Vegas, Baby!

Sorry about the lull in posts. Am I the only one that actually takes LONGER to unpack and get settled after a vacation rather than getting packed and ready? It's been so long since I've actually been on one-and with kids-that I'd forgotten how much work goes into washing all the clothes, and getting everything out of bags and actually getting back into the routine of life. Also, I've noticed that most of my posts start out with some sort of "sorry it's been so long", apology. This coincidentally happens with all my journals that I try keeping, as well. Does this mean that my blogging days are numbered? Could be.
So I'm not a millionaire. I know. I'm shocked, too. The last time Jeff and I were in Vegas was a little over seven years ago. At that time you could actually put coins into the machines/slots and gamble. So if you had a load of change just lying around, Las Vegas was the place to go. We did. But this time, it wasn't.
Now you're supposed to bring cash only, or better yet, pay for some sort of credit card that attaches to your pocket, and plugs into a machine so you can play for a little receipt of paper that says you can go to one of the cashiers and should you get lucky, they'll give you money. I was never lucky. I wasted a whole ten dollars. I hate this new way of gambling. It's too scary and you can't trick yourself with carrying around a dirty plastic cup of change. So I'm still as poor as I was before, (ten bucks poorer, actually), and for that, I'm glad it wasn't a vacation just for Jeff and me. I'm glad we'd decided on doing a lot of activities and maybe "trying our luck" at gambling on the side, rather than the other way around, as our luck in the gambling area sucked. Big time.
We actually stayed in Primm, Nevada. At Buffalo Bill's. This was because we got rooms for $3.00 a night. We had to get two rooms, because we now are larger than a family of four....but at three bucks a night, we did it without complaint. Also, having two rooms was really nice. Jeff would sleep in and the kids and I went to the other room and watched cartoons until he finally graced us with his morning presence. Our first day there was pretty relaxed. We checked in, and found out that the pool was only heated on the weekends. (Total bummer). That was the thing the kids were most looking forward to...but luckily, I've got great kids. They were satisfied with a few dips in the hot tub, and they still enjoyed the trip. We asked the kids if they'd like to ride on the rollercoaster. It was coincidentally Jeff's 32nd birthday, (LOVE YOU, BAYBEEEEEE!), and he said that riding would be something he'd like to do, but neither one of the kids wanted to try it. Because one of us had to hang with Syd while the other rode the "Desperado", the kids cooperation was mandatory...and no dice. Riley said it looked way too scary, and Cole said he'd try it, but "later". Anyway, our first night there was very low key.
The next day we went to "The Real Las Vegas", as Cole called it. Because we were staying in the "Fake Las Vegas". Our first stop was the Mandalay Bay. I would have loved to stay there--that place is huge and has so much stuff going on. (Instead of just a pool, they have an entire water park...and it's not closed on the weekdays. Fancy that). One day, for sure. We went to the aquarium they had there, and the kids, Jeff and I were really impressed with it. Kory and Amy had mentioned it to us, and they also told us about the miracle that is Google text/search--it allows you to have directions sent to your cell phone by text--why do I never know about any of this stuff? This is a white alligator. Apparently they are way cooler than the green ones. They had little misters going on and off inside the area that contained the wildlife. It made my normally oily complexion exceptionally shiny. And didn't have any effect on Jeff's face at all. Proof positive that is IS harder to be a woman. Obvious proof.
They had little remote/phone thingies that we had to carry around and listen to the back stories of all the featured animals. I can see where this would be a good idea for those people there that were on a date, or just random couples that were killing a few hours until happy hour. But when you've got kids and babies and loads of other crap that requires your hands, it was just stressful. So I didn't get the stories on each animal, but I think I figured everything out just the same. Then we got to the actual sea-life part, and this was equal parts really cool, and creepy. We saw a lot of sharks--thus the aquarium's name, Shark Reef. They had a tank with tons of jellyfish and an Octopus...I kind of wonder if this would be considered impolite in Octopus society, however, they didn't say anything, so...
Syd's favorite part by far was the the lion fish tank. It had the perfect amount of fish and florescent lighting and they would swim right next to her face. I thought it was funny to see a four month old that interested in what was going on around her--she actually paid attention to everything. Let's see, the kids got to pet sting rays, and though this was the cause of death for Steve the Crocodile Hunter, the kids love it each and every time. I am a little relieved by the fact that some say they remove the barb that excretes poison or whatever, but just a little. They still carry salmonella, are saddened by the fact that their sole existence now is just being handled by noisy people all day, and are slimy. So points for me in touching one, as well.
I've never been one to overly freak out in confined places, but after watching the sharks above, below, and to the sides of me, I began to think about the possibility of the tanks cracking or buckling under pressure. And how we would all die and there'd be no escape. Five minutes into those kinds of thoughts, I was ready for the the tour to be over, and we made our way out. It was a really great experience, though. I really want to take the kids to the aquarium in Seattle. I've never seen one that compares, and I know that they'd love it. Ahh...just keep taking these vacation baby steps, and one day...This is Cole and Jeff taking a breather at the Luxor. It wasn't that exciting there, as you can tell by Cole's face.
Then we went to MGM Grand and visited M&M and Coke world. There was an actual lady dancing on the bar at MGM. I was kind of mezmerized as it was about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and people were just drinking and not paying attention to her....Worst. Job. Ever. I almost took a picture, but thought it way too "touristy" for me, even. Then it got me thinking about strippers...as there are billboards and flyers everywhere to go see them. And though as a stripper you normally have a rock'n bod....you also have to dance/jiggle in front of a bunch of creeps while they occasionally stare, leer, and eat. I really come up short when I try to see the upside of it. I guess if you're successful, the money would be the only positive. As I watched that lady dance on the bar for all that she was worth, I imagined that I'd just be a fat stripper that would get pissed no one was noticing I'd skipped breakfast, lunch and dinner for the last two months in a row, and I'd have to admit defeat.
Coke and M&M world were quite interesting...Coke moreso than M&M in my humble opinion, as M&Ms are, I believe, the biggest waste of space in the candy world. (Unless they are almond or peanut butter). My little family disagrees with me, however, but this is my blog, so I can voice MY opinion. The last pictures are of us on the Strip. Though you can't tell, Jeff was actually holding both Riley and Cole up level to him. He was way bummed that I didn't show that in the actual picture, as he was using severe muscle all the while I was trying to get a photo that worked with him and the kids in it. But I feel like I need to explain for all his hard work; that he's still a complete and utter "He-Man", even at the old age of 32.
Our final day in Nevada was Cole's birthday. Happy 6th, Bubbers! All he needed was another year of courage, and he was willing to go on the Desperado with Jeff. Technically he was about an inch shy of the height limit--but that sneaky kid stood on his tiptoes while he was being measured. And no, he had no coaching from either one of us. Not one to be shown up by Cole, Riley decided that she'd go with me after Jeff and Cole got back. I was excited to go, but going with Riley could turn into a nightmare--as she's that kid that pukes when being spun on the swings. So while Jeff and Cole went and rode the rollercoaster, Riley, Syd and I went to the arcade and played games. FYI, Riley and I are pros at skee-ball. Or however that's spelled. Either way, we'd totally kick your buns. We were trying to figure out how to redeem our tickets into prizes when Jeff and Cole came back--Jeff looking bright-eyed and Cole looking green and grateful to be alive. He told Riley it was the scariest thing he's ever done, and Jeff was concerned that some crying would be involved in the middle of the ride, but Cole held it together. Let's just say he wasn't up for a second round, not by a long shot. (Seriously wind-blown hair). Then Riley and I went. I was actually getting a little scared...not of the ride, because I've been on it a few times, but because I just knew that Riley was going to barf all over me, and in addition to having to apologize to the innapropriately intimate couple seated behind us was going to be awkward. As we started off there was a little decline before the huge climb to the very top, and Riley screamed at that...so I knew things would just get progressively worse. For about thirty seconds we were pulled straight up into the air, everything below looking like toys. And then the couple of cars in front of us got to the drop, and we watched them fall before being jerked along with them. I spared a glance at Riley and her eyes were popping out of their sockets. And then we were freefalling. Straight down. The force of the rollercoaster made it hard to turn my entire head, but as I screamed and simutaneously tried to peek at Riley, I saw her look of terror and heard her screams of, "OH MY GOSH!!!!!!OH MY GOSH!!!" repeatedly and the expression on her face would probably be the same had she been being eaten by a pack of ferocious, rabid dogs. From there, in addition to my screaming out of fear of the drop and speed, I was also screaming in anticipation of flying chunks of whatever she'd eaten that morning. But to my surprise and pleasure, none came. We finally came to the point we'd started from, and I spared her a glance. She was deep breathing and finally looked up at me. She started out softly: "That....was....AWESOME!" She was glowing with excitement. Ahhh....that's my girl! :)
Following the rollercoaster rides and arcade, we went to the outlet stores at the Primadonna Casino. No pictures were taken, while there, sorry. Not that you all haven't seen an American Eagle or Gap or Bath and Body Works. Rest assured, though, I got some great deals. Some of the stores shouldn't have been able to have the word "outlet" attached to their titles, as an outlet makes you assume better prices. But, I guess that's just the rule of retail. All in all, our trip was WAY too short. There were so many things that I wished we could have done. If you go to Vegas, a day simply doesn't give you enough time to get past more than three casinos. But though the getting home and re-situated was a bit harder than I'd imagined, I'm ready for our next outing. It IS nice to be in our own beds, though. Until next time, dear readers. One day, I shall be all caught up. Maybe.

Hasta

Much thanks to all my responders regarding my last post. Nothing makes me happier than hearing that I'm not the only one that thinks my problems are big. And that I shouldn't HAVE to deal. So I believe that when we return from our Vacation, (the vacation that will be "stealing" education from my children causing them to get progressively dumber each second they miss), I'm going to do something seriously hard core. Like write a complaint letter. Or something.
In all seriousness, I am actually pretty riled up about this situation. After having time to reflect the meeting and the supposed law, and all that jazz...I think most parent's reaction to this situation is similar to mine...which is utter confusion. What can I do? Who can I approach? How can I continue to keep my children in public school, where they love their friends and their teachers? Ultimately, the most important thing here is for Riley and Cole to be happy. They really enjoy the school, their teachers, the principal, etc...so I'm going to try to be nice and not burn all the bridges that they deal with on a daily basis. Like I said, I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but it will be something. First I have to do some studying and find out what the specifics of the laws are and such, so I don't sound like a total doof.
Anyway, if I come home a millionaire from the nickle machines that I love, I may just forget the whole thing and move away. I'll hire tutors for Riley and Cole that will kick Cherry Creek's collective public arse.
Toodles for this week. We're gonna be partying Vegas style, or the style with an infant and two grade school kids, which I'm sure is just as fabulous. Regardless, you'll see lots of pictures when we're back. Later dudes!

PISSED.

This will not be a nice post. I'm not feeling nice. I'm feeling like I could take a certain someone by the hair and twirl them around and around in the motion of an old-fashioned sprinkler. For those of you that are easily offended, and may just disagree with what I will be saying because it's going to be crass and trashy...just skip this post and go look at someone else's blog. You may just want to anyway because this is will take an incredible amount of time, as well. But I'm documenting this, and it's gonna be very involved, cause I'm not holding back.

Today I went to a "mandatory meeting" at Cherry Creek School. Apparently I have neglected to take the supposed THREE letters they sent me seriously, and "most-likely just as many" phone calls that they've made, telling me they need me to be there or face dire consequences. Between you and me, I never received said letters. Or phone calls. In fact, I have proof because I have all my phone records. However, it's my word against theirs as far as the letters go. And guess what? They're not believing me. It's been a craptastic day, but a five hour nap, and some severe emotional over-eating later, I'm ready to talk about it.

Let me first admit that I'm not keen on all the new laws they've passed within the last year on Public Education here in Utah. I guess they put an insert in the yearly manual they send each child's parents in July, before the school year starts. But, after reading it two years in a row, I had memorized all the words of wisdom therein such as: "Don't drop your children off at the North entrance, as it's a busy intersection without a cross walk", or "Please be prompt in picking children up after school, as it's a liability for both the school and the parents should children be left at the building unattended". So I naturally thought that it was old hat--that despite there would be some new days off during the year, the information would pretty much be the same, and mainly I'd keep it around for reference. It's not like they put, "PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY, AS NEW LAWS THAT WILL AFFECT YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN PUT INTO PLACE". And maybe that's me being ignorant, but I think that it would have been beneficial to all if they would have done that.

Yesterday I received a call from the school. It was a message from a member of the school district in charge of attendance, and the reason she was calling was that I had failed to show to three previous mandatory meetings regarding the attendance of my children. They have missed 15 days of school, ten of which were unexcused absences. Should I miss the meeting the next morning at 9:30 a.m., my case will be handed over to the state and from there, I could face a monetary fine, or jail time. WTF?
Needless to say, I called right back. This is when I was told that I could have avoided the whole involvement of the school district, if I would have just shown up when I received the notes I was supposedly sent. I expressed my concern about NOT receiving anyTHING regarding any of this, and was politely contradicted, because certainly the school system wouldn't make the mistake of not telling me about each individual meeting. The weird thing is...when someone tells me in a phone message that I'm such a crap mom that there's a possibility that I'll need to do some jail time, I'll call back. And I'd remember if someone wrote that to me in a letter. I'm quirky that way.
So I told her that I'd for sure be there, because though I had better things to do, going to court instead wasn't a preferable option for me.
So today I showed up at five minutes till. I saw that including myself, there were about four other adults waiting to attend this meeting as well. This made me feel better because I had a little solidarity--apparently I'm not the only mother in the entire school that just "doesn't take her children to school for funsies".
The principal was the conductor of the meeting. He specified that the meeting taking place was "by Law", mandatory. And he reiterated that about twelve times. He apologized to all of us, saying that though attendance is important, he doesn't necessarily agree with the way this new law is being carried out. So, the law is this: Children are not to have more than 5 unexcused absences a YEAR. If they are sick, they need a doctor's note. If they are going on vacation, it needs to be verified by the principle as to whether it's excused or not. If there is a family emergency, the school MUST know. The child's teacher, the principal, and the office MUST know, so as to be sure that it will be excused. The same goes for if there are extenuating circumstances within the family, or some sort of problems with addiction that may encumber attendance. When a child is sick, you need to call AND personally talk to someone within two days of the illness and missed day, or else an excused absence isn't possible. This is to save your own ass, as things, information, can get lost, and then it's just your word against theirs. Though they aren't having any problems in school, and their report cards and teachers confirm this, should Riley or Cole accumulate one more unexcused absence this year, I will need to attend court, pay a 50.00 fine for each kid, and be put on a probationary thing where I have to check in with some kind of social worker every two weeks, explaining what my schedule is like, how we are doing, and whether or not I'm getting my children to school on time or just there, period.

So, let me explain WHY my children have missed this much school. But first off, let me also say that it used to be that 15 unexcused days a semester was the limit...and now it's five days the entire year. My kids get sick. CONSTANTLY. Now, I know why. When Riley tells me, at least once a month, about someone puking at their desk, I now get it. Everyone is so FREAKING paranoid with this new law, that they will send their kids to school regardless of whether or not they are sick. My baby got RSV because my kids brought it home from other kids. If Riley or Cole are snotty and continually coughing, I would keep them home. And the same if they had a fever. I thought by doing this I was being a good parent. And guess what? It would happen often--I've posted about the woes of having continually sick kids. It's not fun. Would I prefer a janitor to clean up my kid's vomit rather than myself? Yeah, honestly I would. I just thought that that particular task was my job as a mother; not the job of the school. But now, I've been forced to re-evaluate my previous ideas of what a Mother's job is. And now I'll be sending my children to school whether or not they're sick or contagious. Because I don't want to go to court. I don't want to be fined 1000 dollars per child and up to two months of jail time because I didn't feel right about sending them out to infect other kids. And what kind of an effing Nazi law is this that won't allow me the decision making rights of whether or not to send my kids to school? Regardless of grades, regardless of how they act towards their teachers and classmates, it's all about whether or not they are THERE. That's B.S. in it's truest form. A big, reeking pile of it. Honestly? I feel pretty violated. It's hard enough for me when I feel like my mothering is being questioned. However, when it's not just questioned, but I'm punished for it? I feel like all my rights are being ripped out from under me.

For those of you that don't know, Jeff and I are taking the kids to Vegas all next week. We've had it planned for the last two months. Made reservations. This is the first vacation as a family that we've ever had. We've never been able to before, as we never had the means or the time. Not that we have a lot of either right now--we're just going to Vegas for heaven's sake. But we are doing it as a family, and I was so excited for this. After the meeting, I had to explain my "situation" to the principal, so he could tell me whether or not it would be excused. I'd already arranged for the kid's homework and such while we were gone, but that wasn't enough. The principal had to give me the okay. I'm thankful that he's not a prick...otherwise, we would have had to cancel. However, I didn't get out of an uncomfortable pause and a look that kinda said, "you do realize you're making it harder on your children, don't you?"

So that's what we now deal with as parents. It's not just the fear of drugs or friends that are bad influences or bullies anymore. It's also the possibility of the school taking your concern for your children's health as a sign of vigilantism toward their attendance.
Regardless, I'm going to go to Vegas with Jeff and my babies. And we are going to enjoy an entire week of shopping and swimming, and riding roller coasters and visiting aquariums and probably a little bit of gambling, too. All the while knowing that school is going on WITHOUT them. And I refuse to let them make me feel guilty. Because my kids are smart and they are nice and healthy...and they'll have their homework done before we leave early Monday morning. But in all honesty, is this fair? I realize there are circumstances where some kids DON'T get to school. Some parents are the type where they don't give a flying eff. But does that make it right to "fix" that problem in this way? Does it make any sense that I'm so pissed? Just asking.

Updates

So, book club. I thought I'd branch out and choose a fun, short novel that I hadn't read before. I chose the book, He's Just Not That Into You. Not only wast NOT
fun, but it wasn't a novel, either. Essentially it was a self-help guide for clueless, dating females. Not only was I embarrassed for the this being my choice in the first place, but the advice was for the exceptionally dumb...and that's putting it at nicely as possible. Next time I'm just going to go with something I know: Vampires, Werewolves, and romance. Those three subjects never disappoint. Consider yourselves warned, Bookclubbies.
And the dinner? Well, it was good. But, that's no thanks to me. I went to Sam's Club and got a couple manicotti dinners and dressed them up to 'look' like I made them. (You know, transferred them into a different dish and added cheese). I tried to prepare myself to gracefully take credit for the meal, as I feel like I was entitled, because at least I have enough sense to admit that there was no way it would have been edible had I attempted to make it myself. But then there were comments like: "this is really good", and "how do you make this?" So I totally caved and had to admit that I had no idea. But it's prettier if you add some mozzarella cheese to the top and stick it in the oven for an additional 15 minutes. Rats. I tell little lies all the time, (read: exaggerations and diversions), so you'd think I'd be better at it. But no. The guilt and the lack of quick thinking always screws me up.
What's worse? I invited a couple girls to come over early and just visit...but I so grossly underestimated how much time my faux meal would take that they had to help me prepare it before everyone showed up to agree with me that I chose the worst book ever. Ugh.
Other than that, it was a successful night. The food was good, (cause I didn't make it), we exchanged bad dating stories, (like when my date broke my nose and made me drive home alone with a concussion), and set up our next get together, which will be so much more relaxing, because I won't be in charge.

After all my girls left for the night, my man and kiddos came home. Thanks to Kyle for babysitting. Cole was hungry and wanted me to fix him some "Smorgs". Which, coincidentally, is asparagus. And we've told him the correct name a bazillion times, but he refuses to conform. In fact, I thought he was saying, "smores", and so after accepting that Cole wouldn't say "asparagus", I decided that I'd play along, saying, "Would you like me to make you some smores?" He just rolled his eyes and said, "They're SMORGES, mom. SMORE--GS, SMORE--GS." Whatever. Talking to that kid is like talking to a rock. There's no way to reason--is it because he's stubborn? I seriously can't figure it out. It's funny, but at the same time he drives me insane.
K. I know this post was random and unorderly, but I have to jet. I have to get Riley to school on time today, or suffer dire consequences. I'll tell you all more about it later, as I will find out tomorrow what the deal is. Let's just say I'm in hot water with Riley and Cole's school, and I'm ready to fight the system. Like I said, more details later.

Back in the Game.

Word-Up, Suckas.

So, my posts about nothing-much-happening-but-the-watching-of-my-children days, are over. I have actually been busy...busy doing stuff other than the usual, that is. And some days, I seriously think it's going to kill me. I've now officially started my exercise regime up, again. This time it's earlier, and much more diverse. I start my day with a 3 mile brisk walk. At 5:30 am. In theory, it sounds like a great idea, but in reality, I'm finding out, this is just insanity. But I'm doing it--as I said before my previous method of some kind of weight-loss osmosis was deeply flawed, as results just weren't happening.
After my walk, I make sure I'm home so Jeff can leave for work, and while the kiddos blissfully sleep, I subject to myself to more torture that is the Wii Fit. After my little Mii tells me that I'm not ANYWHERE near the weight I want to be, I try to do activities each morning for at least 15 minutes--or credits, I should say, as it's always more than 15 minutes, and then get some use out of my ab-roller. Not that I foresee a huge change from this, but at least it makes me feel better about myself. Let me just say, I'm glad I had kids sooner rather than later...as the body just doesn't bounce back the way it did nine years ago. This getting older stuff isn't too bad most days...but in this instance, I'm feeling the anger towards things like "elasticity loss", and "droopage". Anyway, that's that.
I've been singing Flight of the Conchord's "Hurt Feelings", lately. It's quickly becoming my theme song. Thanks to Amazon.com, I got to download it for free, so now I know ALL the words, rather than just the, "I've got hurt feelings, I got hurt feelings", part. This makes my mental daily montages much more interesting. I love that show soooo much and they're thinking this might its last season. Does anyone know if that's because of the ratings, or if it's just because coming up with two songs an episode has got to be severely difficult? Let me know. I don't want to be unnecessarily angry, you see.
Because of the early mornings, and the late nights--as Jeff insists that it's proof of my love if I stay up with him, any free second I have is spent trying to nap, instead of being online. Fortunately though, I'm getting more accustomed to these hours and not feeling like death for 90% of the day. So I should be back to more regular posts--at least once a week. This is my goal, anyway.
Tomorrow I'm hosting my bookclub. I'll let you know whether it was successful, or not, as I'm sure the anticipation of these details will keep you awake at night. Book club is something I look forward to each month...but that's when everyone else does it. I'm always stressed about picking a crappy book, and showing my true cooking skills with the dinner that I prepare...which are also crappy. So wish me luck. Despite all, we WILL be eating a lot...anyway, I will. So that makes my outlook more positive. Hasta for now.

Muff's blog

Hey everyone that reads my blog. K. There's like a couple of you that I don't know, and that's okay, because I totally blog-stalk too. And the reason I know this is because I'm an avid checker of my little map thing, and there's a few states on there that I'm clueless as to whom it could be. Anyway, I have emailed most of my family members about this, but I don't want to leave my--and this is how I like to think of you--Quietly Appreciative Fans, out. (Actually, I don't want to leave ANYONE out, it's that good). I got some pictures done of my little Sydney, by my sister, Muff. Her blog is Desisto Digitals. Anyway, you can see my little Squishy Squid here. She's the second baby down, in the polka dot dress. The first baby is Brandi's, a mutual friend of ours. Anyway, be sure to check it out, and click on the picture, so you can get the full effect! Ahhh...it just makes me so happy. :)

Some Stories.

I hope you all aren't sick of Cole stories, but remember: my blog and kinda my journal, and my decision. I've got to remember this stuff, because it's completely priceless. Anyway, here goes:

Lately Cole has decided that he needs to take a treat to Kindergarten each day. He tells me that at recess, the kids are allowed to eat a treat, and he STARVES when he doesn't bring something. This is regardless of whether he eats right before he leaves or not, he just needs to put something in his backpack to eat later, otherwise, "why have a backpack if it doesn't carry good stuff?"
So his treat of choice lately has been Skittles. "They're chewy and fruity, mom, that's why it's my favorite. You know I like lots of fruit." I explained to him that Skittles aren't in fact REAL fruit, but he won't hear of it. As far as he's concerned, he'll go along with my rule of eating something good for breakfast and lunch in order to get a treat for school, but he's really being healthy by choosing something with so much fruit flavor...and color. Anyway, a few days ago I told Cole to brush his teeth before we left, and he had to do a good job, and he had to brush his tongue, too. Now, he's under the impression that I'm a complete idiot. He'll go into the bathroom, and shut the door and from there, I'm supposed to believe that he's brushing teeth with great aplomb. When he comes out, he'll flash me a grimace, in which I'm supposed to see the "obvious" fruit of his labors. But sometimes I throw a gigantic wrench into his plans. And on that particular day I did. I told him to come closer so I could get a close-up of his chompers, and what did I find? Left over goo from his Chicken and Stars lunch, and bad baby-boy breath to boot. I then told him that he needed to go brush again and this time do a good job, and not to fib about doing it in the first place. His reply was a whine and, "but I just always forget". So I came up with an excellent idea and told him that in order to remember the next time I tell him to brush his teeth, he's going to look back on this particular day and remember that when he doesn't do a good job, I don't let him take a treat to school. "WHAT?" "I don't get the Skittles?" I had to listen to a few renditions of that question in addition to some tears and more whining, but eventually he calmed down when I told him that the next day we could go back to the Skittles priviledge if he brushed the right way. (Yes, in my house I am referred to as, The Teeth Nazi. I embrace this so-called dis with pride).
So he put his bag of Skittles on my dresser for the next day and we got Syd in her seat in the car, and then buckled him in. Then he said, "My friends are gonna be really mad that I didn't bring my Skittles today." I told him that they'd just have to deal, and that now he'll REALLY remember to brush his teeth. We drove in silence for a while and Cole goes: "It's just that, when I'm eating my Skittles, I like to share. And my friends like Skittles, too. And they say if I give them some Skittles, they'll give me a dollar. But you know what? They never DO give me a dollar. I should have a thousand dollars, but I didn't even get one. I hope they bring my dollars today. Then I'll have to sell some Skittles tomorrow, too. Now they'll know I need my dollars."
Cole's been faux selling his candy at recess. Nice.

Today Cole told me, "Mom, I want to make you have another baby." (I thought that it was cute he wanted another baby--but Yikes. Just hearing those words in that order out of his mouth was way too disturbing). I told him that boys can't make their moms have babies and then he said, "well, then DAD needs to make you have another baby, and it needs to be a boy so Syd can have a little brother like Riley has a little brother. And then I'll have a little brother, too". (I'm wondering how he came to the conclusion that boys make girls have the babies....I'm wondering if Riley tells him bits and pieces of stuff. I would ask, but it's just waaaay too complicated for me to explain to a five year old just yet--especially one that is as thoughtful and curious as Cole. Jeff and I had to tell him that there are NO more babies coming to this family, that Syd is our last, and there is no possible way that we'll even get a surprise like Syd was. He kind of tuned us out, as we were trying to explain. So I'm thinking that that particular subject will be brought up again.

Lastly, is a story about Riley. Now she's really quiet, and she's a private person. I don't tell a lot of stuff about her, because I know she wouldn't want me to. It's really hard for me, because a lot of the time my lack of "Riley" stories makes it look like I don't think she's funny, or I just forget to mention her. That's not it. Even her humorous stories have to be kept pretty quiet, as she hates the limelight and would just rather go her own way and do her own thing all the while being inconspicuous. Sound like anyone?
I've been buying books for her, lately. She's told me that she's got some favorite types of books to read and I got all excited, because I love to read, and I imagine that this is a way we can do some bonding. So I bought her some of the books she requested, and then I bought some books that I thought looked good. We were both in the living room reading one of our books, (and I really need to start keeping my books in my room, because some of the covers are a bit, er, skanky, and my kids are noticing). I asked what Riley's book was about, and she goes: Well, it's kinda not really interesting". I asked her why it wasn't interesting, and she said: "Well, because this is one of the books that you got me, and I read the last page, and it just wasn't a very interesting story--the ending just sucked." I asked why she read the last page first and she said, "It's just the way I know if I like a book or not." I told her that she needs to give her books a chance and a lot of the time what's on the cover isn't the best part of the book, and she needs to read from front to back, because sometimes it's what's in the middle of the book that makes it the most interesting. Then she said, "Well, what are you reading?" I kind of paused and said, "oh, just a story with vampires and fighting and adventure...." and she goes, "And scary, kissing people?" I was so busted. She then said, "so, is your book really good in the middle?" I told her yes, and she goes: "does your book have any of what's on the cover in it?" uh...I again told her, yes. Before she could ask anymore questions I told her I had something that I had to do upstairs where I promptly ditched said book and brought down an Entertainment Weekly, instead.