Waking up in our New Home

Well, it was a rough night, actually!  I had a hard time sleeping because, as it turns out, my concern over the traffic noise was, in fact, completely accurate, justified, and confirmed.  ::SIGH!!::  The traffic outside our room is SO loud.  I have gotten used to it now (we also have increased the volume on our white noise machine, which helps).  Not only did the traffic keep me up, but Baby Girl got up just after midnight and I put her in our bed.  She had been battling a cold or something, so she was miserable.  I didn't get much sleep...nope.  Luckily, it was not an indication of life in our new home.  Just a rough first night.

At 7:30am the oldest exclaimed, "I'm already used to this house!" 

The little guy did just fine in his own room, by the way.  Such a brave, sweet boy.

Since we had a storage unit, we had been (and still are!) unpacking things we hadn't seen for 6 months or so.  We had "de-cluttered" the house prior to selling it to "stage" it better.  We packed things that we could do without for awhile, and a lot of toys that were either too big, not played with much, or I was tired of picking up all the time.  So, the first morning of our new house was much like Christmas morning!  Toys that hadn't been seen for awhile...some missed, and some we forgot we had at all!  I told Hubby we should have just wrapped them and put them under the tree...

Playing with our GeoTrax train set...just like it's Christmas!

Later that day, our next door neighbors brought us a plate of cookies.  So sweet!

And our first real evening in the house?  My dear friend prepared and brought us dinner so we didn't have to cook!  So incredibly thoughtful.  We enjoyed yummy tacos and cookies.  Thanks, friend...what an act of love.  So thankful.

Cookies from the neighbors and my dear friend - such sweetness!

The kids got to have their first bath in the house that night (after I scrubbed, bleached, and scrubbed the bathroom some more!).  For a few weeks I had been checking out the decorative items in the bathroom aisle at Target, getting ideas and purchasing some things for our bathrooms.  Each time Baby Girl would catch a glimpse of a spout cover - it was a frog on a log.  Each time she would see it, she would start singing There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea.  If you don't know the song...it eventually says, "There's a frog on the log in the hole in the bottom of the sea."  So, she and I would go through the aisles of Target singing that song, always prompted by her seeing the spout cover.


So, I bought it for her one time she wasn't with me.  That was her housewarming gift :o)

"There's a frog on the log in the hole in the bottom of the sea..."

We had our first movie night in the new house, too.  We don't have a TV stand yet (our entertainment center is too big for the niche in the family room)...so...6 foot buffet table anyone?  Yup...our shopping list of big ticket items is long...one thing at a time!

First movie night!

Most awesome entertainment center ever!

Pretty awesome first whole day in our new home.  Feeling so blessed.

Moving Day - Part 2!

November 19th - MOVING DAY!  Part 2!  In June we moved from our house of 10 years into an apartment.  After 5 months in the apartment (post on that later), now into our home of...20 years?  Perhaps!


The night before we packed up the kids and they stayed the night with my parents - that way we could disassemble their beds, pack up their rooms, and get an early start in the morning.

Last night in her room!  11/17/11

Last night sharing a room!!  11/17/11

We had such AWESOME help for the move!  Most of the guys (and a gal) from our life group and our two dads helped load, unload, and carry very heavy things up the stairs.  My mom watched the kids all day and Hubby's mom cleaned the tracks to the windows (the house was FILTHY - it still is in some places I have yet to tackle...).  We couldn't have done this without all of them - we are indebted to them and so very thankful. 

I had wanted to get a picture of the group by the moving truck...but we were a little busy!  And the help came and went at staggered times, so that made it difficult.  Another one just for the picture in my memory :o)

7:00am Hubby and I made our first run to the house (using my parents' truck)
8:00  Hubby got moving truck from rental place while I made a 2nd run to the house
8:20 My dad got to the house to help me unload and we went back to the apartment
8:30 Our life group leader arrives at the apartment to help load - he worked HARD for us today!!
8:45  More help arrives
9:00  Hubby's parents arrive at the house - his dad to finish installing the closet shelving that was put in wrong
9:20  More help arrives!
10:00  Truck at the house to unload!
12:45 More help arrives, just in time to take the last heavy thing upstairs - the one item that left a dent in the wall!  We were very blessed that we only had that little incident and no injuries with all of the HEAVY things going upstairs! 

Only major injury of the day - and it was on a wall, not on a person...thankful!!!

12:50 Some help leaves
1:00 Pizza time!
1:30 Last of the help leaves (not counting our parents!)
4:30 Our parents head home.
5:00 We go retrieve dinner for my parents and the kids - head to their house to eat and pick up the kids.
6:30ish  I have the kids check the mailbox at the house - I mailed them letters the day before so they would be the first to get mail at the new house on the day we moved in!  (I sent one to Hubby, too)

Letters to my family...messy handwriting as I hurry to get everything done for the move!

Then...the kids saw the house (with our stuff in it) for the first time!  Much excitement, of course.  Months and months ago (before we even sold our other house) the boys said they each wanted a space-themed room once we got a new house.  So, I had gotten them some bedding, a rug, and some wall decals to surprise them.  Total surprise for them when they saw their rooms for the first time!

Oldest in his new room!  SUPER stoked to have his own room now...

The little guy in his new room.  He needs a new bed!  He was in a toddler bed when we left the other house and slept in the trundle bed at the apartment...just another thing on our shopping list!  And he is not that excited to have his own room...

When we got to Baby Girl's room, the oldest said that it looked just like it did in the apartment!  And actually, after seeing two "space rooms," she was expecting hers to be a space room, too!  She was quite upset about not having a rocket pillow... (no worries - Grammie to the rescue!  She went out and bought her one the next day...)  I had wanted to redo her whole room (I have it planned out in my head), but have decided to wait until we get her a big girl bed and big girl furniture.  It would be silly to cater it to her crib and current furniture...not to mention we have a lot of other costs right now!

Baby Girl in her room (the next morning) being a stinker...

8:00ish - Bed time in the new house!  The oldest is super stoked to be in his own room.  The little guy...not so much.  He cried and said he misses Bubba because he loves him.  Super sweet.  I reiterated that he gets to have his own things in here now...his own closet...he's going to love it...be brave...etc...  We prayed for God to help him to be brave.  I said I would check on him when I got out of the shower (he was already out like a light!).

And so here we are...in our new home...blessed beyond measure and ever so grateful.  Thanks be to God!  Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!

The oldest made a countdown chart for move-in day...he marked it off each day with anticipation.  He wasn't able to mark off the last few as it might have been in a box... :o)

House Dedication

The details and back-story to buying our house will come later...

We closed escrow on our new home on November 10th.  The work started right away, and we were scheduled to move in on November 19th, after having the entire interior painted and the carpet completely replaced.

During the process of finding our home (after offers on other properties, too), I had envisioned some sort of dedication and prayer service, to give thanks to God for His provision and offer our house to Him and His purposes.

I originally pictured the house being surrounded by those we love holding hands in a large circle around the perimeter.  Well, that wasn't going to work for this house...there was some junk on the side-yard, bushes, mud, etc.  The house has an awesome driveway, so then I morphed my idea to us meeting in the driveway with an array of desserts and drinks.  And then time got away from me and we were too busy getting things arranged here and there...and I didn't get the word out soon enough to give proper notice.  So, it became a small gathering on the driveway with some of those we hold dear, with some store-bought cookies and napkins :o)

On November 13th we gathered in our driveway, held hands, prayed, ate cookies and placed rocks in our jar.

I thought of some sort of symbol to remember the dedication of our home; something tangible to be displayed at our home to remember His faithfulness, provision, and all of the prayers said on our behalf.  I got a simple apothecary jar and some stones.  Each person at the dedication placed a rock/stone (or many many stones for the little ones there!) to symbolize the prayers they have said for us.  For one, the rocks look cool.  For another, I found some verses to go along with rocks, most notably this one: The wise man built his house upon the ROCK.

It was so moving to have those close to us come pray with us, holding hands, in our new driveway.  And now we have our awesome jar to put on our mantle as a symbol of it all.  AWESOME.

By the way, I also envisioned myself taking some cool, artsy pictures of us all holding hands and of the rocks being added to the jar...but the prayer time was so special and intimate, I didn't want to break away to take pictures in the middle!  And I just snapped a few quick ones of the rocks :o)  It's all in my head though...and it looks beautiful in my memories! :o) We even forgot our family photo...

The jar, bags of stones, and verses having to do with Christ being our ROCK and foundation.

The verses...sideways...for now...

Being filled...

More prayers represented...

Baby Girl's prayers...the kids loved filling the jar!

Still filling the jar...and eating cookies...and never-mind what the oldest seems to be doing...

Unfortunately, I have yet to take a picture of the finished jar!  I will do that once we place it on the mantle after the holidays (we currently have our garland and stockings on the mantle instead).  Can't wait to put it on there and decorate around it!

Here is the email I sent out and the specific prayers requested:

We are going to do an informal prayer and dedication gathering at our new house this Sunday at 3:00.  If you'd like to join us, we would love to have you pray over the house with us and dedicate it to the Lord.

The inside of the house is in complete construction mode, so it wouldn't be wise to give tours of it.  The kiddos, especially, should not go into the house at all.  There are ladders, paint buckets and equipment, drapes, and most notably, strips of exposed carpet tacks throughout the entire house (carpet got taken away today and the new stuff comes in on Thursday). If you'd rather wait to come over when we can actually invite you in and show you around, we understand!  We would just love to pray over the house before all the work and moving is done.

Items of prayer:
That the house would be a house full of love for our Savior and those who occupy it would live in a manner pleasing to Him.
That the house would be a house where all are welcome and feel at home while they are there.
For the safety of the workers (including us) as they prepare the house for our arrival.
For the safety of all the moving help - no major injuries.
For our kids to not fall down the stairs - ever - and injure themselves.
That the house would always be free from intruders, fire, and major weather damage.
That we would be a light to our neighbors who are in need of Light.
That we could partner with our neighbors who are already believers to canvas the neighborhood in prayer and genuine fellowship.
For the family that lost the house to foreclosure - that they would be able to get on their feet financially, and for their salvation if they don't yet know the Lord.

Items of praise:
For this amazing house to which He led us and the patience we had in waiting for Him to reveal it to us.
For the resources He has given us to make it possible.
That our other house sold within a week.
That we have never doubted His hand in this journey.
For the laughter and love we know will fill those rooms!
For the personable neighbors we have already met (the first one I met said, "Praise God!" when she found out we were moving in - so cool!).

I'm sure there are other things that will come to mind...but that's our starting point :o)

Thanks for your role in our lives and the prayers that have already been prayed for us in this process!

Blog Catchup!

So, I am super behind on posts...I have started so many of them, but didn't have the time to add photos and finish them.  They are all just sitting there...pending...  Now that our Christmas letters are in the mail announcing our blog for the first time (to a larger audience I mean), I feel a little pressure to catch up!  The pending ones will have to wait...I will start from the more recent things and go from there :o)

Here goes...

A New Cousin

I'll post later about our new niece (yay!), but just wanted to share this with the proud parents since I'm having trouble uploading it onto Facebook...  They are looking at a picture of her on the computer :o)

Dancing Princess

Baby Girl had her first dance class this morning!  As a mom of a little girl...experiencing all of this for the first time...there are almost no words to express how I was feeling...sooooo much fun!  It sure made my heart smile!

I have been wondering about when to start dance class.  It doesn't sit right with me to spend $256 for 10 classes for a 2 year old (I'm not judging if you do this - I promise!)...but that doesn't mean I'm not tempted.  Baby Girl loves to dance around our place and she actually is able to keep beat and rhythm.  AND she loves dresses...and anything foofy or fluffy she automatically assumes is for dancing (even though she has not been taught this).  Just seems like it's a natural thing to do for her.  I talked to a friend, who is a dance instructor, and she said she wouldn't bother until a girl is 7 or 8...that it's not worth the time and money.  Gymnastics, perhaps, but not dance.  She confirmed my thoughts about it...but that still doesn't mean I'm not tempted!

My nieces (and a nephew) have all had dance, so I've been able to watch their recitals at their various ages.  The latest was my youngest niece's first recital, and let me tell you...some of the moves they teach those wee little ones are so...well, hoochy mama (not for my niece's class, but several of the other dances were pretty shocking).  I asked around about other studios and found that some are more conservative than others.  A friend has her daughter in one that she says is pretty tame, but that she plans to place her in the ultra-conservative one when she's a little older.  And the fees to be in the recitals...youch!  So, I've just been gathering knowledge for when the time comes.

Enter Groupon.  They came up with a deal for 4 drop-in classes at the conservative dance studio for a really good deal...and my friend and I decided to try it for our 2 year-olds.  Fun!  No big financial hit.  No commitment...just the ability to try it out and have fun.  AWESOME!

I wasn't going to buy a new outfit...we have some hand-me-downs from my niece...but I can't find them!  When we were at the house I knew exactly where they were...but somehow, they have been misplaced in storage and I can't find them (just one in a series of things I can't find lately).  Yes, I did it.  I bought a dance outfit and ballet slippers for my 2 year-old to do 4 drop-in classes.  I couldn't help myself.

And oh my stars is she CUTE!!!  And she doesn't like to take the outfit off, by the way...  She can't wait until next time!  Frankly, I can't either... :o)

Started out jingling bells to the rhythm.

Reinforcing colors with bean bags.  And by the way, the teacher is french!!  I loved hearing her talk and teach...very cliche'!

Her "criss-cross-applesauce" stance...

Balancing beanbag on head for balance and posture.

Waiting for their turn at a solo.  I didn't get a picture of hers...I was video recording and giggling!

I think the class reads a little bit of this book each week...didn't catch the title.

Now they have tutus!

Love her hands!

Some partner work with her friend, Lucy.

My favorite shot of the whole day!  LOVE her pointed toe!  Look at her do what the teacher does...I LOVE IT!

Same shot - just cropped to show her better!

Having a blast!

I don't know what this pose is...but it was funny with all the tutus!

Extraction

During lunch I left the table for a moment to put some clothes into the dryer.  When I came back, Baby Girl was rubbing her nose.  This is something she does often, so why did I think anything was odd?  Mom-sense...  I just had this feeling.

I said, "What did you do?"  She said, "Nose..."  I said, "Did you put a raisin up your nose?"  "Yes..."

I tilted her head back, and sure enough, there it was.

I got her out of her high chair and had the little guy get me a flashlight.  He grabbed one of the Toy Story ones that talks when you press it on - it was either Hamm saying, "I hope I'm not too late for defeating the good guys..." or Rex saying, "Rooooooar! Were you scared?"  or Bulleseye neighing.  Any one is ridiculous when you are pointing it up your toddler's nose, armed with a pair of tweezers, ready to extract a raisin.

Two items of thanks.  First, like I said, rubbing her nose was not out of the ordinary...but I knew something was amiss.  I could just feel it.  Thanks, God!  Secondly, I was able to grab that snotty raisin on the very first try and did not push it further into her nose!  Thanks again, God!

Raisins in the nose.  I wish I could say this was my first experience...the little guy put a golden raisin up his nose when he was 3.  And a golden raisin, well, it just looks like a big booger up there.  Sorry, had to go there.

Big Brother

So, I didn't snap a photo of that precious moment my kids shared last month (since I was sharing in it myself!), but I did snap this one tonight since our little guy found himself going through the bedtime routine with Baby Girl again.  So precious.

Fat Lip

As I was doing dishes, I heard a bang, and then Baby Girl started screaming.  I ran to the living room to find her contorted under the piano - mouth bleeding.  After getting her cleaned up, I asked her what happened.  She then proceeded to reenact the whole thing for Hubby and me!  It was too funny!

She ran down the hallway, then ran back toward the living room and fell on the floor.  Then she did it a couple more times.  So, as far as we gathered, she was running in the hallway, then ran into the piano and ended up under it somehow.

Anyway...she had a massive fat lip after that!

Look at that face!

Endangered

On the way home tonight I had a conversation with my boys about JFK and how being president can be a very dangerous job (it came up b/c my dad asked me to return a movie for him, which was about JFK).

They asked why it was dangerous, and I said something like...because almost everyone knows who he is, and there are some bad people who make bad decisions and wish to hurt the president because they don't like some of his rules.

So, my little guy, who is hilarious and always likes to make a play on words, chimes in: "Well, people are mammals.  So, I'd say that presidents are endangered."  Just in a matter-of-fact way.

I told him I had to write that one down...so here I am.

He told me I should write a book of his jokes.  If only I had written down all the funny things he's ever said...he comes up with some doozies!

The Little Things

I was passing by the boys' school this morning (with the two little ones in the van) when I realized the oldest one would be at recess right then.  I've never checked in on him at recess - I thought it would be fun to try to spot him.

As I pulled into the parking lot, I thought to myself, "Yeah, right, I'm going to find him when 75% of the kids are wearing the same color shirt today!"  It's Friday.  Spirit Wear day.

Not only that, but he could be anywhere on that playground.  Blacktop playing 4-Square.  Slide.  Bathroom.  Drinking fountain in the shade.  Running around crazy.  I thought I'd try anyway.

Right as I pulled it, you know what?  He was the first kid I saw!!  My heart jumped up in excitement.  It seems silly, but it was a special treat for me to see my boy at a time I wouldn't ordinarily.  I didn't know it would make me so happy - but boy did it ever.

I shouted his name.  He didn't hear me.  He started to run in the opposite direction.  Oh well.  It was worth a shot.

Then he started coming back toward my direction, then turned again.  I yelled his name.  He stopped.  He didn't look around.  Just stopped.  I yelled it again.  You could tell he was processing, but he wasn't looking around!  He finally looked toward me and I waved (still from the van).  His face just lit up!  Ear to ear grin.  He started running toward me, waving, smiling.  He stopped about 10 feet from the fence or so.  I started asking him about his morning, then I think he realized he could be super close to me if he went all the way to the fence.

We chatted for just a moment, then I sent him on his way.  But as I was driving, he decided to race me from the other side of the fence.  So, I drove slow and he raced me to the end.  All smiles.

I didn't know we needed that moment together, but we did.  And I'm so glad God arranged that for us.

When I picked him up from school I asked what he thought about us seeing each other at recess and he just said, "Awesome!"  I'm glad he thought so, too.

Thank you, Lord, for those simple little things.  You lead us to them when we don't even know we need them!  What an amazing pick-me-up that was today for me and my boy.

Big Milestone for Baby Girl

After church this morning I asked Baby Girl, like we do each week, "Did you have fun at church this morning?"  She said, "Yeah!"  I asked what she did and she said, "I drew a picture!"  I asked if she heard a story and she replied, "Yeah!"  I asked what it was about, she said, "Jonah!"  Wow - she remembered that?  I asked what Jonah did and she said, "A big fish!"

Now, a lot of us know the story.  But this is the first time after church she could tell me what the story was about that morning!  She usually tells us she drew a picture, but doesn't remember the story.  So, today, the remembering of it, the slight comprehension?  AWESOME!

With her Jonah picture (not sure why it keeps loading sideways...it's not sideways on the computer...phooey).

Thank you, Lord, for the little glimpse I got this morning of times to come of us teaching Baby Girl about Your Word and her remembering it!

Lightswitches

Just a short little note to remember that Baby Girl, just this last week, can now turn the lights on and off.  She's very excited about this!  Now when she wants something in her room, she goes by herself, turns on the light, and is super proud of her independence.

Way to grow, Baby Girl!

Whose Girl are You? Revised

As I put Baby Girl down for her nap this afternoon I asked, as I normally do, "Whose girl are you?"  She said, "Mama."  I said, "Yes!" and gave her a snuggle.

As I placed her in her crib she then said, "And God."

I've not taught her this yet.  And yet she already knows.

An amazing moment of awe and thanks for me today.

Yes, Baby Girl.  You are God's first, and then you are Mama's girl.  I'm so glad you know that already, for it is the thing you need to know.

Thank you, Lord, for this precious moment with Baby Girl today.  Your Baby Girl.

Whose Girl are You?

This is about a moment from August 9, 2011...I didn't get the entry finished that night, but here it is now.

For many months now (I'm not sure how long) I often ask Baby Girl, "Whose girl are you?"  And for many months she would always say, "Mama!"

Then she started figuring out that she could play along with us.  If Hubby asked her and she replied with Mama, he would say, "Aww..." like he was hurt.  And I would say, "Yay! Mama's girl!" and she would giggle.  But if he asked her again, she would say, "Daddy!" And he would say, "Yay!" and throw her up in the air.  She LOVES that.

Just a few days ago she started responding with whoever asked the question.  If Daddy asked her, she would reply Daddy.  If Mama asked her, she would reply Mama.  The person asking would respond with a yay and the other would reply with an aww.  She enjoys being in control of the outcome.

The other question that happens at night, following the whose-girl-are-you question is, "Do you want Mama to put you down, or Daddy to put you down?"  Almost always, it's Mama.  Every once in awhile she requests Daddy.  So, when she says she's Daddy's girl, we'll ask if she wants Daddy to put her down.  She usually says, "Mama put you down."

Well, tonight, she turned the humor up a notch.  We went back and forth with the whose-girl-are-you question for several minutes, with yays and awws and her being thrown in the air and many many giggles.  Then, out of nowhere, when I asked her whose girl she is, she responded with her brother's name!  Hubby and I just burst out in laughter.  So, I repeated the question, "Whose girl are you?"  And she again said her brother's name (the little guy).  We had some more giggles.

But here's where it went from fun giggles to a straight up heart-warming, precious moment.

I said, "So, do you want (brother's name) to put you down?"  She said, "Yeah, (brother) put you down."

I said, "Okay, (brother), go put (Baby Girl) down."  And I thought he would protest, or act confused.

They grabbed each other's hand and walked down the hallway to her room.  He turned on the light, grabbed a book, climbed in the rocking chair with her, and started to read a bedtime story to her.  Then, he turned out the light and sang her a song.  Big brother came in to join them.  They said our nightly prayer, then walked her over to her crib.

Hubby and I were just standing in the doorway, in complete and utter awe.  They went through the entire bedtime routine without any prompting.  It was beyond sweet.

Now, they can't lift her into the crib, so I had to step in at the point...but wow.  As I was leaning against the doorway watching this, I had a little conversation in my head about how I'd love to go grab my camera and snap a picture of this amazing moment.  But no way in the world will I step away and miss even a second of this.  So, there's no tangible picture to share...it's just for Hubby and I, stored up in our brain and in our hearts.

Thank you, Lord, for this amazing display of love and pure innocence with my kids.  They act irritated with each other most of the time, but this, this, what a gift.  Thank you for the confirmation that they do, indeed, love each other.  Even in the midst of all the normal sibling chaos throughout the day.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Our little guy is hilarious.  He says funny things all the time.  He says really sweet things, too.  He doesn't always get his words right, but we get the meaning.

When we got back in the van after dropping off big brother he said, "You're the best mom that I don't want to ever go away." (or something like that...)

And as I was getting him ready for his drop-off time he said, "Wait, I change my mind.  I love you 2 times.  I love you infinity percent!"  (or something like that...)

And then he said, "I can't believe I'm in school!"  Very excited.  Awesome.

I just wanted to remember.

Conditional Love

Is it really love at all?

Discuss.

Back to School

I gotta go back, back, back to school again.
Whoa, whoa, I gotta go... back to school again! 

-from Back to School Again by Four Tops (Grease 2)

I keep getting that song in my head every time I see a Back to School ad or display...

The following was written during Baby Girl's nap time - with both boys at school...  Yes, this hard-working Mama gets a little break 4 times a week now (except on Wacky Wednesday, which screws up our nap schedule...). 

And here we are - Back to School 2011!

We took lots of pictures, of course, with new backpacks, shirts, shoes...Baby Girl was in on the action, too, insisting that she have her backpack.  And I wore my new "bling" shirt with the school name on it, and Baby Girl wore her "Future <insert mascot>" shirt.  (On a side note, I was sad to not be taking pictures at the front door of our house...I was trying to find a good place at the apartment complex...blah...)

So, with kindergarten and 1st grade the school holds a Meet & Greet with the teacher (like #2 got to do last week).  You get a chance to meet the teacher, see the classroom, find your desk, take some pictures...etc.  Well, by the time you hit 2nd grade, I guess you're a big kid now and they just throw you in!

I forgot how crazy the parking lot and traffic are on the first day...so, we did what we did last year and parked in the weeds and walked a bit.  Hubby was actually in his own car so he could head to work.  He parked in an entirely different spot, so we were separated for a bit.  We went to the blacktop to line up on the room number.  Then the teacher came to the line, said hello to each of the kids and asked how they would be getting home to make sure they knew.  She got to our 2nd grader last.  He handed her our gift, she asked how he was getting home and what his name was, I snapped a quick picture...we walked to the class (kids in a line, parents all over the place).  The kids were all lined up by the door, then she said, "Wave goodbye to your parents!"  And that was it.  We didn't get to see the classroom.  I have no idea where he's sitting.  It was just...weird.  Not like I'm complaining they-need-to-do-it-different kind of weird...just weird to have a big kid now...ya know?  They don't need us there every step of the way anymore.  I'm extremely proud, but it just feels...weird.  I'm hoping I'll get to see his class after school?  Maybe?

We don't know much about his teacher, since he's our oldest and guinea pig for all the grades!  She's cute as a button though, and I've heard good things.  He knows several kids in the class (and I know several of the moms), so we're excited about that.  Even 3 Scouts from our den - fantastic!

Hubby headed to work, and I headed home with #2 and #3.  When we got home Baby Girl asked, "Where's Bubba's backpack?"  I said at school.  "Where's Bubba?"  At school.  Wonder how long that will last?  We relaxed a little, ran a few errands, had some lunch, then it was time to take the kindergartener to school!

Hubby came home during his lunchtime to make the second trip to school.  Traffic was a non-issue for afternoon kindergarten, of course.  At least for the drop-off.  Pick-up is going to be nuts...but I'll worry about that later.  It's kind of funny that once you go through something with your first-born (like dropping him off at kindergarten - all new-at-this and worried), it's like old-hat when you do it again.  I wasn't nervous about dropping him off - and he's so excited.  I think he's a little nervous, too...but he has hidden it very well (although he has told me multiple times today, more than usual, that he loves me...he's trying to connect and get affirmation, which I gladly give!).

We took him into class.  He quickly found his name-tag and put it around his neck without being asked.  Then I snapped a quick pic with his teacher, then he sat down to play with his buddy from preschool.  I snapped a quick pic with his buddy...gave him a kiss in his palm, told him I'd see him after school (which kind of made me get a lump in my throat), then walked out.  And I still regret not staying until the teacher made us leave...  When we dropped #1 off for kindergarten, a lot of us parents just stood there watching them...and then the teacher said something like, "I want all of you to turn to your parents, wave, and say, 'BYE!'"  And we were a little stunned, like...that's it?  We don't get to stay any longer?  So, since we knew the drill, we walked out and visited with some parents we know outside.  As we were driving away, I got the sinking feeling that we should have stayed...like, what if he turned to wave at us, and we were gone?  We did say goodbye already...but I wish I could go back and change that little thing...  I know he's fine, I do...just...want to be there for them whenever I can!

Like when #1 was in the class, the teacher handed me a survival kit.  So totally cute - I love all the cute, detailed things the teachers do for us and the kids in this class!  I still think it's cute.  It didn't make me cry this time, though...I'm a pro now, you know...

So, in just a little bit I'm going to pick up some slushes from Sonic as a first-day-of-school treat, then pick up my two big boys and hear all about their day!  (I decided to do the Sonic thing last year and everyone had the same idea - it was a MAD house...so this year, I'm going before I pick them up, and putting them in a cooler - they'll be waiting for them when they hop in the van!).

I spent my first real break in awhile checking the mail, talking to the apartment manager about some "issues," blogging, looking at pictures, and walking the dogs...but I have more of these breaks coming...someday I might actually just turn on the TV and just sit there...what's that like?


The following was written after putting the kids down to bed after a tiring and exciting first day of school...

I went to the big 2nd grader's class first for pick-up.  When the bell rang, he was the first to burst through the door and come running right toward me.  I got down to his eye-level and asked how his day went.  He just said, "AWESOME!  Second grade is easy!  And you have homework."  I said, "You already have homework?"  To which he replied, "No, I said YOU have homework!"  Yup...mamas have lots of homework the first week of school.  Many, many forms.  And they write many, many checks...  So, remember how I was hoping to see his classroom?  Well, his teacher had parking lot/pick-up duty, so as the last kid went out, she turned off the light, closed the door, and off she went.  Maybe tomorrow?

We walked over to pick up the little guy.  He was more subdued than I expected, although I also thought he'd be really sleepy...he sure misses his nap!  He had a great day, too.  I talked to the teacher and told her how we left, knowing she would ask us to anyway, and how I hoped I hadn't missed anything...she said everything was fine and she did the same thing this year, having the kids wave goodbye as an obvious sign to shoo the parents away.  Whew!

I surprised the boys with their slushes and talked about their day on the way home.  #2's favorite part: "That I got to play on the playground."  #1's favorite part: "Spending third recess with Mrs. (his first-grade teacher) because she had yard duty."  Yup, he walked around the yard with his teacher from last year, probably talking her ear off.

I let the kids watch a couple of PBS shows while they finished their slushes and I did my "homework."  #1 actually did have homework to do.  And the Accelerated Reader program already starts tomorrow!  So, after homework, he went to his room and read a chapter book so he can take a quiz tomorrow.  The boy is addicted to reading.

So, my boys had a great day.  I'm doing my best to get into the swing of things again.  There is so much for a mama to remember each day for her kids in school.  Snacks, lunch, when tests are, when things are due, etc.  It's exhausting, but I love it.


Holy cow...that was long-winded.  Can you tell I had a moment to myself today?  Tee hee!

Moments of thanks:
1. Hubby went into work later to go to school with us, so I had help with the kids' breakfast and he walked the dogs for me (he's out of town tonight and tomorrow...so it's all me tomorrow!).
2. The boys were safe at school - no injuries.
3. The boys had a great day.
4. We were prepared and ready for this day - it went wonderfully!