Beautiful people in my life

We went to celebrate Martin's birthday yesterday at Lucille. We had wonderful dinner and dessert. We sang happy birthday to Daddy. We celebrated early because we don't know if Martin will get a day off on his birthday. I went home exhausted. I don't know why. Maybe it's the weekend thing. I am so happy to have a wonderful evening spent with the beautiful people in my life. Of course I forgot my camera!

Lullaby

The cutest thing happened between Elnora and Tanner last night. They are in the same room now (they have no choice) so we could actually have a living room. Elnora was so tired but refusing to go to sleep. I am getting tired of holding her so I just put her in her crib/play pen. Tanner started singing his lullaby from rock a bye baby, keep the commandments, to lullaby said good night. Elnora started to pick up some tune and singing herself. I thought I heard some harmonious melody. Some ten minutes later, I didn't hear anything. They both fell a sleep singing each other lullaby.

Dealing with a four year old

Does anybody have some tips to deal with a four year old?
Tanner has grown so much not only physically. I started doing hook on phonic (Kindergarten) with him. He already read 14 little story books contained three letter words and helper words. I didn't expect him much at first but he was ready. He's also learning how to read music and finding C and A on the piano. He also memorized his favorite book (Julius - Only in dreams).
However, he seems to like doing things that drive his mom crazy. He found enjoyment (or maybe craving attention) when mommy got upset. It's hard to put aside emotion when you discipline your child. I'll have to remind myself that discipline is part of teaching (it doesn't mean punishment).
Elnora started crawling and getting into things. She still likes mommy holding her a lot. I just have to remind myself to laugh more with them instead of getting upset over certain things like marker drawing on the wall, spilling water/juices, stalling bath time or bedtime, etc.

No movie before bed time!

Mischiefs before bed time.


Partners in making a mess.

So Tanner begged me to watch happy feet tonight. I thought it was still early (why not). I seem to forget what come to follow after that (learning from some experiences). Yes, tired unhappy toddler who is stimulated and out of control. I wonder who to blame? We did our routine after bath: reading books, doing fishie mask (his asthma treatment), brushing teeth, reading more books, reading scripture (we're on Mosiah 29), reading one more book and say our prayer.
We didn't get to reading scriptures. The process is taking me almost two hours and it's almost 10:30 pm because of time outs, some yelling and crying. What a night. I couldn't take it anymore and turned off the lights. The crying is getting louder and I told Tanner I am the one who needed a time out. I close my door and put Elnora to bed. Five minutes passed and I didn't hear anymore crying. The tired toddler is finally OUT, exhausted. And me too. I felt really bad about the whole thing. I pray for patient everyday yet I'm lacking of it everyday.

On Matherhood

My mom and me. I was about eight. This is probably the only picture I have with her when I was little.

I've been wanting to write on the subject of gratitude. Oh how I don't say it enough of how thankful I am to be where I am. I recall my mom's life and how hard it was. So, I don't have to get up early to line up to get clean water. I don't have to carry my water jug for four miles while carrying a baby on my other arm. I don't have to wash all my family clothes by hands and dry them on the lines. I don't have to prepare food early in the morning before everybody gets up. I don't have to iron all the clothes. I don't have to walk to the market everyday for the next meal. I don't have to sow uniforms to make extra money. I can't continue anymore cause I started to cry. I love my mom. I probably don't say it enough since she lives on the other side of the globe.