Our Thanksgiving holiday started out with a slow start. The preschooler and I were meeting 'daddy' in the city and going to his work before heading up to Door County for the long weekend. I worked a 1/2 day and then the babysitter was going to drive us to the train station to ride the train to downtown Chicago. This was to be the preschooler's first train ride and we were getting excited!
The problem: the babysitter dropped us off at noon for the 12:20PM train. When we went into the train station (the babysitter had already left), the ticket-lady told us that the 12:20PM train was cancelled because of a previous accident. The next train was to be running at 2:20PM. WHAT!!!? 2:20PM....2 more hours?
To be stranded at the train station (in not the best of neighborhoods) with a 3.5 year old with nothing to do....is rather interesting to say the least!
We walked across the street to the bagel shop and got some lunch and then headed back to the train station and I was racking my brain as to what we were going to do for the next 2 hours. I didn't pack any activities because I thought that we would wait for ~15 minutes for the train and then the train ride itself would be fun and we would not have to be entertained.
Luckily, I found in the bottom of one of our bags a "Brain Quest" trivia card set for 5-7 year olds......but, it was just what we needed in an emergency situation and passed the time nicely.
Once one the train...it was another experience. We met a ~40 year old mom with ~5 year old son. They were travelling downtown to go to the courthouse (from what I could gather from her rather loud conversation) to get some papers for child support or something of the sort. Supposedly the boy took the papers out of the mom's purse and the mom was rather upset and started yelling at the son, "You stupid kid, you are so stupid. You know I needed those papers, why would you be so stupid to take them out of my purse?" The boy proceeded to cry.
My daughter then started using the word 'stupid' and I had to correct her rather quickly, "We don't use that word, it's not a nice word". "but mommy, that lady said that word to that boy", "yes, she did, that wasn't a good choice, was it?".
On this Thanksgiving may I remind you to watch what you say in the presence of others? Be thankful for the right to freedom of speech, but at the same time be thankful for a vocabulary that includes more than just 'negative' words. Be thankful for the kind words others say to you, be thankful that you are able to say kind words to others. Be thankful for where you are -- at home, with family or friends or both or alone. Be thankful to be alive and be thankful for the opportunities you were given as a child....that have you made you into the adult you are today.
Happy Thanksgiving to family and friends -- near and far.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
"Tagged"
So, I was 'blog-tagged', whatever that really means. I'm not much into chain-letters, chain-emails, chain-anything.....but, I thought it might be kind of fun to participate to a certain degree. My friend, Katrina, 'tagged' me to do this:
The rules are as follows:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random thoughts about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post. (sorry, won't be doing this part of the 'chain')
5. Let each person know he or she has been tagged. (won't need to do this, see above)
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is posted.
MY RANDOM THOUGHTS: (this will be the interesting part....my life is full of random-ness, in fact, I am so random I think I'm starting to become somewhat structured)
1. Why does the majority of society feel that they have to "be like the Jones's"? Whatever happened to being unique? Why do people have to have the latest clothing fashion, the latest car, the newest house, the newest furniture, newest computer, newest game-system, and so on and so forth? I was raised never having the 'name-brand' items -- if I wanted them, I had to pay for them myself. When all my friends had Playstations (or whatever was popular in the late 80's/early 90's), we had an Atari and nothing more. When all my friends were wearing Guess jeans, I had the WalMart special. I started earning money at the age of 12 years old babysitting and I've worked ever since...babysitting until I could get a work-permit at the age of 15. As an adult, even if you earn enough money to buy the new Lexus, the $100 purse, the $150 shoes, etc...why would you for gosh-sake pay that much money for such an item? It seems like throwing away perfectly good money on a material item. I truly think this is the cause of the majority of our economic issues right now -- spending above your means.
2. I find it ironic that at work the other day when it was raining outside, the window washers were there in full uniform, cleaning the windows in the rain....doesn't make much sense -- seems like throwing away money if you ask me!
3. What is it about pop (or soda, as some people call it) that is so appealing? Whatever happened to a good glass of water or milk?
4. Why are people even spending quality life moments thinking so intently about the gas prices? I mean does it really matter in the scheme of life if you pay $1.89 vs. $1.91 for a gallon of gas? Yes, I know the gas prices are really good right now and yes, I know they will go back up -- but, please, for the 2 pennies that you save by driving across town (or several towns away -- as my parents would do), I'll give you the $.50 that you would have saved if you found the cheaper gas.
5. Why is it that the more I try to raise and shape my daughter's behavior and character, the more she rebels and acts in a completely opposite manner - especially in public?
6. I don't like technology (well, except the computer and the basic cell phone!). I mean, do you really need a phone that acts as a computer, a video machine, a PDA and whatever else it may do -- whatever happened to having a life? I see all these people on their phone CONSTANTLY (yes, I do like my cell phone, but I refuse to answer any phone during meals, in the store -- unless it's an emergency and during work). Then, there's texting. Not that I wouldn't like to text (I don't do it), but please -- when I see these kids attached to their phones and they are texting constantly -- even during church!!! Yes, I saw a high schooler texting during church -- there's a REAL problem with society there! And, you know what.....it starts with the parents! I could go on and on about technology and the damage that it's done to our society -- I just read in the paper today that some kid committed suicide while he was on his webcam.....who in the world would be watching that? I feel that technology has caused our youth to get out of hand and they are always looking for the next 'thrill' and because of technology they don't know how to entertain themselves or wait for gratification or reward.....another reason that our economy is in the current crisis -- people can't wait to buy the things they can afford -- they need it now and then use their credit card(s) and can't pay when the bills come in....
LIFE, according to "We Are Reilly"......thanks for listening.
The rules are as follows:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random thoughts about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post. (sorry, won't be doing this part of the 'chain')
5. Let each person know he or she has been tagged. (won't need to do this, see above)
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is posted.
MY RANDOM THOUGHTS: (this will be the interesting part....my life is full of random-ness, in fact, I am so random I think I'm starting to become somewhat structured)
1. Why does the majority of society feel that they have to "be like the Jones's"? Whatever happened to being unique? Why do people have to have the latest clothing fashion, the latest car, the newest house, the newest furniture, newest computer, newest game-system, and so on and so forth? I was raised never having the 'name-brand' items -- if I wanted them, I had to pay for them myself. When all my friends had Playstations (or whatever was popular in the late 80's/early 90's), we had an Atari and nothing more. When all my friends were wearing Guess jeans, I had the WalMart special. I started earning money at the age of 12 years old babysitting and I've worked ever since...babysitting until I could get a work-permit at the age of 15. As an adult, even if you earn enough money to buy the new Lexus, the $100 purse, the $150 shoes, etc...why would you for gosh-sake pay that much money for such an item? It seems like throwing away perfectly good money on a material item. I truly think this is the cause of the majority of our economic issues right now -- spending above your means.
2. I find it ironic that at work the other day when it was raining outside, the window washers were there in full uniform, cleaning the windows in the rain....doesn't make much sense -- seems like throwing away money if you ask me!
3. What is it about pop (or soda, as some people call it) that is so appealing? Whatever happened to a good glass of water or milk?
4. Why are people even spending quality life moments thinking so intently about the gas prices? I mean does it really matter in the scheme of life if you pay $1.89 vs. $1.91 for a gallon of gas? Yes, I know the gas prices are really good right now and yes, I know they will go back up -- but, please, for the 2 pennies that you save by driving across town (or several towns away -- as my parents would do), I'll give you the $.50 that you would have saved if you found the cheaper gas.
5. Why is it that the more I try to raise and shape my daughter's behavior and character, the more she rebels and acts in a completely opposite manner - especially in public?
6. I don't like technology (well, except the computer and the basic cell phone!). I mean, do you really need a phone that acts as a computer, a video machine, a PDA and whatever else it may do -- whatever happened to having a life? I see all these people on their phone CONSTANTLY (yes, I do like my cell phone, but I refuse to answer any phone during meals, in the store -- unless it's an emergency and during work). Then, there's texting. Not that I wouldn't like to text (I don't do it), but please -- when I see these kids attached to their phones and they are texting constantly -- even during church!!! Yes, I saw a high schooler texting during church -- there's a REAL problem with society there! And, you know what.....it starts with the parents! I could go on and on about technology and the damage that it's done to our society -- I just read in the paper today that some kid committed suicide while he was on his webcam.....who in the world would be watching that? I feel that technology has caused our youth to get out of hand and they are always looking for the next 'thrill' and because of technology they don't know how to entertain themselves or wait for gratification or reward.....another reason that our economy is in the current crisis -- people can't wait to buy the things they can afford -- they need it now and then use their credit card(s) and can't pay when the bills come in....
LIFE, according to "We Are Reilly"......thanks for listening.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The First Snow
Chicago-land saw it's first snowfall earlier this week. It was nothing of any significance, unless you're a preschooler who's curious about life. As we saw the snow falling outside, the preschooler said to me, "let me get my new boots and let's go outside!"
We found a little snow on the back porch,
"Yummo!" she stated.
Look at all this snow, mommy!
Then, we found some snow on the fallen leaves....it was fun to scrap the snow off of the leaves and eat it.
My big purchase from a local resale: these Strawberry Shortcake boots for $.25 -- I think we already got our money's worth!
We found a little snow on the back porch, 
"Yummo!" she stated.
Look at all this snow, mommy!
Then, we found some snow on the fallen leaves....it was fun to scrap the snow off of the leaves and eat it.
My big purchase from a local resale: these Strawberry Shortcake boots for $.25 -- I think we already got our money's worth!Sunday, November 16, 2008
A new skill...
Some people have 'issues' with scratchy tags in their clothes, some people have 'issues' with smells or tastes or food textures...but, I believe we each have our own 'issues'....as long as we're ready to admit it.
I will admit I have 'issues' with the texture and smell of play-doh. There is just something about play-doh that makes my skin crawl. I can touch it, but I need to wash my hands right away to get the smell and feeling off of me. I feel the same way about dry sand -- I really don't like sand sticking to me.
My husband has 'issues' with food texture -- he can't stand his food mixed together (makes quick, easy cooking difficult -- I can't use the crock pot often)
So, it's interesting to see what 'issues' our daughter has developed. I try to not pass judgement or make comments when something makes my skin crawl. She has developed an 'issue' with getting her hands dirty....not something that either my husband or I have a problem with...
But, since beginning preschool, she has tackled this 'issue' and I think she's over come it!!! When she first started school, the teacher said, "she doesn't like to paint with her fingers (nothing that surprised me), but she'll get it, don't worry". I thought to myself, 'yeah right -- there's NO way my daughter will get her fingers dirty'.
Well.....take a look:
WE DID IT!!! We painted ALL OVER our fingers and SURVIVED!!!
I will admit I have 'issues' with the texture and smell of play-doh. There is just something about play-doh that makes my skin crawl. I can touch it, but I need to wash my hands right away to get the smell and feeling off of me. I feel the same way about dry sand -- I really don't like sand sticking to me.
My husband has 'issues' with food texture -- he can't stand his food mixed together (makes quick, easy cooking difficult -- I can't use the crock pot often)
So, it's interesting to see what 'issues' our daughter has developed. I try to not pass judgement or make comments when something makes my skin crawl. She has developed an 'issue' with getting her hands dirty....not something that either my husband or I have a problem with...
But, since beginning preschool, she has tackled this 'issue' and I think she's over come it!!! When she first started school, the teacher said, "she doesn't like to paint with her fingers (nothing that surprised me), but she'll get it, don't worry". I thought to myself, 'yeah right -- there's NO way my daughter will get her fingers dirty'.
Well.....take a look:
WE DID IT!!! We painted ALL OVER our fingers and SURVIVED!!!Thursday, November 13, 2008
Potty Words
What is it about 'potty' words that just drives me INSANE and the more insane I go, the more my preschooler uses them? Our typical conversation these days:
me: "so, what did you do at school today?"
preschooler: "We wear underwear."
me: "yes, we do wear underwear, you're right." "what did you have for snack today?"
preschooler: "toilet"
me: "what? a toilet?" "you are so silly".
preschooler: "we poop in the toilet"
me: "yes, you're right, we poop in the toilet"
preschooler: "poohkie (our cat) poops downstairs"
me: "yes, he goes potty in the litter box, that's where cat's go potty"
preschooler: "potty head!"
me: "okay, I'm done with this conversation, if you're going to keep talking about potties, then you need to go in the bathroom"
preschooler: "poop on your head"
me: (walking away, trying to ignore this behavior)
preschooler: (following me) "pee and poop on your head!"
me: "I don't want to hear another potty word, if I hear another potty word you're going to sit in time-out"
Needless to say, she sat in time-out, got treats taken away from her, no TV for the rest of the day and in the end daddy and I had to take a Cars sticker off her wall (those wall stickers -- in Disney Car theme) because she WOULD NOT STOP USING POTTY WORDS!!!
I tried ignoring her, but somehow she finds a way to crawl under my skin. I tried being matter-of-fact about the 'potty' issue and answering a meaningful way. I tried time-out, taking privileges away, but the only thing that really worked was taking a Car sticker off her wall. I guess it's trial by fire, huh?
Today was a bit better day and she earned her sticker back to put back on the wall. But, oh my -- she's testing my patience!!!
me: "so, what did you do at school today?"
preschooler: "We wear underwear."
me: "yes, we do wear underwear, you're right." "what did you have for snack today?"
preschooler: "toilet"
me: "what? a toilet?" "you are so silly".
preschooler: "we poop in the toilet"
me: "yes, you're right, we poop in the toilet"
preschooler: "poohkie (our cat) poops downstairs"
me: "yes, he goes potty in the litter box, that's where cat's go potty"
preschooler: "potty head!"
me: "okay, I'm done with this conversation, if you're going to keep talking about potties, then you need to go in the bathroom"
preschooler: "poop on your head"
me: (walking away, trying to ignore this behavior)
preschooler: (following me) "pee and poop on your head!"
me: "I don't want to hear another potty word, if I hear another potty word you're going to sit in time-out"
Needless to say, she sat in time-out, got treats taken away from her, no TV for the rest of the day and in the end daddy and I had to take a Cars sticker off her wall (those wall stickers -- in Disney Car theme) because she WOULD NOT STOP USING POTTY WORDS!!!
I tried ignoring her, but somehow she finds a way to crawl under my skin. I tried being matter-of-fact about the 'potty' issue and answering a meaningful way. I tried time-out, taking privileges away, but the only thing that really worked was taking a Car sticker off her wall. I guess it's trial by fire, huh?
Today was a bit better day and she earned her sticker back to put back on the wall. But, oh my -- she's testing my patience!!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Happy Veteran's Day
Both of our neighbors are United States veterans and for their special day, to say "thank you", we decorated cards and took them some pumpkin bread. The preschool daughter has found an interest in writing letters and words. All I have to do is tell her the letters to spell words and off she goes...
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Last week gave us the nicest weather anyone could ask for in Indian Summer, so we took advantage of the day and spent the afternoon with friends at the Arboretum:
These two go to preschool together and Cully's mom and I are friends from 'way' back -- a couple of years. So, it's fun to see the preschoolers getting along so well...
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
I did it...
I shopped at Aldi for the first time today! With the economy the way it's going and not looking too promising in the near future, I've decided I need to make sure we are cutting excessive costs and using our resources in the best possible way. I have a friend that shops at Aldi all the time and she's been encouraging me to try it...so, today I did. My husband is used to name-brand products, so I thought it might be a bit hard, but we're going to try.
Here are some things I learned while shopping at Aldi:
1. Milk was the best savings: $1.99 a gallon!!
2. There are not very many choices -- maybe 2 types of chips, ~4 different cereals, 1 brand of pasta salad, 2 choices of cheese slices, etc. At first I was a bit nervous about the limited choices, but it really made shopping easier and less time consuming.
3. Aldi actually has more than I expected: cereal (some name-brands), fruit snacks, granola bars, baking supplies, hams, turkeys, lunch meat, cheese, yogurt, frozen breakfast items, canned goods, fresh produce, holiday toys and even some clothes! I wasn't expecting to find so much!
4. They only take cash or debit cards. Today was the first day I used my debit card -- it took me three tries to get my PIN number correct!!
5. You bag your own groceries and pay a quarter for your shopping cart (that you get back when you return it to the store), so my canvass bags from Dominick's came in handy!
6. The only disappointment I had was that the money savings wasn't as much as I was hoping it to be...you see, I'm a very frugal shopper as it is and I shop sales at the 'big box' stores. I don't necessarily look at the ads every week and make my list and go from store to store, but when I need milk and eggs and I go to the 'big box' store, I look around at the sale items and if it's something we usually use/eat, I will stock up if it's a good sale, even if we don't need the item. So, the prices at Aldi were actually similar, if not the same, as the sales at the bigger stores.
I do think I'll try it again, my fear though is that I've heard that every week it's different items in stock than the week before. So, if I go expecting to find something, I might be a bit disappointed. We'll see. It's definitely worth trying....even if it's saving $10 a month - that's enough for me!
Here are some things I learned while shopping at Aldi:
1. Milk was the best savings: $1.99 a gallon!!
2. There are not very many choices -- maybe 2 types of chips, ~4 different cereals, 1 brand of pasta salad, 2 choices of cheese slices, etc. At first I was a bit nervous about the limited choices, but it really made shopping easier and less time consuming.
3. Aldi actually has more than I expected: cereal (some name-brands), fruit snacks, granola bars, baking supplies, hams, turkeys, lunch meat, cheese, yogurt, frozen breakfast items, canned goods, fresh produce, holiday toys and even some clothes! I wasn't expecting to find so much!
4. They only take cash or debit cards. Today was the first day I used my debit card -- it took me three tries to get my PIN number correct!!
5. You bag your own groceries and pay a quarter for your shopping cart (that you get back when you return it to the store), so my canvass bags from Dominick's came in handy!
6. The only disappointment I had was that the money savings wasn't as much as I was hoping it to be...you see, I'm a very frugal shopper as it is and I shop sales at the 'big box' stores. I don't necessarily look at the ads every week and make my list and go from store to store, but when I need milk and eggs and I go to the 'big box' store, I look around at the sale items and if it's something we usually use/eat, I will stock up if it's a good sale, even if we don't need the item. So, the prices at Aldi were actually similar, if not the same, as the sales at the bigger stores.
I do think I'll try it again, my fear though is that I've heard that every week it's different items in stock than the week before. So, if I go expecting to find something, I might be a bit disappointed. We'll see. It's definitely worth trying....even if it's saving $10 a month - that's enough for me!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Vote early, Vote often
We did our civic duty, we voted. This year we voted as a family. The preschooler actually voted in true Chicago fashion -- she voted this morning with the babysitter and her 5 year old son, then she voted again with us this evening.
Trying to explain voting to a 3.5 year old is interesting.
me: "we're voting for who we want to be President of the United States of America"
preschooler: "can we vote for dinner? I vote for Red Robin" (that's her favorite restaurant!)
me: "no, we are going home for dinner"
me: "who should I vote for?"
preschooler: "I want to vote for Aunt Lolo, then I want to vote for Uncle Fuzzy."
She actually cried when she couldn't write on the ballot.
Maybe I should have voted by write-in, because only until I stood there with the ballot did I decide who to vote for...to be honest, I wasn't 'sold' on either candidate. I really wish I could have given 1/2 a vote to Obama and 1/2 vote to McCain, because I really don't feel 100% comfortable with either candidate leading our nation for the next 4 years.
But, that's just my personal opinion.
Trying to explain voting to a 3.5 year old is interesting.
me: "we're voting for who we want to be President of the United States of America"
preschooler: "can we vote for dinner? I vote for Red Robin" (that's her favorite restaurant!)
me: "no, we are going home for dinner"
me: "who should I vote for?"
preschooler: "I want to vote for Aunt Lolo, then I want to vote for Uncle Fuzzy."
She actually cried when she couldn't write on the ballot.
Maybe I should have voted by write-in, because only until I stood there with the ballot did I decide who to vote for...to be honest, I wasn't 'sold' on either candidate. I really wish I could have given 1/2 a vote to Obama and 1/2 vote to McCain, because I really don't feel 100% comfortable with either candidate leading our nation for the next 4 years.
But, that's just my personal opinion.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Something Unique?
It always fails to occur to me since moving into our house a year ago, that some children don't have leaves in their yard! With our millions and millions of leaves, I take it for granted when we go outside and jump, pile, walk through, throw, collect and crumple leaves that some children are deprived of that experience. Sometimes I forgot how we are caught in the middle of suburban and urban living...with far reaching farm land on one side of us and WalMart, Jewel and the gas station just a mile away...
After school today, we had a friend over to play...he LOVED the leaves!!!
They both loved jumping and throwing leaves up in the air only to come down on top of themselves.
"Do you like these leaves?"
Can you find the hidden preschoolers?
After school today, we had a friend over to play...he LOVED the leaves!!!
They both loved jumping and throwing leaves up in the air only to come down on top of themselves.
"Do you like these leaves?"
Can you find the hidden preschoolers?
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