Saturday, June 28, 2008

sharing boot camp

Sharing boot camp -- that's what Jessie has dubbed this time together -- and what an apt description it is.

It seems to be especially hard for Eva. You'd think that living with two siblings would have taught her to be more accommodating, but Max and Lucas go out of their way to make Eva happy -- and besides, they don't care a thing about her toys! Having to share everything has been pretty tough on her.

Add to that the fact that she is super-excited to have a playmate her age and wants to do everything with Bella, but Bella is very independent in her play. I think Eva is loving her to death. She just can't figure out why Bella doesn't want to do all the same things, and cries (or more often screams) when Bella has her own ideas.

There are times when they get along very well, but those are definitely more rare. It's very volatile around here, things can change at a moment's notice.

Somehow Jessie is still managing to get a lot of scrapbooking done, despite the constant need for refereeing on our part. She's a wonder.

Yesterday we had a picnic at Lola's graveside, since it would have been her fourth birthday (so hard to believe). It was an emotional time.

We ate lunch and walked around for awhile.

It felt really hot, but the kids didn't seem to mind, and Max rode his bike there and back.

Can you feel the love? Now if only we can turn our sad/happy ratio upside down...

11 comments:

Amy said...

It's so hard to share. I'm always surprised when my mom tells me that at that age she didn't make us share much. Would you feel comfortable designating some "special" toys that Eve doesn't have to share? Sometimes making them off limits makes it ok to then give it to the other kid.

At any rate, I'm so happy that you're getting to spend some time with Jessie. It must be nice to have her around again.

Kim Sue said...

"loving her to death" that's so sweet -- well except for Bella maybe. I'm glad you guys are getting to spend such good time together.

Jill said...

Hopefully this is only an adjustment period for Eva and Bella, so soon they will figure out a better system and enjoy each others' company. I'm sorry you're having to be the referee!

Jessie is a scrapbooking wonder, so I have no doubt she's cranking out great pages despite the interruptions. Please post daily updates of your projects!!

I really can't believe it has been 4 years! It's so sweet that you guys had a picnic at Lola's grave and were able to share those emotions together. Was it surreal to see Eva and Bella standing there and to have Jessie pregnant as well?

Tasha said...

Sharing is a great idea as long as it means that everyone else shares their things with ME, right?


I am so glad that Jessie gets to be there with you, I can't believe its been a year since she left.

I am glad you and the kids took a quiet moment and had a picnic at Lola's grave. It made me pause when I saw the date, I don't know why I hadn't put 2 and 2 together that she and Evie would have been the same age by a couple weeks. Have a wonderful time. I am so jealous!

Denise said...

I love to read the updates. I hope they figure out a better happy/sad ratio before it's time for Jessie and Bella to go home!

We're having fun in Santa Fe with your parents, Lee and Linda, and Grandma and Grandpa--but we wish you were here, too!

Anonymous said...

Okay, is Bella really that much taller than Eva, or was she standing on a hill?

I thought about Lola's birthday a few days ago and was happy to think of you being there. Hope that the sharing boot camp starts to kick in soon! Those cuties, I really would love to be there!

Liz said...

It is definitely a love/hate relationship for kids at that age isn't it? They are so excited to have someone their age to play with and yet...sharing their favorite toys just does not even begin to come into their minds. Soon. Hopefully they will learn to have fun before the visit is over!

Diana said...

I love it that Jessie's here. I bet you are happy beyond words. Jessie told us about the sharing bootcamp it made us laugh but we can imagine how nerving it it if you're there. I like Amy's idea of special toys but that might be hard to explain to Bella.
I am so happy Jessie has you as a sister and you're so close.

Anonymous said...

Oh I hope the adjustment period is short. Frazzled isn't a good vacation feeling at all.

I still can't get over the 4 years thing- I LOVE that you all did the picnic and that she had you there. I never knew why they picked that cemetery- it is bittersweet.

Here's to a renewed tomorrow where the sharing boot camp balance will shift!

Quelly said...

you have the greatest expression on your face! It really says it all --

everything pink! said...

what a tender time to visit LOla's grave,

i still have a hard time sharing sometimes

your tile on your entry way looks fabulous!

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