June 2014 – Coffee and Inclusion

Chatting with Alex

This evening, Alex and I headed over to Target to pick up a couple of last minute items that he’ll need at day camp this week. As we talked about the things on our list, I commented that I would pick up a new toothbrush for myself while we were there.

“No, Mommy. I don’t think so. That is too dangerous,” was Al’s reply.

I was understandably confused. “What? A new toothbrush? A toothbrush is too dangerous?!?”

“Yes. Too dangerous. Not happening.” He wasn’t budging.

Well, ok then. (I did get a new toothbrush, and he seems to think that is it safe enough, so everyone is happy.)

I can never predict what may come out of this kid’s mouth. He certainly brings an interesting spin to even the most mundane of activities…like picking up a new toothbrush at Target.

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Baseball Saturday

Saturday: two baseball games, in hot and humid weather. Exhausting.

Nope, I didn’t play; I was busy playing the role of #1 fan for each of my boys as they played in this Ohio summer weather. Top off two games with some grocery shopping, a quick walk with the dog (who just started a new wellness plan), and kids who are an evil mix of tired and hyper, and I’m done.

Never mind the piles of laundry, the long list of Team Alex related tasks, and the stack of books that I would like to sit and read. I’m heading to bed, with an ice cream bar and reruns of The Big Bang Theory.

Don’t judge.

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4th of July Grinch

We all know the story of the Grinch, that prickly yet lovable character who first despises Christmas but then learns the beauty of the holiday.

I’m thinking the Grinch would also hate 4th of July, with all of its “noise, noise, NOISE, NOISE!” Of course, the food that typically accompanies this holiday is good, but the thought of singeing all his fur off while holding a sparkler is reason enough for the Grinch to hate it.

In my neighborhood, the backyard fireworks have already started, as they do every year. The local pyromaniacs choose to light up the sky with their amateur displays, typically either right after the kids drift off to sleep, or as we’re fighting to get them to bed. Two of my three kids are terrified of the noise, and the poor dog will probably also be scared (having just rescued her in September, we haven’t yet celebrated 7/4 with her around; since she’s scared of rain storms, I’m willing to bet fireworks scare her, too). My house is full of enough chaos without adding in the extra noise and drama.

Listen, I’m all for fun, and I get that fireworks are a part of this holiday. But, really, every night for a week on either side of the holiday is too much. Have some consideration for those around you. There are many children and dogs who simply can’t handle the noise, and their parents are sick of the nonsense.

If your heart is set on blowing off a finger or setting your home (or a neighbor’s home) on fire, maybe you could find a quieter way to do it? And just don’t save your (probably illegal) fireworks for your New Year celebration. I don’t like to hear fireworks that night, either.

While the Grinch eventually learns to love Christmas, I just don’t see how he would ever learn to love July 4th. He and I both could do without the noise.

End rant.

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Lightening Bugs

When my sister and I were little, it was not uncommon for us to chase down lightening bugs in the summer months. We would build little houses for them, out of jars or plastic containers, catch them, and then basically watch them suffocate in their new “habitats”. Or, we would pull out their little light-up-thingy and then smear it on the sidewalk to watch the concrete glow. (Hey, no one ever said we were humane about our bug hunting.)

Perhaps it’s because I’m usually rushing from one kid activity to the next in the evenings, or just trying to survive until bedtime, but until this week I can not remember ever seeing enough lightening bugs to give my kids a chance to enjoy them. The other night, I realized just how many were floating around our backyard. I made a mental note to share them with the kids, then dragged myself upstairs to bed.

Tonight, while trying to convince the dog to go outside, I noticed them again. This time, I pounced on the opportunity. I yelled to Alex to come out and see. Addie must have sensed something interesting was happening, since Al was supposed to be getting ready for bed yet I just called him outside. Soon, the three of us were creeping through the yard, hunting lightening bugs.

We spent the next ten minutes or so chasing them; I do not recall ever having so much trouble catching them! It was awful; apparently, another downfall to getting older is that your hand-eye coordination, in the dark, diminishes. Al nearly smashed a few in his attempts to catch one, but finally Addie had a new little friend climbing up her arm.

They were completely in awe. We watched the little bug glow, then light up even more, as he crawled around Ad’s hands. The kids giggled, and then Alex asked if he could hold the bug (huge for a kid with sensory issues). We played with the bug for a few more minutes, and then I shooed the kids inside for bed. (No, of course I didn’t show them how you can squish the bugs and make the patio glow!)

The kids have done (and will get to do) many fun things this summer, but it’s these little, quiet moments that I hope will stand out in their favorite memories.

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In Case You’re Wondering…

My children will return to school seven weeks from today. But who’s counting? Certainly not their tired, cranky, overwhelmed mother. She never complains. Not ever.

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Reading Rainbow

I’ve always loved reading. When I was a kid, Reading Rainbow was a favorite show; it brought together two things I enjoyed: books and television. It was almost soothing to sit and listen to a story read while primitive animations brought the whole story to life. And who doesn’t love Levar Burton?

With the recent campaign to bring Reading Rainbow back to kids, I couldn’t help but notice a dvd of an episode on a shelf at our library. I quickly grabbed it, not knowing who would appreciate it more; at the very least, it was something the kids and I could sit and watch together, maybe even during the magical, mostly non-existent “quiet time” that I stubbornly try to enforce every day (and mostly fail at implementing).

Tonight seemed like a good night to introduce RR; not knowing what it was, the kids were intrigued. Andrew just wasn’t ready to go to bed, and Addie loves anything that is associated with rainbows. As soon as it began to play, though, I got worried; it’s not like any of the shows that they watch now. It’s more low key and laid back, gentle and soothing. I figured they might call it boring, and abandon my idea of “quality family snuggle time on the couch”.

I was totally wrong. They loved it.

We watched the two episodes on the disc; halfway through, they were already asking if there are more than the two we have from the library. I will soon be reserving more!

Beyond the quality snuggle time, the quiet, and the relaxed kids, these shows spurred conversations that we probably wouldn’t have otherwise had tonight. “Mommy, do you like whales? What do whales eat? How did that manatee get hurt? Do you like the manatees at the zoo?”

Awesome. But, as the saying goes, “you don’t have to take my word for it!” Share these with your kids. I can’t wait to watch more with mine!

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A Whole Lotta Nothin’

I’ve been sitting here, for the last hour, trying to determine what to write tonight.

I listened to High School Musical 2, playing on my son’s iPad (gotta love Netflix). I watched an episode of Land of the Lost as Mark introduced our five year old to an episode (who knew you could stream YouTube through a blu-ray player?!?). I comforted the dog, in hopes that she won’t pee on the floor during yet another thunder storm. I did a bit of online window shopping, looking for shoes that might not chew up my feet as the pair I selected for today did. But have I come up with anything interesting to write? Nope.

As I was sitting here, staring blankly at my computer screen with my chin propped up on my hands, I noticed something crawling on one of my fingers. I jumped about three feet in the air, flinging the bug (or whatever it was…could have been a baby sleestak for all I know), and pulling something in my back.

I think I’m done. Monday is officially over.

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Fundraising

I do a lot of fundraising. Team Alex has been around for 11 years, after all! I write about fundraising at work, I launch events for my own Buddy Walk team and help others come up with ideas for their own fundraisers. I enjoy it. I like the competition of team fundraising; I live to see our team on the event leader board. Yes, I may be a tad bit competitive, but the outcome (lots of money raised!) is worth it in the end.

I’ve somehow managed to pass along my passion for fundraising to my daughter; at the wise age of almost eight, she is already helping us raise money for her brother’s Buddy Walk team. Amazing. Addie and I absolutely can not wait to share our upcoming fundraiser with you. It will be awesome; definitely stay tuned for that! (Hint: #InclusionMatters)

Right now, we’re busy collecting Tupperware orders; until 6/26, you can shop the Team Alex Online Tupperware Fundraiser, and we’ll get 40% of our event’s sales. You know you need to either update your Tupperware, or find a way to organize your kitchen, so this is definitely something you should check out. Go on, shop away; it’s for a terrific cause!

Seeing as we have less than three months until the 2014 Columbus Buddy Walk, this will definitely not be the last time you hear from me regarding fundraising (remember: #InclusionMatters). Hang in there with us, cheer us on, spread the word. One of the most successful fundraising strategies, without a doubt, is a grassroots campaign. Please, help us get the word out. We appreciate the support.

Wishing you a great week!

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So. Stinking. Tired.

Zzzzzzzz…

(This totally counts.)

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Kickball

As we move forward with our fundraising for Team Alex and the 2014 Columbus Buddy Walk, we are happy to announce that this year’s kickball game will be held on Sunday, 7/13.

We’ve had a great time with this event in the past; there’s nothing more fun than a little friendly competition, especially when it raises money for a great organization. We’re hoping to raise a fair amount of money, to keep Team Alex sitting pretty on the event’s leader board (we’re currently in second place…remember, I tend to get a little competitive about such things…).

If you are local and would like to participate, please let me know and I’ll make sure you get the details. If you aren’t local, you can still support our cause by donating through our team’s Buddy walk page; click here to make a donation.

Thanks so much for support of Team Alex and the 2014 Columbus Buddy Walk!

Month: June 2014