10 Things I Learned This Week, Vol 73

We just got back from a family swim. Two kids are out cold and one just collapsed on the floor saying he feels like he can’t move. (But somehow he’s stumbling into the kitchen for his third snack since we’ve been home.) Do you see why it’s my new favorite activity? Our house has never been so quiet. Ahh…time to reflect.

Lesson #1: You know you got your money’s worth at camp when your kid’s shirt has holes and dirt stains all over it at the end of the week. (Though, after seeing the older kids getting dropped off, I do have to wonder if it was really a group of giant recruiters posing as baseball camp counselors).

Lesson #2: While Big may have improved quite a bit on the field, I’m guessing the pre-game show wasn’t a part of the camp’s curriculum. This morning I heard him singing, “Oh say can you see, by the daughter that flies…”

Lesson #3: It took a six-year old to teach me how to say no. I mean I know how to say it, I just don’t tend to stick with it. But last night when Big said, “If I beg you enough, you’ll say yes,” I realized it’s high time I learn to say it and mean it. (Well, maybe. But not if it’s a glass of wine. Or chocolate.)

Lesson #4: When your six-year old’s constantly mumbling an exasperated, “Uck!” you can only hope that he’s slightly misunderstood years of hearing you say, “Ugh!” under your breath. Or something like that.

Lesson #5: I hate shopping so much that Lenny thought the only way to get me over to Nordstrom was to say, “Hey, look! They have yoga pants on sale.” Of course I was totally insulted. Because this meant he hadn’t noticed the new pair I’ve been wearing that I got for free at a blogger event recently.

Lesson #6: You’re definitely going to want to save the date for Little’s 4th birthday party (you know, in November). He’s planning a football/Star Wars/Cars party starting at a jumpy house place and ending at the local pool. Ooh, and don’t forget the Green Lantern/Avengers cake. He wants to just keep it simple for now. (And if you need gift ideas, he’s given me that list already as well.)

Lesson #7: When it comes to drawing people, practice makes perfect. And if you’re Little, the perfect canvas is your very own body.

Lesson #8: The other day at bath time, Little pretty much summed up how futile raising little kids can feel in two sentences. “I’m all clean and ready to get out. Just let me finish peeing first.”

Lesson #9: Move over Miley, there’s a new queen of the dance party in our house—Carley Rae Jepsen.

Lesson #10: When you have three little kids, there’s no such thing as a lazy summer. Even if you are still wearing your pjs at noon.

Here’s to one ucking fantastic week for you and yours!