The Animals Have No Money.

Apparently I have a self proclaimed vegetarian on my hands. Hunny has decided she no longer wants to eat meat. We have had flashes of this in the past, with chicken being the main meat that turned her off, I think because it's called chicken, so she instantly thinks of the bird. I asked her why she didn't want to eat any meat, and she said "because the animals are poor". I don't think she means the animals have no money, but that she feels bad for the poor animals. Otherwise I could just tell her the steak we are eating comes from a rich cow! So I will not force her to eat meat, but I won't cater to it either. So like when she asks for salami (not knowing that it's pork), I will just give it to her. I do suppose I need to supplement her diet with iron rich foods, so I have been looking at ways to ensure she gets enough protein and iron, and whatever else it is that we get from eating meat that she won't.

Spaceman has had me stressed to the max these days. I have been up and down, all over the place, trying to figure a way to curb his impulsiveness. He just doesn't put the cause and effect together. He acts long before he thinks about the effect of his actions, and only realizes he's doing wrong once he's being punished. Then in no time he's right back at it, everything goes in one ear and out the other. I have been looking online for positive ways to help him understand and co-operate, and I've found so many instances where mothers are explaining exactly the same thing, like they are describing my son to a tee. In most cases they say it will change as they mature, which I already know, and that it is just a learning process. In the mean time, I will try to help along the learning, by positive reinforcement. If he has more good days than bad days during the week, I'll take him on a Mom and Spaceman date, have a treat and a hot chocolate or something. MJB tells me I'm over thinking it, that he's just a kid, and that he was like that when he was young too. (Ah ha! So it's all his fault!)  Like I've said before, he's so sweet, creative, and funny, I just want everyone to see that side of him. Not the impulsive boy who seems to disregard all the rules and ignore everything he's told to do. I really think he just can't help himself, and that self control will develop all in good time.

This weekend we have Roonie, it's so great when she's here, like our family is whole. It's just not the same around here without her. The other day Hunny went into Roonie's room to listen to her CD player and color at her desk because she missed her. I can't wait to see what the kids are like when they are older, I hope they are all close. I think family traditions and special moments foster those close bonds, and the more time we spend together the better. I know in a few years they won't want to hang out with Mom and Dad, so now is our chance. We are toying with the idea of going camping next weekend. Yes, mid November camping in the mountains. It may be crazy, but might be a fun adventure too. Camping has got to be our most favorite thing to do, I am ready for summer already and winter hasn't even gotten here yet! So while I know (almost certainly) that it will end in disaster, I am excited about the idea of fall camping. Hot drinks around a crackling fire, s'mores, and chilly morning hikes around the lake, that's my idea of heaven on earth. (If it plays out the way I imagine it in my head!) If nothing else, though, it might make for an interesting blog entry the Monday morning after!