Occupation: Homemaker

At a recent trip to the doctor, I actually read my admission sheet for the first time in a long time.  On the third line, there was a spot calling for occupation.  I had a strong reaction to what was written in that small space.  It called me a homemaker.  A homemaker?!?  The independent part of me wanted to tell her she had made a mistake.  I am actually an education consultant.  And I do a mighty fine job of it, thank you very much.  But truth be told, it's been a year since I've done any consulting.

The competitive part of me wanted to tell her that actually, I am a stay-at-home-mom who chases after two very active boys.  And I do a mighty fine job of it, thank you very much.

Then the very small part of me that is actually rationale spoke up and whispered to me that it doesn't matter what someone wrote down on a piece of paper as my occupation.  What matters is what I actually DO.

I try to pump my kids up with good stuff so that they continue to go, go, go!  This isn't always easy, and it's usually quite messy these days.

Did any cherry actually make it into his belly?

I try to be very aware that Ryan is different from Thomas and allow him his space to do what he wants and needs to do to grow into a different, but wonderful little boy.

Uh, Ryan...if that's how you want to sit, then far be it from me!

Catch anything?

I try to provide a little structure for their together time so that Ryan doesn't get tackled, smushed, dropped, or crushed by his loving big brother.

I try my best to manage their health, deciding when it's time to go to the doctor and when we can get away with some Children's Tylenol.  Recent decisions: Ryan's top teeth coming in accompanied by a runny nose, cough, and some crying in the night-Tylenol, some ice in a bag to gnaw on and some hard crackers.
 

The two ticks that I have found on Ryan this summer-careful removal and observation (no Tylenol). 

The hives that appeared all over Thomas' body one morning-doctor's visit!  Doc tells us that there have been a few kids in to her office with hives like this. She is attributing it to a virus.  Solution: Benadryl.

Supporting Thomas' lawn tractor addiction seems a lot less harmless than some other children's addictions (tv, Barney, video games), so I try to frequent the lawn tractor section of Lowes.

We (I) cannot stay outside all day, so we create opportunities to learn, develop fine motor skills, and creativity inside.

One of my favorite activities: baking!

Painting the leaves to look like Fall leaves

Add making dinners, breakfasts and lunches, a little housework, some landscaping work, and I guess that homemaker is indeed my current occupation.  Best to embrace it!

Keeping Busy

In the absence of preschool, I have learned exactly how important it is for Thomas, Ryan and I to keep busy.  Some silly folks who don't have pre-toddlers and preschoolers would think summer would mean endless fun!  Every mom I know from Thomas' preschool class is scavenging the net looking for camps or lessons or play groups for their three to four year olds.

So here is how we are staying busy:

Mowing, mowing and more mowing.

We take field trips when we can.  Most of our trips occur promptly after Ryan's morning nap.  Thomas and I are both anxious to get out and about by that point.  The public library is a favorite stopping point for all three of us.

Showing off his soccer book

We try to play and eat outside as much as the weather allows.

When all else fails, go to Nana and Papa's house.

And send your kids out to sea on a float if times get really tough!

And pump them full of sugar with S'mores

And when you really, really need a getaway, head to Magic Forest, affectionately known at our house as Kiddie Black Magic Forest.  It is easily the creepiest place in all of Lake George, but more importantly, it is hands down, the best place to bring an almost four year old.

We made our way cautiously.  Among the first things we saw:

A diorama with squirrels twirling over a bed.  Poltergeist? No.  Kiddie Black Magic.

   

Among other cultural experiences, we (Mike) taught Thomas how to pray at KBMF's own Chapel of the Woods.  All of this, within the first 10 minutes.

 Home of the Nation's ONLY diving horse...or so they say.  We didn't see him dive because the conditions were too wet.  Are you kidding?  He's diving into a pool of water!

Thankfully, we soon found the rides, which were PERFECT for Thomas.

And a few rides that should have to be checked with OSHA and various other safety organizations.

 Once upon a time, Magic Forest boasted Santa and his reindeer.  Now, there are goats living in Prancer, Blitzen and Donner's stalls.  The Santa has a tough sell with our little man Thomas.  Not sure if the Jewish Santa made it a little easier or a little more confusing.

In all seriousness, if you have a healthy dose of suspension of disbelief, Magic Forest is simply outstanding for entertaining preschoolers and their families.

We engage in some interesting shenanigans sometimes.  I sometimes wonder what the boys will think when they see these pictures when they're older.  Hopefully they see love.