Simi Mia

My little Simone and I are starting to jive in our musical tastes.  She used to come home from school humming the tunes to "Call Me Maybe" and "Gangnam Style,"  songs that made me cringe.  Yesterday she sang, "Mamma mia, ... hmm  hmm hmmm ..."  She didn't know the words but could do the melody.  After getting the song stuck in my head I started singing it out loud:

"Mamma Mia.  Here I go again.
My, My.  How can I resist you."

But that was all I knew.  So we've looked it up and I'm excited to say we might have an ABBA playlist pretty soon!

Alone Time vs. Family Time

As a stay-at-home mom, I sometimes need a break from the family.  At least I thought I did.  When the kids were younger and we were living in California, Michael used to take care of the kids at night and I would go to a cafe or I would go out with girlfriends.  This progressed to my going out by myself in the middle of the day, when I could actually enjoy the daylight without two kids hanging onto me.

The time alone was refreshing ... to a degree.  I remember missing the children just a little bit, but enjoying my time off.  When I would return, however, I felt the need to have even more alone time.  I don't know if this meant that I needed more alone time in general or if it was maybe futile at that time of the kids' development to "sever the tether."  The kids at the time were going to need me and clamor for my attention so any homecoming was going to be difficult.

Here in Tampa I recently needed alone time but the only time available was at night - when I was too tired to travel to a measly Starbucks cafe or to even try a new sushi place.  One weekend Michael asked what I wanted to do and I declared that I wanted to go to Clearwater Beach and dine at an establishment right on the water or on the sand in hopes of experiencing the laziness I sense in the song "Margaritaville."    Well Michael delivered and we enjoyed it immensely.

The view as one approaches Clearwater  Beach.

Lazy shopping available!!!

Ask Michael and ye shall receive!

Michael took us to the restaurant Frenchy's that sat right on the sand with a view of volleyball players and sunbathers.  Oh yeah ... and the water, clouds and horizon.  A plus about our table was that we plopped the kids over the guardrail to let them play while we waited for our food.  

"I'm not hungry!" means I'm more interested in playing.

After brunch, we played in the sand and surf for a while.  I realized that the kids were not experienced with waves because they didn't brace themselves as the rushing water crashed into them.  These weren't big waves at all;  they couldn't have been taller than 1 foot.  But in comparison to what they usually see at Snug Harbor, the waves here were gigantic. 

We didn't stay long, not because of the dark clouds clustering above us, but because Michael and I were tired of hanging out in the sun.  The kids, however, could have stayed there all day!

For the rest of the weekend, we did no work on the bus, we lounged around the house, napped, and ate & drank well.  This made me so happy and content!  I didn't want to be away from the family anymore.  I realized that I need some relaxation time - period.  Alone time definitely affords the relaxation I need, but so does lax family time.  I spend so much time with the family cleaning, washing, and disciplining. These are not a few of my favorite things and can thus easily associate the family with these unpleasant chores.  When I relax with them I'm able to associate positives with being around the family.  

Don't get me wrong.  I still need alone time.  I just now know that it is not the only answer to leisure.

Max's Debut

For one of Max's art class, he created a little bear and he performed in a little play starring as, "Baby Bear."

I wonder if he's been bitten by the theater bug.

Mommy, Interrupted

I have been taking Spanish lessons for a few months and they're conducted on Skype with a teacher in Texas.  Michael and I used to take these lessons in the evening but, due to our teacher's schedule changes, I now have to take lessons on weekday mornings. 

When our lessons were in the evening, the kids were asleep, or nearly so, and our lesson could go on peacefully and continuously.  When I have my morning lessons, the kids are awake and very eager to bother us with the slightest concern.  They have learned over a few sessions that they are not to open the door to the office unless someone is hurt.  If Michael and I are both home, it's easier to take care of the kids because whoever is not taking the lesson can leave to address the issue.  But if it's just me, I have to excuse myself a couple times.

Before my lesson starts I review the rules with the kids.  It's actually just one rule.  Don't interrupt Mommy. On the second morning that I had to take a lesson so early, I was interviewing the kids:

Me:  Mommy is going to take a lesson now.  You just watch TV and take care of yourselves. 
Max & Simone:  Ok, Mommy. (half-distracted because a cartoon was already on the screen)
Me:  Ok, if the show is over, what do you do?
Max:  Interrupt you?
Me:  Noooo!!!!  That's exactly what you don't do!  Just keep playing until I come out.
Max: (with a mischievous grin) Oh. 

Unfortunately, Max always needs to interrupt me because nature calls.  Yes, I still wipe his bum-bum after he goes #2.  Since my classes are during his breakfast, they are also during his bowel movement.  Sometimes - no probably every time I have a class with Maestra Patricia - she hears, "MOOOOOMMMMY!  I'm done!"  I excuse myself and come back after washing my hands from the dirty deed.

All in all, this is a great venue for learning a language.  Imagine if I had to go to a local college with my kids in tow.  In the middle of a lecture Max would announce he is ready to get his butt wiped.

Laundry Helpers

The kids love to help me with chores, but it's a process that usually takes longer because I have to teach them how to do things.  One thing they do, however, that is a positive and efficient help is when they help with the laundry.

I know the picture above does not look like an improvement, but it is.  Simone and Max sort their clothes into piles.  Max shirts here, Simone skirts there, Max pants here, Simone dresses there.  It really speeds up the process!!

Simone's First Day of 1st Grade

On Monday, Simone's school invited all students to meet their teachers for the new school year.  Simone was a little excited and was curious to see what Ms. Whitley would be like.

When we got to the school Simone started feeling nervous.  She clung to me and stayed quiet.  Once in the classroom, she tugged me close to her and whispered in my ear, "I'm more nervous than I thought I would be."  She was also disappointed that none of her old classmates she liked were in her present class.  I, on the other hand was excited for her to be with a teacher who had previously been teaching 4th grade!  I hope this gives Simone more challenge.  Max was also excited to see Simone's classroom because lounging on a shelf was a stuffed Pluto dog from his favorite show "Mickey's Club House: Road Rally."  Max asked to have it and wailed when I said he couldn't.  He insisted, "Yes, I can!"  Waaahhhh!!!  We left the meeting with Max crying, "Pluuuttoooo!"

The night before school was calm and I finally got my act together and got Simone to bed on time at 7:30pm.  The two kids were still hyped up, however, so I allowed them to sleep in the big bed until they fell asleep.  Part of getting back to the school year routine is for me to get to bed on time.  If I don't get up early enough, the kids get rushed with their breakfast and everyone is frazzled.  Max isn't going to school yet, but he always accompanies his big sister for drop-off and pick-up.

Simone was much more relaxed this year compared to last year's experience.

Simone is actually smiling on her first day.

Max is ready too

Simone wanted to take a picture with all her supplies.

Simone was very brave and never teared up.  She did want me to stay longer than we did.  I'd say we were with her for about 15 minutes.  I introduced her to her new classmate Emiylah who sits across Simone.  They were both nervous and ignored each other.

Max was super brave, approached Simone's teacher and asked,  "Can I have Pluto?"  And to my surprise, she gave it to him!!!  I assured Ms. Whitley that it wasn't necessary and she responded with, "Girl!  Do you know how many stuffed animals I have in that back cupboard?!"  As she was getting Pluto, Max turned to me and said, "I told you she would give it to me!"  I had to admit I was wrong and Max was doubly happy!

We left Simone as the Principal started her welcome speech.  Simone did not object but also was not joyous.  She started to work on her "All About Me" sheet that Ms. Whitley gave the students.  I miss her already!

Max on the other hand has his mind on his new friend Pluto.  I'm sure, however, that he will be asking to pick up Simone earlier than scheduled.

I Could Eat a Horse

Remember all that hoopla at the beginning of the year over the "scandal" that some ground meat in Ireland was mixed with horse meat?    I agree that the meat should warn customers that the meat contains something other than beef, but am I grossed out that I might be eating horse?  Not at all!  If it tastes delicious, I will eat it!  Besides, I was reading Simone and Max some history narratives that described our hunter-gatherer ancestors' diets which included horse meat!  It's not that foreign for humans to do it.

Maybe I'd stay away from horse organs - raw or cooked.

There had been shocking news that Ikea's meatballs contained horse and I saw people on Facebook aghast at the notion.  I thought to myself, "Hmmm, I like those meatballs - I guess I already know I like horse."  But sadly, Ikea pulled that item from their menu.  But happily I found out that our Tampa Ikea left it on their menu!

Guess how it tasted?  As delicious as ever!!!

On a recent trip to a Colombian restaurant, I was enticed by one dish that boasted of slow roasted meat.  I ordered it despite the entree's title was "Bistec de Caballo."  The Filipino Bistec is deeeeelicious and savory, but the Spanish word for horse concerned me - for just a split second.  

This meat was so good that I forgot to take a picture once the dish arrived.

I thought to take a picture only after I had already eaten 75% of it.  The meat is under the untouched egg.   It didn't taste foreign and I figured that the word horse is put in the title to emphasize the portion of the food rather than the ingredient.  

I think the world was grossed out by horse meat because it's been 10,000 years since it was the norm.  And because it's strange to dig into something that we have historically referred to as our transportation / pet / coworker on the farm.  This makes me wonder about having dog.  Maybe I'd enjoy it!

Zoo Trip in the Wagon

We had not been to the zoo since the beginning of the Summer and now the vacation is almost over.  I had to get the kids there before our schedule shrunk!

Back in June, Simone had asked me if it hurts lizards when they have to let go of their tails.  I told her we should ask a biologist the next time we went to the zoo.  I also asked her to write about it.  Here was her page and drawing:

"Dear biologist, I have some questions to ask you.
1. Does it hurt when a lizard lets a predator chop off its tail?
Huh"

So our first stop was to the "Discovery Zone" where they house their amphibians, arthropods, and reptiles. 

 

We had a fun time discussing the reason some frogs are brightly colored.  Simone already knew it was to warn predators that it was poisonous.  This information stuck in Max's memory because a few days later, upon hearing that a tiny frog was hiding in one of our jalapeno peppers outside, he asked, "Is it blue?"

They were not sure if the chameleon was real and Max dared to touch it.
Simone kept her distance

The kids were interested in the exhibits, but were very cautious.

We unfortunately did not come across a volunteer informant.  The zoo was overrun with day campers and their teenage counselors who seemed more interested in their smartphones.  But not to worry, the bird show was starting nearby!

We high-tailed it - or rather I hightailed the kids and the wagon to the nearby stadium whose show was starting in 10 minutes.  We made it in time for the kids to enjoy their lollipops.  Simone preferred to stay in the wagon until the music started.  Loud noises scare her and she had to scurry under the wings of her mama (pun intended).  

What I loved about this show was that it was different from the one we saw previously!  We got to learn new information about the habits of owls, vultures, and eagles, the last of which I didn't know preferred fish over small birds and mammals!

It was a sweltering hot day and I was thankful that the kids had the wagon to shade them.  They also didn't have to exert so much energy.  I however exerted a lot of energy pulling them and was glad when they asked to go home after only one train and one roller coaster ride.  Thank goodness we have a year pass and go whenever we want for as little time as we want.

Hopefully next time we'll encounter a biologist!

Gluten Makes Me Smile

I'm not going to lie:  gluten makes me smile.

In February, Michael suggested we go on a raw diet.  I complied but found it difficult to come up with new recipes.  This healthy kick however inspired me to give more healthy treats and entrees to our kids.  I made raw pizza, but it was too healthy for us in that, as Michael put it, "the crust makes me want to puke."  We were losing weight in that we didn't want to eat our raw / vegetarian cuisine.   I thought that a medium between decadent and raw would be a great kind of pizza crust for us.  Gluten-free baking seemed like it might be our new lifestyle!

Well, it lasted for a short while in that even gluten-free crust was not savory to either Michael or the kids.  So on my pantry shelf sat mason jars of exotic flours and powders - garbanzo and flava bean flour, egg replacer, xanthum gum, etc.

This past week we visited a friend about 1 hour away and I wanted to bring her something that the kids and I made.  Not having enough flour for cookies, I looked to my ingredients and decided to make her something semi-healthy.  Gluten-free muffins with chocolate chips!

I messed them up when I pulled them out 2/3rds of the way to insert the chips on top.  This caused the middle to not be fully cooked.  But after a taste test, Michael assured me that it wouldn't have mattered because the tasted awful.  I was not offended; I was in agreement!  And in this batch I had snuck in some regular flour to offset the strange slightly-bitter taste that the unusual ingredients had.

This was the moment I swore off gluten-free baking and cooking.  I think the key is just to not eat a lot whether it be Raw, Vegetarian, Carnivore, or Glutenless cuisine.

I T H I N K They're Potty Trained Now.

I think the kids are potty trained now.  Simone hasn't pee'ed the bed at night in a long time.  Max too, at the tender age of 3 1/2, does not pee the bed at night!  I think I know what had been causing them to not hold their bladder, but first I went through a bunch of failed hypotheses

Hypothesis #1 - Kids have to have an empty bladder before bed.
My mom had suggested not letting the kids drink water too soon before bed.  This did not seem to have a correlation to when and when they would not have night accidents.  Sometimes Simone would not have a drink 2 hours prior.  She still would sometimes pee at night.  Even making the kids pee before retiring did not seem to help.

Hypothesis #2 - The kids are too young to know when to get up to pee.
Neither does age have an effect.  Simone had been in nighttime diapers for a looooooooooong time.  She had even wet her bed after she turned 6.  Max has a higher success rate and he is younger and a boy, the gender that historically develops later in the proper plumbing maintenance department.

Hypothesis #3 - The toilet has to be conveniently located.
I used to think that being in the top bunk bed prevented Simone from wanting to get down the ladder to go to the bathroom, but she sometimes would wet the bed when she slept in Max's lower bunk - and she had been sleeping there for months!

Hypothesis #4 - Fear of the Dark prevents kids from getting out of bed.
Theorizing that the kids were too scared to get up in the middle of the night we put up a few nightlights to light their path to the toilet.  This didn't have an effect as every night was dimly lit to guide their way.


After a few weeks of success with just a couple of accidents, I noticed a correlation as to when the accidents happened.  On nights that the kids went to bed late (for example, 9pm instead of the usual 7:30pm) or had been exhausted from a fun-filled day in the sun without a nap, Simone and Max would be more likely to wet the bed.  Sometimes growth spurts may exhaust them too.  Whenever Simone would wet the bed, she did it consecutively for a few nights.  I'm not solidly certain on the timing, but that's another sub-hypothesis.


Hopefully this is the last post I make on potty-training!

PS.  Observe how tall Simone is getting and how less-"baby" Max is looking!

Half Filipino, Half ....

Simone was asking questions about where Grammy and Michael's Dad came from.  I told her that they were born in Minnesota but that their ancestors were of German and Scandinavian descent.  I also explained that since the German and Scandinavian blood was from so long ago, her Daddy is just considered American or Caucasian.  But she was insistent on her conclusion.  

"I'm half Filipino, half Minnesoto!"


(That wasn't a type-o.  She really said multiple times, "half Minnesoto")

The Kids Fight So Much

Last week was an interesting week in that it seemed that the kids were fighting so much.  It totally infuriated me to have to constantly discipline and referee them.  I also felt like an investigator whenever they ran to me crying about their problems.  They would speak their defense and complaints at the same time.  I had to address them individually to piece together what really happened.

We may have been inside the house too much because I noticed that during the weekend, when we visited new places and Michael and I didn't work on the bus at all, the kids got along well.  Maybe they just need face time with Michael and me and to get out of the house to see new and exciting places.

Here's what it was like on the weekend when the kids were playing contentedly and together!

Goodbye Sam's Club

Since about 2006, we've been big box warehouse store members.  When we were in California, we went to Costco because it was convenient to our home.  Here in Florida, there are both stores and we enrolled in Sam's because of its proximity to our house.  While we did save money being members, I've seen the savings wane over the past year.  The reasons have been numerous:

1) Max potty trained and no longer needed diapers after 6 months into our membership.
2) Simone enjoyed washing her hands and was tall enough now to turn on and off the faucet.
3) Sam's Club has very little organic choices. Correction:  They have only 1 organic choice.  Carrots.
4) The Commissary at the military base nearby has more organic choices: Strawberries, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, celery, blueberries, jelly, peanut butter, yogurt, milk, and tofu, to name a few!
5) The Commissary has something Sam's Club does not - Kale!
6) The particular Sam's Club that we frequent does not have a gas station, one of the advantages of having a membership.

I would go to Sam's once a week and found myself not really needing anything.  Or if I did need something, it was usually just a loaf of bread, which is something I can get at the Commissary.  It is a few cents more at the base, but I save money that money on gas.

I've contemplated Costco and even traveled to one to see if their selection was worth it.  They did have organic beef - whatever that means - but that sole grocery item is not worth the 30 minute trek.

It feels almost scary to not have access to a big-box store - as if I'm going to miss out on a deal.  But as I look at the picture above and see what Sam's has to offer, I feel better because many of the selection there is not healthy.  We did stock up on toiletries before our membership ended, but it won't last us a whole year.  Luckily we have the Commissary.  Next year might be a different story if we're not near a military base.

For now, au revoir, Sam!