Artistic Expression

On one of our insanely summer-ish days, the boys and I had some fun with finger paints.

I was in charge of initial color distribution on the cardboard box.

Austin wanted to help, but just couldn't get the pressure on the bottle to get anything out.

Shane really got into it- which is wonderful and unusual for this kid.
Austin wasn't wild about the feel of the paints.

So... we made a beautiful peice of color fun...

Displayed it out front until it was dry...

Then eventually dragged it off to the recycle bin.

Time to try again!

Coast Gaurd Day!

For the first time EVER Shane was able to go into a bounce house! Austin went too.

The big kids were mostly VERY good about watching out for the littler ones, but Austin still spent alot of time on his bum.

After bouncing for what felt like forever to Mom waiting outide in the hot sun... it was finally lunch time.

Dad and Mr. Troy

Shane enjoyed the hotdogs.

Austin refused anything but chips and cookies (and cake later on).

It was a great day- they had fun watching the people in the dunk tank and even took a few turns. Everyone chuckled when Austin tried to throw the softballs.

Can't Decide! >edited<

Did some hunting on craigslist this week... I have 3 options that I simply can't decide between- and Brett is stressed with other things and seems to have washed his hands of it all.
My options:

#1: Double stroller: great condition, well loved, $30

#2: Sit-N-Stand: great condition, newer, $80


#3: Bob double jogging stroller: good condition, side-by-side, to borrow for this trip- free


Brett isn't 100% convinced that something is needed and worried that it would make it all even more difficult for me. I am hardly a "seasoned traveller" so I have NO CLUE what to do!


Another issue- my friend brought up Security- how has it been getting through security with a stroller/sit-n-stand? I'd love some way to strap them both in place as I get everything on the belt- and off the belt; they tend to wander. But how much more difficult would it be with putting the stroller through too? Have you any thoughts on moving carry-ons and strollers together?? (I'd beel like a push-me/pull-me!)

Soapbox

Over the last few years, there have been a few dreams that I've latched onto and then shoved in a corner as life takes over. Getting back in touch with people on Facebook has me looking at all they've accomplished, and I understand my Mom's feelings of ... not exactly failure, but not completing much either. I know that motherhood is the ultimate of all jobs, but there are other things I feel strongly about too.
Since Shane came along, I'd often thought I'd like to become a doula- helping someone through such a wonderful, important step in thier lives would be great. But odds are not that great for completing such a training- or making much use of it if I did.
Lately I've really become frustrated with how unknown and unrecognized Sensory Integration Dysfunction is. But how I would go about becoming an educator and advocate for that- I just don't know.
So what's a girl to do?

The Best Big Brother Ever

We were at the store today, and they were having a promotional thing, where their 'mascot' was walking around handing out candy to the kids. On our way out, Shane picked out his favorite- red vines. And Austin got a tootsie pop. We didn't even get out the door before Austin decided he wanted Shane's candy instead of his own. Oh the tears and screaming! I was a mean mom and refused him. By the time we dodged through the rain drops and got the car loaded, Austin was in a state. I strapped him in anyway, his binky barely hanging on his quivering lips. As I was buckling in Shane, he looked up at me and asked, "Mom, I share with Au'tin please?" I reminded him that he didn't have to share, Austin had his own candy. But Shane stretched and handed over the last peice of his candy. Austin was instantly appeased and Shane pleased with himself.
WHAT and AWESOME big brother!!

Son, Be A Dentist!

Preface: Shane has recently come to love and understand Horton Hears a Who (the new one). His favorite part to reenact being the dentist scene- it has lots of funny faces, screaming, and other hilarity.

At 4 years old, Shane is officially on CG dental insurance. He had his first dentist appointment yesterday. They signed him up for the whole 9 yards; even though I repeatedly told them an exam only. This was his "cleaning".

A look in the mouth, we'd been practicing this one, but you can still see how thrilled he is.

The counting of the teeth. Shane has 10. He didn't really care.
Testing the polisher on his fingernail. I tried to explain the whole sensory thing, but was talking to the wall, cause they went ahead and tried to get his teeth anyway.

The tucked neck was a big hint, I thought. But when he clamped his mouth shut, refused further "tickling" of his teeth, and demanded the sunglasses off, they gave in.
Choose the toothbrush, schedule him in 6 months to try again.

I was a bit ticked, cause you know they're going to charge the insurance full rate for it.

Shane was disgruntled because he'd wanted to get a toothbrush for Austin too, and they said no. (What an awesome big brother!)
Can't wait to get somewhere where the CG approved dentist understands kids- and realizes that coasties are NOT made up of money, but rather poorer than dirt.