Moaning and Groaning

I mentioned in a previous post how Jenelle is doing a lot of complaining lately. Yesterday we had a play date with Eme. My very wise neighbor, Jen, gave me lots of good advice on how to handle an ungrateful heart.

I had my first opportunity this morning. We were having pancakes for breakfast. Jenelle made a big face and complained about it then walked away to play. I told Curt not to make her a pancake. Jenelle could fend for herself. Curt and I were eating breakfast when Jenelle walked back in and said, "Where is my pancake?"

Mom: I didn't make you one.
Jenelle: But I wanted a pancake!
Mom: You complained about having pancakes. You can make your own breakfast.
Jenelle: (while sobbing and crying) I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I want pancakes.
Mom: You can have cereal or something.

Jenelle huffed and puffed about it, but she got everything to make her own breakfast. She even climbed on the counter to get the bowl (which she was uncomfortable with). She cut up her own banana. She was so unhappy about having to make her own breakfast. I had to turn away so she wouldn't see me smiling/laughing. I'm not trying to be a mean mom. I'm just trying to build character traits of contentment and thankfulness. These are things I'm working on as well. I've been grumbling a little too much myself lately.

I think we're going to have pancakes tomorrow. I have a feeling that she'll be happy about it.

Egg Hunt

We took Jenelle on her first egg hunt today. We haven't done them in the past because the weather was either too bad or we didn't want gobs of candy in the house. We went to the egg hunt at Ken Caryl church. They provided breakfast. They had a petting zoo, face painting, a bouncy house and of course the egg hunt.

I thought Jenelle got quite a few eggs, but I think she was disappointed that her entire bag wasn't full. Jenelle has been on a complaining streak lately and it's really frustrating me. Anyone have ideas on how to make kids appreciative for what they have instead of complaining about what they don't have?

Most of her eggs were full of stickers, tattoos and other small toys. She got a little candy, too. We had a great time and we'll be heading back there next year.

Spring Break

I think we had the faster spring break on record. Tomorrow is Easter! Where did the week go.

Jenelle's spring break was full of play dates. On Monday she played with Zack. They collected more beedees at the park. They jumped on the trampoline and had a great time.

Tuesday Jenelle went with me to work. I took the kids to the park. Jenelle and Andrew climbed trees the whole time. Jenelle usually stays close to the ground when climbing trees because she is "afraid of heights". She must have been feeling brave because she went up a few branches. I spent my time at the park making sure Elyna didn't hurt herself.

Wednesday we spent another fun day at the park with friends. It was a little chilly that day.

Thursday we were back at Andrew's. The kids did an egg hunt. They played this game for about an hour. The hiding spots became very tricky and we ended up not finding all the eggs. I'm sure they will surface soon.

Thursday night Jenelle has a sleepover at Eme's. Curt and I had a date night. We saw the Valentine's day movie and went out to dinner.

Friday we saw The Tooth Fairy. Jenelle loved that movie. She put wings on one of her Webkinz and has been playing "tooth fairy" at home. Jenelle is counting down the weeks until summer vacation.