What Happens when Something doesn't get on the Calendar

Aliens come to visit!

At 12:30 today I get a call. I look at the caller ID and it is the school. My first thought is "oh no, Rehm is sick!" I pick up the phone and am surprised with it is my son saying, "Hi, Mom!" He goes on to ask me if I'm coming to his presentation! Um, your what? Oh your alien presentation that your teacher emailed me about two weeks ago that I didn't put on the calender? That one? Um, well, I guess so.

How bad is it when your kid has to call you to see if you are coming to his presentation? Of course every other parent was already there. Of course no one else had to bring siblings along. Of course it would be on a day when I'm dressed in sweats and hadn't showered. I felt like the absolute worst mother. How could I forget? Oh, that's right, I'm human.

So I called the girls. We rushed to the van, got buckled in and away we went. We were only 10 minutes late. Unfortunately we interrupted a presentation when we got there. I felt terrible but with three kids in tow there is no quiet way to slip into a room.

I am so glad we went! Rehm was hilarious! I was so sad I had left the camera in the car and could not video him. He is so comfortable talking in front of people. He went on for over a minute, before starting his presentation, telling the audience to let him know if a can on his alien fell off. He explained that it was only partially on and if it fell of that would be bad and he would need to know immediately.

He read his story about his alien. At the end he said, "and I won't tell you his pet-pet's name." When everyone laughed he goes on, "well, maybe I should." And proceeded to tell us a few facts about the pet-pet but conveniently forgot to mention his name.

For this project the kids had to use exactly 15 pieces of trash to make an alien that could be no more than 24 inches tall. If they cut a piece of trash and used it multiple places it still only counted as one piece. The alien had to have at least one movable part. They had to name and write a story about the alien as well.

Here is Rehm's story (spelling and punctuation are his):

Collin

One summer in Inyopia the space fairy and Collin were near Verpet Space Station home of the evil Dr. Smoth. At this space station you can adopt a Grindoak. Well...Grindoaks are not our main focus. Collin accidentally got lost. He found this planet called Earth. Now he headed down to USA. Apparently he found The Olymips Stadium. "Maybe I would be quite good at this he thought to himself. They have tug of war, and golf and I do too at my home planet. Well we have Tyrana Mini Golf, close enough. So he began to explore some more. With in a couple hours he found the Pacific Ocean. "I can swim," he shouted. While swimming he found these creatures that reminded him of the creatures in Meraqua. He thought that maybe he could communicate with them. Well, he tired...he was almost successful with the dolphins. Collin decided to get out of the water and landed in California. He used his digger and bagan digging all the way to Texas. When he came out he ase at ____ (Rehm's School). HUMMMMM he thought it might be good to go into the office to get a nametag and let them know he would be visiting. Collin walked into Mrs. _____'s(Rehm's teacher) classroomand found me. "This boy looks nice", so he asked his teacher if I could go visit wit him outside. We started a meeting and I asked him if he could come back to Earth when was 32 years old. Suddenly the space fairy landed and found Collin. "Time to go back to Inyopia" Collin said. We said our good-byes and collin headed back to Inyopia to make sure his Pet Pet was okay, and I headed back to class.

Oh my, this reminds me so much of something I would have written in elementary school. I remember in either 4th or 5th grade we did creative writing every Friday and I LOVED it. It was my favorite part of the week. I even remember some of what I wrote about on those Fridays. The amazing thing about this was I hated writing and was not good at it due to my dyslexia. But the creative writing sparked my interest enough for me to enjoy what was a truly painful process for me. Wonder if mom still has any of those stories...

Jenn

Clothing Tutorial for Daddys

My husband is too lazy to actually type this. He says it is easier if he tells me and I type. To start with I refused telling him "do it yourself." But then I decided if I wrote it I got to tell you about his laziness and that made it worth typing. And you know in the theme of allowances, my time is not free...Now on with the story

Today Michael and Charlotte were in her room cleaning up. The following conversation took place:

Michael: Charlotte what about those leggings?

Charlotte: Daddy, those are tights not leggings!

Michael: Charlotte, what is the difference?

Charlotte (while sticking her hand through to the foot): Tights have feet in them like socks, leggings are like pants only you wear them under a dress.

Michael: Charlotte, how did you get so smart?

Charlotte: Daddy, you're a daddy, I'm a girl!

Michael: Yeah but where did you learn this? Did they take all the girls aside in preschool and explain this? Did Mommy tell you?

Charlotte (pointing to both sides of her head): No, I just learned it in my head! 'Cause I've been wearing tights since I was like a baby!

Why I Love Kid Allowances

This is why I love kid allowances. I get to leave wonderful notes like this and know what kind of reception they will receive. It truly does my heart good. Does that make me a mean mother? Maybe. Do I care? Not one bit.

Our philosophy on allowances and chores is quite simple. You get an allowance because you are part of our family and we want you to learn about money and you do chores because you are part of our family and we don't want you to grow up and be a slob. When you turn five you are old enough to get allowance. You get 25 cents for each year you are old. You must give ten percent of your earnings to charity. We do not charge any family taxes, though I kind of like the idea as I am a mean mom. We do not require long term savings because our kids get so little in allowance the have to save to be able to buy anything. Allowances do not get docked if chores do not get done. You receive full allowance every week not matter what.

Not doing chores can result in having to pay Michael or I to do said chore. As above. If you don't make your bed then you must pay me 25 cents for my labor to do it for you. If you leave lights on, that is five cents. You get the idea. It is rare that someone has to pay me to do their chores as most days they gladly do them. But about once a month or so someone gets a little lazy and needs this gentle reminder that I am not the maid, just the Mommy. I'm anxious to see Charlotte's reaction as this is her first such note. It should be interesting.

I know some people tie allowances and chores together and you get paid for doing chores. My problem with this is that when you grow up, no one is going to pay you to make your bed, feed the dog, empty the dishwasher, pick up your dirty clothes, do the laundry, etc. If you don't do them you are either going to live in a pigsty or pay someone to do them for you. So that is why we have adopted the system we have to get our children accustomed to the system they will live with when the grow up.

Just this week I made $2.50 doing work for Rehm. You see, he decided that it would be a great idea to take a ball point pen and make a four inch square swirly design on his comforter. He also decided that it would be a great idea to not mention this fact to his parents as he was afraid. (I can't imagine why.) When I discovered said design I asked him about it. Here is the conversation that followed:

Me: Um, Rehm, what is this on your bed?

Rehm: Oh, it was an accident. [I hate this excuse. My kids are smart enough to come up with better excuses than this - but that is a whole different post.]

Me: How was this an accident?

Rehm: Well I was using one of the click pens and I thought it was off...

Me: Rehm, really? I mean I could see that if we were talking about an couple of straight lines that were like an inch long but you hand to know what you were doing to make this design (it was just a swirly doodle nothing to artistic).

Rehm: I didn't mean to do it?

Me: Really, so why did you?

Rehm: I don't know!

Me: So why didn't you tell me about it?

Rehm: I was scared I'd get in trouble.

Me: So do you think you are going to get in less trouble now when I've found it all on my own?

Rehm: No.

Me: So do you think you would have gotten in less trouble if you had come to me and said, "Mom, I did something I shouldn't have and I'm really sorry, please tell me what I can do to fix it." Or do you think it was better to hope I didn't see it?

Rehm: I was scared!

Me: Well there will be consequences but I'm just not sure what they will be. I'll have to talk to your Dad so we can decide what appropriate consequences are.

Rehm: Can you just take away some computer time

Me (thinking to myself): Not now that I know you don't think that is a big deal!

Me (to Rehm): Um, probably not. I'll have to talk to your dad

Rehm start trying to make himself cry at this point, trying for the sympathy route. He did manage to squeeze out a single tear but it took him a lot of work. I told him I would let him know the consequences in the morning but there was no need to worry about it until then.

Michael and I decided that he would pay me $1 for every five minutes of work I did to try to remove the stain. If I could not remove the stain he would pay me an additional $5 replacement fee to be used toward the cost of a new comforter.

It took me approximately 13 minutes of stain treatment and washing/drying time (this was the time spent getting it in and out of the washer and dryer and remaking his bed) to remove the stain. While the comforter was in the dryer, Rehm came to ask if he had to pay for the washing and drying time. (They both display how long the cycle is and he was getting worried since it takes 52 minutes to dry a load and that would mean $10!). I told him he did not, just the time I had to be involved. Needless to say he was thrilled with the answer.

In total, his bill came to $2.50. He was very relieved that it wasn't more and paid me without complaint. He did point out that "the orange stain on his sheet had been there a long time and he did not do it or know how it got there!"

I was happy that I had an extra $2.50, I had made my point to my son that we take care of our things and we take responsibility when we mess things up, and that his Mother's time and energy were not free! Furthermore, I made him understand that not owning up to our bad choices doesn't help matters.

And yes, if you do the math, the child only gets $1.75 in allowance and of that 18 cents goes to charity. So this bad choice cost him almost two weeks of allowance. I told you I was a mean Mom!

Jenn - the Meanie

Perception

Ruby didn't go to school today. She is feeling better but had not been fever free for 24 hours so she got to hang out with me.

We had several errands we needed to run after dropping Charlotte and Eliza Claire off. Ruby told me she wanted a snack. I found a baggie of cereal left over from earlier in the morning and handed it to her. Then she wanted something to drink. That is when I realized I had not brought along a cup for her. Oops. So I looked around the car and thought, "What can I giver her? I can't give her the large 32 oz cup of tea. That would make a huge mess. Now what?" I had an empty Diet Coke can sitting on the console from our drive to school so I decided I would pour her a bit of decaf tea into the soda can as it wouldn't be as big and potentially messy as the larger cup.

I looked in my rear view mirror and saw what everyone passing us was seeing. A two year old strapped into a car seat drinking a Diet Coke! Ack! No one knew she wasn't really drinking Diet Coke. No one knew it was the best cup I could find. They just saw a mom that would give a two year old a whole can of soda! Then I chuckled and thought, "well at least it isn't a beer can!"

Note to self: Next time bring a sippy cup!

Bad Mommy!

Kids and the Election

For several days now Rehm has been obsessing about the election and who is going to win and when we will know who the winner is. A few days ago he asked if he could stay up and watch the results. We said "NO!" Then he wanted to know if he could at least stay up and watch them call the East Coast states. We told him maybe but it still might be too late as it will take a while after polls close for them to be able to call some states. Finally, I told him that we would leave him a note in his room when we went to bed that told him the results, assuming we knew. Then we had to talk about the Election of 2000 and all the recounts of the Florida votes...

So this morning, I was in the car with the girls and Charlotte says, "Mom, you know that note you are going to leave Rehm about who wins the election? You don't need to leave me one of those because I don't care who wins!" I told her that I hoped that by the time she could vote she would have a little more opinion on the matter:)

Ah the joys of the many personalities in this house,
Jenn

Funny Conversation

In the last week or so I've noticed Michael using my laptop a few times. This wouldn't be a big deal except for the fact that he has his own laptop and typically it is sitting about five feet away from mine. Thus I don't understand why he uses mine. Yesterday the following conversation ensued:

Me: Why are you using my computer?

Michael (sounding annoyed): Because I can't print from mine. Why does it matter anyway.

Me: Because it is my laptop and yours is sitting right there.

Charlotte: Mommy we share in this family.

Me: Charlotte, Mommy's computer is like your Baby Caroline. There are some things we don't have to share.

At that point laughter erupted from all parties. But I still don't understand why my husband feels the need to use my computer when he has one and there is a desktop upstairs as well. To me it is *my* computer. I don't sit down with his and if I did I'm sure I would hear about it :) My computer and purse are about the only things at this point in my life that are just mine and apparently even those things aren't completely my own any more...

Happy Halloween - Postscript

I realize there were a few things I forgot to say in the Evening Edition.

Everyone picked out their own costumes. The girls all picked theirs out at Old Navy. We happened to be there about a month ago when there was a sale and decided to take advantage and get the costuming out of the way.

Ruby originally had picked an adorable red dragon that I loved much more than the bug. Then she wanted to be a cat and finally decided that the bug was the costume.

Eliza Claire originally wanted to be the cat. Then the bat and finally decided on the skunk. I wish she would have chosen the bat as it would have been cute to have a bat and vampire.

Charlotte saw the poodle and immediately fell in love. We were very lucky that they had her size. This will be her last year to fit in an Old Navy costume. Next year I'm sure we will graduate to High School Musical or Hannah Montana or some other such commercialized nonsense. This year I was thrilled to have a poodle.

Rehm was very miffed on the Old Navy day because he didn't walk out with a costume. They of course had nothing in his size and he had his choices narrowed down to a skeleton (or as Charlotte says Selican - rhymes with pelican - cracks me up every time she says it).

I try very hard to let them make their own choices on things like costumes within reason. I'm not thrilled that Rehm is to the point he wants to embrace the "scary" side of Halloween but at least he didn't want to be Jason or someone like that. The whole reason he wanted to be a vampire is because he likes the count on Sesame Street. Shh, don't tell anyone. It must be our little secret. He would not be happy if anyone knew he still occasionally watches Sesame Street or that that was where the costume idea came from.

Same kid? Really?

It is amazing how quickly they go from cute costumes, like my girls all had this year, to scary costumes. Last year Rehm wanted to be a ghost so we turned a sheet into an costume. It was his in between year. It wasn't really scary but he was definitely wanting it to be. This year I think we truly made the transition.

I think the pictures from this year are interesting with my three cute and cuddly girls and my very grown up vampire. He wanted his face done. I didn't realize how much of a difference it made in the feel of the costume until we were finished. It really did take it to the next level.

It makes me a little sad that we have hit this milestone, but then I think about the fact that he had a pre-arranged "date" with a girl and the costume issues fall right off my radar!

They just don't stay young long, do they?
Jenn

PS. I think this is truly my last Halloween post for this year but I make no promises.

Happy Halloween - The Evening Edition

Fun was had by all. Grandma and Grandpa came for dinner and to help get everyone ready for Trick or Treating. Grandma and Michael got everyone dressed and I did make up. It took us about 45 minutes to get everyone ready for the evening.

First was the poodle

Then the skunk

Next the love bug

And last but certainly not least the vampire

Rehm met a friend from school and trick or treated with her and her father. Yes, I said her. And yes, it was a little strange to have my seven year old son out with a girl! The funny thing was she was an angel and Rehm was a vampire. They were definitely an interesting pair.

Wouldn't you want this group Trick or Treating at your house?

For more pictures from our fun evening click here.

Halloween Art

Charlotte has been making lots of Halloween art this week. This is her jackolantern. She has also been making bats and candy corn but I don't have pictures of those.

Happy Halloween - The Morning Edition

Rehm's school was dressing up as characters from books today. He chose "A Fish Out of Water" and dressed up as the boy from the book. A very easy costume :) But so fitting of o a choice for him.

A Fish out of Water

The girls are all decked out in Halloween t-shirts. They were all very excited about wearing them today. I don't have any pictures of everyone together due to the staggered waking and leaving times of everyone.

Sparkly Pumpkin

Ghouls just want to have fun

Ghostess with the Mostest

More pictures to come this evening.

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Halloween - Through the Years

Click to enlarge

Starting in the bottom right corner this chronicles all the kids Halloweens to date. I love this collage!

Enjoy.

Cookies and Cici

These are two things that Eliza Claire holds in very high regard. Much higher regard than her mother. Apparently her mother is a total loser.

A few weeks ago she was talking on the phone to Cici. I overheard her say, "Bye Cici, I love you!" Then she handed the phone off to someone else. I thought it was a fluke but every time she talks to Cici she tells her she loves her. She never says it to anyone else on the phone.

Today we get in the car and I hand her a snack. Cookies. She immediately says, "I love cookies!"

These are the only two scenarios in which I have ever heard Eliza Claire say she loves something or someone. So my question is, why not me? She loves cookies but not her own mother! I tell her how much I love her multilpe times a day so it isn't like she doesn't have the opportunity to tell me. I guess the only thing that keeps me from sinking in to deep depression is Eliza Claire doesn't love her father either!

Silly girl.
Jenn

PS. In case you are wondering Ruby doesn't love anyone or anything at this point. I know that really surprises you.

Voting

Leaving Early Voting

I just got back from Early Voting. This was my third attempt. The first two times we decided the line was too long and left. Today I had the twins with me but decided the line didn't look that long. I was right! It took about 15 minutes from the time I got in line until I was finished. Not bad at all.

The girls were very cute. They kept saying they wanted to go "boat!" They are very happily sporting their stickers showing that they did their part. They both were very well behaved and curious about the whole process.

When we were leaving Ruby asked "Why you boat, Mommy." I told her it was important to vote. She asked why. I told her that it was part of being a good citizen. She asked why. I older her it was our way to have a say in our government. She didn't say anything. I think she finally decided "boating" was over her head.

This was my first experience with computerized voting. I liked it. It seemed more intuitive to me than the paper ballot. When I left I was confident that I had really voted for who I intended.

Last night as we were leaving the library after the second failed attempt at voting Rehm was talking about past elections. He was expounding on why it was so important to vote and talking about how we didn't want to have another election like the 2000 election in Florida. I reminded him that we voted in that election and that he was not alive for that one. Then he wanted to know who we voted for when we voted at "the other place that is not my school?" I realized he was talking about the 2004 election! We took him and Charlotte with us for early voting for that election too. He was 3! He remembers! I told him it was the presidential election. Then I think he said something about John Kerry having a plan...

Eliza Claire proudly displaying her voting sticker

Ruby proudly displaying her voting sticker

I'm glad my girls went with me today. I know they won't remember it but I know that Michael and I are doing our part to raise a family that is aware of the importance of being politically active. It is a privilege to vote and it is one I wish more people took advantage of.

Can't Leave Anyone Out

Since Mom wanted to know where Ruby was today. Here is her picture from this morning as well. Doesn't she look styling? The three girls together really make a statement. However, I think that statement is "What was their mother thinking?" They are definitely a bright bunch today.

OK so apparently I can leave someone out. I don't have any pictures to add of Rehm. Oops! I'll make tomorrow all about him, well at least the next blog entry anyway.

PS. Yes Ruby has a black eye - she fell jumping around in her room and smacked it on the window sill. At least the hat covers the knot on her forehead where she fell into the corner of the coffee table. Not a good head weekend for Ruby.

Fashion Diva

Charlotte takes pride in picking out her clothes all by herself. This is today's ensemble. The pants have multicolored polka dots on them. They really complete the outfit!

Could she be any cuter?

I snapped this picture at school this morning. All three girls insisted on wearing hats. I thought this turned out adorabably of Eliza Claire.

Princesses

Ruby and Charlotte

Ruby and Eliza Claire

Kennedy and Charlotte

Ah the joys of having girls! We were invited to a wonderful birthday party this weekend for our dear friend Kennedy. It included going to the Scottish Rite Theater to see Cinderella performed. The play was fabulous and all four of my kids loved it. The girls insisted on dressing up like princesses for the show. OK Charlotte insisted and then her little sisters followed suit. Of course princesses must have fancy hair so all three girls had versions of the hairstyle below.

Bentley Hills Chihuahua???

Rehm and Charlotte have been singing the song from the Bentley Hills Chihuahua movie for months. I guess they would like it if I would actually take them to see it. Here is a show the girls put on yesterday. I don't know where Charlotte got these moves...

Charlotte

Just Charlotte being silly.

Progress

Click to enlarge - if you really want to see...

But I still don't see how this will ever look normal. We see the dentist tomorrow.