This And That

So I had parent teacher conferences with #1 and #2's teachers. Both conferences went well, and went as I expected. Both boys are bright, and are eager to learn, and are helpful. #1 is somewhat argumentative, and #2 is too talkative, and has trouble taking responsibility for his actions. Nothing I didn't already know about either one of them.

Today is the last day of school, before our first 3 week break. I'm in a better frame of mind than I was last week. The Baby has slept much better the last few nights, and sleep makes for a happy mom!

Next week we'll be piling into the mini-van (including the dog) and heading to the Bay Area to visit Grandma (The Man's mom.) The boys are all excited, of course. I am not really looking forward to the 8 hour drive, but they do pretty well in the car.

I am hoping to meet up with a woman that I met on my mommy board. We've "known" each other for over a year now. It may not work out, but I really hope we can meet each other. If not, then next time.

Ack! I just realized, I still have about 12 loads of laundry to do this weekend. And the house needs to be cleaned from top to bottom. I hate going on vacation, and coming back to a mess. Guess I should get busy.

Minimum Days

Today is the beginning of a week and a half of minimum days at school. After that, the kids will be on their first 3 week break. For some reason I am already dreading this vacation. Even thinking about it makes me pissy, and in a foul mood. I think it's the sleep deprivation. (You do remember, The Baby stopped sleeping through the night 6 weeks ago, don't you?) I just need sleep.

In addition to today being the start of minimum days, I also have a parent/teacher conference at 2:00 with #2's teacher. Academically I know he is doing well. I'm concerned about his social skills though. Or lack there of. He has a bad habit of picking at people, and hassling people. He thinks it's funny for some reason. Even when his friends (or brothers) ask him to stop, it usually involves an adult stepping in to make him stop. Usually it's just ridiculousness, like repeatedly touching a toy that someone else is playing with, or putting his feet in the middle of where other people are playing. He takes great pleasure in being a nuisance at times.

I just hope it isn't so bad at school, that military school may be in order! lol

Sarah Palin and the Mommy Wars

I usually steer clear of political conversations, but this really bothers me. First let me say, I am not a Palin supporter. She seems very nice, and personable, and I'm sure she's a good leader, but our political views are vastly different.

I have been reading commentary from people (including mothers) who think she should stay home with her kids. They think running for such a high office is inappropriate for a mother "in her situation." I 'm appalled by that sentiment. I happen to be a sahm. I became a sahm because it was what was best for my family. I in no way think I am a better mother than someone who works outside of the home, either out of necessity, or choice.

I don't understand this type of judgemental behavior. I never have. Why do we, as women, feel the need to tear each other down? What business is it of mine, if somebody else has a career, and works 80 hours a week? Why can't women be supportive of each other for their choices?

Why shouldn't Sarah Palin run for office? I don't think it would be such a bad thing for her children (her daughters especially) to see that they can reach for the stars, even in a traditionally male arena. Yes, she has a special needs infant. So do lots of other women who return to work. And what about Mr. Palin? Is he incapable of caring for his children? There are lots of stay at home dads in this country who would shout a resounding "NO!"

Then, of course, there's the issue of the pregnant 17 year old daughter. Big whoop. It happens, even in the best families. It doesn't make Sarah Palin a failure as a mother. It doesn't mean her family has no moral values. It means she has a teenager who made a bad choice, like many teenagers.

Incredibly Sad

We have a community pool where we live. It's a really nice pool, designed like a beach, with sand and palm trees. The pool itself is only about 4 feet deep at it's deepest. Yesterday, a 4 year old boy drowned at the pool. He and his mom were visiting relatives that live in our community. Apparently, he was in the water unattended, and not being watched. They didn't even know he was gone, until they did a head count. Somebody saw him floating under the water, and pulled him out, and an off duty nurse, who happened to be there, began CPR. It was too late.

I feel badly for the family, and the other families who witnessed this tragedy. I am also angry though. How do you not watch your 4 year old? When we go anywhere, I know where all of my kids are at all times. Especially a place that can be dangerous, like a pool. This was a needless tragedy.

Toys Toys Toys!

I've spent this weekend cleaning out toys from everywhere.  All the toys in #1 and #2's room, toys in the closets, toys in the garage.  The toys in #3's room were cleaned out a couple of weeks ago.  I cleaned out lots of little broken things, plus I have a couple of boxes being donated to charity this week.  They still have more toys than any children should have.  It's insane really.  Other than that, it's been an uneventful weekend.