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Took the kids to the park yesterday morning. There was a preschool using it (it is technically theirs). I was told I couldn’t use the park at the same time the school was using it for “safety reasons.” I get it. I kind of figured I was going to be told that. BUT, does anyone else think that sometimes our world is too concerned with rules and safety and blah blah blah? Or maybe not. I don’t know. Maybe I’m a loose goose.
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I’m making apple pies all day today with Anna. Tis the season where I make around 97 of them. Time consuming, but I love that I know how to do it. Makes me feel all domestic and rural. Isn’t that charming of me? Do you want the recipe? Do you have one you use already? Do you like how I still can’t crimp the edges no matter what?
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Currently:
Reading: The Boys in the Boat
Eating: apple cider
Listening: still Sinatra
Watching: Once Upon a Time
Cooking: Weren’t you listening? I said I was making pies.
Wearing: plaid – specifically of the buffalo variety
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18 week bump
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You know how sometimes you ask your toddler to do something simple like, put on a pair of pants or something, and then she says, “No!” but, like really sassy-like? And, you’re not so mad that she doesn’t like THOSE particular pants, but you are upset about the way she responded. So, you tell her to use nicer words, and then it escalates into this full blown tantrum/power struggle. And, if she would have just asked nicely in the beginning, you would have given her new pants, but now it’s the principle of it, right? Now it is about being polite and respectful. But, you’re all like, “Is this honestly worth it right now?” But, you think if you give in at this point, then you reinforce bad behavior.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN THESE SITUATIONS? WHAT?!?
Nell wrote an article on power struggles, but I want to hear your piece too.
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One thing you should know about me is how much I love Fall. I really feel like I come alive in the crisp air. I’m all hot and sticky and anxious until Fall. Ahhhhh.

Girl, so jealous of your 18 week bump. I am 16ish, looking 6 months. I mean, they are twins, but gosh I got huge quick.
Oh, pies! Yum! I just use the tines of a fork to press down the edges on mine, and it still doesn’t look great. But hey…all about the flavor, right? Ah, power struggles…I give a chance for a do-over, and sometimes we role play. Sometimes I make a big thing over it, and sometimes I think it’s just not worth it, and the whole morning can be shattered over a pair of pants. So I let some things along those lines just roll with a gentle reminder. I used to make a big fuss over teeth brushing and it turned into this huge thing. So now I don’t worry about it and they brush their teeth better and there aren’t tears (as often) at bedtime. Sometimes I think our children are craving drama and trying to create it.
1. If you have a good recipe, you’re obligated to share it.
2. Ummm… what bump??
3. Even though it’s a huge pain with the overdone tantrums, I still need her to know that it’s not okay to be disrespectful and when she does calm down enough, we talk about other ways for her to let me know that she doesn’t want those pants (or whatever). I don’t know that my method is fool-proof, but solidarity, sister.
I love baking pies!
I’m itching to can a ton of homemade applesauce this weekend. But maybe I can squeeze a couple pies out too, so please share the pie recipe! And what are you doing with 97 pies?
THAT is your 18 week bump!? By that point I look like I am about 30 weeks! I cant even tell you are pregnant! You and Grace… you little bump gals, makes me jealous!
1. I agree. With you, I mean.
2. Yes. Yes. No. Yes. lol
4. Still Sinatra, huh? My husband likes him. So did my parents. Me, eh.
5. Cute!
6. I remember the power struggles. With my grandbabies I tell them calmly how it’s going to be and walk away. Or I’ll pick them up and take them with me and soothe them. Or just give in. It depends on the situation and the kid. I’m no help, sorry.
Please post the pie recipe!!!!! Looks amazing!!
You are so kind to share my attempts at holding back toddler RAGERAGERAGER. XOXO I wanna make pies with you, too!
You look amazing! You should share your secret of how to stay healthy and not gigantic (me) during pregnancy. I’m definitely looking 6-7 months at 18 weeks. Love that you’ll be baking today. I heart baking! It’s therapeutic and delicious. Would love an apple pie recipe. That’s something I’ve never made :)