This was the Christmas of the Video Game for us. I didn’t plan it this way, but it’s how it worked out. Josh has been bugging me for a Nintendo DS for months. Months, I tell you. And I hadn’t planned on getting him one. And then, Big Brother (in the best sense of the words) stepped in and said, “We want to get one for him!” and I nearly fell over. So, Josh got a DSiXL (for the uninitiated: Nintendo DS = which is the hand-held game system, i = picture taking/internet, XL = the largest size, which is nice for my 41-year-old eyes) for Christmas.
And then, about a week, maybe a little more, before Christmas, a box arrived from Amazon that I hadn’t ordered. I tore it open and it’s a damn good thing I was standing over the bed at the time, because I literally dropped it!! It was a Wii!!! Sent by a beautiful, wonderful, generous, JOYful lady, who shall remain anonymous. (I re-wrapped that one and put it under the tree for Josh to find when we returned from our Christmas Travels. He was thrilled!)
We’ve been melting our brains for days now. It’s amazing how much fun that supposedly “grown-up and mature” adults can have when they’re screaming at a video game!! And whoever said that it wasn’t a good family activity never played a game against their kid.
So, pull up your favorite game console, grab some sodas and snacks, and plug in your favorite game. We’ll chat while we kick each other’s butts…
Remember the rules. We play fair here, and we’re nice to each other. If you’re not, we take away your controller, duct-tape your mouth shut, and make you listen to a never-ending loop of the Mario Brothers Theme Song.
Us Girls..Our Views 
How did you know to post this at this exact moment Joy?! Toby has been sitting in front of the TV playing Big Buck Hunter (that Christopher got as a gift!) for about 2 hours!!!
I’m not sure. Maybe I’m psychic! Christopher was telling me today how much he liked that game. It was good to see him today. I missed him.
Toby’s played it more than Chris!
I’M SO GLAD TOMORROW IS MONDAY!!!
Ha, for us it was the Christmas of the Board Game (the kiddy board game to be exact). But, the girls also got “laptops” which are loaded with simple kid computer games. They are for ages 6+ so I assume the girls will take some time to grow into them. I think I’ll designate Tuesdays as game night this year, beginning next week.
My youngest’s 4th birthday is coming up this week. I asked her what she wants for her birthday. You will never guess what she said, so I’ll tell you. “New underwear.” I kid you not. That’s all my spoiled brat wants for her birthday. Can you just imagine if she said that to some stranger or social worker? Granted, she’s been wearing the same boring underwear for 2.5 years, but it’s clean and intact! But if the girl wants undies, undies she shall have. LOL! Now I have to figure out how to sneak away to Wal-Mart without her in the next few days.
This past weekend we watched a couple of Shirley Temple movies. My eldest is enchanted (she’s the one who loves dance and music). She asked to see The Littlest Rebel again today. Now the girls are re-enacting the scary parts in their pretend play. “Hurry, the soldiers are coming, hide all the food in the secret room! Look out the window – are they here yet?” My youngest hates the fact that the mom dies in that movie. But wow, they seem to be growing up so fast nowadays.
Got some work done but mostly just had a nice weekend. Looking forward to a productive and positive week.
I used to just love the Shirley Temple movies. I always really hoped they’d be on Saturday afternoons. I’ve been watching a lot of old movies lately. I love them. I watched two Doris Day movies this past weekend. They take you back to a time when things were the same but different. People were the same feelings and emotion wise but things are handled so different now with computers and cell phones. I’m not sure what way I like it more.
I’m already overwhelmed by the week and it hasn’t even started yet. And yes, I know, I’m one of them who was clamoring for it to be Monday, so I could get back to a ‘normal’ routine.
My problem is that I have a Den Meeting on Tuesday night, and I’m terrible at curriculum. I’ve finally come to admit that. It’s a big deal for me. I’ve always loved to teach, you see, and always beat myself up for not getting my teaching degree and doing it full-time. But in the back of my head, I’ve also known that Being A Teacher is not for me. Oh, sure, I can do one-on-one private flute lessons, and I can totally teach kids and adults how to do stuff. The *teaching* part isn’t the problem. It’s the planning that goes along with it. And planning according to a specific curriculum. I am responsible for providing two Den Meetings a month, each are an hour long. And every other Monday (the meetings are every other Tuesday), here I sit… freaking out over what to do with the kids. Am I covering requirements? Are they going to be bored? Am I doing this right? Did I miss anything? It’s insane.
So this week – on Tuesday – I’m standing up in front of my Den and asking the parents if they would please step up… just one of them… and take over for me next year when our boys become Wolves. I will stay on as an assistant, I will give them all the love and support that they need, I just can’t do the meeting planning! I’m discovering that my talents are in the administrative area… if someone takes over as DL, I can jump up to Pack Administration, and be the Popcorn Chairman (Popcorn Kernel… HAHA) or the Advancement Chairman or something. I hope someone steps up, so I can stop stressing out. Meanwhile, I have a Den Meeting to plan. Two, actually, for this month…
On top of getting my kid to wrestling, Tae Kwon Do (he just advanced to Green Belt, woohoo!), and homework and everything else. Oh, yeah, and we have to make a cake next Sunday for the Pack’s Cake Auction. I’ll take pics of that. It promises to be quite the event, and I think it might be share-worthy.
Huff. I think my little pity-party is done. Sorry to cry on your shoulders… but thanks for listening.
Don’t they have any online curricula? If the Boy Scouts don’t have it, maybe you can steal some ideas from other online stuff like homeschooler group stuff?
Good luck on finding someone to take your place. It’s hard to find people to make a significant commitment like that, but hopefully since it’s the kids’ parents you’re talking to, it won’t be too hard.
Did you ever take any ed courses? I did it for 3 years, so I did have to do lesson plans and all that. There was some kind of structure to it and I actually found it fun, but that was a lo-o-o-ong time ago. I seem to remember something like that when I taught Sunday School too – even longer ago. I think I used to plan just a few “main” activities that I expected to take like 2/3 of the class time, and then keep a couple extra “supplemental” activities in case there was still time. Things usually took longer than I’d expected, so this was a safe strategy.
There are things called “program helps”. They used to come out every month in Scouting Magazine, and when I signed up, I waited eagerly for my first issue to show up. But, of course, in March of last year, they discontinued the free program helps in the magazine, and now you have to purchase them… for the entire pack!! So, yeah. Not buying that. But I do have the Leader Book, the How To Book, and a “Sparkler” book (which has little quickie fun things in it, like a Standing O (stand up, make an O with your arms over your head – do this in place of a standing ovation) and skits and stuff, as well), and also a couple of books left over from my days as a naturalist/interpreter. Not to mention online stuff and my Big Brother and his friends, who all went through this several years ago. So there’s *plenty* of resource and help out there. My problem is the pressure I put on myself… “am I doing this right? Are the kids going to like this? Will they be able to do it/get their requirement? Is it going to be valuable for them/be of value to the parents?”
I don’t like experimenting on the kids, you know? I know that, when I do the stuff, it’s more than adequate, but it’s very stressful on me, and I suspect another parent would do a MUCH better job, and I could be more valuable to the pack in other ways.
You know what? If this causes you this much stress and anguish, you have to step aside. Don’t let anyone hoodwink you either. What if they try “well if you don’t nobody will” because someone will step up. Maybe you could Co do it with someone and let them handle the planning and you do the activities but you can’t continue like this or you’ll end up hating scouts.
PS….Popcorn Kernel!!!!!! LMAO!!!!! No wonder you get me.
That’s why I’m doing this now… I’m willing to finish out the year as DL – it would be unfair to everyone involved if I just crossed my arms and said, “I’m not doing it anymore!!” and quit right now.
But I can’t continue next year. On top of everything else, I’m trying to find a job – full time, hopefully – and have high hopes that it will finally happen this year. So add that to the mix…
I’m hoping that a couple of the parents will be willing to step up, now that they’ve had a couple months in the program. Add to that, the fact that I’m willing to assist, that I already have worksheets for them to work from, record sheets printed up, and a bunch of books, websites, and people to refer to… you get the picture.
It’s one of those “Play to your Strengths” situations… I’m *really* good at teaching the kids, I’m just not good at the curriculum, and you’re right, I just stress waaay too much over this stuff.
Personally, I have been fighting getting any of the video boxes. I am afraid I will not be disciplined enough to put them down or make the kids go out and get some fresh air and exercise.
But after reading this….
The thing with the Wii is you aren’t just sitting. Yes, there are games you can sit for but who says you have to buy those. The sports ones and a lot of kids action games you need to run, walk, raise your arms and such. I LOVE the Wii and if it weren’t for that, Paul and I would spend every night watching TV on our butts. This one gets you up and moving.
Our household we love to play the Just Dance ones. Talk about good exercise! They even have a kids version out too
I bought Just Dance 2 tonight and I can’t wait to play it tomorrow!!!!!
I was TOTALLY resisting the whole video game thing, but for different reasons regarding the systems.
In the beginning, I kept swearing that Josh is just too young (at 7, first grade) for his own video game system. But times have changed… he’s using the computer (with supervision), and needs to know how to work technology. Yeah, that might be a bit of a lame excuse, but we also do long car trips – another lame excuse, since I went all over the country in the back seat of a car with nothing but my imagination and books for company. It boils down to… he’s a good kid, and as long as he stays good and doesn’t get “dependent” upon the game, I’m ok with it. And I get to play it, too.
I never bought a Wii because with some things, I get Buyer’s Remorse before I buy it. I was that way with the Wii. I kept looking at it, visiting it weekly in Wal-Mart, thinking “I should just get it”, but then I’d start with “well, we NEED to fix the roof/chimney/balcony etc, etc.” and justify my way out of it. Now that we have it, I’m very glad that we do. Joy’s right – it gets you off the couch and doing stuff. My arm and back muscles were sore the other day from playing Wii Tennis!!! And it’s a kick to bowl against Josh and yell, “YAY!!! You got a STRIKE!!” He physically can’t do that yet, for real – the balls are just too heavy.
We love the Wii! Playing Mario Bros takes me back, my goodness! It keeps us busy on the COLD days, when it hurts to go outside. We also have a PS3, and Bailey plays army and sports games on that. With anything, you have to have rules though, gaming all day everyday isn’t even an option.
Well, I have to say, I am SO glad that this morning is over. I studied all day for the right things to put on this employment application for our local daycare center. And for the right things to say and ask in an interview. I didn’t sleep last night, I was so nervous. I kept replaying everything I was going to say. So I get up this morning, got all dressed up and went in. Well the one time I actually go in, the owner isn’t in. 😦 So, I filled out the application and introduced myself to the other lady in charge. We’ll see what happens. I emailed my friend who referred me, just to let her know and she said she was going to call her today, and make sure the owner looked at it! I said, NO!!! OMG I don’t want it to seem like I am using her to get this job, she is a well known lady in this town, and a very good connection to have but I don’t like using that to my advantage. I feel weird about it now. But I couldn’t stop her.
I got past the biggest hurdle, just going in. It is out of my comfort zone for sure. I have been a stay at home mom and nanny for 10 years. I do really want this job though, just so we can prepare to buy a house someday, and be for more financially stable.
I’ll need a nap today! Or a lot of coffee!
I’m so proud of you. I know this scares the living crap out of you and it does me too. Heck, I think this scares MANY people but a job interview is always a learning experience. Don’t count yourself short either Nikki. If they don’t need an employee, they won’t hire you. So what if you know someone who get your foot in the door. If you don’t deserve the job they won’t give it to you. Did anyone else apply? If they need help and nobody else applied and you turned on your charm, the job will be yours.
I’m proud of you no matter what.
Thank you so much, that means a lot to me!
I wanted to throw up and run away! Seriously. It took everything I had to go in that door. I feel better now, that I did. I thought I was more confident but at least I did it.
Interviews are always so stressful! I remember when I was younger – it’s a wonder I ever got a job, it was so hard to get through an interview. Heck, I got nervous even filling out an application or sending a resume. Somehow talking myself up felt all kinds of wrong. It’s better now, but still not easy. I don’t think it ever will be. But it’s necessary, so thank goodness that once we really decide to do it, we’re able to.
Oh, and don’t feel bad if that woman puts in a good word. She would not do so if it were not true – she would not risk her reputation like that. So in other words, you have earned it. And you might as well use it, because everyone else who can, will.
I’m so glad it’s Monday and everything is getting back to a somewhat normal routine. Two four day weekends in a row with a blizzard and below freezing temps is NOT fun when you’re with someone with NO hobbies. Normally Paul can keep himself occupied but I saw a lot of pacing starting on Sat and continuing on Sun. He just didn’t know what to do with him self anymore. We watched movies. Took naps. Played the Wii but it’s really hard when you’re cooped up in such small quarters for that length of time.
*heavy sigh*
I’m not sure if I mentioned this or not but Paul got me a colored Nook for Christmas and so far I really like it. There are a few things I need to try and find and I did discover that I can’t read it for 6-8 hours like I can with a “real” book because of the headache I got but I like this for when I’m eating or trying to kill time. I also like that fact that I can get my magazines on there and not have to deal with recycling the real thing. I LOVE THAT part. I also like the selection of thing and I like that I can play crossword puzzles and Sudoku on it. It’s a pretty good little machine.
I’m not planning on doing too much today. I just got out of the shower and plan to curl up in my chair with a cup of chicken noodle soup and George W (thanks Nikki). I hope you are all enjoying your Monday.
It seemed like last week went by soooo slow! I’m glad today is Monday! Jason’s off to work, his brother left yesterday. I miss him, but I love having my house back to just the 3 of us. Hunter has been such a BRAT all last week it seemed. Today now that its just the 2 of us, he’s totally different. Back to normal! His b-day is Thursday. Turning the big 3! Joy, his party is Sat. at 1:00, if you and Paul would like to come. Oh look, its snowing again… lol
We’ll try and stop by Jenny but Trin’s only basketball tourney in Kimball is Sat so if we do pop over we’ll be a touch late. Her tourney’s are all over the place and this is the only one we’ll most likely see her play in.
ok thats fine Joy!
You should have it later Jenny so we can come 🙂 Oh, I would probably see you at Grandma’s on Friday so we could give him a present then I suppose! Good idea Sue! LOL!