Fish Out of Water

Tired Mommy!!!!!

OK, my four-year-old is reaching new heights of driving her parents crazy. I am trying so hard not to be angry at her but OHMYGOD, it is really difficult. She never listens to anything we say, she whines, she fusses, and she is so in love with her baby sister that she constantly assaults her to the point where we are afraid she might injure her (OK, probably not that bad, but still!). I need some help!! I don't usually ask for advice on my blog but I am pretty exhausted at this point.

Today I asked her if she does what she's supposed to do at camp, right away, as soon as the counselor tells her. "Yes, mommy." So why can't she do that at home? No answer, just a blank look. Two seconds after we tell her something, she can't repeat it. And I'm not talking word for word, just the sentiment. Nothing. It is infuriating!

I am too tired to go into too many more details, but moms out there, please help! What worked with your kids? When do they start listening? Why is 4 such an insane age?

I'm going to bed.

Belated Fourth of July silliness

Well the first silly thing is that I totally forgot to bring my camera to the 4th of July parade in our little town, so I didn't get to take pictures of the super cool string band that was in it! Apparently this was the first time they had ever had that, and since it was my first time going to the parade, I didn't know any different. For those of you not privileged enough to live in the Philadelphia area, I must explain. We have a curious phenomenon known as the Mummers. They are clubs of people who have string bands and march in our New Year's Day parade. My husband has happily transformed himself from a Northern Californian into the best non-native Philadelphian I know, but he still cannot wrap his head around the weirdness that is the Mummers. They get dressed up in these crazy glittery costumes, play music, and march around in a very strange manner. Here, check this out for a little more background.

I have been to the Mummers Parade once in my life, a few years ago, with my mom, and found it as odd as I thought it would be, but also weirdly fun. So when I saw the Fralinger String Band turn the corner in my little town, dressed in full Mummer regalia, I was thrilled! It was so cool! I was absolutely kicking myself for walking out without my camera. DUMB. So hopefully next year there will be something as cool that I will remember to capture.

The second silly thing was that it absolutely POURED so there were no fireworks. They got rescheduled for tomorrow night, so we'll see if we go. We did have a lovely time at a BBQ at our neighbors' house, which also happens to be the family of our 4-year-old's best friend, so that was fun. But I was super disappointed about no fireworks! We did set off some of those very dangerous home kind in our driveway, but it's just not the same thing. Fortunately no one lost a hand.

It's now Friday evening and I am exhausted as usual. Tomorrow afternoon we are going swimming at a friend's pool so that should be delightful, especially since it's going to be about 95 degrees with 95% humidity. GROSS. Plus it will be my first swim of the summer, and I want to see how much my daughter has learned in her swimming lessons at camp. I think I'm going to go downstairs now and have a nice glass of wine.