This evening my CRHP sisters (Christ Renews His Parish) are hosting a picnic to get to know our new pastor Fr. Jan. I am looking to meeting Fr. Jan and catching up with ladies I've grown to love so much.
[Those of you out of town . . . will be missed.]
As I prepared our contributions for the pot luck, Jack wanted to know about the party.
Was it birthday party? [The only REAL party the boys have experienced.]
How would he have to dress? [Lately, wearing regular or play clothes ranked high on his list of priorities. A considerable amount of persuasion is necessary for clothing perceived as dress up or look nice clothes.]
Who was going to be there? [He was very pleased with the families who be there, almost as if they had been personally selected for him alone.]
What could he bring? [Movie Cars, a metal detector, a spy watch, and on and on]
When would we go? [Apparently, 4 pm is "60 hours" from now and an impossible amount of time to wait.]
And then, when I was too the point of sighing and shooing him outside to play. He asked, "Will Fr. Tom and Fr. Jamie be there?"
I was surprised. I hadn't expected this question from him. In fact, up until this moment I had never heard him make reference to Fr. Tom and Fr. Jamie. So I explained that Fr. Jan was now our new pastor and Fr. Jamie and Fr. Tom were now helping another church learn about God.
Jack's response. "Okay, Good. God knows what He's doing." [very appropriate "CRHP-like" response from a 5 year old]
God knows EXACTLY was HE is doing...more later.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Contest Day Two
Thanks to everyone who's been voting. Tonight at last check we have 32 votes and are in 5th place. The leader has 77. Let's keep up the voting people!
Friday, August 01, 2008
We have a barn?
Off and on, over the last few weeks the boys have made mention of their barn. Mingled into conversation and play are references to this barn.
"I'm going out to the barn."
"My cat is in the barn."
"I think it's in the barn."
Well, we don't have a barn (or a cat for that matter). Scott and I were aware that some part of the backyard had been "nicknamed" the barn. Not a big deal. In fact, as the mom, I was proud of the barn. The boys were using their imaginations. This was wonderful. They were playing nicely together, including each other, and having fun.
Then . . . I visited the barn. Well, I can definitely see how the wood fence at the corner of our yard looks like a barn. The boys had hung their tot size yard tools on the fence and had parked their bikes, wagons, and tractor up against the fence. I was given a great tour of the barn. They showed me were they had hauled sand from the sandbox to fill in holes in the grass and dirt. Under Jack's direction, they were laying hard wood floors in the barn. Scraps of real hard wood confiscated from our recent floor upgrade, were neatly laid at one end of "the barn." Quite the fancy barn.
Yes, this barn was very fancy. This barn even had a bathroom. Yes, my tour concluded with Jack proudly pointing out a metal dog dish tucked behind the landscaping.
Now, I was hoping beyond hope that they had not been peeing in that bowl. I took a deep breathe and calmly asked, "How does this bathroom work?"
I could see the delight in Jack's face. He was very proud of this barn feature.
"Mom, we pee here (pointing to the dish). The potty even flushes. We just dump it out and make our best flushing sound."
Since my tour, we have revisited "outside potty rules" with the boys. I am pretty sure they understand that a bathroom in a barn is great idea, and someday when they have real barns of their own they can add this feature. The bathroom in their barn is now without a potty.
Soon, Ty Pennington may have to fear for his job.
"I'm going out to the barn."
"My cat is in the barn."
"I think it's in the barn."
Well, we don't have a barn (or a cat for that matter). Scott and I were aware that some part of the backyard had been "nicknamed" the barn. Not a big deal. In fact, as the mom, I was proud of the barn. The boys were using their imaginations. This was wonderful. They were playing nicely together, including each other, and having fun.
Then . . . I visited the barn. Well, I can definitely see how the wood fence at the corner of our yard looks like a barn. The boys had hung their tot size yard tools on the fence and had parked their bikes, wagons, and tractor up against the fence. I was given a great tour of the barn. They showed me were they had hauled sand from the sandbox to fill in holes in the grass and dirt. Under Jack's direction, they were laying hard wood floors in the barn. Scraps of real hard wood confiscated from our recent floor upgrade, were neatly laid at one end of "the barn." Quite the fancy barn.
Yes, this barn was very fancy. This barn even had a bathroom. Yes, my tour concluded with Jack proudly pointing out a metal dog dish tucked behind the landscaping.
Now, I was hoping beyond hope that they had not been peeing in that bowl. I took a deep breathe and calmly asked, "How does this bathroom work?"
I could see the delight in Jack's face. He was very proud of this barn feature.
"Mom, we pee here (pointing to the dish). The potty even flushes. We just dump it out and make our best flushing sound."
Since my tour, we have revisited "outside potty rules" with the boys. I am pretty sure they understand that a bathroom in a barn is great idea, and someday when they have real barns of their own they can add this feature. The bathroom in their barn is now without a potty.
Soon, Ty Pennington may have to fear for his job.
6th Place
We entered a contest. . . a home improvement, video contest.
In order to enter the contest it took: 13 minutes of video footage, 2 computer software purchases, a miracle [I somehow managed to muddle through an editing program and figure out YouTube in under 4 hours.] and . . . lots of patience and some bribery.
I nearly lost mind. Okay, it wasn't that bad, just high drama and self induced pressure.
Our bank [AurGroup] is sponsoring this contest and the grand prize is $5,000! This afternoon I emailed over 60 friends and family. Since the voting opened today, my brain has been filled with ideas to generate votes for our entry. I even contemplated putting a huge sign in our front yard and printing out business cards to hand to strangers. Just before starting this entry, I checked the site. There are 50 entries, and we are in 6th place. This entire process has really excited the boys and me. Jack even asked if there would be a big check - as in, large in size, like those giant Publisher Clearing House checks. All boys are delighted to seem themselves on the computer. Voting lasts 15 days. The winner won't be announced until August 25th. Twenty-five days from now! That's a lot of days for 3 small boys.
So, this brings me to winning and losing. This is a contest and even though the prize is not something the boys totally understand, they are aware that there will be a winner. A winner, who very well may not be us. (vote! vote! vote!)
I've seen the entries. We do need a new retaining wall and the money would really be fabulous, but we are not fighting mold, our home is not in danger of fire or flood, we have enough space, and our kitchen, baths, and heating function fine. Winning would be great, but winning isn't everything. So, as we enjoy the competition of the next few days, I want our family - as young as it is - to see that winning would be wonderful and striving to win can be fun, but perhaps for another family winning this contest would be a miracle.
In order to enter the contest it took: 13 minutes of video footage, 2 computer software purchases, a miracle [I somehow managed to muddle through an editing program and figure out YouTube in under 4 hours.] and . . . lots of patience and some bribery.
I nearly lost mind. Okay, it wasn't that bad, just high drama and self induced pressure.
Our bank [AurGroup] is sponsoring this contest and the grand prize is $5,000! This afternoon I emailed over 60 friends and family. Since the voting opened today, my brain has been filled with ideas to generate votes for our entry. I even contemplated putting a huge sign in our front yard and printing out business cards to hand to strangers. Just before starting this entry, I checked the site. There are 50 entries, and we are in 6th place. This entire process has really excited the boys and me. Jack even asked if there would be a big check - as in, large in size, like those giant Publisher Clearing House checks. All boys are delighted to seem themselves on the computer. Voting lasts 15 days. The winner won't be announced until August 25th. Twenty-five days from now! That's a lot of days for 3 small boys.
So, this brings me to winning and losing. This is a contest and even though the prize is not something the boys totally understand, they are aware that there will be a winner. A winner, who very well may not be us. (vote! vote! vote!)
I've seen the entries. We do need a new retaining wall and the money would really be fabulous, but we are not fighting mold, our home is not in danger of fire or flood, we have enough space, and our kitchen, baths, and heating function fine. Winning would be great, but winning isn't everything. So, as we enjoy the competition of the next few days, I want our family - as young as it is - to see that winning would be wonderful and striving to win can be fun, but perhaps for another family winning this contest would be a miracle.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Mr. Sand Man
Nate: “Danny filled his head up with sand.”
My translation:
Danny has been throwing sand while playing in the sand box. Not a necessarily uncommon occurrence.
The reality:
Danny had in fact filled his head with sand. My dear almost 2 year old had packed as much play sand as possible into his little ears. Over 2 hours later, after a trip to the pediatricians, $15 copay, and several warm ear baths, I am happy to report that there is longer sand in Danny’s head.
My translation:
Danny has been throwing sand while playing in the sand box. Not a necessarily uncommon occurrence.
The reality:
Danny had in fact filled his head with sand. My dear almost 2 year old had packed as much play sand as possible into his little ears. Over 2 hours later, after a trip to the pediatricians, $15 copay, and several warm ear baths, I am happy to report that there is longer sand in Danny’s head.
Monday, July 07, 2008
An Independent Fourth
We had a really nice 4th of July holiday. The boys and I spent the extended weekend in Kalida visiting with Nana and Pappy Gerdeman and Aunt Jill. The weather was mild and the boys were in good spirits. They behaved well at mass. AMEN. They went fishing with Pappy and Aunt Jill. (Thanks Aunt Jill!) They ate wild raspberries and homemade ice cream.
The highlight of the weekend, however, was definitely Jack’s success on a two wheel bike (with NO training wheels). Road 20, Pappy’s patience, and Nana Gerdeman’s great investment in concrete, all contributed to the big moment. Jack is still spilling over with a sense of accomplishment. As a mother, his success was all the sweeter, because there was no pressure, not expectation, just the idea that he could learn if he wanted. I loved watching him persist — pushing himself, encouraging himself, and really understanding for the first time in his young life the value of committing himself to a goal.
Isn’t learning to ride a bike a wonderful life lesson? Up until this point, his big milestones were developmentally driven like walking and talking. Jack had to choose to learn, choose to get back up, choose to trust himself.
As a mom, I have lots of Mom Wishes for my boys. I want each of them to have self confidence, but maybe more importantly I want them to understand that sometimes in life you fall down, your self confidence can take some hard hits and in the end you have to be prepared to push yourself, encourage yourself, and commit yourself to achieve the hardest (and often the most rewarding) goals of life. Just like riding a bike, if you want to pedal along without training wheels, by your own power — you have to want to learn, you have to choose to get back on . . . so off Jack now rides . . . a truly independent achievement on Independence Day.
The highlight of the weekend, however, was definitely Jack’s success on a two wheel bike (with NO training wheels). Road 20, Pappy’s patience, and Nana Gerdeman’s great investment in concrete, all contributed to the big moment. Jack is still spilling over with a sense of accomplishment. As a mother, his success was all the sweeter, because there was no pressure, not expectation, just the idea that he could learn if he wanted. I loved watching him persist — pushing himself, encouraging himself, and really understanding for the first time in his young life the value of committing himself to a goal.
Isn’t learning to ride a bike a wonderful life lesson? Up until this point, his big milestones were developmentally driven like walking and talking. Jack had to choose to learn, choose to get back up, choose to trust himself.
As a mom, I have lots of Mom Wishes for my boys. I want each of them to have self confidence, but maybe more importantly I want them to understand that sometimes in life you fall down, your self confidence can take some hard hits and in the end you have to be prepared to push yourself, encourage yourself, and commit yourself to achieve the hardest (and often the most rewarding) goals of life. Just like riding a bike, if you want to pedal along without training wheels, by your own power — you have to want to learn, you have to choose to get back on . . . so off Jack now rides . . . a truly independent achievement on Independence Day.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Getting in the Game
Last week we officially ended our first T-ball season and the Bierer family inaugural endeavor with team sport participation. It was an adventure. For the most part, I think Jack enjoyed participating. He was fond of his coaches, made new friends, loved his uniform, and was extremely possessive of his bat, glove, hat, and post game snack. All the boys learned the lingo. We are now a family who understands on deck, the bench, fielding, pitching, batting, rain outs, and make up games — a pretty good start for a family of boys.
We now own bats, balls, bases, and a tee. Everyone loves taking swings at the ball; and all goes pretty well as long as no one is too near the batter and everyone at least tries to adhere to the idea of taking turns.
The way I look at it, this spring was the beginning of at least 15 years of practices, games, equipment, and all the guts and glory of athletics. I can’t really think of anything I’ve done for 15 years. Scott and I haven’t even been married 10 years, let alone 15, so this brings me to the realization that I, the mom, may need a better game plan.
Don’t misunderstand me, I loved watching Jack learn and cheering on the SMOY – Blue Storms, but each practice and game posed some challenges for the Bierer family.
10 Things this Mom Learned from T-Ball
1. Bring extra snacks for your children who are not playing on the team.
2. Bring something to distract other children — 3 and 1 year olds can only be loyal fans for so long.
3. Reevaluate the contents of the diaper bag – sunscreen, bug spray, Band-Aids, and disinfectant are better choices than crayons and books.
4. It is alright to wear a dirty uniform to a game.
5. A 1 year old can climb fences FAST.
6. A 3 year old does not always understand that they are not part of the team.
7. Ball diamonds are dirty. Game night is ALWAYS bath night.
8. It’s alright to pray for rain.
9. Equipment costs can add up, especially if you miss place ball gloves.
10. Always know were the potties are located.
Number one T-ball rule according to Jack, "Don't kick dirt. The dust gets in the mommys' eyes."
We now own bats, balls, bases, and a tee. Everyone loves taking swings at the ball; and all goes pretty well as long as no one is too near the batter and everyone at least tries to adhere to the idea of taking turns.
The way I look at it, this spring was the beginning of at least 15 years of practices, games, equipment, and all the guts and glory of athletics. I can’t really think of anything I’ve done for 15 years. Scott and I haven’t even been married 10 years, let alone 15, so this brings me to the realization that I, the mom, may need a better game plan.
Don’t misunderstand me, I loved watching Jack learn and cheering on the SMOY – Blue Storms, but each practice and game posed some challenges for the Bierer family.
10 Things this Mom Learned from T-Ball
1. Bring extra snacks for your children who are not playing on the team.
2. Bring something to distract other children — 3 and 1 year olds can only be loyal fans for so long.
3. Reevaluate the contents of the diaper bag – sunscreen, bug spray, Band-Aids, and disinfectant are better choices than crayons and books.
4. It is alright to wear a dirty uniform to a game.
5. A 1 year old can climb fences FAST.
6. A 3 year old does not always understand that they are not part of the team.
7. Ball diamonds are dirty. Game night is ALWAYS bath night.
8. It’s alright to pray for rain.
9. Equipment costs can add up, especially if you miss place ball gloves.
10. Always know were the potties are located.
Number one T-ball rule according to Jack, "Don't kick dirt. The dust gets in the mommys' eyes."
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