Giving Back

All in all, the weekend has been pretty chill for us and today has been rather chilly temperature wise. We have had a pretty low key weekend and it is just what we needed around here. We all needed to recharge our batteries since Thanksgiving is this week and we then head into the Christmas frenzy. Did I mention we have decided to spend it at the beach this year! 

In the meantime, here are photos are from Tuesday when I volunteered at Mae's school. They packed lunches for a homeless shelter, including decorating the bags. I was lucky to snap some photos of Mae in action and with her whole class. Have I mentioned how much I love her school? And I love that they are teaching the importance of giving. 

History 101

This book was sitting on our coffee table downstairs (as I am using it to address Christmas cards).

Mae: Who is this? 
Me: That is one of the Presidents of the United States, George W. Bush. I used to work for him.
[I wait expecting many more questions to follow and be able to give a little history lesson].
Mae: That looks like Grandpa. [Points to his mouth and I can only guess the serious expression].
Mae: [Points to his hair] He also has grey hair like Grandpa. 

There you have it. My dad could be 43's doppelgänger - at least in the eyes of Mae. 

Rising Star

My parents were over yesterday and mentioned that they are holding a nativity play at church and was wondering if Mae was going to participate. On the way to school today I asked Mae if she might be interested in participating since she loves acting and theatrics. Here is our conversation.

Me: Hey Mae, Grandma and Grandpa mentioned there was going to be a nativity play that you could participate. Would you be interested?
Mae: Mom what is the nativity?
Me: It is the story of Baby Jesus' birth. 
Mae: I would rather be in Cinderella. 
Me: I understand but that isn't what is being put on. 
Mae: I want to play Mary. 

Kind Yet Firm

I must and need to continue repeating to myself KIND AND FIRM. KIND and FIRM. KIND and FIRM. KIND and FIRM. Why?

Whit is giving us a run for our money. I would almost, actually not even almost, I would emphatically say he is out of control. Case in point. Yesterday, I took Whitaker to Home Depot to pick up a few things. During the actual shopping he was ok. However, when it came time to checkout he threw a major tantrum over not being able to use the pin pad to pay, which led him to hurling a paint brush threw the parking lot. I am not proud of my reaction but I threw his beloved owl in the parking lot and told him we were leaving him there because he threw the paint brush. I, of course, went and picked owl up and told him he was not allowed to throw anything else.

Kind yet firm, kind yet firm, kind yet firm.

After Home Depot, we had to run to grocery store to pick up some rice for dinner. I decided not to get  a cart because we were literally running to grab one thing. Go figure on the way to get the rice, Whitaker found "monster" soap he wanted. "Fine, get it," I said. As we head to the checkout I groan to myself because all seven lines, including UCheck had five people deep in them. Note to self: DON'T go shopping on Sunday at 5:00 pm. Anywho, I said a little prayer hoping the UPick Line I picked moved quickly. My prayers were unanswered. In the five minute time it took me to check out, Whitaker had a major meltdown because I wouldn't let him open the soap in the store. After taking it away from him and saying, "NO" repeatedly,  he threw himself on the floor and cried. But that only lasted about 2 minutes. He then got up, went and ran down one of the aisles, took off both shoes, and threw them down the aisle so I couldn't see them. Yep, he walked out of there with no shoes on and everyone staring at us.

Kind yet firm, kind yet firm, kind yet firm. 

Today, at the end of gymnastics Whitaker decided to use the water fountain repeatedly. Of course, he got wet. And of course, he decided to take off his shirt and pants after repeatedly telling him he couldn't get naked there. Yep, we walked out of there with no clothes but a diaper on.

Kind yet firm, kind yet firm, kind yet firm. 

These are all just examples of out of control moments in a less then 24 hours span. I could chronicle many many more. Wish me luck that I can stay kind yet firm - my new parenting mantra.

Another Day, Another Farm

Mae didn't have school today because it was Veterans Day. As a side track to this post and for what matters most...For those that have served, serve, and will serve a big thank you. An even bigger thank you to the families that do not serve directly but share in the weight of protecting a nation by caring for babies, children, and family life, while those men and women can do their jobs. 

With no school, we decided to check out another local farm, the Frying Pan Farm in Herndon. It was a good day for the most part. Mae had a few meltdowns but nothing too drastic. Heather and John also joined us! 

Preview of the photos I took for Christmas cards this year. 

Future Barista

Daylight savings occurred last Sunday and with the time change, Whitaker is getting up even earlier then usual, if that is even possible. He normally rises anytime between 5 and 6 am. Have I mentioned that I despise this with every bone in my body? I have tried everything from putting him to bed later and shortening his nap, regardless he still gets up this early. With the clocks falling back, the last few days Whit has been up in the 4 o'clock hour. Oh the horror of it all! Really, it is hel. 

So, if you get up this early you got to learn how to make coffee. 

Sick

I failed to mention last week, despite it consuming all my energy, that Whit had a nasty bug. He developed a fever Sunday night and lasted till Thursday night. His temperature ran anywhere from 99 to 102 degrees. Along with the fever he had (still has) a hacking cough and cold. It sucked. Whit hasn't slept a decent night since and has been in a terrible mood (understandably). Right as Whit's fever went away, Mae wake up with a super low grade fever of 99 degrees on Friday morning. She didn't go to school and despite still having a hacking cough all weekend she seemed like she was better. Until about 2 pm today when after napping (something she never ever does), she woke up like a monster. I touched her forward and she was burning up. The thermometer confirmed a fever of 102.9. I am so annoyed and already over this time of year that inevitably makes everyone sick with one or two or more countless nasty bugs. Hopefully tomorrow everyone wakes up a little bit healthier or if not then better equipped to handle it.  

Whit at my parents house just laid down in the middle of the living room and went to sleep.