Ahhh the joys of parenting

Well last week was parent teacher conferences. Being a teacher in the school district gives me the inside perspective on this time honored tradition. All teachers schedule conferences for each and every student in the fall. This is the "feel good", nice to meet you conference, love your child so on and so forth, these drag on for 3 nights. Then there is the February conferences-a one night only show. Soooo which parents get picked to come back in for a February conference? Yes you guessed it, parents of kids with some concerns. Since A has started school we are honored to be invited to the February conference.
First of all know that I am writing this to share a story-a laugh- and in no way am I mocking my oldest son who has the kindest heart and deepest emotions and can engage anyone in a conversation about all kinds of creepy crawlies.
So this is how the night opens up as we walk in the door. Teacher says, "Well I just want you to know you gotta love A's enthusiasm, he was so excited about not burping today after doing it frequently yesterday!" Ahhh, first of all call it what it is, belching, second this is not going to be good.
Overall the kid is proficient to advanced in reading (way to go for having reading recovery way back in first grade), and is moving into the 4th grade multiplication facts. We didn't discuss writing and spelling-think she stopped while she was ahead. The issue is the silly, off-task, class clown behavior that is occuring more frequently-big sigh of relief it has not been a year long event. We discuss, plan and come up with ideas for home and school. The kid is motivated, the first day goes well, he earns his perks at home. All is well, we will keep plugging away he at control and knowing getting a laugh isn't always the best thing and me at acceptance, support and love.


Oh and Q now has his future profession picked out-Marine Biologist and surfing-yeah I know better save our money now for really expensive college or support him while he is a beach bum.

4 down 1 to go

Today was the official day of having my yearly check up after my colon surgery four years ago. I met with my surgeon who goes through all the rounds of scans, blood tests etc..... and shares the info with me. All is well he proclaims I am "fixed" and everything looks good. Ahhhhhh sigh of relief-not that I was too worried about it. But this date and milestone is just as important if not more then Valentine's Day or any other holiday except the boys' birthdays so of course I made plans to celebrate. The day was bliss....I had an hour long deep pressure massage, relaxing lunch with a friend, trip to the library with same friend and of couse excellent conversation as always with same friend.
This entry today is for my friend, soul sister actually, who celebrated with me-my friend Suree. This woman and I have had the best of times together and our share of fights. She has been there for me at the greatest times of my life-my wedding and in the delivery room for A's longggggggg, scary not breathing birth to Q's coming out flying birth. She has been there for the worst-my surgery and constant medical anxiety. She is the one person I can share scary dark truths with and my jagged honesty without fear of judgement, highs and lows of parenting and of course lots of sex talk. She is a person who understands my perfectionistic controlling feelings, competiveness, sensitive side and my blunt, down and dirty sense of humor. We can jam out in the car to crazy songs and it feels like we are 20 again. To her I say thank you for always being there.

Have you talked to your best friend-your soul sister lately? Give her a call:)

Sometimes first does feel good....

Ok any of you who know me well know that I can be a very competitive person. I am trying not to pass those expectations on to my children. I want my boys to focus on effort, persistance, fun and sportsmanship. My oldest has the sportsmanship thing down.

Example-We were discussing BMX racing starting soon and practicing etc. He says to me, "If someone falls I am going to stop my bike and get off and help them up." My verbal comment was to the affect of how nice but it is a race just keep on going-in my head I am thinking, "Absolutely not, that is your chance fly on by!" Who is teaching who??

This example leads to an ice skating event today. My oldest is as he says "not a sports guy but a science guy", so sports are sometimes difficult. He wants to do well and knows exactly how good everyone else is compared to him but goes out there and gives it his best. So today is the "finale" for the last session of ice skating lessons. A has improved considerably this session and hopes to try hockey lessons in the future. The kids are divided into teams and each does a few skills they have learned and their team earns points. My youngest Q-ball goes out there carefree and does his part. It is A's turn, we went and did a last minute practice last night just for today. I am in the bleacher, heart beating, mouth dry, thinking-Please don't let him fall in front of all these people-just this once-he needs this, I NEED this. He gets out there and not only does his skills he NAILS them.

Their team ends up getting first (oh yeah only 3 teams but who cares) and they get a cheesy medal-they are elated. They skate a victory lap,Q with both arms raised, he is competitive:)

As we head out the door to the car A turns to me, "Mom this is the best day ever, my brain is so happy I could cry" Me to big guy, Me to...

Picture from art time today-note still wearing medal:)

The valentine's day diet

Here is the food consumed for the day-School Valentine Day parties are a killer! I am sure the couple pounds I lost last week will be right back where they were...

2 donuts-morning snack and afternoon snack

1-diet coke-my second pop of the week, and third day of some caffinated beverage- there is something wrong with the water at our school and forgot to bring my own-DEHYDRATED

1 mini cupcake and handful of covered pretzels

Delivery pizza on its way, must.....resist........

Truffles given to me by my husband-not sure how many yet, waiting until the greedy chocoholic dwarf (AKA oldest son) goes to bed. The greedy chocoholic giant (me) does not like to share.

The best part of my v-day-oldest son coming home and telling me his teacher said he has been having a great week. I successfully resisted the urge to say, "Aren't all your weeks good?" I am slowly learning to love more, talk less

BUT School conferences next week, I am sure we will here all about it:)

yesssssss

Soooooo hubby is out of town which leads to hectic nights, not good eating and lots of snacking. I don't feel like going to boot camp tonight but know it is GOOD for me so pack up the kids to the neighbors and head out. As a little background the class is not for the faint of heart and the majority that go are in SHAPE. I admire more the people who are not and go and give it their all. The other newbies that have been showing up are a couple of 17 year old hotties who really have no need to work out but they are pretty friendly. There is nothing like making you feel your age (almost 40, yes some good friends of mine, lets start embracing and accepting but not without a fight) then working out next to a hot 17 year old.

So before class the trainer and young girl are discussing the music selection-he mentions a song and says to her, "You know the one from Top Gun" and I obliging point out, " Ummm no Jim she doesn't, she wasn't even born then like the rest of us" and we all have a good laugh and the other girl behind mentions she is 27 and I comment about how young 27 is. The 17 year old hottie turns to me then and says, "Yeah but you look great and are pretty amazing, do you even have kids?" LOVE HER

I about fell over and don't even know if I said thank you (she probably thinks I was rude when I didn't gush) but I was stunned. BUT for once I am accepting a compliment at face value and basking in the glow.

Back.......

Sorry about being out of the blogger loop, nice of some of you to notice. Last weekend I was fighting off some kind of virus, my class started and Shane is out of town this week so nights have been a little busy. I am also trying to stay OFF the computer until the boys go to bed so they can have my full attention. I am an EXCELLENT multitasker to a fault and then do ignore them.
I am also in a pensive mood. My two boys who I love dearly, sometimes drive me crazy and make me wonder if they will grow up to still love me and be "normal" people. Sometimes the little things make me wonder what the heck I am doing as a parent. The talking back and general "mouthiness", arguing, sibling quarreling (remember I have none so treading on foreign soil there), my oldest son's extremely emotional side-(where would that come from), school struggles take me out of my element. I sit and wonder how someone who is considered a wonderful successful teacher by both peers and parents can have moments of what the heck am I doing. Thankfully Shane is a rock, he says I worry too much-can't imagine why he would think that. He says I was not a "normal" kid with my people pleasing behavior-he reminds me often kids are not perfect! Sometimes I just sit back and wonder if my sarcasm, voice raising, over lecturing and occasional loss of temper is causing permanent damage. Uggggggggggg Aren't you so glad you asked me where I have been:) Wow another venting, rambling post-I apologize.


The push up contest-I went from girl push ups in October to being able to do many for boot camp, but guessing you can all beat me, my kids are no help-not that much of an athletic bone in their body. BUT the real challenge is can you do 100 full squats in 3 minutes with a bar and weight?



Ok, off to homework which is ALWAYS a big hit here.