Summer Break, Day 19

Our male resident uses the same bedroom set I had as a youngling. The rails for the headboard and footboard are set about 1-2 inches too wide for a standard twin bed. While growing up, I always had 1x4 boards to prop the boxspring up into the rails. Along the way, those have gone missing. I had a solid MDF board cut to the measurements I took, but having moved cross-country twice now, the corners of the MDF have gotten ruined. The mattress set keeps falling between the rails--a very dangerous situation, indeed. I made the executive decision today to remove the bed frame until we can cut our own 1x4 boards. 

This now means our oldest 2 residents dwell upon a mattress set simply placed directly on the floor. The youngest is the only one with a proper raised bed. In August, my Maternal Unit will bring a bunk bed set for the female residents to share in their room. The goal now is to have the middle resident's bed repaired by then. Our timing depends on the Co-Creator's willingness to utilize the table saw so he can cut the boards necessary for this repair.

The male inhabitant is disappointed in this decision to remove his bed frame. While placing the boxspring on the floor, I discovered a secret stash of junk under the bed. Said inhabitant must now clean his room without shoving items under the bed. Mutiny is at hand. I must go fight the good fight now.

Summer Break, Day 17: VBS

Ah, the joys of the School of Vacation Bibles... er...  That is, Vacation Bible School.  Yes.  The inhabitants all attended their first evening of VBS.  The youngest remained in a state of confusion about the darkness of the eve while at church.  After all, we have only ever been to this house of worship in the morning hours with her.  She also constantly felt teased because she saw me over and over again in the hallways, but I was not there to remove her from the premises.  Needless to say, the littlest resident was not overly thrilled with her evening.  She did, however, get marshmallows for snack.  That soothed her grumpy soul.

The middle inhabitant had a difficult transition from Tae Kwon Do to VBS.  In the first activity, he was able to move about freely and received his new High White belt (the physical belt, as an award for his test last week); not so much in the second activity.  There was dancing at VBS--a much detestable action according to our middle youngling.  This male resident requires a lot of physical outlets for his excessive energy--dancing is a very rare occurrence.  Would that I could have 3 acres of land to send him out exploring bugs and other testosterone-inducing counterparts.  Alas, our 1/3 acre will have to make do for now.

The firstborn had a pleasant day.  As always, her day began with an electronic screen.  She chose, of her own volition, to then read a book for a lengthy stretch.  At TKD, she also received her physical belt.  The Yellow Belt now means she can begin sparring with her fellow Martial Artists.  The Co-Creator and I are excited to see her reaction to the first sparring lesson she receives.  Will she be shocked at how difficult it is, or will it be simple for her?  Time will tell.  This particular inhabitant is difficult to predict.  Her reaction to VBS tonight was predictable, however.  She loved every minute of it!  Dancing, singing, making crafts and talking about the Savior are her most favorite things.  Combine them like this and she has a certain euphoria in the aftermath.  Bedtime was most difficult tonight, as she was still on a high from her experience.  In fact, both female residents were difficult to put to bed this evening.  The male inhabitant, however, was asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.  These young ones are so precious in their sleep.

Summer Break, Day 14: A Job for Me!

We interrupt this regularly scheduled, oddly written update to announce that I got a job!!!

Rob and I had been trying to figure out a budget which would allow us to continue both Aurora and Ryan in their Tae Kwon Do training once their 6 month contract was up in August.  We could only come up with ways to put one child through, but could not squeeze the remaining tuition out of anywhere.  I was not going to choose only one child to continue training.  I'm just not that Mom.  So, I started praying for God to make a way.  I have seen such positive emotional and physical growth in both of them, especially Aurora.  Her self-esteem has increased significantly and that is so important in a girl her age!  Keeping them in TKD was beyond my ability, but I fully believed that if God thinks it is good enough for them, He would make a way for it to happen.

Shortly after I began praying about this, I had heard that Master King was looking for some help at Black Belt USA and offered to volunteer now to start racking up credit so the kids could continue taking classes in August.  I explained that I had experience that was relevant to the work that he needed to be done and left it at that.  I did not oversell myself and was not pushy.  In fact, I left the conversation wondering if I had said enough--which is usually not the case for me; I usually wonder if I said too much!  So, I let it ride and didn't mention it again.

Fast forward to Wednesday, June 19th.  The kids were at TKD and had a fairly good workout.  After their class, I was gathering children and visiting with some of the other moms as they were picking up their kids.  Master King looked at me and asked if he could speak to me.  My first thought was, "Oh, no!  What has [Ryan or Aurora, in that order] done now?"  Wouldn't you know it, he offered me a job!  Like, the kind that pays money per hour!  I wish I could say that I was just blown away, but as soon as he said it, I just smiled and silently began singing the Hallelujah Chorus while paying very close attention to every word being spoken.  When I had a moment to reflect upon this later that evening, this verse came to mind:  God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (1Cor 9:8)

The benefits: I get a few hours a week to come to work, my kids are welcome to come with me so long as they are not disruptive and allow me to be on the phone, the kids get a discounted tuition, I get to train for FREE (Hello, Muay Thai!) and I will make a few bucks while doing all this.  Now, I am not disillusioned enough to think that this is going to ADD to our budget above and beyond training at Black Belt USA, but my goal was to keep the kids there.  Goal met.  This is one Happy Mom here!!!

Today was my second day at BBUSA.  Yes, I know absolutely squat about Martial Arts training.  So far, that's all I've learned, haha!  No, of course, I'm kidding.  The more I'm learning, the more I'm becoming passionate about Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  It must be contagious because Rob is contemplating taking Muay Thai with me.  Well, not WITH me, because we would have to take separate classes so one of us can be home with the kids while the other is off kicking butt.  Can you imagine me kicking butt?  I'm having a mental block on that one... I mean, in many of my inflated daydreams and fantasies, I am a butt-kicking chick, but in real life I'm truly a wimp.  So, this should be interesting!!!

Summer Break, Day 13: Tae Kwon Do, Pacifier NO!

This was a day of great accomplishments for the older 2 inhabitants; a day which ended in near tragedy for the youngest.

On the eve of our 13th day of Summer Break, our Martial Arts residents were tested on their knowledge and ability to exhibit their learned arts.  The oldest female resident was awarded her Yellow Belt (belt #3)  and the male inhabitant was awarded his High White Belt (belt #2).  Their Co-Creator and I found it interesting that our creations were the only two in attendance at this particular Belt Test.  This did mean, of course that we were privilege to a lot of attention given to our younglings.  We were also awarded with exhibitions of the Red and Black Belt attendees' self-defense forms and weapons forms.  I found myself watching the faces of my young ones more than I watched the exhibitors.  The amazement in their eyes was contagious.  I could almost hear them thinking, "That could be ME, someday!"  I am proud of the hard work they have both given to this form of martial arts and hope to see many more years of their enjoyment to come.

The residents were awarded for their accomplishments with a late bedtime this evening.  However, the youngest rebelled--not quite a full mutiny, much more a pitiful pleading to be put to bed.  Needless to say, she went to sleep very well.  So well, indeed, that I was forced to waken her at midnight for a trip to the lavatory.  This is usually a nightly occurrence, one which I began with the oldest inhabitant until she would get up on her own volition and have continued on through numbers 2 and 3. It ensures a full bladder release into a toilet instead of onto a mattress.  However, resident #3 still uses a pacifier.  Upon placing her on the loo, she yawned.  Now, as I'm sure the reader is aware, when a yawn occurs, the mouth opens wide, thus tossing anything that a yawner would have in her mouth.  Yes, the pacifier went right into the water!  It was mayhem, utter mayhem!  Toilet paper could not be used immediately after evacuation; it would have gotten in the way.  Thus, I had to leave the bathroom--with the toddler sitting on the facilities--to find a utensil to fish out the binky.  Once the pacifier was retrieved, I was then charged with the task of sterilizing it.  Remember, it is past midnight and the little one was begging to be put to bed just a few hours prior...  She was nearly inconsolable!  I had to assure her that we could salvage her beloved binky.  She was not entirely convinced.  We microwaved the pacifier in a glass of water for 5 minutes, removed it with oven mitts and dumped the pacifier into a glass of ice water immediately.  Within 6 minutes of "The Incident", all was well with the world.  Mutiny was avoided this day, once again!

Summer Break, Day 12

The day of reckoning arrived for the cavity-infested male inhabitant. This morning he was escorted back to the dental facilities for the first portion of his treatment. Nitrous oxide was used to dull his senses while the Novocain was injected into both sides of his upper jaw. Once the numbing took effect, 3 of the 4 cavities were filled and 2 sealants were placed on his upper molars. I was proud of how well he behaved during the entire procedure. There was an impressive lack of thrashing and screaming coming from our operating room.  This self-controlled behavior must have taken quite the toll on the boy, for he came home and went straight to his bedchamber. Within the next 5 minutes, he fell fast asleep!

The effects of the morning worked their way out of his system during his nap. Once he awoke, fully rested and famished, he was back in full form. I was glad to see there were no ill effects from what may have been a traumatic experience.

Kudos to Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry at Mallard Creek! Every time we visit their establishment, I become more and more impressed!

Summer Break, Day 11

The inhabitants have been enjoying their vacation. This afternoon, lessons in the form of martial arts were planned. A pleasant surprise awaited the oldest resident as she received a most high reward for her dedication to the sport: Student of the Month. The middle inhabitant showed great envy for her achievement and was slow to congratulate her. As a result, the oldest asked Master King if she could share her award with her younger sibling. Shaking his head, Master King explained that this award was meant for only one person at a time and must be earned, not given--otherwise, where is the value of the hard work to earn such a reward? Kudos to their great teacher for gently explaining such a difficult life lesson.

This photograph is a fuzzy rendition.  However, you can see the pride in the inhabitant's face. Her Co-Creator and I are so pleased and proud of how hard she has been working! 

»»»» We're proud of you, Aurora!««««

Summer Break, Day 9: Co-Creator's Day

The inhabitants awoke this morning to shower their Co-Creator with cards and gifts. This day was all about him, after all.

The male inhabitant waged a difficult battle, in which he lost. Dinner was chosen and made especially for the residents' Co-Creator. He choose BBQ chicken sandwiches, curly fries, a salad and my specialty chocolate cookies. Our middle child refused to eat salad. The resulting mutiny led me to force-feed him every bite. That was exhilarating (not).

After dinner, the restless natives went hunting for fireflies. Many were caught and, subsequently, released. It has been a beautiful evening.

Summer Break, Day 8

The inhabitants have an immense amount of energy this day.  Co-Creator took them to the largest multi-store shopping facility in the area, hoping to ensure naps for everyone.  The results were that the Co-Creator and the youngest resident were exhausted upon departure.  The 2 exhausted ones took a nap; the remainder of the inhabitants somehow acquired more energy.  After nap time, restless natives were banished to the outdoors.  Upon their allowance back into the house, all 3 decided to take up adventures in the playroom.  Such antics resulted in this living artwork.  This piece is called Mutiny in Black Marker :

Summer Break, Week 1: Days 1-7

Day 1:  The natives are angry that their previous institutionalized incarceration has ended. Not knowing what to do with all their newfound freedom, they have protested by killing my micro-USB charger and my favorite straw cup. These incidents were masqueraded as "accidents", but as their co-creator, I am now very suspect. The youngest is confused about our new schedule and is rebelling at nap time. I have separated the inhabitants and sufficiently laid down the law. Mutiny is always but a whisper away.

Day 2:   I placed household items for sale on the List of Craig. Incidentally, 4 people wanted to rendezvous at the same time today to purchase said items. Basically, I performed a yard sale out of my geriatric station wagon in the neighborhood pharmacy's parking lot.  Said geriatric automobile staged its own kind of mutiny, refusing to remain started when I turned the ignition.  The youngest inhabitant was asleep at this time.  Their Co-Creator and I decided to abide by Rule #1: Never wake a sleeping child.  Thus, I was to await the end of nap time in the heat of my vehicle, or walk the neighborhood roads to home.  Having seriously underestimated the distance from my home, I walked through the door an hour later, just in time for the nap to have ended.  Co-Creator drove to the mutinous vehicle and, rather quickly and unbearably easily, was able to drive it home--and back to get the other automobile in our possession.  Later this evening, I overheard a suspicious mechanical laughter from the driveway as I was nursing my newly acquired sunburn.

Day 3:   The rains are incessant. So are the requests for electronic screens. The youngest, in an attempt to defend her territory, continually grabs objects from the other inhabitants, causing them to chase her down. Soon the rains will cease and the restless natives can go into the great outdoors for their entertainment. Thus far, we have avoided mutiny. Tomorrow is another day.

Day 4:   The male inhabitant awoke at 5am, in mutinous fashion. He insisted I connect an electronic screen to WiFi. Having ignored his request, I sent him back to bed with a good book. I knew it was just a matter of time before the other inhabitants would join him. The day was going quite well until I attempted to use the electrified floor sweeper. It was at this time that, over the din of the electric suction, the restless natives found the acrylic paint and brushes. I have now found myself in possession of a dozen half-emptied paint bottles. I am, however, entirely unsure where the contents of said paint bottles currently are housed; all 3 of these cherubic residents have no evidence of paint on their persons or their clothing. This mystery shall be solved in due time, I suppose.

Day 5:   Dental appointments for all 3 inhabitants this morning. The damage consisted of 4 cavities. In one mouth. The female residents are both dentist-free for another 6 months. The male resident will suffer greatly for his constant thievery of the pantry dried fruit candies. Currently, as I record this, the Co-Creator is in with the littlest mutineer. He is singing a song, which she will, in turn, sing at ear-piercing volume to her roommate as soon as Co-Creator exits premises. This is not their first show-down. Native roommate is asleep. Correction, roommate WAS asleep, became awakened long enough to holler "Shut up!" to current mutineer. The night is still young!

Day 6:  Update, 12:32 a.m.:   Little mutineer is currently viewing an animated movie. As her Co-Creator, I am exhausted. I will dock nap hours tomorrow as disciplinary action for such insolence.


Day 7:  After such a long night of unrest, our Day 6 was incredibly, blissfully uneventful. The inhabitants helped work on Co-Creator's gift for his Day this weekend. The residents fully enjoyed every messy moment. Storms blew in last evening and broke the front yard foliage. Branches are everywhere. Today begins the Co-Creator's first vacation of the season. His reward? Neither the chain saw nor Ol' Busty Blue will start up. The replacement part for Ol' Busty went on quickly and easily, however, it was not the cause of vehicular mutiny. Back to the drawing board...

Hello, again

I cannot believe I have neglected this blog since October of last year!  I had so many intentions of updating it when we moved into our new house in November.  We did get the house from my last post and have fully enjoyed living here

The girls are sharing a room together.  I was concerned about how that would go, since Aurora is 8 years older than Ellie.  It's actually going quite well.  We send Ellie to bed first, then remind Aurora to go back to bed in absolute silence, so as not to wake the little one.  Ryan is fortunate that he gets his own room.  It's much smaller than the one in Tulsa (all our rooms are, even though the house is 1400 sq ft; our house in Tulsa was 2400).  My theory was: Smaller room, smaller mess.  That theory may have been true, but it never actually LOOKS true.  His room is just such a mess.  An enter-at-your-own-risk mess, with Lego and Squinkie boobie traps everywhere!  He loves it that way and cleans the mess well enough on his own when I tell him I need to vacuum his room.  That's good enough for me.  Aurora has been doing an amazing job keeping her room clean, too.  It's almost like this parenting thing is finally starting to work.  And, then I step into the playroom...

But I digress...

We switched the kids to a new school in January and had some issues with the new school, at first.  The culture was different and quite shocking to the kids.  Having lived in Oklahoma their entire academic life, going to school with anything less than a 98% Caucasian population would be a shock to anyone.  They have adjusted by now and are excited to start school again this fall so they can go see their friends.

Currently, we are on summer break.  Ellie had a difficult time the first couple days the kids were home.  She felt like she needed to defend her territory from them.  Once she figured out that she could play WITH them, she was more pleasant towards them.  The kids have been playing well together--for the most part--but we are only on week 1.

Last night, storms blew in fast and furious.  We have a tree down in our front yard.  Today begins Rob's first vacation of the summer.  He went out to the shed to start up our incredibly old, unreliable chain saw.  Of course, it wouldn't start.  To purchase a  new one is over $100; to rent one for the day is $100.  Explain that logic to me...?

To top off our fun day, Rob replaced a part in our vehicle which we were sure was causing a problem.  After replacing said part, the car behaved the exact same way.  So, now we must go back to the drawing board and figure out why Ol' Busty Blue is giving us fits.  Could it be because she has over 192,000 miles, is a 2002 and runs a family of 5 around the country on demand?  Poor Busty.  She's so abused.  I hate the thought of purchasing a newer vehicle.  With 3 kids and a dog, the interior of any vehicle becomes ruined rather quickly.  My automobile life kinda looks like Mom My Ride.  Thank God for Febreze.  Just last week, I almost gagged when I got into my car.  Someone had spilled their milk on the floor and the interior smelled like stale, spoiled milk.  There is nothing on earth quite like that smell.  I used half a bottle of the fabric refresher in order to get rid of the smell.

In the meantime, Rob is much more concerned about getting that tree cleared from our yard.  A neighbor has loaned him an electric chain saw and he is working on it as I type this.  So far, our summer break has been quite eventful.  I have been putting some wacky updates on facebook about our daily events, calling my children the "inhabitants", "residents" or "restless natives".  Rob and I, as Co-Creators of these 3 children are attempting to avoid the summer mutiny that these 3 children inevitably commit.  Someone on facebook said I should start a blog.  I thought, "Well, I already have a blog!  I should get back to it and post there!"  So, there you have it.

We don't do fancy things during the summer like a lot of people do.  My kids, like me, are home bodies.  They like to stay home, have pajama days and eat breakfast for dinner.  We don't get to do that very much during the school year, so we do it as much as we want to in the summer.  Let's see what kinds of trouble we can get into this summer here in the confines of the Rose Household.