Some Things Just Aren't Meant To Be

So I was told once by a former boss that I interview like a rock star, and quite frankly, I believe it. I don't know why, but when I get into that situation, particularly when there are several interviewers, I become just nervous enough to be awesome. Anyhow, last week I got an email for THE job I've been hoping to get. The reason I waited to look for a teaching job, and the reason I am now unemployed.

My ideal working situation is working from home. There are a lot of different things you can do from home, but few of them are desirable (so if you're reading this and know about something I don't take pity on me and hook me up). However, there is a beautiful thing known as a virtual school where teachers work with their students via the internet. It's a full time gig and it's AWESOME for someone like me who wants to be with their kids, but can't afford to not work (stupid student loans...angry face). I would still have to have our wonderful sitter around, but I'd be able to see a little more of my kids (and I wouldn't have to pump!).

Anyways, I had an interview last week for one of these jobs, and sadly it went from bad to worse. First off, I had interviewed with a different virtual school the week before (I thought it actually went well, but I never heard from them...lame) and the principal had an uncommon name and it was spelled in a less common way. Then, I got an email about an interview later in the week and I didn't read it very carefully. I saw the first name of the guy and assumed I was being invited for a second interview. (WAHOOOOO!) I emailed him back and thanked him for  inviting me to do a second interview (mistake number 1). So then he emailed me and asked me why I thanked him for inviting me to a second interview (uh cause we talked a couple of days ago, duh!). So I replied that we'd spoken before (mistake number 2). Then Daniel, and I were talking about it later and he pointed out that I was invited to interview at a different school than the other one (oh poo! same stinkin first name as the other guy...totally threw me off).

So the interview rolls around and I'm as nervous as heck and waiting for the phone call, which I receive a few minutes late (no biggie right). It was his secretary asking if I was going to call into the conference line (huh?). Apparently there was a number on the email and I was supposed to call it, but didn't (mistake number 3). Seriously dude, you should explain that, not just send a phone number.

So I call the number and apologize for the confusion, and about thinking it was a second interview blah, blah, blah... (mistake numbers 4 & 5) He didn't remember I was the airhead who couldn't read emails carefully, but I kindly pointed it out. You're welcome!

Then the questions began....Tell me about a time you multitasked. "I'm a mom, so I have to multi-task all the time. Like the other day, one of my kids was puking, and one was playing in the toilet...(Shut up Danielle), and I was trying to breastfeed (SHUT UP DANIELLE),  and I was cooking dinner and the pot was boiling over (SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!!!!!!)..."

What I should have said (maybe that principal will come across this and realize I'm not an airhead, just mother brain dead), "When I was teaching kindergarten, I always had several projects going at a time. In order to stay organized I kept a paper at my desk so I could jot down notes of things I needed to accomplish. Throughout the day I would add to it whenever I thought of something so I wouldn't forget. Then when my plan time or a recess break came along I would look at my list, add things I hadn't forgotten, and then number them by highest priority. Taking a couple of minutes to do this made me far more productive during this time and I was usually able to finish everything on my list before going home."

That's just one example of how stupid I was, I think I blocked out much of the rest of the interview because it was super traumatic.

Anyhow, when Dan was on his job search he was told to ask at the end of an interview if he said anything that they had questions about so he could clear it up. The kiss of death is always the following response (which I got) "No, (chuckle) you did great!". (I'll call that BS!)

So now that it's been about a week I can almost laugh at myself, although I'm terribly disappointed that I did not get the job. However, I know that I asked the Holy Spirit to help me find the right words at the interview. Apparently, this is not God's plan for me at this time, because I am a rock star in an interview, and I most certainly was not at that one. I guess I'll just be a rock star mom for now!

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What We Do

Since being home I've started learning about all the little people activities around town. I decided to make a list of all that occupies us in hopes that (if anyone actually reads this) it might you give some ideas. Also, that you might help us find some new activities. Please share what you know!

• The Park: We can be found at least twice a week at the park. My personal favorite to take the girls to when I'm by myself is Buffalo Park, (be sure to take purses, etc. out of cars though as one of our friends had her car broken into during a party there :( it was sad.) it's good sized so they have lots to do, but not so huge I can't see them when they run off. It's also super shaded for hot days.
• The Nature Center: It's got tons to look at both inside and outside. We LOVE Little Nature Lovers on Thursday mornings. It's for preschoolers and they always have a cool theme. I also enjoy seeing what Josie is going to be like when she gets to school. (This is free and you don't have to register. Take your kids at 9:30 next Thursday; you won't regret it!)
• The Library: We go a lot. There are puzzles and books of course, and at our local branch there's a separate room for kids so they can talk without disturbing people. We also go to story time. There are tons of options and times all around the city. Check this link if you're interested: http://www.wichita.lib.ks.us/Programs/Kids.htm
• Chick-Fil-A: Good food, and a playground. What's not to love? I will say that I have taken the three girls there alone, however, I've always met Dan there during his lunch so he helped me get out. I can't imagine trying to haul my kids out of there alone it would be a nightmare.
• The Humane Society: It's like a free zoo that's air conditioned. It's small enough that the girls can walk around, but big enough that we can spend an hour there if we want. They don't open until 11 though. If you're a pet person you might not want to go there as you might leave with a new friend.
• Bowling: I signed the girls up for the Kids Bowl Free program over the summer, so we could get that done super cheap. I'm sure they have some sort of program/special during the school year too.
• Open Gym: The Northwest YMCA has open gymnastics play for kids up to 5 or 6 (you'd have to call to check). It costs $5 whether or not you are a member and it happens on Friday from 1-2. We haven't been yet, but we're hoping to be able to go soon. Anybody want to hold the baby for me?
• Pump it Up: They also have times just for little people the info is here: http://www.pumpitupparty.com/ks/wichita/west-wichita-ks/birth-day-party-10-p33q96q4.htm We haven't hit this up yet either. I wanted to over the summer but couldn't imagine chasing both girls while I was huge. And now, anybody want to hold the baby for me?
• Then there are the obvious, somewhat expensive activities, but we still love them: The Zoo, the Exploration Place, Tanganyika, and Botanica.
• One of these days I'm going to make a trip to Hutchinson for the Reno County Museum (it's free and they have an awesome room for kids that you can sit in for HOURS) and the zoo (also free and small enough for little people to roam without a stroller). Dan and I frequent both on the weekends, but someday I'm going to brave this on my own.

My guess is that there is more to do in Wichita, that I don't know about, so PLEASE share if you've got something!

When Sharing Isn't Good

Sharing is synonymous with drama in our house, but there are times when sharing is not so good. Here are a few of examples...

Now  we're really working on taking turns and waiting until the other person is done with something we want. Yesterday, Josie picked a scab on her knee and it was bleeding like crazy, so I stuck a band aid on it. Later in the day she asked me to take it off. Katie's response "my turn! I need it!"

Thinking of band aids, once at school a student fell and was bleeding during recess. When he approached me, I told him he would need to find a friend and go to the office to get a band aid. Another student standing nearby ripped on off of his leg and said, "Here, he can have one of mine!"

At breakfast this morning I gave the girls a plum. Josie ate all of her half and Katie's was almost gone (as in, she was putting the last of it in her mouth). Josie asked for more, but I told her that it was all gone. Katie opened her mouth, pulled out her last bite and handing it to Josie said, "I share! You can have it Josie!"

Lately we've been struggling with allergies, which means lots of runny noses. Last night when the girls were giving goodnight kisses Katie was bit snotty. Josie went to give her a hug and a kiss, then said "Yucky, Katie! Don't share your boogers!"

I would love to hear how nicely your children share, so please share in the comments with the rest of us!

Pancakes: Sometimes They're Sweet

I made the girls pancakes this morning and the following happened...

Katie: My Pancake! Oh no, it fell on the floor!
Josie: Oh Dear! Are you sad?
Katie: Yeah :(
Josie: Do you want some more sweetie?
Katie: Yeah :(
Josie then pulled an extremely small piece off of her own pancake and reached out to hand it to Katie.
Josie: Here you go sweetie.
Katie ate it.
Josie: Are you happy now sweetie?
Katie: Yep!

Here's a picture of our lovely pancakes. This isn't from today, but we make cool pancakes so I wanted to share for all those Pinterest fans out there (I came up with this on my own, but someone else probably does them same thing) We use metal cookie cutters when we make ours. I just set them on the hot griddle and spray them with cooking spray. Then we pour a thin layer of batter into the cookie cutter. Then we remove the cookie cutter just before we flip them. The girls like their pancakes colored, so instead of syrup, we use butter, cinnamon, and colored decorating sugar. It doesn't take much time, and the girls LOVE it! Happy Breakfasting :)

 

Pancakes apparently make my girls sweet!

My Vendetta

You know that person that ticks you off just enough that for some reason you can't get them out of your head? Really, be honest you know what I'm talking about...for me it was the broad that line jumped me at Best Buy.

In June, Dan and I decided that were changing our phone plans, and after shopping around we decided to go to Best Buy to get everything taken care of. I was fairly large with child and of course we had Josie and Katie who were grabbing everything in sight. All of the people were working with other customers so we were browsing around the cell phone area/hovering nearby to wait for the next available person. We waited, and waited, and waited....Then this woman (who was pregnant, but not nearly as large as me), her husband, and one child breezed on in. They begin the hovering process as well. We had been there a good half hour at this point. About 2 minutes after the broad and her family arrived, one of the girls started to run off, so Dan went after her. I was turned to the side to help our other child when finally a sales person became available. Then what does the "insert profanity" do, but waltzes right on up to him. WTF!!!! Seriously "insert profanity" we were here. What do you think, we like standing around in Best Buy with our two small children for kicks and giggles? Are you retarded? You just line jumped me!

Since I was super hormonal already and now super annoyed with the lady. We decided to leave. We had an event with the in-laws and decided we didn't need to be late. It wasn't like we hadn't already tried to accomplish this task 3 times, or our phone plan was expiring the next day or anything. Oh wait that was the case, but the lady was obviously too stupid or too selfish to ask if we were waiting. Clearly no one properly socialized her.

The next time I saw her I was even more rotund and, in fact, only a few days to my due date. Did I mention it was like 110 degrees outside?! I was waiting for an appointment with my OB, and who would breeze through the door but the line jumper! My already boiling blood gained a few degrees. I was gonna pounce her. I didn't know what I was going to say, but I was totally gonna jump on the next receptionist as soon as one became available. That lady was gonna get a taste of her own medicine, but the nurse ruined my plan and called me back for my appointment...you lucked out lady without manners!

Then when Elizabeth was only a few days old I was watching TV and there she was again! There was a commercial for a local roofing company on, and she was the smiling lady holding her son as they displayed the new roof on her excessively large home. Guess which roofing company will NEVER EVER UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES get my business? Good thing my uncle does that for a living! How dare you come into my hope you line jumping fool!

Then of course today I'm minding my own business with my three kids at the park when across the way I see a dark haired woman walking through the parking lot. My blood began to boil. Ooooooh it's her I thought. I hate that line jumping lady! Fortunately, as she walked closer in my direction my blood pressure dropped when I realized it wasn't her, but dang that stupid lady haunts my memory! I hope someday karma gets her back and she gets line jumped too! Maybe I'll get lucky and get to resolve my vendetta and take care of the job myself.

It Takes Talent

Well, I did it...I did something that many think impossible!
That's right, I burnt a hole through the middle of an airbake cookie sheet!
Oooops!!

I being the wonderful mother I am decided to sterilize some bottles for Elizabeth to take on her first visit to the babysitter (which went wonderfully btw), so I put some water in the tea kettle and turned on the burner. I told Daniel the water was set to boil and asked if he would pour it into the bowl with the bottles. Then I went to the bathroom (followed by Josephine) to fix my hair. From the bathroom I began to smell smoke, but assumed it was nothing and continued grooming myself.

All of a sudden I heard banging in the kitchen and some not so nice words pouring from the mouth of my husband. Being the mother of the year that I am, I sent Josie to see what was going on. (If she repeats Daniel saying bad words than it's is fault she talks like a sailor not mine right?) Upon her return she informed me that "Daddy is doing dishes."

However, the naughty language and banging continued, so I figured I ought to investigate myself. Here are some pictures of what I found:

Oopsy! Somebody turned on the wrong burner!


I guess ya'll know what to send us for Christmas :)

Just Call Me Crazy!

I think staying at home has made me lose my mind. Seriously, no joke here's a few of my symptoms so you can judge for yourself.

1) I get excited about poop. I get  excited when Josie decides to poop in the potty. It's a major ordeal in our house and it doesn't happen very often. Since we use cloth diapers, I get excited with Katie's poop is just the right consistency to dump nicely into the toilet. I get excited when Elizabeth poops in general. (Katie only pooped once a week as a baby and Elizabeth only poops every few days, so I worry in between her bowel movements). Finally, I get excited for the day when I get to poop in the bathroom all by myself...wishful thinking, I know.

2) I fight with Josie about whether or not I can sing along to Bucky the Buckin' Bull. We listen to Merry Goes the Round by Jewel in the car pretty much all the time. The girls' favorite song is about a Bull that doesn't want to buck, and I often find myself singing along. Sing I love to sing and that's pretty well all I get to hear, I just go with it. Unfortunately, Josie thinks only one person can sing along to the radio at a time, and it's never my turn!

3) I eat chocolate in the closet. If the girls can hear, see, or smell chocolate they want it. I've learned I really don't like to share. As a result, I eat chocolate in the closet.

4) I have full on adult conversations that I can't remember. Daniel will call me during the day, or I'll make plans to do something an completely forget about it. Last week I called Dan at work to give him some news (I can't remember what it was...see what I mean) then I called him back 10 minutes later to tell him the same thing, oops!

5) I hear things. I wake up startled rather frequently thinking I hear the door opening next door and I have to go defend my home from the little invaders that get into everything. But there's not anyone out there, and the invaders are fast asleep in their beds.

An Open Letter to My Three Year Old

Dear Josephine,

Today started out rough and has not become better. You're "resting" now and I need to take some time to confess something to you.
As a child, there were many things that I wanted, and quite frequently, my parents told me no. And just as often, I didn't understand why. Was it because they hated me and didn't want me to have fun? Most likely not, I knew that they loved me very much and they showed it to me on a daily basis. Perhaps it was because they were Sadistic and found some sort of sick pleasure in my own unhappiness. However, after being your mother for these three beautiful years, my guess is that this was not the case either.
You see, telling you no is often more difficult than letting you indulge in whatever you desire. When I tell you no I have to be consistent, and it takes a great amount of energy away from whatever I need to be doing. When I tell you no, you throw a tantrum and it causes me to become emotional. It makes me feel sad to see you upset; I feel angry that you won't listen to me. And I am frustrated because I'm not a better parent. Then, I have to use a great amount of restraint to overcome my feelings, and respond in a calm and rational manner. Please forgive me for the times that I have been unable to do this, and for those times in the future that I will be too weak to do so. I am truly sorry as I am an adult and should be able to overcome my feelings to treat you with love and respect no matter how tired, frustrated, sad, or angry I feel.
The reason that it is so important for me to tell you no, especially when it would be easier for me to simply say yes, is that life is hard. No matter how much we want things, we cannot always have them. This is a lesson I've learned even more so since marrying your father and becoming a mother to you and your sisters. I love you all very much and wouldn't trade my life with you for the many material things, the graduate degrees, or the career I'd like to have. These things do not come easy, and most of those things that are truly good take work, and a great deal of it. There are times when it may seem too difficult to put one foot in front of the other and days when surviving is all you can do. When those days come, I hope you have the virtue of perseverance and will carry on. If I indulge you today, I know that you will give up; you will fail. You will expect things to be handed to you, no matter what it is; you will feel entitled to have anything and everything you desire. You will be disappointed when you realize that the world does not work this way.
And so, today when I tell you no, please understand that it is because I love you and I desire nothing more than for your happiness. Please forgive me for the days when I am too tired and I indulge you when it is not in your best interest. Those are the days that I'm not caring for you, but for myself. When I'm taking the easy route, and giving up. Please forgive me for being weak., but never forget that I love you. I love you more than myself, and I want you to be truly happy. You are a beautiful gift, and the joy of loving you is the greatest joy of my life.

Love,
Mommy

Twins the Easy Way

When I go out, I often get asked if Josie and Katie are twins. My typical response is "yeah, the easy way, they are about a year apart." By the "easy way" I mean that I only had to carry one baby at a time, but sometimes I wonder if my (not quite) Irish Twins are actually twins the hard way.

Like many families with twins, we pretty well have two of everything. At Christmas we bought the girls identical toys, they have matching car seats, we have two booster seats at the table, I can't tell you how often they are dressed alike, and for a while we even had two cribs in their bedroom.

Now, not being the parent of twins, I don't know if there is a dominant twin and a passive twin, in our case there is. Josie (being older) takes Katie's toys and in turn Katie screams until either Dan or I get it back or she gets distracted. Whatever Josie does, Katie wants to do whether she is able to keep up or not.  At times this can be really sweet. They can play together for hours, and I love listening to their conversations and giggles while I fold laundry, feed Elizabeth, or simply take a moment to put my feet up.

Other times the competition is really frustrating, particularly when we only have one of a certain toy. If Katie has it, Josie wants it and vice versa. Today was one of those particularly frustrating kinds of days. We headed across town to eat lunch with my family, and from the moment we loaded the girls in the car until they crossed the threshold of my mother's house we heard the following:

 "Mine!"
"No! Give it to me!"
"No!"
"I want it!"
"AHHHHHHHH!"
"No!"
"I don't want you to have it!"
"I NEED it!"
"No!"

The way home went pretty well the same way, as Katie's birthday is next week and my mom wanted to give her a present since we won't be having a party and she'll be visiting my sister. Remember the Fisher Price rotary phone, it's not exactly a spiffy toy, but it sparked a fight similar to the one above for the entire car ride home, because there was only one of them.

There were tears, and slaps, and all kinds of crazy in both the front and the back seat. In the midst of all the crazy today was one of those days where I was able to step back and think "my reaction is not helping...Dan's reaction is not helping." And then I just started to laugh. This interaction between my children is hilarious, if only I had a video camera. It would be a YouTube sensation...perhaps another day. Today, I will simply laugh, and maybe tomorrow I'll buy another rotary phone. Or better yet, I won't and perhaps they will learn how to share...or better yet, I'll make money on YouTube.