GO!

Okay... So, I'm going to say it again, just in case you missed it. This blog is now dead. BUT... there is a NEW blog. You have to go here: http://www.humzoo.com/girlcarew/blog/ And you can also see pics there. Check it out for the latest on me and the boys.

moving

Ok, so the husband of a friend of mine has started a new blogging site. I think it will let me share photos and blog in the same space more easily. So I am going to give it a go (and I encourage everyone else too!). I've already started... check it out at Humzoo.

oh, and did I mention...

We have pretty much decided to put Gareth in Green Acres, our local public elementary. If it goes horribly awry, we can move him. I am glad to have that decision out of the way.

the snow

Tahoe. That's where we are. South Lake. Enjoying it. But.... the recap so far....
The drive went well. We had a kind of a long stop for dinner and to run around, but everyone was glad to get out of the car. We got to our condo about 8:45 p.m. Unfortunately, I don't think we were completely done with the virus we had (the one that had everyone puking earlier in the week), but in a different sense. Jonas had serious runs all night long (Friday). We had to go to the potty about every 30-45 minutes. At least he was willing to do it in the toilet. It was too runny/leaky (sorry, TMI) to do it in his dipe. So at least I *know* he can tell when he needs to go. He just chooses not to opt for the potty usually. (good to know though for the summer potty training). Anyway... Gareth had it too, but not quite as bad. But, we made it through the night. I told Isaiah, though, it was good we came when we did. If we had waited overnight we never would have come b/c the boys would have had the runs, and we wouldn't have wanted to risk that in the car. We had a bit more on Saturday. But it is now Sunday night, and it seems to be mostly (if not all the way?) behind us (no pun intended).

Side note... I did all the packing. I had pushed for us to leave Friday afternoon instead of Saturday morning, but Isaiah said he had no time to help pack (except himself) if we did that, so it would all be on me. I said fine. And I did pretty darn good, especially since I had both boys at least part of the time. And we all know how well kids "help pack".

Well Saturday morning, we got up, got our snow stuff on... pants, hats, gloves, jackets, and realized I had forgotten one bag. Now, in the grand scheme, one bad isn't too bad, especially for my first time doing it all by myself (with kids, yadda yadda). But the bag/box I had forgotten was all of our snow boots. Doh! So, we spent all morning getting boots for everyone -- a much harder thing to do than you might expect. By then, though, everyone was tired (after their lack of sleep last night), so we went back to the condo, had lunch, and then crashed. Jonas and I were still napping when Gareth and Isaiah got up and went out to do some sledding. Then they came back in and got us up. We all went out for a while. Then got dinner. Home, bath, and bed.
It was quite windy Saturday morning, so the ski place we are very close to (Heavenly) had a lot closed. But they have two cool gondolas up the mountain. We are hoping to take one up soon and do some sledding at the kid park up the mountain. Really, the guys are just excited to be around so much snow. It started snowing ever so slightly when we were out at dinner Friday. The weather warmed up a bit this afternoon, and got less windy. Hoping it will stay that way. We don't leave here until Wednesday.
This morning, the snow was much more icy. It was rather dry too. So we couldn't make snow balls. Jonas likes to be out for maybe half-hour intervals. Gareth, however, is having a blasting sledding and discing around. Tomorrow we are going to do the gondola. (Which reminds me... I need to go look up some info).

cigarette advertising

So, we stopped at a 7-11 recently to pick up some bread (well, it ended up being potato chips) to feed to the ducks. We pulled in to the parking lot, and I said we were going to get food for the ducks. Jonas got out of the car and asked if they had "camel food too?" I gave him a very perplexed look, and then noticed the advertising on the lower half of the door. Yes... cigarette advertising to a 2 year old.

case study of virus transmitability

Well, Gareth was the first one down. He threw up a bit more Friday night. Saturday he had a fever much of the day. But by Sunday he was mostly fine, just a bit tired. But, Sunday night about 12:30 a.m., Jonas puked. Poor guy was wretching about every 15 minutes for 4-5 hours. Didn't get much sleep. However, hardly had a fever at all. And by Tuesday he was mostly just a bit tired. Isaiah started to feel it Sunday evening but was in denial. By Monday morning, however, he couldn't hide from it any longer. He spent most of the day in bed. Tuesday he was still tired, but managed to handle the house. Which was good since Monday night/morning, I threw up about 2:00 a.m. I had a fever much of Tuesday and spent all day in bed.

Some good has come of this. First, Jonas let Isaiah put him to bed even though I was in the house! Second, I have learned that I no longer have to drive Jonas around to get him to sleep for nap. Yea!

Gareth was seriously bummed that we are not leaving for Tahoe today. But, we are going to leave Friday, and we are going for the same amount of time. So we'll come home Wednesday.

the sickies

Gareth got home from school today and said his tummy hurt. He said it had been hurting all day "for no reason". But he did play with the neighbor for a bit. I said maybe we should eat a bit of dinner. He took one bite and it didn't even make it halfway down before he threw up. I could tell it was a bit surprising. I walked him over to the toilet where he threw up again. Poor guy. He went to bed quite early. We checked him a few hours later and gave him tylenol for his fever. I'm hoping that it passes quickly enough for us to go to Tahoe Wednesday. I know he will be super bummed if we can't go.

bowling

Gareth LOVES bowling. We went yesterday afternoon after much pleading. Jonas just isn't really into it, though, so it can be challenging. Gareth played 2.5 games by himself. So cute. Sorry, I didn't note his score.

jonas

what is with this boy. He can be so infuriating. Freaked out. Seriously. When I made him go with Gareth and Lexi this morning. At least I have a new game plan. He freaks out less if I leave the house (and leave him with Lexi) that if I make him leave. So that is my new plan. Sigh. Someday I know he won't want anything to do with me. I know I should "enjoy" these times. But really, I need a break. I need to get stuff done.

school

So... we looked at Green Acres (our local elementary). But it wasn't a good day. It was raining. We'll have to go back on a sunny day. We did get to see a little. It's too bad that he can't actually participate in a class; he can only observe. He really wanted to participate. I don't want to scare him away from the school, but I do want him to see the playground when full of kids. Honestly, I think it will be too overwhelming for him. So I am leaning toward a private school (Santa Cruz Children's School) and hoping that I get one of their parent co-op positions so I only have to pay half price.

been a few

I know... I'm getting lax... I'm not posting... But it's been a pretty mellow few days. We got our apple tree this weekend. Admittedly it looks like a big stick we put in the ground. But we have high long term hopes.

I forgot to mention... last Tuesday we went to look at one of the schools that is a potential for Gareth next year. I love it, except for the price. It's small, though... good for Gareth. And he enjoyed it. Tomorrow we are going to look at our local public elementary school.

I sent out invites for Gareth's birthday party today. Now I have to organize the rest of it... for the pirates and mermaids (have to accommodate both sexes).

Oh, and I started band last week. Did I mention that? It was good. Jonas was not thrilled with me not being home for bed time. But... and I'm not sure whether this is related or not... Jonas did want Isaiah to put him down for nap once this weekend (instead of me). Progress, I think.

Valentines

Here are the pop-up cards I made...

Jonas's





Gareth's




The set (I did not get an outside pic of Isaiah's).

a variety of things

First, the boys and I went on a walk in Neary Lagoon on Monday with our friends Valerie and Olivia. We have had some gorgeous weather.

The gang:


The turtle:


Next... some crayon making pictures

after I peeled the crayons, we chopped them into smaller pieces. You can use them like this, but I knew that Gareth would want a more 'consistent' color in his crayons...



So... to get the colors less 'chunky', we chopped them in the blender



Put them in the silicone heart tin



Then we melted them on a low temp about 15 minutes. Pull them out and let them solidify.



I'll have pics of them out of the mold tomorrow.

after 2 years and 9 months

someone in my house has slept through the night for several nights in the past week. I am sure it has something to do with the fact that I am only sleeping in my own bed. I shall say no more for fear of angering the sleep gods... but I am hopeful of that this trend will continue.

family history

it can really bite

I know that many people and many docs will tell you that appendicitis is not hereditary. But I don't believe it. I've lost count as to how many of Isaiah's family have had it. I feel like it's an inevitable for at least one of my kids. So every time Gareth complains of a stomach ache I get so so worried. And last night and this morning we have... stomach ache complaints. So far, it's pretty vague and not i a focused area like I would expect it to be. And there are no other symptoms. So, I suspect it's nothing more than too much cake at the birthday party and him just having a cold. But I hate that I have to have that extra worry.

rustating

That's how Jonas felt the other day when he was trying to do something that he was having a hard time with. "This make me rustating!" (Translation: frustrated)

Manners

I just realized that you have be reasonably comfortable with your kids' manners to have a sitter. But at the same time know that (a) kids are worst when they are at home (where they test their limits), and (b) it's just a sitter and if she really judges, who cares. But... this made me realize that in general I am fairly comfortable with my kids' manners. Yes, they need improvement, but they are (almost) 3 and 6 years old. So needing improvement is to be expected. Just a random observation.

lotsa driving

and for stupid reasons. I had to go to Target (20 min south) and to the bookstore (15 minutes north). So I drove to Target then realized I didn't have the box for the item I was returning. I drove home got the box, drove to the bookstore (this was a must as we needed the books for a party this afternoon), then back to target. Sigh. At least I got it done.
Then I came home, wrapped the books, and made a few phone calls. I called the local public school to see whether Gareth and I can come look around (yes, but not in the classes-- I already did this on my own). Then I made an appt to have our carpets cleaned (and hopefully get rid of the pee smell on the stairs, from the cat who is now banned from the upstairs). And I called the builder (of our house) to get more info on some stuff I had called about back in December. One more call to make (to another school for Gareth) that I'll do this afternoon. It's nice to be able to get stuff done.
Now I won't see my sitter again until tomorrow afternoon. I wonder how much I'll get done between now and then.....

did you have to be there?

Maybe.... This morning about 5 a.m. Jonas called me into his room. His diaper had leaked (which thankfully doesn't happen that often) and he and the bed were soaked. The cute part, I thought, was when Jonas said, "There's pee on my butt." Maybe you had to be there.

New sitter

She's wonderful! So, as you may recall, Jonas is in a serious mom-only phase. Last Monday, I met our new sitter, Lexi, at Gareth's school, and had Jonas w/ me, but Jonas had only been awake about 10 minutes. However, both boys agreed to go with her to the coffeeshop and then to Gareth's piano lesson. She brought them home just before 5 and hung out with the boys while I finished getting dinner together (Isaiah was working late). Isaiah was shocked at how easily they took to her. I am too, but I'm not questioning it. I am just happy to get a little time where Jonas is not freaking out about me being gone (like at day care).

Tuesday morning, she came to take Gareth (and Jonas) to Gareth's school. Jonas was not ready to leave me. He wanted to go, but he wanted me to come. So I did. A group outing. We dropped off Gareth, then came home. We tried to get Jonas to leave the house with Lexi, but he would have none of it. However, he was okay staying home with Lexi while I left.

She came over several times last week. And the boys are doing well. She starts school next week, so this week and last week, I'm using her a lot. This morning she took both boys to drop Gareth off at school. Then watched Jonas until about 11:30. She left, but came back around 2, grabbed a sleeping Jonas and went to pick up Gareth and do the piano/park thing again.

It has been soooo nice! I've been able to clear out (freecycle) a bunch of crap from the garage. And start organizing my desk. And do a bit of cleaning. And just be less stressed. She'll be working less once she starts school, but it's nice to get some stuff done right now. Gives me a jump start. One kind off random tidbit, though... she's a surfer. And a good one. There have been two surf contests here in the past month (one this past weekend) and she got second both times. I just can't believe she surfs in water this cold.

Homo Depot.

This had me rolling. We have an (annoying) toolbox that has talking buttons. It's "home depot" brand. One of the voices says, "Welcome to Home Depot, where you can find any tool for any project." and Jonas looks up and says "Homo Depot! We have Homo Depot."

I guess you know where to go...

POISON FLIPPIN OAK

Who the hell gets poison oak in the middle of flippin' winter? I do. Ugh. I am highly allergic. Not that I ever get a shot for it; I just get it all over. Ugh. My legs look awful, but I don't like wearing pants because it rubs. So i wear skirts and show off my beautiful legs. Really, it looks horrid. I should take pics. And IT ITCHES. A LOT!!!!! Fack Fack Fack. It takes all my energy not to constantly scratch. Fack!

oops

Sorry, I have been remiss. I didn't mean to let so many days go by. But I have some updates. Let's see...

The sitter. Lexi. She is great. The first day she worked, she came with me to pick up Gareth from school. Then she took both boys to the coffeeshop, took G to piano, then J to the park, picked 'em both back up and got them home for dinner. I managed to get two big boxes cleaned out from the garage. (Yea! Baby steps.) The amazing thing here is that Jonas was willing to go with her. And actually, he was more willing at first than Gareth. But they both pretty much loved her instantly. Since then... she has come over two other days. On Wednesday she put G to sleep while I hung out with Jonas. That was Gareth's choice. Also on Wednesday (in the morning) she came over to watch Jonas. We tried to get him to go to the park or something with her, but if he left the house, he wanted to be with me. But as long as he was at home, it was okay that I left (so I went on a short run/walk). Again, the amazing thing was that Jonas was okay with me leaving. Her name, btw, is Lexi. She has an interesting past... born in England, live in SF for 7 years, graduated high school locally, and really has very little accent. She is taking classes at Cabrillo, but is looking at biology/premed (so she's smart) and she is an amazing (and avid) surfer. As in, she competes and has been at least a finalist in reasonably-known competitions. I think it will be great when it warms up; she is very open to taking Gareth to the pool and helping him with swimming. Also, she has a younger (half) brother who is in first grade. I think it would be great if he met up with Gareth sometime. In all, I am pleased.

What else... well... Jonas started music class again this week. It would be great, if only we had the same teacher. Jonas just wanted to go home go home go home because it was a different teacher. My boys just do NOT like change. With a passion. I am going to see whether the other teacher has any openings, but I'm doubtful. So, I am going to try class again next week. Probably force him to sit through two classes. By then, I think he'll be enjoying it again. It'll just be painful in the process. And if only the classroom was not like an icebox. Ugh.

Today I tried to sign up the boys for gymnastics. I got Gareth signed up for the all-boys class that he tried and loved. I tried to sign up Jonas, but the class they let us try out is all full. Wha??? So he's on the wait list. But she said turn over is pretty quick (as the kids get older and move on to other classes).

Gareth brought home a reader from school and has been reading quite about "The Pet Poodle." It's really quite amazing. I think he's reading really well.

I think that's a good update. We have two birthday parties this weekend. And I have to change the dentist appointments that I just made for the boys. But they will be having teeth cleanings soon. It will be Jonas' first visit.

That's all. Happy Friday (by the time you read this, it will be)

sitter

Oh the joy.... I have hired a sitter. She start tomorrow. Probably 10 hours a week or so. Initially, when she is with Jonas, we'll all be at home and I will just try to get stuff done (like sorting out the insanely full garage so some day we can park in it). But eventually, I will be able to do things on my own. Joyful things like, see the podiatrist (I need orthopedic inserts) and the dermatologist (I really should get my moles checked) and the dentist (oh joy) and my annual femal exam (overdue) and the chiropracter and regular doc (for my back/sciatica/whatever it is that has been killing me for months). And our new sitter (Lexi) has a younger brother in first grade; though she is in school at Cabrillo. I am so so so looking forward to a little time. And the idea of having someone to hang with the boys while I make dinner sounds divine. I hate having to shove them in front of the tv for an hour, but it's the end of the day, and they are usually overtired and totally wound up and if I leave them to their own devices they can truly destroy the house.

gymnastics

In all my excitement about skating last Thursday, I forgot to mention gymnastics. Both boys went to new gymnastics classes. Jonas's was more free form than the one he had tried previously, and he loved it. It helped, I'm sure, that our neighbor and her daughter (Sarah) were there too. We will definitely sign up.
Gareth went to a new class too. It was all boys. There were only three boys, so it was almost like a private lesson. He really likes gymnastics, though he's been on a break from it for a few months. He really liked the class. They climbed a rope, did some very simple climbing on parallel bars, a lot of work on cartwheels, and, at the end, they got to go in the foam pit—a big pit filled with foam blocks. That, of course, was his favorite part. We are going to try one other class at a different facility. He can't do the all-boys class there yet; he has to be 6. But the classes are small, which is good for Gareth. He will then decide which he wants to do.
I think it's great that he likes it so much. Maybe it will motivate me to do more stretching... yeah, right.

stop the presses...

This is news. Today we went to a birthday party (a Gareth friend) at the roller rink. Now, we have been to many a party at the roller rink. But Gareth has not even wanted to look at a roller skate, much less put one on. But Gareth still likes to go to the party knowing that he won't skate. Well, today we got there, and neither Carew boy was interested in skates. I had brought some markers and paper (for Jonas mostly). They ate some snacks, did a bit of socializing. And then out of the blue, Jonas says he is ready to try skating. And Gareth promptly piped up the affirmative as well. I nearly fell over. We did have to wait, though, as the cake was about to be served. But after the cake, all three of us put on skates. But we all three put on skates that had not been tightened. Fine for me. But too rolly for the boys. But I didn't realize this at first. So Jonas made it half way around the rink with me holding both hands. Then I carried him back to the seats. (The workers were not pleased with me carrying Jonas while skating.) Gareth made it all the way around, partly with me and mostly hugging the wall. Then I clued in that we could have his skates tightened. And he spent the next 20 minutes out on the floor with friends without me having a pretty good time. It was monumentous! Of course because they never want to skate, I didn't bother bringing my camera. So I have no photographic evidence. You'll have to take my word for it. And I suspect there will be more photo ops to come.

PICTURES!

Now don't fall over... but here are some pictures.

First the boys just got haircuts




Next, some of the cookies we made (granted, quite a few had already been consumed).




And this was some indoor painting fun the week after Christmas.



If you want to see all my pics, you can go here.

taking things literally

Gareth is at an age... an age that is annoying. But one that Isaiah says is payback for me. He takes everything (or everything that he wants to) literally. Last week, I asked him to pick up some paper off the dining room floor. He picked it up and promptly let it go (where it fell right back on to the floor). He insisted that I only told him to pick it up. On Monday (our at-home-inside day), I let them take the cushions off the couch to build a fort. Later, I asked him to put the cushions back on. So he piled them on. He then pointed out that I didn't ask him to put them on the right way. Testing testing... yes, it's what he's supposed to do... test. And for now, I can see the (slight) humor in it. But one of these days I think I may reach my limit with this particular test.

unclear on the concept

Ok, so I realize this was not my best parenting moment. But... YOU try staying at home, inside all day, with two young boys and see if you don't say some things maybe you shouldn't. Anyway... The boys were bouncing super bouncy balls downstairs yesterday. I told them they could roll them but not bounce them (because when they bounce, they can easily knock stuff down). Anyway... I said if they bounced I was going to put all the balls in the trash (ok... that was my bad moment). Well, here is where Jonas is unclear on the concept. He was not worried that the balls would go away. No, he said, "No. Then balls get dirty." Yes, he is more concerned about the neatness of the balls. Can you tell he's related to Isaiah?

Anway... what did do yesterday that was fun was bake and ice cookies. Pictures to come. Yes, I've said that before. But my goal is to take pics this week. Sorry!

single parenting

Sorry for the lapse in posting. Isaiah has been out of town this week, so my nights have been a bit more precious as to what I can/want to do. Anyway... Wednesday was good day for the most part. The best (most endearing?) part was when we were leaving the park (for Wednesday is park day, you know), and Gareth and Flora had a great big hug, at Flora's instigation. Flora has been Gareth's best friend for a couple of years now. But now they go to different schools and do not see each other regularly. I know that Gareth still thinks of Flora and misses her. And I often wonder whether Flora is the same. So I was happy to see her parting hug (at her own initiation). Very heartfelt and definitely warmed this mother's heart.

Thursday, however, was a bit more trying. Not because of Gareth, but Jonas. Oy! The Boy! So we were at the park (just Jonas and me and a couple of Jonas-aged friends). Jonas had a poop. I had to change it. I told him so. I gave him some time to come to terms with it. But he was having none of it. However it was time to go. So I had to forcibly hold him down with my legs (oh such fun) and change. And when it was all done, Jonas was YELLING at me, "Me want poopy diaper back on NOW!" I managed to keep calm. And I managed not to laugh. But oy, the yelling, the tantrum. Gareth was not like this. I think it is a combination of Jonas' stubbornness (can't imagine where he gets that from) and from the age (testing testing testing). We got home from picking up Gareth and ... well... everyone knows when they come in their house if they take off their shoes they go in their bin in the closet. Everyone has their own bin. Jonas refused to put his shoes in his bin. So I would not give him his dinosaurs. This went on for half an hour. He wasn't overly tantrum-y. I think he was more tired than anything. But eventually he did it. Battle of wills!

And for anyone awaiting an update on the school situation, Jonas is definitely not going. And this past week we interviewed three potential sitters. We have three more coming on Monday. I will be happy to have help around the house just getting things done.

And today we are in the Bay Area. We spent the day at the Exploratorium. Gareth LOVED it. LOVED it. I think he would like to move in. And so tonight we are spending the night with Tracy and Ben. The guys are probably tired but enjoying it.

parental moment

So, I had one of those really parental moments yesterday. Normally, Gareth LOVES going to piano lessons. Well, he was tired and didn't want to go. However, I knew he should. So I pushed him to go. And we did. That was the "parental moment". And in the end he was fine. And I'm glad he went, and I think he is too. It's the whole 'follow through on what you sign up to do' thing. And we did. This time.

Of course, this morning, I took Jonas to a trial gymnastics class. And we left halfway through. He just was SO NOT into it. Ugh. It's hard when your children are just so opposite of yourself. My guys are just not joiners. They are loners. I am not. It's hard for me to cope.

That is all.

heart crayons

We made heart crayons today. I swear I will take a picture. Gareth and I sorted out the nubs of crayons that we had. I peeled the paper off them as needed. We chopped them in the Cuisinart. And yes, although I will try to clean it, I may resort to simply buying a new bowl. Then we put the pieces into a silicone heart mold and melted them. They turned out pretty cool. We have to make three more sets. We are making them for Gareth's valentines at school. I have to get a head start because I'm going to try to get him to write his name on each card and he probably won't want to write more than a couple each day. I'm hoping to buy the paper tomorrow. Pictures, pictures... yes... soon!

by the way

While this blog will be largely about the kids, it will also have tidbits of life from the rest of the family... meaning Isaiah and me. So, you may learn more about me than you thought you would or that you thought you wanted to. You can easily skip over these posts. =)
Anyway... Isaiah and I went to a movie last night, Sweeney Todd. Very good. Very disturbing. But, what I was getting to is that you can really tell we live in a smallish town. We both drove cars (because we started in two different places), but then drove one home. The other was parked in a parking garage downtown. Well, when I picked it up today, the "all day" fee was $5. I laughed it was so cheap. Not that I'm complaining. Just thought it was funny.

Not ready to grow up...

This would be Jonas. He's been going to pre-preschool since before Halloween. And every time he screams. And it's not gotten any better. It was the same with Gareth. I really thought Jonas would be easier. Anyway, I think I've decided to pull him out. However I still desperately need some sanity time. I am posting an ad at Cabrillo for a helper. They have an awesome ECE program. And in the summer Jonas will start at Common Threads. Gareth will go with Jonas for the first summer session before he (Gareth) heads to a new school. I think them going together will help with that transition.

Growing Up

This week we took the back off of Gareth's booster seat. It fits so much better. He was obviously ready (in terms of height). Of course he was not ready for the change... He is never ready for any change! But after a few minutes of reminding him that this was the safer way to go, he was willing to give it a go. He'll still use the seat for a couple of more years.

I'm Back

Okay... I've decided to give it a go one more time. I am blogging in a way that will make it MUCH easier for me to post, so hopefully I will post more. Here it is.