The Chapman Family Adventures: Separation is Hard

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Separation is Hard

I consider myself a pretty strong person, afterall, George has left me plenty enough times (on work assignments of course) for me to manage the kids for long durations of time and everyone is still alive and happy when he returns. Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones, maybe it's the children being in a different environment and exploring their limits, or probably both, but this time I am really pulling my hair out! Even though I am staying at my parent's home, Team Chapman just doesn't function as well without George. There's just no substitute for a husband or daddy.

I'm sure things will get better, but if anyone has any parenting tips for kids really pushing their limits, especially in front of grandma and grandpa, please let me know. I'm at my wit's end.

Some sound advice from a seasoned mother!

3 comments:

Nikki said...: Ugh. I hate that. Danny just got home on Friday after being gone five weeks. Luckily for us, we are still in our home. But next week when I leave for Utah with my dad, and Danny is still here packing up, I predict similar frustrations.

The only thing that works for me is trying to keep similar routines as you would have at home. And if possible, though very difficult as pregnancy progresses, wear them out during the day with lots of exploring, walks, activities, etc.; March 29, 2009 8:15 PM
Tubbs Family said...: It times like these that I say to myself.."And this too shall pass"..and.."What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" or something like that. Anyway, I sympathize. But just think, a brand new house...ahhh...no work to be done...just relax and enjoy!! I hope it all gets better soon!; March 31, 2009 9:29 PM
The Chapman's said...: Thanks for the advice. It seems a little extra effort on my part to be patient, firm and do fun things is making progress.; April 02, 2009 5:04 PM

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Memorable Moments

This is for all those times when I think I should write down the funny or adorable things that are said or happen to me throughout the day.

February 14, 2010
Jaren was misbehaving to George and was put in time out. When his time out was over, I asked him if he had anything to say to his daddy. He responded, "Daddy. Sometimes... I get bored." We tried so hard not to laugh our heads off because it was funny how serious he was.

November 13, 2009
Lately Jaren has been using this tactic to get what he wants: (imagine a higher-pitched voice than normal) "Mommy, my tummy is saying it wants (fill-in-the-blank)." Usually, it wants something sweet!

April 16, 2009
The kids and I went out to eat with my dad and sister Caitlyn. Of course, the kids received crayons to keep themselves entertained. While speaking to Jaren, I overhear Dallin say "happy", then I hear my sister start laughing. I turned around to see Dallin drawing a smiley face on his own face, and again he smiles and says "happy!" I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants.

October 12, 2008
After we came home from church, Jaren expressed that he was hungry and had a headache. Then he asked me to open the chocolate candy he received in primary because eating it would make his head feel better.

September 8, 2008
Jaren received a new Star Wars toy from McDonald's that says "May the force be with you." He has mistaken one of the words and actually, I think he's improved on the phrase: "May the horse be with you."

July 3, 2008
After a yucky toot, Jaren sniffs the air and says "Yummy toot mommy!" I asked incredulously, "Yummy toot? Don't you mean yucky toot?" He replied, "No, yummy toot, mmm." Apparently he likes the smell of his own gas.

June 5, 2008
I love kisses from my boys. Jaren woke up this morning, climbed into bed with me and began giving me kisses to wake me up. After a while, he smiled and asked, "Mom, eat breakfast?", then gave me another kiss on the cheek and laughed. He was so cute, even though I was still groggy and tired, I couldn't refuse the cuteness.

When I went to pick up Dallin from the crib, I gave him a few kisses, to which he surprised me and kissed back...with an open mouth. I love being a mom!

May 25, 2008
While at the temple waiting for the bride and groom to come out, Jaren started to squat as if he had to go #2. So, I quickly picked him up, rushed him to the bathroom inside the temple waiting area and helped him to do his business. It was his first time really pooping on the toilet. Afterwards, he was so proud of himself, he came out and announced to everyone that he "made a coco", which is what we call it. He did this for 10 minutes at least, sharing the good news with anyone who made eye contact.

May 2, 2008
Jaren decided to lay down on his back while taking a bath with Dallin. Dallin, upon seeing a little pink thing poking above the water, attempted to grab it. Then, I hear Jaren say, "No Dallin, don't touch my peepee. It's yucky!" Oh, the funny things kids say!

March 24, 2008
I was visiting with one of my good friends from high school. While at her house, Jaren found a small bag of flax seed. He asked my friend what it was. After she told him, he said, "I want flax seed mommy." So, we gave him flax seed and he ate it. Never thought I'd hear or see that one.

March 19, 2008
We dished some food onto Jaren's plate that he apparently wasn't happy with. He turned to George and said "Pee ugh daddy, pee ugh."

January 22, 2008
While George was attempting to find a good parking spot at Walmart, Jaren started saying "Poop fire" very excitedly over and over. It took me a moment to figure out what he was referring to...the smelly factory with a smokestack across the way.

December 30, 2007
While stalling his bedtime, Jaren who has lately had an obsession with saying the phrase "I need", said "I need Jesus, mommy. I wanna go to Jesus' house. Mommy, I need Jesus." Just after this, George quipped, "Yes, you do Jaren."

November 28, 2007
Jaren picked up his toy cell phone and had a pretend conversation that went like this: "Hi Buzz Lightyear, it's me. Yes, okay, bye". He then repeated almost the same thing with Mr. Incredible.

October 20, 2007
While kissing Jaren goodnight, I said "I love you Jaren". He replied "I love you...chocolate."

July 10, 2007
George and I were eating at the table and talking while Jaren was eating/ignoring his food when suddenly, he pulled open his pants and said in a gruff voice, “Hello”.

May 28, 2007
This incident occurred while I was feeding Dallin in bed one night or morning (I can't really remember, it all blends together) and talking to George on our bed. Jaren came running into our room and scaled the bed and me to get under the blanket with George. He was still for a moment or two and then became very squirmy. While attempting to move Jaren around, George reached around the front to get a hold of Jaren's legs when he discovered (with a quite hilarious expression) that there was no diaper between those legs. Needless to say, I was the only one laughing.