Well, my big day is coming to an end - sadly :-(
Bill took special care of me this weekend: baked a cake, hung blinds, grocery shopped, helped with Laila in the middle of the night, bought Champagne and......gave me the illustrated version of "Angels and Demons"!! I haven't read that book yet but am SO EAGER to get started.
It always makes me feel really special when he gives me something so thoughtful.
I received lots of phone calls and cards from family and friends. I want to say thank you all and I love you very much!!!
As a side note to Nancy: watching my girls all.day.long last Sunday was supposed to be my gift! Thank you for the extra something special on top of that.
I'm 33 years old today and as my family sang Happy Birthday to me this morning I got a little weepy thinking of how lucky and blessed I am. To look at my beautiful, happy, and healthy family is, to me, a miracle. Some days I feel as though I am undeserving of it all, but thank God for granting me the life I always dreamed for myself.
It's a new year and a fresh start for me.
I think it's going to be a good one.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
My Birthday Buddy
This weekend is so bittersweet for me.Everbody knows I love my own birthday! This year, though, it's just not the same.
Rick's birthday is today. One day before mine.
Rick and I had so much fun over the years being eachother's birthday buddy. We had this fun loving competition over who's birthday was better. Of course, he figured he had the better birthday because his came first. I thought mine was better because my came right after his and I got to bask in the glory longer.
When we went to DisneyWorld we had a competition over who got the most birthday buttons - and then - who got the most cool stuff while at Disney because of our birthday buttons.
I have to tell you that Rick beat me, hands down, each year. Not only did he get more buttons, but the cast members at Disney paid more attention to him! He got free ice cream, free pins and during the Main Street Parade at Magic Kingdom Cinderella herself looked right at Rick standing on the curb, smiled and waved and said "Happy Birthday"....right to him!
Even though Rick was such a selfless man, I think he truly enjoyed the attention he got on his special day.
It brings huge tears to my eyes to think he's not here this year. I want to pick up the phone and sing to him. I want to laugh and joke around with him. I want to fight over buttons and ice cream. I want him back.
But since I can't do any of that this year the best I can do is celebrate him in spirit. To tell you all what a special and loved person he was.
Tomorrow I'll light an extra candle on my cake in honor of Rick. We miss him so much.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
When You See Them Coming
Give them lots of candy!
Although I typically like scary costumes for Halloween, the girls insisted on being princesses (again). With the exception of Laila - who is a Ladybug.
Can't wait until Friday!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
In Response
In response to my own Hot Topic.
Yes, I was spanked as a child. I do remember it hurting and I, most definitely, remember wanting to avoid it at all costs. I'd have to ask my parents whether or not it curbed the unwanted behavior. Probably not.
We were spanked for various reasons - of which I cannot really remember. I'm sure lying to our parents was a biggie.
Mostly, though, we were grounded if we got in to trouble (especially me!).
I do not spank my children. I use time-outs. Everything that I learned in college in regards to child development proved that spanking is just as ineffective as any other punishments we dole out. What matters most is consistency. Eventually kids will outgrow certain unwanted behaviors.
And for the the stuff that they never outgrow? I'm still learning. For me, discipline means to teach, not punish. For most unwanted behaviors distraction and redirection works best - especially with the younger ones (around 2 years old).
For the older kids I use negative reinforcement. I will take away your favorite Barbie, then your book, then your dress-up shoes, etc, etc.
When the kids fight I separate them from eachother - and the thing they are fighting over.
(I guess I went too far on this part of the topic).
It is not to say that I have never swatted the behind of any of my children (because I have), or never placed them firmly in to time out (because I have). It's just that if I can use another technique other than spanking that is just as effective, than I will avoid hitting my child for no real reason.
Do I care if someone else spanks their child? Not really. I try not to get involved with other people's business unless someone is being put in harms way.
I think that was it for the Hot Topic.
I'll post a little something more light-hearted next - maybe some pictures of the girls in their costumes.
Yes, I was spanked as a child. I do remember it hurting and I, most definitely, remember wanting to avoid it at all costs. I'd have to ask my parents whether or not it curbed the unwanted behavior. Probably not.
We were spanked for various reasons - of which I cannot really remember. I'm sure lying to our parents was a biggie.
Mostly, though, we were grounded if we got in to trouble (especially me!).
I do not spank my children. I use time-outs. Everything that I learned in college in regards to child development proved that spanking is just as ineffective as any other punishments we dole out. What matters most is consistency. Eventually kids will outgrow certain unwanted behaviors.
And for the the stuff that they never outgrow? I'm still learning. For me, discipline means to teach, not punish. For most unwanted behaviors distraction and redirection works best - especially with the younger ones (around 2 years old).
For the older kids I use negative reinforcement. I will take away your favorite Barbie, then your book, then your dress-up shoes, etc, etc.
When the kids fight I separate them from eachother - and the thing they are fighting over.
(I guess I went too far on this part of the topic).
It is not to say that I have never swatted the behind of any of my children (because I have), or never placed them firmly in to time out (because I have). It's just that if I can use another technique other than spanking that is just as effective, than I will avoid hitting my child for no real reason.
Do I care if someone else spanks their child? Not really. I try not to get involved with other people's business unless someone is being put in harms way.
I think that was it for the Hot Topic.
I'll post a little something more light-hearted next - maybe some pictures of the girls in their costumes.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Hot Topic
Just for youknowwhats and giggles I have decided to post a Hot Topic. I've been reading other blogs floating around out there with more of an edgy, made -ya- think sort of twist to them and thought I'd give it a try. That, and, Bonnie requested more posts (hey, us Moms at home need to stick together).
The topic for today: Spanking.
I did not hand pick this topic out of the air, it actually came up in a conversation with a Mom/Friend of mine this week.
To sort of switch it up I will refrain from posting my opinion on the issue until I hear what others have to say.
What I will do, though, is post the stance that the AAP has on the issue.
It is as follows:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that if punishment is needed, alternatives to spanking should be used.
Although most Americans were spanked as children, we now know that it has several important side effects.
It may seem to work at the moment, but it is no more effective in changing behavior than a time-out.
Spanking increases children's aggression and anger instead of teaching responsibility.
Parents may intend to stay calm but often do not, and regret their actions later.
Because most parents do not want to spank, they are less likely to be consistent.
Spanking makes other consequences less effective, such as those used at child care or school. Gradually, even spanking loses its impact.
Spanking can lead to physical struggles and even escalate to the point of harming the child.
Children who continue to be spanked are more likely to be depressed, use alcohol, have more anger, hit their own children, approve of and hit their spouses, and engage in crime and violence as adults.
These results make sense since spanking teaches the child that causing others pain is justified to control them—even with those they love.
What is your personal rule on the spanking issue? Were you spanked as a child? Do you spank your children? Why or why not?
Are you O.K. with other people spanking their children? Do you not believe in spanking but are fine with other physical type punishments?
Discuss.
The topic for today: Spanking.
I did not hand pick this topic out of the air, it actually came up in a conversation with a Mom/Friend of mine this week.
To sort of switch it up I will refrain from posting my opinion on the issue until I hear what others have to say.
What I will do, though, is post the stance that the AAP has on the issue.
It is as follows:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that if punishment is needed, alternatives to spanking should be used.
Although most Americans were spanked as children, we now know that it has several important side effects.
It may seem to work at the moment, but it is no more effective in changing behavior than a time-out.
Spanking increases children's aggression and anger instead of teaching responsibility.
Parents may intend to stay calm but often do not, and regret their actions later.
Because most parents do not want to spank, they are less likely to be consistent.
Spanking makes other consequences less effective, such as those used at child care or school. Gradually, even spanking loses its impact.
Spanking can lead to physical struggles and even escalate to the point of harming the child.
Children who continue to be spanked are more likely to be depressed, use alcohol, have more anger, hit their own children, approve of and hit their spouses, and engage in crime and violence as adults.
These results make sense since spanking teaches the child that causing others pain is justified to control them—even with those they love.
What is your personal rule on the spanking issue? Were you spanked as a child? Do you spank your children? Why or why not?
Are you O.K. with other people spanking their children? Do you not believe in spanking but are fine with other physical type punishments?
Discuss.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
First Things First
My niece was born today: Emma Grace Feske. 7 pounds 7 ounces.
My 3rd niece, but first from my side of the family. I am BEYOND excited for Jimmy and Megan.
When Jim called this morning - first I screamed, then I cried. It is such a beautiful thing to have your first child enter the world. Nothing like it.
At any rate, I'm sure she's perfect and am waiting on pictures from Jimmy.
Real quick, our weekend in Moorhead was really, really fun! We got to see almost everybody from my family as well as most of our friends. We went out, learned how to play Wii (thanks Mike and Andrea - now we are addicted!), played with all the kids we don't often see, played with adults we don't often see, saw Kris's store and bought the cutest Halloween outfit for Laila (pics to follow on that too), we saw Grandpa and Grandma's new house, Jill's new furniture, Dad and Marilyn's remodel....we stayed at Dad's and Melissa's!! O my gosh, the list goes on and on.
All in all a perfect weekend with family and old friends.
This week, so far, Bill was invited to go on the Mortenson annual pheasant hunt in South Dakota over the weekend. Guess that leaves out the Pumpkin Patch for this year. So much to do....so little time.
We've got it worked out though - I'll take the girls to Nanny and Poppa's (Bill's parents) on Saturday to hang out and play in their costumes and Nancy will watch the girls on Sunday while I work. I mean, really, what would we do without Grandparents??
Hopefully I'll get another chance to post this week with some pictures of baby Emma.
My 3rd niece, but first from my side of the family. I am BEYOND excited for Jimmy and Megan.
When Jim called this morning - first I screamed, then I cried. It is such a beautiful thing to have your first child enter the world. Nothing like it.
At any rate, I'm sure she's perfect and am waiting on pictures from Jimmy.
Real quick, our weekend in Moorhead was really, really fun! We got to see almost everybody from my family as well as most of our friends. We went out, learned how to play Wii (thanks Mike and Andrea - now we are addicted!), played with all the kids we don't often see, played with adults we don't often see, saw Kris's store and bought the cutest Halloween outfit for Laila (pics to follow on that too), we saw Grandpa and Grandma's new house, Jill's new furniture, Dad and Marilyn's remodel....we stayed at Dad's and Melissa's!! O my gosh, the list goes on and on.
All in all a perfect weekend with family and old friends.
This week, so far, Bill was invited to go on the Mortenson annual pheasant hunt in South Dakota over the weekend. Guess that leaves out the Pumpkin Patch for this year. So much to do....so little time.
We've got it worked out though - I'll take the girls to Nanny and Poppa's (Bill's parents) on Saturday to hang out and play in their costumes and Nancy will watch the girls on Sunday while I work. I mean, really, what would we do without Grandparents??
Hopefully I'll get another chance to post this week with some pictures of baby Emma.
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