Black Lives Matter AND We've Got to Get to the Core of the Problem

I'm a Blessed Observer

Long time since my last post. I’ve been trying to journal more, but why not occassionally double-dip? So here’s a long one from today's entry...

This has been a week of extreme acts of cuteness. This is just a tiny portion of what my sleep deprived brain can recall:

Friday- Elisabeth saw Santa Claus at school. She told me she requested “UP!” (Disney Pixar movie). I asked if she was sure that was the one thing she wanted… that if she could ask for only one thing that would be it. She replied that she really wanted it for Benjo because he had been asking to watch it again (Ben rented it the night before) all morning. One must understand that Benjo still has to be economical with his speech. It’s becoming easier for him to communicate his desires, but it still must be really important for him to articulate something so carefully – “U”--- “P!” was what we heard all morning. Apparently, she was more attentive to his pleas that I.

Me: “Well, how will Santa know what you want?”
E: [Thinking for a while in the back seat. Suddenly, lots of whispers between she and Benjo.]
M: “What’s going on?”
[Dubious glances my way.]
M: “Were you and Benjo making a plan?”
E: [Resolved] “Yes, Benjo’s going to ask for Barbie and the Three Musketeers.”

I laughed and cried all at once.

When we got home, Benjo and E were snacking at the bar. I heard her asking if he wanted, “three, four, or five.”

Benjo: “Five.” [In Benjo-ese]
Me: “Of what?”
E: “Kisses.” [Kisses B's his forehead, eye, ear, check, and arm.] “I want five too.”
B: [Not missing a beat returns the sweetness.]

Thursday- Ben and I got to go to “Benjo School” (school districts speech intestive preschool) for a program. His sweet, graying, hippy-ish teacher led the five boys in several darling songs. None of them did much more than hum, catch the occasional consonant, and hand motions, but it was wonderful. I am biased, but Benjo stole the show. He was so animated and focused. As I watched a couple of the very withdrawn children, I had a sudden, strong impression that this program is great for Benjo for so many reasons, but that he is also there to help draw the others out. He loves people so much and shows such a great interest, concern, and empathy for others (especially children). Unfortunately, in his animation, he also smacked the most reserved of the boys in the forehead. I’m sure he’ll make up for it later though ; ).

Wednesday – Though Benjamin graduated from Early Intervention last month, they had official graduation Wednesday night… great dinner spread, children “singing,” “graduation” style presentation of diplomas (complete with cap and gown), and Santa. Elisabeth came along to support Benjo. They were both so sweet and Benjo was stunning in his blue gown. Santa's line was too long though.

Back to today – Ben’s working out of town, so I am trying to use some of the “extra” time to interact more with each child. Gave them each their own baths and tried to really focus on talking with them (not thinking about Christmas preps or any of the other crazy projects I have taken on) while getting them dressed. I decided to try to help Sam learn his name – he’s mastered “apple,” so why not. Worked on “S” for a while (not an expected sound for this age, but why not start him thinking about it now?). He did really well and looked like a little snake. Couldn’t link it to “am” though. Gabe was only willing to say, “No, no, no,” in his amazingly cute way. His voice is a tiny bit gruff and I detect a tiny bit of a lisp. They both have such darling personalities.

I couldn’t feel more blessed.

Halloween Rehearsal

Sam's Methods of Candy Elicitation

Gabe Scheming His Subtle Approach

It's All Relative

Gabe

At least it's not oil... or glue. ; )

Bartering

It's the happiest time of the day - when I come in to find to bouncing (literally) baby boys in their cribs. They stand at the side of the cribs and jump, jump, jump while holding on to the siderails. They have the biggest grins on their faces and are giggling.

No wonder they're happy. I put them to bed with a pacifier and a stuffed animal each. Gabe now has both binkies, and Sam has both stuffed animals. Hey, at least they've got their own economy worked out. That's more than I can say for the rest of the world ; ).

The Mystery

1) Why is Sam's hair stuck to his forehead?
2) Why is there white goo all over the laundry cupboard?
3) Why has Benjo suddenly learned the word "glue"?

Some questions are best left unanswered.

The Cost of Cleaning

The victory off my sparkling window rapidly vanished as I watched the officer approach my door below. I already knew exactly what had happened. I had allowed Sam to play with the phone while I worked because Ben bought the phone from the DI and I can never get it to dial "1." So there's no chance Sam (14.5 months) would dial “911”… Right? Well, the officer’s presence answered that. I locked the kids in the room (so no one would fall down the stairs) and raced down to apologize. I didn’t really even try to explain. I was more than happy if he wanted to search the place and see for himself - you just can't explain the things that happen when you have four kids under 5.



How sad, I am the cause of those commercials during Saturday Morning Cartoons that warn people that every time they unnecessarily tie up “911,” someone else is dying. Yipes, guess I forgot to pray not to be the cause of someone's demise today. Chalk another one up for the ultimate lesson of motherhood… never underestimate the fingers of a toddler.

P.S. The other costs of window washing?... Benjo fell off my bed. Sam fell off Benjo's. Gabe got the Windex and was trying to drink it through the spray top (probably did get some). Elisabeth got bit… and kicked (regular occurrences). ...Oh yah, and Benjo probably ate some poop. `: {

Now we know why I’m waiting until my kids are in kindergarten to clean.

Containment

A Space Vessel for All Seasons

I'm a nerd. Here's proof...


I've started thinking about how different Star Trek vessels offer metaphors for various life phases. It all started because Star Trek: Deep Space Nine has been our outlet this year as we've been tied to the house with sleeping kids. In the series' commentary (see... true nerdiness revealed), one of the creators talked about how setting the series on a space station forced the characters into situations of self-exploration (as opposed to galactic exploration - quickly wrapping things up and moving along through the galaxy like star ships of previous series). I feel that this is my "space station" phase of life - where I'm mostly staying put as the galaxy is brings new, interesting challenges to try my mettle.


Odo’s Bucket~ Inhabitant is capable of becoming almost anything, but is highly dependent on “recharge time.” Subject begins to denature/melt down if recharge time is delayed. (Infancy)

Voyager~ “Lost” in space. Traveling through new, uncharted territory. Great anticipation, great fun, great uncertainty, great learning opportunities. (Childhood)

Borg Cube~ “You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.” Inhabitants form a "collective" where each member dresses alike, thinks alike, follows the crowd, etc. (Need I say more? – Adolescence)



Enterprise~ It’s mission?... “To explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations…” (Young Adulthood/College/Unfettered Travel – note that this vessel appropriately fries the Borg "collective" : )

Valiant~ Star ship fighting enemy in war zone. Initially commanded by seasoned captain with crew of an elite group of students (young). Ship saw tremendous successes and tragic defeat - both fueled by innocence and zeal of youth. (Mission)

Valiant Escape Pod~ Carries valiant survivors through space until they can be picked up by the next vessel (or phase of life) to come along. Wait time is uncertain. One is fortunate if this uncertain phase can be shared with others who have braved the battle. (Post-Mission)

Ferengi Transport Ship~ This vessel is designed to carry one toward profit – application may be financial or other profit. (Education/Professional Training)

Trill Host~ Two sentient, high quality beings – each with a distinct, highly accomplished background – join. The unification process takes time to adjust to and can be a painful growth process which can strengthen both parties if survived. (Marriage)

“Lightship”~ Bajoran solar-sail vessel propelled by solar currents - just like a sailboat is propelled by wind. Sails spread as wide as possible and are angled in a way that will catch as much opportunity for progress as possible. In this vessel's maiden voyage, it was not until all hope was lost that it was unexpectedly caught by a huge force that it was carried to the its destination. (Job Search)

Deep Space Nine~ Space station and grounds for enormous self discovery. Instead of voyaging out to explore the universe, the crew generally stay put and explore themselves. It is in this exercise that the best and worst of beings is revealed. (Parenting Young Children - especially multiples ; )

Defiant~ Highly charged ship. Has potential for undetected surveillance and strong defense (weapons could even overwhelm ship itself if not carefully tempered). Deployed on a variety of missions – delivering people/goods, exploration, etc. But, no matter what it is engaged in, ship is at the ready to come in screaming in defense of its threatened when they are away. (Parenting Teens)

Deep Space Nine Following Evacuation~ Station experiences sudden reduction in population. Former residents have often left unexpectedly – leaving a mess for the remaining skeleton crew to sort through. Station is always available for emergency docking. Former inhabitants may return as they find that conditions in space are less hospitable. (Empty Nesting)

Odo’s Bucket (Yes, we've come full circle.)~ Wise inhabitant is capable of becoming most anything/performing most any task. But is also highly dependent on “recharge time.” Subject begins to physically denature if recharge needs are not met. Subject is usually evolved beyond many of the failings that trip others and is more concerned with things of intangible import such as "links." (Retirement/Old Age)

Wormhole~ Where the “prophets” dwell. Observes “planets’ children” from above and intervenes when necessary and appropriate. Most often, intervention is only recognized by those faithful who are looking for it. Operates on totally different time continuum. (Death/Heaven)

Rubicon~ Shrunken, unseen vessel and crew working to thwart enemy efforts that threaten crew of starship. (If there is truly a "Guardian Angel" phase of existance, this is its metaphor. ; )

It All Adds Up

Twin boys
14 months old
5 qt bottle of Canola oil
Distracted mom
+ Hardwood floor
___________________
Oil slick