Learning about presidents

Everyday when Ben gets home we go through a lot of the typical how were your day questions. Most days I'm lucky to get one or two facts. Today was no different. He said they were learning about money and the presidents. The funny part came later as we were driving to the gym. 

He was in the back seat and all of a sudden said, " Hey Mom did you know that George Washington didn't have real teeth. He had pretend teeth but they fell out all of the time. Also I don't think they were that comfortable." We talked about George Washington for a while and then I asked him if he knew anything about Thomas Jefferson or any other presidents. He said, "Mom I'm in kindergarten I cant know everything about all the presidents. That's for when I'm in like 7th grade." I definitely got a laugh out of that response. 

I was curious about the George Washington tooth fact so I looked it up and sure enough he only had one real tooth when he was elected President. He spent thousands on dentures and most caused him significant pain. 

Santa troubles

I know I brag on Ben a lot. I have some people that ask , "Does he do anything wrong. I never see your post about melt downs, or just overall bad behavior." Of course the answer is yes. Sometimes he does talk back at times and he does have "difficult" days but these are rare and as soon we look at him sideways or say, "excuse me what did you just say" he apologizes and although sometimes sulkily starts to act better.

He never ceases to amaze me on how mature he can act. Last night we got to Bass Pro Shop at 5:45 to see Santa. Ben has been super excited and I figured we would have time since they closed at 8. As soon as we walked in I knew we were in trouble. The line wrapped around the building. I couldn't find the end. I love my children but a two hour line would not be good for anyone. They actually had closed the line because it would not be over by 8.

I slowly got down on Ben's level and preparing for tears I explained that the line was to long and we were not going to be able to see Santa tonight. I said, "Ben I am so sorry that I didn't bring you earlier but I promise we will come back on Monday night and see him right when he opens. You could tell he was let down but in true Ben fashion he said, "It's ok mom. It's not your fault. We can come back on Monday."

I honestly wanted to cry. Most kids would have thrown their self on  the ground, given the silent treatment , or at least yelled. Not mine. He simply said, "Can we still have popcorn?"

So our night was still fun. He got some popcorn and fudge and looked at boats. I know God puts certain traits in people for reasons that we are unaware of and I am truly excited to see what he has in store for Ben. I love that little boy!

The missing car

With all the different medicines Im on and the week hospital stay my sleep cycle has been minimal at best. I usually sleep for about two hours at night and maybe get an hour nap during the day. I don't necessarily feel bad but I think its making me a little scatter brained.lol

Today Ben asked to bring a small hot wheel car to school to play with on the bus. Apparently that's what all his friends are doing and he promised not to get it out at school so I agreed. He had it sitting by his cereal bowl at the kitchen table. It was time for the bus to come so I put his jacket and toboggan on and started to grab his car for him. I couldn't find it anywhere. I looked for two or three minutes while he patiently waited by the door. Finally I said , "Ben you might have to get another car I cant find it anywhere." He said, "mom you already gave it to me. You put it in my hat before you put it on my head." and then he took off his hat and showed me the car. I started laughing and asked why he didn't say anything when I put it on his head. He shrugged and said, " I don't know I figured you didn't want me to lose it before I got on the bus. It wasn't going to get lost in my toboggan."

Well at least we found the car. Hopefully my sleep will return shortly before I send the poor boy to school with play dough in his lunch box.

Big hug for me

Ben was very excited about today and tomorrow because I am helping out with his class. Today I helped them all make their Indian shirts and tomorrow I'm helping the other room mom watch the class for an hour while the teacher enjoys her appreciation lunch.
Ben said, " Mom I'm going to call you mom. Ok? Not Mrs Long. Is that ok? If you need help with anything just let me know. I can tell you when bathroom brakes are and show you were Mrs Conn keeps stuff. And when I see you I'm going to give you a big hug. I know some kids may laugh but I don't care. Your my mom and I can hug you if I want. "
And sure enough as soon as I told him hello today he gave me a big hug and whispered, "I'm really glad your here!" He makes me so happy.


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Life with children

Last night Michael and I stayed up late watching White House Down. I think I fell asleep around 1230. Just like clockwork Elijah woke up for the first time around 1245. I truly believe he loves to sleep, just not when I do.lol. He is an absolute wonderful baby but he does not like to sleep all night. Of course I can't really complain because as far as babies go he is the most laid back easy baby I know. So I had my usual 1230, 2, and 5 get up times. He finally decided he liked to sleep at 515. At 730 Ben comes in after apparently playing in his room for 30 minutes or so and says, "Mom are you going to sleep all morning or are we going to have some fun today." So with heavy eyes I fix me a cup of coffee and play board games for an hour. Im glad we had some time together before Eli got up because  he is one of the funniest kids I know.

The other night we were making those popular rubber band bracelets and as we finished with one called the rainbow ladder he remarked, "You know mom this one kind of looks like a train track. It reminds me of the book freight train by Donald Crews." I had to laugh because he sounded really educated at that instant for a 5yr old. They study an author every week so I'm glad he actually pays attention. 

That same day we were sitting on the couch and Ben says, "Hey mom I know what we can do sometime. We can go to the kitchen and get two bowls and go to the city. ( At this point Im wondering where this story is going.) Then we can stand on the corner hold our bowls out and I bet people will put money in them. I had to explain those people do that because they don't have any money and it's not fun for them. 

Kids truly do say the craziest things. Every day is an adventure with these two.  

Porkchops in the toilet

Tonight was a first for Ben. Michael was working late so Ben and I were eating dinner around 6. Eli was playing in the living room. He was taking forever to eat his dinner so I told him I was going to feed the dogs and when I got back I wanted the last few bites to be gone. (Don't feel sorry for him. He only had 1/2 of a pork chop, a cheese stick and 4 grapes he had to eat)

 As I was feeding the dogs in the basement I heard the toilet flush and I knew immediately what he had done. I came upstairs and saw him playing with Eli. I asked him if he finished his dinner. His response was, "It's all gone." (Which technically that wasn't a lie because it was gone, down the sewer.) I looked at him for a minute and asked him if he had flushed his dinner down the toilet. Well the poor boy knows I hate lies so he immediately starts crying and apologizing. 

I talked to him a few minutes about why he did what he did and then I sent him to bed. I could tell he was exhausted since he had been yawning since 4. As I was putting him in bed I explained that what he did was wrong but I was very proud of him telling me the truth. He fell asleep about two minutes after I left the room so hopefully tomorrow he will wake up in a good mood :)

This morning as I was packing Ben's snack he asked me for two lucky charm cereal bars. I asked him why he needed two and he said his friend really wanted to try one. Since he was being nice and sharing I put two in the bag.

Once he got home I asked him lots of questions about his day. I asked him who he sat by at lunch and his response made me smile. He said, "well I sat by a girl today. She's really beautiful to me. That means really pretty. I also sat by her at lunch. We shared our snack together. She was happy when I gave her my extra bar."

He's already noticing the pretty girls. I'm in trouble. 😍

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Location:Beautiful girls

School bus bliss and rectangle pizza

Well the first day of riding the school bus was a success. The bus stop is about three houses past our house. I was standing at the bus stop when I saw Ben stand up and start talking to the
driver. Once he was off the bus I asked him what he was saying.
"I told him he passed my house. I recognized the cross on the door and I didn't want him to drop me off way down the street because I didn't want to walk."
He said he loved riding the bus and it wasn't hot like I said it would be :)

As we were walking home I asked him if he liked the school pizza today. I almost laughed when he described the pizza. "Mom the pizza was a rectangle it wasn't shaped in a circle. It looked weird. I told the lunch lady I didn't want any peas but she put them on my plate anyways. It all looked odd so I just ate the cheese off of the pizza."
All in all he had a good day. I hope the rest of the week continues to go well

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Second day tears

From the title I'm sure most people thought the tears were Ben's but actually they were mine

Since Ben was three he has always wanted to ride the school bus. I remember when he did tumblebus in pre k he would come home and tell me he wished he could ride it somewhere.

I was hoping he would let me take him to and from school since I'm now staying at home. At least for a month or so. As soon as he got in the car yesterday he reminded me that he really wanted to ride the bus. One of his best friend got to get on the bus and Ben did not want to miss out today.

So first thing this morning I got him a bus number and I'm going to let him try the bus out. I tried to make a compromise and asked if he could ride in the morning and let me pick him up in the afternoon. Ben said, "mom ill see you as soon as I get home. Please let me ride."

I know he will do great because most of the kids on his bus are young and it's only a 15 min ride. The bus actually gets to my house earlier than I got home from carpool (I wAs in the line 45 min yesterday.) He will get picked up a little after 7 which is when we leave in the morning.

As I was driving home it hit me that he is growing up so fast. I know he is very independent so I'm learning to step back a little more everyday. I will definitely savor every snuggle and every bedtime story.

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The night before Kindergarten

Wow. I can not believe Ben is starting Kindergarten tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday I was bringing him home from the hospital. I am happy to say that over the last five years he has grown into a very smart, independent, funny young man.

Tonight as we were sitting at the table I asked him if he was excited about tomorrow. He said, "Yes mam I am excited. Im a little nervous but thats ok because I know everyone is the first day of doing something new. Weren't you nervous the first day mom? Im just glad that now I dont have to run errands with you as much, like the grocery store. I like the cookie but I dont really enjoy the shopping part."

I told him that since he was starting big boy school we had to have a strict bed time and be in bed by 8. He never complained. At 740 we went upstairs and he brushed his teeth. When he was done he actually remembered to use his mouth wash and amazingly get a wet wipe and wipe off all the toothpaste from the sink like I showed him how to do. Im so proud of him. Earlier today I was shocked to see him pick up every toy on his floor before he came down to eat. I asked him why he picked up and he looked at me and said, "Well you always tell me to pick up my room before I leave and go to another room. I actually remembered this time."

Days like this make all the hard times of teaching him these things worth it. I remember the nights when he was still a toddler that I had to leave him in his bed crying so that he would learn to go to sleep on his own. I always hated leaving him but it is so nice to have him lay down when I say to go to sleep read him a book and walk away knowing there will be no tears and he will fall asleep shortly.

Another thing we started tonight was kneeling by the bed to pray. We have done this a few times but mainly we pray laying down in the bed before I leave. Im blessed to have these times with him.

I am so excited about this school year. I know Ben will do great. I am looking forward to sharing his adventures with everyone.

Daddy lets play work

I've always known Michael was a wonderful father but tonight he went the extra mile. He has already worked close to 70 hrs this week. Once we got home from meet the teacher he ate dinner and changed into comfy clothes.
During this time Ben went to his room and put his suit on. He came downstairs and said, "Daddy will you put your dress clothes on so we can play work." Michael could easily have said no or maybe later but instead he went upstairs put his work clothes back on and made a desk for Ben in his office so they could go to "work".
So blessed Ben has such a wonderful man to call Daddy.


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Tender Heart

This has been a long week for us. Ben got sick Monday night and on Tuesday morning he was diagnosed with the flu. Poor guy couldnt keep anything down and still has not eaten more than a few crackers and a bite of roll. Today he was able to keep all of his fluids down and took a long nap so I believe he has beaten the worst of it.

Even through all of his sickness he kept his humor and his compassion for others. Yesterday I was in the restroom with him while he was sick and after the dry heaves he looked at me and said, "Momma I have one angry tummy. I think I'll stay away from sweets for a little while. I bet he's mad because I dont eat veggies like I should."

When he got weighed at the doctor he noticed he was 43lbs instead of the 44.4 he was last week. He said, "Momma as soon as I feel better I have to eat lots of food. Im getting smaller instead of bigger. I have to eat so I can be strong again."

As I was laying with him yesterday I told him that I'd rather have the flu than him because I didn't like seeing him sick. He looked at me and said, "No mamma I'd rather be sick because you have my brother in your belly and I dont like it when your sick. I'd rather it be me. "

Today he was taking a nap and I found out from my dr that I failed my glucose test by 5 points so I was going to have to take the three hour test next Monday. I was also told I'm anemic so I woud need to take iron. A few minutes after talking to my Dr I started feeling horrible. I had been tired all day but I figured it was because of staying up with Ben. After getting sick twice I went to the couch and had a good ol fashion cry. I havent had one in months and since I felt horrible I let myself cry. He woke up from his nap and found me on the couch. He sat next to me and patted me on the back. He said, "Mamma its ok, I heard you throw up. Im sorry your sick. Just take nice slow breaths. I promise you'll feel better soon." I gave him a big hug and dried up my tears. He told me if I needed to cry its ok and he would cuddle with me.

I dont know what I did to deserve such a smart, compassionate, wonderful son but I will always be grateful for him and my wonderful husband.

Growing up

Everyday Ben surprises me with something that he says or does. Today when we got home from church I asked him if he wanted a snack while I started making lunch. He said, "no mom I'm good. Thanks for asking me tho that's real nice of you. I can wait till lunch."
I guess just the way he looked at me and was genuinely thankful made me smile.
Later today I talked to him while he and Michael were at Bass Pro shop. I asked him if he would get me some chocolate fudge before he left. He said, " I'm not real sure where its at mom. But I'll find someone that works here and ill find you some I promise." As I was hanging up I heard him say "Dad mamma needs fudge we have to find here some."

I am so blessed to have Michael and Ben. They definitely treat me like a queen.


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4 year old comfort

Tonight I woke up around 11 unable to sleep. I had been tossing and turning for about two hours. The Benadryl I had taken was not helping my itching and my head was killing me. I got up and came downstairs. Suddenly I think my hormones overcame me and I couldnt stop crying. I think I was tired of all the itching and sleepless nights.

A few minutes later Ben came downstairs crying because his legs were cramping and he asked to come sit with me. We sat there for about five minutes with both of us crying and me massaging his legs. I'm sure we made quite the site. He looked at me and said, "Momma I feel a lot better I think we just needed to cry for a little while." Then we started laughing and just like that we both felt better.

It amazes me how mature he can be at times. He is such a blessing to us all. He always seems to know what to say to make a situation better. Now Im currently itch free so maybe we can get some rest.

At the moment we are watching Cast Away and he is informing me that Tom Hanks should have brought some bandaids so that when his leg started bleeding on the deserted island he would have something to cover his leg. He also added, "I dont know why he keeps talking to that ball. It's not real. I guess he's just pretending like I do when I play with my toys.

Worried about hair

I have to admit my hair has been a hot mess all day. It's even gone through a three hour nap.

I'm sitting on the couch and Ben comes running up to me and starts brushing my hair down with a comb he got from picture day. I asked him what he was doing. He said, "Mom your hair looks a little crazy. I'm just putting it back together for you." Lol




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Time to buy a belt

Two nights ago Ben said "Mom, I have some questions. When will I have lots of my own money? When do I get to have a wallet? When will I be considered big? And when can I wear a belt like daddy?
I explained to him that he would probably be able to have his own money once he started working or saving his money from his chores. He probably didn't need a wallet until he had money and he could get a belt anytime he wanted to go get one.
He cheered and said he would really be good at school so we could go the next day. Sure enough he got a smiley face at school yesterday and we got him a belt.
Today he said,"Mom make sure we pick out pants that have belt loops. I'm going to wear my belt."
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I want to see Heaven

Last night Ben and I were putting up garage sale signs and he wanted to get out and help. It was dark and I was close to the road so I told him he needed to stay in the car.
"But mom why do I have to stay in the car?" he said in true four year old fashion. I explained that a car could hit him if he stepped in the road and I'd rather him be safe in the car.
"Will I die if I get hit by a car mom? Cause if I did die I would see heaven , right? And that would be ok because I'm excited to see heaven but I would miss you." I'd rather not get hit by a car tho so I'll stay in the car.

I explained that I wanted him to live a long long time and he would get to see heaven later but right now I needed him to stay with me as long as possible.



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The show and tell fiasco

On Fridays Ben has show and tell at school. It's early in the morning so sometimes he doesn't make it there in time. Today he asked me to get him there extra early so he could participate.

He looked for the perfect toy and finally decided to bring his bat plane. I dropped him off early and went to work.

When I got home I asked him if he had fun at show and tell. He explained that apparently they were only suppose to bring toys that started with m so the teacher would not let get his toy out of his backpack. He said, "I cried and cried because I was the only one who didn't get to show a toy." He then got in trouble for crying and had to sit in time out.

The teacher informed Ben's grandparents that a sheet went out on Monday explaining the letter of the week. Since Ben does not go on Monday's I never got this sheet because they did not put one in his cubby.

I don't think I've ever been more sad and mad at the same time. I don't understand how a teacher could disappoint a 4yr old like that.


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Clean room

Tonight as I was fixing dinner I went to check on Ben in his room. He was busy playing with all of his superhero houses and all if his cars. His floor was covered with toys. I told him to make sure he picked up all his toys before dinner time.
About ten minutes later I called to Ben to let him know it was time to eat. He came running down the steps in a few minutes. I went upstairs and not only was everything picked up but everything was in the proper place. Cars with cars, superheroes all together, even all the Mr potato parts were in the right bag.
Ben came up behind me as I was staring at what was a huge mess ten minutes ago. "What you looking at Mom?" I told him I was impressed with his room and he said, "well I'm big now so I know how to keep my room clean." Those word were music to my ears.
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The roach incident

Tonight Ben and I decided to go Downstairs for a late night snack. I was going down the stairs and I noticed something dark in the middle of the stairs. I turned on the lights and noticed a huge roach in the middle of a step.

I have to mention i hate roaches. Once when I was a lifeguard one jumped off my stand into my hair. All the swimmers thought I was crazy because I couldn't stop screaming.

So I really don't like to get close to roaches because I've seen them jump and I also hate stepping on them because the crunching noise grosses me out.

Ben ran to my closet and got a shoe. "Here mom, throw this at it. It will make him get off the steps." Why not I thought to myself. I threw the shoe and all it did was make it climb higher toward us. I had a towel in my hand so I put it over it and tried to step on the roach. As my foot was coming down the roach ran out of the towel and started running away. Of course I screamed because it's me and bugs make me scream. Ben looked at me and said, "mom let's face it when it comes to roaches your not brave this situation needs a brave person not afraid of bugs. Let's close the bedroom door and wait on daddy." The way he said it was hilarious. I laughed and laughed.

Long story short we killed the roach:)



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