Why I Hope To Raise Honest Sons

I believe that ethics and honesty are very important traits in an individual. I have been trying to teach my boys the meaning of honesty. I caught my oldest son, who is almost three, in a lie a few weeks back. When I asked him if he was telling the truth he said “yes.” When I questioned him again, and had him look me in the eyes, he finally told me the truth. I explained to him the importance of being honest, and even though he may be young, it’s never too early to start. 

 

Call me naïve, but I used to think that the world was full of nice and honest people. Boy was I wrong! I try to find the good in everyone- no matter the situation, but lately have found that sometimes it’s not that easy.

 

Some people are so dishonest and unethical that they get caught up in their web of lies oblivious to the fact that they hurt honest and kind individuals. Why can’t people just be honest? How hard is it to tell the truth? I know I need to take into account that these people probably weren’t raised properly; they obviously were not taught what “truth” and “honesty” really are. They were not taught the fundamentals of being a kind and caring person. They bounce from one failed relationship to another because they cannot face the truth and are dishonest to those around them.

 

I am very thankful for my parents for the fact that they raised a daughter who is kind and generous to those around her. I take pride in the fact that I am honest and would do anything for anyone in need. As a mother I am going to raise my children to tell the truth and to be stand up all around good men! They have the perfect role model, their father, who is the most honest and caring person that I have ever met! I am very lucky to have him in my life; he’s my support and gets me through the toughest times.

 

For example, someone I’ve known has been lying to me repeatedly. Recently, they were so unethical and dishonest that they had the nerve to look me right in the eyes and lie to me. This is the type of person that I am glad is no longer in my life!  Again, how hard is it to tell the truth? Instead of confronting this person, I’m letting it go because I believe in Karma and I feel that one day it’ll catch up with them…or at least I hope! J

Sick Kids

I’m sorry that I haven’t posted in awhile. Both of my kids have been sick. My youngest has had diarrhoea for most of the week, and today my oldest has come down with a bad cough & cold! Geesh!

I’ve changed about a million diapers and a million outfits over the last week with my youngest son. Every mother can understand that joy (my sarcasm speaking). The first day that he came down with it, I picked him up to change him and he was soaked! And it went everywhere! All over the carpet & by this time….all over me! I guess it’s just one of those joys of motherhood!

I felt badly for the poor kid, I was worried that he was going to dehydrate, so I have been giving him Pedialyte. And then he came down with a bad diaper rash, so I tried to change him at least every hour! He seems to be getting better, so hopefully the oldest doesn’t come down with this bug. In the next couple of days once things get back to normal I will post again!

Please and Thank You

My busy week finally wrapped up today! I am definitely looking forward to this weekend! Instead of rest and relaxation, I will be organizing and cleaning. Lately, I’ve been teaching my boys how to clean up after themselves and how and when to be polite.

They say that a child is a reflection of his or her parent. I definitely think that is true, and that’s probably one big reason why my oldest makes such a mess and doesn’t want to clean up after himself! We have been living in chaos for the past year and a half. We have been remodeling our entire house and it is about 3/4 complete. I cannot wait until it is finished, although it seems so far away! I’m tired of tripping over power tools and I’m tired of staring at the lovely shade of drywall that covers my walls!

My oldest son is a helper and loves to help me and my husband. He’s only two and a half, but he has helped with jobs such as cleaning up chunks of plaster, and putting pieces of wood in the garbage bin. He takes such pride in helping his daddy and it makes me happy to see the accomplished look on his face.

One thing that makes me proud are his manners. He is extremely polite and says please and thank you automatically. We were at a friends house awhile back, and as we were leaving he told the little kids that he was playing with: “Thank you for playing with me!” That really made us happy! Lately whenever I cook dinner he will say to me: “Thank you for cooking dinner for us.” But the best one of all (and this happened the last two times I did laundry) he said: “It really makes me happy when you fold my clothes.” And I said: “It really makes me happy that you are so polite.” He looked at me and said: “I say Please and thank you!”

For those of you who are not familiar with Barney the purple dinosaur. he has an episode where he sings a song called “Please and Thank You” and teaches kids how to be polite. I owe a big hug to that purple dinosaur!

Special Little Place

I apologize for not blogging in awhile. With the Easter Holiday and two small boys, it makes life hectic. I have done so much in the past week: visited a special little shrine in Oakland (Pittsburgh), painted eggs with my boys, finished several mosaic projects and saw Hillary Clinton talk at my former college! So needless to say it’s been busy lately!

Today I’ll share the special little place that I discovered in Pittsburgh. A couple months back, my husband and I were off buying a play table/coffee table from Pottery Barn kids. We had planned on ordering it and having it shipped to our house. It was quite expensive to ship this table, so we decided to make a trip to the nearest store. The closest store was in a part of Pittsburgh called Mount Lebanon. So I printed off the directions from Mapquest, and off we went. This was prior to our GPS system so we relied on these directions. I had a headache and just wanted to get there and back. We were relying on the exit numbers that Mapquest had provided (bad idea), and we got lost! We decided to pull off at the Oakland exit of Pittsburgh and pull out our map. As we were pulling off the highway I looked up on the hillside and saw this religious type of shrine on this little piece of grass. There was a statue of the Virgin Mary and all sorts of crosses. It looked really interesting, and ever since then I have become obsessed with finding as much information as I could about this special little spot. Each time we had visited Pittsburgh I would always look up at that hillside shrine and wonder what it was like up there!

After much research, I found the address and we visted it on our way back from the airport last week! We had parked on this deadend street, and had to walk through someone’s front yard just to reach this magical place! Supposedly this is a miraculous shrine that has a stream around it with healing powers! It felt sort of weird trampling through someone else’s property but there were signs on the street pointing to the direction of the shrine. At this shrine there were the stations of the cross, and various statues that were staggered on the hillside. At the end of the property was the stream. This place was extremely serene and magical, I wish that I could visit more often- it was extremely peaceful! As I said, this little piece of land sits high above Route 376. Here are some of the photos that I took. It is definitely worth a visit whether you believe or not!

I also forgot to mention that before we stopped at this shrine, we stopped in McKees Rocks at Pierogies Plus. I talked about them in a previous blog. We stopped around 2:00 in the afternoon and the big sign on the door said: “Orders Only!” I made my husband go inside just to make sure. I was really hungry for pierogies, but they ran out! So if you ever plan to visit, order them ahead of time….especially if you live far away like me!

This first photo is the walkway to the shrine. The view of Pittsburgh from this spot is spectacular!

This is the Virgin Mary Statue.

Here are the various statues that are scattered on the rocks. There are angel statues as well at other spots.

This is the view from the end of the property at the stream. You can see the Parkway below.

Bad Habits

I had a really stressful day today!  Stressed out and alone I broke down and bought a pack of cigarettes! I know that it’s a bad thing, but I did it anyway. To give you a little bit of history about myself….I quit smoking five years ago-cold turkey. I was diagnosed with the pre-invasive stage of cervical cancer and was told that I needed to quit. Plus, I was hopeful of having children so that was another big reason as well. I stopped smoking, and did rather well actually. I had several procedures and was told that I needed to wait about a year before getting pregnant. I waited a year and after that, got pregnant right away. For both of my pregnancies I had complications due to the procedures that I had. But in the end I had the two most beautiful boys!

So after all of that you are probably wondering why I would start smoking again? I finally got a clear bill of health this year, why would I put my life at risk? I know, it doesn’t make sense.

The last couple of days really had me thinking. My husband asked me yesterday why I spread myself so thin, between work, the kids, and the bizillion art projects that I do? He has begun to see how stressed out that I have been lately. Instead of relaxing when the kids take a nap or go to bed, I often stay up to one or two o’clock in the morning sewing or painting or doing something creatively so I can try to sell these things online. I get so stressed because I often cannot find the time to complete a project to put in my online store. It has finally dawned on me why I am like this…..

In some weird way, I feel that in order to have others look up to me or in order to be admired I need to do a hundred different things because if I can’t or don’t I am inadequate! The funny thing is is that no matter how successful in life that I have become, either by selling a ton of things or graduating with honors from college, I’m not important to my family!

Everytime that I get together with my family, they are always picking me apart and trying to make me feel badly. Tonight was my breaking point to where I felt that I needed to go out and buy a pack of cigarettes. Maybe it’s because I am the youngest and that’s why I’m not important to them….I’m not sure? I have tried to accomplish so many things in life to try to get their approval. I graduated from college with honors. I have many different hobbies and things that I am good at. But all that doesn’t matter.

I guess what is really important is the wonderful support that I get from my husband and my two boys. That’s what I need to focus on. They are my family now.

I don’t know why I let my family get to me like that? It’s been like this my entire life. I’m either too fat or too skinny. I’m too this or too that, and I’m tired of it! I wish I could just be accepted for being plain old “me.” I wish I could just relax when I get an hour to myself and not have to worry about trying to impress others.

 My husband said he would like me to work on art projects for myself, instead of always selling what I make. I don’t know, I just wish that I could be happy with myself and wish others could be happy with me too!

Childhood Memories

What are some cartoons that remind you of your childhood? I loved classics like the Flintstones, Tom & Jerry, & the Jetsons. But seriously think about your choices. A couple of months ago I was shopping and bought a Tom & Jerry dvd. I thought it would be cool to watch my favorite old cartoons with my kids. I never realized how violent these cartoons can be! I was shocked! I guess it never really entered my mind until I became a parent.  Tom & Jerry is full of violence. It seems harmless, especially when it’s about a dog and a cat, but it just isn’t right when it involves torturing one another and setting each other on fire!  I guess that there are far worse things he could be watching, but we keep the Tom & Jerry video on a high shelf and out of reach!

My latest dvd purchase was the Smurf’s dvd, which is a new release. I use to LOVE LOVE LOVE the Smurfs when I was little! I started watching it the other day, and I was rather disappointed! It wasn’t as exciting as I remembered it! It’s another cartoon that makes me wonder why we turned out so normal as a society! For those of you who don’t know or don’t really remember, the Smurfs involves spells and potions. Sort of witch crafty some may think, and it’s another one I try to keep out of reach!

Stories are another thing. When I was pregnant with my first, I bought tons and tons of children’s books. Many of the books that I purchased were my favorites when I was young. And again, I buy these things without looking over them before I read it to my son. Lately, he’s been obsessed with the “Three Little Pigs.” I thought it was harmless, until I started to read it to him. The wolf basically stalks the pigs so he can eat them! How child friendly is a subject like that? And then at the end of the book the wolf climbs into a pot of boiling water! Another book I bought, but couldn’t remember the story…..”The Gingerbread Boy.” I read that story tonight, and it really made me think about all of this. For those of you who are not familiar with this story, it’s about a little gingerbread cookie boy who is running away from everyone who is trying to eat him (really bizarre, I know)! At the end of the story he trusts a fox who helps him get across a river to escape the cookie eating people. The fox helps him across and then eats him! I was shocked! I’m not quite sure what the moral of that story is, nor do I want to try to come up with one!

One last thing to let you think about….nursery rhymes.  The song/nursery rhyme “Three Blind Mice” is on all of my son’s children’s cds. Everyone knows the lyrics, but think about what they are saying.

“Three Blind Mice. See how they run. They all ran after the farmer’s wife, who cut off their tails with a carving knife!” That’s crazy to sing to a small child!

Today you would never be allowed to create a song like that. PETA would be knocking at your door! I hate singing lyrics like that, so I try to make up my own. I know I think way to much about things like that, but when you have children your whole life changes! You act differently, you think differently, and you become more responsible!

There are many more examples out there. What are some memories that you have as child regarding cartoons or nursery rhymes?

The Potty Training Blues!

I have the Potty Training Blues! My son is 2 and 1/2 and is still not potty trained! He shows no desire, and it’s very frustrating! My biggest problem was that we he did use the potty about six months ago, and I didn’t keep it up consistantly like I should. He went twice, we made a big deal, but at that time I was working 30 hours a week and we had no routine. So now six months later, he wants nothing to do with the potty! Tonight for example, I asked him when he was was going to start using the potty. His exact words were: “Probably in a long time!” If he can carry on a conversation such as that, it’s time he can start using the potty!

 I’ve tried everything. Rewards, cheering, and I’ve even attempted bribery! He rarely eats candy so I thought I would bribe him with some m & m’s. So he sat on the potty and passed gas, and then he said that he wanted his candy. He thinks that that counts as using the potty! Boy was he wrong- and I didn’t give in! I don’t know what to do? I thought about trying to force the issue because some people have told me ( or rather nagged me) about getting him potty trained. On the other hand I don’t want to force him into something that he isn’t ready for! I feel like he will tell me when he’s ready. I offer the potty to him everyday, is that enough?

One of the biggest things about potty training today’s toddlers is that they make the diapers so absorbant. They don’t make it uncomfortable for the child like it use to be when the diapers were made of plastic. I think that is one reason why alot of toddlers are being potty trained later. I’m half tempted to start using cloth diapers. I just don’t know what to do! Please someone give me some suggestions!

Breakfast at Joann’s

Today was really an uneventful day. Yesterday as well. No really great stories to share.  Today though I was able to sneak away to Joann Fabrics! I love that store! Whenever I am depressed or stressed out I love to go shopping- it’s my weakness! I can forget all my problems and worries when I’m shopping! Have you ever seen “Breakfast at Tiffany’s?” It’s the same type of thing for me as it was for Audrey Heburn! I only wish I could go shopping in Joann’s while drinking coffee and eating donuts!

 I ended up buying a lot of fabric and a small gnome!  For those of you who do not know me well, I absolutely LOVE fabric and garden gnomes! I cannot get enough fabric. I only wish I could buy time at the store! With two small boys at home I have no time to do anything with all of the fabric that I buy! Hopefully this week I can finish several sewing projects that I have already started! I’ll let you know how that turns out!

Small Child in the City

Last week my husband and I took our oldest son to Pittsburgh for a special day! He was a participant in a child development study at the University of Pittsburgh. That in itself was a very cool experience, especially since I studied a lot of child development in college. It was really cool to see how an actual study is conducted.  The study was to see if 2 1/2 year olds can help and basically sympathize with those in need. Anyway it was a great experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone with small toddlers!  Here is the link for those who would like additional information: http://www.pitt.edu/~toddlers/

Anyway, after my son participated in the study, we went to Pierogies Plus for lunch which is in McKees Rocks. WOW! The best Polish food ever! I got a platter of a cabbage roll, 4 pierogies, and cabbage and noodles and it was UNBELIEVABLE! It’s totally worth the drive for those who love Polish food! The only downside is that there is no where to sit and eat, it’s pick up only. And, it’s only open Monday-Friday. We ended up sitting in the car and eating, which worked for us. Here is the link to their website: http://pierogiesplus.com/

Besides selling the best cabbage rolls ever, they also sell dvds on how to make cabbage rolls and pierogies! I ended up buying one, I watched it and made cabbage rolls this weekend! My cabbage rolls turned out AWESOME! I’m making more next weekend! After Pierogies Plus we headed to the Incline. My son has never been on the incline so we went up to Mt. Washington. He loved it and he especially loved the view from the top! I thought I’d share a photo. I call it “Small Child in the City!” Click on the photo for a full size image.

After we went to the incline, we then decided to go to Build-A-Bear in Ross Park Mall. It was around 2:00 and near my son’s naptime. Well about 10 minutes before arriving at our destination he fell asleep! We had to wake him which caused him to be extremely crabby! It wasn’t a pleasant experience! Needless to say, I learned my lesson: when it comes to toddlers, don’t plan to many activities and always plan for a full nap!

I’m officially a stay at home mom…..

Starting tomorrow I am officially a stay at home mom! I’m a little scared, especially since the house is in total chaos! My goal for this week is to set up a “Household Notebook” with all kinds of information organized inside. Sections like Meal Planning, To-Do Lists, Cleaning, Calendars, Checklists, Financial Info, Phone Lists- things like that.

Take Meal Planning for example- I’m going to plan our meals a week ahead of time so that I can have one master grocery list and never forget items.  Too many times in this household my husband has run out to the store at the last minute to pick up one item! Today I needed shredded cheddar cheese! He’s a good sport though. No matter how many times he picks something up for me, he never complains!

Once my notebook is complete, I will share with you the finished product! Please share any ideas that you may have. I would love to hear how you keep your home organized!