Saying It Like It Is

My daughter, Becca, has a knack for saying what is exactly on her mind. I guess I was being a little too ornery the other day. She was getting in trouble all day long and I had run out of patience. I yelled something at her, I don't recall what it was. It made her sad enough that she turned to me with a big frown and tears in her eyes and she blurted out, "Mom, we need to get rid of you! You're not a nice mom!"

Yeah, I felt horrible, but she was being really naughty. I know I didn't say anything terrible to her, but I felt bad that her feelings were hurt. I think the saddest part is if I really don't remember why she got in trouble in the first place, was it really that big of deal?

So, I'm working on it. I'm trying to be a little more kind and careful of what I say. I'm thankful for a little 4 year old who taught me that!

T-ball Fun

There is nothing like watching 4 and 5 year olds playing the american past time of baseball! Kate and Becca are having a blast! At times the dirt is more interesting, but they are getting better at paying attention to the batter and the ball. It is fun to watch all the kids hoard after the ball, the one victorious emerging from the pile doing a dance because he/she got it. They are so happy they forget to throw it to first base.

While my girls are the only girls on the team, they are accepted by the boys and have made little t-ball buddies. It is fun to see them learn and grow in different ways. They are learning sportsmaship and how to have fun. They have some very patient coaches. Becca walked up to one of them and said. "Gangstas are bad." (they do look a little gangterish, after all we are on the west side) They lauged and thought she was funny. I was a little scared as to what they thought these VERY white folks teach their kids at home. So, she has learned when it is appropraite to share information with others. Fun times! Go Mets!!!

I'm Really Not a Slacker

just a busy mom. Since Dustin got on with Sandy and started the academy, life has been CRAZY. My life is so full of stress. I have gained 10 lbs as proof! Dustin has lost 11! I guess he thought I could use them!!! I'm workin' at getting them off, but they like where they are at.

I started watching Dustin's sister's 2 kids to help with the pay cut. The kids are all off track right now, so on a given day I have 9 rowdy, full of energy kids running around. Luckily they all get alnog, for the most part. Everyone has their days, Becca more than anyone. I think she's feeling a little lost in the chaos, just like her mom!

I have so much I would love to blog about, but lack the time. Hopefully life will get back to normal. October 5th all the older kids go back to school.

Any ideas how to hit my goal of losing 30 lbs? I think the stress is sinking me. I want to take a cruise in May, but the deal was that I lose my 30 lbs ( I made the deal with Dust, he's not demanding I lose the weight, better clarify that). I need ideas!

My Proof...

that they once were inseparable and REALLY liked each other.




They all have their own beds. I don't know why they choose to squish all together. I guess I'm weird, I like my space!!

(do you notice the wall paper in the girl's room? Becca had a tearing fest. That and one corner is all that's left of the blue-check wall paper. Looks like another project for Dustin)

Menacing Merritts

I'm sure you all can recall a family that was TROUBLE during church. You know, the ones with LOUD, DISRESPECTFUL, UNRULY children. I felt that was my family today.

In sacrament meeting Becca was so loud. She started 5 minutes before church did. We have the same rule every week. They can pull out coloring books and activities, but only after the deacons have been excused to sit with their families. She decided she couldn't wait that long. She got the books anyway. She found the crayons and started coloring. I tried reasoning with her, but she won. She kept coloring and singing. Not to mention the chomping fest her and Kate were having with the gum in their mouths.

Dustin and I were sitting in Gospel Doctrine when the door opened. It was Kate and her primary teacher. She was holding Kate and her shoes. She looked like I do sometimes. Her face was saying, "Help me!" Apparently Kate thought the floor was more inviting than the chairs today. She was doing somersaults across the floor and wouldn't listen when told to get back in her chair. I guess the teacher picked her up and Kate didn't like it, so she hit her!

As I was looking for Dustin between Priesthood and Relief Society, I happened upon Ryan's class. The door was opened and I peeked in. I found that he was being a little trouble maker. He had kicked another kid (the other kid kicked first, I guess)and had talked during the teacher's whole lesson. I was mortified! He knows better.

I walked back to the RS room and couldn't believe the day I was having. My kids were being so bad! I wanted to crawl in a hole and not come out.

When we got home, Kate went to her bed immediately and we had a talk with Ryan. His punishment was to spend 1 hour in his room preparing a lesson. After he was done, he was to come upstairs and give US the lesson. We talked all the way through it. He gave us our assignments and all of us looked at him and said, "Huh? I wasn't listening. What am I supposed to do? Read it again." This frustrated him even more and he started crying. We think he got our point of how disrespectful it is to talk during a lesson and be a distraction. Teachers work hard to prepare and we should listen. Later after dinner, he gave it again and we listen and participated this time. (Is it cheating to count this as FHE? Well, I am)

I was feeling really frustrated with my kids today. I know I have good kids, but why do they choose to be disrespectful at times? I have taught them different. Sometimes their little personalities are way too strong for my liking.