a day in the life

Ten on Tuesday

1. Finally, yes FINALLY, Jack is starting to clap. He has always been a foot kicker when he is happy, and I was beginning to worry, but today Charlie came running in the room and said "Mama! Mama! Jack is CLAPPING!"
2. Speaking of Charlie, he is less than a month away from four. The past two weeks I have seen a huge change in him. Yes, we still have some three-year-old fits, but less and less often. He is taller. He is more descriptive. He is super fun.
3. Speaking of older, a few days ago Lillian turned 6 1/2. That's right, 6 1 2. My favorite age. Hee hee. I am a crazy person.
4. Speaking of crazy, anyone else tired of this crazy winter? We have had two straight weeks of a horrible virus-Lillian being its latest victim. Give me a solid cold snowy winter any day if it means we don't have this up and down weather of sick. Thank goodness it is the end of February and spring is almost here.
5. And speaking of the end of February, it is a Leap Year. SO happy that I saw on the Ella blog about doing a Leap Year time capsule to be opened in four years. AWESOME and totally doing it. How fun is that. I plan on taking lots of photos, listing some things about the kids, and Lillian and I are going to look some stuff up (as yes, she will be home again tomorrow I'm afraid.)
6. Speaking of photos, I have a mini book due in a few weeks and can't decide what the topic should be. So, dear readers (if there are any left because wow still not blogging as much as I should!) what are some mini book ideas you have planned?
7. Speaking of big decisions, I have a big one to make. Sometimes I don't mind, but this one is just really annoying. Grrrrr
8. Speaking of grrrr..nope got nothing.
9. As I am running out of things to day, I will just show you a picture. Of me. Right now. My studio with my growing favorite photos wall, my new necklace from Charming Charlie (LOVE) and my hair that already needs to be cut...
10. And now for my last thoughts. Yesterday there was a shooting at a high school in the area. A friend from college is actually the choir director there. As of now three of the five students shot have died from their injuries. I can't help but think back to last year where Lillian's school not only allowed, but exposed the entire student body to guns in the school. This is a very stark reminder that it is never ok to bring guns into school. Never. We need to tell our kids if they ever hear about a gun, or see a gun to report it immediately. I am still processing exactly how to talk to Lillian about this, as while I think it is important, I do not want to bring up the other details of that project with her. But just as she corrects anyone who says the word "stupid, hate, or dumb," I hope she will immediately report anyone who has a weapon. My thoughts are with all of Chardon, and all the families affected by this tragedy.

First Grade

Here is another small attempt to get back into blogging. Good grief.

Lily Lillian was SO excited to start school this year. Partly because she got to go to Maya's school, partly because she is my nerdy girl who absolutely loves school.
Very, very, excited.
So we of course went out early for pictures, and although it was wet (see front porch) it stopped raining just in time. Goodness she looks older to me... Our bus stop is within view of the house (instead of a looooooong walk or short car ride away) so I don't have to get everyone dressed and out the door this year. But, Charlie wanted to see his sister off too.
Hee hee. But then we waited. And waited. And waited. And although we saw the bus...
It just went around us. So sadly no pictures of getting on the bus for the first time this year. Instead Daddy and Lillian jumped in the car and made the mad dash to school. At least we have a story to tell.
We spent the day hanging out, missing Lillian, and waiting impatiently for her return.
And happy to report, everyone had a great day :)

Because Facebook is not my blog

I must remember to leave important milestones and information here too.

1. Lily can now tie her own shoes. Amazing as I only really sat down to teach her once. She is a very determined girl when she actually tries.
2. Charlie only had one accident yesterday-on his way to the potty just a little bit too late. This once again confirms my belief that every child is different. The wait until he is ready thing just was not working. This horrible but now super rewarding three days did. Go little dude, go. School, here we come.
3. We are quickly learning how hard it is to have hardwood floors. Specifically Bean's head is learning. My poor baby.

And that is all for now...

First and Last

Dear Lillian,

I can hardly believe the school year is over. It certainly has been a busy one for us. We started the year with three of us walking to and from the bus stop. Then it got cold, and I starting feeling horrible (thanks to dear Bean) and we drove or Daddy would be waiting. Either way almost every single day you ran off the bus brimming with excitement. I would badger you with questions trying to figure out what in the world you did all day-away from me for eight hours every day. I am so proud of you for how well you did this year. I am amazed at your reading. As your Mama was just learning her "Letter People" in Kindergarten, you know how to actually read. Independently. I am so very thankful for that. You also love math and ask me to quiz you every day. Math questions, "kid" questions, or I spy spelling questions every day while waiting for the bus. I love how much you love school.

A little Q & A
What was your favorite thing about kindergarten: Reading
What was your favorite subject: Art
What was the coolest thing you did this year: Field Day
What was the coolest thing you learned this year: How to turn a kaleidoscope with flowers and grass in it.
Who were your friends: I, P, M, A, E, J, L, A, M. Although you say that you were friends with everyone in your class.

We ended this year with a new family member and a family complete. We are preparing for a big move back to Ohio and the big jump from Kindergarten (the babies of the school) to First grade...just one of the kids. But now, let's celebrate SUMMER!

I have to say I have such mixed feelings now. I am so sad that the school she made all of these friends, learned to read so well, turned into a place I didn't want to send her. I am disappointed that I still haven't heard a word from her teacher or principal, instead just passing the problem up. I want her to remember her time there as happy so nothing will be mentioned to her or in the scrapbooks but in my heart, I am sad. I hope there is a resolution, but as of now, none has come. I can only hope going forward school is a safe place for her to learn and grow. It will be very hard for me to put all my trust in a school again.

Ten on Tuesday

1. I voted today.
2. I had completely forgotten about my November Thankful project until a friend reminded me on Facebook. Join in and share what you are thankful for.
3. November 1: I am thankful that Lily was awarded student of the month!
November 2: I am thankful for my husband who loves his children, plays with his children, and tells them that he loves him every single day.
4. My thankfulness today comes from a tragic story from my town. I am waiting to hear my town on the national news. Let me just say please hug your children.
5. I am so glad all of the nasty horrible ads are over. I am so tired of the fighting. I am believing more and more that most elected officials are not doing what is best, but following what will get the best headlines. I understand people have different views-that's what makes America, but since when does respect not matter? Ok soapbox over.
6. I have been thinking about Meemaw all day-I loved having politics conversations with her.
7. This pregnancy is kicking my behind. Counting the weeks.
8. I have lots and lots of ideas for Christmas presents, but I have yet to buy one. Must get on that. Soon.
9. I have been an editing maniac recently. Getting near the end of my 2010 photography season.
10. Have you checked out the Write. Click. Scrapbook. gallery? It is up today and it is very, very fun. See that picture in the top left? There is another very interesting picture on this particular layout ;)

Halloween 2010

I can't remember exactly when Lily decided on The Statue of Liberty as her costume, but I know she has been excited about it for months and months now. And I have been too. She wanted to bring her torch into school for Show and Tell but as they don't exactly have Show and Tell anymore, I decided we needed to learn some facts about Lady Liberty to share with the class to make it a bit more educational. (And that folks is how nerds are created ;)

Lily now knows
1. The Statue of Liberty was unveiled on October 28, 1886.
2. The Statue of Liberty lives in New York.
3. She was a gift from France.
4. Her fingers are taller than a man.
5. Her eyes are about the size of a child.
I also learned the Joseph Pulitzer was intrigal in finishing the base when they ran out of money for materials and labor. He used his paper The World to ask for donations from the public because he felt The Statue of Liberty was a gift to all the people of America and he wanted to Nationalize the project. I also found out that she gets her color from the thin layer of copper applied that has patinated.

When she brought in the torch she began telling her facts and her teacher asked "Do you have any more facts?" and she said "Yes. I have TONS. I think I need to get a chair." hee hee.

So without further ado, I bring you The Statue of Liberty.
So I kind of like to have a bit of a theme when dressing the kids up so I was very excited when my friend Adela came up with the idea of dressing Charlie as an immigrant. YES. PERFECT.
For the record I had every part of his costume in my posession except for his bow tie which I found on Etsy. I didn't realize that I actually dress my son like a Swedish Immigrant on non Halloween days too :)

Here they are together
I think Charlie thought this was the way he should pose-just like his sister.
I think his face here is SHOCK at his Mama telling him to STAND on the picnic table. For the record, Lily did ask "Do I have to hold my arm up all night?" Yet, she did for most of the night :)

So this was right before our MOM's Club Halloween party where Charlie won the award for cutest costume for the 0-2 category. Lily won a special award as well. Ah proud Mama and Daddy.

On Saturday we decided to do a little trick or treating downtown. And then I heard there was a costume contest downtown. So we entered.
And they won! Oh Lily was soooooo excited. (And Charlie too, but it was late and he was done with this whole contest thing.)
Oh yeah, she was SUPER excited.
We will most definitely remember this Halloween for a long time to come.

Some other notable moments

• Charlie running around at the MOM's Club party with his certificate yelling "I won a costume!"
• Charlie running around with one of the pipe cleaners at the party yelling "I have a fuzzy caterpiller!"
• Charlie running around before Trick or Treat yelling "TRICK OR TREAT! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
• Lily running around with her school friend Michelle-even eating dinner with her. So good to see her with friends.
• Hanging out with friends during downtown Trick or Treat including a very cute Hamburger 
  Who may just have a crush on Charlie.
  Well he is the cutest immigrant in town :)

So now the big question...what in the world could we do next year that could top this. Mmmmmhhhh...

Ten on Tuesday

1. The other day Lily said to us "I'm an artist of MATH!" I love that she loves math. I really hope that continues.
2. Bean has been dancing in my belly lately and all times of the day. Goodness gracious I have a feeling I may have a very active non sleeper on my hands. Mmmmmhhhh.
3. I just started reading Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone to Lily. Although we read every night anyway, I find it very interesting that she now has 20 minutes required reading for the "Book-it" program. The very same program I participated in when I was in elementary school. I probably even still have my pin somewhere :)
4. I am very excited about a crop benefiting Juvenile Diabetes I have coming up soon. It will be my third time attending-yup even went the first October we got here when I knew no one.
5. I have really enjoyed my days with Charlie-just me and the boy. That kid makes me laugh every single day.
6. If only that kid would look at me when I tried to take his picture. Seriously. I will be resulting to bribery tomorrow.
7. I am very sorry everyone, I LOVE THE WEATHER lately. It feels divine. :)
8. Sciatic nerves have still been giving me lots of problems, but dare I say slightly better now that I am taking frequent heating pad breaks. Fingers crossed.
9. I have a new favorite show. Sarah's house. Just love her gorgeous country but not overly country style.
10. And that's all...folks.

Ten on This Day

1. Yes I know-blog more. I will get back to it. REally, I will. For some reason I haven't been able to manage my time well lately.
2. Every day, M-F my alarm goes off-school. Have to say I miss the mornings where we can get up when we get up-sometimes really early, sometimes late, got breakfast, stayed in jammies for a while if we wanted. For five years, this has mostly been our routine. It is hectic and rushed and not relaxing every single morning now. And I just have one child to get to school and only two children to get ready. Oh my this will be a busy 19 years. yeah, Cause Bean will graduate in 2029. Whoa.
3. Oh yeah and for some reason I figured out that I will make approximately 6480 packed lunches. Why did I figure that out?
4. I Googled something the other day and ask dot com came up having an answer. Guess what. I WILL NEVER USE ASK DOT COM AGAIN (nor will I link to it.) Why? Because as of October 1 they are shutting down Bloglines. Yes, my unforgiving consumer gene applies to websites too.
5. If you missed my week at Write. Click. Scrapbook. you can see it here. I still get so so happy every time I walk in my bedroom and see this.
Despite the fact that both Bj and I think Charlie looks about six or seven in this picture.
6. I still have three spots open for the Paper Pin Ups Calendar. Won't you sign up? It is fun :)
January
February: Marie
March
April: Susie
May: Elizabeth
June: Missy
July: Katy
August
September: Melissa S
October: Nicole Russell Willis
November: Merideth
December: Stephanie S
7. I am doing Christmas Mini Shoots in Ohio on October 9 and shoots in my area October 16-17. Spots are going quickly, but I do still have some open. Email me if you are interested in details!
8. So glad Parenthood is back. Such a great show.
9. I accidentally said I thought Michael would be in the top three of Project Runway. I totally meant Christopher.
10. And made it to 10. Right??

Kindergarten

To say you were excited would be an understatement. You were ecstatic to go to Kindergarten today. Ironically I had to wake you up this morning-something I never ever have to do because you are generally up before me when you are excited about something, but today you slept. Is this just a school thing people? But after you realized this was it-school day, you were up and giving me instructions about taking care of your baby-give her a nap, make sure I give her snack and breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Yeah, you take my breath away.
And you have my heart. On the way to the bus stop I held your hand extra tight.
A few more photos at the bus stop
And then it came.
You were first on the bus, no hesitation, no fear, only excitement.
There you sat, waving, while Mama had tears in her eyes.
While someone else was very sad too-calling your name as the bus pulled away.

Tomorrow

We're Going to be Friends
by Jack Johnson
Fall is here, hear the yell
Back to school, ring the bell
Brand new shoes, walking blues
Climb the fence, books and pens
I can tell that we are going to be friends
Yes I can tell that we are going to be friends
Walk with me Suzy Lee
Through the park and by the tree
We can rest upon the ground
And look at all the bugs we've found
Safely walk to school without a sound
We safely walk to school without a sound
Well here we are no one else
We walk to school all by ourselves
There's dirt on our uniforms
From chasing all the ants and worms
We clean up and now it's time to learn
We clean up and now it's time to learn
Numbers letters learn to spell
Nouns and books and show and tell
Play time we will throw the ball
Then back to class through the hall
The teacher marks our height against the wall
The teacher marks our height against the wall
And we don't notice any time pass
Because we don't notice anything
And we sit side by side in every class
The teacher thinks that I sound funny
But she likes it when you sing
Tonight I'll dream in my bed
While silly thoughts run through my head
Of the bugs and alphabet
And when I wake tomorrow I'll bet
That you and I will walk together again
Because I can tell that we are going to be friends
I can tell that we are going to be friends

I can hardly believe that tomorrow Lily starts Kindergarten. How is it possible that tomorrow I will willingly send my first born off in a huge bus with no seat belt when I so carefully have buckled her in for five years? How is it she will be gone from early in the morning to the late afternoon when for the past five years I have seen her almost every hour of her day? How will I know if she eats her lunch? How will I know she is making friends, listening to the teacher, concentrating on her work, being respectful, singing her heart out, exploring, running, jumping, learning, if I am not there with her? I know I have taught her the best I can, but what will she learn now? Yes reading, writing, and arithmetic, but what else?

I know it is time. I know she is beyond excited. She is ready. I know that Charlie will be OK and will get used to it being the two of us during the day, but part of me wants to just wait. Let her stay in her jammies a bit longer, stay my little baby a bit longer, stay home a bit longer, but tomorrow the big yellow bus will come and take her to school and I know that she will love every minute of it.

I will just miss her every minute of it.