dancing elephants, tortured soles

after dinner tonight, my husband (the great guy that he is), treated our two oldest girls to a movie before bedtime. they're upstairs running around like a heard of dancing elephants. it's quite humorous.

but, as i held our cranky newborn and got ready to head upstairs with the rest of the family, my husband tells me that i can just stay downstairs if i'd prefer.

sometimes i think he really can read my mind. a little time by myself (well, plus a now-sleeping baby in my arm) was just what i was hoping for. it's been a long afternoon with the girls, and i am ready for a few moments of quiet and peace. and darnit, the sole of my foot is still killing me from stepping on my daughter's ponytail holder 3 days ago. my mom laughed when i told her that i wished my kids would just pick up all their crap - "gee... now you know how I felt all those years ago!" thanks mom!! ;)

my oldest daughter went on a field trip today to visit the kindergarten classes (she'll be starting next year). on the way home, she tells me that the big kids were laughing at her. she's a very sensitive soul, and tends to get her feelings hurt very easily. it's something that we've been working on with her, because as unfortunate as it is, kids are mean. they may or may not realize just how hurtful their actions are sometimes, but there's always some poor little kid on the other end with bruised feelings. today, it was my daughter. i wish i knew what to do to help her in these kinds of situations. heavens! she's just barely 5 years old! i just wish that i could shelter her forever and keep her my little girl.

then one of my other daughters was on the other end of that spectrum today. after picking her up from preschool, her teacher informed me that she was having a "hard day". apparently, she was being pretty mean to her best friend - taking toys from her friend, pushing, etc etc. again, i know it happens with little kids, but it's still not something that i like to tolerate in my children. on the way home, i called up one of my best friends (her friend's mom) and my daughter and i apologized to her. (i just called to express my sorrow, but my daughter insisted on apologizing as well) so, with our sorries said, we headed home for naptime.

now, i've had one kid being picked on, and one kid being a little bully. then there was number 3, who at only a month and a half old just wanted some love and a little milk. that i can handle.

i think i'm up to my knees in emotions today. one that i just dread dealing with sometimes!!