The Law of Toddlers

Yes, I know, a blog entry from Natalie...SHOCKING!! Just consider this a late Christmas present from me to you. Having said that, don't get your hopes up about this being some fantastic entry that will have you pondering all week long. Also, don't think it is one of those entries that you will be laughing about for weeks to come. And, yes, I know that since my last entry a lot of things have happened that I should record-family journal style. But, as you probably already know, I don't do journals very well. I am just not good at being consistent.

Instead, I want to record something that I have had in my stash of papers since college. I was reading a friends blog, and this note came to mind. It was given to me in one of my child development/teaching classes. At the time, I was child-less and read it and thought, "Oh, how cute" Now I have it hanging on my fridge, and refer to it every day, to try and remind myself that my toddlers are normal. This is how they are, and it's ok and eventually they grow out of it...I think. I didn't write this, although I have experienced personally each of these laws. I am sorry, I don't know who wrote it so I can't credit them. I would if I could.

THE LAW OF TODDLERS
1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it should never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I 'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it looks just like mine, it's mine.
8. If I think it's mine, it's mine.
9. If it's not supposed to be mine, it's mine.


ps-sorry about the ads on my blog. My husband was playing around with possibilities. I think maybe he is looking for ways for me to make him rich. I asked him to remove the ads, I would do it myself, but I am not that able. He says if you click on them I make money. So, click on them to help make me rich, or at least make me pennies. Except, I haven't clicked on them, so I don't know where they lead you. It could be some terrible website that I wouldn't want to send you to...so, nevermind, don't click on them. I repeat, DON'T click on them... or maybe do, just do it at your own risk....ooooo...scary

An update, or not

Ok, I know that an update is long overdue. Every time I sit down to write something, i get distracted and then another month (or two) slips by and then I don't know where to start.

This is where I am today. Do I try to catch up? Writing about Lily's first day of kindergarten (which she LOVES, by the way), Cora's third grade experiences, Noah being able to sing along to Michael Jackson songs, the sicknesses that are floating around our family, Sean's many band rehearsals, my Primary experiences...yes, still in primary...where do I start....???

Maybe today I will start by saying, we are living life. Time keeps ticking around us. I try not to be to hard on myself about the "unimportant" things that are just "important" enough that if they don't happen, life would be miserable (housework, money, blah, blah, blah). But, there are days when I wish I could do more...and there are days when I feel like I can't handle a single more thing...

So, I want to do a post on all the great things that are happening in our lives, but I just haven't made the time. I will, just not right now.

First Day of Third Grade

Dear Third Grade,

Please be nice to my daughter. I love her so much. She is sweet, sensitive and smart. She loves to learn. I hope that you won't change that.

She likes a challenge but can be easily frustrated. Please be gentle with her. She loves other third grade girls but as a former third grade girl myself(although it may have been years ago), I know that sometimes they can be unkind. I hope she can handle this, not be hurt too easily, and most of all, I hope she isn't doing the hurting.

Third grade, don't let her know that it isn't cool to give her mom hugs and kisses. She has reassured me that she will always want hugs and kisses from her mom, but deep down, I know that there will probably be a day when she rolls her eyes when I try to sneak a quick peck and squeeze. I am just not ready for that yet. I need the hug and kiss, so I hope she still wants them.

Most of all, third grade, help her grow-and help me be able to handle it.


Sincerely,

A slightly nervous mother

Sneak Peak

Cora turned 8 in June. I begged her for months to not grow any older, but she did it anyway. We celebrated all month long and now we are preparing for her baptism in August. I took her today to take some pictures in hopes that I could actually take a picture that would be decent enough to put on a baptism invitation. Now, as much as I like to fancy myself a photographer, I recognize that I am amateur at best. I realize lighting, shadow etc. aren't perfect. But, I must say, considering these are the ones that I took with my little pathetic digital camera they aren't too shabby! Can't wait to see how the photos I took with the fancy camera turn out! Of course, I must say, that my children are beautiful no matter what camera takes their picture! :)

In Memoriam

Dear Green Ipod,

Thank you for all of the joy that you brought to my life. The year and a half that we had together was a nice one. Not only did you bring me many hours of entertainment, but you kept me company and became my friend.

Remember when we were so excited to go to the New Kids on the Block Concert that we downloaded a lot of their old music in addition to their new cd? You even tolerated me and Tiffany singing along while traveling to and from the concert. You were such a good ipod.

You played my music, my podcasts and even entertained me with movies and television shows! What a great invention you are!
You didn't even look at me funny while I was dancing to your music while cleaning my kitchen! Which is more than I can say for my own children!

You even kept me company while I was in the hospital having my little boy. I was so lonely at times, and I missed my family, but you were there the whole time.

And, after I came home, you made those late night feedings a little easier by playing comforting music and podcasts.

But, you have now gone on to ipod heaven. Who knew that pouring a bottle of water on you would do so much damage? And, in my defense, it wasn't me, it was one of my children. But they didn't mean to and really it doesn't matter. Blame doesn't bring you back...

Now comes the difficult part, I am sorry to say, Ipod, that I HAVE replaced you. And, while you filled my needs for a time, those needs have changed. My new ipod is purple...PURPLE!!! And it holds twice as much music..TWO TIMES as much!!!



I loved you green ipod, but I must say, I love my PURPLE ipod just a little more...but only a little.

I hope, dear ipod, that you have moved on to bigger, better places. And, don't worry about me, I have my purple ipod to bring me joy.

Rest in Peace, Green Ipod, RIP

A Conversation with Noah

(This happens most mornings while stepping outside to walk Cora to school.)

Momma: Listen to the birds Noah, can you hear all of the birdies up in the trees?
Noah: (looking up in the trees) CACK! CACK! (quacking loudly like a duck)
Momma: Yes, that is what a duck says, these birds are saying "tweet, tweet". Can you say "tweet, tweet"
Noah: CACK! CACK! CACK!
Momma: Yes, that is a duck. What do birdies say? Say, "tweet, tweet"
Noah: CACK! CACK! CACK!
Momma: Yes, good boy Noah, cack, cack.

(I guess if he gets to college and thinks a bird says quack, then it will be all my fault!)

Late to the Party, as usual!

While doing very productive things on the internet a few weeks ago I came across this video. It peaked my interest about this artist-in this house any musician that sings AND plays piano is given a fair chance at proving their worth. Now we have a favorite. I realize that Regina Spektor isn't a brand new artist-but she is somewhat new to me. As usual, I am out of the "coolness" circle. Even still, we (meaning me and my children) really enjoy this song and I will not deny that I may even be found attempting to dance to it. It's a sad attempt, but still, an attempt.

While I enjoy the song, I must say that the best part of playing it is hearing my 16mth old start saying "oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh" over and over when it comes on. I guess the song speaks to all ages!