Pre-summer fun!

'Words will never hurt me..'

In my house growing up we were allowed to say things like, "stupid" or "shut up."

Last night we took our short 5 minute walk to a nearby park so the girls could play and my husband could run the track.

The girls were having fun playing and were amongst lots of older kids that were playing their version of 'tag' but it really looked like 'war.' They never really get phased when older kids play around them, as I'm sure the older ones always look out for them and don't knock them down.

As I was calling for them to come down off this high, pretend climbing rock, these three little boys that couldn't of been more than 6 years old, were chanting "shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up....." over and over again, at the entrance/exit of the rock thing. I don't think the girls knew who they were talking to and neither did I until all three boys blocked the entrance. They just continued with their chant as I was demanding that the girls come down.
In our household like mine growing up, the girls have been taught that we don't say "shut up" or "oh my gosh" ('gosh' leading to saying God's name in vain), and other tiny things.

And last night, watching Ava and Emma just stare at those boys chanting their silly chant, I watched my girls innocence slip away. While Ava kept saying, "we don't say, 'shut up!'" I know they are gunna start school and say things I wouldn't dream of my angels saying.

But I wonder, am I setting them up for embarassment or disappointment that their mama taught them silly rules that I was taught. What do you think?

It does sing true when you say, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me." BUT, I did make a point of telling the girls during the motion of this episode in front of these little guys that boys tease and say such things when they like girls. These boys were little 4 year old bullies. Bullies I wanted to smack.

I know this is a tiny, little episode and it is/gets much worse, but it made me realize to really enjoy, embrace and adore these years. They are so sweet and innocent and loving. As much as I want to keep them under my wings, protected from these things, it is good for them. Coddling them will do them no good.

High as a kite

I never want to see my kids in pain. I also never want to see my kids high.

Well, both of those happened today.

The girls had dentist appointments today. Ava had two cavities to be filled and Emma just had a cleaning.

We had been anticipating this appointment for months with Ava. Two dentists told us she needed conscious sedation. That costs $200 and is not covered by insurance. We had a horrific expedience with the first dentist who kept the girls in the cleaning room without me and who was going to tie down my kid.

We go to an excellent dentist now where we used to live, which is about a 30-45 minute drive from our house. He's smart, nice and firm in his beliefs and knowledge.

Seeing Ava on this medication was awful. I know it's silly to say that because there are many other ways it could be worse. She was as high as a kite. I know she wouldn't be able to go through the filings with just the laughing gas, and I was prepared for how she would react to it. But a mother's love is strong and you want to be in control and keep them safe. And I knew she needed these filings to keep her healthy. But I wasn't ready to see her giggling at the ceiling, her eyes glossy, or seeing her so relaxed that she couldn't walk or stand up straight.

After the procedure she was still pretty loopy. Important thing was to not let her chew her lip and try to get her to stay still. And after some smoothies and a little soft foods, she was acting a little better, except for being fussy and clumpsy.

But I tell ya, she's a rockstar. After a long two hour nap (rare rare occurance) she was up and about. Playing, trying to ride her bike, hungry and fighting with her sister. (Although, she was trying to ride her bike after we got home. ;) )

Kids really teach you a lot about life and how much stronger than they are, or how strong you really are.

Where's the Love? Wednesday -Easter

Today's love is the picture I took of my girls on Easter morning. Hope everyone had a great day.

Share the love with Abby at Akers of Love by clicking here.

10-4 Good Buddy Q&A (April)

Happy April and Happy Easter! Abby at Akers of Love is hosting her monthly 10-4 Good Buddy Q&A.

1. What is your favorite vacation spot?

My favorite vacation spot is Lake Tahoe or Disneyland. We haven't taken the girls to Disney yet, but we are anticipating on going pretty soon due to a very generous e-friend. :)

2. What is the first record, cassette or cd you remember buying or receiving as a gift?

Ohhh.... Probably NKOTB. "You got the right stuff...babbbyyy!!!"

3. What is your favorite picture from last month {March}?

See below. :) Dying eggs with my little ladies.

4. Last month, I asked you what your favorite piece of furniture was. What is your least favorite piece of furniture in your home?

I can't think of my least favorite. A lot of our furniture is hand me downs or second hand. But I CANNOT wait to get new couches. We have ones from the Good Guys before they went out if business. Fake, black leather.

5. What was your first job?

I was a hostess at Red Robin restaurant. And during that time I was also "Red" the red robin. :)

6. What is the last thing you purchased on-line?

DoTerra oils. AMAZING products.

7. Does your family have any nicknames for you?

Not really. My friends used to call me Am-pup in high school.

8. What is the newest blog that you have discovered that you love?

I actually found my new love of a blog at Abby's last 10-4 Buddy....Confessions of a Semi-Domestic Mom. Hilarious!!!!!

9. What is your favorite post that you wrote last month?

My favorite post was Where's the Love? Wednesday's Nana Hilda's Moon.

10. What is one thing that most of your readers don't know about you?

Many things probably! Most interesting would be that I was my high school's mascot in high school (red devil named Danielle), I met my husband online in a regular Bay Area chat room, and...... I'm about to be an aunt again (in a week! And in October!!)

Want to play along? Visit Abby at Akers of Love by clicking here.