Night at the Opera...ummm...Theater

I love live theatre, especially musicals. There is something special about a bunch of people crowding into a dark room with uncomfortable seating to lose yourself in a world of song and dance. I've never been a great performer and know my place is in the audience. My brother's place is on the stage. Growing up I think my brother struggled to find his niche. He tried sports, scouts, Camp Fire, but it just wasn't a good fit. When we moved to Arkansas my mom signed him up for Youth Theatre at UCA and the rest is history. (Warning...soapbox 103) I admire my parents for standing up to fuddy-duddies who questioned a boy singing and dancing. Once they saw how invested David was, they were equally invested as well. You've heard of the soccer mom? My mom was the theatre mom. One Christmas she even bought her son a case for his makeup. David took his passion for theatre and moved to NYC. As the eldest, type-A, practical to a fault child this seemed like a daunting and at time foolish adventure. However, he did it and can therefore live his life without that particular "what-if." I can't say the same. I don't know what my brother's "destiny" holds, but I know performing will always be a part. And I'm glad to be in his audience.

Ok, so where is this blog heading? Heck, I never know. Allow me to pull back onto the tracks and finish my initial train of thought. (get it, train...this thing on?) I recently took Logan to his first movie, The Princess and the Frog. (eh.) As I was leaving the movie theater, I saw a sign for the children's series at the Orpheum (Memphis' historic theater). I wasn't sure how Logan would do sitting through a live show but when I saw that there was a musical based on one of our favorite book series "Frog and Toad," I knew the show must go on! I bought tickets and began rereading the "Frog and Toad" books to Logan several times a week so he was fresh. A few days before the show I finally broke the news to my little cultured guy. I told him all about wearing fancy clothes, parking downtown, going to a play about "Frog and Toad," and that we had tickets. He was sold when I agreed he could carry his own ticket. I was nervous about managing my less than calm child in downtown Memphis between the parking garage and the Orpheum (and back). On the way to the show, he did great. He insisted on bringing one of his "Frog and Toad" books with him, which I thought was adorable. We sat in our seats (aisle because I anticipated, correctly, several potty runs...and I do mean runs...those sloped aisles are really appealing to a 3 year old boy) and waited anxiously for the show to start. Soon the curtains parted, the music started, and the lights came on. And we had a problem...men dressed in the tradition of "Frog and Toad" began to perform. To an adult or an older child, this isn't a problem. You simply understand that one man is playing Frog and the other Toad. However, this simply won't fly in the literal world of a 3 year old. Logan was quiet and polite but kept tugging on my shirt and whispering "but where is my Frog and my Toad?" Fortunately the show moved at a good pace and had funny songs to keep his interest. I don't think the entire night was a flop, far from it. Even though "Frog and Toad" were not what was expected, we will remember our first night at the theatre together. And if I had any anxieties at all, they were squashed when Logan told me at bedtime, "Mommy, I like our date today."

Monet, van Gogh, Picasso, and Logan!

It is amazing to watch my kiddo develop new skills. During today's art project he completely shocked me! I have a stack of plain white pillow cases stored away for a rainy day...yes, I'm a craft supply hoarder. Call A&E! I figured that since we are travelling back and forth between our house and my parents' house so often, Logan might like a special pillow to take with him. I found a pack of fabric markers in the craft closet and Logan went to town.

He is really interested in writing his letters and can do a couple solo and several more with minimal assistance. (In the picture you will see his name. In the interest of full disclosure...he did the L & O alone and I did "dot to dot" for the remaining letters.) He has decided he needs to do his own "dot to dot" every time he writes and L. Hopefully we can move past that soon. Logan is really active (really, really active) but will sit and focus on playdoh and art projects for a long time, if interested. He was in the zone (brow furrowed, head down, and tongue out) so I used the time to clean up the kitchen and load the dishwasher.

His crafting always includes a constant narrative of each motion and today was no different. I had kinda tuned him out but heard him say "There is a spider." and "I made an L!" and "That is my daddy, mommy, and Logan!" Each statement was met with my distracted "uh huh", "that's good", or "you are working so hard!" When the kitchen was clean(er), I returned to the table to admire Logan's creation. I am so proud of what I saw...he drew a spider that looks like a spider! He made several 'L's! AND...TADA...a daddy (bald!?), a rather hippy (not as in flower child but as in junk in da' trunk), and a little boy! This is the first time his artwork has resembled what he was drawing! I can't wait to see what he makes or does next! I'm a proud mommy!

**NOTE: God was pretty smart today. Thank goodness I was reminded how special Logan can be because his behavior has been otherwise ROTTEN! Thanks, Big Guy for defusing the situation! :)

Fun at home...

I took a leap of faith and gave notice at work. The stress of Trey living in Arkansas for work, me working fulltime, Logan misbehaving in daycare, having the house in tip top shape for potential buyers, AND a couple minor health problems have been weighing on me. Trey and I agreed for me to take this step and begin transitioning to Arkansas. Everything about the plan is great...except that we can't seem to sell our house. I absolutely love my house. Seriously, it's a dream house. We bought the house with intentions of staying here for a long time but life happens. I know that someone else can be happy in this house but can't imagine why they haven't decided that yet! Sooo, if you know of anyone interested in moving to Tennessee...

ANYWAY, being a stay at home mom (at least temporarily) is a dream come true and I'm embracing every moment. I've planned excursions, crafts, projects, and so forth. Today was the first chance I've had to snap pics of one of our projects. (Please excuse the "Dumb & Dumber" haircut. I actually took him to have his haircut rather than doing it myself and this is the product. GRRR!) Logan and I love art projects! As active as he is, he will sit still for the longest to paint, sculpt, and cut. I found a recipe in a book for making homemade finger paint. Ok, recipe is probably not the word. It was EASY! Mix flour and water into a paste, a pinch of salt for texture, and add 2 drops of food coloring. TADA! Logan loved that he made his own paint (I loved the price, the easy clean up, and the fact that it was nontoxic!) He painted 3 lovely pictures which are currently on display in our kitchen.

We have also spent the day gathering items for our letter box. (No Lexi, not a letterbox...) I remember haivng letter boxes in kindergarden and have completely ripped off the idea. Sorry, Mrs. Elmore. This week we are putting objects that start with "L" in our box. So far we have a picture of Logan, lLemon, Lime, Leash, Lion, Lamb, Lizard, Lincoln Log, Little Grover, Lipstick, and a dirty sock (Laundry!) *NOTE: it was very disappointing to learn that the stepLadder didn't fit in our box and that you can't hold Love. :)

Tomorrow's plans include a scavenger hunt, a sorting game, and baking cookies with mommy. We may be broke, living apart, and saddled with a house we wish to sell...but I'm enjoying my time with my little monkey!

12 More...

I haven't had much spare time lately to write a full entry so I'm just jotting down funny incidents here and there.

1. Logan climbed into bed with me last night after an accident in his own. Usually this is a no no but I was too tired (after stripping his bed and changing his clothes) to object. He woke me up sometime later talking in his sleep. He said "My foot is a meatball." I think it is hysterical!

2. After buckling Logan into his carseat after daycare today he turned to me and said "Mommy, you are flippin' awesome." Touche, my buddy.

3. Logan idolizes his daddy. He constantly tells me that he is growing big, big like his daddy. Last night at dinner he told me he is almost big like daddy but still does not have hair on his chest. Funny!

4. I overheard Logan praying over his cereal bowl a few mornings ago. We pray each night at dinner and try to remember to say prayers before bed but breakfast prayers are new. (Although it might be something to start. Lord knows we need help in the mornings!) "Dear God, please make me big, big like my daddy and make Banjo (our dog) stop poopin' so we can move to Arkansas. " Not sure why he thinks we are moving because of Banjo's bowels but whatever works in his little head.

5. Logan selected a doozy of an outfit Sunday. Neon green toad shirt and his pirate dress up shorts. He called himself the "toad pirate." Seriously folks, that's funny stuff!

6. Logan announced the other day "Mommy, Daddy is my best friend again." Not sure what Trey had done to make the little monkey mad but we are all glad he is back in good graces.

7. My grandmother was in the hospital last week with hip and back pain. (Still struggling with pain...prayers are welcome...even at breakfast!) Logan told me that he couldn't see his Granny D because "she was running and jumping and hurted her leg." She was flattered to hear he believes she can still do these activities!

8. I was on the phone with my friend Beth the other night and Logan told me "Mommy, get off your phone. You need to practice soccer." Apparently my game is slipping.

9. Logan: Mommy, where do babies come from?"
Me: Ummm, why do you ask?
Logan: I don't like to share my toys with loud babies. I gotta stay away from those
mean babies.

10. Said loudly in the checkout line at Target: "Mommy, I'm sorry you do not have a penis."

11. "Mommy, tell me the story of when you were so so mad at me?" [I reply "When you put vanilla pudding on the floor?] "No." [When you kicked the dog?"] "No, mommy, when I hided your music." *NOTE: my ipod was later found in his dresser drawer.

12. We had a great snow overnight Sunday. I was excited for Logan to build his first snowman but he refused because we didn't have a carrot. He told me "My snowman will not be able to smell me!" We braved the roads later in the day and went to the store. Upon arriving back at home, Logan marched outside with 2 carrots in hand to build his snowman. Before I could join him in the yard he marched back in and announced "Mommy, I like my carrots in my belly. It is too cold for a snowman." We snuggled on the couch and watched a movie instead!

Another two before I forget...

1) My mom visited last week and was on hand to help corral my little monkey while I was feeling under the weather. One morning she was helping Logan put his shoes on upstairs. After checking on them, I needed to run downstairs. Logan yelled after me, "Mommy, I'll be down in a couple of whiles." Cute!

2) Trey and I decided that the entire family was headed to Walmart last night to grocery shop. Logan was not happy that he was being asked to put on warmer clothing (see previous post) and leave his soccer ball behind (see another previous post). He stomped his feet and yelled in his ugliest voice: "I can't go to the store because I have too much work to do." I asked "What kind of work do you need to do, Logan?" To which he replied, "Mommy, I have to kick my soccer ball a lot of times."

Independence

I honestly thought I was a fabulous parent until Logan hit 2 1/2. Man...since then I've sobered up! Logan's strong will and desire for independence is loud and in your face. We've dealt with tantrums, aggressive outbursts, and general unruly behavior. I admit that we've had a lot of transition in our lives during this period but also think he'd probably have been this challenging under the most calm circumstances.

Our biggest power struggles are currently over clothing. My little fashion-bug changes clothes at least 4 times a day! He comes downstairs each morning wearing outfits that would make the fashion police come running. A few recent examples include: football pants (capri length - part of Halloween costume) and a sleeveless shirt, umbros with black knee highs from my drawer and a swim shirt, and swim trunks with too small pajama shirt. He often tops each ensemble off with a hat, rain boots, or Mardi Gras necklace. I then wrestle him into school-worthy clothes with promises that he can change as soon as we get home. Upon arriving back at home he chooses "fast clothes." (Logan's dictionary defines "fast clothes" as soccer shorts, soccer shoes, rock n' roll tshirt). I'm trying to convince him that the clothes don't make him fast but he insists that his legs are slow unless he has fast clothes on.
After his bath, I dress him in pajamas (just pants b/c my little guy needs to see his muscles) but the pjs only last through reading and tucking in. As soon as I turn out his light and leave his room, Logan selects another ensemble more fitting (in his mind) for bed. Such outfits have included: nothing (naked on his bearskin rug), layers of underwear underneath shorts, swim trunks, and overalls.

The week before Christmas my mom experienced some of the same struggles when he stayed with her. He was apparently determined to leave the house wearing his frog t-shirt, Christmas boxers, black church socks, and "fast shoes." (see picture)

Logan's closet is full of cute clothes. I love little boy clothes! While it is more difficult to find cute boy stuff (unlike girl's clothes that are EVERYWHERE!), Logan has quite the adorable wardrobe. At one time he always looked put together. Shirts that matched pants. Jackets that matched shirts. Shoes that matched all of the above. I'm now resigned to settling with weather-appropriate duds.

I have wondered if other kids go through this fashion obsessed stage. Then I realized that while Logan may be a trend setter (just look at the above pics again!), it isn't just him. I felt the first pangs of peer pressure last week. On the way home from school we had this conversation:

Me: How was your day at school?
Logan: My friends love my new shirt. I love my new shirt too. Mommy, do you love my new shirt? (it isn't actually new...just rediscovered)
Me: Yes, I love your shirt.
Logan: My friends love my new shirt.
Me: Good, Logan. I'm glad.
Logan: When my friends love my new shirt I am happy in my heart.

Since this conversation, I have washed the "new shirt" 6 times and admit that he is wearing it today underneath a sweatshirt after wearing it yesterday and to sleep in last night. This particular power struggle goes to him today...I just didn't have the energy to fight it. Plus, it makes him happy in his heart! :)

Before I forget...

I want to document two funny stories before I forget. Logan keeps me going so fast and sometimes I worry I'll wake up one day and he'll be grown!
(1) Logan has a Nativity puzzle to help him understand the Christmas story (see previous Christmas post to understand why this is necessary). A couple nights ago he decided to put the puzzle together at the coffee table. He worked and worked to fit the wise men together and line up the shepherd just so. He added the angel, Mary, and Joseph. There was only one piece left...but where was baby Jesus? We looked high and low. I asked our mischievous dog, Banjo, if she had snacked on our Lord. She did not answer as dogs do not talk. I joked on my facebook status that perhaps the puzzle was transitioning into Easter and we had witnessed ascension. The next day, I opened the fridge and what to my wondering eyes did appear? ... BABY JESUS! I assume he was healing the wilted lettuce, witnessing to the mayo, or perhaps discussing heaven with the leftover Christmas pie. For the record, Logan seems to have no recollection of putting baby Jesus in the fridge. Perhaps it was a post-Christmas miracle!?

(2) I think Logan is getting close to giving up his daily naps. I'm heartbroken and exhausted at the suggestion. Yesterday I was desperately pleading with Logan to nap but he had other ideas. I ran up and down the stairs a million times (why am I not in better shape?) but he kept getting up. At one point I head him running around the guest bedroom and I hollered up the stairs for him to get in bed. He yelled back, "I am in A bed." and he was...the guest bed. Not what I had in mind, smarty pants! Finally, he did seem to settle and I hoped sleep had graced us. I found him lying in his bed with his hands behind his head staring at the ceiling. I felt defeated and asked Logan "Why are you not sleeping?" To which, my sweet child replies "I'm just thinkin' bout that big poopoo this morning." I shared the story with my facebook world and texted it to my parents. My dad insisted that this was simply the mind of a man.