Babysitting, Business and Goats

Since Chloe found herself in trouble yesterday and we have had many fights over the course of the week, I thought it might be a good day to spend with her.  We didn't do the cleaning I had hoped to do, but she did unpack her Christmas suitcase and we did have lunch together and run some errands.  One of the errands included a trip to Barnes and Noble where she used a birthday gift card to purchase a few books.  One of the books she purchased is entitled The Babysitter's Handbook.   Being the entrepreneur  that she is, the handbook includes a business guide.  The rest of the evening included a visit to VistaPrint to purchase business cards and a t-shirt advertising her new business.  Although she is very capable as a ten year old, I'm fairly certain Texas law does not permit a ten year old to stay home alone much less babysit others, but she will now have the handbook, business guide, business cards and t-shirt for the business.  As I write this sentence she stands over me, hands on hips, and says, "You need to check the law on that before you tell people in your blog I'm not available for babysitting.  You are going to kill my business before it even starts."  As I finished writing my blog, Chloe walked over to me carrying the Surface and began to spew answers concerning ages for being left alone and such from wikianswers.  I guess if you are in need of a babysitter, Chloe is available.  She is actually quite good with kids, except for if they are her brother named Jesus, I mean Brett.  He has been calling himself Jesus lately and telling her what he thinks Jesus says about her behavior or any random thing he feels lead to say.  I try not to laugh, but it is very entertaining.  Maybe this will cause him to be better.  Very Possible.

While Chloe read the different ideas for babysitting I gave her my interpretation of what should be done instead.  She was unimpressed by my ideas.  I will give you an example so you can have a better understanding of why some people wonder why God allowed me to have children.  The book suggests ways for you to ease a child's concern and anxiety over whether or not their parent will return.  It suggests singing a song about mommy leaving and then coming back.  I suggested you tell the child that mommy and daddy are never coming back!  The book also gave solutions for fighting children.  It advises the babysitter to sit the children across from each other and let them make mad faces at each other.  It says they will eventually start laughing and the problem will resolve itself.  I felt a better use of time would be to give them each a wooden spoon and see who survives.  After I added all of my great ideas, Chloe decided I would be a terrible babysitter.  I'm still wondering if it ever crossed her mind how I became a parent.

November 2012

I think we had a nice afternoon together.  We talked about all the issues we've argued over this week and I'm not sure we solved the world's problems, but we had a moment of connection.  It is impossible to truly connect with your kids unless you actually sit together, without phones, computers and distractions and just talk.  Both of us sat at lunch with our phones on the table managing not to look at them once and instead talking, laughing, and sharing.  In my head I thought about how nice it would be to have this sort of "date" at least once a month.  Life gets so busy and we lose touch with our kids even when we are with them ALL the time.

Today...1/26/2013

When we arrived home I went to collect the eggs and feed the pony and goats.  The goats are getting so fat!   I am going to include a before and after photo so you can truly appreciate the fatness of my pregnant goats.  I am so excited for the arrival of the babies and I'm still not any closer to knowing how to care for them or milk the darn goats.  I'm a "trial by fire" kinda gal.  I'm sure a video camera strapped to my shoulder during my trial-by-fire adventures would allow all of you to truly understand the value of entertainment in my life.

Before

Today

Take some time to connect with your kids, spouse, mom, dad, or loved one.  It will make a difference.  I am so thankful for a reconnecting day with Chloe(Day 57).  Goodnight Friends.