Back to it.

So when I started this blog I knew it was going to be one more task for me to complete in my weekly obligations, and like a lot of other things I fall behind, get stressed out, feel inadequate, wonder why I have so much to do. So, in order to get our blog going again I am going to start with today. Today was good. I will go back if and when I want to. We did have a fantastic summer with many blogworthy adventures but I have to start somewhere, and that is today. (I feel like Meredith right now in her opening dialogue in Grey's, can't wait for Thursday!)

So today, me being me in my typical mommy manner, I told Marley to go draw a pumpkin patch in effort to distract her from me giving my precious time away to the to the internet. I specifically told her she had to draw a whole patch, meaning multiple pumpkins, so I could have max time possible. Of course she insisted on me looking at each one as she went. I swear, I can't even read a whole email, let alone type a damn post for the blog! So this is what she drew...

Cute, right? I don't know how she even learned to draw, but you name it and she'll draw it. She's good too. I guess the next job is for her to learn how to take her time with these little picasso's so I can post a little more!

Breakfast in Bed

This morning Marley came to my side of the bed and said Boo until I rolled over and kissed her good morning...little cutie. 3 minutes later she returned to our room, went to Rusty's side of the bed and said "Good morning, Daddy! Here's your breakfast." and gave him a plastic cup full of Apple Jacks...cutEST. I wonder why I got boo-ed and he got cereal? She's always so sweet in the morning, why can't it last all day?

First Dentist Appointment ~ 07/09

Another reason I'm mom of the year ~ both girls just had their first ever dentist appointments! I just really didn't feel the need to take them until now. Although I completely ignored the recommendations from the parenting experts there was no harm, no foul. Both girls have great teeth, not a single cavity. Marley was a bit scared of the xray machine but still got some pictures taken and Ivy jumped right up there and opened her mouth as wide as she could. She was so cute. They both got their teeth cleaned and got new tooth brushes and flosser things. I give props to Dr. Johnson, Pediatric Dentist and his cute hygenists in Riverton. They were great with the kids and the office was super kid friendly too.

A little skeptical at first

Watching Incredibles on the ceiling

The tickle toothbrush

Waiting to hear the bird chirp

The hygienist showing Ivy the "tickle brush"

I think she like the little vaccuum in her mouth!

Marley's Dance Recital

May 31, 2008

Marley's dance recital was so sweet but so not sweet too. She and the other girls were so cute and did just as they were taught, but the organization of the studio was a big joke. I was almost embarassed for the owner. Although their location is the most convenient, we are not registering with this studio again! We are going to start gymnastics for both girls and try dance again at another studio that we have had great recommendations from.

4 IS NOT AS EASY AS IT LOOKS

Four. Carefree, fun, energetic, simple ~ the first thoughts that come to mind when thinking of a 4 year old right? Well today I'm here to make a case for the 4 year olds: life is not as easy, breezy as it looks. About half way through this week I realized what adult conversations I was having with Marley, and that I have had nearly 30 years to think about these things and this is just the introduction for her. Here's a sampling of what her little brain is trying to comprehend this week:

~The logistics of "I promise" and "pinky promise". Marley had to visit the dr. today about a sore that won't go away. We had to stop at Target to fill the perscription and she got a treat ~ body glitter~ because she promised me she would let me squeeze more "germs" out of the sore tonight like the dr. ordered. However, when the time came to squeeze it she flipped out and would not allow it. I explained that I had to take the body glitter away because she didn't keep her promise. How unfair is that? So not cool. She was so sweet and tried telling me through her tears that she promised that next time she makes a promise she would do it and that she really promises. And if you make a pinky promise then you don't promise then you don't get a treat. And if you don't make a pinky promise then you can't do what Dr. Cami says. I felt so bad taking away the body glitter at that point. She clearly did not know the commitment of "pinky promise". Being the sweetheart that she is she put the body glitter in my drawer and with eyes overflowing with tears told me that next time she makes a promise she'll get it back.

~Why she must be warned about creepy old men in WalMart lurking and searching for mom's that have turned their backs on the children left in the basket, wanting to touch their privates. (Reported on KUTV News) She said "and they'll go to jail right? Like if you don't buckle your seatbelt." I guess for a 4 year old that's a good enough comparison. I didn't want to argue that fact but tried to explain that's why she never leaves mommy's side.

~Why you can't go outside alone to practice riding your scooter. What lying is and that you can't say your sister did it when you ripped the sheets off your bed. Why mom and dad get to go to a birthday party and a party lovin' 4 year old can't go. How when little sisters cry and whine, the 4 year old is reprimanded and told not to make her cry and whine. Why you can't climb the shelves of the pantry to get treats out of the treat box when all you want is some chocolate.

So there is my case for the 4 year olds. There is so much being thrown at them, I think we (I) should give them a break. Let them cry and laugh and talk and express all the emotion they must be feeling in any way they can. At this age they can talk and understand and ask questions and come to conclusions all by themselves. Maybe we (I) should take a moment and remember she's only 4 and give her back the body glitter. She'll figure out promises later, right?

At the end of the day, after trying to understand all of what she's been taught, she said to me, "Good night mommy. I hope you have sweet dreams. And I hope they're about me....and monkey...and Ivy." I hope her sweetness will always shine through at the end of every day, no matter what life throws at her.

Marley's Preschool Program

Last day of school. So sad for Marley because she loves going to school; what are we going to do for three months without it? Better question: what will I do in three months when they are both in preschool? Probably won't be too hard to figure out, right?Her nickname from her teachers is "Smarty Pants". She got a perfect score on her report card. Knows all colors, letter, numbers, and is spelling and reading words all by herself. It seems like a normal progression for a 4 year old but sometimes I like to think she's a step ahead. Could just be that I'm a proud mother! When the program started, Marley got out of her chair and went over to the teacher. The teacher gave her the big flag and she proceeded to the microphone. I had no idea what she was doing. She reached right up to the mike and said, "Please rise". She then led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance! She did so good. Not a bit of nervousness. I think she was more worried about getting her mouth close to the microphone since it was a few inches taller than her. It was such a surprise to me, I would have practiced with her or at the very least had my video camera charged! I didn't even know they were learning the Pledge. I asked her why she was the lucky girl, and she said "oh, they just wanted me to do that." She was like, whatever...no big deal. Took it all in stride. I caught a little bit on video mode on my camera, but it's hard to see and hear. After the Pledge she went back to her seat and sang cute songs that they have been learning all year. Preschool has been a fun adventure in her life.