Period of Absence

Yes, I have been away.

Why? you ask.

I have been working on writing our church's VBS.

What is VBS? you ask.

Apparently it's a Veritable Blog Stealer.

Promise to post at a later date.

The Wonders of Color Wonders

In order to prepare for our plane ride to Missouri, I made a "briefcase" of projects for the kids.

I gave each child one of those big pocket folders with the 3 sides enclosed and the flap and elastic strap that goes around--I have no idea what they are really called. I had filled these with various papers, stickers, pens, post-its, etc.

However the smartest thing I did was put back the $1 velvet picture/markers for Ashton and invest in the $7 Color Wonder Coloring Book of Disney Princesses.

On the plane, I realized the investment paid off far more than $6-worth peace of mind. She could color and I did not need to hover.

My Happy Birthday

1. Slept in till 9:13.

2. Awoke to Darlings serenading me and bringing breakfast in bed (Pillsbury cinnamon rolls). Ryan brought in the little table and we all ate in the room. When clearing out, Ashton said, "You welcome we sing Happy Birthday to you!"

3. Got to shower with the door locked while Darlings went present shopping.

4. Took children to pre-arranged child-care and had lunch with best friend Lesley. What interesting adult conversation we had!!!

5. Got unsatisfying chair massages with Lesley. But then went to get satisfying slushes at Sonic!

6. Came home to the smell of husband baking my childhood birthday cake--Chocolate, Chocolate Chip.

7. Went to favorite restaurant, Flying Star, and had their wonderful macaroni and cheese.

8. Arrived home too full for cake, so we opened presents first: New white sweater (desperate need), cute red coat, new Sharpies of all sizes and colors!!! My Darling knows me so well!

9. Indulged in wonderful cake.

10. Can't remember the rest, possible result of a sugar high. But it was good!

Thanks for the kind words and emails!

Thanks for the Advice

So I do thank all of your for your input on the problem. I have taken all you have said to heart and have even used a few of the tips. And I know it's good, but his behavior on the whole has been WAY better. Maybe last weekend was just what we had to navigate to get to this good part. (Last weekend was the first weekend since February that Ryan has been all ours because he was done with his paper.)

My plan of action:

1. Clearly (over)define when to make these noises and when to not make these noises. I fear the latter will be a very short list and may depend a lot on my mood.

2. Duck the neighbors for a while and ignore the sounds when outside. Again I feel like too much of this will depend on my mood.

3. Clap to get his attention rather than yell his name.

4. Try to more often catch him using an appropriate volume and tone.

5. Take him to some loud sporting events.

6. Get the hearing tested at the five-year check up.

7. Buy some earplugs, and perhaps buy stock in the company.

Seeking Advice

Okay! This is an interactive blog. If your read it I expect you to comment at the end. I have a problem and I am seeking advice. I mean it, people!!!!! This is serious.

Here is the Problem: MY SON IS SOOOOO LOUD!

I knew going into parenting that girls talk and boys make noise. I was okay with that. And I have a very verbal son. When he hears a new word, he assimilates it into his vocabulary within the day.

But the Noises! They seriously drive me to the point of insanity sometimes. And I can't just send him outside because we have neighbors six feet on either side of us. I don't even know how to best describe the noises in words. There are screams, high-pitched whoops, and growls. Make all those sounds to yourself for the next five minutes and see if you annoy yourself.

And then when we get to the words, most of these are said in range that communicates to the very hard of hearing. I SAID THE VERY HARD OF HEARING. Do you get the picture? He seems to have no ability to speak in an appropriate volume.

My real concern is for Reed as he grows and gets new friends. Will he drive them away? Already I feel like some of his friends notice his volume and comment on it. He's almost five! Will he grow out of it, or do I need to start addressing it for his own benefit? And, if so, HOW? Most of the times I make it an issue, I have to yell just to get his attention! That seems a little counter productive.

So now it's your turn. Weigh in as a mother of boy, former boy, neighbor of boy, observer of boy, empathetic ear, wise counselor, etc. Please!

That's Not What I Had in Mind

What I said: "Go play quietly in your room."
What she heard: "Go take everything off of your shelves and dump it on the floor."

What I said: "Somebody let the dog in."
What they heard: "Run to the back door screaming about who gets to let the dog in."

What I said: "No, you may not have a third story before bed."
What he heard: "I am going to sell you to a pack of gypsies."

What I said: "Go wash your hands in the bathroom."
What they heard: "Go fill the sink in the bathroom, add some soap suds, and give yourself a cool hair do."

What I said: "Put this stack of laundry in your drawer."
What he heard: "Take this stack of laundry, unfold it, stuff it in the right drawer, but please under any circumstances, do not close the drawer again."


What I said: "Work together to clean up this mess."
What he heard: "Boss your sister into doing whatever you want her to do, and if she doesn't, threaten to spank her."
What she heard: "Lay on the floor and tell me how tired you are. Also, please run to me screaming if Reed threatens to spank you."


What I said: "Be careful to not get ketchup from your corndog on your shirt."
What she heard: "Use the corndog as a brush, the shirt as a canvas, a this ketchup as your medium, my precious little budding artist!"

Much Rejoicing

There is much rejoicing in the Nelson household today. Ryan has sent off his paper for final review by his professor. He really looks like a different person today. I'm trying to decide if it's just because he doesn't have computer attached to his hands, or if it's the natural light coming from sources other than the computer screen, or if he truly looks more relaxed. We are hoping the comments that come back this time will mean only minor revisions.

He even woke Reed up last night and told him he was done. This morning after waking me up with the gentle back-rub (he is a very smart boy), Reed's second question (after how long till I can come out of my room?) was, "Did Daddy tell you he was done with his paper?" Reed is glad he is done so he can "just be a Daddy again." We are all glad for that.

One good thing that came out of the last minute rush to finish: Ryan was able to use a line on a telemarketer that you don't get to use very often--"My master's thesis paper is due today, so I really can't take this call." They hung up with no argument!