Randomness

Almost everyday I write blogs in my head. I always think...I need to write about this or take a picture of this. And then when I do go to sit down to write, it never comes out right and I give up. So then I end up with a post like this...lots of randomness. Hopefully soon I will become more consistent.


*Ryan's show
Lately the boys have been behaving fairly well during sacrament meeting. I just have to keep them busy (aka eating). For a while there, they kept taking off running to sit on JL's lap. Then I came up with the idea to place the double stroller where it was blocking their entrance into the aisle. They can still get out but not as easily or as quickly. Sometimes it is a wrestling match, but it has gotten slightly better. However this past Sunday, Ryan decided to put on a show. During the sacrament when the water was being passed, it was unusually quiet in the chapel. Ryan took his cup of water, drank the water and put the cup back. Next thing I know he is gurgling the water in his throat. I think everyone heard! Even JL (on the stand) could hear it. I quickly put my arm around him and whispered to please swallow the water. He then proceeded to spit it out all over himself and the bench! Everyone around us was trying not to laugh (most did not succeed). A few moments later he grabbed a car he was playing with and threw it high into the air. It landed in the middle of the aisle. A sweet sister picked it up and brought it back to me.
Later, during one of the talks, Ryan got mad and threw another toy. It flew behind us and whacked a man in the head. You would think I would have learned my lesson the first time. I apologized many times to this brother afterwards. Luckily we know him pretty well and he was just laughing. I told him, "Well, at least you learned something. Now you know not to sit anywhere near us during sacrament meeting!"

*Leashes
I remember seeing kids on leashes (a few years ago) and being pretty critical of the parents. I have changed my ways. I take back all that I said. For Christmas, the boys got some child safety harnesses (aka leashes). The first time we tried it out in December, they did NOT like them. Ryan wouldn't even stand up, so we ended up pulling them around. I put them away and didn't bring them out again for a few months. And now they LOVE them. When I go out with them I am usually alone (due to JL's crazy schedule). I used to have to take the double stroller everywhere. This is difficult in a big city and living in an apartment. They have learned that the leashes give them freedom. They can run (which they love to do) everywhere. They rarely ask to be held. I have a leash for both of them. Maddie walks next to me and helps me out. The point of me writing this is not to convince you that I am right. I think everyone has their own opinions. But this is what works for me. They are at the age where they think it is fun to run away and they run away in opposite directions. So it is a great way for me to keep them safe and me sane. I read an article recently in a magazine about the pros and cons. Someone said, "What is the difference between having them strapped in a stroller or having them on a harness? At least with the harness they are getting exercise." Anyways............ I just like to watch the reactions of almost everyone we pass:

Most common:
"That's what I need for my kid! Where did you get them?"
"Are they really that bad?" (pointing to the boys)
"Do you think they are dogs?"
"THAT is how it should be done!"
and the most common:
"You sure have your hands full!"

I just take it all in stride. However I think the funniest reaction was a couple of weeks ago. We were walking through Central Park when a lady stopped me. I could barely understand her she was laughing so hard. I finally realized that she was pushing her dog in a stroller! She kept laughing, "My dog is in a stroller and your kids are on leashes!"