I think AJU5 is a perfectionist. And I think that is why she won't color. Instead, she "makes" me do it.
She found the love of some software I have on my computer. It is meant for die-cutting (for scrapbooking), but you can also print your creations. So, we have printed a few creations so far. And she says before we print she wants to color. But, we get the colors out, she might make a mark on the paper, and then she says she can't do it and I have to. Today she "had" to do some of it on her own since AJU6 wasn't napping. She got outside the lines twice and flipped out. She got the pencil, and tried to erase the crayon. It didn't work great, but it helped a little. Luckily I still had the picture on the computer, so I just printed her another one. It is still blank...
I hope she gets over this soon. She is the same way with writing letters. She has successfully written T, L, I, and A before, but lately she has refused. She makes a mark and says she can't do it. I hope to get her over this, but there doesn't seem to be a quick solution. I keep pushing her to do some - taking turns for some things - and it isn't making a big difference. But, she is only 3. So, there is time.
Luckily, she does have her colors and shapes down now and can count to at least 12. Our next goal is to know the numbers visually (what number is this game). But, she isn't interested really. Again, she is only 3, so we have some time...
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
On a Lighter Note - New Skills!
AJU5 and AJU6 both mastered new things this week outside, as we have taken some advantage of the warmer temperatures here.
First, AJU6 learned to climb to the top of the playground using the ladder. This means I don't have to lift him up anymore - something I do like. Unfortunately he thinks he can come down the ladder too, but his legs just aren't long enough yet. I am working on getting him to slide, but ours has a bump and a good drop at the end, so he doesn't like to slide alone (he has hit his head a few times when we have tried it).
And the biggest news - AJU5 can peddle her own tricycle! She figured out how to go backwards a week or two ago. Her trike has a removable handle, and she had been practicing. But, there is only so much pushing her around in circles a mommy can take (especially with AJU6 walking around). Today she asked me to take the handle off and she made is across the concrete on her own (the length of our house). I bet she could have gone farther, but she changes activities A LOT these days.
I plan on letting the kids play outside a lot this spring and summer, and hopefully they will be pretty independent out there soon. I know I will still have swing pushing duties, but it will be nice to just sit outside and watch them like I get to do a few minutes each day already.
First, AJU6 learned to climb to the top of the playground using the ladder. This means I don't have to lift him up anymore - something I do like. Unfortunately he thinks he can come down the ladder too, but his legs just aren't long enough yet. I am working on getting him to slide, but ours has a bump and a good drop at the end, so he doesn't like to slide alone (he has hit his head a few times when we have tried it).
And the biggest news - AJU5 can peddle her own tricycle! She figured out how to go backwards a week or two ago. Her trike has a removable handle, and she had been practicing. But, there is only so much pushing her around in circles a mommy can take (especially with AJU6 walking around). Today she asked me to take the handle off and she made is across the concrete on her own (the length of our house). I bet she could have gone farther, but she changes activities A LOT these days.
I plan on letting the kids play outside a lot this spring and summer, and hopefully they will be pretty independent out there soon. I know I will still have swing pushing duties, but it will be nice to just sit outside and watch them like I get to do a few minutes each day already.
Private Businesses (and Individuals) and Their Rights
It is becoming more and more common for private institutions - whether they be businesses, schools, or families - to be "raked over the coals" for religious beliefs. It is to the point that private institutions are losing many freedoms I don't think they should.
Personally, I think any private institution that makes its belives public knowledge (stated clearly and easily found) should be able to act on those views and beliefs as long as they don't cause harm to others and other "businesses" exist to meet the needs of those that disagree.
In 2008, a photographer was sued because she refused to photograph a same sex commitment ceremony. The only thing the same sex couple was "out" was the time to look at a webpage, write two emails, and read two emails. Yet, they won a court case and were awarded over $6000. Really - would they have wanted that photographer if she was not comfortable with the event? I don't think her photos would be the quality they would have wanted because she heart wouldn't be into her artistic work. And this wasn't in a small town where there are only a few photographers. So, they easily could have found someone else. But, according to the courts, the photographer discriminated and hence was wrong.
Recently there have been two companies that have taken heat over the same issue - one on each side. Chick-fil-a has lost customers because a franchise donated free food to a marriage conference that was openly against same sex marriage. As part of the controversy, the owners of Chick-fil-a made it clear that they do not support same sex marriage, and as a result many have been up in arms. Does Chick-fil-a refuse to serve homosexuals? No. Home Depot on the other hand has financially supported same-sex organizations and legislation. So, some people who hold to the other side choose not to shop there. Again - does Home Depot refuse to sell items to those who want marriage to be defined as a union between 1 man and 1 woman? No. I am glad (for now) this is just a case of people spending money where they want. I think this is how it should be. Although both companies haven't made it totally clear to the public their stances, the public is spreading the word and making their own decisions utilizing our free-market economy.
BYU was under a little heat recently for putting its star basketball play on probation for breaking the school's honor code. This college student had sex outside of marriage, and as a result suffered the consequences. No one at BYU is crying foul because the player knew the rules. But, those on the outside looking in are saying BYU's rules are wrong. They claim it isn't fair to expect students to not have sex. I disagree. First, there are many other schools this gentleman could have gone to. He would have gotten a free ride at MANY schools around the nation. But, he chose to go to BYU. He knew going in what was expected of him. He broke the rules and is accepting the punishment. And, it was either him or his girlfriend that told the school - it isn't like they have people going around watching them 24-7. It is an honor code, and they chose to be honorable and turn themselves in.
In the UK, many similar things are going on, and it is probably worse than the US. One human rights organization said that Christian foster parents "infect" foster children with moral values. This is the same organization that is helping a same sex couple file an appeal after being awarded "only" 6300 pounds (over $10,000) in a lawsuit because the judge took into account that the company owners were in fact acting on sincere religious convictions when refusing service instead of "just" discriminating against the couple.
I would even argue that restaurants should be able to allow smoking if they want to. Now, there must be signs posted EVERYWHERE letting potential customers know of the rules. But, if the customers and workers knew of the rules before entering the establishment, I don't have a problem with it. I see so many restaurant workers smoking outside restaurants that I don't think there would be a lack of workers. And if people wanted to be around the stench of smoke while they ate - then let them do so. Personally, I wouldn't go near the place...
What is your take? How far should the government regulate what private businesses do?
Personally, I think any private institution that makes its belives public knowledge (stated clearly and easily found) should be able to act on those views and beliefs as long as they don't cause harm to others and other "businesses" exist to meet the needs of those that disagree.
In 2008, a photographer was sued because she refused to photograph a same sex commitment ceremony. The only thing the same sex couple was "out" was the time to look at a webpage, write two emails, and read two emails. Yet, they won a court case and were awarded over $6000. Really - would they have wanted that photographer if she was not comfortable with the event? I don't think her photos would be the quality they would have wanted because she heart wouldn't be into her artistic work. And this wasn't in a small town where there are only a few photographers. So, they easily could have found someone else. But, according to the courts, the photographer discriminated and hence was wrong.
Recently there have been two companies that have taken heat over the same issue - one on each side. Chick-fil-a has lost customers because a franchise donated free food to a marriage conference that was openly against same sex marriage. As part of the controversy, the owners of Chick-fil-a made it clear that they do not support same sex marriage, and as a result many have been up in arms. Does Chick-fil-a refuse to serve homosexuals? No. Home Depot on the other hand has financially supported same-sex organizations and legislation. So, some people who hold to the other side choose not to shop there. Again - does Home Depot refuse to sell items to those who want marriage to be defined as a union between 1 man and 1 woman? No. I am glad (for now) this is just a case of people spending money where they want. I think this is how it should be. Although both companies haven't made it totally clear to the public their stances, the public is spreading the word and making their own decisions utilizing our free-market economy.
BYU was under a little heat recently for putting its star basketball play on probation for breaking the school's honor code. This college student had sex outside of marriage, and as a result suffered the consequences. No one at BYU is crying foul because the player knew the rules. But, those on the outside looking in are saying BYU's rules are wrong. They claim it isn't fair to expect students to not have sex. I disagree. First, there are many other schools this gentleman could have gone to. He would have gotten a free ride at MANY schools around the nation. But, he chose to go to BYU. He knew going in what was expected of him. He broke the rules and is accepting the punishment. And, it was either him or his girlfriend that told the school - it isn't like they have people going around watching them 24-7. It is an honor code, and they chose to be honorable and turn themselves in.
In the UK, many similar things are going on, and it is probably worse than the US. One human rights organization said that Christian foster parents "infect" foster children with moral values. This is the same organization that is helping a same sex couple file an appeal after being awarded "only" 6300 pounds (over $10,000) in a lawsuit because the judge took into account that the company owners were in fact acting on sincere religious convictions when refusing service instead of "just" discriminating against the couple.
I would even argue that restaurants should be able to allow smoking if they want to. Now, there must be signs posted EVERYWHERE letting potential customers know of the rules. But, if the customers and workers knew of the rules before entering the establishment, I don't have a problem with it. I see so many restaurant workers smoking outside restaurants that I don't think there would be a lack of workers. And if people wanted to be around the stench of smoke while they ate - then let them do so. Personally, I wouldn't go near the place...
What is your take? How far should the government regulate what private businesses do?
Monday, March 7, 2011
Keeping Me on My Toes on a Sunday
I definitely didn't have a restful Sunday yesterday. It wasn't a bad Sunday, but it was full of "fun."
It started with AJU6 joining us in bed around 2. He had been doing this for a few days because of allergies (it is very hard to suck on a paci when your nose is stuffed up). Luckily, AJU1 realized I was SO tired since I had dealt with him the past few nights that he took him. AJU6 likes to be touching you as he sleeps, and half of the time he wants his head on some part of your body. This makes it really hard to find a comfortable position and has resulted in much lost sleep. (Last night I gave up and gave him a small dose of Benadryl before bed so we could all get one good night of sleep, but I don't want to give him drugs every night. Ugh.)
We got up a little earlier than normal because with AJU6 in bed with us, AJU5 couldn't snuggle with me until he cried. Instead, he stood up and tried to walk to the end of the bed, got down, and then motioned us to go downstairs with his hands and grunts. Luckily it wasn't too early.
From there it is was Sunday morning as usual, although I did curl my hair for the first time on a Sunday in AGES. I started curling the ends about a week and a half ago when I went someplace other than walks/very quick trips to the store. It looks so much better with a little curl/body!
Sunday School went fine. AJU5 was a little quirky, but it wasn't a bad thing. She just didn't want to color. Luckily her friend (and the only other student in her class other than AJU6 this week) was willing to color her finger puppets for her so we could make them.
Church started out fine. AJU6 fell asleep in my arms during the songs. AJU5 was playing with the figures from Sunday School (paper cut-outs), and all was going well. Then it came the prayer between the message and the invitational. AJU5 had found the fruit leather in the diaper bag and wanted a piece. AJU6 of course started bouncing and begging for some too. So, I broke off small pieces for each one. They were content. Until AJU6 started choking. Before I knew it, he was throwing up... all over himself and me. I rushed us to the nursery to start washing it off. I ended up taking off both of our shirts. Luckily I had a tank top on and had AJU5 get my jacket for me. AJU6 just went topless. But, it was off of us and the smell was basically gone (oh the fun of milk puke).
After we got home, I got lunch on the table, and the boys snuggled up for some NASCAR watching as AJU5 and I ran to the mall. I realized how much I hate going to the mall on weekends when I saw the parking lot. But, I needed another pair of pants and AJU1 needed a tie for work. We hit up JcPenney, and luckily they had everything we needed. Unfortunately AJU5 had fallen asleep in the car on the way there. I carried her asleep all the way across the parking lot into the section where I found my pants. I laid her on the floor when I went to look at the pants, and she woke up. Within minutes she wanted her jacket off and to go look at dresses... I quickly found my pants and we headed downstairs to look for ties. Unfortunately my husband is not normal when it comes to ties. He refused to wear solids, stripes, plaids, and geometric patterns. That basically means no ties are left to pick from. I picked out four, some with some pattern, took a picture, and emailed him. I wasn't too happy with his choice, but it was done. While we waited for the picture to send, we went to the kids section and looked at dresses. Boy are they expensive - even at 40% off! With how much AJU5 wears them, I bet we would get our money's worth, but she has so many already. We picked out one I thought was cheaper than it actually was (due to bad sign-age), and went to look at things for AJU6. Of course she founda toy and debated over and over again between it and the dress. I found AJU6 a polo shirt for Easter, AJU1 emailed me back, and I convinced AJU5 to leave everything as I wasn't spending $18 on a small stuffed bunny or $30 on a dress yesterday. Maybe closer to Easter we will get a dress that expensive, but I know if I bought it now she would wear it every day she could, at least for a few weeks.
Luckily the rest of the day wasn't unpredictable. We watched the end of the race together. We went to evening service where AJU6 fought falling asleep on me many times. And then we came home, put AJU6 in bed, made popcorn, and watched a little TV before and after sending AJU5 to bed.
Hopefully next Sunday I can sleep in a little, won't be thrown up on, and won't have to go to the mall!
It started with AJU6 joining us in bed around 2. He had been doing this for a few days because of allergies (it is very hard to suck on a paci when your nose is stuffed up). Luckily, AJU1 realized I was SO tired since I had dealt with him the past few nights that he took him. AJU6 likes to be touching you as he sleeps, and half of the time he wants his head on some part of your body. This makes it really hard to find a comfortable position and has resulted in much lost sleep. (Last night I gave up and gave him a small dose of Benadryl before bed so we could all get one good night of sleep, but I don't want to give him drugs every night. Ugh.)
We got up a little earlier than normal because with AJU6 in bed with us, AJU5 couldn't snuggle with me until he cried. Instead, he stood up and tried to walk to the end of the bed, got down, and then motioned us to go downstairs with his hands and grunts. Luckily it wasn't too early.
From there it is was Sunday morning as usual, although I did curl my hair for the first time on a Sunday in AGES. I started curling the ends about a week and a half ago when I went someplace other than walks/very quick trips to the store. It looks so much better with a little curl/body!
Sunday School went fine. AJU5 was a little quirky, but it wasn't a bad thing. She just didn't want to color. Luckily her friend (and the only other student in her class other than AJU6 this week) was willing to color her finger puppets for her so we could make them.
Church started out fine. AJU6 fell asleep in my arms during the songs. AJU5 was playing with the figures from Sunday School (paper cut-outs), and all was going well. Then it came the prayer between the message and the invitational. AJU5 had found the fruit leather in the diaper bag and wanted a piece. AJU6 of course started bouncing and begging for some too. So, I broke off small pieces for each one. They were content. Until AJU6 started choking. Before I knew it, he was throwing up... all over himself and me. I rushed us to the nursery to start washing it off. I ended up taking off both of our shirts. Luckily I had a tank top on and had AJU5 get my jacket for me. AJU6 just went topless. But, it was off of us and the smell was basically gone (oh the fun of milk puke).
After we got home, I got lunch on the table, and the boys snuggled up for some NASCAR watching as AJU5 and I ran to the mall. I realized how much I hate going to the mall on weekends when I saw the parking lot. But, I needed another pair of pants and AJU1 needed a tie for work. We hit up JcPenney, and luckily they had everything we needed. Unfortunately AJU5 had fallen asleep in the car on the way there. I carried her asleep all the way across the parking lot into the section where I found my pants. I laid her on the floor when I went to look at the pants, and she woke up. Within minutes she wanted her jacket off and to go look at dresses... I quickly found my pants and we headed downstairs to look for ties. Unfortunately my husband is not normal when it comes to ties. He refused to wear solids, stripes, plaids, and geometric patterns. That basically means no ties are left to pick from. I picked out four, some with some pattern, took a picture, and emailed him. I wasn't too happy with his choice, but it was done. While we waited for the picture to send, we went to the kids section and looked at dresses. Boy are they expensive - even at 40% off! With how much AJU5 wears them, I bet we would get our money's worth, but she has so many already. We picked out one I thought was cheaper than it actually was (due to bad sign-age), and went to look at things for AJU6. Of course she founda toy and debated over and over again between it and the dress. I found AJU6 a polo shirt for Easter, AJU1 emailed me back, and I convinced AJU5 to leave everything as I wasn't spending $18 on a small stuffed bunny or $30 on a dress yesterday. Maybe closer to Easter we will get a dress that expensive, but I know if I bought it now she would wear it every day she could, at least for a few weeks.
Luckily the rest of the day wasn't unpredictable. We watched the end of the race together. We went to evening service where AJU6 fought falling asleep on me many times. And then we came home, put AJU6 in bed, made popcorn, and watched a little TV before and after sending AJU5 to bed.
Hopefully next Sunday I can sleep in a little, won't be thrown up on, and won't have to go to the mall!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Expectations
Last week (or possibly two weeks ago), I got into a conversation on Facebook about expectations for young children. It actually started when I friend posted an article on time-outs and how they may not be affective. From there, it went to expectations.
One of my friend's friends (let's call her A) claimed that until the child is 4-6 years old, we shouldn't have expectations for obedience. She claimed we shouldn't expect a 3 year old to obey our commands, and as such there is little to no discipline needed. I disagreed. We definitely have expectations for AJU5, and I don't think we are expecting too much out of her. We do have to remember that she is 3 and give her a little time to stop what she is doing to obey, but at the same time we do expect her to obey.
A's claim started with her saying we shouldn't expect a child younger than the 4-6 range to put on shoes when asked. I thought this was crazy. AJU5 started to bey this command about a year ago. AJU6 is already getting his shoes when he realizes we are going someplace. Now, AJU6 might be doing it because he loves going outside, but it is a step in obedience. We didn't discipline AJU5 for not getting her shoes until the last 3-6 months though. Before that, we would get "manhandle" her if she didn't obey and put her shoes on for her. Now she has to do it herself, and she can. She can ask for help, but rarely does she need it. We also expect her to clean up her toys when asked. Other than that, it is just simple commands (come, sit, wait) that we expect her to obey.
From previous comments by A, it seems like she is very much into attachment parenting, etc. She just redirects her kids to distract them. I don't think I totally agree with this approach. We are the parents. We aren't to stifle our kids and make them robots, but at the same time we are to lead them and train them. We don't expect AJU5 to keep her toys clean all day long at 3. Instead, we expect her to pick them up once or twice a day. Some times, she has to put one "big" toy away to get a second, but other than that she can have her toys where she wants them.
The only other disciplines/trainings we do with her are to share (especially with AJU6) and to control her crying. If she takes something from AJU6, she has to give it back. If she has more than two items, and he wants one, she has to give him one. If she is crying and won't calm down, she is sent to her room to regroup (and normally this occurs because she is told no about something like another show).
What about you? What do you expect from you toddler/preschooler? Do you expect some basic obedience prior to kindergarten age?
One of my friend's friends (let's call her A) claimed that until the child is 4-6 years old, we shouldn't have expectations for obedience. She claimed we shouldn't expect a 3 year old to obey our commands, and as such there is little to no discipline needed. I disagreed. We definitely have expectations for AJU5, and I don't think we are expecting too much out of her. We do have to remember that she is 3 and give her a little time to stop what she is doing to obey, but at the same time we do expect her to obey.
A's claim started with her saying we shouldn't expect a child younger than the 4-6 range to put on shoes when asked. I thought this was crazy. AJU5 started to bey this command about a year ago. AJU6 is already getting his shoes when he realizes we are going someplace. Now, AJU6 might be doing it because he loves going outside, but it is a step in obedience. We didn't discipline AJU5 for not getting her shoes until the last 3-6 months though. Before that, we would get "manhandle" her if she didn't obey and put her shoes on for her. Now she has to do it herself, and she can. She can ask for help, but rarely does she need it. We also expect her to clean up her toys when asked. Other than that, it is just simple commands (come, sit, wait) that we expect her to obey.
From previous comments by A, it seems like she is very much into attachment parenting, etc. She just redirects her kids to distract them. I don't think I totally agree with this approach. We are the parents. We aren't to stifle our kids and make them robots, but at the same time we are to lead them and train them. We don't expect AJU5 to keep her toys clean all day long at 3. Instead, we expect her to pick them up once or twice a day. Some times, she has to put one "big" toy away to get a second, but other than that she can have her toys where she wants them.
The only other disciplines/trainings we do with her are to share (especially with AJU6) and to control her crying. If she takes something from AJU6, she has to give it back. If she has more than two items, and he wants one, she has to give him one. If she is crying and won't calm down, she is sent to her room to regroup (and normally this occurs because she is told no about something like another show).
What about you? What do you expect from you toddler/preschooler? Do you expect some basic obedience prior to kindergarten age?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)