For the past couple of weeks, Lyra and I have been working on some reading lessons. Right now, we're still in the early stages of learning the sounds and then stringing sounds together to make words.
The book that I'm using starts with some of the easy sounds first: mmmmm, sssssss, rrrrrrr, t (which you have to say fast), eeeeee.
A couple of days ago, they introduced the "th" sound as in that or this. So, not the breathy, thhhhhhh of thing. No, the buzzing thhhhh of that.
I mentioned earlier that Lyra has not yet pronouced 'th'. She'll say: Somesing, dat, noffing, but not "th".
So, a lot of our time is spent on just learning how to pronounce that buzzing thhhhh. She tries so hard it comes out: blghblghblhg, zzzzzzzzzz, or dddddd.
Imagine her sounding out TH-A-T; blghblghblghlbhg - aaaaaaaa - t.
"Lyra, say thththtaaaat." "zzzzzzzzat"
What's the word? "zat".
Close enough.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Will We Be Cold?
Well, the heat has arrived again. Yesterday, I got into my car to head out for some errands and the temp read 51C (I'll leave that for you to figure out). Actually, it was probably more like 45 or 46 - but the car had been sitting in the sun heating up.
The pool in the back is nice and comfortable right now. We've had lots of dust for the past 2 weeks. The whole sky has been a nice beige color (no sign of blue) and the sun barely shines through the haze. It has meant some nicer temps and a cooling of the pool. But now that's over - back to sunny and blazing. Saw a hint of blue sky today - if I looked straight up. Still beige and hazy if you look out onto the horizon.
We're getting ready to head back home for a few weeks. I'll be home for 3 weeks and Russell and Lyra will be staying for an additional 3 or 4 weeks. I've been telling Russell that I think we'll be cold when we're home. We've acclimated here to the point that a 90F day is comfortable. So, if temps are in the 80's, we may find that cool. And if nighttime temps are down into the 60s or 70s, that will be downright chilly. I don't think Russell's convinced. But I'm packing some long sleeves and sweaters (in addition to some shorts and short sleeves).
What do you think? Will we be cold?
The pool in the back is nice and comfortable right now. We've had lots of dust for the past 2 weeks. The whole sky has been a nice beige color (no sign of blue) and the sun barely shines through the haze. It has meant some nicer temps and a cooling of the pool. But now that's over - back to sunny and blazing. Saw a hint of blue sky today - if I looked straight up. Still beige and hazy if you look out onto the horizon.
We're getting ready to head back home for a few weeks. I'll be home for 3 weeks and Russell and Lyra will be staying for an additional 3 or 4 weeks. I've been telling Russell that I think we'll be cold when we're home. We've acclimated here to the point that a 90F day is comfortable. So, if temps are in the 80's, we may find that cool. And if nighttime temps are down into the 60s or 70s, that will be downright chilly. I don't think Russell's convinced. But I'm packing some long sleeves and sweaters (in addition to some shorts and short sleeves).
What do you think? Will we be cold?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Belly Laughs
The scene: 4:15am, Russell switches on the light next to his bed.
Me: Grrrr. [covers head with pillow]
Russell: Sorry, can't sleep.
I hear the silent rustle of pages as he reads.
Russell: hee, hee, hee . . . sorry.
More silent rustling of pages.
Russell: hee, hee, haw, haw [swallows his laughter] . . . sorry.
A page is turned.
Russell: HAHAHAHA - SNORT . . . sorry . . . hee, heh - snort - HAHAHAHAHAHAH.
Me: OK, show me.
Russell: HAHAHAHA - SNORT [hands me the book]
Russell goes to get a tissue to wipe his eyes as I read the page.
Me: HAHAHAHAHA-snort.
Even at 4:30am, David Sedaris is funny.
Me: Grrrr. [covers head with pillow]
Russell: Sorry, can't sleep.
I hear the silent rustle of pages as he reads.
Russell: hee, hee, hee . . . sorry.
More silent rustling of pages.
Russell: hee, hee, haw, haw [swallows his laughter] . . . sorry.
A page is turned.
Russell: HAHAHAHA - SNORT . . . sorry . . . hee, heh - snort - HAHAHAHAHAHAH.
Me: OK, show me.
Russell: HAHAHAHA - SNORT [hands me the book]
Russell goes to get a tissue to wipe his eyes as I read the page.
Me: HAHAHAHAHA-snort.
Even at 4:30am, David Sedaris is funny.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Two Wiggly Teeth
Last week, Lyra reported on the phone to me, "Mama, I have two wiggly teeth."
In the back of my head I'm thinking, OMG - what happened!?! Isn't 5.5 years too young to be losing teeth. But after asking around, I've been reassured that this is a normal age. "You do? Where?" I asked.
"In my mouth." Ok, thanks, but I think I had that figured out.
"Yes, but which teeth, I mean."
"The front ones."
I asked her, "What happened? Did you get bumped at playgroup?"
Turns out she did, but probably not so hard as to jolt loose her front lower teeth. Probably just prompted her to know they were loose. Lyra has been eagerly awaiting losing her teeth and a visit from the tooth fairy.
When I got home later the same day, she showed me and yes, indeed they are wiggly. She said, "I'm a little bit nervous and I'm excited."
"Why are you excited?" I asked her.
"Because I get money!" she said. Ah yes. After discussion, we have determined that the tooth fairy brings 5Dhs (about $1.50) per tooth.
Yesterday, she decided that she's not going to fiddle with her teeth. "I'm afraid that they'll bleed," she said. I told her that yes, they will bleed, but not too much. I then proceeded to go on about the molars and how difficult they are - ooooh they're a bugger. Russell cut me off when he saw the look of horror on her face. Ooops.
I offered to have her sit on the stairs while we tie a string around her teeth and then around the front doorknob. We'd slam the door and those teeth would just pop right out. Sure it would bleed a little, but they'd be out. "You're joking," she said. "Well, that's what Grumpy told me to do for my teeth," I said. "You're joking," she insisted. "Yes, I'm joking," I admitted.
Today, she's still determined not to fiddle with them. Me - I could never resist. Once my teeth were loose it was non-stop fiddling for me until I got those puppies o-u-t out!
In the back of my head I'm thinking, OMG - what happened!?! Isn't 5.5 years too young to be losing teeth. But after asking around, I've been reassured that this is a normal age. "You do? Where?" I asked.
"In my mouth." Ok, thanks, but I think I had that figured out.
"Yes, but which teeth, I mean."
"The front ones."
I asked her, "What happened? Did you get bumped at playgroup?"
Turns out she did, but probably not so hard as to jolt loose her front lower teeth. Probably just prompted her to know they were loose. Lyra has been eagerly awaiting losing her teeth and a visit from the tooth fairy.
When I got home later the same day, she showed me and yes, indeed they are wiggly. She said, "I'm a little bit nervous and I'm excited."
"Why are you excited?" I asked her.
"Because I get money!" she said. Ah yes. After discussion, we have determined that the tooth fairy brings 5Dhs (about $1.50) per tooth.
Yesterday, she decided that she's not going to fiddle with her teeth. "I'm afraid that they'll bleed," she said. I told her that yes, they will bleed, but not too much. I then proceeded to go on about the molars and how difficult they are - ooooh they're a bugger. Russell cut me off when he saw the look of horror on her face. Ooops.
I offered to have her sit on the stairs while we tie a string around her teeth and then around the front doorknob. We'd slam the door and those teeth would just pop right out. Sure it would bleed a little, but they'd be out. "You're joking," she said. "Well, that's what Grumpy told me to do for my teeth," I said. "You're joking," she insisted. "Yes, I'm joking," I admitted.
Today, she's still determined not to fiddle with them. Me - I could never resist. Once my teeth were loose it was non-stop fiddling for me until I got those puppies o-u-t out!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Go Ahead - Make a Liar Out of Me
Well, ever since my Cabin Fever post, I've been feeling a bit guilty. The weather here has been so nice - highs near 35C (or mid-90s F). What a pleasant break from the temps we had a couple weeks ago when temps were near 115F. Just spoke to Russell this am - in the car, my temps read 27 (that's 80F). Makes you want to plan a picnic.
I'm reading about the misery in Iowa and Wisconsin. We're hoping that we bring some more pleasant weather with us when we come to visit in a few weeks. In the meantime, it does sound horrible.
Saw the pictures of Lake Delton draining in the Wisconsin Dells. Wow!! I hope that if any of you had vacations planned in that area that you still plan on going. Sure would help that area if they didn't have a huge exodus. I got an email from a private resort on Lake Delton that we've used a couple of times. They said, "We haven't experienced any damage. The pools (outdoor and indoor) are still open, the campfires are burning, and the beach is HUGE." LOL. At least they've kept their sense of humor.
Looking forward to coming home soon. In the meantime, we're enjoying the break in the heat.
I'm reading about the misery in Iowa and Wisconsin. We're hoping that we bring some more pleasant weather with us when we come to visit in a few weeks. In the meantime, it does sound horrible.
Saw the pictures of Lake Delton draining in the Wisconsin Dells. Wow!! I hope that if any of you had vacations planned in that area that you still plan on going. Sure would help that area if they didn't have a huge exodus. I got an email from a private resort on Lake Delton that we've used a couple of times. They said, "We haven't experienced any damage. The pools (outdoor and indoor) are still open, the campfires are burning, and the beach is HUGE." LOL. At least they've kept their sense of humor.
Looking forward to coming home soon. In the meantime, we're enjoying the break in the heat.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Playground Games - part 2
Is it Home Base, Ghoul, Jail, Goal (pronounced jail in England)? The debates are endless. Here's an interesting wiki entry on the game "Tag" and it's variants. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tag_(game)
I'm particularly impressed that Flashlight Tag is mentioned in there. This is a game we spent many nights playing in our neighborhood in Minnesota. What is particularly impressive is that the variants of the game as described are exactly how we played it. Ghoul was a big massive rock in our next door neighbor's yard - even though their kids never played.
In Minnesota, the summer nights aren't dark enough for flashlight tag until around 9:30 or 9:45. Many of us had 10 o'clock curfews. So, often it was a rushed game. Or we would beg and beg for just 15 more minutes. And on Fridays and Saturdays we'd often get a curfew reprieve until 10:30.
I was 12 or 13 and had a pre-teen crush on a neighbor boy. I remember we'd often hide together and then steal a little kiss while waiting for whoever was "it" to come and find us. I'm pretty sure my mom knew this which is why I didn't often get a curfew extention. She had a saying, "There's nothing I want you doing after 10:00 that you couldn't have done before." I think she and my dad heard that one from my Nana when they were dating. Nana was right.
I'm particularly impressed that Flashlight Tag is mentioned in there. This is a game we spent many nights playing in our neighborhood in Minnesota. What is particularly impressive is that the variants of the game as described are exactly how we played it. Ghoul was a big massive rock in our next door neighbor's yard - even though their kids never played.
In Minnesota, the summer nights aren't dark enough for flashlight tag until around 9:30 or 9:45. Many of us had 10 o'clock curfews. So, often it was a rushed game. Or we would beg and beg for just 15 more minutes. And on Fridays and Saturdays we'd often get a curfew reprieve until 10:30.
I was 12 or 13 and had a pre-teen crush on a neighbor boy. I remember we'd often hide together and then steal a little kiss while waiting for whoever was "it" to come and find us. I'm pretty sure my mom knew this which is why I didn't often get a curfew extention. She had a saying, "There's nothing I want you doing after 10:00 that you couldn't have done before." I think she and my dad heard that one from my Nana when they were dating. Nana was right.
An Allowance
About 2 months ago, we started giving Lyra an allowance. She gets 5Dhs each Friday. That's about $1.50. So, we're getting off cheap because we probably would have started with $5 (one dollar for each age) in the US.
Mostly, Lyra's very responsible with her money. She likes to put money in the charity boxes, so she has been using her allowance for that. If she wants a toy or treat, I'm now able to tell her that she can save up her allowance. She's been saving up for a Dora the Explorer book that she'd like to have. It's $12.99. I told her that if she saved half (25Dhs), I'd help her with half.
She started off pretty well and had 10 Dhs in savings. But then she needed to pay me back for some shorts that we bought at the shop a couple of weeks ago. When we were in the shop, I was pretty sure that she wouldn't like these shorts (she's into skirts & dresses these days). So, I asked her if she'd wear them and she assured me she would. So, we got them for 20Dhs. But now, she will never wear them. "Put them in the charity box," she told me the other day. "I will," I said, "but you'll need to pay me back with 4 week's of allowance." So, the 10Dhs from her dresser is now in my purse. Plus she didn't get an allowance last week, nor one this week. Then she'll be paid up.
This comes after she lost her allowance 2 weeks ago. She had her 5Dhs in her dress pocket and then somewhere when we were in the mall she realized it wasn't there any more. We searched lots of shops looking for it, but never found it. She asked, "Sometimes if a child loses their allowance, I wonder if the parents give them more money." We explained that even though she wasn't being irresponsible and playing with the money, it was her responsibility to keep it safe. So, even though it was lost, we couldn't replace it. She seemed to handle it well. Probably because she still hasn't really figured out what she's going to do with this money. Although she enjoys having it - she's not really fixated on what to spend it on.
Things she's purchased with her money are: fancy see-through glow-in-the-dark post it notes, two handfuls of candy dispensed from a coin operated despenser, several Dhs into the charity boxes, and various other snacks or treats. As I said earlier, she was trying to save up 25Dhs for when we got home to the US so she could buy a Dora the Explorer book. By the time we leave, she'll have 10Dhs. And if she loses these two wiggly teeth she discovered yesterday (that is a story for another post) then she'll have another 10Dhs, so while we're in the US she will have earned enough for the book, I guess.
Mostly, Lyra's very responsible with her money. She likes to put money in the charity boxes, so she has been using her allowance for that. If she wants a toy or treat, I'm now able to tell her that she can save up her allowance. She's been saving up for a Dora the Explorer book that she'd like to have. It's $12.99. I told her that if she saved half (25Dhs), I'd help her with half.
She started off pretty well and had 10 Dhs in savings. But then she needed to pay me back for some shorts that we bought at the shop a couple of weeks ago. When we were in the shop, I was pretty sure that she wouldn't like these shorts (she's into skirts & dresses these days). So, I asked her if she'd wear them and she assured me she would. So, we got them for 20Dhs. But now, she will never wear them. "Put them in the charity box," she told me the other day. "I will," I said, "but you'll need to pay me back with 4 week's of allowance." So, the 10Dhs from her dresser is now in my purse. Plus she didn't get an allowance last week, nor one this week. Then she'll be paid up.
This comes after she lost her allowance 2 weeks ago. She had her 5Dhs in her dress pocket and then somewhere when we were in the mall she realized it wasn't there any more. We searched lots of shops looking for it, but never found it. She asked, "Sometimes if a child loses their allowance, I wonder if the parents give them more money." We explained that even though she wasn't being irresponsible and playing with the money, it was her responsibility to keep it safe. So, even though it was lost, we couldn't replace it. She seemed to handle it well. Probably because she still hasn't really figured out what she's going to do with this money. Although she enjoys having it - she's not really fixated on what to spend it on.
Things she's purchased with her money are: fancy see-through glow-in-the-dark post it notes, two handfuls of candy dispensed from a coin operated despenser, several Dhs into the charity boxes, and various other snacks or treats. As I said earlier, she was trying to save up 25Dhs for when we got home to the US so she could buy a Dora the Explorer book. By the time we leave, she'll have 10Dhs. And if she loses these two wiggly teeth she discovered yesterday (that is a story for another post) then she'll have another 10Dhs, so while we're in the US she will have earned enough for the book, I guess.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Cabin Fever
You know that feeling. The pending sense of doom. Looking ahead toward months of sitting in the house with nothing to do. Racing from house to car to avoid the weather and then racing again from the car to work. Shouting at the kids/spouse - "Shut the door! Were you raised on a hill?" Running out to the car to get it started and letting it run a while before you head out to leave.
The whole world seems to slow down. The streets seem more empty, the options for what to do with the kids become more limited, the prospect of spending another afternoon trying to come up with creative ideas has your brain taxed. You sigh, well, we could go stroll around the mall. But there's nothing you need.
The weekends are even worse. Each day stretches before you with the challenge of finding "something to do". Visiting the playground - nope. Riding bikes - nope. Walking the dog - nope. Putzing in the garden - nope. What did we do last weekend? Oh, right, went to the mall. Sigh.
Even the animals are smarter than you and have headed off to more pleasant places. The birds have stopped chirping. Mosquitos and flies have died off. Every living thing has hunkered down to escape the misery.
Summer in Dubai.
Marnie said...
The whole world seems to slow down. The streets seem more empty, the options for what to do with the kids become more limited, the prospect of spending another afternoon trying to come up with creative ideas has your brain taxed. You sigh, well, we could go stroll around the mall. But there's nothing you need.
The weekends are even worse. Each day stretches before you with the challenge of finding "something to do". Visiting the playground - nope. Riding bikes - nope. Walking the dog - nope. Putzing in the garden - nope. What did we do last weekend? Oh, right, went to the mall. Sigh.
Even the animals are smarter than you and have headed off to more pleasant places. The birds have stopped chirping. Mosquitos and flies have died off. Every living thing has hunkered down to escape the misery.
Summer in Dubai.
Marnie said...
"Raised on a hill"??
If you were raised on a hill then your doors would automatically fall shut.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Peanut! Peanut Butter!
. . . and Jelly.
Actually, I prefer just peanut butter. Why taint a perfectly good sandwich. Or if you must put jelly on then just a light touch will do.
Peanut butter goes with everything! It's perfect with both sweet and savory foods.
I have been successful in passing on my devotion to peanut butter and maple syrup on pancakes, waffles, or french toast. Lyra has a waffle with peanut butter on most mornings. She alternates between having it with apple butter*, syrup, or cinnamon sugar. The perfect breakfast also has a side of crispy bacon to dip in the syrup. Peanut butter, bacon, and syrup - heaven.
Peanut butter is also good on ice cream - with a nice chocolate syrup drizzled over the top. Yum. Did you ever try that Chubby Hubby ice cream from Ben & Jerry's? Pretzel nuggets stuffed with peanut butter and coated with chocolate in a vanilla ice cream with chocolate and peanut butter swirls.
Or how about peanut butter on a wedge of mild cheddar cheese - uh huh. My dad would garnish with a bit of honey. Speaking of which, a peanut butter and honey mixture is nirvana as a spread for sandwiches or crackers or celery sticks.
Peanut butter on an Oscar Meyer bologna sandwich (and I could only spell that by singing the song - you know the song, go ahead, hum it.) Or peanut butter and Miracle Whip on gooey white bread.
Have you ever made satay sauce for chicken or beef skewers? Mix peanut butter with chillies, soy sauce and sesame oil. Or if you mix peanut butter with tomato paste and broth it makes a great sauce for baking chicken. My mom should have never told us there was peanut butter in that sauce. Even in my peanut butter lovin' family it was a bit odd. But we ate it.
Many years ago, I switched to natural peanut butters and now I'm a peanut butter snob. Russ was actually making peanut butter for us from peanuts he bought at the co-op. His ratio was 1/3 salted to 2/3 unsalted. Then grind for a million years in the food processor. My preference is to add a little peanut oil - otherwise it's a bit too crumbly and hard to spread. Recently Russ bought cheap peanut butter at the store here - yuck. It's like eating peanut flavored oily mouth coating.
I don't even need to mention my love of peanut butter cookies. Or peanut butter on graham crackers. Even better, peanut butter on Keebler Deluxe Grahams (hm-hum-hm-hm-hm duh-di-duh-di-duh-duh, they're made by little elves in their hollow trees.) Not such a big fan of the Nutter Butter cookies - too sweet. But if you put a bit of peanut butter on top of them that sets them right.
You know what I have never had? A fluffernutter sandwich. I'm afraid to try - I'm sure it's heaven and then it will be just another devotion that I have to the family of peanut butter loveliness.
I could go on about peanut butter on apple slices; in a yogurt smoothie; dotted with raisins on brown bread, or just straight from the jar on a spoon. But I'll stop here. I need to go make myself a snack.
*Note to Grammy: We're getting dangerously low on apple butter.
Mamacita said...
Wow. I have the wierdest craving for some peanut butter...mine must be extra crunchy!
I'm not so picky about that. Smooth, crunchy, extra cruncy each have their own place in my heart.
Actually, I prefer just peanut butter. Why taint a perfectly good sandwich. Or if you must put jelly on then just a light touch will do.
Peanut butter goes with everything! It's perfect with both sweet and savory foods.
I have been successful in passing on my devotion to peanut butter and maple syrup on pancakes, waffles, or french toast. Lyra has a waffle with peanut butter on most mornings. She alternates between having it with apple butter*, syrup, or cinnamon sugar. The perfect breakfast also has a side of crispy bacon to dip in the syrup. Peanut butter, bacon, and syrup - heaven.
Peanut butter is also good on ice cream - with a nice chocolate syrup drizzled over the top. Yum. Did you ever try that Chubby Hubby ice cream from Ben & Jerry's? Pretzel nuggets stuffed with peanut butter and coated with chocolate in a vanilla ice cream with chocolate and peanut butter swirls.
Or how about peanut butter on a wedge of mild cheddar cheese - uh huh. My dad would garnish with a bit of honey. Speaking of which, a peanut butter and honey mixture is nirvana as a spread for sandwiches or crackers or celery sticks.
Peanut butter on an Oscar Meyer bologna sandwich (and I could only spell that by singing the song - you know the song, go ahead, hum it.) Or peanut butter and Miracle Whip on gooey white bread.
Have you ever made satay sauce for chicken or beef skewers? Mix peanut butter with chillies, soy sauce and sesame oil. Or if you mix peanut butter with tomato paste and broth it makes a great sauce for baking chicken. My mom should have never told us there was peanut butter in that sauce. Even in my peanut butter lovin' family it was a bit odd. But we ate it.
Many years ago, I switched to natural peanut butters and now I'm a peanut butter snob. Russ was actually making peanut butter for us from peanuts he bought at the co-op. His ratio was 1/3 salted to 2/3 unsalted. Then grind for a million years in the food processor. My preference is to add a little peanut oil - otherwise it's a bit too crumbly and hard to spread. Recently Russ bought cheap peanut butter at the store here - yuck. It's like eating peanut flavored oily mouth coating.
I don't even need to mention my love of peanut butter cookies. Or peanut butter on graham crackers. Even better, peanut butter on Keebler Deluxe Grahams (hm-hum-hm-hm-hm duh-di-duh-di-duh-duh, they're made by little elves in their hollow trees.) Not such a big fan of the Nutter Butter cookies - too sweet. But if you put a bit of peanut butter on top of them that sets them right.
You know what I have never had? A fluffernutter sandwich. I'm afraid to try - I'm sure it's heaven and then it will be just another devotion that I have to the family of peanut butter loveliness.
I could go on about peanut butter on apple slices; in a yogurt smoothie; dotted with raisins on brown bread, or just straight from the jar on a spoon. But I'll stop here. I need to go make myself a snack.
*Note to Grammy: We're getting dangerously low on apple butter.
Mamacita said...
Wow. I have the wierdest craving for some peanut butter...mine must be extra crunchy!
I'm not so picky about that. Smooth, crunchy, extra cruncy each have their own place in my heart.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
I Can be MEAN
I had a really good idea for a blog entry last night. I started to compose a few sentences as I drifted off to sleep. I wonder what it was. That idea I mean.
Today, Lyra and I had a mother/daughter run it. It has been a long time since she's got me so angry that I've lost it. There were moments during her tantrum where I was enjoying the fact that she was so livid - and that if I wanted to, I could make her even more so. Ooooh, I can be MEAN.
It's amazing how the energy of two angry people can spiral into a whirlwind of destruction (both literally & figuratively). Luckily for us, we both have enough of a rein on our emotions that even though we got quite worked up, we still kept the pure raw anger at bay.
After a few minutes, I came to my senses and had the ability to calm down, apologize, and give her a cuddle. We both were able to see that we'd gone over the edge - and it wasn't pretty. After the tears had dried, I saw that she was welling up again and reached out for another snuggle. What's wrong, I asked. "I'm just having emotions," she said. I can relate.
It's been some pretty stressful days for Lyra the past week. I was out of town all week, which she doesn't like. Then Thursday was the last day of school and she had to say goodbye to friends and teachers. Then today she went to a new summer camp with new friends and teachers. So, a lot for one kid to process. It's been coming out in some emotional eruptions.
Guess you're never really done with tantrums. Even in your 40s.
Today, Lyra and I had a mother/daughter run it. It has been a long time since she's got me so angry that I've lost it. There were moments during her tantrum where I was enjoying the fact that she was so livid - and that if I wanted to, I could make her even more so. Ooooh, I can be MEAN.
It's amazing how the energy of two angry people can spiral into a whirlwind of destruction (both literally & figuratively). Luckily for us, we both have enough of a rein on our emotions that even though we got quite worked up, we still kept the pure raw anger at bay.
After a few minutes, I came to my senses and had the ability to calm down, apologize, and give her a cuddle. We both were able to see that we'd gone over the edge - and it wasn't pretty. After the tears had dried, I saw that she was welling up again and reached out for another snuggle. What's wrong, I asked. "I'm just having emotions," she said. I can relate.
It's been some pretty stressful days for Lyra the past week. I was out of town all week, which she doesn't like. Then Thursday was the last day of school and she had to say goodbye to friends and teachers. Then today she went to a new summer camp with new friends and teachers. So, a lot for one kid to process. It's been coming out in some emotional eruptions.
Guess you're never really done with tantrums. Even in your 40s.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Playground Games
What did you play on the playgound when you were five? Do you remember?
I have these vague recollections of girls v. boys chasing games. Us girls would get cootie booster shots before each recess. For some reason, I think that our playground area was in a clearing in the woods next to our school. I remember running around and under bushes trying to escape the boys. And somehow, the top of the ladder for the slide was "Ghoul" (or Home Base). I don't think I adopted the term Ghoul until we moved to Iowa when I was 8 - or maybe it was in Minnesota when I was 12.
In Iowa, the playground games were more organized. Kick ball and four square in the summer and sledding in the winter. We had a great sledding hill that led from the playground area down to the football field. Do they allow sledding on school grounds these days - or is the insurance risk too high?
Back in Milwaukee, Lyra's recess time seemed to be pretty much dedicated to climbing on the playground equipment. The kids were still learning to climb ladders and take the slides without adult supervision. Last night, Lyra was telling me of her play time games at Gulf Montessori. She was the dog owner. Noora, Ahmed, Sultan, and Abdulrahman were her dogs. Meera and Inaya were the cats. And Gahlib and Zaid would try to get Lyra and she'd have her doggies chase them. You go girl!!
I have these vague recollections of girls v. boys chasing games. Us girls would get cootie booster shots before each recess. For some reason, I think that our playground area was in a clearing in the woods next to our school. I remember running around and under bushes trying to escape the boys. And somehow, the top of the ladder for the slide was "Ghoul" (or Home Base). I don't think I adopted the term Ghoul until we moved to Iowa when I was 8 - or maybe it was in Minnesota when I was 12.
In Iowa, the playground games were more organized. Kick ball and four square in the summer and sledding in the winter. We had a great sledding hill that led from the playground area down to the football field. Do they allow sledding on school grounds these days - or is the insurance risk too high?
Back in Milwaukee, Lyra's recess time seemed to be pretty much dedicated to climbing on the playground equipment. The kids were still learning to climb ladders and take the slides without adult supervision. Last night, Lyra was telling me of her play time games at Gulf Montessori. She was the dog owner. Noora, Ahmed, Sultan, and Abdulrahman were her dogs. Meera and Inaya were the cats. And Gahlib and Zaid would try to get Lyra and she'd have her doggies chase them. You go girl!!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
How to Irk Your Spouse
Never drink the final amount in a cup of coffee. Mention that you don't drink it because you don't like tilting your head back that far.
When dipping chips into salsa, break the big chips before dipping them rather than taking the ones that are already crumbled. Mention that you like the cracking sound made by breaking the big chips.
When driving your spouse's car, pull the seat as far foward as it will go so that you can reach the peddles. Forget to move the seat backward when you return the car.
Come home from work and immediately start sorting through the mail rather than saying hello to your family. Realize that you haven't seen them all day after they finally come up and stand in front of you.
Salt your food before tasting the meal carefully prepared by your spouse.
Put several decorative pillows onto the bed. Complain when they are actually used. When out shopping, look at even more decorative pillows that could be piled onto the bed.
Say, "You know what song is going through my head?" and then launch into humming it before your spouse has a chance to ask you not to.
Call your spouse during the day to say hello. Get distracted by your emails and forget to actually carry on a conversation.
Talk about something with your spouse and when he gives you a questioning look say, "Don't you read my blog?"
Go up to your spouse like you want a hug. As he bends over to hug you say, "Crack my back, please."
When your spouse says something you disagree with - rather than presenting your opinion in a persuasive and understanding manner instead say, "WRONG-G-G!!"
When using toilet paper or dental floss, be sure to take much more than is necessary to accomplish the job.
Buy snacks that should be saved only for you. Never eat them. Let them sit in the cupboard or freezer until they too old and must be tossed out.
Marnie said...
There is no such thing as too many decorative pillows.
Beth said...
Clog up the bathtub, pour ten tons of toxic DrainO down the pipes, let the fumes fill the entire second floor, and then annouce it's time for the kids to go to bed.
When dipping chips into salsa, break the big chips before dipping them rather than taking the ones that are already crumbled. Mention that you like the cracking sound made by breaking the big chips.
When driving your spouse's car, pull the seat as far foward as it will go so that you can reach the peddles. Forget to move the seat backward when you return the car.
Come home from work and immediately start sorting through the mail rather than saying hello to your family. Realize that you haven't seen them all day after they finally come up and stand in front of you.
Salt your food before tasting the meal carefully prepared by your spouse.
Put several decorative pillows onto the bed. Complain when they are actually used. When out shopping, look at even more decorative pillows that could be piled onto the bed.
Say, "You know what song is going through my head?" and then launch into humming it before your spouse has a chance to ask you not to.
Call your spouse during the day to say hello. Get distracted by your emails and forget to actually carry on a conversation.
Talk about something with your spouse and when he gives you a questioning look say, "Don't you read my blog?"
Go up to your spouse like you want a hug. As he bends over to hug you say, "Crack my back, please."
When your spouse says something you disagree with - rather than presenting your opinion in a persuasive and understanding manner instead say, "WRONG-G-G!!"
When using toilet paper or dental floss, be sure to take much more than is necessary to accomplish the job.
Buy snacks that should be saved only for you. Never eat them. Let them sit in the cupboard or freezer until they too old and must be tossed out.
Marnie said...
There is no such thing as too many decorative pillows.
Beth said...
Clog up the bathtub, pour ten tons of toxic DrainO down the pipes, let the fumes fill the entire second floor, and then annouce it's time for the kids to go to bed.
Visit to ER
Last weekend, Lyra complained that her ear was hurting. This was the second time she's had an earache. I gave her some Tylenol and hoped that the pain relief would be enough to get her to sleep for the night. At about 1am she woke again complaining of the pain and it seemed there was no way to help her deal with it. "We need to go to the doctor," she said.
No such thing as 24 Hour Neighborhood Walgreen's here. I realized that we're pretty unprepared to know what to do in the case of urgent care. We haven't established a relationship with a pediatrician, and didn't have any Urgent Care number we knew to call. If it had been an emergency, we know to call '999'. So, the only thing we knew to do was to take her to the Emergency services at the hospital.
When we arrived, it was fairly quiet - not like an ER in the US. It was us and and about 2 other families. We were quickly triaged and within 5 or 10 minutes seen by the doctor. Her diagnosis was inflamation on the ear drum, but not yet a full-blown ear infection. Like at home, the doctors are very cautious about over-prescribing anti-biotics. So, we got a prescription for an ear drop that has topical antibiotic and numbing qualities to help with the pain. In addition, we were advised to use Ibuprofen - rather than Tylenol.
Our final bill:
Emergency visit - free
Medications - $10
Russell said...
WRONG-G-G! The non urgent visit to the ER was 200 Dirham ($54.50), had that been an actual emergency, it would have been free.
Oh, I didn't see you pay. I thought they had determined it was an emergency. Still, an ER visit that doesn't require a 2nd mortgage on your home.
No such thing as 24 Hour Neighborhood Walgreen's here. I realized that we're pretty unprepared to know what to do in the case of urgent care. We haven't established a relationship with a pediatrician, and didn't have any Urgent Care number we knew to call. If it had been an emergency, we know to call '999'. So, the only thing we knew to do was to take her to the Emergency services at the hospital.
When we arrived, it was fairly quiet - not like an ER in the US. It was us and and about 2 other families. We were quickly triaged and within 5 or 10 minutes seen by the doctor. Her diagnosis was inflamation on the ear drum, but not yet a full-blown ear infection. Like at home, the doctors are very cautious about over-prescribing anti-biotics. So, we got a prescription for an ear drop that has topical antibiotic and numbing qualities to help with the pain. In addition, we were advised to use Ibuprofen - rather than Tylenol.
Our final bill:
Emergency visit - free
Medications - $10
Russell said...
WRONG-G-G! The non urgent visit to the ER was 200 Dirham ($54.50), had that been an actual emergency, it would have been free.
Oh, I didn't see you pay. I thought they had determined it was an emergency. Still, an ER visit that doesn't require a 2nd mortgage on your home.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Pomp and Circumstances
Lyra's graduation from nursery was on Thursday. If you've read Russell's blog, you know it was a swanky affair. On par with the Law School graduation from Marquette we attended for our niece Susan last May. It was hosted in the ballroom of a local hotel. Before the ceremony, parents had tea, coffee, and juice. Then the ceremony was followed by an early brunch of finger sandwiches, small appetisers, and cakes.
It was so cute to see the kids march up onto the stage in their uniforms to the tune of "Pomp and Circumstances". The nusery had provided little capes that they wore (as graduation gowns). After their dress rehersal on Wednesday, Lyra told me, "Mama, the music that they play when we're walking is so-o-o beautiful. I think when I hear it that tears will come into my eyes." I told her I was pretty sure that I'd cry, too.
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After all the children were seated, Lyra went to the front to take the microphone and said, "Dear Mummys and Daddys, Welcome to our graduation. We hope you have a nice time. I love you." I was stunned, really. Only 6 months ago, there is no way that she would have the poise or confidence to do that. Visions of her valedictory address 15 years from now were swimming in my head. .
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Afterward, Lyra went over to Meera's house for a playdate. These two are like an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. Kind of fun to watch the interplay between two strong personalities. Lyra learns a lot from Meera. Meera seems to be a lot less inhibited about doing whatever she wants - whereas Lyra is more concerned about what others will think. But the two each have their own ideas about how things should be. .
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Next year's going to be a big change for all of us.
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