the end of the school year, I have taught my required curriculum and have few weeks left for some fun learning! We started a unit on graphing this week and the children have never listened or responded better! Makes you think about how we are teaching them!

...it is fun to win giveaways from fellow bloggers! Thanks Occupation Mommy and Mommy Needs Therapy!

...I have amazing friends who know just when I need some help! Thanks, Dana, for taking G-Baby last week! Thanks, Kim, for the yummy meal! My back is on the mend...barely! I wish I knew how I hurt it!

What I Learned This Week

I learned...

1. A Mommy with a stiff neck and lots of pain is not a patient and effective Mommy!

2. We have great friends and we love to spend time with time and there is always room for new friends in our life! We spent an amazing Memorial Day with a great mix of friends from all different aspects of our life. We also met a great new group of friends through our church on Saturday who we hope to continue meeting with over the summer - we had a blast!

3. I really miss preschool afternoons!

4. Every time I think of the impending recital (this weekend!!!), I am filled with dread! I hope my little dancer is ready for this!

5. No matter how cold the water is...if there is a pool, children will go in!

6. It is impossible to type on the computer with such a pain in the neck (and I mean a real pain - not just a husband, child or dog!).

What I Learned This Week

1. I learned I have a big girl who has finished her first year of preschool. When did she get so big? I can still picture her coming home from the hospital, sleeping in her infant seat, and snuggling into my neck. Now she's already had the first school experience - and runs into school to see her friends! Is it possible to stop time - has anyone figured that one out yet?

2. I learned that having your husband install a floor in your powder room may not be worth the cost of paying someone to do it (and I just realized this in the past five minutes as I am listening to my husband work!).

3. I learned that a good book group is an awesome thing to be a part of! It encourages you to read (obviously the main purpose!) and grows great friendships!

4. I learned where I am on my spiritual journey and where I want to be...and I'm working on building that path.

5. I learned that even a veteran mother of three can misdiagnose an ear infection. It makes me so mad when I make all the arrangements to get one of the kids to the doctor only to discover said child has a COLD and not an infection that calls for any kind of medication! Shouldn't I know better?

6. I learned to not leave a gallon of paint at my children's level without the lid being Super Glued on. I learned that 4-year-olds and 2-year-olds find paint fascinating. I learned that when your 4-year-old says "Mommy, Bruiser made something and you're not going to be happy!" you come running - fast! I learned that if you move very fast, you can clean up wet paint! I learned grandparents NEVER see the bad in what grandchildren do (and no, Papa, giving Tater one scoop of ice cream instead of two is not the appropriate punishment!). I also learned that some people (mainly those not directly involved in the crisis) can't understand why you didn't stop and take pictures before you cleaned up the mess.

What I Learned Ths Week

1. I learned that you CAN teach all morning, manage the preschool run, follow your son through early intervention, do the preschool pick-up, make dinner, haul all three kids to dance class, and attend a church meeting...all on an hour of sleep (I think anyway...I'll let you know tomorrow!).

2. I learned that there are times as a parent that you will actually root AGAINST your child! Bruiser failed his speech evaluation today which qualifies him for more therapy and I actually cheered! You moms can understand - when your children need something (and Bruiser needs help with his talking!), you want to do everything to help them - including wishing and praying with all your might that they fail! I guess it falls under the same category of when you take your child to the doctor and you are praying that he has an ear infection so it is a justified visit...you understand!

3. I rediscovered the sweet innocence of seeing your baby baptised and blessed in the eyes of God - even when your older children are screaming and running all around you.

4. I learned there is nothing sadder than having to pry your four-year-old off her Papa when its time for him to leave and then having to listen to her scream at the door "I need my Poppy!"

5. I learned how wonderful it is to have friends that know just what you need and when you need it.

6. I learned that I can stand strong in my faith and I can support my beliefs and that I can surround myself with others who have the same faith and beliefs.

7. I learned that it is a lot easier to be a dedicated kindergarten teacher when you are not pregnant...even when you only got one hour of sleep the night before!

8. And I have re-affirmed that there is no better job than being a mommy!

What I Learned This Week

1. I learned (or maybe was reminded!) that it is very hard to think when its this nice outside - I just want to play outside and go to the beach! I just can't be as creative as some other Mommy Bloggers - not today anyway!

2. I learned that even though no one can understand your two-year-old, he doesn't neccessarily qulify for services (more to come on this frustrating topic!).

3. I'm learning that I am just a character in God's story...and I will share more as I learn more about that role!

4. I learned that giving a baby shots is just mean and that older siblings don't like to watch or hear the screaming that comes with it!

5. I learned that organization never lasts!

6. I learned that disappointment is still rotten even to a mommy. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (which I think is actually next week), our PTA arranged for all the teachers to get 15 minute chair massages today. Then about an hour before my scheduled time they announced that they are being postponed until next week - so disappointing!

7. I learned that you can miss your four-year-old so bad it actually makes your heart hurt! Two more "stucks" until Tater returns to the House of Sprout - Mommy and Daddy are counting the hours!

8. I learned that a baby can eat and eat and be a total munch and still not gain enough weight to even be on the growth chart - don't the rolls on G-Baby's legs mean anything?

9. I remembered that even though spring flowers and trees are beautiful, they still make me itch and feel miserable!

10. And the biggest revelation that my husband and I had this weekend was...we have outgrown our house and we can't think about moving anytime soon! Too many kids, too much stuff, and not enough money to fix it!

What I Learned This Week

I have been reading this weekly posting on several blogs I visit and finally decided to jump on board - here goes!

This week I learned that needing a break from your children doesn't mean you are a bad mommy - it makes you a better mommy!

I learned that as much as you enjoy those rare breaks, you miss your little ones the entire time!

I learned that you can transition your toddler into a big boy bed without sleepless nights - way to go, Bruiser Boy!

I learned that G-Baby knows all about food and doesn't want to be left out - even at six months!

I learned that it is awesome to have other moms to share trials, tribulations, and praises with!