Death of classmate: A poem about healing

Death of classmate // Healing

No more shooting mom

Listening to the news

Telling my son to play dead

Mom what's that

Basketball games rivalries end in death

Buy a gun for $100 on the corner

Everyone knows where

Sister cry for food

Sister city to play

Sister city a new town
for the death of a child

Pendragon, Pendleton,
shot in a park,
5 blocks from the President's home

Performed at the inaugural

Died at attention.

Gun control won't cut it,

Video games won't cut it,

Mental health registry won't cut it,

Where are the shooters parents,

Where is the raising of a child.

The shootings in Chicago have gone insane. And while this was during the Obama administration, I was deeply affected. We discuss the why's at home. White privilege, poverty, cycles of abuse and the insanity of shootings. What do we tell the children? We talk about these issues openly. And then I deal with my kids saying they are scared when we know we are safe at home. This is not our world, but it hurts my heart.

One day, this will change.

NEW UPDATE :: YOUTUBE CHANNEL INFO ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT BLOG

Our family has had many adventures through the years. Mom, the @Minstr0Interior had an a-ha moment . . .  Suddenly I See what we will have filled our life with, ADVENTURES! We travel, craft, sing, dance, collect insects and spend loads of time together. Sometimes too much time together. Our kids have recently begun to document their own adventures, and so this channel was born. Enjoy our adventures. Or not. WANT MORE? If there is a blog post accompanying this video we will share it here. Sometimes we will include the ingredients list of the craft or recipe, or the itinerary of our trip. In the meantime click play. 

From our family: 👍 + 🙃 + ❤️ ( Thumbs up, emoji face, hearts! )

See It Live >>> 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2mGpujQIVgxdfTImFnQuLA

make mistakes, breathe and keep breathing.

When Fear is Around, a poem

"When fear is around" A Poem 

Story behind the poem:

The inspiration behind the poem. When we observe people around us I always say we are outsiders looking in, inside their box. Imagine the world you live in. It is different then mine. Your community, your office. your house. That is "your box." If I were to look inside your world it would like like me taking the lid off the top of the box and looking inside. I am looking into your box. Inside your world.

When we live in our own box, we see things from our perspective. But when an outsider looks into the box they will see things very differently. When my husband and I chat about life, the kids, or work, his perspective is different then mine. We look into eachothers boxes and sometimes see things differently. And that can be helpful, and eye opening (after the frustration of being told how different I am).

When looking into the box, we see people at their best or worst. But we don't analyze ourselves that way.

Both our Babcia's suffer from some level if anxiety and fear (night time fear of the dark, yet saying they are not afraid. Teasing kids with fear of animals, or losing a chess game...) I mean everyone does have some level of fear, or anxiety at some point in their lives. However as they age their fears are sharpened, like a fine point on a sharpened pencil. I just see WHAT their particular fears is more then they recognize it themselves. For one grandma, sometimes it is medical concerns, and death and dying. For the other its the darkness, nighttime and a fear of someone breaking into her home. I would argue we all have these as fears, at some point. Or concerns. I just see it amplified in them because they talk about THESE particular fears often.

The Poem // WHEN FEAR IS AROUND

Growing,
Stronger,
Every year.

Paranoia,
Anxiety,
Her fear.

Driving,
Walking,
Every day.

The Beach,
The store,
Every way.

Her fear of the dark has swollen thick,
When driving she fears getting hit,
What, when, where is it
The fear is hers and constant.

All. The. Time.
She can't face it.
She feels it,
She never unwinds.

Do you see that truck? Is the alarm on? In case of fire, keep it armed.
At night I hear her as she dreams, muffled noises, silent screams.

By morning we learn she was running away, from the dark, a man, an animal gone astray.

We can't discuss it,
she denies it's there.
The ever constant,
always growing, Fear.

The storm was so loud,
I laid in bed,
The the trees shook,
Branches scraping above my bed.

Did the siren sound? Did the earth shake?
No major alarms, but it still made her heart quake.

It's the smallest thing,
The quietest creek,
When her ears give alert,
And she listens for it to speak.

Fear says hello
In its own way.
Each of us hearing it,
What does it say?

For me it's the creaking in the hall,
Why is there noise when there should be none at all.

For him it's his wife coming to bed,
It's late, its dark, he rested his head.
Suddenly a light, someone entering the room,
He catches his breath as his heart zooms.

For the children it's the darkness, when they lay their heads.
And they snuggle their animals, warm in their beds.
They fall asleep to the sounds of kids songs,
The pounding of their hearts is drowned and gone.

And Great Grandma she wonders,
Will I fall asleep in my bed,
Or will I fall into that wonderland,
And my body lay cold and dead?
Then her heart pounds,
Her face warms, and she quakes
Her mind racing,
She quivers and quakes.
It's happening, this is the moment it's now,....
When fear takes over and all reason bows down.

I wish her peace, I wish her calm,
I wish her patients thru the it all.
Neither silence or sound,
Can help calm her,
When Fear is Around.

NEW UPDATE :: YOUTUBE CHANNEL INFO ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT BLOG

Our family has had many adventures through the years. Mom, the @Minstr0Interior had an a-ha moment . . .  Suddenly I See what we will have filled our life with, ADVENTURES! We travel, craft, sing, dance, collect insects and spend loads of time together. Sometimes too much time together. Our kids have recently begun to document their own adventures, and so this channel was born. Enjoy our adventures. Or not. WANT MORE? If there is a blog post accompanying this video we will share it here. Sometimes we will include the ingredients list of the craft or recipe, or the itinerary of our trip. In the meantime click play. 

From our family: 👍 + 🙃 + ❤️ ( Thumbs up, emoji face, hearts! )

See It Live >>> 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2mGpujQIVgxdfTImFnQuLA

Make mistakes, breathe reflect, and turn on a light. Laugh at the dark.

Poem: Husbands Love; "You have given me wings"

Husband's Love

Today you told me you loved me so much,

That you don't even know,

You couldn't place why that was,

But a few ideas you wanted to show:

What a good job I've done with the boys, or maybe tending to you?

As for the house cleaning, not so much,

But we agree it's kept tidy too.

We laugh, often and sometimes hard,

It can even lead to tears,

And if we're feeling somewhat jarred,

other times we share our deepest fears.

But today, you realized what it is, 

that feeling that brings you Close to me,

It's not the kids, house or jokes,

it's just letting you be free! 

The story behind the poem:

I had supported my husband through college as his "editor" on his various papers. This continued into his first and second jobs in administration. Then I supported him when he joined a principal training program and was gone 5 times over the course of a year to visit other school districts nationwide. 

He said one night I had "given him his wings" to be free to pursue his career. And I was happy to help.

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission

Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

Poem: Decorating with Things I Find

Yes, my kids fall asleep in the car when we drive back from an activity or errand. So I would let them sleep. They loved it. My grandma would ALWAYS COMPLAIN, how uncomfortable, how miserable for the kids. Move them to their bed.

As a kid who grew up on the road I loved sleeping in the car. I still do. The movement and motion of the road makes a great napping. So I wouldn't transfer the kids, unless I had to. And in time I discovered driving around and letting the kids sleep was not uncomfortable, miserable, or making them unhappy.

When driving around I saw first hand the first world benefit we have, and our neighbors, where having an excess of items and being able to throw good, quality things away.

No photos here... just some thoughts on the trash.

POEM // DECORATING WITH THINGS I FIND

I Listed things I found,
In the neighborhood when driving around.
My kids would nap in the car,
Why should I wake their dreams from afar.

An antique table, who's trim can be fixed in a breeze,
a little glue could allow this table to hold my keys. 

An entire play lot for my kids,
a slide, a hut and tunnel in it.

Kitchen chairs made of solid wood,
found by my uncle in the hood.

Even a pair of jeans once owned,
were thrown out, forgotten, alone.

Dumpster diving is a skill,
one that I do not do well.

However this excess that we have,
throw it out, by a new one instead.

Plastic is cheap, a small price to pay,
for the convenience of instant replacement to stay.

The value of quality, workmanship and expertise,
I feel is lost. But not in my home,
not to be tossed.

Out out out in the cold.
A new couch, a rug, a lamp,
from the home.

NEW UPDATE :: YOUTUBE CHANNEL INFO

Our family has had many adventures through the years. Mom, the @Minstr0Interior had an a-ha moment . . .  Suddenly I See what we will have filled our life with, ADVENTURES! We travel, craft, sing, dance, collect insects and spend loads of time together. Sometimes too much time together. Our kids have recently begun to document their own adventures, and so this channel was born. Enjoy our adventures. Or not. WANT MORE? If there is a blog post accompanying this video we will share it here. Sometimes we will include the ingredients list of the craft or recipe, or the itinerary of our trip. In the meantime click play. 

From our family: 👍 + 🙃 + ❤️ ( Thumbs up, emoji face, hearts! )

See It Live >>> 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2mGpujQIVgxdfTImFnQuLA

Make mistakes, breathe and laugh.out.loud!

Celebrating my 4 Year Blogging Anniversary with The Top 4 Blog Posts

6 Years Later, these posts still roar the loudest! Thank you for your continued readership!!

I'm enjoying spending time with my kids, experiencing these early years in boring day to day activities, finding their joy while we run errands, and the fun projects and kid activities we do over-and-over-and-over at home. Raising kids has some simple joys: like when baby girl wants to hear the "put on Bumble Bee song" again. And then the frustration I know I'll feel when all 3 are in the car fighting who's song gets played first. During my short blogging experience, its 2014 and we're pushing year number 4, I've found that on days I feel like a loser mom who doesn't do enough,... That I do just that. Enough. We don't need to do more. We don't need to try EVERY Pinterest craft (although we do like to try new ones that are easily changed up with a little tweak). We simply need to keep our "routine" which keeps us sane and keeps us doing new things.

 While reviewing my posts and cleaning up labels I was pleased to find increased views (perhaps my Twitter shares is helping, or the fact that we have linked into the Insect Underworld?), and having nearly 7,000 page views is exciting for this simple mom from Chicago. 

 The Top 4 Most Viewed Posts 

My first posts stay the most popular after all these years. When I just had my first older son, I was hyper vigilant about trying to raise him to be confident. I had observed some strange behaviors in the men in my life, and my family is outnumbered by men at least 3:1 men to women. I wanted to understand what is the cause of the underlying behaviors was so as a mom I didn't repeat the issues that boys have. And so the post that you love so much came to life.

No. 1

Parenting Boys to Become Confident Men See the full post here.

My next obsession in trying to be a better mom was our Routine. Was I spending my day efficiently, we're there some mommy ideas that I could use to make even better use of my day? I wanted to incorporate school-like learning into our day. Since then I have learned that kids will learn everyday, we just need to let them observe and explore at their own pace. I used to try to "make a learning moment" and I discovered that moments will happen, as a mom I have to left my son take the time to watch the squirrel, read the book, or color when HE wants to and when he feels inspired. Granted that big lesson evolved over a few years, and big lessons were learned from his Preschool teacher. Talk about A-Ha moments. But back to schedules and routines. I knew I wanted to limit TV time, and since this post was written I would change one big aspect, I WOULD let my son watch a little more cartoons on PBS (no commercials) and watch movies at least once a week (similar to our movie nights now as a family of 5). What? Yes, limiting tube time is beneficial, Why? My older son is the only one of 3 kids who "zones out" in front of the TV. 

He's not concentrating on the show, he's literally engrossed in it. The other two younger ones don't become so engrossed. The TV can be in the background - like background noise almost - with them, unlike with my older son. I think changing this one aspect would help my son see TV as something normal, an almost everyday thing, and not something "special." Older son is 9 years old now and he no longer gets sucked up into the TV in a poltergeist-esque way. He's way more normal about watching TV, unless it's Life of Mammals, that still a regular feature flick here and he demands silence in the room as we watch so he can hear every detail being shared.

No. 2

The 2nd Place Most Popular Post 

Limiting Kids TV Time with a No TV Schedule 

See the Full Original Post Here. 

And if you limit kids TV, What should the kid be doing? There's plenty to do, as you'll see in the post.

No. 3 Two posts are tied for 3rd place. 

I started a Pinterest account for myself when I saw some friends posting the coolest kids activities on Facebook. As we started pinning Insects, I wanted to document our progress and started a Pinterest Page for this blog, find us here at Areyousureaboutthat/Pinterest.com 

The 3rd Place *tied* Most Popular Post 

Post for "Salt Glue and Paint Toddler Project" and "Sensory Bins and Bags: I spy, Ocean Blue and an African Habitat." 

These two inspirations came from Pinterest. We remade sensory bottles oh so many times... Sensory bins became my go to saving grace at friends homes to keep kids busy (when the toys we brought lost their fun). The kids would get immersed in the making of the sensory bags and would play with them for long periods of time. We evolved to using Sensory Bottles since they were cleaner (less leakage) and easier to manage to the kids. They could actually practice pouring into the small openings or use (extra fun) funnels. In our the Ocean Blue, I know the rich color of the bags.

Our 1st sensory bags - Red I-Spy complete with poem and the Blue Baby Oil Ocean Areyousureaboutthatblog
That rich color was made by mixing the food coloring with baby oil in one of the first steps. We still have that sensory bag, poured into a sensory bottle.

African Habitat Sensory Bin Areyousureaboutthatblog

The small animals in the habitat pictures helped me get a lot of click thrus from Pinterest. And yes, we have sensory bins in their holding corners that baby girl uses often even today. She prefers measuring tools to animals, and spends loads of time with them. She's even better at NOT pouring all the rice all over the floor (bonus). Younger son still occasionally enjoy the sensory bin even after he's started Kindergarten.

No 4.

The Most Researched and 4th place most Popular Post 

"Breastfeeding, A Collection of Tips from a Mom who Nursed for Several Years (okay, A Decade)." 

See the Original (yet lovingly refreshed) Full Post Here. 

When I joined the Pinterest community, I experience all the shared advice available about breastfeeding your baby. Wow, what I would've given to have had a Pinterest type of site and later app to use as a breastfeeding resource. To be able to dig thru already sourced and pinned ideas and tips... But at the same time this post was inspired. 

I am obsessive when I research an idea. And when I started nursing I had a collection of (my) issues. There was so much I didn't know. In communities around the world kids grow up seeing women nurse. Mothers, cousins, sisters, aunts... It's everywhere! I didn't have this experience. And when I did have an aunt who was nursing my two cousins, I vividly remember she closed the door when she nursed her son. It wasn't for privacy, it was her version of some of those "weird men behaviors" I mentioned I noticed in my family. My reading and research brought my a whole collection of tips and advice that I felt were untapped. NOW many of these sites are booming, but some of my tips remain unsaid. I knew I needed to keep updating The Collection of Breastfeeding Tips when my cousin, who successfully nursed 3 daughters had a problem with her 4th baby, a son. I shared my advice for a SNS supplemental nursing system tube, which saved my nursing experience with my younger son and baby girl.

So I updated the post, added some pics, and links where I could still find them. But it seems the advice and tips was better then the links (which a quick google search would help in). 

Thanks for reading my blog, about our fun and adventures.... And of course the Insects. 

Make Mistakes. Breathe, reflect, and Laugh.Out.Loud. 

Poem: Me

Poem: ME

When yacking with the girls over a drink,

Sometimes I tend to think.

Am I a dying breed?

I think so with all my little deeds.

Just because I like to sew, 

cook lunch thru dinner, clean and mow.

Jack of all trades like a handy man,

An "Expert in nothing" proudly I am. 

To Fix a drip and a squeaky floor,

I'll use pliers and sprinkle talc near the door.

Sewing our costumes is not a trick,

Near the dogs collar I remove a tick

Makin' lobster bisque or (oooh) corn chowder,

To slide into my jeans I'll sprinkle baby powder.

Spring time digging, planting, is my joy,

Helping the kids bring out summer toys.

Making fresh penne in Pesto Paste,

Making mulch with vegetable waste.

In the falls collecting seeds, 

Grateful that there are no weeds.

Shopping lists which I don't dread,

Yes, I use my own bags instead!

We enjoy meals with a cloth napkin,

And cloth diapers our babies sat in.

I'm proud of the things that I can do,

And frankly I enjoy my life too.

So instead of sharing my latest tip,

I'll just sit here and take a sip.

The Story Behind the Poem:

When I first gave birth to my Older Son, at the 4 month mark I remember a cousin asked me "What do you do all day?" I laugh now at the thought. Truly running a household, is a full time job and a half (when my employed husband is home he helps out too). Yes I could eat ice cream all day, but the fruit is so much more rewarding when you grew it yourself.

So, at our bi-monthly girls nights I often sit, and listen. I dont share everything I do at home (I haven't even shared this blog). Because they do so much in their daily lives, SAHM stuff is boring... Time consuming... And it's a little sick that I enjoy it.

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission

Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

Poem: Making the Best of it

You have to make the best of it,

You have to make the most of it. 

You can't complain about it for years,

That just brings more tears.

Some days are mundane,

Other days are plain.

The children will grow,

The lawn he'll mow.

It's a peaceful life,

Without much strife.

If you make the best of it.

If you make the most of it.

The Story Behind the Poem

One day I was sitting contemplating my career change. How different it is. How challenging in Good ways and in ways that made me look at myself as a person. When you decide to become a stay a home mom, you might not realize EXACTLY what your getting into. No ones gonna tell you good job, no bonus, no promotion. Coming from a corporate structure with a clear "reward for your efforts" strategy to, well, self motivation - - - is very very very hard. But when you arrive. . . It feel oh so great!

 

I do know that constantly reading and staying on top of new and evolving information is important to help keep your sanity too. Read about those ideas here.

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission

Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

Poem: The Cycle

The Story Behind the Poem:

Abuse and neglect carry over generations, it becomes a "parenting style."  How could a child raised in such an environment: ... know how to raise her own children? Break the cycle? Lift herself out of such hopelessness and tragedy for a beautiful life? 

My husband worked as an administrator in the inner city schools for several years. The stories he told me inspired this poem. Many many scary stories. All the more horrifying BECAUSE they were TRUE. Working in the ghetto, gives you perspective on issues you cannot even begin to understand, unless you've been there. All of the stories collided in my mind as if lived thru the eyes of a little girl. 

I wrote this poem in 2008. However, years later another accidental ride through the inner city reminded me of this time in my life, a Visit to the Westside of Chicago through photos. 

Westside of Chicago, a photo by areyousureaboutthatblog on Flickr.

The Cycle

Growin' old, age 3, didn't get beat,

Gettin McD's and somethi' sweet.

'Cause My mama gave me $5 today,

Gonna sit now on a porch 'n play.

Mama came home, she didn't say hi,

Sat next to her watchin' the bruise heal on her eye.

Watchin' TV, sesame street, 

Elmo the monster is cute, he has Red feet.

Starting school, I didn't know why?

Grandnana said education Is mine.

Walked in, my belly aches,

Wishin' for some hotcakes.

Sitting in the office again, I was yellin' at my friend.

A mama came 'n, her boy was 8. 

Signin' him up for school a little late.

He touched a pencil 'n the desk, 

When she looked at him her eyes popped out of her head!

He put his hand down real fast,

He looked at her know'n this peace wouldn't last.

She said he was dumb, she didn't know what to do, 

so she decided to send him to skoo'.

Graduat'n today, mama was late,

My diploma shows I did great.

High schools ah'ight, boys get'n in so many a fight.

My boyfriend asked me if I'm gonna have my baby tonight.

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author

Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission
Make Mistakes. Breathe, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

Pumping is Hard

Pumping is Hard
2009

Pumping, Pumping, God this sucks.
My breast feel like rocks.

Hook up Like I'm some kind of cow,
But my milk is so precious cause now,
Is the last time I'll be making any　
For my baby "the grand finale."

So since it's so important to me,
And giving you food that keeps you healthy.

I'll stay right here and keep on pumping, pumping, pumping.

By: Areyousureaboutthatblog author
may not be reproduced without permission.

The Story behind the poem:

I successfully nursed all three of my children. I read once:
 if your baby gets even a few drops, you have nursed successfully.
 if your baby gets even one breast feeding a day, you have nursed successfully.
 if your baby latches on, you have nursed successfully.
 if your baby gets a partial breast feeding, you have nursed successfully.


 
(My daughter would always tuck her feet near my knees as she nursed to sleep All.The.Time. She is two years old  now and still does this when shes sleeping in our bed!) 

For a gung ho mom like me this was a lot to swallow. Not going all 100% - new definitions can give sanity. I had hardship during nursing my older son. But I still reflect on the moments I did nurse. When I was successful. And HOW MUCH I LEARNED in the process. In my post on Breastfeeding tips, I listed all the learnings and little details that helped me during what can be such a challenging time.

Pumping is one of the worst things ever.  Its so unnatural. However, many moms can work and provide nourishment, the "liquid gold," for their baby... and that's tremendous success.

After I wrote this while pumping. I stopped. I decided I would only nurse my daughter, as a stay at home mom this was possible. And I wouldn't do anything to "increase my milk supply" because my daughter would drive that process. She would nurse more frequently or earlier when she needed more food. And when I made that decision, some of my sanity came back.


Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

 

Poem: I Spy Games

I-spy poems we made up while commuting.

I spy a building taller then the trees, 

the birds land on top of it and do as they please.

Do you see there's a stick all the way on top. 

It looks like the handle of a mop. 

(a skyscraper antenna downtown)

I spy something brown 

that sits upon ur head. 

This one has something green

on top of it instead. 

This one is short and straight, 

I know you have it and I do too,  

we see it early and late.

I found it, can you?

(Your morning hair colic) 

I spy something brown sticking out of the ground

Sometimes it's a little white, and I keep it in my sight - leafless trees

I spy a passing blue sign

It is leaving us behind

It is blue red and white

I cannot keep it in my sight - highway signs

I spy something flying by

It's way up in the sky

It's brown and white

Concentrating on their flight - Birds

This original poem was from November 2010, while nursing my younger son.

I spy something. 

Warm and wet, 

it's in the morning that u get.

It tastes yummy, just divine,

But it doesn't taste like mommies wine.

If you are reading this post, please post a comment below on what you liked - or didn't  - about this read. Does the topic interest you and you want to know more? Submit a question and I am happy to tackle it.

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission

Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

Poem: Coffee Press

French Press

Oh coffee press how I've missed you soooo,

your cousin was here but he had to go.

He fell on his glASS, cracked and smAShed. 

So now that you have come to live with me, 

I think I'll make some Iced Tea.

The story behind the poem:

I make my morning java in a French Press. I like the strong bitter taste of coffee, and so much flavor is retained when compared to coffee maker brew.

Well the day came when my press was cracked and damaged as I washed it out. It took my ages to replace it. I was so trilled at the sight if a new press, when my kids asked why I was buying a new one? I said: "because his cousin cracked."

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission

Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

Poem: Turn into a Rock?

A Quick story For My Kids

The witch named Jo lived in the forest,

She liked to make her place it bright for days or she would cast a spell on the trees to make it dark. 

She didn't bother anyone because she lived so deep in the forest. 

So when you go and pick berries you don't even see the witch.

She's busy being alone. 

She changes frogs into logs or bats into cats, to finish a project around her home or to have a new friend to roam.

Sometimes when she is tired of flying on her broom she would change a reindeer into a bicycle. And go off track bike to ride over rocks and sticks. 

Older son asked: 

Does she turn the rock into a wolf and then he eats her? 

The Story Behind the Poem

We were sitting at the kitchen table and my son said: "Mom, tell us a story." We had just been talking about how my mom lives alone, if she's lonely, and how she keeps busy. That conversation inspired this tale.

If you are reading this post, please post a comment below on what you liked - or didn't  - about this read. Does the topic interest you and you want to know more? Submit a question and I am happy to tackle it.

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission

Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

Poem: Dad's Working Late

Dad's working late

Thank you dad for working late, 

So mom and I can have a date.

You will find us fast asleep,

With the books we've read knee deep.

Don't be mad, You must understand,

That you will hav to lend a hand,

And move me back to my own bed,

So you will have a place to lay your head.

The story Behind the Poem

We love reading books at night to our kids. And when my husband first started his Principalship he worked ridiculous long hours. So often, he'd come home and find me cuddled up with he kids, and a stack of books on the bed and floor that we'd read before bed. 

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission

Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

Poem: Laundry

Laundry

Half, quarter, flatten, next.

Half, quarter, flatten, next.

Folding is not somethig I dread,

It's just always on my head.

I can't seem to getaway,

To watch tv or just to play.

Please someone invent a machine,

that will do more then wash 'um clean,

I'd prefer it dry AND fold,

I wouldn't have to do another load!

Half, quarter, flatten, next.

Half, quarter, flatten, next.

I can't wait for that magic machine to do the rest!

The Story Behind the Poem:

We always have piles of laundry to do. We are a family of 5! I wash at least 1-2 loads every day, needless to say: there's always a basket of clothes waiting to be folded. 

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission

Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

Poem: Absent or Called in Sick Today

Absent.  

May, 2011

Older Son

You are "feeling well" today, 

and at home you wanted to stay.

So I called you in sick to school,

Dad would've said: "staying home wasn't cool!"

But as a teenager you won't want to spend,

A moment with me or make amends.

So today what would you to like to do?

Go to a museum or maybe the zoo?

I'll pack a snack, it'll be such fun,

And then we'll take a walk in the sun.

Your only 5 for a limited time,

And I want every minute to be sublime.

So when your 14 I'll leave you alone,

And in my heart I'll have known,

That we spent a day at play,

when I called you in sick to school today!

The Story Behind the Poem:

When it was just my older son and I at home - we went out on outings nearly everyday of the week. Once to a museum, one day to the library story time hour, one day to fetch groceries, and everyday to the park! I loved being out with him. Even after my young son was born, by 6 months we were back going on our outings, the 3 of us. 

So when school started... I MISSED my son soooooo much! Preschools 3-hour schedule was manageable, but after mid year when we transitioned from half-day kindergarten to full day, that was tough. Then it happened. My older son missed ME!! He wanted to stay home and do things "like we used to." OKAY!!! I (happily) called my older son in sick, to Kindergarten. I know, we parents, embedded in the education system lied! My son simply wanted to be home with me that day... And how I treasured it too. 

We did end up going to the zoo, seeing his favorite animals. So the day was educational still, but mostly because I was with him, again, out exploring like we used to... It was totally worth it! 

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission

Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

Poem: North Face Moms

North Face Moms, 2011

There they are standing around,

Looking at me, up and down.

I wave hello and walk on by,

I don't get caught up in the high and dry.

"Who said this?" and "she said that!"

Sometimes I feel like and entry mat.

I'm just there so you can wipe your thoughts on me,

Instead I wish you'd leave me be.

I'm just not that kind of women,

I'd prefer to discuss my new recipe using cumin,

Or something funny my son said,

And amaze at the depth of ideas in his head.

It's awkward for me not being like them,

Ironically I don't wanna stand around and cackle with the hens.

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission

Behind the Poem:

The title of this poem was inspired by a neighborhood mom. At the time my older son was attending catholic school. As you know we changed his school early on in the year do to his schools "Red Shirting" issue. At the time I saw the neighborhood moms, who's kids attend our neighborhood school, on the block chatting over the warmer months. One day we were discussing school issues and she mentioned the "North Face Moms." To her some "up & up" moms who give off a certain appearance of being better? Perhaps Wealthier? Well the label stuck in my mind. Does being more educated, and having a little cash to buy nice things make us automatically "up & up" or uppity? The poem summarizes my take and my position in all this.

Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

Poem: Bath Time or How Much Did we Eat for Lunch?

Bath Time, 2011

It's the end of the day,

it's time to unwind.

Under our clothes,

What will we find.
 

Some leaves, and a rock,

A new bruise, and your sock.

In the bath we go,

My precious cargo.

Playing with their toys,

Making scuba diving noise.
 

The alphabet letters stick to the wall,

Hoping that they don't fall.

The older is taking a cup,

Hoping to splash his brother with some luck.
 

Okay boys 5 minutes more,

No mom, close the door!

I'm glad they don't want to leave their friend,

But frankly I'm pooped! And I want my my day to end!
 

Little one comes out first,

He laughs with a big burst.

Transfer to dad and the older ones next,

He decides to recite some text.
 

"The dog was barking and running around,

He was biting another dog and fell on the ground."

And then I feel my nights complete,

When You say: "wrap me up Mom" and "say something sweet."

"I love you mom, do you know how much?"

"I'll tell you it's as much as we ate for lunch."

The story behind the poem:

One night after bath time, my older son came out telling me a story about dogs, his favorite topic at the time. And very night after bath time he says "wrap me up mom" so I snuggle with him as I dry him in a towel. I love bath time because even though I'm exhausted, and looking forward to a quiet house. It is a great time to have scheduled "play" with the kids and tub toys. And scheduled "snuggle time as I wrap them up. It gives you that warm and snuggly feeling on the inside.

Original post: 2011

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission

Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

Activities with Kids: Poetry

The Story Behind the Poem:

We often do some very impromtu activities with our kids. and sometimes their creativity, with a sprinkling of ideas from mom, can inspire a great activity.

My 7 year old son came home from school saying that after homework was done he wanted to write a poem. "What kind of poem?" I asked. "I don't know yet" he said.

We went about tending to our responsibilities - he has to change his clothes, unpack his backpack and lunch bag, feed the dog and eat a snack. Then 30 or so minutes of play and straight to start homework. But today was so incredibly, unseasonably warm and beautiful, we stopped at the park for our play time.

For homework he had to study for his science test. At the end of the study packet was a little activity for the family. There was a list of words about natural resources including: natural resources, minerals, recycling, erosion, sand, weathering, boulder and pollution. The activity said we should include these words in our everyday language. We are a nature, outdoorsy, kind of family so we use this vocabulary often. I asked him perhaps to consider that for his poem we should use the words in the list, and mom will write a poem too?

We decided we would see how many words we could use up in one poem. He had a little trouble with rhyming, but then told me his teacher said a poem doesn't have to rhyme. At age 7, he's going through a very competitive phase. So he said yeah "let's see who writes the best poem." I said "it's not about the best poem, it's about seeing how we use the same words in our poetry but each poem will be very different."

Here are our poems: 

with the titles added after we finished writing and reading them aloud to each other.


Natural Resources by Older Son, age 7

When I look up into space I see a boulder at the beach I see sand it tickles my feet.

I see a recycling factory on the way to Indiana.

To not pollution the earth I do not throw stuff on the ground.



Moms Poem: 

Nature Was Talking to Me

As I stood on the mountaintop,
I looked upon a special spot,
where the air, sand and sea,
felt like they were talking to me.

These natural resources are ours,
just like when you see the stars. Weathering is nature's way,
of taking some poisons away.
Erosion doesn't have to be,
the way you take her away from me.

Pollution is a danger,
Recycling is no stranger.
Use a boulder to build your home,
but replace trees when you roam.

by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission

Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud

My story in Poetry: Breastfeeding is hard

So, here's what our society doesn't talk about....sometimes breastfeeding is hard.

Everywhere I read about "just always put baby on the breast," no schedule is needed. And usually baby eats every two hours or so, for roughly 20 minutes each side. 

Ha! 

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In the early 8 weeks my babies would eat CONSTANTLY. My routine was eat for 5, 10, 15 minutes, nap for 10 -30 minutes, eat, nap, eat, nap. So I affected my confidence wondering if somethings wrong. I accepted and loved staying home, I don't need to leave to house, or go to target - I'm here just to care for the baby.

As a mother of three, I wanted to nurse all my babies. With each one there was a small problem here or there.... And I wasn't able to EB (expressly breast) feed.

My poem goes into how this was a challenge, but I made it out of those dark few weeks, realizing that just have the baby at the breast is a wonderful feeling in itself. Yes, there are concerns. But let's talk basics. You Are Feeding Your Baby, Offering a Snack, It's Lovely.

My story in Poetry: Breastfeeding is hard

But for now, here's my poetic take on why:

Breastfeeding is hard

Just put the baby on the breast
And make sure you get plenty of rest
Eat an extra 500 calories a day
And drink lotsa water as much as you may.

Rest ? What's that
I'm exhausted all. the. time.
Eating requires cooking
An for that I'd have to hear you whine

Feed the baby on demand,
A schedule is not at hand.
She'll eat at least 20 minutes on each side,
Just go with the feeding tide.

What's this 20 minute thing?
Baby eats only when she's not sleeping,
at the breast, in my arms, but not at night,
I've been up so long I greet the day light.

Watch the baby to show their satisfied,
6-8 diapers a day u what you'll find.
Rest when baby rests, and watch that she IS getting enough.
As your nursing relationship develops.

My baby cries, ....alot.
It's not colic, and it's her, or my frustration. this is tough.
We found the latch sweet spot,
But it doesn't matter when nursings not.

Lean babys head back, nipple to nose,
Get plenty of breast tissue and on she goes.
Chin first, then her mouth,
Nursing shouldn't hurt even if at first it's a little rough.

My DD latches fine at first,
But then suddenly there's a burst.
Off she slides, and pulls down her chin
And suddenly her lower lip flips in..

See a Lactation consultant and get some help,
Don't worry you ARE making plenty of milk.
Take a supplment like fenugreek or domperidone
You'll smell like maple syrup, an through this you are not alone.

I'm taking 15 pills a day,
Pumping like crazy and my milk stays away.
Baby's latching, on a very red nipple and breast.
And my 3 month old is putting me to the test.

Don't give up, your almost there.
Your making milk, and baby's loving your care.
All babies cry? Look at her diapers and weight gain,
Just thinking you don't have milk is making me insane.

What sux is I'm not enjoying my time with you.
I'm stressed and pumping and supplementing but no more milks
coming thru.
But I just don't know how to give up, I keep going on, but for what?
and it's torture not enjoying this time, but I won't quit, I just can not.

Don't listen to those who ask, "is she getting enough?"
"She's so small, this must be rough."
"I can't believe your doing 'that' when you have those other two."
"Give a little formula so she'll sleep for you."

I'm worried, your crying and It's week number 8,
Your not satisfied and you're not gaining weight.
A few ounces is really it, you didn't gain a lot.
But I keep going because wet diapers you have got.

I'm still here nursing, offering both sides,
I've arrived here satisfied knowing I've tried.
You get the antibodies when you drink my gold,
And night nurse, skin to skin it's best I've been told.
And in the daytime hours we use an SNS,
your not hungry and more content at my breast.
This is a happy baby, she feels satisfied,
And doesn't have the hunger inside.

Out getting groceries I can offer you a snack,
Or at my breast you'll take a nap.
A happy baby is what I want,
This is a good place from what I first got.

Yes I'm bummed out this isn't what I planned,
But some nursing's better then none, it's liquid gold In Hand.
It's not my fault you were tongue tied and a pallet that's high,
A recessed chin, argh! I have no more tears to cry!

Breastfeeding is hard, it's a constant attachment.
But your not a failure if you can't tackle it.
Successful moms even say it's hard, having an infant constantly keeping you behind bars.

I don't know where 20 minutes came from,
There's only a pattern in this hum drum.
So give your baby what you can,
let them suckle and feed very often.

Most women who make it past the 6 week mark,
Will make it outta the dark.
And Feel a joy like no other.
For that of an infant and her nursing mother.

My story in Poetry: Breastfeeding is hard

Here I am nursing my baby girl for nap time and my young son plays in the background.

My story in Poetry: Breastfeeding is hard

As a mother of three, I wanted to nurse all my babies. With each one there was a small problem here or there.... And I wasn't able to EB (expressly breast) feed.

With my oldest I was turning his head toward the breast (not aligning ear, shoulder, hip). So he couldn't swallow right...Imagine drinking through a pinched straw. The LC wasn't at the hospital over my weekend delivery and I saw her two weeks later, where I expressed drops... of... milk...

With my second son I was simply freaked out that he was constantly at the breast. I was so concerned he wasn't satisfied...even tho he did sleep after nursing. He wasn't gaining weight "quickly enough," so at two months I started supplementing with a SNS. I also pumped after nursing and took fenugreek (15 pills a day). I also took domperidone for two months, which helped my nighttime supply for sure. We expressly night nursed, which was a satisfying nursing relationship.

Now with baby girl, and a ridiculous amount of reading I was determined to EBF!!! She nursed great in the first few hours. Only lost 7% body weight. This was it, success! But as we left the hospital the LC said she was seriously Tongue Tied. Once home she was gaining 1-1.5 ounces a week. The WHO standard for EB fed babies is 3.5-7 ounces a week. At one week she was clipped. But her lower lip kept turning in, I'd flip it out, she'd flip it in. She has a recessed chin impacting the latch. Then my nipple was lipstick shaped, she also has a high palette and wasn't taking in enough breast or having the nipple hit the roof of the mouth...

Aaaaasrrrrrrrrggggghhhhhh!!!

Can you see that I knew what was wrong and I couldn't do much about it. She wouldn't sleep after nursing, and cried the most from all three babies. She was hungry. So we also supplement with the SNS and night nurse. Of course, I also pumped after nursing and took fenugreek (15 pills a day). When I skipped a feeding or night pumped I consistently had two ounces. She suckles to nap and lotsa snacks. She gets the most breast milk, and we have a happy nursing relationship.


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by Areyousureaboutthatblog author

Make Mistakes. Breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud