I can't stand not being able to blog when I want to, so while my page at Diary-X is down, this will be my temporary home. Welcome!

Crazy about Curling
Have you been watching any of the Olympic coverage? I've missed out on a lot, but I've been enjoying watching the curling competitions the last few days. I watched it some during the last winter Olympics, but I've really gotten into it this time around. I even looked up some information on curling so I'd know more about what's going on. Even Caleb has gotten into watching it.

I think this will be a good opportunity to teach him some geography - locating countries where the opposing teams are from. I've also got several children's books on hold from the library about the Olympics.

Cut Short
We had to cut our Valentine's Party short yesterday. I don't know exactly what Caleb's problem was - if he was tired or what - but he acted horribly! After only an hour - and 2 or 3 warnings - I got the boys together and left. He was complaining about not liking the craft (a tissue mosaic heart magnet for the refrigerator) because "it's for girls". He was whining about having to play the games; then when he played once and didn't win, he pitched a royal fit. He kept going outside to play by himself and jump on the trampoline alone after I repeatedly told him not to, then he started jumping on the couch and complaining because I made him come inside. He tried to hit me and shouted that he hated me, then he started yelling that he was sorry when I told him we were leaving. He tried to talk his way out of having to go home, but I told him it was too late. Then he ran out the front door and walked away like he was going to run away. When Jacob went after him, Caleb tackled him and hit him. More drama followed in the van on the way home and I finally told Caleb not to say a word, that I didn't want to hear his voice. After we got home, I got Jacob settled in with the cookies he had won from the "cake" walk and sent Caleb to his room. We had a discussion about his behavior, he got a spanking, and he was confined to his bed for 15 minutes. After that time was up, he was free to get up from his bed, but he couldn't come out of his room until he was ready to apologize to both Jacob and me. Apparently he learned a lesson. He was nearly perfect the rest of the day.

My leaving also made an impression with the other mothers at the party. The lady who hosted the party called me in the afternoon to thank me for helping out with the craft, to ask when she could bring my supplies and the boys' valentines over, and to tell me how "awesome" I was for leaving early. She said that she and another lady talked about how hard that must have been and what a great example I set for everyone. She said I have encouraged her to do the same thing when her kids are misbehaving and won't straighten up after a few warnings. At least something good came out of a very embarrassing situation!

Tonight's Menu
Roasted Chicken Au Jus
**Baked Parmesan Risotto - new recipe!
Green Beans
Salad

(This was originally planned for last Thursday night, but since we already had lots of left overs and I was going to be gone all weekend, I decided we'd just eat what we already had. I'm really looking forward to trying the risotto!)

What are you cooking tonight? Have you tried any new recipes lately?