August 28, 2011

That is all I can name it for it was a day like ... well , most days, but on crack.

we woke up that bright sunday morn with Johnny gone. He left before the sun came up to round at the hospital.

We were getting dressed EARLY. Ella asked so innocently, " mom, can I paint my nails". Why yes, darling of mine, all polite and responsible. Could you Please do it in the bathroom.

Zoe: mom, can I paint my nails?

Well, if Ella would like to paint your nails she may, but I can't right now; I'm feeding the baby.

After feeding Nyla and cleaning up breakfast, Zoe comes into the kitchen.

Zoe: Ella says she needs cotton balls to clean up her nails. (why would this EVER worry me, she's being a girl)

After I give her the cotton balls, I continue my cleaning. Ella comes in.

Ella: Mom, now I was doing my nails... (I kinda blacked out at this time because the story went on and on with no end or point until I heard...) now it's all over the bathtub, but it's not my fault, I told them not to"

Wait, what?

I go into the bathroom and Zoe is in the tub scrubbing with nail polish remover and cotton balls the 2 bottles of nailpolish taht are spread over ALL the tub. Ada is sitting outside the tub pouring another bottle of nailpolish over her hand in attempt to paint her nails. Ella, meanwhile, sits back down on the floor and proceeds to go back to painting her nails.

FREEEEZE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING???

Zoe: I'm cleaning up the mess?

WHO"S MESS? I thought Ella needed cotton balls for her nails.

Ella: No I told her to tell you that so you wouldn't worry, but she's got it under control now (no she didn't. she was, however, about to pass out from the fumes)... I told them they shoudln't paint their nails, but they never listen to me.

After the nail fiasco, we went to church. Worked in the nursery, loved the babies, had a lunch potluck for community groups and caught up with a friend. And then we went home to prepare for Zoe and Ada's first day of school.... baths, pack up, oh and sit down with the white board to review daily responsiblities (also known as chores around the house).

Favorite line: I say, "Ada, you're in charge (of cleaning the bedroom... now I put that in perintheses because I only got that first part out of my mouth before zoe said...)

Zoe: Why does Ada get to be in charge?!!

An hour later we finally understood.

And this is just another typical day at the Campbell house...

Silence is supposed to be golden

I'm pretty sure it's just awkward.

I took Ella to the first day of 3rd grade yesterday. we were there 10 minutes early and she was the last to show up to class. Everyone was silent and doing paperwork. They all gave me the evil eye, lke I was completely interrupting. I whispered, "I will see you after school" and snuck away.

Ella came home, said she loved her teacher, and went straight to do homework. She was begging me to do it. When I told her she couldn't practice cursive in the bumpy car, she actually got upset at me.

I figured it must have been first day jitters, so I got all 3 sisters and myself dressed again this morning to take her to class. Well, she wasn't last, but they were still sitting 15 minutest early, working silently on who knows what. I felt wierd just walking into the class, so I mouthed "I love you" across the room and headed out.

She loves it. Loves studying, working, reading... and I keep hearing people writing, "179 days till next summer" and I'll admit: I love school. My daughter and I are just white and nerdy. I was the same way in school growing up and couldn't stand being late (except second grade, I had issues with that teacher/ grade)...

so watch me push up my glasses

My day with the girls

This seems to be a typical day for me... well, not really. we're not usually action packed, but we did everything because school was getting ready to start.
It started with Dropping Zoe off at a birthday party. Now I had been up all night because the baby was SCREAMING. So, that meant I had 2 hours to party with my 3 while Zoe partied with her bestie, Sierra.
First we went to the pet store. ok, does anyone really want to buy a Fancy pet rat? Is there really such a thing? We also saw kittens that all the girls picked out their fave and gave me grief why boots wasn't going to get a new friend. and then Ada named all the animals in the store, assuming that I would buy her one. My favorite line from the pet store: I see 2 hamsters. That one's name is chedderton ... and I shall name that one Jim.
next was wonderworks.... wow , that's a store not meant for the faint of heart. My fave there: instead of a boucy ball, they had a giant blow up dog that you sat on, holding his ears and bounce.
Finally time for lunch. McCalisters... mmmmm. I used my B1G1 coupon... and we ate "teddy bears in a pool" (teddy grahams in apple sauce).
Sound boring? Well, after we picked up Zoe, it was time to go to the cosmetology school to get the girls hair cut.
We met some friends and her 3 girls , kinda to buffer the amount of time it would take.
So, in like a half an hour, all 6 girls had gotten their hair cut and my friend was getting hers cut. She said, "go ahead and get your hair cut and I'll hold nyla if you need".
2 1/2 hours later.... my hair was done getting cut. I got the sweet girl who neglected to tell me she was DEATHLY afraid of cutting my hair. She WOULD NOT take a cut without her teacher there (who had other girls to round on, so you can tell how long it took).
She of course picked the cut she'd always wanted to try, but didn't even know how to do it.
Highlights (no pun intended): "Have you ever considered letting me color your hair" ... not today
(for the 10th time) :" I dont know what my guide is. I think Ill just cut here."
"Her hair is just so curly, I can't see anything. Should I just cut it off?"
"it's just so thick, can you do it"
Teacher: "the kids are getting restless. time to hurry up"
student: "stop putting pressure on me. I'm trying. Here you take the scissors. wait, they're stuck on my fingers"
After it was all over, nyla had fallen asleep under the cape, the girls are running like CRAZY people, and getting all their nails done, I am happy to say that my hair isnt all bad. and I dind't pay much"
And then just to ice the cake, Johnny decided to take the girls to chuck e. cheese and we hit the jackpot... twice.
And that's my typical day... picks to follow

Get a job, kid!

I love Jobs... Always have. You can't tell me what you do for a living and i'm like... oh well (best eeyore voice). I will always be excited. I like to see what can keep our country running.

I watch Dirty Jobs... I think all people should do a "menial" job. Our country couldn't survive if we didn't have these people. We wouldn't have indoor plumbing, clean water, clean dirt to grow our organic veggies etc. if these people didn't clean crud out of pipes, under ground, inside claustrophobic places, and upside down.

I love factory workers. I think they're exciting. I love to do jobs where I have to pay attention, but at the same time my brain can fly out the window. Without people who work hard sorting, separating, sewing, etc. we wouldn't have pretty much anything in our house.

I love doctors (well, I'm married to one) . Now, I can NEVER remember what specialty ANY doctor is in (as a dr. wife that's so bad) but I found out there is such a thing the past couple weeks as an INTERNAL physical therapist... who thinks to do something like that. Without these people we wouldn't have vaccine's, cures, we'd all have diseases, germaphobia and mostly dead.

I love women (and men) who can sell things out of their house (not over the phone although props to those people constantly putting up with hang ups and cusssing) like AVON, initials inc., premier jewelry, even taste of home. Without these people we'd have a whole lot more babysitters and a lot less pretty faces/ bags.

I love nursery workers, teachers and anyone who works with children. What a gift, honor, and picture into their heart... Without social workers, boys and girls volunteers, nannies etc where would our kids be.

I could go on and on.... you will never find me saying what a crappy job. Maybe it was because my mom and dad didn't have typical jobs... I always think about what I could be. I want my kids to not be limited by a computer society that makes them potentially unhappy. Some friends I have do computer programming and you have to be so smart...and patient... it makes me proud, but if my kid wants to be a car reconstructor or work for QVC that's cool , as long as they stick to their morals. I want to see them come up with a job that they see a need, and can come up with a product.

I have friends/ aquaintances that range from military (nuclear subs, helicoptor pilot/ mechanic, and A-Team), to people who are seamstresses. professional bodybuilders, wrestlers, dancers, trainers, horticulturalists, teachers, radio, TV, Broadway, Opera singer, mom, and so much. so if you have an awesome job... share it. I'd love to talk about it, pass it on, introduce my kids to you and thank you for making this country so great.

I like to Barter

I write this for my friend who's mom passed away this week. I don't say mother, because they were closer than that.

My friend is about to have a baby in a month or so, and it reminded me of when my dad passed away 2 months before Ada was born. Now, granted, these are completely different circumstances, but once the memories start, it's hard for me to plug them up.

My dad and I finally became close near the end of his life, and some of the best memories cam from the time my children started to show up. He invested SO much into them and I am happy that Ella got to spend the time she could with him. It's sad that Zoe was too young to know him, and Ada/ Nyla never will, but there are things to remember.

My dad wasn't there when I was born, but with my children, he was a full supporter. He drove me to the hospital, sat with me, and was the last to leave behind me on my way out (stepping out during the gross parts like pushing). He never said a word , except to hand me the bullet when it was time to bite it, or the occasional coke to keep me "hydrated". But there was something to be said about his dedication to my girls and my nieces/nephews.

So when he died, I wasn't prepared for what was going to happen with Ada. It was bittersweet and oddly lonely.

So as I think about my friend having her baby without her mom around, I pray for her. I pray the stress of the situation doesn't hurt her. I pray that she takes joy in the time her other children were given and she would be able to comfort others with her actions. As others theology doesn't hold up, and she doesn't feel like talking, but wants company anyway, I pray that others are sensative to sit, distract, speak truth, and give.

I don't cry for her mother, however. She's finally not in pain, loving her long-awaited time with her Daddy. As the song says, she traded her sorrow, shame, pain, and blame for the joy of the Lord and I'm all for bartering. So, I love you friend.

stubborness is a gift and exercise is an choice

So I would NEVER admit that I'm strong willed, but for those of you who doubt me, I will give you the benefit of my doubt.
I would also say that I refuse to be put in a box, which can be construed wrong. I will not allow myself to fall into those nasty statistics. I will fight every day to do what I know is right, even if it means against myself. I can't believe that God is only what people make him out to be, and I try my darndest to finish well.
That doesn't mean I don't suck in the middle. People have told me all my life what I can and can't do, what I can and can't be, and who I should and shouldn't associate with. Now this could totally lead into other conversation about God and about parenting/ marriage, but tonight is exercise.
I hope this will encourage you.
I hate exercise. Never liked it. I don't run (just ask my old trainer brianna : she's a FB friend). I never could finish the races at field day at school. But when it was something I could handle, I pushed my hardest. I made the swim team... I tried out for soccer and volleyball. I did swing dancing and roller blading, but ask me if I'm in shape: never.
I have been blessed with reasonable genes. My dad was a skinny one (well, for a long time anyway). My mom was a thin mint (she says until she had me). So child after child was easy to bounce back... until This time around (I will not blame Nyla).
I have no will power... I love chocolate, I love caffeine, I love fried foods..... just thinking about it makes me hoonngry! So when my 6 weeks was up with Nyla, Johnny asked me to work out... no thanks... ok fine, I'm at my maximum weight and I refuse to be in the statistic of overweight/ obesity. But I have no motivation.
I will say that I'm trying though. I am now down 6 lbs... no big woop: don't expect me to show you a before/ after pic, but I'm happy. And I really think I'm here frankly because I'm trying. I don't keep a great diet, I don't push hardcore with Tony Horton, but I do something. I figure walking is better than sitting on my couch, one glass of water is better than none etcc... and as I go, I change that thought to 2 glasses is better than one, and dancing with the kids is better than watching TV... on and on till something is done.
So right now, I still have no motivation. I'm stubborn in my eating habits, but I walk to Bi-lo (my treat is to walk down the icecream isle on my way out, actually for the AC) then I walk back home, singing really really loudly. I do P90X (the ones I can) and I juice. And when I watch Ella, who is the defnition of strong-willed, I smile. I hope she's like me and she won't live by that name. I hope she'll reach beyond the names the kids/ adults call her (especially what I call her) and be BIG. As my mom and I discussed:
"Mom, she's not strong-willed, we will call her determined, very determined."
"ok"
"And one day mom, she'll be determined for God and not to do drugs"
"What happens when she's determined TO do drugs?"
"shut up."

I'm not labeling her that way... and I'll pray against it just in case.