In preparing for the first day of school the kids had homework we completed last night, (yep before school ever started). But it was an easy worksheet about themselves. Owen’s was HILARIOUS. He had to complete the sentences.
•Other people like me because I’m nice.
•I like me because of my invisible tail. WHAT?
•When I grow up I want to be a miner. Then he commented that he will need a pick ax too… again, WHAT?
He cracks me up.
So today was the first day….
I put on ‘em on the bus and as tradition would have it I drove myself to school and waited for the bus so that I could walk them to class. It is nice to see them get to class safely on their first day. It puts me at ease and I like tradition (I remember the small rituals from my childhood and I want my kids to have the same types of memories).
Brooklynn got off the bus and quickly told me she could walk herself. Rude….. Owen on the other hand was willing to let me walk him to class (he will be my favorite child for the whole day) He led us down the first grade hallway to Mrs. Jones class (his teacher from last year) he gave her a hug and then cut thru her class to the second grade hallway (this was something she suggested on Meet the Teacher Night. (he apparently liked the idea, because he was leading me… hopefully she on board permanently because he doesn’t change routines easily).
I took his picture in front of his classroom and then I looped back and got a picture of Brooklynn with her teacher.
The end of the day... I picked the kids up at school (they are in the afer school program), and the stories started pooring out of them. They both had great days. The big deal of the (mom mistake 100 for the day) I told both kids to bring home anything in thier lunches that they didn't eat. The thought process behind it was so I knew what they were eating, BUT Owen didn't drink all of his Gatorade so he put it back in his lunch bag and it spilled all over everything in his backpack, I have 30 pages from his binder on his first day of school hung with clothes pins in an attempt to dry it for school tomorrow. RESCUE WORK!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Meet the Teacher Night
The start of the school year begins with “meet the teacher night”. Owen has a teacher new to his school. She comes with “rave reviews” so I’m very excited. That, added with the blessings we’ve been given of such a great support system at his school (I wonder if every parent feels as lucky as I do? --- I know his principal and vice principal and nurse and counselor, and office staff, and teachers…. All care about him, not just pass him in the hall. SUCH A BLESSING!)
Anyway, Owen met his teacher and really liked her. He was very excited to find that he knew a lot of people in his class and there were several boy scouts in his class. AND the little girl that he had a crush on “his girlfriend” sits at his table. He was elated. It couldn’t have worked out better.
We also met his new speech and language teacher, a very nice lady that I know Owen will take a quick liking to. We saw his resource teacher, and said hello to his former first grade teacher (he was so excited to give her a hug) – I thought it was so sweet.
Then we met Brooklynn’s teacher. This was a quick stop, where Owen’s room was full and busy, we were the only people on Brooklynn’s room. This was nice because it allowed us to really meet her. Brooklynn didn’t recognize any of the names in her class, but I know she will make fast friends.
Anyway, Owen met his teacher and really liked her. He was very excited to find that he knew a lot of people in his class and there were several boy scouts in his class. AND the little girl that he had a crush on “his girlfriend” sits at his table. He was elated. It couldn’t have worked out better.
We also met his new speech and language teacher, a very nice lady that I know Owen will take a quick liking to. We saw his resource teacher, and said hello to his former first grade teacher (he was so excited to give her a hug) – I thought it was so sweet.
Then we met Brooklynn’s teacher. This was a quick stop, where Owen’s room was full and busy, we were the only people on Brooklynn’s room. This was nice because it allowed us to really meet her. Brooklynn didn’t recognize any of the names in her class, but I know she will make fast friends.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Back to the Routine...
Clearly I’ve taken the summer off. We have had a busy summer with vacations and activities.
Cabo San Lucas ---- We had a week long trip to Cabo San Lucas , Mexico . Very fun, Mamaw and Papaw went with us. Me & Owen parasailed together and Mamaw went too. We were all so brave. Owen is so funny. Before we ever left for Mexico we showed him pictures of parasailing making sure he was up for it, he said he was. He hopped into the harness, no issues. He waited until we were halfway up (300 feet over the Sea of Cortez ) before he informed me that he was (his exact words) “slightly afraid of heights”. Brooklynn was her usual self, a social butterfly, having never met a stranger; I don’t know where she gets it (wink, wink). She is such a funny girl. She never really ventured over the wall of the baby pool (which was the deciding factor in Donn and I enrolling the kids in swim lessons later in the summer). The trip was great, a little cooler then normal, but the FOOD!!! We are already planning next years trip.
Jazz Party ---- The next trip was just Donn & me. We flew to California to attend the Annual Johnson Jazz Party… Always fun. I of course get the added benefit of seeing all of my family. I get shopping with my sister & mom... meals with my dad…hanging out with my brother and nephews… it is a weekend of bliss that reminds me what I am missing. Bittersweet.
Girl Scout Camp ---- I guess you know you had a good time if you were too busy having the fun to take pictures. I had zero expectations (truth be told I was skeptical) but I had the most amazing time. Brooklynn & I spent 2 nights and three days at Camp Tuckaho . I was a camp counselor in Tuck East and she was a camper in Sacagawea (yep, we were not together). It was such a great experience; Brooklynn was such an independent little girl. We saw each other at meals and at the All-Camp Fire at night, but other then that she was on her own. No –“mom” tuck in. She lost her first tooth at camp. The counselors took care of it, contacting the tooth fairy and everything… I was really impressed with the little girls in my group (ages 7-12) – 20 of them. My favorite part … canoeing. I don’t think I will need to back with her next time, but I think this will be an annual trip for Brooklynn. She cried when she had to leave.
Swim Lessons ---- The need for all kids to swim lessons is crucial (in my opinion) but Brooklynn it is even more critical because of her intense fear of water. Originally Brooklynn was on the waiting list and only Owen was going to take lessons but I figured it was worth a try to take her and see if there was a “no-show”. Sure enough, she got in. Since she was third on the waiting list, I’m lucky that more people didn’t have the same idea. Swim lessons were four nights a week for two weeks. Their teachers were very well suited their personalities; patient when necessary but still insistent that they try the skill. The first five minutes of the first night Brooklynn sobbed, not wanting to get into the water then everything was sunshine and rainbows “I love swim lessons”. This ended quickly and the remaining classes where torture and tears, Brooklynn never putting her face in the water on her own. Her teacher would hold her and dunk her in the water (with her so it didn’t seem so mean). I watched Brooklynn on the last day I could still see the complete panic in within her at the idea of putting her face in the water. It made me sad to know that she has a guinene understanding on what it is like to go without breath. I wish I could take that memory away from her. My best hope is to help her overcome it. Owen was his challenging self (in a good way) He stood on the high dive “wanting to overcome his fear”. On his fourth trip up without ever jumping off, I followed him up (it is higher then I remember --- I was a little scared) I dropped him off the end to his teachers waiting arms. BOY WAS HE MAD!!! I clapped and praised him, and said, “but you overcame your fear” his response --- “No, you did it”. Only Owen would deduct credit from himself since he didn’t jump of his own free will. I asked him how it was and he said “It was intense”. I just love ‘em.
Back to School ---- So we are headed back to school. Both kids are ready, Brooklynn is excited. Supplies are purchased…. Meet the teacher night is tomorrow… Cross your fingers and hope that the beginning of the year starts smoothly…
Cabo San Lucas ---- We had a week long trip to Cabo San Lucas , Mexico . Very fun, Mamaw and Papaw went with us. Me & Owen parasailed together and Mamaw went too. We were all so brave. Owen is so funny. Before we ever left for Mexico we showed him pictures of parasailing making sure he was up for it, he said he was. He hopped into the harness, no issues. He waited until we were halfway up (300 feet over the Sea of Cortez ) before he informed me that he was (his exact words) “slightly afraid of heights”. Brooklynn was her usual self, a social butterfly, having never met a stranger; I don’t know where she gets it (wink, wink). She is such a funny girl. She never really ventured over the wall of the baby pool (which was the deciding factor in Donn and I enrolling the kids in swim lessons later in the summer). The trip was great, a little cooler then normal, but the FOOD!!! We are already planning next years trip.
Jazz Party ---- The next trip was just Donn & me. We flew to California to attend the Annual Johnson Jazz Party… Always fun. I of course get the added benefit of seeing all of my family. I get shopping with my sister & mom... meals with my dad…hanging out with my brother and nephews… it is a weekend of bliss that reminds me what I am missing. Bittersweet.
Girl Scout Camp ---- I guess you know you had a good time if you were too busy having the fun to take pictures. I had zero expectations (truth be told I was skeptical) but I had the most amazing time. Brooklynn & I spent 2 nights and three days at Camp Tuckaho . I was a camp counselor in Tuck East and she was a camper in Sacagawea (yep, we were not together). It was such a great experience; Brooklynn was such an independent little girl. We saw each other at meals and at the All-Camp Fire at night, but other then that she was on her own. No –“mom” tuck in. She lost her first tooth at camp. The counselors took care of it, contacting the tooth fairy and everything… I was really impressed with the little girls in my group (ages 7-12) – 20 of them. My favorite part … canoeing. I don’t think I will need to back with her next time, but I think this will be an annual trip for Brooklynn. She cried when she had to leave.
Swim Lessons ---- The need for all kids to swim lessons is crucial (in my opinion) but Brooklynn it is even more critical because of her intense fear of water. Originally Brooklynn was on the waiting list and only Owen was going to take lessons but I figured it was worth a try to take her and see if there was a “no-show”. Sure enough, she got in. Since she was third on the waiting list, I’m lucky that more people didn’t have the same idea. Swim lessons were four nights a week for two weeks. Their teachers were very well suited their personalities; patient when necessary but still insistent that they try the skill. The first five minutes of the first night Brooklynn sobbed, not wanting to get into the water then everything was sunshine and rainbows “I love swim lessons”. This ended quickly and the remaining classes where torture and tears, Brooklynn never putting her face in the water on her own. Her teacher would hold her and dunk her in the water (with her so it didn’t seem so mean). I watched Brooklynn on the last day I could still see the complete panic in within her at the idea of putting her face in the water. It made me sad to know that she has a guinene understanding on what it is like to go without breath. I wish I could take that memory away from her. My best hope is to help her overcome it. Owen was his challenging self (in a good way) He stood on the high dive “wanting to overcome his fear”. On his fourth trip up without ever jumping off, I followed him up (it is higher then I remember --- I was a little scared) I dropped him off the end to his teachers waiting arms. BOY WAS HE MAD!!! I clapped and praised him, and said, “but you overcame your fear” his response --- “No, you did it”. Only Owen would deduct credit from himself since he didn’t jump of his own free will. I asked him how it was and he said “It was intense”. I just love ‘em.
Back to School ---- So we are headed back to school. Both kids are ready, Brooklynn is excited. Supplies are purchased…. Meet the teacher night is tomorrow… Cross your fingers and hope that the beginning of the year starts smoothly…
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Happy Birthday Baby
Today My little girl turned 6. I started the day waking up Brooklynn by laying with her saying "Happy Birthday Brooklynn". She said "Happy Birthday". I laughed and said, it's not my birthday, it's your birthday.
Her response... "I was talking to myself". She is so funny.
We took her to Applebees for dinner (the only restaurant in town that we knew would sign to her). In the middle of dinner they sang to a girl at a table near ours, this freaked her out. The remainder of the time she spent stressed deciding if it was worth having them sing to her just to get dessert. She opted on the song and dessert.
Her response... "I was talking to myself". She is so funny.
We took her to Applebees for dinner (the only restaurant in town that we knew would sign to her). In the middle of dinner they sang to a girl at a table near ours, this freaked her out. The remainder of the time she spent stressed deciding if it was worth having them sing to her just to get dessert. She opted on the song and dessert.
Sunday School...
I wasn’t sure how the kids were going to take to Sunday school. I knew how I was going to get them there, it was just going to be put into the schedule and they were going to see it as part of what we did (when we walk into church, Brooklynn says “they are singing for God” or “they are praying for God”) so in her way she gets it.
Brooklynn loves Sunday school, the getting dressed and going doesn’t always thrill her, but once she’s there, she listens and participates and she has come home with stories proving that she is listening and paying attention. What a great feeling.
This picture captures Brooklynn's last project:
“Mom, Jesus went to Heaven and met angels and then came back!!! It happened on Easter.” They have Brooklynn all figured out, tie it with a craft and a song and she will enjoy it and remember it!
Owen on the other had would rather sit with me in the big church… we will figure this out.
Brooklynn loves Sunday school, the getting dressed and going doesn’t always thrill her, but once she’s there, she listens and participates and she has come home with stories proving that she is listening and paying attention. What a great feeling.
This picture captures Brooklynn's last project:
“Mom, Jesus went to Heaven and met angels and then came back!!! It happened on Easter.” They have Brooklynn all figured out, tie it with a craft and a song and she will enjoy it and remember it!
Owen on the other had would rather sit with me in the big church… we will figure this out.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Stormy Night
I HATE STORMS. I especially hate them over night. I cannot sleep through them. Who will take care of our house if it is stuck by lightening? Or rescue or neighbors if their house is struck by lightening? ---- Yes, I am completely aware that my thoughts are, for the most part, completely irrational, but, they are mine….
So, two nights ago was stormy all night pouring rain, thunder crashing, lightening, the WORKS….
I got 20 minutes of sleep here and there. Brooklynn came in our room around midnight and snuggled up next to me (this was a relief to me, like I had a teddy bear --- not rational, but who cares). Owen joined us around 3:00. I moved Brooklynn to the middle and I was sandwiched between my two little snugglers, I don’t think I got another wink of sleep, but they were safe and that was all that mattered.
When I got up to take a shower, they made due…. This is what I came back to:
Then last night....no storm, but they still came to my bed. When I got up, this is how they were laying...
Boy Scouts
What an amazing night I had last night. It is quite possible that it meant more to me then it did to Owen (but I think that could be said for a lot of things in your kids lives).
It was his advancement ceremony from being a Tiger Cub to a Wolf Cub. Having no prior experience in boy scouts I had no expectations. It was great. The charter organization (the group that hosts our pack) is our church so each meeting starts with a prayer for our boys (awesome).
Owen didn’t sit with me, he wanted to sit with his Den… also AWESOME. Anything he decides he wants to be with his peers, I am so excited. He sat quietly and paid attention to the various ceremonies and skits.
He got activity beads.
And then his advancement was very moving (I almost cried!!!) Each parent took of the old neckerchief and put on the new neckerchief, Owen was really excited. You could tell that it meant a lot to him.
I would describe my mood as gitty after it was all over….
When we got home I asked Owen what he thought, he said it was the best day of his life. WOW!
It was his advancement ceremony from being a Tiger Cub to a Wolf Cub. Having no prior experience in boy scouts I had no expectations. It was great. The charter organization (the group that hosts our pack) is our church so each meeting starts with a prayer for our boys (awesome).
Owen didn’t sit with me, he wanted to sit with his Den… also AWESOME. Anything he decides he wants to be with his peers, I am so excited. He sat quietly and paid attention to the various ceremonies and skits.
He got activity beads.
And then his advancement was very moving (I almost cried!!!) Each parent took of the old neckerchief and put on the new neckerchief, Owen was really excited. You could tell that it meant a lot to him.
I would describe my mood as gitty after it was all over….
When we got home I asked Owen what he thought, he said it was the best day of his life. WOW!
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