MLK Jr. Weekend 2012

Haircuts!  Asher was looking like that dog from Lady and the Tramp who has to brush her long bangs out of her eyes all the time.  He began to throw his fit as usual once inside the barber (after having been thoroughly bribed to get that far).  [Aside:  Reuel and I both have memories of refusing our parents' directions as having been Not Done.  As in, sure we got upset about certain directives, perhaps attempted a refusal, but one look told us that we had better go no further and do what we'd been told.  Why is it not this way with our kids?  I could have given Asher all the 'looks' in the world and he was not getting in that barber's chair.  Are we softies, or are our own memories of childhood not quite accurate?  We always wonder about this.]  Well, the modern day answer to modern day kids finally hit me:  the iphone.  Solved that problem instantaneously.  Asher just needs to be distracted from the sensation of having someone near his head and that did it.  While I truly try to avoid having kids who are frequently plugged into gizmos, haircuts are a wonderful exception and I have no problem with it!!!  Of course, he's so proud of himself afterward as if he were brave the whole time :}

Swimming!  Reuel took the boys to the pool on base and they had a grand time.  We can't believe we haven't been doing this sooner!  It's perfect for them to improve their skills.  I used to take them for once a week 30 min lessons shared by 5 children at the local club.  For $10 per child per lesson.  So $10 for 6 minutes of swimming...they were getting nowhere slow.  Ugh.  Really they just need time in the water more than formal instruction, at least I think so.

Contractors!  After waiting since October for the contractor of our choice, who had various things arise, he came in person and informed us that he would not be able to start as planned, and was going to have to bump us 3+ months.  :O  We were speechless.  What a disappointment.  We've had 2 people come for quotes and 2 more this week.  Exhausting, this process.  It's like you can't get people to take your money sometimes.

Tummy Bug!  Owen is down for the count since last night and no doubt someone will follow soon.  He has not been vomit-free for almost 24 hours!!  I remember one or two emptyings and that did it, so I'm not sure when this is going to end.  He is so thirsty and hungry but even a sip gets his stomach going.  Poor guy!  I've got the piles of spare sheets ready to go for tonight's adventures.

Asher unplugged!  I had teaching responsibilities at church this morning so just Asher and I went in to the city.  I am entirely bummed that I didn't realize the kids were singing in choir in front of the congregation today and I was upstairs preparing the lesson.  Asher, who Owen informs me never sings during practice (because Owen is nagging him, "Sing Asher, sing!!") apparently was front and center and belting out his part.  Oh, to have seen that.  Asher is quite shy about singing, and I am always trying to subtly trick him into it and as usual with my kids, when they aren't being observed by mom they let loose :}  Guess I need to back off.  Maybe I'm not as subtle as I think...

Husband!  Oh, how did I ever come to marry such a generous man.  He did the 1-5am duty with Owen since I had to teach this morning, then he let me get a nap myself, then he did a bunch of laundry, then he cleaned up the dishes.  Not that I was on the couch all this time, but still...whaddaguy.  All I did was make soft pretzels for supper, which when sliced and filled with ham and cheese, were pretty amazing if I do say so myself ;)

I think any fun ideas we had for tomorrow are going to have to wait.  Please not Eden!!!  But, these things too shall pass.  We are blessed.