Muscatine

little ones aren't so little!

Of course, my (almost) 16 yr old daughter ditched us for her friends. It's okay, they're good kids. Despite her social schedule, we did get to spend some fun time with her. She looked at us funny though, when we asked that she turn off her phone for the evening!

We worked in the yard a bit (not enough, the work will never end!), but just spend some good family time doing something/nothing.

I think though, that by bringing up how much fun we used to have raking and playing in the leaves, that we might just coerce her into helping us rake this coming weekend!

Enjoy November...it's really nice out, it will be snowing before we know it, though!

fun weekend :^(

Worked both days, and had a sick little boy to take care of when I got home. He's feeling better today, but the poor little guy woke up with a massive nosebleed. Went to my 6 year olds school today and ate lunch with her, she thought that was pretty cool. Maybe I can round all 3 of 'em up tonite and play a couple board games. I'm pretty lucky, my 6 and 4 year old don't really watch that much t.v. They have too much energy to sit still that long. They would rather play outside or draw. My 13 year old would usually rather read or play her viola. Or talk to her friends on the phone(but they are all good kids, so I don't mind that at all). I'm looking forward to maternity leave so I'll be able to spend some weekends at home with all of them.

AWESOME MOMS!

Lil & frazzled...WHAT AWESOME MOMS you are! I have 2 adult children w/ children of their own & a teen son.
Great advice I got from novice parents:
A) Be your children's Driver: In their opinion, the driver is ''deaf'': Listen closely to all interactions in the back seat, allow the conversation to flow. You will be amazed @ how much you can learn & keep communication flowing.
B) Chaperone: as often as you can; be that fly on the wall. Pay attention to what is happening in your child's world. Listen to other parents & teachers. The input they have about your child & other friends in an informal setting is invaluable
C) be the strictest parent in front of your kid's friends as possible. Convince your child's friends that when they say, ''If I do that, my mom would kill me''!
Sigh! didn't work every time, it did @ times. You guys are doing great, good luck!

worked

Youngest of 6 a sixteen year old, spent overnight with a friend with awesome parents. Did have a nice conversation before he left. It was a ''wow'' moment. Rarely does he open up about what goes on in his life, and GIRLS. Dreaded the 13th. Next one up turns 19. Lives with Dad. Called him. Got hung up on after ''hi!'' Decided there aught to be a law against alienating a child from a parent during and after a divorce. I just hope some day he'll see the light. Hope he doesnt burn up his unopened birthday card he'll miss out on lots of phone minutes for his track-phone. I still wish him a happy birthday and will have to travel to IC to mail the rest of his gifts so at least he'll open them!