Cannon Balls in the Bathtub

Tonight, while giving Owen a bath, I learned a lot of things, that I didn't know until now... Every night at bath time, is an adventure, so I didn't expect anything different tonight. Nor, did I expect to learn so much.

• Cannon balls are possible in a garden tub.
• When you do cannon balls in the tub, you can go all the way under, just like in the pool!
• Snot, doesn't dissolve...it stays the same. Even when you fish it out.
• Poop, does dissolve, and it puts a whole delay on the bath giving.
• Little rubber balls, that are fun little bath toys....can get stuck in the faucet, and when a 2 year old turns the water on to dislodge it, water squirts everywhere!
• Don't drain the tub, thinking when all the water is gone, the subject of the bath, will want out...it doesn't work.

Our bath nights are always full of laughter, but tonight was a totally different experience. I will start with the cannon ball incident. I put Owen in the bath, while the water was running. He likes to play with the water as it comes out of the faucet, so I was trying to be smart on time. Normally he does this at the end, and never wants to get out, so I was killing 2 birds with one stone (so I thought). The playing went on, and the water got deeper. Hence, cannon balls. I didn't think he knew how to do those, but once again, I was wrong. As he continued with cannon balls, I began to notice he got braver and braver, and began going under. He got choked up once, and snot was coming out...this is how I know snot does not dissolve. A few minutes later, after I had fished the snot out, and he was continuing with his water acrobatics, he got choked on water again, and was coughing to get it all out. This is how I know, that poop DOES dissolve, and fast! I had to jerk him out, and completely disinfect the tub and him, before completing bath time. By this time, I had more water on my walls and floor, than in the tub, and I was exhausted! We continued on with the bath. --Note, I have yet to wash his hair, or body (other than the above mentioned incident)-- I realized that I was not going to get him out of the bath, any time soon tonight, so I pulled up a stool and my kindle, and settled in. The next thing I heard was "I can't get it", and I heard the water turn on. I looked up, and water was squirting every direction, but down into the tub, and this is how I know that bath toys can get lodged in the faucet. And lastly, I learned that even if you think bath time is over, it isn't over until "Owen says it's over!" I thought if I drained the water while he was playing, then when it was all gone, he would want out. Not so fast. He is capable of sitting in an empty tub, and playing for at least another 15 minutes...until he begins shivering.

I'm sitting here blogging, while I obviously should be accepting the "Mom of the Year" award. He is grilling play dough burgers on his grill, and shoving them so far in his trucks, that a surgeon won't be able to remove them. Not to mention, the dog has gone into hiding, because she has ate more than her share of burgers tonight. Did I mention that he is doing all of this grilling, while standing on an upside down clothes basket?!

Here's to hoping that tomorrow night isn't AS exciting as tonight.

A thousand miles from home...

I am not the type to normally obsess over issues. I normally can read about a sad story  or a story that would make you mad, and let it go. Check up on it again later on (if I remember), but it doesn't really stay on my mind. Until this one. You may or may not have heard of the story of "Veronica Capobianco" out of Charleston, South Carolina. This is a heart wrenching story of a little girl, who had been living with her potential adoptive parents in Charleston, for the past 2 years, and on January 31, 2012, she was put into a truck and driven 1100 miles away from the only parents she has ever known, by her biological father. I encourage you to go here and read the full story. It is one that will stick with you. Or maybe not.

I keep wondering to myself, why this story won't  leave me, and perhaps it is because Owen and Veronica are the same age. They are probably reaching the same milestones, etc. And, I know how he is developmentally--emotional and physical. So I can't help but think of her.

When I first read this story, I got sick. Physically sick, I couldn't stop thinking about this little girl, being stripped away from the ONLY family she has ever known, and put into a truck with complete strangers. I thought about her. What is going through her mind? Did she cry from SC to OK? My mind was flooded with questions, and I was sick to my stomach. I then stepped back, and decided that I would approach this with an open mind. Because, every story has 2 sides, right?! So, I "liked" the Save Veronica Rose Facebook page, I read up on things there, I read the ICWA of 1978 law, I conducted some brief research. I  then found a Keep Veronica Home Facebook page. I began to look at them both, for answers. Comparing sides. Of course at this point on Facebook, it is a he said/she said battle. But one thing rings true. Those who are fighting to get Veronica back to South Carolina, are more genuine. They care, for her. They are truly working to correct this outdated law, and especially working to get Veronica back home. Home, as in the only place that she has ever lived, with the only people she has ever known to love her. Where as the "supporters" of the biological dad, are angry, revengeful, and just hurtful. And, I cannot imagine Veronica being raised in that type of environment. 

I don't have a professional opinion about this case other than my educational background, and what I can for a fact state in the early childhood development scope of things but, this is what I DO know...

• Last weekend, I took Owen (my 2 year old) to Savannah to visit my sister. (4 hours away) As we approached Columbia (2 hours in the drive) he had already asked for his daddy 15 times. At this point in the drive he meant it. By the time we reached Walterboro (3 hours in the drive) he was screaming and crying in the back seat, for his dad. He wanted to go home. In his words "I go home mommy, I want my daddy". And, he knows me, I have raised him (along with my husband) from his first breath.  But, he still wanted to go home, and see his daddy. So, imagine being Veronica, and put into a truck within 30 minutes of meeting her biological father, a stranger, and driven 1100 miles away! My heart breaks.
• Bonds are made early. And, at this age, they are beginning to trust. So imagine being forced to leave the home you have been raised in since birth, with NO explanation. Who/How do you trust now?
• Regardless of your opinion of who is right, and who is wrong....there was no transition period. There was no time to let her "get to know" him. There was no time, for him to "get to know" her. She is as much as a stranger to him, as he is to her. She doesn't know him from Adam, and he doesn't know her favorite food, favorite book, or how she likes to fall asleep at night. SAD.
• The ICWA was abused in this case. It might have been perfect for the time it was written, 1978. But, in this particular case, it was abused and misused.

I'm not going to sit and write about everything I am thinking about this case. I feel like everyone has a right to form their own opinions in cases like these, but I can assure you, no matter how much you sugar coat it, no matter how often his supporters chant "she's doing fine, she's playing with her sister, etc..."  She is not fine. She is hurting. And, she will have issues later in life, if her sense of normalcy isn't returned to her soon. And, IN MY OPINION her sense of normalcy is in Charleston, SC, with Matt and Melanie Capobianco.

Like I said at the start of this post. I don't normally think much about cases like these, and I definitely don't blog about them. But, this one has struck a chord with me. If you want more information, please check out the website Save Veronica or if you are on Facebook, then look up Save Veronica Rose (for the side of the adoptive parents) and Keep Veronica Home (for those in Support of Mr. Brown). I encourage you to look at both sides, and form your own opinion. I also encourage you to sign the petition, so that lawmakers will revisit the ICWA law of 1978, and make the necessary changes to prevent this heartache from happening to any other families.

I have faith. Faith, that she will be back home soon. The SC Supreme Court has decided to hear the case, I just hope it is sooner than later. I just have to keep telling myself, that she will come home. And, as a parent, I cannot imagine what her PARENTS--the ones who have been there since birth-- are going through.

In the meantime, pray :)

Looking back, and looking forward.

I have been MIA, already. :) I haven't really blogged about anything in a few days, because there really hasn't been anything "newsworthy" happening here at the Painter house. I mean, we have had our normal dysfunctional times here, just nothing to share...nothing out of the ordinary.

I love to write. I have loved to write for as long as I can remember. Not that I am good at it, but just because I like it...I have journals that go back to elementary school, notebooks from college, random sheets of paper with my thoughts, typed up short stories, etc....I write whenever I get the urge, when I need to get something off of my mind, or just to jot things down to remember later. This weekend, as I was looking for something, I ran across a letter, that I had written to myself, the day before I graduated college, with my undergrad degree...I will share it here.

Dear Future Me,
It hasn’t been an easy road to get where you are right now. There’s been a lot of ups and downs, lefts and rights, even some crazy moments where you could have sworn that the world turned you upside down. If someone tells you that everything is going to make sense in the end, they’re probably right. If there’s one thing that I hope you look back on and remember, it’s those moments that take your breath away. Hold onto those moments no matter how tough things get and you’ll always find a reason to move forward. You’re the best person you can be, really, as long as you’re always trying, and never give up. Always remember, you have to be happy with yourself, before you can make anyone else happy. It doesn’t matter what other's think of you, it is what you think of yourself. Never let someone tell you, you can't do it...you are proving today, that you can.

Now, let me back up and say. I took the scenic route through college. I went to SMC, played ball. Loved every minute of continuing my athletic career, but honestly wasted time in the academic department. Transferred to Upstate, and hated every minute on that campus...just went through the motions, working towards a Sports Medicine degree, but never truly happy, where I was. In July 2001, my world was shook upside down and turned inside out (I will share more about that journey,in another post) but, my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I took the next semester at Upstate off, and spent time with her. I then, up and decided to transfer to North Greenville, where I changed my major completely--to education, and nothing had ever felt so right before. So, when I sat down, and wrote myself this letter, the night before graduation--the end of an era, I had been through a lot. I had been the butt of jokes, in the family for taking so long, and felt like I had to keep telling my whole story, so people would understand, what did take so long.

Looking back now, and finding this letter, 6 years later, is refreshing--I needed that reminder! I think, I will start writing more letters to the future me...I encourage you to do the same. If you decide to write one, share it with me :)

Have Mercy.

I am exhausted, already. THREE days of work, and I am pooped. It probably doesn't help that I decided to take some night time cough medicine at about midnight last night, either. It is funny how being out of work for 2 weeks, can cause you to forget things so easily. For example, I forgot that it doesn't matter, that all 22 eyes are on you, and you say it 100 times....it does not mean that anyone is actually listening!! Hence, the hoarse voice at the end of the day. I also forgot how serious 2nd graders can be, so serious, that I try and not laugh out loud. In this next example, this precious little one was serious in their answer to me, and it made me want to laugh, BUT also cry, scream, and pull my hair out! 


I spent a good part of the afternoon, teaching about continents, countries, and states. I taught about the difference in each one, and we did a fun little visual activity, so they would understand the difference in each. We also spent a decent amount of time telling each one. Example- We live on the CONTINENT of North America, we live in the COUNTRY of The United States of America, we live in the STATE of South Carolina, and the CITY of Greer. We went over this sooooo many times, that I felt like a broken record. And, I even had them do another activity, where they had to share each of those with a partner. It was wonderful, everyone got it, they were having fun, and it genuinely seemed like they could tell me again tomorrow, or any other day, the answer to any of those questions. It was a very pleasing teacher moment. I sent them off, to do an activity alone, where they had to write each of the above mentioned things, as well as draw them. All was well with the world...here is the point, where I wanted to cry, scream, and pull my hair out. As they were working, alone, a precious one came up to me, and  it went a little something like this: 
Student: Mrs. Painter what is my country? 
Me: Well, what continent do you live on? (thinking I could lead said student, up to it)
Student: North America.
Me: Great, now, what country do you live in, within North America?
Student: Ummmm, Greer??
Me: No, that is the city. You live in Greer, South Carolina, in North America. So what country do you live in? (thinking by this point, he just needed a little push--a reminder--a hint...)
Student: Oh yeah! I remember, thanks Mrs. Painter!
Me: I smiled (thinking, my job was done. I encouraged him to come up with the answer, and didn't just tell him the answer). Ok, then what country do you live in?
Student: JORDAN ROAD!!!! The country is Jordan Road, Mrs. Painter!!(with waaaayyyyy too much excitement)
Me: {shaking my head, beating it on the desk, eyes welling up with tears, holding back a scream} I lost control....NO, that is the road you live on! You LIVE in the USA!! You LIVE on the continent of North America, in the country of the USA, in the state of South Carolina, in the town/city of Greer!!! We never mentioned Jordan Road, ever!


Have Mercy!! These are the moments that make me question my career choice, but they are also the same moments, that make it ALL worthwhile!! I wouldn't trade what I do, for any other career. I love the innocence of a young thinker, and this was definitely one for the books!  :)  

Just a Tuesday.

I will preface this post, by saying; 1- You will not laugh as much as you did yesterday, and 2- This post is really a few random things...no rhyme or reason.

Took Owen to the doctor again....we went almost 2 weeks ago, and were told that it was viral and needed to just run its course. Well, it isn't a very fast runner. So, we went back this afternoon. Whatever needed to run its course, picked up a few friends for the journey. He now has a slight upper respiratory infection, a sinus infection, and a slight ear infection. So, praise the Lord, we have an antibiotic, AND he is not contagious, which means nobody we have been in contact with has been in harms way, and he can continue to go to daycare, so mommy and daddy can work. Don't get me wrong, I would gladly take some days off for him, but I prefer my days off when the sun is shining and it is above 30 degrees ;)

Last night we got to Skype Emmy and Daniel. Yesterday was their first day in their new state, town, home...They were good. They were attempting to cook dinner, and hadn't quite unpacked everything, so it was very entertaining. They seemed to be in good spirits, which made it a little easier to swallow. I am going down, next Thursday evening to spend a long weekend, and am very much looking forward to it.

The second day of being back at work, was a little less eventful. I didn't want to get up this morning, and was in super slow motion as I got ready. I did however take my time doing my makeup, and applied everything completely :) I decided to wear a dress, with leggings and boots. I figured it was a good day, to do so. If you know me...in the years that I have been teaching, I have worn a dress to school, maybe 4 times. It was cold out, I didn't want to be out of the warm bed, and this outfit is very comfortable, so I tricked my mind into thinking I was wearing my pajamas. I would like to end it there, with just a boring rundown of my outfit for the day, but of course, if I'm honest, I can't. I left in a hurry after school, so I could get Owen to the doctor on time. As I walked down the hall, I felt a slight draft...yep, my jacket had pulled my dress up, with every step I took. So, there ya go...my wardrobe malfunction of the day! If they were your normal cotton leggings, not so bad. But, they were more like footless tights. (not as thick as a pair of leggings.) I don't think it is as funny as yesterday, but definitely as embarrassing. Kids are probably talking about Mrs. Painter's rear at the dinner table tonight :)

The One Eyed Cat...

For those of  you, who have sat in waiting, to see how my day went...wait no more. I am typing this, therefore I SURVIVED!! And, if you are wondering about my hair and shoes, well, my shoes matched, and I actually fixed my hair, so I would have considered today a success...UNTIL-- you know, today was a really good day. My students were good excellent. I got up on time, I got everything accomplished that should have been, I got to school on time, and I even remembered how to teach. The day was perfect, UNTIL... On Monday's my students go out to recess with another class, and as they are gone, I usually take that time to make my copies, check my box, use the restroom, etc...We go to recess around 1:15 each day, so keep in mind, I had been gallivanting around Skyland, with a big ole smile on my face, talking to everyone I know, just excited about being back in a routine, happy to see everyone. Do you get the picture??? SO, at 1:30,  I took myself to the restroom. As I was washing my hands (at 1:30 in the afternoon--AFTER I had been happily walking around since 7:00) I realized, that I only had eyeliner on one eye! ONE EYE!! I don't wear my eyeliner thick, but you can tell it's there. So, to look in the mirror, and see this horrific accident....I didn't know how to handle it. I didn't know if I wanted to laugh or cry, send out a bulk email to let EVERYONE, I had come into contact with, know, that I am NOT crazy (well....) but I somehow got sidetracked this morning, and I am very much aware that I only have eyeliner on ONE eye. (OK, now I am laughing) So, I stood and stared and wondered how I could fix it....if I attempt to take the eyeliner off of my one eye, then I risked smearing mascara all down my face. So, I wondered if I could find a black pen, and make the other eye look the same?! Don't worry, I didn't do either...I just continued on the rest of my day, like a one eyed cat. I know it's funny, so laugh.... :) It's even funnier, if you could have seen me greeting everyone--like I am running for president, just as happy as could be. I'm sure they were all wondering what in the world, I had put in my coke this morning for me to; 1-be so dang happy to be back and 2- to forget one eye while applying my eyeliner! I can only hope that nobody except me realized what I had done. And, to think that I had felt so good about how everything had gone this morning, how easy it was to get up and get ready, how well Owen did this morning, how well my students were acting, I mean it was a great day, UNTIL! :) I can't help but think, ONLY me! 


And no, I didn't rush home after school to fix it....I continued on. I picked up Owen, went to Target, and even stood in line at Starbucks. I just acted as normal as possible...tomorrow, I will be careful when applying my  makeup, and hope that I remember underwear, I would hate to have to blog about forgetting that!

It ain't over, till it's over...

And, it's over. Christmas break, that is. I have been in denial and mourning all day long.  Boooo, for us who have to go back to work tomorrow. What a way to start the New Year, huh?! I am however thankful very thankful, that I have a job to go back to, and that I have a job that gives me the opportunity to have 2 weeks off, to spend doing whatever I choose. In which I chose to catch up on sleep, and snuggle with my little man. I am sad that it has come to an end. So now, I will look forward to a 4 day weekend in a few weeks, and very much looking forward to Spring Break :)

Tonight we had the "last supper" at my parent's house. Emmy and Daniel will be leaving for Savannah in the morning. It was a great time, and a fantastic meal. I cherish these times, and look forward to going to Savannah in a few weeks to decorate the new place, and learn my way around. Since, it is my new 2nd home. It was a bittersweet time....we all sat around, and installed Skype on our cell phones, in case we wanted to video chat, and we weren't just plopped at home in front of the computer. And, of course the tears flowed, as we said our goodbyes, and I hurried out of the door, before the flood gates absolutely opened up, and we had to swim home.

On a lighter note, Owen refused to take a bath tonight, without his arsenal of dump trucks and tractors, in there with him, so needless to say, a 10 minute bath, turned into 45 minutes, because he had to play. Does he not understand, that we have to actually get up in the morning?? And up, as in up, get ready, put on clothes, and leave the house...not up, as in out of the bed, and into the den, still in pj's until noon (or, if I must confess...later)?! We have definitely gotten out of our routine, and I am realizing that as he sits here beside me at 9:00 pm, eating Doritos. (I am Mom of the Year, in case you missed the memo) I'm sure the morning, will be a disaster at this house. If you see me tomorrow, and my hair is in a whack, and my shoes don't match...just know, that I have lost all control over the past 2 weeks. Smile, and move on...I promise to regain control (at some point).

Say a prayer in the morning for safe travels for Emmy and Daniel, and for all of us pitiful souls who have to return to work! :)