[bajj]

Here baseball season (game wise) starts after soccer. We had no clue practices would start this fast.

Oh, and Wed practice is changed to Friday, so yay!

[my someone]

...and now for something completely different.

Find me some wood to knock on...I think E is potty trained (or at least 95% there)!!!!

We figured out, quite by accident, that the reason he wasn't p**ping on the potty was because he wanted to be alone and do it himself!!!! Once we let him close the door and proceed without parental intervention, he was a master of both bathroom activities! Of course when he flushes we're allowed to come in and "finish him off", but honestly he's already so clean it's like he's been doing it for years.

Thank goodness.

That's the good news. The bad news is that he's in a "I'm going to do the exact opposite of what you want" stage right now that's driving me insane. This kid is so intense. He's either the sweetest thing ever sent to earth, or he's naughty as he can possibly arrange. You know, the type that looks you in the eye, smiles sweetly, and runs right into the street giggling and watching the panic wash over you. Dear friends, how do you discipline a kid like this?!?!?!? My other guy is a smart-mouth, but never left my side.

HELP!

[lovemy2boys]

My kids are EXACTLY like that! AJ is a 7 year old smart mouth...We're working on it, but I SWEAR it is going to be the death of me...

As for JD, well, it seems like he has no filter! (and he is the same sweet/naughty that you speak of). It's like, he KNOWS the rules, but still does what he wants! And because he's small (well, skinny would be more appropriate) and cute, people let him get away with EVERYTHING!

I have no good advice because at age 5, JD is still acting like this...But we are hypervigalent about maintaining STRICT boundaries, and having consequences for his actions.

You know some kids that you can kind of give a "pass" to every now and then? Not JD. And I HATE it because it seems like we are SO strict with him (well, at least to outsiders it does).

But my mom assures me that I'm doing a great job with him, and that some kids just NEED that super-structured environment.

Soooo, if you find something that works for your little one, can you PLEASE pass it along? I'm desperate!

[my someone]

Thank you so much for your reply, lovemy.

I was thinking about your comments about limits and being consistent. You are so right, and I'm suddenly aware of how easily I cave in to E's pleading. I've tried today to be more firm, and I can't say it's working yet, but at least I'm not pulling my hair out (for the moment...it's still 45 minutes til his bedtime).

You may not think your advice was helpful, but it really was. Thank you, cyber friend.

Donna

[jalapeno]

Oh my goodness. My boys are suddenly obsessed with trains. They are now 18 and 22 months respectively. They've liked trains for a while. And cars. And anything with wheels that they can push around. But boy oh boy. My MIL gave them each a little Thomas the Train car yesterday. I don't think they've put them down once. Literally - I have to pry those trains out of their hands when they go to bed or take a bath. I've had to suspend my "no toys at the table rule". They both push their little train cars around incessantly. On the floor, on the table, on each other. They have squabbled more over those two little train cars in one day than they normally do in a week. Apparently my MIL showed them some video documentary not long ago. It wasn't even about trains. It was about mining or something. But had a lot of footage of trains. The boys were mesmerized. This is just fascinating to me. I guess I know what I'm getting each of them for their birthdays this year. And maybe a little something extra for their Easter baskets (if I can manage to squeeze in an extra trip to the store tomorrow).

[bajj]

I'm sorry I didn't see your post earlier about discplining a child who runs wild just to do it. My youngest is that way. My oldest in many ways was defiant when he was younger, and very head strong and held a grudge. However, he never ran away from us and slipped away. JM can disappear in a heart beat. He terrifies us at times. He's quiet and quick.

Consistency is hard, but necessary. I'm told it pays off eventually.

jalapeno, my two are into trains, well the 7 yr old not so much anymore. He's all about dinosaurs and DNA. My little one still loves trains, though. I think it's a phase they definitely go through. By the time their birthdays come around, they may be into something totally different! You never know with little ones.

[dragonfly1234]

my someone

I was thinking about your comments about limits and being consistent. You are so right, and I'm suddenly aware of how easily I cave in to E's pleading. I've tried today to be more firm, and I can't say it's working yet, but at least I'm not pulling my hair out (for the moment...it's still 45 minutes til his bedtime).

I have to say I do the same....cave in.... but I know I have to be more consistent and be firm.

jalapeno......how cute! I understand having to stop the toys at the dinner table. I remember when my boys were younger the cars that would zoom up and down the dinner table.

lovemy2boys......

My kids are EXACTLY like that! AJ is a 7 year old smart mouth...We're working on it, but I SWEAR it is going to be the death of me...

Love....my 8 almost 9 year old has a very smart mouth. It takes every once of patience from me. I am open to suggestions! Right now he will lose a privilege such as computer or games and lately they both have lost the privilege of watching movies and/or tv. I must say I have enjoyed the quiet and not hear the tv. My oldest has had more time to read books and I took them to the library Saturday.

We had a great trip to Texas during spring break. The weather was great except for one day. That day we toured the federal reserve and watched them print money. My 8 year old was totally enthralled. We were there to attend the nascar race at the Texas Motor Speedway and my 4 year old decided to lay down on my lap and take a nap.....lol How someone can sleep with the sound of the engines is amazing. Of course the boys had ear plugs to help with the noise. It was a fun trip.

[bajj]

Ahhh! I was in TX near there, very near, at the same time!

[dragonfly1234]

Ani.....what a bummer. I thought about emailing you and I guess I missed the boat on that one. You said your oldest loves nascar races and there were extra tickets available. My dads company sponsors a car and we had free tickets, tickets to the hospitality tent and vip parking pass (dh took a picture just to show we parked in front of the track) and vip tickets to the pits.

The worst part of the trip was that dh was determined that we would go to six flags Friday of our trip but he didn't read the web site very good and after spending a few to many dollars and driving to the park and the boys excited....it was closed for a private party......

However, the day was beatuiful and we went to the zoo and had an awesome time. It is twice the size our zoo is and had so much more to see.

Hope you all are having a great week.

[bajj]

Booo for Six Flags.

I like the Ft. Worth zoo a lot better than Dallas. It's much bigger, cleaner, and very nice. The Dallas Zoo isn't too bad, though. I'm glad you guys had fun.

If you get to go back and have a free day, go to the Ft Worth zoo! They also have a really cool science museum and it has an omni-theater in it for IMax movies. Fun fun.

Hmmm, never thought I'd miss TX. Now I do! LOL

[dragonfly1234]

Ani we did go to the Fort Worth zoo and that is an awsome zoo. We were there for the entire day because there was so much to see.

Yes we have yet to resolve our issue with six flags....

Anyone have experience with putting together a talent show? Could use some advice from you wise moms/dads!

[bajj]

I would think first you need some rules, like what CAN'T be done and is not acceptable. You also need a sign up sheet. A time, date, and an order for the show.

OK all of that is obvoius. Hmmm, can't think of anything else. I've been in them, but never put one together. Good luck!

[bajj]

Originally Posted by dragonfly1234

Ani we did go to the Fort Worth zoo and that is an awsome zoo. We were there for the entire day because there was so much to see.

Yes we have yet to resolve our issue with six flags....

Anyone have experience with putting together a talent show? Could use some advice from you wise moms/dads!

Umm, I made it sound like the Ft. Worth zoo has an omnimax. Nope, just meant Ft. Worth! lol That zoo is huge and very very nice. I'm glad you got to go!

[dragonfly1234]

Hope you all are enjoying your spring?!! We finally have wonderful weather and the boys and I are planting our garden and cleaning out the flower beds this weekend. Little M helped pick out the vegetables we are going to grow in our garden. He is very excited.

You know we have all talked how our children are so different in personality. Today was a perfect example. My oldest would rather be reading a book while our youngest (a.k.a. stunt man) would rather be outside. He decided to take his plastic chair and sit on it and go down the slide. Now this is a slide with bumps...not a straight slide. Then he wondered why his bottom hurts because he feel off. Hmmmmm imagine that....silly boy.....of course it hurts so maybe don't sit on a chair to go down the slide.

It does scare me what he will try next. We aren't even to summer yet.

Have a great week you all!

Michelle

[lovemy2boys]

Chair down the slide....Inventive! You must be so proud!

We're great here - just drowning in a sea of sports' schedules.

Today was kindergarten round up. We brought the kiddies to the classroom, and went down to the Parish hall for an orientation. My little guy borrowed one of my oldest son's uniforms because he was in "big kid school today". I just want to cry! He's getting so big! My little lovey is growing up...

Today, I'm stuck at work, but the kiddies are home with DH playing basketball with their new net in the perfect 80 degree weather. They've been waiting for this day for AGES!

We want to do a garden this year too, but I'm not sure if it's too early in the year, considering this is Michigan, and we just had snow on Wednesday...I think I need to wait a few more weeks, but I'd love to hit up the nursery and see what they've got available!

Enjoy your weekend, ladies!