Picture Perfect Right?

 Doesn't this picture look nice? It looks like a Mom sitting down to relax with a good book and a glass of wine. Good for her, she deserves it. What a great way to unwind after a long day of work, play, two kids, etc. Something we all wish we could do more often right?

The truth behind this photo is a bit more warped than that. Sadly, the truth is, I sat there forcing down a glass of wine (as I hate the taste) in an effort to alleviate the headache I almost always get after a day at work. I turned on my Kindle and sat there staring at the same page, continually trying to read it. 

However, instead of reading, what occurred was my four year old telling me stories about his video game, my 21 month old trying to sit on my lap, standing in my light, and talking all about pee pee (we are potty training). Every 3 minutes one of them was thirsty, needed a snack, needed help getting something, or got hurt.

And that page turned back to the screen saver, as I set it down, unread. 

But the picture looks nice, doesn't it?

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How I Caught a Nap After Work

 Just being able to knock out for 5 minutes when I get home from work can completely re-energize me for the rest of the evening. Typically, on the days that I work, the Husband works right after. So, how in the world am I going to get that quick nap I need, while I have the kids to myself?

The recipe calls for a few of the parenting "no-no's", some technology, and some type of reverse psychology. 

These are the steps I took this afternoon after I came home and gave them a ton of fun, laughter and love. First, I put on the TV. Nick JR so at least it's educational. I made sure they had food and drink. I told my 4 year old son he can play with his Nintendo DS, or Angry Birds on my phone if he wishes. Then I took my 21 month old daughter into my bed and proceeded to cuddle her until she just couldn't take it anymore and whined and complained to get away. Normally, my daughter is quite the cuddle bug. However, that's when it is on HER terms. I cuddled her so much she got extremely annoyed with me and left the room.... she was so annoyed she left me alone long enough to catch my quick nap. 

Feeling a new energy bubbling up inside me and feeling like I can easily tackle the rest of the day I woke up and went about everything as usual. No yelling, no door closing, no whining.

Happy family, rested Mama.

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The Times Have Definitely Changed

I sit down with my 4 year old son almost every day and go through what we call "homework". A collection of educational books, flash cards, games, and activities that we do aside from his regular preschool work. We added a couple new pieces to this collection over the holidays and today was the first time we tried them out. 

We were going through some new flashcards, and things were running very smooth. That is, right up until we got to one with a picture of a written letter and envelope. My son was completely stumped. The closest guess he had was simply, paper. 

No doubt technology has improved a great deal this last century. I find it amazing though how much things have changed from my own childhood to his. Only a 20 year difference. I gave him a little (Google searched) quiz. My generations typewriter.... "a computer.... with paper in it". A VCR... "a computer". A record..."a CD". When I mentioned CD's are shiny and silver he says, "Then they must be black CD's".

Computers do a lot, and help us in many beneficial ways. I do not wish them to go away. My only concern in all this would be the day computers take over to the point that kids no longer learn how to hand write, on real paper. I'm sure in just another year or two he will know what a handwritten letter is. But for now, this four year old thinks everything is a computer.

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