August @ randoms

[jamaicam]

downtoearth , my 7 year old is very affectionate and loves to run at me and give me huge jumping hugs. He is also very very strong for his age. I keep having to remind him that while I love hugs, he has to be gentle with me and warn me so I can brace or I'll get knocked over. I also encourage him to sit beside me for hugs too

[AJL]

I'm beginning to think that a clean house is totally overrated. My house is never going to be clean. Ever.   I feel like I'm always scrubbing something or putting stuff away or vacuuming or folding something.  The only time it's clean is between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. That's when I'm the only one home.  Now that we have a dog, the place stays tidy but with a lovely dusting of white dog hair.  *sigh*

School starts in exactly 1 WEEK! YAY!!!

[StrawberryBlondie]

Ok, I have to tell someone about this... I decided to take a break and get lunch at this food court style place. I'm sitting eating my lunch and this family with like 7 little kids decides to sit down at my table.

This isn't a communal table situation. And they're not moving.

I'm genuinely annoyed but also feel like they should be the ones to move over me. So I'm pretty sure I'm going to be stubborn and hold my ground even though I could easily move.

ETA: 9 kids. They seem to be growing.

[wawa]

Aug 15, 2019 13:13:54 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

Ok, I have to tell someone about this... I decided to take a break and get lunch at this food court style place. I'm sitting eating my lunch and this family with like 7 little kids decides to sit down at my table.

This isn't a communal table situation. And they're not moving.

I'm genuinely annoyed but also feel like they should be the ones to move over me. So I'm pretty sure I'm going to be stubborn and hold my ground even though I could easily move.

ETA: 9 kids. They seem to be growing.

You...sat by yourself at a table for 10? Are there not 2-tops at this place?

[StrawberryBlondie]

Aug 16, 2019 15:44:41 GMT -5 wawa said:

Aug 15, 2019 13:13:54 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

Ok, I have to tell someone about this... I decided to take a break and get lunch at this food court style place. I'm sitting eating my lunch and this family with like 7 little kids decides to sit down at my table.

This isn't a communal table situation. And they're not moving.

I'm genuinely annoyed but also feel like they should be the ones to move over me. So I'm pretty sure I'm going to be stubborn and hold my ground even though I could easily move.

ETA: 9 kids. They seem to be growing.

You...sat by yourself at a table for 10? Are there not 2-tops at this place?

It was a table for 4. And no, no 2-top tables.

[pugz]

how did they all fit at a table for 4?

[Jalapeñomel]

Aug 6, 2019 21:51:01 GMT -5 nessness said:

Aug 6, 2019 21:41:38 GMT -5 isabel said:

So this dress code presumably applies to the elementary school as a whole? 5th grade and below?

Honestly, I'd write a strongly worded email to the principal and follow up with whoever I needed to about getting the wording changed. That they have referenced sex in the dress code for literal children is pretty appalling. I don't agree with those dress code rules in general, but the language about "sexualized" clothing is way too far.

Yes, up to 6th grade. I may have kids there for the next decade, so I'm hesitant to start off our time there by complaining, but I'm considering it.

The reason they get away with this is because parents don’t speak up.

[centralsquare]

Aug 6, 2019 21:04:26 GMT -5 nessness said:

DD1 is starting TK next week so I was looking through her school's handbook. They have a dress code that prohibits "sexualized" clothing like spaghetti straps, plus shorts shorter than fingertip length. I'm feeling annoyed by this - my kid is 4; she's not wearing spaghetti strap tanks and short shorts to be sexual, she's doing it because it's 100 degrees out!

I guess it's not a huge deal in the grand of scheme of things - she only owns a few things that violate the dress code, and it will only be super hot for a few more weeks - but I have no idea how to explain to my kid why she can wear some of her clothes to church but not to school.

I would send her in those clothes. And when asked, I would ask about their sexualizing young girls.

[wawa]

Aug 16, 2019 16:12:55 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

Aug 16, 2019 15:44:41 GMT -5 wawa said:

You...sat by yourself at a table for 10? Are there not 2-tops at this place?

It was a table for 4. And no, no 2-top tables.

Omg. So were they just pulling up chairs all over? That's bizarre.

[StrawberryBlondie]

Aug 16, 2019 17:01:35 GMT -5 pugz said:

how did they all fit at a table for 4?

By shoving a couple of kids on each chair, a kid in each adult's lap and the rest standing around the table really getting in my personal space. 😉

Chairs were attached to the table (very small benches meant for one), so thankfully(?) no pulling them in from elsewhere.

[wawa]

MY FAVORITE. Random stranger commented on my "pregnancy". I'm not pregnant. Just fat. Please don't say that to people.

Jesus h Christ on a cracker.

[msmerymac]

We've told my SIL on multiple occasions that we're very willing to come up for her kids' milestones. When my niece turned 1, we mentioned well in advance that if they were having a birthday party we'd love to be included in that and would make a concerted effort to come. Well, she had a birthday party for her, but never mentioned it to us. Cool, fine, whatever. We sent a gift, obviously.

Well, my niece turned 5 last week. She had 3 different "parties." The one yesterday was with both sets of grandparents and other local family members. We have never once been invited to or told about a birthday party for her or either of her younger brothers, who are 3 and 1. We went to niece's baptism, only because my H is her godfather, but weren't told about baptisms for the other two. And we give nice gifts guys, okay? Usually, the only thing we hear about the gifts is from my MIL who will mention that SIL got it and it was great and blah blah.

And no, we don't have to stay at her house - we could stay with my in-laws and just go down for the day. And the weird thing is that whenever we visit my in-laws, SIL makes an effort to bring the kids there to see us... and it's 75 minutes from her house.

This SIL happens to be pretty BEC with me. And I don't think she hates me, but I don't think I'm her favorite person, either (but neither is my H - she just isn't someone who really likes many people).

[Bernadine]

Dd starts dance classes in a month. We got her leotard last week, and she's obsessed with it. She loves to twirl in it and wants to wear it all the time. Her ballet and tap shoes should be delivered today, I can't wait to see her with them.

[StrawberryBlondie]

Aug 19, 2019 13:27:10 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Dd starts dance classes in a month. We got her leotard last week, and she's obsessed with it. She loves to twirl in it and wants to wear it all the time. Her ballet and tap shoes should be delivered today, I can't wait to see her with them.

Little kid ballet is the cutest.

[WOT?*]

Still a lot of pushback at the new elementary about "violating our First Amendment rights" because school uniforms in (OMG) PUBLIC schools.
Meanwhile, I spent $350 at one store for the two girls for one pair of pants each (one of them was a "surprise" $62 with all the $30 ones tossed in to try on) a hoodie for the other and a few t-shirts. Plus another $60 for three t-shirts and a couple nail polishes at Hot Topic. Plus three pairs of shoes (Vans, Vans and Converse and all on sale) for another $125+ but I'd have to buy shoes anyway if they were younger and still in elementary. And this doesn't include the stuff that's "Christmas list because helltotheno for $100+ Doc Martens" list of items. Or the stores we haven't gone to because they only have one pair of new jeans each so far. So yeah, tell me now about how it's more expensive to dress them in uniforms. And the requirements? Khaki bottoms and navy/white tops. Go buy freaking Tommy Hilfiger tan and blue if you're so wedded to labels. But I rather think $7.99 for a top and $15 for bottoms and you only need a few of each is kind of awesome. And it's ELEMENTARY school. If Mindy is looking for labels in K/1 you've not done a good job of raising your kid.

More importantly, this one just showed up at my door at 3:30 a.m. (mommy and daddy were hoping for another stop or two and a 5:30 or 6:00 arrival but *somebody* slept almost the whole drive) along with big brother. Four weeks old yesterday. She'll be turning one month old in two days.) Not a lot of notice beyond "we want to come out when the truck's repaired" and the "we're picking up the truck today." messages. lol. But well worth the surprise.

[WOT?*]

Aug 11, 2019 17:11:32 GMT -5 cattledogkisses said:

Not a mom, just an aunt trying to be a supportive aunt, so I hope this is a good spot for this.

Our 16 year old niece came out as a lesbian to us this weekend. Obviously we love and support her always. Her dad (single dad; mom passed away) is supportive, but I'm afraid that my ILs (her grandparents) will not be so supportive. I think she knows this too, because she said that she does not plan to come out to them yet. I'm wondering if there's something we can do for her to express our support. Sixteen is already a tough age even without factoring in being LGBT. H suggested maybe buying her some rainbow/pride items, but I don't know whether she's comfortable being publicly "out" yet.

I'll ask GD1. She's very involved in her school's GSA and identifies as pan. Her cohort are primarily non-binary so she has good resources for that age group (she's almost sixteen as well.)
 
I totally agree with sending an e-mail along the lines of "H and I appreciate you talking with us. I know it must have been difficult. Always know that we support you and you can always come to us." And be supportive and open to letting her talk. She'll need people she can trust and open up to. Encourage her to join her school's GSA if they have one, where she can be supported by friends and allies and have trusted teacher mentors. As for buying stuff, keep it on the down-low, I think, at this point in time. Mine is out and confident about the choice to be so. Your niece is still feeling her way. I just spent a shitton on pride stuff for school, but they do get bullied because of how they identify so your niece may or may not be at that point. Your niece's dad is supportive, so that helps.

Rather than buying her something, take her shopping and let her pick out a couple things that make her comfortable. Some of the things I bought K included a cropped black tank with narrow ribbons on the sides (under the arms) that nobody would ever associate outright with "RAINBOWS! PRIDE!" but is a subtle nod. She also picked out a cute tee that said "don't be a prick" with pastel rainbow tie-dye (comes short or long sleeves or hoodie) - also non-identifying but cute and rainbow without being all-caps. But the child also picked out a black tee that reads "Boys kiss boys and Girls kiss girls. Get over it!" that's a favorite. lol. Vans with rainbow colors are another cute fashionable choice that aren't "in your face." (K got Converse with rainbows because they were on sale and neither Zumiez nor Journeys had the Vans in her size.) It will help niece's confidence to be wearing stuff she's comfortable in, and it can be a bonding experience to shop together. I highly recommend Zumiez as a store where teens shop. I spent a shitton there Saturday for both girls. They also like Hot Topic.

As for grandparents, both my mom and my husband's parents are very, very conservative. K hangs out and is generally just a normal adorable when not a PITA teenager. She's never had THE conversation with either of them. Talking sex to the old folks is gross anyway.   K talks to me because we live under the same roof, and I'm the local tolerant liberal. She doesn't need to come out to them until she's ready, if that point ever even comes for her. In our case, we told the grandparents in passing over the phone while we were talking about other stuff, a "yeah, K is really involved with her GSA and has been doing some great stuff with their communications..." rather than a "you need to sit down for this" type, and K is just the same grandkid. The most comfortable avenue for K was in talking about GSA and its functions and general involvement with the group and we built on it from there. H and I actually brokered any conversation, with permission from K. She's still just the cute grandkid they know and love because we've been the intermediaries. But again, at K's request.

[eponinepontmercy]

DD told me last night that a girl called her fat at camp. We had a nice talk about it being rude to comment on people's bodies, and that there are mean people in the world, but she shouldn't let it stop being the awesome kid she is. I always tell her to be kind, but don't take any nonsense.

I posted about it on FB, and my friends are vicious and awesome. This morning, one of her friend's moms texted me to say that DD's name came up at a birthday party she was at, and all the parents had really nice things to say about her, or a story about how she had helped their kid. She can be such a PITA at home, so it's nice to know that she really is a great kid for the rest of the world.

[WOT?*]

Aug 12, 2019 7:28:35 GMT -5 btdt said:

My younger daughter leaves for college this coming Saturday. I waver between "Hooray!" and "Wah, where did my baby go?!?" She moves in a week early to accommodate band camp (she made it onto their color guard), and the dining halls won't be open yet. We are brainstorming this week on foods that she can prep in her room with just a microwave and tea kettle, since hers is a freshmen dorm with no cooking facilities.

My older daughter came out to me as bi almost a year ago. She has recently started a relationship with a woman she's known for 3 years. So now they get to navigate the waters of not only a same-sex relationship, but an inter-racial relationship. Daughter told me that B., for the first time ever in a new relationship, didn't feel like she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. She has met my parents (calls them Grammy and Grampy), my sister and her family, and apparently we were all welcoming enough that she lost some apprehension.

My youngest just turned THIRTY last week. He mentioned to my oldest that she was still in her early 30s and she was "thanks for the thought but no, I'm halfway to 40 now dude." And I was "Waaaaah! I'm old. STFU you jerks!" And today she reminded me that next year I'll have a grandchild that will be old enough to vote and four grandchildren in high school. I hate my kids.
(BTW, I'm not old. I had my jerks young. And they followed suit. I'm just old relative to some of y'all who are my kids' ages. lol.)

Awesome that she's in band. I loved that my niece was in drumline (and even led last year). Such a teeny tiny thing surrounded by multiple drums. GD1 is leaving orchestra to join ROTC next year. I'm sad because orchestra and music and scholarships, oh my. But younger is keeping on with orchestra in middle school and wants to go through HS as well.

And Instant Pot. I'm telling you, if she can get away with it they are a life-saver. Just plug it in and it works.

Here are a few I found with my BFF Google: www.parents.com/recipes/familyrecipes/quickandeasy/easy-microwave-meals/?slide=slide_a6663253-5b8f-4368-8cca-3fa5876b6ffd#slide_a6663253-5b8f-4368-8cca-3fa5876b6ffd

www.allrecipes.com/recipe/216907/shelbys-microwave-meat-loaf/?internalSource=recipe%20hub&referringId=1662&referringContentType=Recipe%20Hub&clickId=cardslot%20110

www.allrecipes.com/recipe/172100/meatloaf-in-a-mug/?internalSource=hub%20recipe&referringId=1662&referringContentType=Recipe%20Hub&clickId=cardslot%2017

Quesadillas
Oatmeal
Steamed veggies, rice, chicken breast (you can buy in cans or pre-cooked strips too.)
Sweet potatoes and apples (with cinnamon and a touch of butter)
Eggs (or breakfast burritos)
Cake in a mug...

[Deleted]

Aug 19, 2019 17:50:38 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

Aug 19, 2019 13:27:10 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Dd starts dance classes in a month. We got her leotard last week, and she's obsessed with it. She loves to twirl in it and wants to wear it all the time. Her ballet and tap shoes should be delivered today, I can't wait to see her with them.

Little kid ballet is the cutest.

My local rec department previously had "pre ballet" that started at age 2. I was excited to sign babyharpy up for it, but now it doesn't start until age 3. They do have a pre-gymnastics class called Tumbling Teddy Bears - the name alone is too much. But realistically, we can only do one type of regular class until she can handle staying up later in the evenings, so I decided to stick with swimming because I want her to stay comfortable in the water.

[wanderingback]

Aug 11, 2019 17:11:32 GMT -5 cattledogkisses said:

Not a mom, just an aunt trying to be a supportive aunt, so I hope this is a good spot for this.

Our 16 year old niece came out as a lesbian to us this weekend. Obviously we love and support her always. Her dad (single dad; mom passed away) is supportive, but I'm afraid that my ILs (her grandparents) will not be so supportive. I think she knows this too, because she said that she does not plan to come out to them yet. I'm wondering if there's something we can do for her to express our support. Sixteen is already a tough age even without factoring in being LGBT. H suggested maybe buying her some rainbow/pride items, but I don't know whether she's comfortable being publicly "out" yet.

I’m also not a mom (or aunt), but I’d 100% take your nieces lead and not "force" anything on her such as pride flags. Even if she’s out publicly that might not be her thing as everyone is different.

Both of my cousins are gay (they’re brothers). They both came out to me, then their parents. This was many years ago. Our family is pretty close, but I honestly don’t know if they have officially came out to anyone else. It has honestly been a non-issue.

1 cousin is totally in to "gay pride," posts about going to gay events and recently made a social media post about being gay. The other cousin just isn’t in to those things. He talks to me about dating and whatnot and certainly is out and not ashamed to be gay but he is not running around waving rainbow items.

I’ve just treated my cousins how I’ve always treated them and let them know I’m there for them, which is the same as before they told me they were gay. Obviously if your niece is expressing concerns or problems then you can be more specific with doing things she might need or reaching out to different places for support, but that certainly isn’t always necessary as every person is different.

[2curlydogs]

First day of school was yesterday!



Also, how did these giant children start out so tiny? And look how much S has grown in a year! 

[redheadbaker]

Went to a pre-school year meet-up at DS' new school. Four other families were there, so DS got to make 4 new friends, and H and I got to meet some other moms and dads. Two of the other moms invited me out to get a drink with them tonight. Am I weird that I feel nervous about it? I feel so awkward when I try to make new friends.

[seeyalater52]

Aug 11, 2019 17:11:32 GMT -5 cattledogkisses said:

Not a mom, just an aunt trying to be a supportive aunt, so I hope this is a good spot for this.

Our 16 year old niece came out as a lesbian to us this weekend. Obviously we love and support her always. Her dad (single dad; mom passed away) is supportive, but I'm afraid that my ILs (her grandparents) will not be so supportive. I think she knows this too, because she said that she does not plan to come out to them yet. I'm wondering if there's something we can do for her to express our support. Sixteen is already a tough age even without factoring in being LGBT. H suggested maybe buying her some rainbow/pride items, but I don't know whether she's comfortable being publicly "out" yet.

I wouldnt get her any pride gear unless you know that is her thing. I’d definitely write her a nice note telling her how proud you are of her for being brave enough to share with you and letting her know that you will always support her no matter what. If you’re comfortable it may be worth acknowledging that she may have concerns about coming out to other family members and that you will a) not out her to them! and b) you and your husband will be allies willing to speak up and be supportive of anyone else is less open. It might help to know that you’ll be on her “side” so to speak, as a lot of relatives are concerned with keeping the peace when it comes to older relatives and grandparents who don’t approve and that can be super isolating.

[eponinepontmercy]

DH is out at a fantasy football draft and is probably spending the night there. I had planned a movie night for DD and me, but she got invited to sleep over at a friend's house.

I am home by myself and it is glorious.

I also had lunch and went shopping with my best friend. It's a good day.

[penguingrrl]

Aug 27, 2019 7:35:22 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

started a new post and just found this old one!

Did everyone start school already? Ours don't go back until next week (they didn't get out until late June).

I just need to whine about the kindergarten transition schedule that my DD's school district uses, which I find totally unnecessary and difficult for working parents. I just don't feel like they need open house, a separate classroom visit during daytime hours, and then to have their first day start 2 days after the older kids for a half day in the afternoon. My kids have been in daycare and full day preschool with aftercare, so they are literally fine with whatever. I get that other kids may benefit from something like this but I'm just whining.

Whoa, that’s over the top! We had orientation the afternoon before K started and that was it! And the first day of school is a full day with aftercare available for those who are using it.

We start next Thursday, so we’re enjoying the last days of summer. My oldest turns 12 (!!!!!) on Friday, so her birthday we spend at the local fireman’s fair and it officially marks the end of summer. I’ll be so relieved to get these kids back in their routine because the lack of schedule in summer is miserable for all of us (except the 7th grader who is on the phone or texting friends 24/7).

But fall sports are in full swing and DD2 started travel softball as well as rec soccer, so between her two sports and her brother doing two soccer programs we’re already drowning in extracurriculars lol!

[miniroller]

2curlydogs This non-mom entered this thread just to see to whom those adorable cuties (that show up on the app) belong, SIGH, SO Cute!!! ❤️

[pugz]

This side by side slays me

My baybee is getting so big 😭

[mbcdefg]

This is our last week where we’re all home together before MH goes back to work next week and we send DD (2) back to daycare. I started a WFH job a month ago and so MH has been the main caregiver since then. (I did the same for the first 5 weeks of summer while I was unemployed, so that he could do a big yard work project. Which is FINALLY done since he hired some gosh darn professionals.)

He was already complaining this morning that DD doesn’t listen and keeps running around, he doesn’t know what to do with her (aka, he’s getting bored with he same old options like the park and library), and complaining that her clothes are either stained or not weather-appropriate or don’t fit anymore.

So I reminded him that she’s got a couple of store gift cards left over from gifts, and he can take her there to pick out some new clothes for the fall. Thereby solving both problems about what to do and her needing better clothes.

“No, I don’t want to do that.”

[isabel]

Aug 27, 2019 9:47:40 GMT -5 mbcdefg said:

“No, I don’t want to do that.”

MUST BE NICE!

[mbcdefg]

Aug 27, 2019 9:53:58 GMT -5 isabel said:

Aug 27, 2019 9:47:40 GMT -5 mbcdefg said:

“No, I don’t want to do that.”

MUST BE NICE!

Yeah, right? I just said “ok I guess I’ll take her this weekend then.”

I don’t actually mind shopping with her, but I’m annoyed that he kept bugging me (when I was supposed to be working, mind you, instead I was asked to keep an eye on her so he could dress himself and go water the lawn) for ideas of things to do with her and then half his answers were “eh I don’t want to do that.”