Tonight, in a moment of exhaustion and temporarily lapsed judgment I somehow accidently agreed to take my kids to the wretched Halloween store up the street (!?!?!?). I suppose it was just one of those instances where it seemed completely logical to just say yes than to consider why it wouldn't be the wisest choice right before bed... (rookie parenting mistake #4289,) but anyways. We went.
The littles were browsing the aisles and I was busy frantically trying to guide them away from the greusome parts of the store and keep them in the costume section, when all of a sudden Anabelle lights up like a Christmas tree and shreiks "OHH, MOM! We JUST learned about this in school today!!"
She is holding a picture of a college couple posing in Toga outfits!
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Slightly embarassed by the looks we got from the 2 other people at the end of the aisle, I started asking some questions since I dont seem to remember that being in the cirriculum at my alma matter... a little tiny conservative christian school... paricularly at a preK level...
Finally annoyed at all my interest, she rolls her eyes and goes "Mom. You know. The story... about the apple tree? In chapel? I learned about them. What are their names?"
"Adam and Eve...?"
"Yes. Thats what I said. Thats who I learned about at school today."
Um. Thats NOT what you said. But ok, Anabelle. Glad you won't be attending your first Toga themed party any time in the near future.
xo
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Dear Tyson,
The other day, on a bike ride with our beautiful daughter, I caught her staring straight past the shores of the sparkling toxic green lake to the Pavilion building that sits on the other side. I could tell from her wistful gaze and starry eyes that she was enjoying a daydream of you and remembering the sweetheart dance you made her feel like a queen at last Winter.
As I silently read her mind, I enjoyed a little daydream of my own about a different set of children who existed nearly a decade past, and had their own set of fond memories in that very same spot...
I hardly know those kids anymore, they are long past and a new set of children are now centered in our hectic lives that the sun rises and the moon sets over day after day after day.
But every once in awhile, I get a glimpse of that time and place in a rare quiet moment, like that one by the lake with our Anabelle, and it just reminds me...
I am so glad I grew up with you, and that we are here in the land of reality where there are a lot of hard days and every so often an easy one that make the rest worth while. I am proud of you, and of us, and of what we've accomplished together in just under a decade. I mean, we practically conquered puberty together! Thats a task! ;)
You know I'm slightly superstitious about odd numbers, but 9 years feels like something to relish. Its gone by fast... guess that must mean we're still having fun...?
In the words of your son, I love you far past the Polar express, and past all the chocolate rainbows in the sky. And you know how much chocolate and rainbows mean to me.
Thanks for an almost-decade of playing house with me, its been an exciting ride.
Next year... lets play 'tropical getaway' instead!
xoxo
As I silently read her mind, I enjoyed a little daydream of my own about a different set of children who existed nearly a decade past, and had their own set of fond memories in that very same spot...
I hardly know those kids anymore, they are long past and a new set of children are now centered in our hectic lives that the sun rises and the moon sets over day after day after day.
But every once in awhile, I get a glimpse of that time and place in a rare quiet moment, like that one by the lake with our Anabelle, and it just reminds me...
I am so glad I grew up with you, and that we are here in the land of reality where there are a lot of hard days and every so often an easy one that make the rest worth while. I am proud of you, and of us, and of what we've accomplished together in just under a decade. I mean, we practically conquered puberty together! Thats a task! ;)
You know I'm slightly superstitious about odd numbers, but 9 years feels like something to relish. Its gone by fast... guess that must mean we're still having fun...?
In the words of your son, I love you far past the Polar express, and past all the chocolate rainbows in the sky. And you know how much chocolate and rainbows mean to me.
Thanks for an almost-decade of playing house with me, its been an exciting ride.
Next year... lets play 'tropical getaway' instead!
xoxo
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Ghosts
I had a strange opportunity last weekend.
My wonderful in-laws offered to spend some quality grand kid time with both little munchkins, and since Ty was working until late that night, I was left with several hours all alone.
I dont mean to scare anyone who reads this blog and doesnt have kids of their own (yet)... but I dont know that such a thing has ever occured for me in my entire motherhood experience. I mean, I've been alone here and there since I had them for specific reasons... and gone on a few weekends away and certainly dates with every boy who asks me (dont get all excited, its almost always Tyson). But I dont know that I've ever had nowhere to be and nothing on my agenda.
I thought it would be heaven. And now that I think back to its rapidly fading memory... it was heaven. But the entire time, I felt anxious! It was strange stuff. I definitely think I need some more of those occasions so I can get comfortable with the experience... Ha.
Anyways. In the end, I managed to fill my time quite adequately if I do say so myself. I've been hearing fables and parables and haiku's and love sonnets about this mystical land of running warehouse in San Luis Obispo. Its supposed to be, like, the mecca of all central coast runners. I've yearned to go there for oh so long... but the thought of hauling my kids in there while I tried to pretend I was legit enough of a runner to get the sales clerk to invest their undivided attention in me seemed like a lost cause. In hindsight, now that I had my golden opportunity, Im glad I listened to my inner mom voice and left the banchees on the island with the rest of the killer dinosaurs where they belonged.
OOOOOMMMMMMGGGGG it was so fun.
I got to run on the special treadmill thingy that video tapes you, and analyzes your stride and points of impact (special treadmill thingy is the official technical term for the device, Im sure you already know that).
I run with some pretty amazing girls. All of them are faster than me, and more athletic over all... but they all seem to have quirky body aches and injuries and yet little shorty squaty old me only has aching love handles and doublechindenitius to whine about aside from the occasional chafe-age and blistering.
I've always pondered the mysteries of what makes up an ideal running shoe, and am perplexed at the wide variety of price ranges for someone like me, who has no injuries to speak of and would definitely like to keep it that way.
So yah. Long story short... I ran on the thing... my pants almost fell off in the process... and I found out in the end I have a 'neutral stride.'
Doesnt that sound boring?
IT IS BORING!
There is nothing wrong with me or my stride. Yippee! So as 'vanilla' as it is to be average, I am excited that now, I posses the mystical knowledge and capability of cracking the code on running shoes boxes when I go to buy a new pair. And it issss about that time. My current Asics that ive had since marathon training (and never been particularly in love with I might add) have HOLES in the toe box. Imagine the padding if the toe box has holes. Crikey!
And speaking of never loving at all... I DID happen to fall truely madly deeply in love while I was in the store. This is the part where my screaming children could have come in handy. I am in much less of a mood to spend money at reckless abandon when I am comtemplating how to word my threats in public so as not to alarm innocent (childless) bystanders. But when I was there all alone... and the clerk introduced me to a bold, handsome, colorful pair of sparkling new top of the line and oh so this season pair of orange and grey Brooks Ghost3s... I'd be lying if I said I wasn't in a hot fit of passionate temptation.
But I didnt do it.
I came home, and Googled faithfully, and I think I found a pair I'm close to buying that are a few seasons old, but a fraction of the triple digits from the warehouse.
Anyways. Im sorry if you hate running and exercise, and people who blog about them as if the rest of the world should care. But indeed... these are the luxuries I fantasize about all day long, and sad as it may sound... it got me thru the day today.
And now, if you'll excuse me I think I heard a Ghost calling my name. That, or it was a peanut butter M&M...
xo
My wonderful in-laws offered to spend some quality grand kid time with both little munchkins, and since Ty was working until late that night, I was left with several hours all alone.
I dont mean to scare anyone who reads this blog and doesnt have kids of their own (yet)... but I dont know that such a thing has ever occured for me in my entire motherhood experience. I mean, I've been alone here and there since I had them for specific reasons... and gone on a few weekends away and certainly dates with every boy who asks me (dont get all excited, its almost always Tyson). But I dont know that I've ever had nowhere to be and nothing on my agenda.
I thought it would be heaven. And now that I think back to its rapidly fading memory... it was heaven. But the entire time, I felt anxious! It was strange stuff. I definitely think I need some more of those occasions so I can get comfortable with the experience... Ha.
Anyways. In the end, I managed to fill my time quite adequately if I do say so myself. I've been hearing fables and parables and haiku's and love sonnets about this mystical land of running warehouse in San Luis Obispo. Its supposed to be, like, the mecca of all central coast runners. I've yearned to go there for oh so long... but the thought of hauling my kids in there while I tried to pretend I was legit enough of a runner to get the sales clerk to invest their undivided attention in me seemed like a lost cause. In hindsight, now that I had my golden opportunity, Im glad I listened to my inner mom voice and left the banchees on the island with the rest of the killer dinosaurs where they belonged.
OOOOOMMMMMMGGGGG it was so fun.
I got to run on the special treadmill thingy that video tapes you, and analyzes your stride and points of impact (special treadmill thingy is the official technical term for the device, Im sure you already know that).
I run with some pretty amazing girls. All of them are faster than me, and more athletic over all... but they all seem to have quirky body aches and injuries and yet little shorty squaty old me only has aching love handles and doublechindenitius to whine about aside from the occasional chafe-age and blistering.
I've always pondered the mysteries of what makes up an ideal running shoe, and am perplexed at the wide variety of price ranges for someone like me, who has no injuries to speak of and would definitely like to keep it that way.
So yah. Long story short... I ran on the thing... my pants almost fell off in the process... and I found out in the end I have a 'neutral stride.'
Doesnt that sound boring?
IT IS BORING!
There is nothing wrong with me or my stride. Yippee! So as 'vanilla' as it is to be average, I am excited that now, I posses the mystical knowledge and capability of cracking the code on running shoes boxes when I go to buy a new pair. And it issss about that time. My current Asics that ive had since marathon training (and never been particularly in love with I might add) have HOLES in the toe box. Imagine the padding if the toe box has holes. Crikey!
And speaking of never loving at all... I DID happen to fall truely madly deeply in love while I was in the store. This is the part where my screaming children could have come in handy. I am in much less of a mood to spend money at reckless abandon when I am comtemplating how to word my threats in public so as not to alarm innocent (childless) bystanders. But when I was there all alone... and the clerk introduced me to a bold, handsome, colorful pair of sparkling new top of the line and oh so this season pair of orange and grey Brooks Ghost3s... I'd be lying if I said I wasn't in a hot fit of passionate temptation.
But I didnt do it.
I came home, and Googled faithfully, and I think I found a pair I'm close to buying that are a few seasons old, but a fraction of the triple digits from the warehouse.
Anyways. Im sorry if you hate running and exercise, and people who blog about them as if the rest of the world should care. But indeed... these are the luxuries I fantasize about all day long, and sad as it may sound... it got me thru the day today.
And now, if you'll excuse me I think I heard a Ghost calling my name. That, or it was a peanut butter M&M...
xo
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Grizzly Cadet Kyle
So, my brother has been at Grizzly Youth Academy since July. Its a charter school for kids in their mid-teens that is run by the national guard. Basically, its military school.
Kyle was having a hard time with typical teenage everything at our local high school, and was given this option to get out. Up until the moment he left, I wasn't completely convinced he would choose it. We were all nervous, but when it came down to it, it seemed like a really sweet opportunity if he could stand it. So he gave it a shot.
When I say military school, I mean it. They are up at 0500 every day, running up mountains with 50lb packs strapped to their backs. They march in line. They speak when spoken to... but really, they just don't speak much at all. They work hard all morning, and then work hard some more on school work in the afternoon. They live on base- for 5 whole months- and are allowed one phone call home per week, and are permitted leave twice over the weekend several months in. He can receive letters, and is allowed to write back only with the time remaining after every stitch of academic work is perfected and turned in. On the weekends, they go on education field trips and help out with community service events. They are on an extremely tight schedule.
So I haven't seen or talked to my brother in weeks. The kids and I write him as much as we can, and he mostly writes my parents since his free time is practically non existent. We got one letter from him weeks ago, and he warned us that it was a rare treat. He didn't sound miserable at all in any of the letters I saw, but I miss my brother, and worry about him of course...
So finally this weekend it was September 11th. I never thought it would be a day I'd look forward to... but this year, it meant family day at Grizzly Youth academy. We all got to go and check it out, and spend the entire day watching his platoon's marching demo, meeting his comrades and superiors, and just bbqing and hanging out.
Without knowing exactly what to expect, I just have to say... I was blown away in the best possible sense of the phrase.
Kyle looks so different in all the best ways possible.
He sparkles and shines, and is definitely standing taller than I've ever seen. He's made a couple friends, nice ones!, who introduced themselves... and called me ma'am! He showed us his latest report card... with a bigfat4.0 on it. Not so much as an A-. He has stories that he is proud to share. He marched in line like a man... and out of several hundred kids actually managed to win recognition for his superior level of physical fitness.
(front row, far left, getting recognized)
His chiefs and lieutenants sought out our family, personally introduced themselves, and told us how much leadership and maturity Kyle possesses. He is one of the youngest kids they took this academy, and in December when he graduates he will have all the credits he needs to finish High School and I believe even a couple college credits since he is taking some extension classes offered thru our local community college.
I am so proud of my littlest baby brother. To be a part of this at sixteen takes a lot of strength physically and emotionally. I know for a fact I couldn't have done it at his age. He is beyond brave, and even tho he isn't quite half way done, I can tell for certain he will make it, and when he does he will be getting a HUGE return on this investment in his own future.
Love you, little Grizzly Bear Kylie! And I'm SO looking forward to eating your dust at the RockNRoll Phoenix half marathon this January.
xo
Kyle was having a hard time with typical teenage everything at our local high school, and was given this option to get out. Up until the moment he left, I wasn't completely convinced he would choose it. We were all nervous, but when it came down to it, it seemed like a really sweet opportunity if he could stand it. So he gave it a shot.
When I say military school, I mean it. They are up at 0500 every day, running up mountains with 50lb packs strapped to their backs. They march in line. They speak when spoken to... but really, they just don't speak much at all. They work hard all morning, and then work hard some more on school work in the afternoon. They live on base- for 5 whole months- and are allowed one phone call home per week, and are permitted leave twice over the weekend several months in. He can receive letters, and is allowed to write back only with the time remaining after every stitch of academic work is perfected and turned in. On the weekends, they go on education field trips and help out with community service events. They are on an extremely tight schedule.
So I haven't seen or talked to my brother in weeks. The kids and I write him as much as we can, and he mostly writes my parents since his free time is practically non existent. We got one letter from him weeks ago, and he warned us that it was a rare treat. He didn't sound miserable at all in any of the letters I saw, but I miss my brother, and worry about him of course...
So finally this weekend it was September 11th. I never thought it would be a day I'd look forward to... but this year, it meant family day at Grizzly Youth academy. We all got to go and check it out, and spend the entire day watching his platoon's marching demo, meeting his comrades and superiors, and just bbqing and hanging out.
Without knowing exactly what to expect, I just have to say... I was blown away in the best possible sense of the phrase.
Kyle looks so different in all the best ways possible.
He sparkles and shines, and is definitely standing taller than I've ever seen. He's made a couple friends, nice ones!, who introduced themselves... and called me ma'am! He showed us his latest report card... with a bigfat4.0 on it. Not so much as an A-. He has stories that he is proud to share. He marched in line like a man... and out of several hundred kids actually managed to win recognition for his superior level of physical fitness.
(front row, far left, getting recognized)
I am so proud of my littlest baby brother. To be a part of this at sixteen takes a lot of strength physically and emotionally. I know for a fact I couldn't have done it at his age. He is beyond brave, and even tho he isn't quite half way done, I can tell for certain he will make it, and when he does he will be getting a HUGE return on this investment in his own future.
Love you, little Grizzly Bear Kylie! And I'm SO looking forward to eating your dust at the RockNRoll Phoenix half marathon this January.
xo
Monday, August 30, 2010
To Think Its Only Monday...
Don't be fooled by the illusion of peace and innocence portrayed below:
This day was bananas.
b-a-n-a-n-a-s!
Tyson worked his first 'alone' shift yesterday- and was 'forced,' meaning they required him to stay and work a double. We got a heads up, so we had plenty of time to make back up arrangements to get Dawson to school and such, but it was a definite reminder of what a luxury it has been to have him back in the picture again!
My Mom was kind enough to step in and take the morning carpool responsibility (thanks again, Mom!).
Of course, last week he developed a toothache, and I had to make him a dentist appointment the second week of school (star parenting moment, for sure).
Since we are still getting into the groove of things (read: its utter and complete confusion) I had NO idea what time lunch was. I was guessing not to pack a lunch since the appointment was 11:10, but I sent a snack. Welp... evidently, the kids don't eat snack at morning recess anymore (?!?!?!?!?). Thankfully my Mom insisted he scarf down a string cheese on the car ride over, but even so he was STARVED when he got home, and couldn't eat for an hour and a half until the anesthetic wore off. It was almost the end of both of us.
Then, after his meltdown last week just to tug at my fraying heartstrings a little bit more... evidently when my Mom went to pick my baby up, the office paged him, and when it was taking longer than expected for him to appear in the office she offered to start walking toward the classroom.
Good thing, too!
My poor sweet boy was wandering around lost, and finally heading back to his classroom. He had no idea where the back door to the office was, or how to get there, or any way of reading a sign that said 'office' even if it had been as bright and flashy as the Vegas strip!
Ahh, growing pains.
Back to school night is Thursday.
I'm looking forward to feeling more informed after that.
So. Now is the part where I have to rant about the actual dentist. First, let me say... we brush. Usually. I mean, lets be honest. We're a busy family of 4. Bedtime is hectic on a good night. Our kids don't stay up til midnight and eat candy corn for dinner, but... we get distracted sometimes. And we definitely haven't been faithful flossers.
However.
I had NO IDEA a massive cavity could form so fast for a five year old! I am shocked. I shouldn't be... he is my kid. And I have mean teeth. Mean like horrible and rotten, not like lean and mean... just to clarify. Anyways- we learned Dawson had 2 cavities when he went to his last appointment at the beginning of summer. I figured we'd put it on the list of things to save for... and then all of a sudden he said it hurt! It felt like 5 minutes went by in between.
So... after today... one cleaning/exam and 2 fillings later... we have already maxed his annual limit of $1k out, and paid $240 (plus $75 out of pocket for the exam!) in addition to what we pay monthly for our insurance.
And they found 2 more cavities today. And quoted me $500. With a discount.
Holy smokes. Who knew being a daycare dentist was so much more lucrative than being a daycare hag?!?! ("Not I," said the hag!).
I would also like to throw in the fact that I had to get a new cell phone recently. Which always puts me in a bad mood. Technology is not my thing. Thats one of the many reasons my husband is so good for me! He does all the homework and gets me a new phone when I need it, sets it up, and shows me how to use it. Its not that I couldn't do it myself. I think he just kind of likes it, and I kind of despise it... so it works out.
But this time... its already broken. It does this thing where the back light stays on, so the battery dies in like, an hour. And... it answers itself without ringing first. So, I never know when someone is on the line. Which is awesome when you have your phone in your pocket while you're "motivating" your kids to get out the door after you overslept. Or scolding your daughter for flashing the entire bank her underwear while you were trying to make a deposit.
So, I decided to be proactive since Tyson worked tonight, and went down to the wireless store to tell them my sad story about my brand new defective phone.... when all of a sudden I entered a mystical land of unicorns and leprechauns, and in that garden of all flawless technology the stinking phone magically started working.
How do these things happen?!?!?
I thanked the man behind the counter for listening to me whine about my imaginary problems with my brand new phone... left the store... and found out ten minutes later it was broken again.
When I got home, it was a mad dash to get the kids in bed early so tomorrow could be a smoother start (ie: Mom not oversleeping, Dad being home, etc.).
Dawson asked if he could help make dinner while Anabelle took a bath. I said sure.
I was so distracted by my son, who thought the broiler was "so interesting!" (his choice of words) that he nearly put his entire head inside of it, that I forgot to tell my darling daughter to shut off the bathwater. I didnt think at 4 I should worry about drowning. But evidently my little disney princess wannabe needs a reality check, because she isn't actually a mermaid in real life, and the bathtub was seconds from overflowing by the time I got there. We have really deep tubs.
My dog almost bit my hand off playing fetch in the back yard.
My kids left their clothes they changed out of everywhere, and didn't put their laundry away despite the fact that I asked them repeatedly and they promised it was done.
It was a craaaaazy Monday.
Good thing there's only one of those every week. And I think maybe God is trying to give me an extra dose of peace about sending my daughter to her first day of her last year of preschool tomorrow... which I am SO looking forward to.
Especially after a day like today.
xo
This day was bananas.b-a-n-a-n-a-s!
Tyson worked his first 'alone' shift yesterday- and was 'forced,' meaning they required him to stay and work a double. We got a heads up, so we had plenty of time to make back up arrangements to get Dawson to school and such, but it was a definite reminder of what a luxury it has been to have him back in the picture again!
My Mom was kind enough to step in and take the morning carpool responsibility (thanks again, Mom!).
Of course, last week he developed a toothache, and I had to make him a dentist appointment the second week of school (star parenting moment, for sure).
Since we are still getting into the groove of things (read: its utter and complete confusion) I had NO idea what time lunch was. I was guessing not to pack a lunch since the appointment was 11:10, but I sent a snack. Welp... evidently, the kids don't eat snack at morning recess anymore (?!?!?!?!?). Thankfully my Mom insisted he scarf down a string cheese on the car ride over, but even so he was STARVED when he got home, and couldn't eat for an hour and a half until the anesthetic wore off. It was almost the end of both of us.
Then, after his meltdown last week just to tug at my fraying heartstrings a little bit more... evidently when my Mom went to pick my baby up, the office paged him, and when it was taking longer than expected for him to appear in the office she offered to start walking toward the classroom.
Good thing, too!
My poor sweet boy was wandering around lost, and finally heading back to his classroom. He had no idea where the back door to the office was, or how to get there, or any way of reading a sign that said 'office' even if it had been as bright and flashy as the Vegas strip!
Ahh, growing pains.
Back to school night is Thursday.
I'm looking forward to feeling more informed after that.
So. Now is the part where I have to rant about the actual dentist. First, let me say... we brush. Usually. I mean, lets be honest. We're a busy family of 4. Bedtime is hectic on a good night. Our kids don't stay up til midnight and eat candy corn for dinner, but... we get distracted sometimes. And we definitely haven't been faithful flossers.
However.
I had NO IDEA a massive cavity could form so fast for a five year old! I am shocked. I shouldn't be... he is my kid. And I have mean teeth. Mean like horrible and rotten, not like lean and mean... just to clarify. Anyways- we learned Dawson had 2 cavities when he went to his last appointment at the beginning of summer. I figured we'd put it on the list of things to save for... and then all of a sudden he said it hurt! It felt like 5 minutes went by in between.
So... after today... one cleaning/exam and 2 fillings later... we have already maxed his annual limit of $1k out, and paid $240 (plus $75 out of pocket for the exam!) in addition to what we pay monthly for our insurance.
And they found 2 more cavities today. And quoted me $500. With a discount.
Holy smokes. Who knew being a daycare dentist was so much more lucrative than being a daycare hag?!?! ("Not I," said the hag!).
I would also like to throw in the fact that I had to get a new cell phone recently. Which always puts me in a bad mood. Technology is not my thing. Thats one of the many reasons my husband is so good for me! He does all the homework and gets me a new phone when I need it, sets it up, and shows me how to use it. Its not that I couldn't do it myself. I think he just kind of likes it, and I kind of despise it... so it works out.
But this time... its already broken. It does this thing where the back light stays on, so the battery dies in like, an hour. And... it answers itself without ringing first. So, I never know when someone is on the line. Which is awesome when you have your phone in your pocket while you're "motivating" your kids to get out the door after you overslept. Or scolding your daughter for flashing the entire bank her underwear while you were trying to make a deposit.
So, I decided to be proactive since Tyson worked tonight, and went down to the wireless store to tell them my sad story about my brand new defective phone.... when all of a sudden I entered a mystical land of unicorns and leprechauns, and in that garden of all flawless technology the stinking phone magically started working.
How do these things happen?!?!?
I thanked the man behind the counter for listening to me whine about my imaginary problems with my brand new phone... left the store... and found out ten minutes later it was broken again.
When I got home, it was a mad dash to get the kids in bed early so tomorrow could be a smoother start (ie: Mom not oversleeping, Dad being home, etc.).
Dawson asked if he could help make dinner while Anabelle took a bath. I said sure.
I was so distracted by my son, who thought the broiler was "so interesting!" (his choice of words) that he nearly put his entire head inside of it, that I forgot to tell my darling daughter to shut off the bathwater. I didnt think at 4 I should worry about drowning. But evidently my little disney princess wannabe needs a reality check, because she isn't actually a mermaid in real life, and the bathtub was seconds from overflowing by the time I got there. We have really deep tubs.
My dog almost bit my hand off playing fetch in the back yard.
My kids left their clothes they changed out of everywhere, and didn't put their laundry away despite the fact that I asked them repeatedly and they promised it was done.
It was a craaaaazy Monday.
Good thing there's only one of those every week. And I think maybe God is trying to give me an extra dose of peace about sending my daughter to her first day of her last year of preschool tomorrow... which I am SO looking forward to.
Especially after a day like today.
xo
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
A Day of Firsts
Yesterday, my first baby boy had his first day of first grade.
The weight of it all didn't hit me until THIS moment:
HOLY Cow.
First grade is MUCH different than kindergarten. Its the real deal! And... it tricks you, because you think you already did the real deal when you kissed him goodbye last year!
Kindergarten was basically fancy (and FREE!) pre-school. At least that was our experience. Dawson still learned a bunch, but because his sweet angel of a teacher had SUCH a gift, and had SO much experience... there were no surprises, unless they involved personal notes and ribbons and maybe a runaway gingerbread man or two.
I was dancing at the thought of having Dawson back in school. Hes been much harder to entertain this long summer, we were all going stir crazy. But then... all of a sudden, there we were, dropping him off. Just like that!, he was sitting in his very own desk, the bell was ringing!, and we had to just say goodbye, and pick him up a whopping SEVEN HOURS later. Thats never happened in Dawson's world! And it hasn't happened in mine for... well, you can do the math. Its first grade level. ;)
The desks were positioned in clusters, and there are a couple kids we know and love that he is with or next to. A good half of the class he knows from last year, and there are four kids from our street alone that are in the same room. That poor teacher, wait til she finds out theres a small herd of kids that can bicker like siblings right under her nose.
This is his friend Sarah... they are buddies. Unless they aren't. :)
Another highlight of the morning was that Tyson was there to enjoy it all. With nowhere to be until 2pm. In fact, at least until January, he will be taking the kids every single day, and hopefully volunteering in the classroom as well. What a breath of fresh air its been for each member of our family to have him around more.
Ah, the little moments.
When I picked him up and he climbed in the sweltering hot car (thermometer read 112! YOWZA!), the first words out of his mouth were... "Ohhhh, boy, Mom, there is a TON of homework... but its ALL FOR YOU!!!"
Har, har, har. What a funny little man.
I expected him to be a little vague so I made sure to ask direct questions, which he politely answered. He talked about the big playground, and the picnic they had on the grass. It sounded like a good day, but I knew I would get the real story at bedtime.
When we were finally snuggled in, and the exhaustion had gripped him, the flood gates opened (as somewhat expected).
He explained to me that all day he felt funny and lonely (LONELY! He actually said lonely!, his mother's worst fear!), and he was afraid of nobody wanting to play with him or be his friend at recess. He said how he wanted so badly to tell the teacher how he was feeling, but she didn't pay attention to him when he raised his hand, and it made him feel so sad. He said he didn't know if he could do first grade, because there would be homework, and it might be too hard for him...
Are you crying into your keyboard yet?
It was everything I had to not bawl my eyes out right there with him.
I did my best to gently explain that every kid... and teacher, for that matter!, feels scared or nervous about making friends the first couple days.
I said how the teacher doesn't know most of the kids, and has to learn all 29 names! That's a lot of homework!
I reminded him of what we talked about just last Sunday at church, how we are to share the love of Christ with everyone, and we don't ever have to be afraid because God is always with us.
I told him that tomorrow is ALWAYS a new day, and a new chance to make a friend.
And, of course, I reminded him that even on his worst day at school... his Mom and Dad and Anabelle Lee would be waiting patiently to hear all about it, and we would love him no matter what.
Overall, it was a day of so many firsts... and something tells me we've got quite an exciting year ahead.
But with the kids I have... 'exciting' will NOT be a first.
Bring.It.On.
xo
The weight of it all didn't hit me until THIS moment:
HOLY Cow.First grade is MUCH different than kindergarten. Its the real deal! And... it tricks you, because you think you already did the real deal when you kissed him goodbye last year!
Kindergarten was basically fancy (and FREE!) pre-school. At least that was our experience. Dawson still learned a bunch, but because his sweet angel of a teacher had SUCH a gift, and had SO much experience... there were no surprises, unless they involved personal notes and ribbons and maybe a runaway gingerbread man or two.
I was dancing at the thought of having Dawson back in school. Hes been much harder to entertain this long summer, we were all going stir crazy. But then... all of a sudden, there we were, dropping him off. Just like that!, he was sitting in his very own desk, the bell was ringing!, and we had to just say goodbye, and pick him up a whopping SEVEN HOURS later. Thats never happened in Dawson's world! And it hasn't happened in mine for... well, you can do the math. Its first grade level. ;)
The desks were positioned in clusters, and there are a couple kids we know and love that he is with or next to. A good half of the class he knows from last year, and there are four kids from our street alone that are in the same room. That poor teacher, wait til she finds out theres a small herd of kids that can bicker like siblings right under her nose.
This is his friend Sarah... they are buddies. Unless they aren't. :)
Another highlight of the morning was that Tyson was there to enjoy it all. With nowhere to be until 2pm. In fact, at least until January, he will be taking the kids every single day, and hopefully volunteering in the classroom as well. What a breath of fresh air its been for each member of our family to have him around more.
Ah, the little moments.When I picked him up and he climbed in the sweltering hot car (thermometer read 112! YOWZA!), the first words out of his mouth were... "Ohhhh, boy, Mom, there is a TON of homework... but its ALL FOR YOU!!!"
Har, har, har. What a funny little man.
I expected him to be a little vague so I made sure to ask direct questions, which he politely answered. He talked about the big playground, and the picnic they had on the grass. It sounded like a good day, but I knew I would get the real story at bedtime.When we were finally snuggled in, and the exhaustion had gripped him, the flood gates opened (as somewhat expected).
He explained to me that all day he felt funny and lonely (LONELY! He actually said lonely!, his mother's worst fear!), and he was afraid of nobody wanting to play with him or be his friend at recess. He said how he wanted so badly to tell the teacher how he was feeling, but she didn't pay attention to him when he raised his hand, and it made him feel so sad. He said he didn't know if he could do first grade, because there would be homework, and it might be too hard for him...
Are you crying into your keyboard yet?
It was everything I had to not bawl my eyes out right there with him.
I did my best to gently explain that every kid... and teacher, for that matter!, feels scared or nervous about making friends the first couple days.
I said how the teacher doesn't know most of the kids, and has to learn all 29 names! That's a lot of homework!
I reminded him of what we talked about just last Sunday at church, how we are to share the love of Christ with everyone, and we don't ever have to be afraid because God is always with us.
I told him that tomorrow is ALWAYS a new day, and a new chance to make a friend.
And, of course, I reminded him that even on his worst day at school... his Mom and Dad and Anabelle Lee would be waiting patiently to hear all about it, and we would love him no matter what.
Overall, it was a day of so many firsts... and something tells me we've got quite an exciting year ahead.
But with the kids I have... 'exciting' will NOT be a first.
Bring.It.On.
xo
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Little Boy Treasure
Just had to share the harvest of tonight's Dawson laundry when I went to swap his clothes from the wash to the dryer.
Here's what I scored!:
I'm sure theres a technical term for each of these items I am not familiar with, but in "laymom's terms" the contents included:
One wooden guitar pick thingy (that has no apparent function I can imagine),
One piece of some kind of coated electrical wiring (!??!?!?!),
One screw,
One even bigger screw,
One red spaceship/dreidel shaped squishy thingy I'm almost positive my Dad gave him out of his personal stash of non-mom approved toys from his super cool worker man toolbox,
A glass bead,
A woodworker's pencil,
A plastic animal cookie, made for a play kitchen (I dont share desert either, can't blame him there...),
And the grand finale....
A good sized clump of coarse black hair I can only hope (best case scenario!) came from a giant stuffed monkey he bought with his lemonade stand earnings from the neighbor's yard sale this weekend.
The things this sweet sleeping angel is capable of accomplishing in one day patrolling the neighborhood.
I have a very, very busy little boy, who I have enjoyed immensely this summer (wild ambitions, tantrums, sandy mud pies and all!)... and its hard to believe that when he wakes up tomorrow, he will be off to first grade where they fill his mind with all kinds words and colors and dreams, and rob him from his mother who loves him and misses him all day long.
But judging by his carefully selected wardrobe patiently waiting for sunrise on his bedroom floor... he's not looking back.
And I will look forward to unfolding the mysteries of his days away by checking his pockets more carefully.
xo
Here's what I scored!:
I'm sure theres a technical term for each of these items I am not familiar with, but in "laymom's terms" the contents included:
One wooden guitar pick thingy (that has no apparent function I can imagine),
One piece of some kind of coated electrical wiring (!??!?!?!),
One screw,
One even bigger screw,
One red spaceship/dreidel shaped squishy thingy I'm almost positive my Dad gave him out of his personal stash of non-mom approved toys from his super cool worker man toolbox,
A glass bead,
A woodworker's pencil,
A plastic animal cookie, made for a play kitchen (I dont share desert either, can't blame him there...),
And the grand finale....
A good sized clump of coarse black hair I can only hope (best case scenario!) came from a giant stuffed monkey he bought with his lemonade stand earnings from the neighbor's yard sale this weekend.
The things this sweet sleeping angel is capable of accomplishing in one day patrolling the neighborhood.
I have a very, very busy little boy, who I have enjoyed immensely this summer (wild ambitions, tantrums, sandy mud pies and all!)... and its hard to believe that when he wakes up tomorrow, he will be off to first grade where they fill his mind with all kinds words and colors and dreams, and rob him from his mother who loves him and misses him all day long.
But judging by his carefully selected wardrobe patiently waiting for sunrise on his bedroom floor... he's not looking back.And I will look forward to unfolding the mysteries of his days away by checking his pockets more carefully.
xo
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