Well, an update...
After the hysterics died down (mind you, he's seven years old) we ate dinner and jammied up to watch Scooby Doo 2. There was much cooperation, manners and all around good naturedness.
Today, after breakfast we allowed the return of three toys, his choice, with the exception of any video games. He chose three lego sets, finished one, played memory with his sister and got to work on another set. Still-with the politeness and manners.
And get this, his cousin is coming over and he is so VERY excited because he gets to choose two more toys this afternoon (barring the return of any negative/rude/uncooperative behavior) to play with his cousin, who is also seven. If only you could see how stinkin' happy these additional two toys are making him. Later today, the son and I are going to go through the stuff from his room to weed out the stuff he doesn't really like. Which, by the way, I did the week before Christmas and at the time I thought I did a really thorough job.
Now, the cousin is a video game junkie and plays with virtually nothing else. I'm sure he will be less than impressed when he's denied use of the new Gamecube and I know he'll come with his gameboy so I'm curious to see how my son handles the fact that his is put away. I have prepared him but he's knows his cousin as well as I do. Alas, my girlie has a doctor's appointment and while I suffer the joy of pinning her down for her shots - my husband will be here with the boys.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Cry Me A River
Okay, so will I be on record as one of the meanest mothers who've ever walked the face of the earth.
The boy has a friend over for four hours, they play magnetix, game cube and snow wrestling. Good times. The friend leaves.
*whine*can I play with *S* now? (the neighbor kid, who at 16 is really one of the best teenagers I've ever met)
No hun, he had some chores to do and you've had a friend here all afternoon, find something else to do.
*whine*there is nothing to do and I'm going to sit here (on my lap) and complain until you tell me I can play with S.
Ah, legos, magnetix, yugioh. How 'bout those? Marbles? You could read.
*whine* THERE IS NOTHING TO DO. I HATE THIS HOUSE AND I WON'T STOP UNTIL I CAN SEE IF S CAN PLAY.
Up to your room, I've had enough.
Commence with the crying and screaming from the bedroom about how totally terrible we are and how there is NOTHING TO DO and his toys are boring.
15 minutes elaspes. More of the same. Repeated requests for quiet. Ignored.
Into the bedroom we go and we empty it of virtually every toy. The toy box, the bins, the lego sets. All moved out. Now, lest you think he has nothing, there are about 10 matchbox cars, marbles, books and a few games left.
It's called a breaking point kid. And you've reached mine. Now, don't worry I won't be listing these things on ebay but right now (I'd find the link of the dad that did just that, It's on American Blogger somewhere, but I'm not into doing it now) I'm making him write a list of ten toys he got for Christmas. He's halfway done.
And sure, the toys will find they're way back in ... slowly. And I know, this was drastic. But apparently I've raised a spoiled brat. I'm disappointed in myself. Maybe I'm taking my failings out on him, but this has been brewing for awhile. And quite frankly, maybe I was being obtuse, but it took me by surprise - the depth of his selfishness. Really, you should hear him. And still he's being fresh (although he just handed me the list).
April asked what things we really wanted for the new year I said organization and patience. Hah. Little did I know.
The boy has a friend over for four hours, they play magnetix, game cube and snow wrestling. Good times. The friend leaves.
*whine*can I play with *S* now? (the neighbor kid, who at 16 is really one of the best teenagers I've ever met)
No hun, he had some chores to do and you've had a friend here all afternoon, find something else to do.
*whine*there is nothing to do and I'm going to sit here (on my lap) and complain until you tell me I can play with S.
Ah, legos, magnetix, yugioh. How 'bout those? Marbles? You could read.
*whine* THERE IS NOTHING TO DO. I HATE THIS HOUSE AND I WON'T STOP UNTIL I CAN SEE IF S CAN PLAY.
Up to your room, I've had enough.
Commence with the crying and screaming from the bedroom about how totally terrible we are and how there is NOTHING TO DO and his toys are boring.
15 minutes elaspes. More of the same. Repeated requests for quiet. Ignored.
Into the bedroom we go and we empty it of virtually every toy. The toy box, the bins, the lego sets. All moved out. Now, lest you think he has nothing, there are about 10 matchbox cars, marbles, books and a few games left.
It's called a breaking point kid. And you've reached mine. Now, don't worry I won't be listing these things on ebay but right now (I'd find the link of the dad that did just that, It's on American Blogger somewhere, but I'm not into doing it now) I'm making him write a list of ten toys he got for Christmas. He's halfway done.
And sure, the toys will find they're way back in ... slowly. And I know, this was drastic. But apparently I've raised a spoiled brat. I'm disappointed in myself. Maybe I'm taking my failings out on him, but this has been brewing for awhile. And quite frankly, maybe I was being obtuse, but it took me by surprise - the depth of his selfishness. Really, you should hear him. And still he's being fresh (although he just handed me the list).
April asked what things we really wanted for the new year I said organization and patience. Hah. Little did I know.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Shhhh....it's so quiet in here....
Well it's happened again...
I just got home from work - and the house is empty. They are sledding. I did a quick victory dance but the house is only kind of clean today- much, much clean laundry is piling up. So with the laundry that should only give Lisa the dry heaves instead of making her sick. :)
The husband has gotten snowed out of work so he's home for today. I'm praying he doesn't get laid off. Not only would it be a big bite out of our income he would drive me certifiably insane. He works outdoors and it is always an issue, this yearly layoff thing, but it hasn't happened yet to him. He's one of the bunch that they like to keep around all year. He's well liked where he works, for the most part and according to everyone I meet who has ever worked with him - he's really good at his job. Sometimes it means taking four day work weeks and missing 1/5 of your paycheck every week for two months but that's the price you pay for actually collecting a paycheck instead of unemployment and keeping your wife relatively happy by leaving the house every day for eight hours instead of standing over her shoulder while she cooks and making 'suggestions' on how to improve her kale soup.
I just got home from work - and the house is empty. They are sledding. I did a quick victory dance but the house is only kind of clean today- much, much clean laundry is piling up. So with the laundry that should only give Lisa the dry heaves instead of making her sick. :)
The husband has gotten snowed out of work so he's home for today. I'm praying he doesn't get laid off. Not only would it be a big bite out of our income he would drive me certifiably insane. He works outdoors and it is always an issue, this yearly layoff thing, but it hasn't happened yet to him. He's one of the bunch that they like to keep around all year. He's well liked where he works, for the most part and according to everyone I meet who has ever worked with him - he's really good at his job. Sometimes it means taking four day work weeks and missing 1/5 of your paycheck every week for two months but that's the price you pay for actually collecting a paycheck instead of unemployment and keeping your wife relatively happy by leaving the house every day for eight hours instead of standing over her shoulder while she cooks and making 'suggestions' on how to improve her kale soup.
Monday, December 27, 2004
The boy. See the smile? Me too, and thank god, because he went to bed Christmas Eve crying
"I'm on the naughty list and it's too late for Santa to change his mind" and then he proceeded to tell me that all he wanted was a PlayStation 2. Super, because the Game Cube was already wrapped. He has since forgotten the PS2 demand. And how couldn't he? Have you ever played Mario Cart Double Dash? If so, you know what I mean. :)
The new room. Note how good the cabinet looks.
Especially the second coat of poly :) because the next day after the refusal of assistance he politely mentioned that if I had time I could throw on a second coat of the stuff because he could use the help. So generous of him. What girl doesn't have time to help her man one day before the big Xmas Eve festivities? And two days before Christmas? This girl that's who.
But did I do it anyway? *sheepishly* uh-huh. Just to prove a point, a 'see how busy I am, but I'm still willing to do it' point though.
All of the crap has been rearranged in that tiny little space with the exception of the bee-you-ti-full cabinet now that the Christmas Tree is gone - that's right -GONE. I took down all of my Christmas decorations today. Why? Ida know, usually I leave them up until New Year's Day or so but this year I was dying to get everything back to normal.
So, now it's snowing. And I mean SNOWING. Between 8 and 16 inches expected. Woo-hoo. One negative though, well, make that two...we keep losing power. No power = no furnace and no water. There are candles all around, a couple of oil lamps, two flashlights and pans of water in the sink just in case. Second negative...husband is plowing. And he'll be gone for a long time. Hold on there, don't get me wrong I'm not desperately missing him - but now I'm on solo shovel/play in the snow duty. Those are duties best shared. :)
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Channeling Donald
So you want me to poly that tonight so you can start on the ceiling?
*Silence*
You DON"T want me to do you, you don't trust me not to mess it up - is that what that *silence* was? Huh? she said incredulously
Look, Jenny - you're second rate.
Just because you paint two rooms doesn't mean that I'll trust you with the poly on this fine piece of workmanship.
You think I want brush marks or worse - a drip? No way, I can't have someone polying for me that can't be trusted not to leave a drip. If you want a job done right I guess you've got to do it yourself.
Excuse me, Mr. Tr.. uh, I mean, husband - you think I might let some sawdust or a doghair dry into the fine,sanded surface of your cabinet? Well, I wouldn't sir, (I mean you - guy that is so anal I cannot believe it) I'm a fine assest to this project, sir. But...But...
No more buts. It was a hard decision the two times you were project manager the rooms were painted but brushmarks were evident and you got paint on the ceiling - in both rooms. It's unacceptable. And even though you were the one who volunteered to help me and I previously accepted - I've rethought it. Now you get to go upstairs and watch a movie on the couch with a fleece blanket and pillow and some warm popcorn or Butterfinger hot cocoa (recommended by The Impulsive Buy, thankyouverymuch) maybe uh...where was I? Yeah, well, tough decision, but I can't trust you. I'm sure you'll do well elsewhere, but here it is....
You're fired.
Update: He said that like it was a bad thing. :) I popped some corn, put Whalerider in the DVD (which is a movie I highly recommend by the way) and did zilch. Hurray for unemployment.
*Silence*
You DON"T want me to do you, you don't trust me not to mess it up - is that what that *silence* was? Huh? she said incredulously
Look, Jenny - you're second rate.
Just because you paint two rooms doesn't mean that I'll trust you with the poly on this fine piece of workmanship.
You think I want brush marks or worse - a drip? No way, I can't have someone polying for me that can't be trusted not to leave a drip. If you want a job done right I guess you've got to do it yourself.
Excuse me, Mr. Tr.. uh, I mean, husband - you think I might let some sawdust or a doghair dry into the fine,sanded surface of your cabinet? Well, I wouldn't sir, (I mean you - guy that is so anal I cannot believe it) I'm a fine assest to this project, sir. But...But...
No more buts. It was a hard decision the two times you were project manager the rooms were painted but brushmarks were evident and you got paint on the ceiling - in both rooms. It's unacceptable. And even though you were the one who volunteered to help me and I previously accepted - I've rethought it. Now you get to go upstairs and watch a movie on the couch with a fleece blanket and pillow and some warm popcorn or Butterfinger hot cocoa (recommended by The Impulsive Buy, thankyouverymuch) maybe uh...where was I? Yeah, well, tough decision, but I can't trust you. I'm sure you'll do well elsewhere, but here it is....
You're fired.
Update: He said that like it was a bad thing. :) I popped some corn, put Whalerider in the DVD (which is a movie I highly recommend by the way) and did zilch. Hurray for unemployment.
Duhn, Duhn, Dunh....Here it comes...
Okay, my head is officially spinning. The cleaning, wrapping, food shopping, cooking, baking, laundry. The countdown has begun. The husband is finishing off a room (I use the term room lightly, more like a large closet at 6'8" by 10' 9" but I digress....) and making this really spiffy corner cabinet to hold the Game Cube and TV. It's all coming out wonderfully but could we be any more last minute? Yours truly will be doing the polyurethaning tonight while he paints the ceiling things.
I am the Christmas Eve hostess with the mostest. We will be dining on salad, some sort of bread and a most delicious lasagna, my specialty. And while I can really cook a great lasagna the reason I'm doing it Friday is because I can make it in advance and then just pop it in the oven. The less kitchen time the better. There will be fourteen of us and that is my indoor limit. There is literally not enough room. Oh well, I can't sweat a detail like chairs. More eggnog please *hic*.
Christmas dinner will be prepared by the mother in law. Lord knows what we're having but she's a good cook and huge spreads are her thing so no worries there. And she only lives a mile away so there isn't any long travel in my holiday plans. Thank goodness.
Well, off to breathe the lovely fumes of polyurethane and wish my husband started this project two weeks earlier than he did.
I am the Christmas Eve hostess with the mostest. We will be dining on salad, some sort of bread and a most delicious lasagna, my specialty. And while I can really cook a great lasagna the reason I'm doing it Friday is because I can make it in advance and then just pop it in the oven. The less kitchen time the better. There will be fourteen of us and that is my indoor limit. There is literally not enough room. Oh well, I can't sweat a detail like chairs. More eggnog please *hic*.
Christmas dinner will be prepared by the mother in law. Lord knows what we're having but she's a good cook and huge spreads are her thing so no worries there. And she only lives a mile away so there isn't any long travel in my holiday plans. Thank goodness.
Well, off to breathe the lovely fumes of polyurethane and wish my husband started this project two weeks earlier than he did.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Friday, December 17, 2004
Friday's Feast
Appetizer
What is something that never fails to grab your attention. A man talking rudely or demeaning his wife in public.
Soup
Who was the last person who gave you money, and what was it for? My husband's aunt, for another freakin' hockey fundraiser.
Salad
If you were a Smurf, what would your name be? Immature smurf.
Main Course
Do you believe in astrology? Why or why not? Y'know, I'd like to say I don't but that wouldn't be entirely true. I believe that your personality traits could be generalized by astrology but predicitng the future and stuff, no way.
Dessert
Have you seen any snow this year yet? What's the weather like today in your area? Yep, we had four inches of it last month and only flurries since. Today it's sunny, windy and about 40 degrees.
What is something that never fails to grab your attention. A man talking rudely or demeaning his wife in public.
Soup
Who was the last person who gave you money, and what was it for? My husband's aunt, for another freakin' hockey fundraiser.
Salad
If you were a Smurf, what would your name be? Immature smurf.
Main Course
Do you believe in astrology? Why or why not? Y'know, I'd like to say I don't but that wouldn't be entirely true. I believe that your personality traits could be generalized by astrology but predicitng the future and stuff, no way.
Dessert
Have you seen any snow this year yet? What's the weather like today in your area? Yep, we had four inches of it last month and only flurries since. Today it's sunny, windy and about 40 degrees.
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