Publix Pampering

Yes, I'm afraid it's true, Publix pampers me more than my hubby! Ha! Anyway, went there on Friday before our trip to Gatlinburg to pick up a few last-minute things and a lot of their buy-one-get-one items. Well, while I was in there the bottom fell out of the sky. It was a horrible downpour with wind - no way to stay dry under my little purse-size wallet. After I checked out the guy said he would take my bags out for me. I saw the rain and told him, no, that he didn't have to get out in that mess. He then said, No, ma'am (I know, "ma'am), it's part of our service. He then proceeded to hand me a huge umbrella to carry all for myself while he walked out in the rain! When we got to the car he took me to the driver's door and got me in the car completely dry while he went back and loaded the groceries in. I can't remember being so pampered! Who knew that such a small gesture could make my day!! And, of course, while I was shopping there wasn't an employee that I walked by that didn't say hello to me and make sure I was finding everything I needed. And they did it with a SMILE! Where did they find these people? So, anyway, girls, if you're having a bad day I suggest taking a quick trip to the Publix - ha,ha :-)
When I got home I had to park out in the driveway b/c I couldn't get in the garage b/c our cleaning lady was here. Jeff got home in the meantime and parked on the street. After she left Jeff asked if I could move my car into the garage so he could get his car in the garage. Reality sets in now and pampering day is over.
I'll post pics and write about our awesome trip to Gatlinburg hopefully later tonight!

New Header

Yea!! I've got a new header THANKS TO CHRISTY. Stay tuned to see the finished product. Got to do a little resizing and then it's mine - YEA! I'm lovin' this bloggin'!

Nursery

Well, I actually did it this morning - I took Fisher to the nursery!! I know that probably doesn't sound like a big deal to most people, but it has been for me. I have always been of the belief that my kids are not going to the nursery. They will sit in church with me and learn that that's just what we do. Ellie always has a bag full of goodies to keep her entertained. Well, I'm still learning to never say never! I also said that Ellie would never go to Wee Worship; she'll sit next to me in church b/c that's what I did. Well, I now am very grateful for Wee Worship. I'm actually wondering what's going to happen when she turns six and has to sit in church with me again. I guess I've planned it well enough that Fisher will start Wee Worship shortly after that.
But back to today, it really upset me at church today. Fisher was just so tired that he was really vocal with his emotions and I actually had to take him out twice. Thankfully we were sitting with Allison with Rachel & George behind us, so they kept an eye on her for me. But for some reason it really bothered me that I left her in church without me. I don't think that's a good solution either. Well, on my second trip out of the auditorium with Fisher I ran into Becky Majors and chatted for a minute and just felt like the nursery was the right thing for today. When I got back in church with Ellie, she was so sweet. She just popped up on the seat right next to me and gave me a big hug and just really seemed to be excited that I was in church with her. I guess I'm not ever really in church with her even though I'm sitting right next to her b/c of the entertaining I have to do for Fisher. Still, at that point, though, feeling guilty that I had dumped Fishy off in the nursery.
After Wee Worship Bonnie came up to me and told me their lesson was about kindness today and wanted to share with me what Ellie has said about kindness. Ellie had told them that I was very patient with Fisher this morning and then I took him to the nursery and came back in church and she got to sit with me and that I was very kind to her b/c I was paying attention to her. Seems like maybe Ellie has been feeling a little left out in church.
Fisher did fabulous in the nursery today. When I picked him up he was chatting and smiling, much better than the tear-stained eyes I had dropped him off with. Who knows if I'll do it again next week. I know I really should b/c everybody seemed to benefit from it, but it's hard to go against my core belief. And, too, I guess it boils down to the fact that I don't give up control of Fisher very well. Gotta work on that as well.
OH, just remember, I'll be in Gatlinburg next Sunday - YEA! Don't have to worry about the nursery situation.

The Elf on the Shelf!

This has got to be the best $28 I've spent, so far at least. We'll see how long the good behavior holds out. If you don't know what the Elf on the Shelf is, it's a little elf that sits on the shelf - ha, ha. Anyway, he comes with a book and usually arrives at your house around Thanksgiving. He sits high on a shelf watching for good and bad behavior. Every night he flies off to report to Santa on who was naughty and nice, and when he comes home he lands in a different spot. So the fun is that the kids can't wait to find him each morning. Plus, they're going to be on their best behavior b/c the elf is always watching!! And two of Ellie's friends have the elf, so it was exciting for her to hear that and find out their names and just to reaffirm that the elf is everywhere.

Ellie was horrible this morning. Well, not horrible, but just difficult to deal with. She can be perfectly fine, playing with me and Fisher having a good time, then BAM - different girl with an attitude. Told me this morning that she knew how to drive and knew how to get to Gam's and she could go if she wanted to! This sounds like a conversation I could be having with a 13-year-old, not a 5-year-old. Also said, "I wish I had a better mother!" The first time she said that to me I was devastated, now I'm just frustrated b/c I find her getting the best of me. I know I've got to get a handle on the Little Miss Priss attitude, but how? She's going to be impossible to deal with at 13! And particularly with this behavior, it's so sad that I see myself in her! It's so true that it comes back to you. I know I must have been this way with Mom, just maybe not at 5!

Thankfully, I guess I should say, she only exhibits this hateful behavior with me and sometimes with Gam and not out in public with other adults.

But, now that we've got the Elf on the Shelf, things are changing. He was here tonight when we got home from the parade downtown. We read the book and named him Caper. While we were reading the book, Ellie leaned over and whispered in my ear "oh, no, what about this morning," wondering if the elf saw how she acted. Then about five minutes later I got an apology for some bad behavior in the car this evening. Hmmmm......why didn't I think of this?

Anyway, just wanted to share with all who may not have heard of the elf. It's going to be a great tradition at the Bryden House. Thanks, Felicia and Gayle!!!

Goodnight Moon

My family blog is mainly for family updates, but it also doubles as a baby/toddler/big girl journal for me to remember what Fisher and Ellie did when. This post happens to be about my little guy. He absolutely loves to read books. His favorites that he always picks to read are Goodnight Moon, The House that Jack Haunted, The Napping House, one of his Kindermusik books and some little book at Mom's that we constantly have to sing "Jesus Love the Little Children" every time he turns to a certain page. He also loves the "Ensie Wensie Spider." I think he enjoys most of the book when I read to him, but he definitely has his favorite pages that he just chuckles when you get to it, or when he does. He'll turn the pages until he gets there and then just giggle. The favorite in Goodnight Moon is the "Goodnight nobody/Goodnight mush" page. Why, I don't know. Of course, Goodnight Moon was a favorite of Ellie's as well but only because it had a "hop" in it. We used to read it to her every night. This is a great book, although I'm not sure why it's been a favorite with both my kids. I'm a big fan of rhyming books, though, so maybe that's it. He also loves his animal books. You can ask him to find the monkey/chimp in the book and he'll do it, then he'll do his baby sign for monkey. So cute!