Pandemonium
Two (and a half!) Christmas cookies for C. today was "one too many" according to Dad as a flash of limbs blurs by us. "Careful!" I say more than (insert large number here) times, sometimes before the crash, sometimes after.
Balance. Rhythm. Priorities.
These themes surface more and more now that I am of "advanced maternal age". And yet, Pandemonium reigns. Well maybe it doesn't reign, but it sure rains down upon us often enough.
Advent and preparing for Christmas has always been a special, favorite time for me. Advent wreath lighting, advent calendars (sometimes hand wrapped messages from mom), watering a real tree in our home, setting up the Nativity scene, decorating sugar cookies, even circling rock tumblers and easy bake ovens in the JC Penney catalog... what's not to like?
Now that I have children of my own, I realize that what made it into our lives and traditions must have in fact been very deliberate. The amount expected to be crammed into this season is hectic and overwhelming, and even pandemonium inducing. Without some sense of balance and priorities you are likely to be run over by a reindeer.
As toddler L. sings "Dudo" the red nose reindeer, I realize that although animated reindeer are not on top of our holiday priority list, music is. Although I favor some of the more religious, heart wrenching tunes (What Child Is This, O Holy Night), little C. would be happy to keep "Albert" and the Chipmunks on repeat. Watching my kids dance along with records just as we did, gives a very warm feeling indeed.
Tripping along is how we are doing in regard to the rest of our traditions.
St. Nicholas did come! Luckily we forgot to check our stockings in the morning as they weren't actually filled until a bit later.
The tree was decorated... not a real one... not white lights... But pleasantly weighted down with 3-4 ornaments per branch by toddler L.
We do have an Advent calendar on the wall and remember to read it... at least every day or two.
The Nativity scene is up, but C. made our stable out of a Melissa and Doug frog, singing tea kettle and lavender pillow (so the angel could look down where he lay) :) There may also be a chip in baby Jesus, but I am not exactly sure when this occurred.
We light a candle at dinner, but only tonight (on the second Sunday of Advent) do I realize it's C.'s Thanksgiving candle and maybe we should have moved on to Advent candles by now...
No decorating of sugar cookies (thanks Mom!, that must have been a lot of work!!), but we did mix up some Puppy Chow and Krispy Treats.
We have no art project's involving a child's hand or footprint yet (we need Erica to help us with those anyway), but we did make some potpourri and wreaths! Wreaths were possibly my favorite activity with C. this year because they were made with Daddy's old 45 records on a day that was exceptionally warm. They were absolutely free to make and they turned out cute! C. wanted to stay out cutting branches (from our bushes) all day!
Priorities? Time together. Treats. Traditions. Music. Making.
Balance? Involving the senses of smell, taste, sight, touch, sound. And as my children remind me, movement!
Rhythm? Well, maybe next year!
Happy Holidays to you and yours!!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
the weekend toddler L really started talking
It was a Cinco de Mayo just like any other; lounging poolside following a candlelit dinner celebrating our close friends' marriage in Palm Springs, California. Sipping margaritas that were like sampling a fruit and veggie platter, full of fresh cucumbers and handmade by the groom...
Well by now you may have guessed, I never really had a Cinco de Mayo quite like this before.. The moments captured that weekend left me both reaching and remembering.
A weekend drenched with the luxuries of sweet sun, mountain backdrop, cool pool water, not to mention delicious food with every lift of the fork. But also the luxuries bestowed only upon parents vacationing away from their children. Vacating? A vacancy and void that allows you to stay up as late as you once did, to drink more than you lately have, to sleep (without one eye open) for more hours than you have in at least a year.
I mourn my old identity that carried the irresponsibility of independence. Knowing I could do whatever I please and make it back safe and sound no matter how many roads less traveled I chose.
We strolled through a second hand store without having to wrangle children into a shopping cart. I was able to wander at my own pace, meeting up with my honey from time to time throughout the store. It wasn't just a mission just to get through without breaking anything or a rush past my favorite glassware to get to the toy section. It was so enjoyable.
It was so nice to have "couple time" with my spouse. And talk to him. To talk when I wasn't completely exhausted.
It was so nice to see friends. And talk with them. And listen with both ears instead of one. To make spontaneous plans with them!
It was so nice to see the bride and groom surrounded by people, (pets) and images held dear to them. Simply put, to feel the open exchange of good energy from good people, and without the constant distractions that parenthood brings.
And yet, can it be anything but bittersweet to find yourself in a hotel swimming pool without your children? As fun as it is to watch Kevin put his head under water, it's just not the same thrill as when little C or L do it and come up sputtering and grinning. So I'm left reaching and remembering. Wanting to hold everything all at once. Appreciating.
Well by now you may have guessed, I never really had a Cinco de Mayo quite like this before.. The moments captured that weekend left me both reaching and remembering.
A weekend drenched with the luxuries of sweet sun, mountain backdrop, cool pool water, not to mention delicious food with every lift of the fork. But also the luxuries bestowed only upon parents vacationing away from their children. Vacating? A vacancy and void that allows you to stay up as late as you once did, to drink more than you lately have, to sleep (without one eye open) for more hours than you have in at least a year.
I mourn my old identity that carried the irresponsibility of independence. Knowing I could do whatever I please and make it back safe and sound no matter how many roads less traveled I chose.
We strolled through a second hand store without having to wrangle children into a shopping cart. I was able to wander at my own pace, meeting up with my honey from time to time throughout the store. It wasn't just a mission just to get through without breaking anything or a rush past my favorite glassware to get to the toy section. It was so enjoyable.
It was so nice to have "couple time" with my spouse. And talk to him. To talk when I wasn't completely exhausted.
It was so nice to see friends. And talk with them. And listen with both ears instead of one. To make spontaneous plans with them!
It was so nice to see the bride and groom surrounded by people, (pets) and images held dear to them. Simply put, to feel the open exchange of good energy from good people, and without the constant distractions that parenthood brings.
And yet, can it be anything but bittersweet to find yourself in a hotel swimming pool without your children? As fun as it is to watch Kevin put his head under water, it's just not the same thrill as when little C or L do it and come up sputtering and grinning. So I'm left reaching and remembering. Wanting to hold everything all at once. Appreciating.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Quality Control
2012 has brought some very mild, new year's resolutions. Rather than lofty outcomes, I wanted to engage in meaningful processes. I broke it down into 4 categories and have been trying to do something from each category everyday... or at least every couple days. (The idea being to support and encourage myself rather than berate myself for failure.)
1. Giving! I've got a groovy husband, sweet kids, supportive family, house, vehicles, plenty of food, Health, a good job, thoughtful friends, heat, running/clean/hot water. And quite honestly, in comparison to what I have been blessed with, I share very little. Like a percentage of a percent. So in my effort to be more aware and give more I have:
Shared Paczki with my patients, taught Yoga at C's school, signed up with Interfaith to be an occasional driver, brought cupcakes to the neighbors, donated clothes/books/ toys to a family that lost their possessions in a fire.
2. Receiving! Even with all I have to be thankful for (see above), I often feel exhausted and frustrated. I take SO much for granted. I want to be more aware of positive energies, thoughts, and actual things flowing into my life. So far in my attempt at grace-filled receiving I have accepted:
An entire weekend of childcare from my parents, a free drink and chips at the bar from my favorite wedding officiant, a Valentine from C.C. , giggles from Lulu, orange juice when I was sick from Kevs, and a nap both to myself and from myself.
3. Creating! This is one aspect of myself that I have let slip away to some extent since filling my life with a spouse and kids. Lack of time is somewhat to blame, but I know it doesn't take much time to add creativity to everyday activities. So with a little effort we were able to:
Do chalk drawings outside (it's been a mild winter!), stamp cards and decorate gift bags, create Mardi Gras masks, make tub paint for the kids bathtime, make a set of thank you cards for a glowing Bride to Be, make Valentines, write a poem, and work on a handmade recipe book.
4. Moving! This is a nice way of telling myself to exercise more. And to enjoy it! And that it doesn't need to be difficult, complex or painful. And that my family is depending on me to be around for a while. That involves me participating in some sort of exercise for my sake, their sake and as an example for my kids of how to do it.
Well this has been the hardest for me so far. It usually consists of doing some quick exercise before bed when I realize I haven't done anything all day.
Most pitiful journal entries include, things like "knee bends", "squats" or "hip circles". As in, I did 15 knee bends in an entire day...
Most proud moment... leading that Kids Yoga Class! (and seeing all those little 3,4, and 5 year old "trees" attempting to reach and balance in unison)
Well it's 9:15. Time to do some paperwork and then maybe a few sit-ups...
1. Giving! I've got a groovy husband, sweet kids, supportive family, house, vehicles, plenty of food, Health, a good job, thoughtful friends, heat, running/clean/hot water. And quite honestly, in comparison to what I have been blessed with, I share very little. Like a percentage of a percent. So in my effort to be more aware and give more I have:
Shared Paczki with my patients, taught Yoga at C's school, signed up with Interfaith to be an occasional driver, brought cupcakes to the neighbors, donated clothes/books/ toys to a family that lost their possessions in a fire.
2. Receiving! Even with all I have to be thankful for (see above), I often feel exhausted and frustrated. I take SO much for granted. I want to be more aware of positive energies, thoughts, and actual things flowing into my life. So far in my attempt at grace-filled receiving I have accepted:
An entire weekend of childcare from my parents, a free drink and chips at the bar from my favorite wedding officiant, a Valentine from C.C. , giggles from Lulu, orange juice when I was sick from Kevs, and a nap both to myself and from myself.
3. Creating! This is one aspect of myself that I have let slip away to some extent since filling my life with a spouse and kids. Lack of time is somewhat to blame, but I know it doesn't take much time to add creativity to everyday activities. So with a little effort we were able to:
Do chalk drawings outside (it's been a mild winter!), stamp cards and decorate gift bags, create Mardi Gras masks, make tub paint for the kids bathtime, make a set of thank you cards for a glowing Bride to Be, make Valentines, write a poem, and work on a handmade recipe book.
4. Moving! This is a nice way of telling myself to exercise more. And to enjoy it! And that it doesn't need to be difficult, complex or painful. And that my family is depending on me to be around for a while. That involves me participating in some sort of exercise for my sake, their sake and as an example for my kids of how to do it.
Well this has been the hardest for me so far. It usually consists of doing some quick exercise before bed when I realize I haven't done anything all day.
Most pitiful journal entries include, things like "knee bends", "squats" or "hip circles". As in, I did 15 knee bends in an entire day...
Most proud moment... leading that Kids Yoga Class! (and seeing all those little 3,4, and 5 year old "trees" attempting to reach and balance in unison)
Well it's 9:15. Time to do some paperwork and then maybe a few sit-ups...
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
they say the darndest things
Sometimes what kids say (or hear!) is good for a chuckle. Sadly, I forget most of these hilarious comments, but here are a few that have not yet floated away.
When Big Brother C was angry at his teacher he exclaimed, "I'm gonna get Mrs. Becker!..." (He saw mom's eyebrows go up) and quickly added, "A present". Good save kid, good save.
Or when I didn't want to discourage him from eating a healthy dinner by letting him know what was really in it. I told daddy there were hidden V-E-G-E-T-A-B-L-E-S in it. Four year old C looks at me with wide eyes and asks "Really?" I am so impressed! When has he learned to spell?! Until he adds, "There are REAL letters in this?"
What about Toddler L? Well, I put on her mittens and she says, "AHHHH, NOO!" and shakes her hands vigorously until mittens fly into snowbanks. Then she notices her exposed, cold fingers and shrieks, AHHH, NOOO!" So mommy offers her the now slightly damp mittens and she responds, "Why thank you mama, you are ever so kind. Please forgive me for my previous outburst." Or something like that.
When Big Brother C was angry at his teacher he exclaimed, "I'm gonna get Mrs. Becker!..." (He saw mom's eyebrows go up) and quickly added, "A present". Good save kid, good save.
Or when I didn't want to discourage him from eating a healthy dinner by letting him know what was really in it. I told daddy there were hidden V-E-G-E-T-A-B-L-E-S in it. Four year old C looks at me with wide eyes and asks "Really?" I am so impressed! When has he learned to spell?! Until he adds, "There are REAL letters in this?"
What about Toddler L? Well, I put on her mittens and she says, "AHHHH, NOO!" and shakes her hands vigorously until mittens fly into snowbanks. Then she notices her exposed, cold fingers and shrieks, AHHH, NOOO!" So mommy offers her the now slightly damp mittens and she responds, "Why thank you mama, you are ever so kind. Please forgive me for my previous outburst." Or something like that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)