Disney On Ice

Well we are into week three of school and we already missed week three of school. Why? The flu. Eww. Having twins is wonderful. Having twins with the flu at the same time, not so fun. But we are making it through.

We did have one highlight on Sunday. The girls and I went to see Disney on Ice at Hara Arena. It was 100 Years of Disney. We went with my girlfriend, Patches and her two sons, Garrett, 4 and Griffin, 2. What a great experience. It was one of those moments when I could watch the girls eyes light up with excitement and just fall in love all over again with being a mom. I wish every moment felt like that. It was fun to be excited with them and clapping and clapping when their favorite characters would come out.

Now the $10 for a fancy plastic Cinderella cup filled with triple colored snow cones I could have done without. Times two. But when in Rome. I did succumb to $3 pop and $4 popcorn. But the $10 cotton candy didn’t suck me in. Seriously $10? But it did come with a crown with Mickey ears. The snow cones just called to the girls more I guess. Even though they didn’t eat a fourth of it and I had sticky snow cone juice every where. But to end on a positive note, the show was nearly 2 hours long. The Hara Arena is also a great place to go because all the seats are close. I’m not sure there would be a bad spot in the house for Disney on Ice.

My one regret is not letting the girls dress up as princesses. Actually, it never crossed my mind. But once we were there you would see little Sleeping Beauties and other characters walking in to the show. Now how fun is that? Next time, I will definitely let my girls dress up.

Before the show was even over Alani was dying to get home to dress up like the Little Mermaid. “Mom, can we go home so I can dress up as the Little Mermaid and come back?” Then she informed me that she wanted Garrett and Griffin to come over and see her dressed up too. I had to laugh. Later, Patches told me that Alani told her the same thing.

After the show we went to McDonald’s to let the kids play and to finish off the great afternoon. Of course, the mom’s could have done without it but the kids seemed happy enough. Happy enough that between the four of them we could have split one four-piece chicken McNugget happy meal. We even tried the ‘eat before play’ tactic but it still didn’t work out.

On the way home I could hear Alani and Garrett talking “Garrett, do you want to come to my house and see me dressed up as the Little Mermaid?” “Yeah.” And he did.

We came home and invited Garrett in (Griffin was sleeping). Alani promptly ran into her room and dressed up. Garrett admired her and even waited as she asked him if he wanted to see her try her new shoes on. What a husband this little dude will make. He, luckily, had his Buzz Lightyear fist from the show, so he was Buzz while the girls were princesses. And for the next two hours, Garrett and the girls played prince and princess together.

When we took Garrett home he immediately asked his mom to get his costumes out and within minutes he was a Power Ranger, Griffin was a storm trooper and their older brother, Gaven, came out as a Ninja.

It was all so cute it was funny. Garrett would grab the girls hands and want to dance just like the prince and princesses did on the ice.

This is just another reason why it wouldn’t be so bad being four again.

Four years went by too fast! 9/11

Tegan and Alani stand still for two seconds so mom can take a "First Day of Preschool" photo.

Bible school, soccer and now preschool. Too many changes for this mom.

I think I’ve been a little down the last week or so. I’ve tried to block from my mind that the girls were starting preschool. They weren’t opposed to it, but they weren’t excited by the idea of it either.

A few of the other children have older brothers or sisters so I think they are excited about the idea of ‘going to school.’ As I was walking the girls up to the door on the first day, one little boy was skipping in and singing “I’m going to preschool, I’m going to preschool.” I liked his enthusiasm and hope that it will rub off on my girls.

It took me awhile to figure out what my deal was on the idea of the girls starting school. Obviously, it’s the start of school. The start of a new era. But what bothered me the most was when I realized that ‘my’ time of being with the girls is over. The time where I was in most control and could shield and protect them from the world. Now the rest of the world will be able to get their fingers on them. And I guess its not even so much as that, because living and getting the most out of life is what I want for all of us, it is just the fact that I can’t believe that time is already here.

Anyways, the first day of preschool went well. When I dropped them off no one begged me to stay and they were off checking things out. I was too worked up getting them in there that I didn’t have time to cry. Then I went to breakfast with friends and enjoyed some adult conversation. Still no time to cry. When I went to pick them up they were smiling and happy. The teacher had given them good reviews. No one was permanently kicked out. As I drove us home it was then I cried. Just a little, but I did.

They learned about the letter A. Played with Play-doh and ate a sucker. Tegan informed me she didn’t like singing. Alani liked her sucker. And that was that.

Day two, Tegan doesn’t want to talk about it but I hear her and Alani break out into some Triangle, circle song from time to time. And that day was brought by the letter B.

Day three, the girls will get to take their book bags and bring home their hard labor for the week. I’m excited to see their ‘work’ and to see how proud they may be of it. Then, I will proudly display it on the refrigerator like every other proud parent out there.

So far, no soccer stars in sight 8/28

Notice Alani and Tegan on the sideline, while all the other kids actually play soccer in the background.

Our first soccer game was what Brad and I thought it would be. A nightmare. Actually, I have accepted that its going to be nothing like we’ve planned in our heads so I was able to take it pretty well. Brad, on the other hand, is still trying to come to terms. He did say he was going to volunteer to work overtime the day of their next scheduled game.

Tegan tried, she really did. There were a couple of instances when she was getting in there running down the field with the other soccer players. But then she ran by a unused ball on the sideline and started to kick it. They had to stop her. It was just sad. The idea is to kick the ball, exactly what she was trying to do, just not the right ball. Something else similar happened and it was funny but just sad because she was really trying.

My girls are just not aggressive. They don’t like big crowds let alone throw them on a grass field where everyone is trying to kick the same ball in a little moving huddle. Alani really doesn’t like it nor did she really try. While most of the other kids tried to get in there she would just be standing in her own little spot looking at us, wishing we would take her off the field. At one point Brad did call her over and I wanted thump him on the arm. In response we had a little girl that did not want to go back on the field. Duh.

Which in turn eventually drew Tegan to the sideline. So they stood on the white line staring at us and refusing to go back out. Everyone thought they were so ‘cute’. This ‘cute’ was definitely meant for kids that aren’t your own. Every one kind of laughed and got a kick out of their behavior while Brad and I gritted our teeth and tried to laugh it off.

At one point, a coach on the other team took both girls by the hand and placed them in their spots on the field. Brad and I were silently hoping they would bench one of our kids and when they did neither of them would go on the field. So the other coach yells out that she’ll take a two for one deal and put the girls in the back field.

The game finally ended. I have to give major props to our coaches Roger and Mike and all of the other coaches out there that volunteer their time and patience.

Up until now I was totally against separating my girls. Now I’m not so sure. In this case I can see Alani holding Tegan back. Tegan is more outgoing and willing to give it a try. But then she will feel sorry for Alani and go back and try to tend to her. Tegan even told me that Alani and I can stay home while her and daddy go to the soccer games. But all four of us will be sticking the soccer season out and hoping for the best.

Over one hurdle, on to the next...

Just to let you know, we survived Bible school.

On the fifth day there was a family event in the park with a magician. It was really a great experience. I stood back and watched the kids, parents and family members with great big smiles on their faces as they watched the show. I felt my heart tug when I saw the girls raising their hands, laughing in all the right places and their bright eyes taking everything in. For a moment I had this overwhelming sense of joy. I even took pictures of people I didn’t know just because they had such huge smiles on their faces.

The church and all the volunteers really did an amazing job. I was happy we were invited and decided to take part.

Over one hurdle and on to the next. Soccer. Heh. I can only laugh right now. We’ve had one practice and had a team photo taken. At the first practice Brad and I each probably grew about 10 gray hairs. I had no preconceived notions. I just hoped they would go in there, stay in line and listen to the coaches. I think Brad thought that was what was going to happen. He was wrong and my hopes did not come to fruition.

Tegan was pretty good at first, she kicked the ball around. Alani wanted no part of it. If she wasn’t staring at me hoping I would tell her to come she was just standing there or clinging to her sister. If the other kids were in line, mine were off by themselves. I kept telling them to get in there and listen to the coaches. I mean, I don’t even know if that’s bad etiquette. Finally, the girls started listening to their coaches and kicking the ball around, then practice was over. No! Heh, they were finally doing it!

All the other parents didn’t seem annoyed at us or the girls but we were both worked up. I guess we forgot that they are only four years old and this is their first sport. I’ve tried to tell myself and Brad that its going to be a chore for us and we need to just come to terms with it.

I bought Brad a book about soccer since neither of us know anything about it. He read that at our girls age the only thing they will be interested in is kicking the ball. That is good to know. That way we aren’t expecting more than we should. We both sighed with relief. Okay, so they aren’t too horrible. Heh.

Brad has been thinking a lot about this and is coming up with a couple of strategies. One is to get out there earlier. That way they can kick the ball around a bit and hopefully get their awkwardness out of the way. Two is not to bring Momma. I’m not sure what I think about that one, I want to watch them. But he says they are better when I’m not around to cling too. I haven’t decided what I want to do. I don’t want to hinder the girls, but I don’t want to miss out either.

Our first game is Aug. 22. Wish us luck!

Jesus and Michael Jackson

If not seven days a week, it is at least five that I have a little girl standing beside me wanting the spot I am sleeping in. Once I move from that spot, maybe up to 3 or 4 times a week I have a second little girl standing next to me wanting the new spot I am sleeping in.

I figure its because they want the warm spot I have created, that, or they are just mean.

Next I am usually awakened with the same request or question “Mom, can I have some juice?”

Except this week, almost every day this week the first thing I have heard is “Mom, can I watch Michael Jackson?”

Having On Demand television has caused us to watch “Thriller” and “Remember the Times” nearly 4,336 times. OK, I’m exaggerating but it sure feels like it.

The girls were first turned on the Michael Jackson when his obit was on the front page of the Piqua Daily Call. Alani wanted to know who that girl was. I told her that it was a guy with long hair. She has since decided she doesn’t like guys with long hair.

Now if you’ve seen the “Thriller” video, Michael is darker and has shorter hair. In “Remember the times, his skin is more fair and he is sporting more make up and long hair. The only difference that seems to ever get questioned is the length of his hair or why zombies have blood in their mouth? All that matters to the girls is that they love the songs and dancing around.

It wasn’t until the other day that the girls found out that he died. We’ve had to explain death a few times to the girls. I’m not sure how much of it they really get but they realize that Grandpa Canan, Griffy (my mom and step-dad’s dog), Jesus and now Michael Jackson are in heaven.

I need to give a quick back story. Every time we pass a church the girl’s say “It’s Jesus’ house!” all excited. They’ve also realized that he has a lot of houses but seem OK with that too. I’ve also just signed them up for Bible School for the first time. So to get them excited about it Brad told them since they are always asking about Jesus that they will get to ask more questions about him at school and that they get to go to Jesus’ house. (They’ve also noted that Jesus has long hair and don’t like it either.)

So once the girls put together that they will be getting to go to school at Jesus’ house they wanted to know if they would get to see Michael Jackson there.

Awhile back we drove by Brad’s work. The girls noted that daddy works in a green building. So now they want to know what color everyone’s work is. Usually every one is confused once they get asked “What color is your work?”

So instead of trying to figure out all the ways to explain death, heaven and can I see them, I am thankful for an easy question like “What color is your work?” Until now. As I thought I was finishing this column up with “Can I see Michael Jackson at Jesus’s house” Tegan just asked, “What color is Jesus’s work?”

As if it were so simple.

It seems like every few weeks my column talks about how these women give me a run for my money, so why should this week be any different.

Wow.

They say patience is a virtue. Now according to Merriam-Webster dictionary virtue can mean 1a: conformity to a standard of right; 3: a beneficial quality or power of a thing; 5: a commendable quality or trait.

That’s it? That is all virtue means. When I’m dealing with these women on a stressed out, hair graying day. All I get is a ‘commendable quality or trait‘? I’m thinking patience should entail angelic sounds coming from the heavens as raindrops of diamonds fall from the sky and beams of sunlight shine down on my head as I softly smile while wiping up a tossed plate from the kitchen floor.

A virtue.

I’m highly disappointed.

We are all allowed moments of self-pity aren’t we? Rant over. I feel better now.

With summer in full tow the girls and I have been swimming quite a bit lately. It makes for a wonderful day.

I get excited to pack for the pool. Making sure we have all the right floaties and fun, colorful beach towels and deciding on what snacks to take to the pool.

Alani and Tegan will swim for hours on end. Alani reminds me of me when I was little because I was always in it for the long hall. Alani has a little more meat to her so she can hang a little longer than Tegan. Tegan will get out warm up a bit and get back in.

The girls have really surprised me this year. They jump from the sides and have no problem going under water. They are pretty attached to their arm floaties but we are working on that. If they are swimming in shallow water the love to put their faces in the water and kick their feet. They are even getting the arm motions. I’m hoping the girls will be swimming on their own by the end of the summer.

Speaking of the end of the summer can you believe it’s already July? We are already halfway through 2009. Before I know it my girls will be starting preschool and I will be crying the blues. I better quit complaining.

P.S. I did want to share that a Chinese proverb quickly put me back in my place as I did searches for quotes on patience, “One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life.”

P.S.S. That certainly makes patience seem more important than a virtue doesn’t it?

Mom in Training 5/19

If you recall, recently my girls gave me the pleasure of dealing with my first toilet overflow situation. Well, the entertainment (for lack of a better word) continues.

We have a 5 gallon water cooler that sits on our back porch. For the most part the girls aren’t too bad with messing with it. So the other day I go to get a glass a water and I cannot get the handle to turn off. Water just keeps coming out and I yell to Brad to come and help me before water gets all over the place. I figure out the problem. The girls have messed with it so much that they loosened the handle so water was just spurting out of the threads. Problem solved. So I thought.

I usually get up a couple of times a night regardless of the girls and I generally get myself a shot of water. Now you have to walk pass our water cooler to get to the restroom. First off, before bed I conveniently sorted out laundry so I could dive into those household chores I love so much in the morning. So I had a load of laundry sitting on the floor in front of the water cooler. On my second trip through, around 4 a.m. I notice that the floor is damp and I look and see that almost the entire 5 gallons of water was flowing nicely out of our water cooler! Again, I tighten the nozzle. Obviously I didn’t get it the first time. But for once, my preparation of laundry paid off. Heh, it soaked up a nice bunch of the water. Of course it wasn’t nearly enough considering for an entire day I stood on towels trying to get the rest of the water up.

Day 2. A funky odor. Oh no, why is my house stinking? I take out the trash, run the garbage disposal but still I smell, something. So I get on my knees and smell the wet carpet. Oh no! The carpet smells horrible. I do what I do and jump on the internet to see what I can do to get bad odors out of the carpet. I settled on the vinegar, water, baking soda solution and set the fan up. I also boiled water and vinegar on the stove because I hear that is another way to get smells out of your home. When Brad gets home from work the house is swelling at the seams from a musty/vinegar smell. Not a good combination. I told him the next step was to tear up the carpet and get rid of the padding underneath. So like a good husband and father he promptly peeled up our carpet and discarded the padding.

He was so frustrated that if a washer, dryer, deep freeze and two cabinets didn’t sit on the carpet he would have ripped the entire thing up. I told him to just wait and we would see.

Happily, when I got up on the third day, the carpet and sub flooring was dry and it didn’t stink. I texted Brad the good news and we both felt much better.

All the while the girls play. It’s good to be a kid.

So, we are into year four with these ladies. They have turned our world upside down and cost us a fortune. They have peed on the couches and in their beds, the have splashed water out of the tub and overflowed our toilet, the have colored on the walls, lampshades and windows, they have wasted good amounts of shampoo and bubble bath, they throw whole bananas away after one bite and spilled things on the carpet. I could go on but you know what? This motherhood thing has been the best ride I’ve ever been on.

I just wish they came with some sort of insurance policy of their own.