I am Michelle D. Carter

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth. This is Alex’s new song he’s singing. Although, I’m quite certain he’ll have them by then.

Both of his front teeth have been loose for awhile. Unlike his sister, he doesn’t mind me yanking on them to get them out. I think he prefers it. He is all about getting the money from the Tooth Fairy. I had been trying to get them out but wasn’t successful.

Last night we were at a party that had rented one of those inflatable jumping moonwalks. The kids loved it! They were so happy. The only time they came out of it was to go to the basement where they had so many cool things for the kids to do that I wanted to stay and play.

As I was standing in the kitchen, I could look out the window and see that Alex was trying to climb up inside the walls of the moonwalk. I really need to go tell that kid to get down before he hurts himself or someone else. Nah, they’ll be fine. Moments later, Alex is running up to me crying with a mouth full of blood. I grab a napkin and realize that one of his front teeth is missing. Apparently during the descent, his tooth got caught and went flying.

Me: “Alex, you lost a tooth. The Tooth Fairy is coming tonight. Do you have your tooth?”

Alex, who immediately stopped crying: “No.”

Me: “Well, we better go find it.”

A few other people helped us look. Alas, there it is. Yeah!!

After returning home, I asked Alex the all important question: “Do you want me to see if I can get the other one out now?”

I could see the dollar signs in his eyes, “Yes!”

First attempt: OWW!! A good amount of movement.

Second attempt: OWW OWWW!! Significant movement. I thought for sure I had it, but no luck. Alex runs into the bathroom. I follow.

Tim: “That’s enough.”

Me: “Alex, do you want me to try one more time? I can just leave it if you want. It’s up to you.”

Alex: “Yeah.”

Third attempt: OWW! SUCCESS!!

Tim: “I said that was enough.”

Me: “I asked Alex. He said yes.”

Tim: “I don’t care. I said that was enough.”

Me: “Alex, go show your Dad.”

My boy was happy and proud. The good ole Tooth Fairy dug deep and gave him an extra dollar for losing two teeth on the same day. Extra money equals happy boy. I love that kid!

The boys were going to have some friends spend the night Saturday night. Saturday was also the day our neighborhood pool opened. If they weren’t asking me ‘what time are Ben and Will coming,’ it was ‘is the pool open, can we go?’

I told them that I would take them to the pool after we had lunch. We were only going to go for a little while because the weather hasn’t been all that warm and I’m sure the water would be cold. It was, but it didn’t seem to faze them. I got in up to my knees and that was enough for me.

After we returned home, we all took showers to get ready for the evening. Ben and Will were coming over with their parents. We grilled out and enjoyed spending time with Laura and Todd while the kids entertained themselves. The boys had fun and did really well with the sleep-over.

Ben and Will are twin boys and are in the same class as the boys. Ben and Andy are in Mrs. Mautino’s class; while Will and Alex are in Mrs. Todd’s. That is how they paired off for the night as well. We thought it was because they were in the same class. However, after spending more time with them, it was amazing just how similar they were to each other. We noticed that Ben had a bruised finger nail. That’s Andy. If someone is going to get hurt, it will be Andy. Both Ben and Andy were wearing tie shoes. Alex and Will wore Velcro. In the morning, both Alex and Will got up and got dressed right away. Andy and Ben remained in their pjs until we told them to get dressed. Alex and Will are the first born, Andy and Ben, the second. I truly enjoyed watching them. It was obvious they were best buds. I was OK with moving until now. I don’t want the boys to lose this connection. Tim and I also really like Todd and Laura. Luckily, they have relatives that will be fairly close to us after we move. We plan to keep in touch and try to get together at least once a year.

Sunday was spent at the pool as well. I left a little early and went out with Laura. Tim brought the kids home and had them jump in the shower. Andy had the towel wrapped around him laid on the floor to watch a little TV. Tim was just getting ready to tell him it was time to get dressed when he looked over and found his little naked body fast asleep. The playing hard, little sleep and the pool had finally caught up with him. Rather than wake him and have him be crabby, Tim let him sleep. Soon, Alex was out too.

Andy woke after Tim had already warmed up some left-over pizza. Andy was not happy!

Andy: “Why didn’t you wake me up?”

Tim: “It’s OK; I’ll warm it up for you.”

Andy: “You should have woke me up. And why did you take off my pajamas?” Clearly, he was oblivious to the earlier events. Gotta admit, that is cute!!

Monday was a little cold and rainy. It was nice to have a break and no expectations. It was a great day to relax, which is exactly what I did! It was a great weekend!!

Yesterday was the day. The day my little men graduated from Kindergarten. They had been practicing at school. They gave speeches, sang songs and received the all important diploma. I asked them what they wanted to wear on their special day. Both of them said their new outfits that Grandma bought. I made sure I had it ironed in plenty of time.

As Tim and I walked into the school, Alex was the first to see us. He jumped up to give me a hug, then quickly told me we needed to go to the room. Next was Andy. He did a quick wave and smile. Luckily for us we aren’t the only ones who have twins in separate class rooms. Andy and Ben were scheduled to give their speeches at the beginning while Alex and Will were at the end so we could observe both. Andy rushed through his and all I heard was ‘thanks Mom and Dad.’ Alex didn’t like getting up in front of a group and struggled a little. But I was very proud of both of them.

Great job boys! I love you!!

A little over a year ago when Alyssa wanted a DS, we made her pay for it with her own money. A few months later, when we purchased DS’ for the boys and she didn’t say anything. We thought we were in the clear. It didn’t take long and she realized the situation and just how unfair it was.

Over the weekend, we purchased a camera for her to “make up” for the travesty. We thought it was a good idea so she could capture some pictures of her friends before we moved. She was thrilled!

As with most cameras these days, it comes with the option of making videos. This is her favorite feature.

I picked up the camera the other night to see just what was on it. Apparently she has started her own Fight Club and is recording the fights. Silly girl, if you are going to start an illegal fight ring, don’t record the evidence.

Last night Alyssa had her fly-up ceremony to be Junior Girl Scout. These girls have been together since Kindergarten. And while, it’s only been four years, it has been neat to watch them grow together. They’ve evolved physically from little more than toddlers with chubby cheeks to girls no longer showing signs of baby fat. The emotional development is phenomenal. They are becoming comfortable in their own skin and have the support of each other to do just that.

I sat and watched each girl and felt my heart fall. Soon we will be moving from these amazing girls. Alyssa will leave some of her closest friends.

I tried to hold back the tears. Tim was supportive. He leaned over and said, “this [her new green sash] is for Alyssa, not for your blubbering.”

Thanks, Dear! I know I can always count on you!

Recently, Alex has been asking a lot of questions regarding when the police take you to jail and the reasons why you would go. We believe in answering their questions as honestly as we can. Most of his questions were very general: “Mom, you go to jail for doing bad things, right?”

Me: “Well, it depends. Yes, some things you will go to jail. However, some things you won’t. If you don’t listen to Mom & Dad, that’s not good, but you won’t go to jail over it. Well, I guess that depends on what you do.” OK, I have totally over analyzed this seeming simple question but in my defense, it is difficult to give a yes/no answer.

His questions were coming more and more often and I could tell that something about this was really bothering him. I tried to answer them honestly, yet let him know that he hadn’t done anything wrong and would not be going to jail. The questions then turned to if you could see your Mom and Dad in jail. Where is this coming from??!!!

Alex, before we were getting ready to head to his soccer game: “Can the police come get you when you are at soccer?”

Me: “Yes, they can. Alex, you haven’t done anything wrong. They aren’t going to take you away from Mom and Dad.”

I thought he understood.

Alex was asking Tim questions about jail too. He was unaware of just how much this bothered him. I forgot the question Alex asked Tim. Tim’s response didn’t consider his feelings. I immediately spoke up, “Tim, stop it. He has been asking a lot of questions about this and it bothers him.”

Tears are now streaming down Alex’s face. Tim: “I’m sorry buddy. You are not going to jail.”

We’ve tried to ask him why he is so worried. We can’t get an answer that will help us help him. I thought he was doing better. Until…

Alex, as he moves closer to me: “Mom, look! It’s the police. What are they doing?”

Me: “They are probably checking to see if people are speeding or something like that. You know, it’s also the police’s job to keep us safe. They might just be making sure everything is OK.”

I guess one benefit is that if he notices the police car before I do, then he’ll warn me and I can quit speeding. Maybe I should make arrangements to take him to the police station and show him that they are here to protect and serve. My luck, I will only further traumatize him.

I had lunch with some friends yesterday. For the first time in a long time I put on make-up.

Last night Alex comes up to me and says, “Mom, what did you do to your eye?”

Me: “What do you mean?”

Alex: “You look beautiful.”

This could go a couple different ways. Either my age is catching up with me and its best I put make-up on to cover it up or he noticed that I did something different and is complimenting me. It’s probably the first, but I’m going with the latter.

It was the perfect end to the crazy week I had last week. Friday, after Alyssa got home from school, we took some bread over to feed the fish at the marina. Each time we go it amazes me how crazy the fish can get. They are all fighting for the bread and will wiggle their tales as hard as they can to get a little scrap of food. During the struggle, they often splash water up on the deck where we are standing. They were particularly feisty this time. All of us ended up getting splashed. We all laughed and had a good time.

After I fired up the oven and cooked a superb meal of corn dog nuggets, we headed to Custard’s Ice Cream. Their cherry smash is my favorite. The kids enjoyed ice cream and playing with the huge checkers set outside. Well, except when Alyssa got a brain freeze. However, she quickly recovered and had a good time with the boys.

Saturday morning, Andy woke me up by giving me a kiss. I can’t think of a nicer way to be awakened. We had to get moving rather quickly as it was the boys’ last soccer game of the season. Considering it was a chilly early morning game, the boys played GREAT! The other team was good and the boys stayed with them all the way and kicked some soccer butt! I was so proud of them!!

On Sunday morning, they couldn’t wait for me to get up and open my presents. They had spent a considerable amount of time making cards for me. It was so nice knowing they had truly put their heart into their creations. They decided to wrap some of their toys to give to me. I received a couple of Hot Wheels cars, a glass marble and a rubber band. While these aren’t they gifts I would prefer to receive, they are some of the kids’ prized possessions. Yes, even the rubber band. They were willing to give them to me on my special day. What little sweeties!! 

It was a wonderful Mother’s Day. I hope yours was just as special.

It has been a crazy week. I think May in general is crazy. With school about to end for summer break, there are lots of activities going on. This added to your already to busy calendar. I begin to wonder why I’m so crabby – NOT!!

It is Staff Appreciation Week at Longview Farm Elementary. Each day the kids are encouraged to dress a certain way and/or bring items in for the staff. Monday was flower day. The kids were to take flowers to their favorite LFE staff. We purchased LFE school colors purple and gold perennials. The teacher could then plant them in their yard and each year when the flowers come back, they would remember us and just how important they are to us. I decided to drive the kids to school so hopefully nothing would happen to the flowers. Thankfully, all went well.

Tim left town early Tuesday morning. I spent all afternoon cleaning house. I just couldn’t take the two inches of dust accumulating. Not to mention that Andy thought it would be fun to draw in the dust only making it more obvious how dirty everything was. Tuesday night Alyssa had her first softball game of the season. It was a little chilly and started to rain. Not a hard rain but more of just an annoyance. It was also bath night. It was going to be a late night so I had originally decided to put off baths until Wednesday morning. That was until the boys found the pile of dirt to play in. One of the other Moms’ said, “It’s just like Pig Pen [from Charlie Brown]. One of them hit the other one on the shoulder and the dust just flew.” OH GREAT! Since I said the kids could take turns sleeping with me while Tim’s gone and it was Andy’s turn, I wasn’t going to let him in my bed full of dirt and grime. Upon arriving at home, I tell the boys to hop in the tub quick. They did a great job considering it was an hour past their bedtime. 

We get up Wednesday morning. The kids are getting ready. Alyssa’s taking her bath. It’s also Derby Day. It is a day dedicated to fitness. They are supposed to wear school apparel, tennis shoes, take a healthy snack for after their run (I haven’t been to the grocery store yet) and a water bottle. While juggling to make sure they have all of that and breakfast, I notice that it is also sunglasses day. I tell them if they want to participate, they need to get their sunglasses. Alyssa can’t find her black ones. I know they are in the van and I tell her to go look. She comes back and says they aren’t in there and runs off to her room to look in there. I crawl into the back seat and search the pockets. I found them in the second pocket I checked. I also find her DS pen. I pick it up to bring inside only to drop it under the seat. I finally get it and back in the house to Alex’s sad little eyes looking at me.

Alex: “The only glasses I have are in Dad’s van.”

Me: “Do you want to go to Target and get some or do you just want to forget it?”

Alex: “I want to go to Target.”

Me: “Alright everyone. Let’s go. Get your backpacks and get in the van.”

I knew it was coming so before he could say anything. I told Andy if he was good, I’d buy him some too. He was excited. A successful trip with two new pairs of sunglasses purchased. We arrive at school with six minutes to spare. Yeah, I should add here that now Andy can’t find his sunglasses and Alex doesn’t like his because they hurt his ears.

Wednesday afternoon, the boys and I spent running lots of errands. Our last stop: the grocery store. Oh how I hate the grocery store!

Alyssa has karate on Wednesday nights. It is also testing night. We get there a little early. I take the boys to run a quick errand. When we get back, the boys want to play outside. I decided it was OK as it would be easier than trying to contain them inside. Right about at the end of class, we went to get Alyssa. We were going to go in the doors right beside the gym. However, the doors were locked. Lots of parents were standing there but not a single one came to open the door. Awe, come on. I’m standing here with two six-year-olds; I’m far from a threat. Still, no one! I give up and start to walk to the other side of the building where I know the doors are unlocked. Here comes one of the assistants to let us in. Finally!

We get home and try to get ready for bed. Pretty soon everyone starts needing this and that. I’m stressed, not happy and start yelling. The next thing I know is it’s half an hour past bedtime. Bedtime is my sanctuary. I can’t wait until 9:00, so I can unwind and relax. They have infringed upon my time. It was not a pretty site. I try to apologize but I still felt bad. The damage is done.

Thursday I wake up and tell myself it is going to be a better day. I will not allow myself to get so frustrated. I am not setting a very good example. This worked until I got frustrated. I was trying to make no bake cookies again. I had made them last weekend and put too much peanut butter in them and they wouldn’t hold together. First, I was beside the hot stove getting hotter and hotter. Then, my utensils were stuck in the drawer. The boys were playing and getting louder and louder. Yep, here I go again.

And if that wasn’t enough, I remember that on Friday, it’s Hang 10 Day. They are supposed to take in notes to LFE staff with ten reasons why they are special to them. Instead of keeping my mouth shut, I give them the option of doing it. They chose to do it, of course. Adding more stress on me to help. What was I thinking?!!

Yep, no Mother of the Year awards for me. Hey, maybe I’ll get a movie/TV/book deal: Mommy Dearest Part 2. Scratch that! That’s not how I want to be remembered. I will work on being a better Mother! I will not do so much and I will lower my expectations. I have to! For my kids sake!!

If you follow this blog, you know that we will be moving to South Carolina in a month or two. The kids seem to be handling it well so far. Part of that might be because nothing has really changed in their life yet. They still go to the same school, see their same friends and have the same routine.

In preparing for our move, I thought I would make up some cards, address them and add stamps to give to their friends so they could send them to my kids to let them know that they are thinking about them. My plan is to give about five cards to a couple of their close friends. Then every couple of weeks or so, they could drop a quick note in the mail.

I thought it would make it easier for the parents of the friends to drop a little note if I already had most of it done for them. I thought that my kids would enjoy getting letters in the mail from their friends back in Lee’s Summit and that they haven’t totally forgotten about them. Life tends to get busy and people don’t stay in contact like we used to so I would just assist in the process.

Am I being over-protective? Am I over-stepping boundaries to ask the parents to do this? Maybe it’s my own insecurities coming through. The more I strive to be part of the “in” crowd; I realize that I’m changing myself into someone that I’m not. Then I’m frustrated with the quality of the relationship. I’m mad at myself because I changed who I was. I’m annoyed because I allowed what I thought was ideal become something that it wasn’t. I need to realize that some people have never left high school and will continue to live in that fantasy. I can’t control that. I need to just be me. I will develop close, more meaningful relationships.

What do you think?