The 8th Year May be it!

Katie has just turned 8. I think this might be a tough year in our house.
Year 3 and year 4 were tough, but mostly because we were all adjusting to having Ben. She was an only child for 3 whole years and loved every second of it. We were use to having a very easy and independent little girl who was happy with her life.

Years 5, 6 and 7 were no big deal. She listened, understood right and wrong and I could still count and by the time 1 left my lips she was changing her behavior. I could give her the "Mom Look" from across the room. I could hold up 1 finger from across the room and she knew I was watching and starting to count. I wasn't a drill Sargent. I wasn't mean. I was very consistent in my discipline and she was well, really easy.

Now she is 8. I know, we saw it coming. Let's be honest, I had my moments when she was 7 that I was exasperated. Felt like a failure. BUT I would always say, Oh it's just a phase...
I'd talk with my girl friends who had daughters her age and we'd all share our stories and we'd all end with "It's just a phase. It will pass." And we made each other feel better knowing that we weren't the only one with a daughter who was starting to have an attitude.

Well, she's 8. She's been 8 for two whole months tomorrow. I have to say, these were two of the longest months of my parenting life. Really. Breastfeeding. No problem. Toilet training, a breeze. Teaching Ben he couldn't jump off of all things, ha a cake walk.

Her attitude is not adjusting. I can't tell you how many times I've told her she needs to adjust it!!! I've sent her to her room more in the last two months than in her entire life! I've taken away t.v. and dessert more in the last two months than...
Are you getting what I'm saying.
Don't get me wrong, she is still my little Peanut. But come on!!
The drama is at an all time high. The eye rolling has started. The "UGH" and whining something as she leaves the room is driving me and Jason batty! And all she does is tell on her brother. According to her all he does is ruin her life and get her in trouble!
Now, sit down for this, MY MOTHER has even said she's seen a change in her. She reported last week that Katie attempted to roll her eyes at her!!!!

I know I'm going to make it. I know this too will pass. I know that Jason and I have done a really great job with our parenting.
I really just needed to vent!

Helmets

I bought helmets for the kids tonight!

I admit that was very stupid and irresponsible on my part. I'll be honest I thought, oh we're in our driveway and Jason is right next to her, I'll get a helmet once she learns how to ride and goes on her own. Well that was dumb. Thanks Dad for pushing me to get helmets now!
By the way, you'll be installing a bell on Ben's bike on Thursday!

Ok

Okay, I know the lighting is bad. This is my first attempt.
I will try during daylight next time.

Another One

Video of Ben

Girls and Boys

This is what I play with when Ben and I are playing together. Yes, we are playing McDonalds. Very fun, play food, register, head set AND....Guns. Yup. In case anyone comes in to take his money!

Later that day, while I was out, he asked Jason to come into his room to play gun store! Oh boys....

Katie has been taking archery lessons at the YMCA. She has wanted to take it since we moved here and started going to the Y. You have to be 8 years old so this was her first session that she could. She loves it and has gotten pretty good with her form and shots. She has made a few bulls eye's and has popped several balloons.
WooHoo Katie!




Outside today I found this. A sign that Spring is on its way.


Dakota enjoying the warm sun today.


And finally, my Dad and I finished the sphere puzzle! My Dad got hooked on it a few weeks back and it became his Thursday obsession. I can't blame him, it had a way of sucking me in at night too! I was a little ticked that he finished it, but then again, I did take a long break from it because it was driving me insane!
Thanks Dad.

Few Updates...

Our children are driving us crazy!
Why? All they do is fight! Is this normal for girl-boy siblings? I mean I have an older sister and I know we fought but this is ridiculous! Just when I think it's getting better...BAM! They start up again for a week straight. I don't know what else to take away. And yes, I've gone the other way and tried to do extra special things with them both and individually. So it's not like they've been neglected. I mean, I've cut waayyyy back on my Facebook time. (HaHaHa) Seriously I have. This is my second trip to Facebook rehab.

Anyway I digress....Updates Please...
Jason had a gall stone attack and had to drive himself to the ER Wednesday night! We didn't know what was wrong when he left at 12:30 AM. He had TERRIBLE pain in his upper abdomen. He was admitted to the hospital and released on Friday. He passed the stone and is almost back to normal...a little tummy trouble if ya know what I mean:)

While he was in the hospital we called him on the phone. The following is what Ben asked him immediately the first time he talked to him. First he said "Hi Dad."
Then he asked the following three questions with Jason barely able to give him an answer between questions.
1. How are they taking care of you?
2. What kind of food are they giving you?
3. How is your stomach?

Katie had some exciting news to share with Daddy and after she asked him how he was feeling she told him all about her dinner out with her principal. Yes, you read correct. At the school book fair a few weeks back Katie entered the raffle to have dinner with the principal. She bought several tickets and REALLY wanted to win! She found out last week that she did and has been beaming ever since.
So Thursday night was the big night. Great night, with Jason in the hospital but he was on the mends and I wouldn't dream of cancelling.
Well, she had a great time and her principal said she was a "delight"! My mom and I were a nervous wreck about what she might talk about, but she assured me Katie was fine and she didn't learn anything to bad about us! Phew!!!!
They went out to dinner and Katie got her usual, grilled cheese. Then they went back to her house and made a chocolate cream pie and read a story together! WoW! What a fun night.
Don't worry, Katie warned her principal about Ben coming to her school next year. She told her he never sits still. It could have been worse! She also told her about Grandpa Walter, he can't hear. Could have been worse :D
See....PHEW!

In other news....
Ben loves to help me bake Oatmeal Cookies! This has become a fun treat for both of us to do together!

I've been doing Weight Watcher's for 3 weeks and have lost 8 1/2 pounds! I have a wonderful support system with Jason being my head cheerleader!! Thanks honey for all the support!

Katie came home with her report card this past week. As expected she has continued to do very well in 2nd grade. She loves to write stories and is always on the look out for a good topic. She especially likes to write about her two best friends, animals and what she likes to do. Her next big story to be published is about Grandpa Walter. I can't wait to read that one! She also loves math. Her teacher wrote and has told us that she is very good at word problems.
OK, Mom and Dad, STOP LAUGHING!!!! She does not get this from me.
I am thankful for Jason for many reasons. Right now the biggest is that he understands Math and isn't afraid of math!

The kids and Jason have been going on hikes the last two Saturdays with their grandparents. They go to a nice trail and the kids really enjoy it. One Saturday they also took a walk at the bird sanctuary in our town. Spring is coming...

I am turning 36 next week and I'm okay with that. Last year leading up to my 35th I was pretty miserable. I think I've had such a good year and made so many positive changes that I'm ready for 36! We'll see how I feel after I have my first Mamo...