Mother of the Year

Looks like I was DQ'd today for this award.

The day started off innocently enough. It was raining and actually a little cooler outside, and I had planned to take the kids to the grocery store to do some "back to school" lunchbox shopping for JD.

We loaded into one of the germ-mobiles that they have attached to the front of the grocery carts that all kids love and all mothers loathe. And we were off to the races.

Things went well as my helpers picked out yummy fruits and snacks for JD's lunchbox. About halfway through, Meg started yelping. I looked down, and it appeared that Meg's fingers were in JD's mouth with teeth marks on two of her fingers.

I pulled the cart over for a stern, but quiet lecture of "Don't Bite Your Sister Ever Again." I issued the threat of "we will leave the store if you do it again and you won't like what happens when we do."

Shopping resumes and we approach the checkout. And yes, my son decides to test out exactly how much pressure is required from his bite in order for Meg to scream. Ugh. I actually raise my voice at this point and start telling my son that he is in very big trouble and that I am very unhappy with him and a few other things that came out in the heat of the moment.

Yes - I became "The Yell-y Mother in the Store" that we all cringe when we shop around because she is yelling at her kids and it looks like the kids couldn't possibly be doing anything THAT bad to require yelling in a public place.

Well, I'm here to tell you that biting is THAT bad, especially when your son is starting preschool the next day and will get kicked out for such offenses. (Okay, enough of my guilty justification)

So I finish checking out and much to my frustration and chagrin, JD bites her AGAIN!!! Oh my goodness! My temper is totally flipped to the "red" mode now. And of course this is the time that the attendant chooses to reward my child's bad behavior by giving him stickers. Nice.

I take him out to the car and basically yank him into his car seat with a lot of yelling, but manage to gain my sanity and patience enough to not spank him then and there in the parking lot. I don't want to be THAT mother.

After loading the groceries, we spend the short trip home discussing WHY we don't bite and what happens when we bite and why it isn't nice to ever hurt someone and when we do, there is a punishment involved because it isn't GOOD behavior.

By the time we pull into the driveway, JD is begging to take a nap (in his mind that is a pretty terrible punishment, but not as bad as a spanking).

I had calmed down considerably by this time, so I was able to talk to JD rationally and explain why he was getting a punishment (but Mommy, I'm not a bad guy. No, you aren't a bad guy, but biting isn't good behavior. Let's be a GOOD guy instead).

And yes, JD took his medicine like a champ, promised not to bite again and gave out some hugs and sorry's to all offended parties.

So if you see me on You Tube this week, please cut me a little slack after hearing my side of things. And remember the next time you see a mom yelling in public, well, I don't know how to finish that statement because it might be me!

Colorado Part 2

Around July 3, we packed it up and headed into Colorado Springs to stay at the Broadmoor. Yes, we LOVE it there and this year was no exception.

The first thing we did was to have a family photo taken. Our last professional one was also at the Broadmoor when JD was 1, so it has been awhile.

Here is an out-take with the kiddos... That night, we all went out to eat at the Golden Bee, an old English Pub style restaurant. Meg and I dressed up for the occasion.

On July 4th, we spent some time at the pool, where JD got to ride the big superslide (albeit illegally since he was an inch too short) a couple of times. Meg and JD both enjoyed the baby pool for most of the morning.
Jon and JD went out for snowcones at the Broadmoor's Fourth of July carnival and jumped in bouncehouses and played while Meg and I rested.

We did the annual picnic and fireworks at Jon's grandparent's house in Manitou Springs. The kids stayed there so Jon and I could enjoy our anniversary the next day at the hotel.
Jon and I had a GREAT day relaxing and reading and eating on our anniversary! We had dinner reservations at the Penrose Room and had a fantastic dinner (if anyone asks, 4 courses is 1 too many). We danced to our song (Just the Way You Look Tonight). Eight awesome years together!!

The next day, it was back to the cabin. We loaded up for fishing with the Boyd group.

As you can tell by the "clouds of doom" behind JD, we were massively rained out pretty quickly. We were even hailed on as we hiked back the 1+ mile back to the car. (Meg was impressively quiet the whole way on my back!)

The next day, the Boyd's came out to fry up the fish and eat dinner. The guys had a tremendous pool table tournament that I think Papaw "Pool Shark" Boyd swept.

We couldn't get a good photo at this outing. :( Meg was just too tired.

Nathan and Dan hung out with us too, but don't worry, we put them to work...

So another great summer trip to Colorado!! Can't wait to go back!!