Autumn Asks: How Does Your Kindergartener Rate?

I like to read the blog of another adoptive mother called Our Little Tongginator. This week she had a post called Life Ala Tongginator. She ran across one of those lists of things you should do...

This time it was 100 Things To Do Before Kindergarten.

I wondered how Mighty Mouse would fare on this list so here it is:


1. Go to the zoo: Omaha was the best, but Waco's is really not bad.


2. Visit a farm -Arbor Day and Pumpkin farms.

3. Go on a hike - With all the sight seeing we do on vacations this is a yes. But it was never just jump in the car and go hike. And she gets to hike around in the carrier on dad's back. What a chore.
4. Play with kittens or puppies - I want to say yes but I have no clear memory of this.

5. Catch a frog - toads...in our back yard. And how about petting an alligator?
6. Make a gigantic mess -- And it looks even worse right now. I have refused to go in there for 3 weeks. I'm on strike.

7. Help clean up a gigantic mess - if you want to call it that.

8. Master the monkey-bars -nope

9. Swing high up into the sky all by themselves -Nope = powered by mom
10. Try ice-skating -- no

11. Go sledding --yes

12. Make a snow-man - yes

13. Blow bubbles --
14. Plant seeds and watch them grow --

15. Have a pillow fight -- I hope not.

16. Jump on a big bed -- All.The.Time. Not allowed.

17. Jump on a trampoline or in a bounce house -
18. Hang out in a tent -- Yes. Hope to go camping again soon as its been a couple of years.

19. Spend days at the beach --
20. Build sandcastles --
21. Go fishing -- No

22. Go out on a boat -- Not sure. I think so but it could be the other kids that I KNOW have.

23. Play with blocks and puzzles -- all the time

24. Read the classic picture books- all the time

25. Read a classic chapter book --not yet

26. Check out library books with their own library card -- only on mommy's card

27. Get a passport --
28. Carve a pumpkin -- I think so.

29. Hold a newborn baby (to see how much they've grown) --No

30. Love a special doll or stuffed animal -- Does a blanket count??? It's a serious love affair. I have 6 of them to ensure life stays sane.

31. Bake cookies and cakes - her favorite. She always help make her own Birthday cake - she is sure that is some kind of rule or something.

32. Help plan their own birthday party -- she wishes, she tries

33. Go to the circus -- No - she doesn't like loud noises so this kind of thing is out.

34. Go to a museum on a quiet weekday -- Many times, many cities, many states.
35. Play hide-and-seek -- Every day for the last 4 years. If I'm out of sight, she's seeking.
36. Play a board game -- yes

37. Do nothing whatsoever all day -- as often as possible

38. Try a sport -- Does miniture golf count?? She can play the heck out of some mini-golf.
39. Watch a sporting event -- does track count?

40. Learn to swim -- Although she does not know HOW to swim, we can't keep her out of the water.
41. Be tickled in hysterics -- From day 1

42. Paint and draw as much as desired --
43. Have the use of scissors and glue -- yes
44. Display artworks and other creations around the house -- and everyone else's house she can get her hands on.

45. Learn to use a camera (and keep an album of the results!) -- no

46. Play with clay -- She likes playdough better. Not sure why.
47. Pick flowers -- Blue Bonnets and Primrose every spring in Texas.

48. Climb a tree -- Don't think so.

49. Gaze at the moon and stars -- yes

50. Toast marshmallows -- yes - when camping and at a friend's with a fire pit in the back yard

51. Learn to eat an ice-cream cone - no

52. Watch a sunset- she has no interest, I've tried

53. Learn to write her own name -- yes

54. Learn her address and telephone number -- no

55. Learn her parents' full names -- yes

56. Set the table -- helps

57. Clear the table -- helps

58. Help wash the dishes -- when we will let her - NOT helpful

59. Learn to say their pleases and thank yous and excuse mes --yes

60. Watch fireworks -- no - she doesn't like loud noises

61. Go to the ballet or theater or a puppet show -- only in small, quiet locations

62. Put on a ballet or play or puppet show at home --

63. Face paint -- a favorite

64. Dress up in costumes at will -
65. Learn rhymes and poems and songs by heart -- mostly Bible school stuff

66. Have a dance party -- yes

67. Enjoy friends at preschool and at the park -- preschool no, park yes

68. Invite friends over to play -- Her first play buddy was An-Ling. We really miss her!
69. Get to know grandparents -- Yes.

70. Play with cousins -- Yes.

71. Become attached to a wonderful preschool teacher and/or babysitter - no. Has only tolerated babysitters, church, etc for just over a year.

72. Learn the name of our president - no

73. Know the name of their town, state and country -yes and China too

74. Be familiar with a map of the world.- sort of

75. Listen to music from many different ages and genres -- yes

76. Hear and learn words from a different language -- yes (Chinese)

77. Learn the difference between trash and recycling -- yes

78. Grow their own vegetables -- currently doing so

79. Learn to ride a bike (or try!) - with trainging wheels only.
80. Take a road trip -- too many to count!! South Dakato was really fun!

81. Draw a self-portrait - always

82. Slurp alphabet soup- NO , bad manners

83. Learn to twirl spaghetti on a fork - I wish she would eat spaghetti.

84. Pick apples

85. Star in a home movie - from day 1

86. Learn a magic trick - Stealing the hearts of mommy and daddy at first sight.

87. Try different hair-dos - Well, that requires hair. Hair is a rather new arrival on our scene.
88. Practice writing letters - yes

89. Practice counting to 100 - not that high

90. Make up stories - all the time

91. Send a letter - tried

92. Receive a letter -- Yes. From her Nano and the orphanage director in China

93. Ride on a merry-go-round - don't think so but maybe

94. Give away toys and books to less fortunate children -yes

95. Learn the value of coins and bills - no - its all just money

96. Keep a piggy bank -yes

97. Try a musical instrument

98. Have a heartfelt wish granted -If having a family after being in an orphanage counts.

99. Have a heartfelt wish denied -- For her grandfather to get well.

100. Receive a million (make that a billion) heartfelt kisses and hugs from their parents! -- YOU KNOW IT!! Just look at those lips!

Autumn Asks: What Are Your Most Often Used Kid Sayings?

We all grow up in households that have certain phrases or saying our parents use on us. Some of them can be pretty funny or stupid. Some cause serious eye rolling (er...excuse me, its "looking up" according to my current teen).

When I was growing up I had a few favorites.

Whenever we asked where we were going, the answer was usualy: Dallas.

I have come to learn that this was an an answer given to my mother by an uncle when she was little. And it has made its way into our family also. Our kids were always asking where we were (13 hour car trips were measured by the state for our kids - and were very common). Our answer became: We are no where near Dallas. (And we were usually on our way to the DFW area so it was kind of funny.)

Another favorite of my mother's was : Don't touch that! It will give you Yogimitus!

That was the fake, gross medical name for something very nasty. Sometimes gross discriptions of symptoms would accompany the claim. It was never good. And yes, I carried this one over.

I've heard some other people lately using some pretty funny stuff. Some is so very practical or encouraging. All are a learning point if you let them be.

Some of the most used around our house are:


- LIFE ISNT FAIR
-Use your words. (All kids - I hate whining)
- I can't hear whining.
- There is always a winner, and always a loser. You won't be either all the time.
-It would be pretty funny if your face stuck that way. (A Songbird exclusive. Man that kid had a sourpuss face when she didn't get her way for YEARS!)
- But was it fun? (espeically after a loss)
- By participating you are already one step ahead of those that sat in the stands.
- DONT EAT IT!!!! (How I handle girls coming across turds, bugs or anything gross - defuses the panic)
- Never quit. That's the only time you truely lose.
- Do what you love.
- Go ask your father.
- Respect others until they have earned your disrepect. (Backwards from what the world teaches)
- Follow the rules, even when you disagree. (And there is always a process to contest what you think is wrong - do it within those guidelines, with respect.)
-I can't wait until you have children. (Usually accompanied by an evil grin.)
- When you are wrong, own up to it.
-You will always be my baby.
- Justification is nothing more than trying to dodge responsibility.
-Sarcasm does not work on 2 (3,4,5,6)year olds. (both older siblings got this one)
- Your family is with you for life - these friends for only a season. (used mostly in teen years)
- Will this be important in 5 years? (used for perspective)
- Do what you know is right. It will cost you friends, but you will not compromise your beliefs.
- Doing what is right will always make you unpopular.
- Do your best and have no regrets.
-And your point is???
- You will always deal with people that try to hurt you. Learn how to deal with these situations because they never disapear.
- I'm your mother, not your maid.
- And that's why you ride the short bus.
- And this is my problem how?
- Any new holes in your body since last time we saw you? ( a dad exclusive to his only son)
-You must be thinking of your OTHER mother! (because I never said/promised that)
- She/he is a from hubs first marriage. (They never ask which marrage ours is (1st))
- You are my favorite ________(Bones, MM or Songbird) in the whole world.
- I'm going to beat you until your nose bleeds. (lets them know they are off the hook and I'm not mad)
- Bored? Great - go scrub the trashcan. Now. (Not a joke)
-Hah. Wonder how this is gonna turn out....Or... Geee, what's gonna happen next?
- I'm not __________ parent - I'm your parent. The answer is no. Or, I'm not responsible for ____________......I'm responsible for you.
- Seriously????

So what are some of the saying of your house? As you can see, I could use a few more of the positive and sweet sayings to round out the sarcasm.

Autumn Asks: How Do You Annoy Liberal s With Your Children?

I read this funny article lately called How To Use Your Children To Annoy Liberals by Selwyn Duke

It was rather funny. It's a little long but worth the laugh....go check it out.

Here are some of my favorite parts: (To my liberal friends - I love you! This is all in fun and I hope you can laugh to....like I laugh at the "Bible clinging, gun toting cracks.)

"How you raise your children matters, too. Make sure they not only play with toy guns but that they do it publicly. And it helps if they audibly say things such as “Bang, bang, you’re dead!” Liberals view this the way a normal person would view the exposure of a child to pornography.

I also should mention that you needn’t fear liberals’ self-righteous, didactic proclamations. Should they choose to say something to you, it only provides you the opportunity to put the icing on the cake. If, for instance, they ask, “Do you really think it’s a good idea to let your son play with toy guns?!” just respond, “Are you crazy? He’s way too young to have a real one.” This upsets liberals intensely.

Lastly, if a liberal asks you why you have so many kids, you can just explain how survival of the fittest ensures that the right members of a species breed and inherit the Earth. And be sure to follow up with, “Besides, every time I have another child, there’s one more person in this world to pray for you.”

You really should go read the whole article - I didn't even scratch the surface. It had me choking on my tea and blowing it out my nose.

And let's follow this up with a conservatives reaction to her child being threatened by a gun this week.

Songbird wanted to walk to the corner store with her bud to buy a soda. Ok. This is a first, but we live in an area that is still rather "country" and not heavily populated. And the corner store is not that far out of our neighborhood. So, for the first time we said yes. They are almost 14 and will entering high school in the fall. It's time.

And during this excurstion they find the store is closed as it is Easter. And in the parking lot sits a couple of high school boys (they think) drinking beer. They yell at the girls, then honk when the girls cross to the other side of the street. Then they jump in their car and follow the girls. Honking. Flashing their lights. The girls keep moving on and try to stay away from the car. So the car stops and the driver pulls a gun and cocks it. (Pointing in the air not at the girls - so he's had some instruction at least). The girls run into a neighborhood right there and find a man reading his paper in his front yard and call the other girls mom while standing close to the man. The car leaves.

When the man asks whats going on --he DOESN'T call the cops. The other mother is coming so he just stays outside with the girls until she shows up.

Is this not a comedy of errors?????????

First, with both girls having cells, why wasn't one or both of them on the phone with 911?

Second, why didn't they get a license number? That is actually a form of terrorism, felony, plus alcohol, plus I'm betting they didn't have a concealed/carry license. Big jail time.

Third - why didn't the man call the police?

Fouth - why didn't the other mother call the police?

Fifth - why didn't my daughter call us?

Sixth - why didn't the other mother deliver her home and bring her in???

So, when my frightened child returned home and we got the story we were stunned. She didn't do anything right. So, big time learning/lesson for the rest of the day.

And yes, I did call the police to let them know it happened and to increase presence in our area for the night. I'm sure the kids were long gone, but its all we could do since the girls couldn't even give a description. Geesh.

And what would I have done about this? Well, first, how about a trip out back to the woodshed with the boys daddies - I'm quite sure the boys wouldnt have walked for a week when their dads were through with them. And how about thousands of dollars in fines and a probation officer they also have to pay for a couple of years.

Did I think that guns need to be outlawed?

No.

But I am stepping up my timeframe on my concealed/carry class and the new smaller gun that I can handle better. I'm pretty weak so cocking the ones we have is a real hazard to myself and anyone else in the immediate area. And I don't see carrying my daddy's .22 in my purse. Heehee.

Do they make gun racks for mini-vans?

Her Mother is Dead???

So Mighty Mouse is adopted. It's very obvious.

And she knows that brother and sister grew in mommy's tummy. She grew in her China Mommy's tummy. Even though she wanted to grow in my tummy - she KNOW's she did not. This is almost a daily topic of conversation around here.

MM is nowhere near as advanced as some of the other children her age and much younger when it comes to adoption questions. Some kids start trying to figure this out by the time they are 2. MM gave us until 4 before she started questioning her story and her life.

We have always read her story books about adoption.

We have always watched her video of when we went to get her in China and bringing her home. It's actually her favorite thing to watch.

We have a sort-of Lifebook. It's her story that I put together for her. She likes to flip through it also.

We answer every question she asks - truthfully - not cleaned up or pretty (while balancing age appropriateness).

Sometimes we bring it up for some reason or another.

We attend functions that are full of other adoptive families that look just like ours.

It is not a subject we are afraid of. It is a subject that can be hard to answer her questions about. She doesn't like to hear that we don't know an answer.

This weekend we went through the whole "You are the best mommy in the world" routine she likes to do with me. We were in the backyard pulling up weeds.

Out of the blue she tells me her mother is dead.

She is???

Her CHINA mommy, she tells me.

I tell her I don't know for sure, but I don't think so.

She assures me its true. She remembers.

At this point I hollar over to hubs - Hey! Did you know MM's China mother is dead??

"She is?? He questioned.

At which point MM rolls her eyes and say - "Just kidding".

Now. How the heck was I supposed to handle that? I'm quite sure I bungled it pretty good. But what in the world do you say to that???

Sigh.

I sure hope she survives my parenting.

Autumn Asks: What Does Autumn Need?

I ran across a post at 8 Things About Me about what she needs.

Okay, not really.

She put her name into google search followed by needs and then copied down the first 10 results. It was funny. So being the geek that I am, I tried it to.

So what does Autumn need?

1. Autumn needs a home where people will be with her -

2. Autumn needs a middle name.
(Nope. Got one. A family one. That is all you need to know.)
3. Autumn needs adoption.
(Hmmm. Maybe I'm being tossed out of my current home? Wait! I know just who to call!!!! It doesn't get more exotic than me!!)
4. Autumn needs a Trim Tree of Life.
(Love all things Celtic. My roots are showing.)

5. Autumn needs your help.
(Always. I'll take all the help I can get.)
6. Autumn needs to be a Cover Girl Model.
(I think they got the wrong Autumn that time. Maybe Autumn 20 years ago.)

7. Autumn needs YOU.
(And Michael Jackson does too. If you are a little boy.)

8. Autumn needs guitar player.
(Well. I have always had a thing for the boys in the band.)

9. Autumn needs the following info for your demand to count.
( I don't do demands. Just ask hubby.)
10. Autumn needs intensity in makeup to match intensity in coloring.

Tell it sister.


So what do you need??

Autumn Asks: What's For Easter Dinner?

Just out of curiousity.

We are having burgers on the grill. Yumm.

When we were discussing the menu I mentioned that I just don't have a traditional Easter Feast as a memory. That's not saying we didn't have one - just saying that I did not grow up in a "Christian" home so there was no real importance on the Holiday in my memory banks...beyond getting my favorite candy(Robins Eggs).

DH and I discussed the Easter Ham.

And this is the one I am curious about.

So, way back in the old testament, God gave us dietary guidlelines.

These guidlelines were their instructions on how to eat to sanctify themselves for God. Hand-in-hand with the whole sacrifice thing.

In those guidlelines we are told not to eat pork. Well, we were given a list of things not to eat and pigs fell into those guides.

So how did Easter Sunday become such a huge ham eating holiday??

Yes, I know we aren't under the law and old testament instructions. We no longer need to do special things to sanctify ourselves -- its all covered by the blood of Jesus. I understand that.

But here's the thing. God gave us instructions on how to best take care of our bodies. After Christ we threw that out. Each generation gets farther and farther away from that model.

And look at us now.

Now I'm not saying we have to eat the way they had to in the old testament. It won't sanctify us and get us into heaven. And not eating that way won't keep us out of heaven. I'm not trying to make that kind of a point.

But it confuses me.

It's like the whole angel thing. All the angels in the Bible were male. All the ones we see/buy in our society are female.

Huh?

How did that happen?

Things that make me go hmmmmm on an Easter morning.

Andorra

Andorra is a tiny country buried in the mountains which separate France and Spain. Technically a principality (with two co-princes) it is just a few hundred kilometres of mountainous landscapes and rivers.
Since it as carved from the hearts of the Pyrenees mountain range, it contains some of the most dramatic scenery - and the best skiing - in Europe. During the dry months, there are plenty of good hiking opportunities in the high, remote parts of the country.
Basic Facts:

• Full country name: Principality of Andorra
  
• Area: 175 sq mi
  
• Population: 66,824
  
• Capital City: Andorra la Vella (pop 22,390)

• People: Spanish (61%), Andorran (30%), French (6%)

• Language: Catalan, Spanish, French (and many speak English)
  
• Religion: Roman Catholic

• Government: Parliamentary co-princedom

• Co-Princes: Jacques Chirac (France), Joan Marti Alanis (Urgell)
  
• Major Industries: Tourism, duty-free shopping, sheep, timber, tobacco, banking
  

Andorra is not a member of the European Union. At one time, the country was a haven for smugglers. In resent past it was a haven for duty free shopping. Now its a tax haven if you buying electronic goods, watches and, traditionally high taxed in Europe, parfumes, booze, cigarettes and gas/petrol. Andorra has no own currency and it uses euros. English is widely spoken in Andorra. The local language is Catalan, and French and Spanish are also spoken.

I couldn't find out much about a native dress. Looks like they were pretty much inhabited by shepherds and such in earlier times.

For art and culture, they appear to be a country that loves sculptures.

I'm not much for skiing...but I love to hike. Anyone want to join me?

Autumn Asks: What Have You Said That You'd Never Have Believed Would Come Out Of Your Mouth??

How about:

Meet our new pets. The chickens.

Nope. Not kidding.

Actually, I haven't gone over the edge yet. There is a reasonable explanation.

See, I'm not supposed to eat regular eggs. I have to have free range, etc. The chickens that lay the regular eggs are fed a feed that is full of wheat and others stuffs I'm not supposed to have...so I was told to stay away from them and buy the other eggs. You know, the expensive ones.

Anyways. So I have a friend that has similar problems and girls with similar problems. They have a little bit of property and do not live smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood like we do. So, they raise their chickens for their eggs.

Mighty Mouse loves those chickens. And even more, she likes to hunt for the eggs. So my friend always left a few eggs ungathered so that Mighty Mouse could hunt them with her girls when we came over. Now that's a good friend.

But something killed all the chickens last winter so they had to start all over this spring. So my friend asked if she could pick MM up when she went to pick out the chicks so that MM could pick one out too. And of course Songbird wanted to go also. (Poor, poor city kids)

So, I offered to give the girls money to "buy" one each since they were picking up 4 more.

So, when we were finally able to get to the feed store before they were sold out (yes, apparently everyone wants to raise chickens this year....the feed stores sell out in a day!!). MM picked out a chicken for herself and her sister (who had a track meet and was bummed not to get to come). She paid for "her" chicks and they were packaged up.

Then, we delivered them to Mrs. B's chicken coop.

And I have two very happy children.

How sad is that????? LOL!!!!!

And no, they really aren't our chickens. The $2 for the chicks will in no way cover their care at Mrs. B's - but they give us their excess eggs so I thought it would be a good idea to pay for two of theirs. But don't tell my girls.

And its been good for laughs.

Songbird: I want to name my chicken.

Mom: Seriously??

Songbird: Yep. I'm naming it Paco.

Mom: Aaahh. Paco, the chicken Taco.

Songbird: GASP!!! MOMMMMM! drama...drama...drama.......

Mom: Well. You really shouldn't name your food.

Songbird: Major drama.

Oh well, maybe it was traumatic for her....but I thought it was hilarious!!

You asked for it....

Several people asked about our exact recipe for the laundry soap we are using after I fessed up to making my own in order to save money.

So, here ya go. This is what I use.

4 cups Borax
4 cups Washing Soda
1 bar Lirio (lavandar scent), grated
1 bar Zote, grated

Process fine - used 2 tablespoons per load

Borax is easy to find just about anywhere - Walmart or your grocery store

Washing Soda is a little harder. Our Walmart carries a big box like this but it is Baking Soda, not Washing soda. And the Baking Soda even says its for laundry - so don't get confused.

My bar soaps I find at Walgreens. They are $1.39 each. This is the smell combination I like. And my mother was just here for a week and I put it through the mom test. Even she liked the smell of the clothes after they were done -- and I used one of DH work undershirts as the tester.
I also buy the oxygen cleaner at the Dollar Tree to use. Some people add this to their recipe - I just use it on certain loads. Check your dollar store instead of paying the oxy-clean price.

I'm not going to do a tutorial as I learned this all from Heather at What What You Have. Follow the link to use her tutorial. Can't see that I need to reinvent the wheel when she did such a good job. Her recipe is a little different.

Also, at Tipnut.com they did an article on 10 homemade laundry soap recipes. They have recipes for liquid as well as powdered. You might want to look at them to get an idea on what products you might like to use or see if you are brave enough to do the liquid. It doesn't look hard, but I'm all about the EASIEST way, so I just do the powder for now.

Good luck to those that want to try it. We all have different scent likes and water issues to deal with, so don't give up right away if you are interested. You might need to try a few different recipes to get it dialed in. And along those lines...you might want to half my recipe the first time in case you don't like it.

The First and the Last

The first week of April is a big week around here.

My baby turned 5.

Wow. I guess I really shouldn't call her a baby anymore. But she just seems so much smaller and younger than the other two at five. School looms just around the corner.

And if that isn't shocking enough to the system...

My first born turned 20 today.

How could that be?

So we had our traditional Birthday dinner. Grandma came down to celebrate (she always makes the birthday trip). Bones picks the meal and Mighty Mouse picks the dessert. So it was chicken souvlaki with tzatziki - a dish my husband ate in the Greek islands and then came home and learned to duplicate. MM picked a strawberry cake with strawberry frosting and vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup. It was good.

We are very low key on birthdays here. MM got 2 small presents from us and Bones got none. I asked if he wanted me to buy him a gift or forgive him one months car insurance since he owes me for two. He took the debt forgiveness. Smart kid.

And a new face at the table this year was Bones girlfriend. Thank goodness this one is his age! I was nervous with all the Baylor girls....older than him (read drinking age). And this one sews.

And before you know it, Songbird's birthday will be here. The big 14. And fall brings High School.

And life just keeps on rollin on.

Autumn Asks: What Are You Doing With Your Tax Return This Year?

There was an interesting article from ING Services the other day:

AMERICAN TAXPAYERS PLANNING TO SAVE RATHER THAN SPEND

New ING DIRECT Survey Reveals Majority of Americans Receiving a Tax Refund Intend to Use It to Pay Off Debt, Invest or Save

In the past, we really looked forward to tax refunds. They were used to do two things...first pay off any debt we had, and second, for a fun purchase or project.

Yes. Two things.

Aren't you supposed to get SMARTER as you get older?

If so, how come this tax refund will go straight to bills (and one broken fence) and hardly put a dent in it????

So, we are definitely one of those couples that will be putting the whole tax refund to fix a broken thing and then on credit card bills.

According to the article:

More than 50% of Americans (65% for people under the age of 35) will be using this refund to pay basic bills, in other words, just to survive.

More than 70% of the people who receive a refund won’t be spending it, but will be using it to pay off debt or putting it towards savings.

So, we are waking up. We are focusing on eliminating debt and on savings. Without the savings, it almost impossible to stay out of debt. People are getting it.

The sad thing is the number of people who are using it to pay every day living expenses. Basic bills. Can you imagine being in that place? I am so thankful we haven't reached that point. And my heart goes out to those that have lost jobs and are living in a very scary place right now.

How about you? What are your plans for your tax refund this year? Are you doing something fun? Or are you digging out or saving?