Hooliganting: "Not my kid" my kid

Hooliganting: "Not my kid" my kid: It is surprising how quiet the house is as I have four medium sized children running around the house. From time to time, I can hear the voi...

"Not my kid" my kid

It is surprising how quiet the house is as I have four medium sized children running around the house. From time to time, I can hear the voices. I can hear the herd of elephants as they stomp up and down the stairs and across the ceiling. There is the rustling of paper and the movement of dolls from one end of the house to the other. Yet, I can comfortably sit on the sofa and write this.

This morning, I had three wee ones running around plus one of my own. There was dressing up activity followed by singing and duck chasing. Duck chasing involves a toddler with a duck toy that he pulls and the older kids think it is fun to chase him. There was a game of find the keys as that same toddler likes to hide them. Perhaps he is another one that is born to drive?

Today is fairly typical for me. I am surrounded by my own two girls plus their friends. This is the world of "not my kids" my kids. Volunteered to assist one parent have a relaxing workout when the wee toddler took a flat out aversion to the playroom, so I had all three kids for the hour. This was great as it stopped my youngest from being that awful word: BORED. So, thinking about the afternoon, I arranged to have a playdate for her as well. Then, I went to collect my oldest from school and as suspected, came back with her and her bff. This seems to be a Friday tradition.

All the children that I come into contact with on a regular basis rapidly start becoming what I have lately started calling "Not my kids my kids". I pick them up from school and transport them as needed. I am able to listen to stories, hear about school and fix hurt feelings. I know how to appreciate their individuality while still enjoying the play of the collective whole. All the children that wander into this house are treated the same. There are the same rules with the same expectations. If one gets into trouble, they all share the consequences (unless it is blatently clear that one kid is the ring leader). They also know that there are crafts, baking, creative play and independant play.

Today would seem to be about the younger two creating a fashion show and playing with barbies. The older two are creating a haunted house to which they want to frighten the younger two. At which time that it reaches completion, I will redirect their intentions to something else. Meanwhile, I am writing and scrapbooking at intervals. I was able to make them a hot lunch and enjoy the peace. Long may it last. So...here's to yet another afternoon of "not my kids my kids" playtime.

Hooliganting: How is this possible? The art of losing things.

Hooliganting: How is this possible? The art of losing things.: So, the topic of conversation for this evening is the art of losing things. I have been absolutely smitten by this topic for days now as it ...

How is this possible? The art of losing things.

So, the topic of conversation for this evening is the art of losing things. I have been absolutely smitten by this topic for days now as it has rattled around my brain. Everytime, I try to let it go...there it is like a nasty boomerang back at me. Funnily enough, it is not about the things that I lose...my keys, my cell phone, my marbles, my mind...the usual suspects. No, I am fascinated by the things that other people are losing.

You see, around this time of year I spend a great deal of time driving up and down the highways and byways of my community. There is a lot of construction going on. Three bridges, over 40 intersections are torn up that I have counted and just as many detours to be frustrated by, and several new stop lights and stop signs means that I spend more time in the car staring out the various windows of choice. So, here is a list of the things I wonder about in terms of lost things...

How do you lose a pair of shoes onto the road way? Really nice runners or work boots? These seem to turn up not in singles but in pairs. I don't seem to drive with my feet hanging out the windows. The shoes are almost always on the drivers side...so what are people doing?

I have also seen at least three pairs of really nice sunglasses on the road. Again...are you driving along and just deciding that you don't want them anymore? Then why are they not broken and are still intact, face up, shining into the sun to catch my attention. How far out the window are you leaning to lose a pair of sunglasses to the side of the road. And please don't confuse these with eyeglasses...a whole new category unto itself.

There are also various uniform pieces, coffee cups, wallets, and clothing strewn aimlessly along the roads these days. It fascinates me as to what people are getting up to under the whole distracted driving law that we are adjusting to. I will also say that I have not seen any makeup kits so that apparently isn't the issue.

So, how is this possible? How do you lose things that really shouldn't be possible to lose while driving? I really am curious and really want to know. So if this is you...feel free to chip in your two cents worth...or wait...did you lose that too?

Hooliganting: Milestones

Hooliganting: Milestones: Everybody has milestones in their lives. These are rites of passage and they are those events that are special to individuals. These are eve...

Milestones

Everybody has milestones in their lives. These are rites of passage and they are those events that are special to individuals. These are events that are unique to individuals. It is that unique experience that stands out as a highlight of a birth, graduation, job placement, special day, special memory and so on.

Have you ever thought about the impact that these milestones have? Yes, they are an individual thing that if an individual chooses not to advertise, can easily be overlooked and/or most often forgotten. Some people, like me, like to celebrate birthdays and recognize these rights of passage. I just finished throwing a massive party for my soon to be 6 year old. To me, these are joyous occasions that are a time to get together people that matter for an event that matters.

However, I have just had the pleasure of celebrating a friends birthday as well. We had a wonderful visit and a great evening out. I admit, I like to give presents that celebrate the individual. But I have to confess that I relied on facebook to remind me. While facebook seemed to serve as the main point of reminder for many to wish her a happy birthday...it seems that those people that maybe should have remembered forgot.

Just because birthdays and anniversaries and special days might not matter to some personality types, it would be wise to remember that there are those that genuinely need the acknowledgement. Sometimes, it is the ones that don't say much about events that appreciate it the most. Flowers, a card, a phone call that comes on time can be the best gifts. Spending time with someone can be a real treat and not a chore.

Take the time to build positive memories with each other. Simple things that can make someone's day brighter. Remember the milestones...and don't think that it doesn't matter. I have a family that doesn't do well with the dates but note that I do the best I can with the tools I have to remember your milestones. It also helps to post the reminders if they matter. It is also Ok to be upset when someone important forgets. I appreciate those little things. So, thank you to those that made my birthday special. Thank you to those that made little tich's day great and thanks for those things that are yet to come. I can't wait to make more special memories with all of you!

The Art of Shuffling Children

September is the month where parents have to put the summer languid days behind them and relearn the art of shuffling children. Some have to move more children than others. Admittedly, I am down a couple of kids this year but I still have my own to shuffle from place to place. With September comes school, school buses and bus stop shuffles. With September, comes the ever popular extra curricular activities. Everything starts fresh in September...except maybe the parents.

Shuffling children is an art form in this house. I thought I would make everyone else feel better when they ponder the madness I have voluntarily created. Why? We have northern winters which means in about 3 weeks, I can no longer do the go outside and play thing for another 6 months. So, to keep the munchkins active and not bored, I add stuff to do...other than homework.

7:00 am rise 'n' shine
7:30 out the door for Bus 1
7:50 back in the house for piano practise with child 2
8:20 out the door for Bus 2
8:40 go to work
2:30 leave work

then you either have option A = pick up child 1 from school or B from the bus
3:35 pick up child 2 from bus.
Snack children with prepacked snack
Activity (fit in piano, pottery, dance class or homework) depending on child
Supper either at home or downtown at studio - again depending on the day of the week.

4 days a week.
Plus add in my own exercise activities
Now add in birthdays and weekend gymnastics
Now add in swimming (January)

This makes me appreciate the fact that I seem to be able to accomplish this with little problem...so far.
But what will happen when it snows? The city is under construction and you can't get anywhere on time as it is. And...could someone tell me how many days it is until summer vacation? I miss summer. . .

Hooliganting: Those hot summer nights

Hooliganting: Those hot summer nights: Ok. I know that it is September and that it is really the onset of Fall. The leaves are turning colors and you can start to swish your way t...

Those hot summer nights

Ok. I know that it is September and that it is really the onset of Fall. The leaves are turning colors and you can start to swish your way through the leaves that pile along the fence line. But tell that to the weather. It is wonderfully hot and a balmy 28 degrees outside at 11 at night. Fabulous. There is a breeze that washes over your face if you are clever enough to be sitting outside and enjoying the northern lights.

Oh they are dancing outside at the moment...if you happen to live in the north.The sky is clear and the constellations are illustrated in technicolor. The lights are green tonight. It is wonderful to have this heat along with a light show.

Today was a gorgeous day. Work and I parted company for the day so I was able to spend the afternoon playing at the waterparks with friends. The buckets soaked the playmates as they tore around in various configurations of friends. I definately need to make a note to pack more for lunch in the future. I had no idea children could consume that much in such a short space of time. And I have been dealing with them for 9 years almost and still manage to be surprised on occasion. We packed up and left after destroying a tent from the wind and once the cheeks were looking more red from sunburn than heat.

Of course, no hooliganting adventure is complete without navigating construction to Tim Hortons. Iced Cap...Yum. But in this heat...does every single route, every single intersection, every place in town have to be under construction? All the workers were loafing in the shade anyway. Honestly, I have no need to sit for long stretches of time and not enjoy the heat. It is not the same in my car.

So, we wound up at home eventually. But really, the only issue with summer in September is that a) you are expected to go to work. b) the kids are back in school and are expected to be there if they are not ill. c) the activities have started and because we plan for poor weather, they are all indoors and d) you are expected to get sufficient sleep. Just exactly how do you sleep in this heat? I have fans, windows open...curtains drawn...but the stickiness is awful. I could be in Mexico for that is how hot it is. 33 degrees in the shade today....and that is Celcius.

For living north, this is a heat wave. It is later than anticipated, but I am sure grateful to have it. Just somebody...tell me how to sleep....Lol. Meanwhile, I am going to snag a drink, sit on the deck, watch the lights dance and relax. Hello summer...its about time...

Hooliganting: Gardens: That was silly

Hooliganting: Gardens: That was silly: Every now and then, I do something ridiculous that seems like a good idea at the time, but in retrospect was rather silly. Yesterday was one...

Gardens: That was silly

Every now and then, I do something ridiculous that seems like a good idea at the time, but in retrospect was rather silly. Yesterday was one of those occasions. You see, I happen to have a garden in the back of my house. It has some of the usual features of a garden. There is the back deck. There is a fence that is open chain link at the back and wood down the sides. I have a garden along the back fence with shrubs, a large corner flower patch and various planters. There is a side patch with gravel and children's play material. Of course, there is grass. This would seem average, would it not?

The problem with having a garden is that maintenance is required. It is not optional. The lawn needs to be mowed or you have by law harassing you. There is the weed control of the dandelions or you have by laws bothering you about that. The solution would be to turn the lawn into a maintenance free garden but then you will violate the architectural controls of the neighborhood. Yes, if you have a house, they insist that you look after it.

So there it was...the garden. It had weeds and they needed to be dealt with. I had procrastinated the lawn care and garden care for long enough. I got out my tools and the large garbage bag. I started with weeding the back corner and pulled some clover and dandelions from the grass. Then I noticed them. Along the side of the deck were the stinging nettles. Now, with small children running in the back garden, you make the removal of nettles a priority as small fingers and feet shouldn't ever have to come in contact with those weeds. (BTW I don't count the pansies that are running amok under my deck as weeds...they are rogue flowers.) So, I began to pull them with my little tool made for the job. I pulled and pulled and finally finished for all but one. The last one was in a different section of the garden so I reached to grab the bag.

Next time, I am going to look as I do that. I grabbed the largest nettle full force and it told me in no uncertain terms as to how displeased it was about being yanked from the ground. I had lovely welts and blisters all across my left hand. Nor was I wearing those useful things called garden gloves, thinking that looking for the ones I lost would take too much time and would be too much effort. Never again!

All I have to say is that was awesomely silly and I never did pull that last nettle (not to mention the rest of the weeds). And did I mention "OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!" Lol.