Helping a Parent Along...

Canada is a little different than USA and we are using this to our advantage!!

Last week I was caught on the ice at Geordie's school. A couple of the father's had to help me out. One noticed the Georgia license plate and commented. I will admit to saying, 'yes' with a slight drawl.

But our real usage of the USA/Canadian difference is in parenting.

We have been known to say such things as;

"No, they do not allow that in Canada!"

"They do not have that in Canada!"

"Yeah, Canada, it's a little different and there are different rules"

So now, if we do not have something or say no to doing something Geordie automaticly thinks that Canada just does not have it;

Geordie was watching tv one day and needed to leave the room for a second;

Geordie: "Mummy, pause it please!"

Me: "Oh, sorry Geordie, there is no pause here."

Geordie: "UGH!!! They don't have pause in Canada?!?!"

We Survived...with a phone call home of course!

Well, we have 2 days of big school under our belt and now into the first full week.

Day 1; I picked him up and everything was great! The whole car line thing down here is definitely something to see! He enjoyed his first day. In his class is a girl (cute, blonde) who was in his class two years a go in nursery school. Back then she went back and forth between Geordie and his friend. Now she goes to church with Geordie's friend so she is his friend's girlfriend. We'll see if that's the same by the end of the week.

We have been told that he needs to look good everyday because she is in his class.

Before I tell about day 2 I will try and explain about the discipline system in his class.

Everyone starts with a green stamp. This is Groovy Green, it means you have had a good day.

Proud Purple - you had an exceptionally great day!

Okay Orange - you have been talked to once.

Watch out White (I think) - you have been talked to again and during play time after lunch you have to do laps of the playground.

Yikes Yellow - your parents are called.

Boo Blue - office!

Now...

Day 2; Callum dropped him off in the car line. Everything went fine. Around 1:oo I get a phone call from his teacher. Yup...Geordie was on Yikes Yellow!

He was 'cutting up' (didn't think it would be appropriate to ask what that was at the time, figured it meant messing around and asked a friend later on) not listening, etc...

The teacher said that usually there are a couple of children who test them in the first week of school (for us day 2!). They just want to get a handle on things right away. She was incredibly apologetic. As we all know, Geordie is beyond a tester (he had a letter home in his first week last year at nursery school as well, same deal...seeing how far he can go) and he needs to be put in his place right away or he will keep trying.

Then I had to talk to Geordie. He was upset;

Geordie: "Mummy?"

Me: "Geordie, what's going on?"

Geordie: "I don't know." (through tears)

Me: "Well, why aren't you listening?" Totally nice voice

Geordie: "I don't know. (again, through tears) I don't want to be here. I just want to be home with you forever!"

Me: "OKAY!!! I'll come and get you and you can stay with me forever! You'll never have to go to that bad school again!!!"

Seriously?!?! Do you think I said that?!?!

Of course I didn't!!!! But it didn't stop me from thinking it!!!!

Went on to tell him that going to school is like Daddy going to work and reminded him what he likes about it. Also the whole love you but disappointed, yadda, yadda, yadda...

When I picked him up an hour and a half later. All was well!

Callum and I discussed it and we felt that he was disciplined enough...this time! If it happens again, he won't be so lucky!

That evening when I was talking to Geordie;

Me: "Geordie, did you do laps during your play time outside?"

Geordie: "Oh yes, we ran them."

Me: "WE?!?! Who else?"

Geordie: "Me and 'the girl'!"

...and so it begins!!!!

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He's not ready for school...

He's still my baby!!!!

Okay! Maybe it's not him! Maybe it's me! Callum tells me it's me!

Today was Geordie's first day at school, school. Not a nursery school, but an honest to goodness public school where they HAVE to take him!

The other night we went for orientation where we met the teacher, checked out the classroom, the school, etc...

There was quite a celebration going on with various inflatables and food. It was actually a great way to start things off. The only thing we found a little different was that they were giving out free Bibles, again public school ;

It ended up that the local church, where many of our friends go and work, were putting the whole thing on. They also donated all the school supplies, including back pack. Thanks!

Last night Geordie was in bed by 7:30, I had his lunch and bag packed by 7:45. At about 8:15 I heard some noise up in his room. After a bit I went up to check on him. There he was in his boxers and a t-shirt lying in bed. When we put him down he was in his cute little pyjamas. I asked him why he changed;

"I'm a big boy now, I'm starting big school tomorrow so I have to wear this to bed now. Just before I fall asleep I'll have to take my shirt off and just sleep in my boxers. Remember Mummy, I'm getting older now."

This morning when I went in to wake him up. He was a little awake and asked if it was time to get up. I told him he had a couple more minutes and laid down beside him. He told me he needed a little bit of alone time. *sniff, sniff*

As Callum pointed out, he is not making it any easier on us.

Look how far I went! I pulled a 'my father' and took a picture of him waking up.

Didn't even realize I was doing it until after it was done. It's like my father was sitting on my shoulder saying, "Princess, get your camera, go to the bedroom and call out 'Geordie', SNAP!"

To Geordie, I apologize...still putting it up though!

While Geordie got dressed, including gel and 'oderant so that he smells good! I worked on the breakfast. Whole grain flax seed waffle with smoothie. One of his favourites! Note; smoothie seriously takes 3 minutes to make (frozen bananas, yogurt, milk, orange juice, ice)

Lunch had been packed the night before. Homemade pizza pockets and fruit salad. Check out the spork! Love it!!

Lunch is packed. Last week I had ordered some new products for lunches from One Small Step. Great new company that have amazingly great service. I was going back and forth between the lunchbots and another product. I ordered the other product and when it arrived I was very unimpressed with it. They had no problem exchanging it and within less than a week I had lunchbots.

Sorry about the picture, totally bloggers fault! :oP

It is going to be interesting to hear how many other children bring their lunch. When we asked the teacher and teacher's assistant about Geordie bringing his lunch, we kind of got the feeling that they thought that, that was not normal! You can get lunch at the cafeteria for $1.65.

We decided last night to start the first day exactly as it will always be. Callum will be driving Geordie to school so we didn't want to freak him out and have me go as well. Although I really wanted to go. We just thought that having me go would be more for me than for Geordie. Since the orientation was the other night and we knew what teacher he was getting, had met her and checked out the classroom we figured all was well.

Here is Geordie's 'camera' pose.

First time in his new seat.

Before this we had just been switching off cars because we were so close.

Truth, didn't want him to go! He is telling me to close the door.

There they go. Here comes the sniffles.

Callum called me after he dropped him off.

That's where Callum learned that he wasn't ready either.

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Wordless Wednesday; and so it begins...

Why Was I Not Warned?!?!?

Geordie has always been a sweet easy going child.

Sure he has bad ass tendencies, a stubborn streak so long it might get me home, and negotiates till the cows come.

...but he has pretty much been a go with the flow kind of guy!

Don't get me wrong...he still is that way, for the most part, but a couple of months ago once in a while we get this child who looks like our sweet, adorable easy going, non tantrumy Geordie but instead we get a tantrum throwing, talking back, demanding little bugger!

At first we were worried. I had never heard of this 'stage' we thought it was just us! Luckily, mum's talk, and I found out that everyone was having the same problem!! One friend even referred to it as, "the f-ing fives".

We are dealing with this 'phase' using 'time outs', alone time (which we know is the worst thing for Geordie), and taking things away. We have been doing well (yes, I'm patting ourselves on the back). We are following through (99% of the time, okay maybe 92%..but still!!!), and we are not raising our voices.

...but, how much longer will this last?!?!? how much longer will we last?!?!?

Why did I not know about this stage?!?
Did you go through it? Are you going through it?
What did you do?

If you have yet to get to this stage, be warned!!! This makes me want to go back to those 'attitude threes'!!!



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Mumbles on a Monday!

We have had a crazy couple of weeks. In the last week of school I was trying to get out and do things that I can't do when I have a five year old trailing behind. We had Geordie's graduation (pictures to come soon). Took a trip to Wilmington and spent some great days on the beach! Water at just over 20 degrees Celsius...in May!!! Who can complain!?!?! Does water EVER get that warm back home at any time?!?!?

Then we get back and try and get into a regular routine for summer.

So...this is what we are up too! Mornings consist of yoga for lumpy parts, work (reading, math, geography) then off to swimming lessons. Afternoon some quiet time, then some kind of experiment, finish with an outing (today we are signing up for Karate, we checked out a class last week and Geordie loved it!). Each Wednesday afternoon we have a playdate with friends. Really it's for the mother's sanity but the children think it's totally for them! ;)

This coming weekend we are off to VIRginia for a crazy race weekend. Then back to the 'schedule' next week. We will be spending 10 days at the end of June/beginning of July in Wilmington as Geordie will be going to camp there and Lynn is coming down. We will be able to celebrate Canada Day (July 1st) as well as the 4th of July there. We're looking forward to a laid back beach vacation!! Although, I might drive Lynnie nuts with touristy things. I'm psyched for a ghost walk! Love those things!!

Note; this means that out of 45 days I will be spending 19 with my in-laws.

That's just over 42%...you can now call me Saint Helen! ;)

I have also signed up for a 5K. On June 20th at 10am I will be running in Chandler Park in Atlanta. Do you know how hot that's going to be?!?!?!?! I know I can, I know I can...

So, have you made your plans for this summer?


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It's A Cultural Thing...

As Reese Witherspoon's character in Sweet
Home Alabama says, "People need a passport to come here!"

We have found many cultural differences between here and home. Truthfully, we didn't think that we would see as many as we have American television as well as books, magazines, etc...

But alas, there are. Starting with the graduation situation (yes, I realize that rhymes in a weird way... and I'm keeping it!). As soon as the notice came out for the pictures Callum and I were laughing our heads off! Pre-schoolers?!?! Cap & Gown?!?

Back home you do not get a gown until high school graduation (grade 12) but there is no cap. When you graduate from University with an undergrad, again, there is a gown but no cap. When you receive your Masters, during the ceremony at the time you receive your 'papers' they put the cap on you for a second and then take it off. I'm almost positive you have a cap for the ceremony when you receive your PhD. These same 'rules' exist for your grad photos.

Now, as funny as we think this is... HOW CUTE IS THIS PHOTO?!?!?

Yes, I am afraid I have turned into one of those parents!! ...and just wait, the ceremony is this coming Monday evening!


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Remember my cute little listener?!?!?

There is a rule in Geordie's class about listening;

-First time you are spoken too you are put on 'green'
-Second time you are spoken too you are put on 'yellow'
-Third time you are spoken too you are put on 'red' and a note goes home to your parents that needs to be signed by one of them.

In the first two weeks of school this year, we had one. Now, in the last two weeks of school we have another.

Truthfully, I'm kind of proud that we have only (knock on wood) had two. Thought that there might be more due to his negotiating skills and stubbornness that could give his Uncle Greg a run for his money.

Here are the 3 this time;

(1) Green - Had to be asked several times to sit up during circle time.

(2) Yellow - Yelling on the way back from the bathroom, after he was told that quiet voices were to be used.

and finally, the one that does not surprise me what-so-ever at all...

(3) Red - Using the building blocks in the classroom as a skateboard immediately after he was told that was not what they were used for and that he was to put them away.


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This week I received the Best Mummy Award...

Seriously!!! Of course I gave it to myself; but still...!!!!

Geordie has once again been hounding us for lunchables, even though he does not like them! We have found it's because of the candy! You get a piece of candy in each lunchable. Therefore, he wants it!! We have had other experiences with Geordie and his pallet, see here, and here.

So, I've had to bring my 'A' game up!! Be a little more creative!! Actually I just checked out the lunchable aisle and got some ideas. So without further adieu...

Yes, those are mini hamburgers that I grilled. Ignore the white spots...I put oatmeal in my hamburgers, among other things. I cut up a dinner roll as well as some cheese and he put them together at school. The day before this he had a taco lunchable (which is actually a Hel-riginal).

This was a huge success and I will be more than willing to do it again!! Geordie didn't even comment that it was lacking a candy!!

Meanwhile I've been busy trying to figure out how to bake on the Grill (BBQ for you whitey's up north!). I have finally found success...

Using the instructions from here minus the box cake and can of icing. I am a bit of a snob and prefer to make from scratch. So I used my grandmother's chocolate cake recipe and my Aunt's icing recipe...

To begin you mix up the cake with icing;


You then roll it into balls and then shape them to your liking. As I was trying to make eggs this is what the result was;


Let them set in the fridge then put them on sticks with just a little bit of chocolate on the end of the stick to 'glue' it in. Again, let set in fridge (freezer if you're in a rush). Once set dip 'em in chocolate;


To the fridge they go to set once again;


Here's the final (for some reason blogger keeps making this picture vertical);


Really, they look pretty good and they are as easy as pie...or would that be cake?!?!

Do you know that during high school I worked at a movie theatre and I used to be able to get off early if I promised not to tell a joke for a week.

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"I getting my cars!"

We deal with A LOT of negotiating in this house. Geordie is NEVER without another plan! We get, "okay, here's the deal..." with hand motions and all!! Most of the time it's okay, once in awhile we have to walk away from him.

For the most part it's one of those traits that you want your child to have as an adult but as a child...not so much!

Geordie is also very stubborn (he could compete with Uncle Greg!) and sometimes we have to go to the extreme. For example; now, if toys are not cleaned up and we have to do it, they are to go to Goodwill. Fortunately, this has not happened yet but I also know that if it does come to that it would only happen once. Plus, really, do you seriously think that he does not have enough toys to spare?!?!?

Three years a go when Geordie was 2 if he did not clean up his toys they went in time out...up in the attic! It actually only had to happen once. This was the time...

You have to admit...he's a persistent little bugger!! ;)

Mean parents aren't we?!?! I know the bubble over all the Grandparent's heads are, "how can they do that to our poor wee Geordie!".

Fumbling on a Friday

We have been up to a lot lately. It seems like I haven't had much time to sit down at the computer. I'm busy doing a course and Callum is studying his bum off working on his PMP, house is on the market (again) with an agent and last but not least we're just trying to get everything done!!

Meanwhile, Geordie is growing up!! I know, sounds silly, but lately some things have just been happening that make me a little sad. It's quite funny since he's always been incredibly independent.

Earlier this week Geordie decided that it was time to get rid of his booster seat (we have never used the cover!) at the kitchen table. I wanted to cry.

His mind is working at an incredibly fast pace and the thoughts that are coming out are crazy!
Like always, he misses nothing! and it seems to be even worse now.

Here was supper the other night...

Callum: going on and on and on and on (some might even say whine) for a little over a minutes about how he just wants to come home from work, sit down, talk, eat, not have to negotiate with Geordie...blah, blah, blah, blah...

Geordie: staring straight ahead and not look at anyone, "I guess everyone needs to go to bed early tonight because some people are cranky!"

Geordie actually jumped up to the bars by himself...I just missed it! :(

Luckily he still loves hugs and kisses!!!!

As for me, I have switched doctors and this office is great! Really enjoy them and they are doing tests and trying to figure things out rather than just tell me what might be happening.

So far things are good. Waiting to hear back from some blood tests but I did have a HSG and everything was normal.

The World...according to Geordie!

This conversation happens many times in our house...

Geordie: "Okay, I'm full! What's for dessert?"

Me/Callum: "How can you eat dessert when you're full?"

... usually we get a 'just cause' kind of thing. Well this weekend, everything changed!

Geordie has become incredibly interested in anatomy (get your minds out of the gutters!). He has a book that tells about the different systems in the body as well as how the body works. So, the other day when we had our regular 'I'm full, can I have dessert' question he finally had an answer...

Geordie: "My tummy is full but I have a tube, it's a green tube called INTESTININE-3-6-7. It's in my back, that's where all the treats go. The food goes in my tummy. That's why I can eat more."

above right; a quick sketch done by Geordie of the intestinine-3-6-7

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Since Geordie turned 5 a couple of weeks a go let's just say it's been a little 'hard'. He has found himself in time out way too many times. Finally this weekend;

Me: "Geordie, why have you been having such a hard time listening lately?"

Geordie: "Well, the other day you put something un-fam-liar in my lunch and I ate it. It tells my brain not to listen."


So, here's the question... are we in trouble?!?!?!?


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How Rude Are Your Table Manners?!?

When we were in Washington we experienced the 'Dinner Pig'. During meals The Gray's have a small pig that sits in the middle of the table. If someone does something rude, such as talk with their mouth full of food, and someone catches them, they say, "Excuse me everybody but _______ just spoke with their mouth full." The pig is then moved in front of the rude person. The person with the 'Dinner Pig' at the end of the meal has to clear the dishes.

Callum loved this! So I now introduce you to our 'Dinner Dino'. Geordie picked him out. We didn't have any pigs, and there are no shortages of dinosaurs in our house...
Please ignore Geordie's "cheese" smile;


On this particular evening, I got it first...


Then Geordie got it;


...and Callum had it at least once (he was camera shy). Either way, by the end of the meal, it was back in front of Geordie. So clear the table he did!



On top of the fact that it is helping out with manners it also has made us eat slower as we have to talk in between the bites.
Of course Callum and I thought that we had the table manners somewhat down. Some nights we can get it just as much as Geordie.

I invite you all to get a 'Dinner Animal' with children or without. See how well you do!!

Which leads me to my question...

How Rude Are Your Table Manners?!?



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Washington Or Bust - prt II

sorry folks this is just going to be a lot of pictures;

Geordie and NJ decided that they were going to clean the little ones...

For some reason Geordie took Vivi and NJ took Noble:


On Monday we all went downtown;

Geordie had been on the TTC when he was 2 but has no memory of it so taking the Metro he was incredibly excited (as seen here):


Noble, being sweet and quiet as always!!



Viviana, who is one of my most favourite people in the whole entire world! I gave her a little bit of lip gloss...this is what happened:


Team Awesomely Awesome!


The Carousel on The National Mall:


The Smithsonian; Geordie with the giant squid:


The Butterfly Pavilion:


We passed by the skating rink in The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden on the way to the Smithsonian. Now Geordie has been bugging us for awhile to go skating. Recently when we were home at Christmas we took him to see his cousins play hockey. Guess what sport he wants to do now?!?

So we are sitting in the Smithsonian having our snack and suddenly both Geordie and NJ decide that today, right now, they are going to go skating for the first time. It was a year a go this week that they first learned how to drive a two wheeler (NJ just being four and Geordie not quite four). We couldn't say no! Even though my Canadian ways expressed the need for a helmet.

This is the end result...
Here Geordie is watching the Zamboni. Poor little southern girl NJ, when it first came out, didn't have a clue as to what it was! ;)


First out on the ice, neither Geordie or NJ had any fear... Callum had a little as he had never used figure skates! He was a little worried about 'the pic' situation!


Please click on this photo and look closer at their faces:


About to go:
...got right back up!:
By the end they were both skating on their own. I know Geordie skated halfway around the whole rink by himself and did not fall once. NJ was the same way!!

As exciting as it was to be there for history in the making, I was touched more by the history we made with The Gray's. You forget how great it is to have another family around that are somewhat similar to your own. NJ is always up for anything that Geordie is and vice versa... and both parental units allow them. They could both swim on their own by the age of 3, even in the deep end. They were both driving a two wheeler early on. When The Gray's heard that Geordie was hanging out at the skate park (at age 2) they thought that was awesome and checked it out themselves...and that's only to name a few!!

It is a little hard to realize that we will never live in the same place again. We shared so much in the first almost 5 years. Instead I look forward to the great trips we are going to have together. We'll definitely be back to see them and I know they can't wait to some to Canada.
All I can say is Thank God for social networking!!


As for the trip back to Georgia. We did it in approximately 10 hours and 20 minutes with 3 stops. The night before we came back Callum ran out to get a couple of new movies for Geordie. We allow a DVD player with any trip over 3 hours. Recently we had a couple of movies that Geordie was into (Kunk Fu Panda, The Clone Wars & another I can't remember right now) but they would not work on his portable player.

Previously when I would go through the list (Shrek, Wallace & Grommit, Clifford, A Bugs Life, Toy Story, The Incredibles, Fox & Hound, Happy Feet, A Sharks Tale, Surfs Up) he would always ask for one of the other 3 that did not work. Depending on the time during the trip sometimes this would be the worst thing EVER!!!

We're in the car, about an hour into the drive (we always wait as long as we can before taking it out) and he asks for a movie.

We show him the new ones. He's excited.

Callum; "so which one do you want to see?"

Geordie; "hhhmmm, Clifford!"



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