Technology to a 6 year old...

Quote of the Evening:
As I am sitting in my normal evening chair, tapping away on my laptop, cycling though my favorite websites, Cade interjects: "Mommy, I just don't get that. (pointing at my laptop) I just don't get the technology. Now I get that one (He points to our home computer). It has wires hanging out of it and it makes sense...but not this one (again, pointing at my laptop). It just sits in your lap."

I just love to see his brain turning!

Rest to you all...
Cass

Disbelief...

This is the best word I can use to describe the past two days as a Mother.

Friday evening Bob alerted me to an email that he received from one of the soccer mom's on Cade's team about his behavior. As he continued to tell me the story, I had a full range of emotion running through my veins -

guilt - What am I doing wrong, where have I failed that I can not keep my child's behavior in check?

anger - how dare she send a message like this via email and proceed to copy 3 other mothers on the team.

sadness - were any of the children terrorized or upset because of Cade's behavior?

disbelief - 'includes all the above emotions in one'

The allegations were that Cade was bullying the other boys by calling them names and this transferred to the field by causing the other boys to have agressive behavior against each other.

Bob and I are not the type of parents that live under an 'illusion' that our Cade is a perfect little boy. We know his issues and we manage them daily. I do not doubt the allegations, but I do question the singular source. With influences coming from daycare & public school, Cade is constantly learning new 'words' and 'behaviors' that make us wince. We immediately step in with Cade to address them though. Do other mother's not deal with these same issues too?

I did speak to this mother personally at the game and got a better understanding of the situation. And ALAS, it was not just Cade's behavior but the other boys as well. This doesn't make it right, but it does help Bob and I influence Cade to make good choice in what he does and says. In this situation - Cade is an outsider as he does not go to the same school as all the other boys on the team so he just wants to please and to fit in, not injure...

Lesson that every one should follow, no matter what the situation:
Never send an email to someone about personal issues. ALWAYS treat it as it should be, both private and personal. Be strong and direct, always do it in person.

Love to you all...
Cassandra

Turning corners...

With young children it is always about turning corners. Well last night was one of those big corners. Morgan has decided that he is done with Pull-ups, his decision not mine. And he did great! Last night was his first night without one. So let me take this moment to say, "NO MORE DIAPERS!!!!" Thank you Mojo.

Conversation of the Evening: (in the car on the way to Subway for Date night)
Morgan says, "Mommy are we going home?"
Cassandra says, "No, Sweetie."
Morgan says, "Aaahhhh, Tartar Sauce!"
Cassandra says, "heeheeheehee"

Uses for a Banana...

As I am sitting watching my boys (all three) play at dinner a smile entered my eyes. Bananas are for more than just eating...

-They make great mustaches
-They ring just like the telephones and fit comfortable on your shoulder.
-They are a jedi's light saber.
-They make a boom-a-rang (pssst- it doesn't come back though)

The unfortunate use...leave it to any boy, no matter how young, to weaponize a banana. A lazer gun.

Now with all this fun, THIS banana was just a toy. Next time you have a banana try and think of an alternate use! I hope it brings a smile to your eyes as well.

Go ape...
Cass

Saturday Routines...

It is amazing how similar our Saturday's have become. Cade & Bob are off with Soccer and Mojo & I are off to the YMCA and the grocery store. Don't get me wrong- They are always different adventures, but they are constant, and relaxing in their routine.

Fall has finally arrived in the Northwest. It was a wet one today and my goal today was to keep Morgan out of ALL puddles. Normally I would not mind the puddles but Crocs are not the best puddle slashing shoes and little Mojo dislikes wet socks.

I am closing in on completing all of the my Kono Challenge biking requirements. I will be moving onto the running portion this week. The biking has been enjoyable because I am able to multi-task with me newest literary obsession- The Twilight Saga. I blasted through the first two books and I am now trying to slow my pace with the third book, Eclipse. Similar to when I was reading the Harry Potter series- there is the desire to finish the series and then a let down when it has ended. Slowing down is soooooooo hard...

Off to Read some more...boys are sleeping.
Cass

Cade's Day Off...

Bob is working on completing a series of modular school buildings in the Shoreline School District. With Cade being out of school, he decided to take Cade on a tour of several of the sites. Below is one of my favorite pictures that was taken of him on 'Cade's Day Off...'



Dig away baby...

Cass

Curriculum Night....

Tonight was curriculum night at Spruce Elementary. It's an evening for us to meet Cade's new teacher and to see the classroom he spends 6 hours in everyday. He is being co-taught this year by Ms. Bau and Ms. Klein. They were very complimentary of Cade, but one comment cuaght me by no surprise. Ms Bau said, "He is very chatty."

(Hi Mom- If you are reading this , my behavior is now being mimicked- I can't wait for him to come home one day and say, " I was moved today because everyone sitting around me would not stop talking to me.")

He sits adjacent to the teacher's desk which Bob and I both appreciate since it definitely keeps him in line. It is amazing to see the amount of work they are producing in class everyday. Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Art, Science...and the item I appreicate the most is that they journal. His dad is a talented writer and I know Cade will be someday as well. It is something that I hope he picks up and develops into a habit- my fingers are crossed.

Happy Learning...
Cass

I get to read a book to myself...

I have discovered a new book series and I am psyched!

A few weeks back during one of my Girl's Night In get-togethers, Gina mentioned that she was reading the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer again. I had picked the first book up before, but the fact that she was reading them again piqued my interest. Well, who knew that a teenage girl's book about vampires could catch my interest- and catch my interest it did! I can't put the book down. Highly recommend the series already and I am not finished with the first book.

I am one of those readers that if I am not hooked by the first chapter I don't bother to finish it. Our time is to valuable to waste on a bad book. I am having to force myself to write this blog instead of curl up in bed and read...but I am going to be good.

Now ladies-go get the book or borrowit from your local library. I tried that first, but I was 439 on the waiting list for 60 copies...I am not EVEN that patient.

Happy Reading...

Cass

A Pile of Cheese...

So tonight was a Dining Out Night for the Rowan's. We decided to go with Cade's Choice - Old Spaghetti Factory (aka OSF in our home) - over Mojo's choice of McD's... not a tough choice in our eyes.

So Morgan LOVES cheese, ALL cheese. He has a new pattern everytime we go to OSF or Pagliacci's Pizza. He creates a Mound of Parmesan Cheese on his plate and dives in - not with his hands or utensils though... He does this dunkin' for apples style without hands and comes up with cheese on the tip of his nose to the end of his chin. So charming.

So next time you are out and you grab the Parmesan Cheese, just remember that Mojo would love to be with you helping you to create the perfect pile of cheese!

Dive in Cheese lovers...
Cassandra

Schools & Gyms...

Schools...
Today was the start of Cade's 3rd Week of School. He likes school so far and has a new friend, Brandon. One more for the two Brandon's he already knows. Back in my day all the girls were named Jennifer... Brandon must have been the name of choice for 2002!
Homework is already crazy. He gets it on Monday and it is due on Friday. It is usually about 6-8 pages of math, reading, patterning and writing. Then we have the books which include one he reads to us, one he looks at, and one we read to him. His reading and writing is improving everyday.

& Gyms...
Bob and I are in the middle of the 'Kona Challenge' at the YMCA. The boys go into 'the zone' while we try and complete an Iron Man triatholon in 6 weeks. I can't imagine if I had to do it all in one day! I am averaging about 12 miles on the bike and 1 mile on the treadmill for each work-out. Bob is doing it faster than me of course. I am hoping it will help me take off the extra pounds.

We are all exhausted now & homework is complete. Night to you all.
Cass

Meadowdale County Park Beach...

We felt like a challenge today, and that is what we got! The Meadowdale County Park Trail has finally reopened after the storm damage back in December that caused the trail to just wash away in huge sections. The boys walked ALL THE WAY DOWN by themselves - No shoulder or piggyback rides needed.

We saw huge sections of mushroom growth on the trials and could hear the far away whistle of the trains down at the beach. A salmon stream weaves back and forth under the trail which the boys really enjoyed viewing. Once we finally arrived at the Beach the boys were CHARGED! Shoes off, Crocs on, and off they went. Bob and I divided and conquered as I chased Morgan and he chased Cade.

The walk back up was more challenging as they were tired. We played the cartoon character name game from A-to-Z which helped keep their mind off how tired they were. Morgan did not ask to be held until the last 2 inclines which was impressive. His little legs just gave out.

The things they say that can break our hearts:
Morgan: "Mommy, your not my friend anymore." Mommy:"That's okay Morgan, because I am still your mother." (this was all because he wanted to eat an ENTIRE bag of colored Goldfish)

Cade and the Mushrooms

Bath Sea Creatures and Morgan...

As we go through our evening routine of bathing, Morgan says the most hilarious thing. Here goes...

Quote of the Evening:
Morgan: "Mommy, I cleaned my penis and tentacles."

Apparently he has been playing with his bath sea creatures too much!

Sweet dreams to you all.
Cass

The Fog...

Today began with one of my favorite northwest settings...fog. It was thick and it was beautiful. It will always bring a smile to my face, and here is why...

Quote of the Day: (As stated by 4 year old Cade in 2006)
Cade: "Mommy, Fog is what happens when the trees sweat."

How can you argue with that?

Enjoy the day...
Cass

Living an urban lifestyle...

Living in Seattle you deal with the cost of living an urban lifestyle...1200sf homes that cost $350K, 1-2 hour commutes to and from work, etc. Tonight I was at a roof deck party with some of my co-workers. In my 10 years living in Seattle I have never seen such a sight. This apartment complex's roof deck had a view of Elliot Bay, Downtown Seattle and a perfect picture of the space needle. The rent alone was more than our monthly mortgage payment! CCRRAAZZYYYYY! I will keep our cute little suburban home, thank you very much!

Nighty Nighty!
Cassandra

Off to the Races...

I go! I win! He's fast! He goes here! I am number 2 spot! Look at that! This one stinks! Best two-out-of-three! This car is taking a break! Let your car take a break! Vrrrrooommm!

Okay, we finally found the PERFECT Hot Wheels race track. Requires no adult help to set up, it is relatively small, and it folds flat to store under the bed. The boys rediscovered this toy tonight and they are having a blast and NOT fighting. I am watching them now as I type. Well- time for bath. Talk at you all later.

Peaceful Dreams. Cass

Like Father, Like Son...

The Original

The Remake

And here are the pictures to indicate that the saying, "Like Father, Like Som" truly is believable.


Keep Smiling- Love to you all. Cass

Date Night with Morgan...

Wednesday evening is my standing 'Date Night' with Morgan. After picking him up from daycare he announced to all who cared to listen that he was going on a date. Great fun! Even more fun was the look on his face when we arrived at home and he saw the new Library Books. He of course selected a fish book to read (and I can't believe I did this again, but the fish gets eaten in this one too!)

School - Week 2:
Deep Breathe...This is the only thing that helps me keep my patience in check. Cade's stubborn streak is back and homework is again worst than a chore. He can be so proud of his work- which makes your heart soar- and then he can be so degrading to himself. I get so sad when this happens. Below is a picture of him concentrating and working diligently to complete the work. I welcome any and all advise for how to keep him positive about doing his school work.

How to Improvise 101...

Someday's things don't go as planned, and those are the day's you improvise.

Improvise 101:
Soup is on the stove, and Bob is walking out the door to a meeting. The boys have been promised grilled cheese, and I am completely out of bread. Hot Dog buns work great if you slice the top and bottom off to allow for toasting. Big hit tonight.


Cade & Morgan at Dinnertime...

In the middle of Nordstrom, in the Intimates area no less, and the boys are running through the bras and undies. How do I get these boys under control? Off to Cold Stone for some ice cream, and I make them WALK back through the mall with their ice cream. This is the calmest they've been all week. No hitting, running, jumping or fighting. The little voice inside me says 'yyeeaahh'.

Mommy's proud moment of the week:
Cade came home with his 'My S Book' from 1st Grade.. His Words: Sun, catS, and Slithering (His spelling for Slytherin). I think he is listening at night when I read!

Daddy's proud moment of the week:
Cade drew his first Tie Fighter. Just like his Daddy!

Reading to my boys...

I have recently, over the past two months, rediscovered the joy of reading to my boys. I was diligent throughout the summer to bring in a 'new' batch of books from the local library every Tuesday. Cade and Morgan then weigh through the books (some are hits and some lay unnoticed), and they decide which ones to read. Morgan is OVERJOYED each week when the new pile of books arrive, and we sometimes read them all in one sitting.



Some of our book hits:

• Uno's Garden by Graeme Base (Great interactive book on being environmentally aware for kids & adults; look for the snortlepig on every page!)
• Engelbert Sneem and his Dream Vacuum Machine by Daniel Postgate
• Ugly Fish by Kara LaReau (Prepare yourself because he actually gets eaten at the end!)

Now with Cade we are reading through 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone'. He lays still next to me- at least most nights- and listen to all the words. A chapter a night- that is our routine. His favorite chapter so far has been 'Halloween' which is all about the Troll in the dungeon.



Lesson for the Day:
Sharing can be a challenge for my boys, and seems to only come as often as Christmas. One item in particular- Buzz Lightyear Nerf Bow & Arrow- now has a new home at the top of our bedroom closet. Hey, at least they both got to shot it 4 times a piece.

A Lovely Trip to Woodland Park Zoo & More...

We had another fun trip to the zoo. It started out with a trip through the Day & Night exhibit. There are over 26 snakes, we know because we counted each of them! As always Morgan hovered around the Brazilian Cockroaches - while I tried to to avoid them. I managed to keep them busy for 10 whole minutes in the Night exhibit so that their eyes could adjust. We final saw the Vampire Bat- and it flew! Onto Will-a-Wong station to feed the birds and then to the African Safari to feed the giraffes. It was all about feeding animals today- for me too...the boys were constantly asking for snacks, and I was prepared for once. I must say that we ended the zoo trip with a the best activity- rolling down the hills in the North Meadow followed by tickle attacks. It brought smiles to us all.

Fact of the Day:
A giraffe spends most of its day eating from trees with their very long tongues. Their tongues are purplish-black on top because if they were pink like human's they would get sunburned. (Cade and Morgan feed the giraffe's today without a single freak-out)

Quote of the Day:
Morgan: "Let me get this nasty pull-up off."


Artist: Galen Kin"Cade" Rowan
Title: Self Portrait of a 6 year old
Date Taken: Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Just Another Saturday- For First time Blogger...

Hello Everyone! I am an example of someone who doesn't have enough time to blog, but I want to give it a go anyway. I realize that I don't want to forget the memories- so this is my attempt to journal by turning it into something for all my friends and family to view so that it never seems like it's 'been too long' since we saw each other or spoke.



Quote of the day:
Cade: "Ouch! I stepped on a Lego" Mommy: "Welcome to my world sweetie"

Small thing not to sweat:
"Unfolded Laundry still in the hamper...after a week."

Signs that I let my boys watch too much television:
1. Singing songs to the most obscure cartoons…and knowing all the words as well as the tune.
2. Seeing one character run across the screen and knowing the character and show name.
3. Reciting a complete ‘laugh out loud’ conversation from spongebob…"All senseless bubble blowing babies…”
4. They know the order of Saturday Cartoons, starting at 8:00 on the WB.

How to set my boys up for success:
1. ‘Only place one item on their dinner plate that requires persuasion to eat. Two items is asking for a fight.’ (Learned this lesson again, tonight)
2. ‘Prepare their bath with a small army of toys lining the rim of the bath tub. Army of toys = at least 30 minutes of peace' (Worked like a charm this evening...thank you Morgan!)