Life’s too short...to never sleep in a treehouse! 8/27 TR is up! Link in siggie

[MomsOf2boys]

I wish I had a little more "geek" in me when it comes to spreadsheets etc. I should just take a weekend and make myself learn it a little more.

My two boys are a little older than yours now, 13/18, so we have gone through all of that and I can say as aggrevating as it is, well, I think they carry much of it with them into adulthood. But the good news is that you get used to it or something and it doesn't bother you as much... the ghost pee on the toilet seat still gets me all riled up though

But then one day you look at them and realize, "Dang... I've done really good!" and that mindless, no internal clock, all the time in the world mentality is not all that important.

Sounds like you are a GREAT mom! It will stick to them!

 

[englishrose47]

What is really music to your ears is when you hear your child telling their kids exactly what you tod them and earned the title of Meanest Mother in the world
My favorite is DD stating that we FORCED her to go to college !!
Now I hear her say "College is not an option YOU ARE GOING!!!!
Hmmmm

 

[eandesmom]

I wish I had a little more "geek" in me when it comes to spreadsheets etc. I should just take a weekend and make myself learn it a little more.

My two boys are a little older than yours now, 13/18, so we have gone through all of that and I can say as aggrevating as it is, well, I think they carry much of it with them into adulthood. But the good news is that you get used to it or something and it doesn't bother you as much... the ghost pee on the toilet seat still gets me all riled up though

But then one day you look at them and realize, "Dang... I've done really good!" and that mindless, no internal clock, all the time in the world mentality is not all that important.

Sounds like you are a GREAT mom! It will stick to them!

Oh it definitely doesn't change. You'd have thought Taylor (17) would have learned his math test lesson when we took him on vacation last year. He did the same EXACT thing over Thanksgiving break, the only difference it was his mom who took him on a trip. Somehow this time it is his fault but last time it was ours.



UGH on the pee....I make them clean their bathroom and it is THEIR bathroom. They've gotten better about that but the flushing...not so much. They aren't allowed to use the powder room, you have to be 13 or older (or a girl!).

I wish I had more geek, I use it so infrequently that I forget how to do stuff and then get frustrated b/c I know I "can", I just don't know "how" anymore!

What is really music to your ears is when you hear your child telling their kids exactly what you tod them and earned the title of Meanest Mother in the world
My favorite is DD stating that we FORCED her to go to college !!
Now I hear her say "College is not an option YOU ARE GOING!!!!
Hmmmm

LOL Rosie!

I always joke with the E's that I'm the meanest mom in the world. They assure me I am not.

I figure reverse psychology is a good thing!

College is a requirement around here too. It will be interesting to see how that plays with Tay...if he doesn't fix the math situation, Running Start will be over before it even really started!

 

[winkers]

I can totaly relate with you on the respect and obedience. I've tried to instill the same respect I had for my parents, but it just hasn't quite worked.

Part of the difference is my dad's leather belt and my butt were well aquinted with eachother. So, I towed the line more out of fear than anything else.

I've tried to teach my kids respect in another way...sometimes I think it's working and others not so much, but I didn't want my kids to be scared of me....

anyhoo...I think it's the perenial struggle of parenthood. Bailie can be so moody and difficult at home but she's good when she's out with others. I've had people tell me what an angel she is. that is what I look like when I'm told that....her nickname from my mom as a toddler was the destroying angel.


Just trying to figure out how to do a spreadsheet makes my mind hurt~I'm dreading the computer classes I need to take.

 

[englishrose47]

Whenteachers tell Judy what a pleasure to have in class is Steph Judy has asked "Are we talking about the same child"

 

[eandesmom]

I can totaly relate with you on the respect and obedience. I've tried to instill the same respect I had for my parents, but it just hasn't quite worked.

Part of the difference is my dad's leather belt and my butt were well aquinted with eachother. So, I towed the line more out of fear than anything else.

I've tried to teach my kids respect in another way...sometimes I think it's working and others not so much, but I didn't want my kids to be scared of me....

anyhoo...I think it's the perenial struggle of parenthood. Bailie can be so moody and difficult at home but she's good when she's out with others. I've had people tell me what an angel she is. that is what I look like when I'm told that....her nickname from my mom as a toddler was the destroying angel.


Just trying to figure out how to do a spreadsheet makes my mind hurt~I'm dreading the computer classes I need to take.

See I'm thinking a little fear would be a good thing!



I had fear as a child. Not of the belt but of the loss of privileges. that is not a deterrent for my two. Evan hasn't had his i-pod for more than 3 weeks since he got it in June and heaven knows the last time those 2 had their DS's or Wii privileges.

Sadly, mine are never accused of being angels.

Social directors, class clowns, born politicians, future business leaders..but not angels.

I do get a lot of compliments on how social and outgoing they are and if they can "channel" it correctly, it will be very positive for them and serve them well in life. It's not really so positive now. For them, or the rest of the class! Granted, they are a MILLION times better than they used to be but there is a ton of room for improvement.

But hey, they are great public speakers and at least one of them is a natural leader. Part of it is a struggle for control. I get that. What I don't get is, doesn't Evan realize he NEVER wins?



Ah, with Bailee you get the teen girl moods, no fun. At least we don't have that with any of the boys. Kendall has a split personality at times. Sullen and quiet or babbling like a brook. Not a lot of in between.

Whenteachers tell Judy what a pleasure to have in class is Steph Judy has asked "Are we talking about the same child"

I do hear that they are a pleasure, they are inquisitive if nothing else.

Though we do know what curiosity did!

It was pretty funny. Over Thanksgiving, when Jeff and I went up to Vancouver, my folks watched the E's. They watched the Apple Cup which is my alma mater (UW) versus my mom's (WSU).

My mom's mission was to get them to cheer for the coug's. Eric will cheer for anyone so he was easy. Evan held out and then finally cheered for the coug's.

My mom told him...

"I'm going to tell your mom on you!"

to which Evan replied

" I am 10 years old, I can choose who I want to root for"

to which my mother replied

"And your mom will say, I can choose whether to feed you or not"

Evan looked at her, thunderstruck. And said.

That's EXACTLY what she'd say! HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?

 

[All7OfUs]

It was pretty funny. Over Thanksgiving, when Jeff and I went up to Vancouver, my folks watched the E's. They watched the Apple Cup which is my alma mater (UW) versus my mom's (WSU).

My mom's mission was to get them to cheer for the coug's. Eric will cheer for anyone so he was easy. Evan held out and then finally cheered for the coug's.

My mom told him...

"I'm going to tell your mom on you!"

to which Evan replied

" I am 10 years old, I can choose who I want to root for"

to which my mother replied

"And your mom will say, I can choose whether to feed you or not"

Evan looked at her thunderstruck. And said.

That's EXACTLY what she'd say! HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?

That was a great story!! Yeah, put the fear of starvation into 'em!

 

[Happydog]

Someone once told me that Teenagers and Toddlers are a lot alike. I didn't really internalize what this meant until I had kids of my own... yeah I get you -- the "me" generation... I think it is coming earlier and earlier... They also do not understand the consequence of time... really what TIME is or means in relationship to other things, they live too much in the present. At anyrate, I have the same "not listening" listening issues... I think it is a boy thing. Really. But at the end of the day, I can yell about the bathwater all over the floor, or I can put down a towel, and let them have their moment together blissfully unaware. And then I have a glass of wine..

 

[eandesmom]

That was a great story!! Yeah, put the fear of starvation into 'em!

Yep. Meanest mom in the world.

I know my mom finds it hysterical to hear her words coming out of my mouth so that one must have come from her though I truly can't recall her saying it!

Apparently neither could Evan as a few of the things they have heard my mom say and will comment "my mom always says that!" but Evan was just floored that my mom KNEW what I'd say.

Serves her right for trying to warp the E's.

Huskies beat the Cougars 30-0!

 

[All7OfUs]

It's a frightening thing to turn into your mother! I know!! I'm there.

Different, yet the same in so many ways. My hands are even starting to look like hers. And I detest the double chin thing we are both "blessed" with. I"m not overweight AT ALL, it's just "there".

Ah well. WHat can you do, short of a tuck?

Mine warp mine too. Sometimes I'm so glad we live over here.

HA! Your team won!! Revenge, tis sweet!

 

[eandesmom]

Someone once told me that Teenagers and Toddlers are a lot alike. I didn't really internalize what this meant until I had kids of my own... yeah I get you -- the "me" generation... I think it is coming earlier and earlier... They also do not understand the consequence of time... really what TIME is or means in relationship to other things, they live too much in the present. At anyrate, I have the same "not listening" listening issues... I think it is a boy thing. Really. But at the end of the day, I can yell about the bathwater all over the floor, or I can put down a towel, and let them have their moment together blissfully unaware. And then I have a glass of wine..

I think the challenge is finding the balance between allowing for moments, which is SO important, and somehow, somewhere, instilling a little respect and accountability.

I'm all for the moments. I'm not for missing the bus at the expense of them though. They will get the Playmobil Advent Calendar back on Sunday! Once break "really" starts. I suppose on Sat if Evan doesn't pass the written test friday since then there will be no graduation Saturday.

I don't think it's a boy thing though! Try getting Kendall off the computer or out of the house in the mornings.

OY!

 

[eandesmom]

Ok...mama brag/request for good luck vibes here.

As some of you know Evan earned his 1st degree national black belt in Tae Kwon Do last June.

He is scheduled to test for his 1st degree international black belt on Friday and Saturday.

The national belt is essentially considered a probationary belt, recognized only in the US. The international is recognized by the wordwide TKD federation.

It's a big test and kids have the same test as adults.

To qualify to test for the national level you have to have completed and demonstrated mastery of the curriculum for 10 belt levels which includes terminology, forms(technique) and sparring.

You then take a 3 page written test, need to write a essay on what your black belt means to you and then complete a fitness test which includes a 3 mile run, 50 sit ups, push ups and leg lifts.

If you pass the written, the next day you are tested, in front of a large audience on sparring, form and board breaking. Here is a video of what is called "mystery board breaking", where they get in a circle around the candidate while their eyes are closed and then have to open their eyes, decide how to break each board, going around in a circle.

Board Breaking

Depending on the mood of the master Instructor, you could get one thin board, 2 or 3 thin, 1-3 mediums or large's to try and break through. Evan will likely get more/thicker boards this time.


For the international level, you have to do all of the above, again, plus add another form and take a 100 question terminology quiz where they have to match the English with the Korean.

While it's only adding 2 things (and no paper thank goodness), they are HARD!

The terminology alone is a nightmare. Korean is phonetic and so there can be multiple ways to spell a word that means the same thing. The form (poomse for those who are into the martial arts) is MUCH more difficult than any prior. Which it should be, it's the black belt form.

Evan needs to get 80% on both tests to pass. Last June they supposedly had an hour to get it done, but they definitely let kids go longer if they needed it. This year our Master Instructor is saying 45 minutes.

Evan can't write that fast! He is going to be cutting it close on passing as it is, please send some positive vibes that the Master Instructor is in a giving mood and gives him more time.

I'm also praying that they will count it as a combined score as Evan will be lucky to get 80% on the terminology unless we have a breakthrough today or tomorrow night but he can easily get 100% on the other part.

Hopefully his form is where it needs to be too....there is a new kick that tests his balance and flexibility big time and if it isn't up to snuff, they could tell him he can't test.

If you do not pass the written, you have to wait 6 months to try again. On the last go round, 3 people didn't pass (for the National Level).

Wish us luck! I think it's like being pregnant. I forgot just how bad/stressful it was after the high of him getting it in June. It's been a brutal few weeks!

 

[eandesmom]

It's a frightening thing to turn into your mother! I know!! I'm there.

Different, yet the same in so many ways. My hands are even starting to look like hers. And I detest the double chin thing we are both "blessed" with. I"m not overweight AT ALL, it's just "there".

Ah well. WHat can you do, short of a tuck?

Mine warp mine too. Sometimes I'm so glad we live over here.

HA! Your team won!! Revenge, tis sweet!

LOL!

I'm just there in 'tude. She's my stepmom so none of the physical things are happening but I will say it's amazing how similar my sister and I are starting to look and we could trade places with 2 of my Hawaii cousins. We ALL look like my dad's mom!

Veins. It's all about the veins for me. On the backs of my hands.

ICK.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I''m sorry to hear you are in a bit of a funk...

(I think this time of year is a bit intense...everything good seems better and everything difficult seems even more so...)

I think you're a great mom and the boys might be in a bit of a naughty funk themselves...I have a pretty strong hunch that they will both grow up to be responsible, contributing members of society with their own little boys some day to torture them... and then you can laugh you butt off...

Sending so many wishes that Evan does well on his test...lots of pressure for a little guy (and his mom)

hmmm...I don't know about the no DL thing on your spring trip...CA is fun and the F& W is a big plus......but I'm not sure I could be there and not do DL...Indiana Jones......I also have a inexplicable soft spot for the Matterhorn and the Alice ride and Mr. Toad...)

I can be so immature...

Best wishes for peace...

 

[winkers]

Good Luck to Evan!!

 

[All7OfUs]

That is some seriously ambitious stuff there. THe fact that he even wants to do this is quite something!

Now, if his obendience and tude would match his determination, you'd have a winning combination. My theory of starving him won't work now that i read this. He'll need the extra food to help him pass this. Hmm.... plan B. thinking, thinking.

 

[eandesmom]

I''m sorry to hear you are in a bit of a funk...

(I think this time of year is a bit intense...everything good seems better and everything difficult seems even more so...)

I think you're a great mom and the boys might be in a bit of a naughty funk themselves...I have a pretty strong hunch that they will both grow up to be responsible, contributing members of society with their own little boys some day to torture them... and then you can laugh you butt off...

Sending so many wishes that Evan does well on his test...lots of pressure for a little guy (and his mom)

hmmm...I don't know about the no DL thing on your spring trip...CA is fun and the F& W is a big plus......but I'm not sure I could be there and not do DL...Indiana Jones......I also have a inexplicable soft spot for the Matterhorn and the Alice ride and Mr. Toad...)

I can be so immature...

Best wishes for peace...

So so true, the good is better the bad, UGH!

I have those same DL soft spots...and interestingly Jeff has now referred to the April trip twice as Disney. Not as DCA, not as going to OC but Disney.

I am ALL for it, besides, how fun would it be to be able to compare that close together? We will see...it seems mister "NO MK" is coming around all on his own.

Costco used to sell the 2 day tickets up here, wish they still did as I'd probably just get them!

Good Luck to Evan!!

Thanks! He will need it. As of last night he is at 80% on the first part, 76% on the second and it's not like there is a lot of free time to study between now and tomorrow night. Darn school.

Minor panic attack last night, got a call from the Principal reminding us about the 5/6th grade concert today.

WHAT concert?

Evan assures me it's only the 6th grade.

But the principal called!

Principal later called with a retraction, 6th grade only.

WHEW! It's all I can do to get my teacher gifts packed up, ready and delivered via the boys. The last few days before break are brutal!

That is some seriously ambitious stuff there. THe fact that he even wants to do this is quite something!

Now, if his obendience and tude would match his determination, you'd have a winning combination. My theory of starving him won't work now that i read this. He'll need the extra food to help him pass this. Hmm.... plan B. thinking, thinking.

So very very true. In so many ways Tae Kwon Do has really been a wonderful wonderful thing for him. The behaviours were much worse when he was younger, Evan's not ADD he is ASD. Attention SEEKING disorder



Martial Arts helps to channel that in a positive way. But yeah, he's a bit of a dichotomy that one! His goal is to keep going and earn higher level black belts and then be instructor as his HS and College job which I think is fabulous! He keeps talking about his 2nd degree test, which would be in June IF he passes this one.

I'm like

Focus on the task AT HAND my friend!

 

[jordanyosh]

Good luck to Evan!!!

For you I suggest a bottle, oops, I mean a glass of wine to calm the nerves.

 

[englishrose47]

Good Luck to Evan!!

I second that!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Good luck to Evan!!!

For you I suggest a bottle, oops, I mean a glass of wine to calm the nerves.

Bottle

I second that!!!!

Thanks Rosie!