Bens goodnight sun song

Anger Management 101

Today Mommy and Ben had an "anger management" session to brainstorm ideas on what to do when they got angry...they started with Megan and except where noted, all the ideas in both lists were created by Ben.


Things Mommy can do when she gets angry

• Tell that I'm angry
• Use a quiet voice
• Mommy takes a timeout and the boys rest
• Ask for help (suggested by Mommy)
• Don't thrown anyone

Things Benjamin Granger Freund (Ben insisted on using his full) can do when he is getting mad at Alex:

• Shoot him
  
• Rocket him
• Blast him
• Touch his hand and say "Stop, I'm playing with this" (suggested by Mommy)
• Fight him
• Give him something else to play with (suggested by Mommy)
• Be quiet
• Eat a cookie
• Eat a banana
• Ask for help (suggested by Mommy)
• Say "Be still David"

Although generally pleased with the discussion, it was reported by Mommy as "Not quite the problem solving session I had envisioned...."

"Keep Out Bears!"

Shortly after returning from a fun filled week in Rhode Island, Ben stated that he didn't want to go on a plane again.  The reason?  A fear of the bears in the backyard at Gram and Grandpa Bigcheese's house.

In Ben's own word: "There is a sign outside by the fence that says 'Bears come into Grandma and Grandpa's backyard'.

Despite the fact that Grandpa was quite certain that no such sign was posted, he agreed to investigate.  He not only reported back that there were no bears, but also posted some signs to ensure it stayed that way.

Thanks Grandpa Bigcheese!

Boy balancing in woods with aunt Hilary

Ben has been coming home from preschool and wanting to play lots of different pretend scenarios - including "friends" "gun shooters" and more. Lately he wants to pretend he is a kitty - you're the mommy kitty and I'm the baby kitty!. Yesterday I got him a pink skirt at the thrift store after he pointed out a pink tutu in a magazine that he wanted for his birthday.

After wearing the skirt all afternoon he said to me, "Let's play princess!" "Okay," I said. "You be the princess and I'll watch," he directed. (This princess thing is confusing business to me too, I'll admit). I proceeded to be a very strong princess who saved people and tossed Alex into the air (I forgot that Alex is Not Pleased about any tossing).

Ballooooooons!

Riding Rides at Oakland Zoo