News

Honey has accepted a job. It is Far Away and through Very Bad Traffic. Now there is some bureaucratic BS and hoops for him to jump through before he gets to start working. There are good parts about the job, but I am.... oh, I don't know how I feel. I just want him to be happy and present.

Brother got his report card and has brought his grades up. Just a smidge, but a smidge was enough to get a full on happy dance from me. I never ever in my life thought I would be so proud of a report card with C's on it. But there was an A! I am so proud of that A. His birthday is coming up and we are making plans. I am excited for the event, even though I will most likely be home with the little boys while Honey takes Brother and a couple friends for a day out on the town.

Jelly Bean has just been so lovey dovey lately. He is the sweetest of sweethearts, giving us great big hugs and saying, "I love my mommy, I love my daddy." And kissing New Baby where ever he can reach him (ie leg, tummy, where ever) and saying, "Ooooo, I love my New Baby." Of course he will happily pounce on Brother's leg and be hauled around the house on his stomach screeching. Brother will be annoyed. But this isn't what I would call "News" as it seems it has always been this way.

New Baby is thisclose to rolling over. He gets almost there but always leaves and errant leg or arm behind. He is so smiley and yummy, with his chubby cheeks and dinner roll legs. He was in the bath kicking and splashing a couple nights ago and it was one of those things where you just have to smile and laugh. Remember how when you were little and your dad threw you way up in the air and you squealed? And then when you got too big, you would always laugh and smile when someone else got to fly? It felt like that in a way. You had to smile; there was no choice. He's just breathtaking. I can't even say how much I love his little squishy self.

Me? I'm doing ok. My resolutions are going pretty good, although my knees freaking hurt from 'running'. I am not sure the shuffle I do exactly qualifies as 'running', but I do it anyway. At least my muscles still aren't sore. Operation Choose Whole Foods is going ok. I am not being militant about it, but just incorporating more healthy food into my diet. I don't really ask whether something is high in calories or not; I'm not trying to lose weight (even though I heard this week that with the new reduced BMI restrictions for lap band, I now qualify for the surgery. Thanks FDA.) I more ask myself, "Is this a healthy source of protein? Whole grains? Is it a fruit or vegetable?" I think just being more conscious of what I put in my mouth is good for me.

If it would quit being so freaking cold, I would be more willing to do garden work. I have everything I need to start seedlings, except a plan on HOW to start them. In the house? The light is not bright enough. Make a cold frame? Would the seeds germinate if the soil is less than 70 degrees? Bah. I guess more research and a plan is needed.

Implementing the Golden Rule has made the past couple of weeks so nice at our house, for the most part. It has helped me keep my temper (I don't like to be yelled AT, so I don't yell) think before I make demands (because I don't want someone making me do something unreasonable) and work with Brother more on his homework (because it would make me feel better if I weren't alone in that mess, so I sit with him.) Anyway, it is working out better than I could have expected. Allll the parenting books I have read, allll the advice I have solicited and this seems to be working better than just about anything else to help me control my own behavior. Well, 123 Magic is damn good. But it is helpful in a different way.

Can I also recommend Do Unto Otters for Golden Rule indoctrination for children? No, it's really fun. Swear.