My new coffee table

You think I'm joking? I'm not. Welcome to the world of kids. :-)

What do stay at home mom's do all day?

This is a written out version of a news article to Carolyn Hax (a dear Abby sort). I found it pretty much sums up my day (especially after a disasterous Walmart run earlier this morning)

Dear Carolyn: Best friend has child. Her: exhausted, busy, no time for self, no time for me, etc. Me (no kids): What'd you do today? Her: Park, play group ...

OK. I've talked to parents. I don't get it. What do stay-at-home moms do all day? Please no lists of library, grocery store, dry cleaners ... I do all those things, too. I guess what I'm asking is: What is a typical day and why don't moms have time for a call or e-mail? I work and am away from home nine hours a day (plus a few late work events); I manage to get it all done. I'm feeling like the kid is an excuse to relax and enjoy, but if so, why won't my friend tell me the truth? Is this a contest ("my life is so much harder than yours")? What's the deal? I've got friends with and without kids and all us child-free folks have the same questions.

— Tacoma, Wash.


Dear Tacoma: Relax and enjoy. You're funny.

Or, you're lying about having friends with kids.

Or you're taking them at their word that they actually have kids, because you haven't personally been in the same room with them.

I keep wavering between giving you a straight answer and giving my forehead some keyboard. To claim you want to understand, while in the same breath implying that the only logical conclusions are that your mom-friends are either lying or competing with you, is disingenuous indeed.

So, because it's validation you seem to want, the real answer is what you get. When you have young kids, your typical day is: constant attention, from getting them out of bed, fed, cleaned, dressed; to keeping them out of harm's way; to answering their coos, cries, questions; to having two arms and carrying one kid, one set of car keys, and supplies for even the quickest trips, including the latest-to-be-declared-essential piece of molded plastic gear; to keeping them from unshelving books at the library; to enforcing rest times; to staying one step ahead of them lest they get too hungry, tired or bored, any one of which produces checkout-line screaming.

It's needing 45 minutes to do what takes others 15.

It's constant vigilance, constant touch, constant use of your voice, constant relegation of your needs to the second tier.

It's constant scrutiny and second-guessing from family and friends. It's resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense.

It's doing all this while concurrently teaching virtually everything — language, manners, safety, resourcefulness, discipline, curiosity, creativity. Empathy. Everything.

It's also a choice, yes. And a joy. But if you spent all day, every day, with this brand of joy, and then, when you got your first 10 minutes to yourself, wanted to be alone with your thoughts instead of calling a good friend, a good friend wouldn't judge you, complain about you or marvel how much more productively she uses her time. Either make a sincere effort to understand, or keep your snit to yourself.

Weekend Update

I'm trying to squeeze in a quick post now that I have the kids down and the groceries put away.

We went to Bloomington, IL this weekend to celebrate Christmas with my mom and her side of the family. We had a really nice time. Dave, the kids, and I stayed at a hotel, which was fortunate since my mom lost power Friday morning and it didn't get turned back on until sometime on Saturday. With that, she wasn't able to make the turkey...so we did Thanksgiving at the hotel where we stayed. We used one of the conference rooms and set up camp. Not planned, but still nice, none-the-less.

So remember when I said my longest friend was Jenny? That's not entirely true. Joel and I apparently met in a sandbox when we were two. I'm sure neither of us could really attest to this, but that's what we've been told. We grew up together and for a time, my mom watched him and his siblings. So in some ways, they felt like our siblings. There was a loft in our 3rd grade classroom and you could pick a partner to sit there and read with you. Joel and I would often pick one another...we always got teased. But really, we were just good friends. Anyway, life moved on, we moved, and sort of lost touch. Thankfully through facebook and blogging, we've managed to at least keep tabs on each other. It was a really nice surprise when he showed up at the hotel and we got a chance to catch up. He got to meet Dave and my kids. It was great to see him again after all these years.




Christmas was lovely. Noah got dinosaurs and sharks...and has been carrying them around with him ever since. This kid is going to have a really nice Christmas this year...

Below is a picture of the "Kanonik" women...4 generations.

I wonder...

...did baby Jesus go through the terrible twos?

Tasmanian Callie

Jenny Bean :-)

My friend Jen came over this evening bringing chocolate for Dave and I and presents for the kids. As always, it's fun to see her. She literally is my oldest friend (20 years maybe?). We have been friends since 2nd grade. Our lives have taken twists and turns along the way with different schools and moves, but I find it so ironic that we have both landed in Lafayette. Her family has always been like my own. I even consider her aunt and grandma as MY aunt and grandma. When things were rough at my house, I would head over there and we would read Babysitters Club Books and just relax. I loved being at her house growing up.

Life seems to go by so fast paced that we don't get to see each other as often as I would like. Hopefully, we can remedy that in the new year.

Thanks God for bringing Jen back into our lives!

I'm almost done Christmas shopping. I have a bit of wrapping to do this afternoon. Noah and I are going to make Christmas cookies this evening, while Dave is at work. We are leaving tomorrow for Bloomington for the first of our Christmas'. Right now, I am packing, trying to make Christmas cookies, and finishing the wrapping...oh yeah, and trying to clean the house.

I should probably get back to that...

Works for Me Wednesday-Frozen Veggies

I wish I could take credit for this, but it's totally the Mc's idea:

I have a terrible time getting Noah to eat vegetables (He's like his dad). Anyway, one day I tossed them on his plate frozen, and he just popped them in his mouth like they were candy. No joke. I've never gotten him to eat green beans (even when he was a baby), but that seems to be his favorite in frozen veggies. Weird, but incredibly effective.

He's Home!

Dave got home Sunday afternoon right before we got home from church. We went out to eat (El Rodeo...YUM!) and then he and the kids snoozed the afternoon away. When he woke up, he finished the few projects I had for him (Namely hanging the shower curtain back up after I had stripped the screws...oops!)

Yesterday we had a great day. We worked out in the morning, then finished the Christmas cards/letters. For whatever reason, that task just seems HUGE to me. I'm thankful that it's done. After the kid's naps, we went to the post office, and to Dave's work while he did an order. I wanted to go to Target while he was placing it, but I forgot my wallet at home. So, being the sweet man that my husband is, he kindly let me go to Target and he entertained Noah while I shopped.

We watched Chuck last night. I love that show, and am so sad that it's not coming back again until FEBRUARY.

Dave started back at the grind again this morning. I'm trying to clean my house because we are having our lifegroup party here tonight.

I'll try and post pictures soon of the "spa", which is my new name for our bathroom. The pictures are not that great and don't really do it justice, but you can at least get a feel. :-)

Dave's coming home today! They actually left last night to avoid some bad weather systems coming through the area. Where they originally thought they would be coming home very late tonight or early tomorrow morning, they will now be home mid-afternoon today. I'm pretty excited to see him again. :-)

While he was gone, I decided to paint my bathroom purple. :-) That's what he gets for going away. Incidentally enough, Tony's wife Sarah, also decided to paint their bathroom purple while he was gone too. We didn't really plan it, it just happened that way.

I think we'll all be taking naps this afternoon, since they drove through the night to get back.

Disney on Ice

OK, so yesterday was an interesting day. First, a bit of a whine: My kids are terrible sleepers. Let me amend that...Noah is right now. He's been getting up anywhere between 1-3 times per night. Callie has been sleeping through the night pretty well. The night that Dave left (at 4am) I decided to be a good wife, get up with him, and spend a little time before he left for 5 days. So, I was up from about 3-4:45am. The kid's not only slept through the night...but slept in! Figures. I was hoping that the following night might follow the same pattern. No such luck: I saw 11, 11:30, 3am (When Dave's alarm randomly went off), 4:30, 5:30, 6:40, 6:45am. Here's the thing about me...when I don't get good sleep, I am not a pleasant person to be around, and my patience is about nil. So, we got up and I decided to try and meet my friend Allyson at the gym. Besides, it was an hour away break from the kids...although I am not sure that working out really counts as a break. However, Allyson and I had a good time, we chatted a lot, and then I asked her to pray for me as I knew this day was going to be a challenge.

Literally, after she prayed, I felt like I had a whole new disposition. The morning/afternoon went fairly well. I wanted to nap with the kids because of my previous sleep deprivation and because Noah and I were driving to Indy that night. Well, the kids were not so kind. They alternated crying. I got maybe 20 minutes, before Noah came waltzing in again.

For those parents out there, you know how it is that 30 minutes or so before a babysitter comes. I was running around trying to pick up, make dinner, pack a bag for Noah and I, get ready myself, and of course Callie wanted to nurse in there as well. I think I might have initially scared Sarah, our babysitter with my frantic running around. Anyway, we were running late, I had just gotten Noah's coat on, when he apparently gags on the chicken that he is still mawing around in his mouth...and throws up all over himself and my kitchen. I kind of just laughed because at that point, that was about how my day was going. However, we managed to get him changed, cleaned up and out the door only a little bit later than I had planned.

From there, things took a really positive turn. I am directionally challenged and the directions I printed off didn't match the streets when I finally landed in downtown. However, I managed to find Conseco Fieldhouse with only one turn around (not bad for me by myself). We then got (literally) the closest parking next to the place. There was one parking place left (THANK YOU JESUS!). Noah was so good when we got there. He was just taking in everything. Since I had budgeted for it, I offered to buy him a toy and he chose Buzz. He held it reverantly the entire evening. He did great for the first half of the show. I teared up a few times watching him clap after numbers. He was so into it. It was one of those great memories as a mom...doing something really special for my son. When intermission came, we walked up the steps a little bit, then he turned around heading back to our seats and said, "Let's do it again!". The second half was a bit harder for him. By that point it was past his bedtime. He tried leaving during the Incredibles performance, but then got captivated back in by Lion King. Fortunately, that was the last one...so we made it to the end. Overall, he did a GREAT job. I had a great time taking him.

2 days without Dave down-3 more to go. I talked with him yesterday and he is having a blast in Colorado. They skiied all day and then sat in the hot tub. They are staying in a really nice condo and every time that I talk to Dave he sounds so happy. This is so good for him, and I'm really glad that he was able to have the opportunity.

Heard around the house

Noah is cracking me up these days. Here are just a few things I've heard out of him:

When we were looking for the remote, and I finally found it:
"Mom...You're so smart."

Hugging on Chester: "Hi sweetheart."

Singing to himself: "Mamma Mia. Mamma Mia!"

Carrying around Dave's level, "Wow. Sure is big!"

Oh, he's fun. :-)

Quick Update

Dave and I enjoyed our date on Saturday...and then got to go on ANOTHER one last night. We went to Indy to Beef and Boards (a dinner theater). Dave had a gift certificate from his technicians that we hadn't used up yet and needed to before the end of the year. We had a lovely time.

Today has been BUSY because Dave leaves tomorrow morning at 4am for Colorado on his ski trip. He has been running around all day. We've joined him because we wanted to spend time with him before her left. I hope that he has fun...and that he comes home in the same shape that he left in...with no broken bones.

Be praying. They leave early and we are supposed to be getting a wintery mix sometime over the night. Things could be pretty slick in the morning, so I'm praying for a very safe trip. Dave's been wanting to do this for 2 years, and I'm glad that he is FINALLY able to go.

That's about all my brain is up to. Peace out.

Where did my week go?

Hello? Is it Saturday already?? This week has seemed to fly by with all the painting, pantry creating and prepping for the new machines. In between there, I had a dentist appointment, a playdate with a new friend (my kids were HORRIBLE! I hope that she doesn't give up on me) and dinner with our friend's the Helms. It was fun hanging out with them. We've known them for quite some time, but have never had them over for dinner. Silly us. I'm glad we remedied that though. We had a lot of fun.

Today we are shopping as a lifegroup for Christmas Jubilee. We buy toys and clothes for a needy family in our area. Tonight, Dave and I have a date...a "free" date. One of the women's lifegroups is offering free babysitting services to the families in our church...How awesome is that?! A great service opportunity if you do ask me. I think Dave and I might go see a movie.

Dave let me sleep in this morning. It was great until Noah crashed open the door and announced to me, "Baby sister's awake!!" I sat straight up in confusion. I got up and got Callie and realized that Dave had fallen asleep on the couch! It was just as well, I needed to get up and get going anyway.

I think I hear him making biscuits and gravy. What a beautiful morning...extra sleep and glorious starch! I LOVE biscuits and gravy.

Have a great Saturday!

Projects

You know how one project begets another project? Well, that's where I'm at now. We got a new washer and dryer (Merry Christmas to us). Since the old ones were coming out and all the shelving, I decided that I wanted to paint the room. The one on the right is the new color.




I now have a PANTRY!!!!!!


I LOVE this new set-up! It's really clearing up room in my kitchen. I have a lot more organizing to do today, but it's going to make SUCH a difference.

When I bought paint for the utility room, I decided to do our bathroom as well since this paint was REALLY on sale. Well, we painted the trim in the utility room white (it was a two toned cream/white disaster). Once I did that, I decided that while I was at it, I would paint the rest of the trim in the house white...because it's also the funky half-toned stuff. I've never liked it, but I've also never done anything about it...until now. I might as well. The paint is already out.

So, I've pretty much got the next few weeks planned in project mode. Winter time means projects indoors. Dave and I tend to find lots of new things to "work" on inside during the winter.

Truthfully, this is a great Christmas present. I LOVE having a pantry now.

Our little musician...

Noah singing, "Bob the Builder...Can we fix it? Yes we can!!"

Thanksgiving Extravaganza

The kids and I did not 1...but 4 Thanksgivings this year...

#1) Our Lifegroup Thanksgiving...We had it at our house and had a great time. Dave made a turkey breast. The meal was delicious and the company was a lot of fun! We played Cranium and had silly names for our teams (Stuffing, Tater Head, and Turkey). Good times.
(Team Turkey)


(Team Tater Head)


(Team Stuffing)



#2) Dave's mom side at Dave's parent's house. It was great to see Dave's cousins and aunt and uncle. It was even better to hear that Kevin and Emily are expecting their first baby in June. A huge congratulations to them!

(4 generations)



#3) My side at MY parents house (2nd half of Thursday). Again, it was great to see family that I hadn't seen in quite some time. Noah loved playing with all his cousins. He was particularly attached to Mallory who is only a few years older than him.





(3 weeks apart)


(Brian, my sister, and Dave)

#4) Yenerich side at Bill and Camilla's. This is Dave's dad's side. Dave wasn't able to make it since he had to work, but the kids and I rode up with Mom and Dad Y. Another one of the cousin's is expecting...so there are going to be EVEN more babies. Exciting!!






(Tongue Twister)


(The great grandkids- 5 of the 6)