First Grade

 

 Two years ago, this happened and I thought "I can't believe my baby is such a big kid."

 



 

Last year...same thing!

 

 

 

Look at him now.  First Grade!!  I have so enjoyed seeing everyone's first day pictures on Facebook and via email.  I want to freeze time because I know that I will blink and he will suddenly be a high school graduate, or college graduate for that matter, and I will wonder where the time went and how we got to wherever it is we will be then.  God has a plan, and I pray that he continually reminds me that right now that involves first grade.  Everything else will happen when it is supposed to happen.

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Quick Kindergarten wrap up

 

 

I know this is a bit late, but what else is new with me these days...

 

First Day of Kindergarten

 Last Day of Kindergarten

(disregard the pink writing...my printer is out of color ink...)

 



This kid learned SO much this year in Kindergarten.  I am amazed at how he has grown in the 9 months.  He's always loved books, but now he can read on his own (when he focuses).  He learned math and science, music and art.  He is so much more independent--walking from the crosswalk all by himself, managing the lunch line with no problem, etc.  He participated in programs, went on field trips, and made a bunch of new friends.  I know this all seems like common sense, since we have all been through it.  But, it was an enormous growing time for us as he transformed to more a little boy than my baby.  We were so blessed with a wonderful teacher and fantastic school.  Yesterday, he asked me why he can't go back to school until August.  I think it's more than just missing his friends.  He really liked it!!


He was even patient enough on that last day to let me get a few pictures of him...and, then he stopped paying attention to me because he was excited about going to a swim party and I was keeping him from that.

Watch out, First Grade! 

Here comes Justus!

Thanksgiving Round-Up

Wow!  What a wonderful Thanksgiving week we had.  I say week because although the actual day was awesome itself, we had several different events on different days that were just as special to us!  We had a Kindergarten Program on Tuesday with Justus, where he and his friends sang several songs about giving thanks that just melted my heart.  I have a video of one of the songs, but the quality is not good.  Similarly, my "good" camera and I are having a fight, so I only have a picture or two that came out.  You can spot him smack dab in the middle of the first one, looking at me.  I like the second one because it gets most of his class on the right side of the pic.  He's in the third row from the top, 4th from the right.    It was really, really adorable to see him participating in this.  The day before this event, the Kindergarterners went to a local senior living community and put on the same program.  He had a blast doing that!

Then, on Wednesday, we scooted over to Delaney's daycare, which hosted a fabulous Thanksgiving Feast where we all brought sides and desserts while they provided the turkey, dressing, and gravy.  In the words of Rachel Ray--Yum-O!!  I did NOT want to go back to work after that.  Technically, I didn't have to (we were given a noon release for those leaving town), but there was still work to be done so I did (see--I'm being a good steward of your tax dollars, Texas residents.  You're welcome!).  I only managed to get this one shot of Delaney and Kidd before the feast began, but there was plenty of entertainment.  I was just already shoveling it in by then.  The two oldest classes sang a few songs and told us what they were thankful for.  Sooo sweet!

That evening, we headed to SA to see my family, which was great, as always.  This is us after lunch.  Everybody smiling.  Except Kidd and Delaney.  Have I mentioned that she is his child, in EVERY way?!

 

It shouldn't be this way, but I'm pretty sure this is the second consecutive year this type of picture has been able to be taken.  Swimming.  On Thanksgiving Day.  This is not right (but was still kind of awesome).

Delaney and Darla had fun with sparkly shoes.  This is not surprising.  There will be more of this in Delaney's future, I have no doubt.  If she could only see and appreciate Darla's closet--it's like Mecca to shoe lovers.

 

Saturday, we had a wonderful lunch with Kidd's family.  Apparently, I was so busy eating, taking pictures never even crossed my mind.  Sorry (and yet, not altogether surprising)!  That night, we had a few friends over to watch the Aggies snap their 3-game losing streak to Mizzou, while Johnny Football made his last argument for the Heisman.  Again--fabulous!  For some, there was something more entertaining than the game, though.  Delaney had all kinds of fun with Ms. Tish, Ms. Glenda, and Ms. Sheila, while Justus and Tish's son, Carlos, ran off and played all evening.

 Sunday was an uneventful, yet productive day.  We I got up in the attic and got down the Christmas decorations and put them out.  The only thing left is the tree, which will require Kidd's assistance.  He is not thrilled about this, so I must approach the issue at a time likely to result in a favorable response.  I'm thinking after he's had a couple of drinks.  Don't worry--I'm still the one getting up in the attic.  I just need someone to wait at the bottom for falling tree parts.  Our house lights are going up today (thanks to professional assistance)!  We even went to Toys R Us yesterday and let the kids create a wish list.  I know it's very commercial, but grandparents and other people LOVE having a list to choose from when they don't know what your kids want.  Plus, they both have birthdays right around Christmas, so it's all there.  Don't judge--it's a fantastic idea. I think we should all be able to create registries at our favorite stores...and more than just for wedding and baby showers.  I just wish they had it at Target because I kind of hate our local TRU.  Shhhh, don't tell the kids. 

Work is so busy right now, and is about to get even crazier, so there are no words to express how thankful I am for such a wonderful long weekend to reflect on the many blessings I have been given.  I hope that you and yours had as great of a time, and may that warm heart feeling carry you through this very busy holiday season.  CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!

**This post has already been too long, so I will do a separate one for the rest of what I want to share with you.  Just a hint--Sarah Giles, of Butterfly Chaser Photography, has been busy with our kiddos and you know what that means--gorgeous PICTURES that I can't help but share...even at the risk of ruining Christmas cards for some**

Last summer weekend, then Kindergarten Bound

On the last official summer weekend, we got to go to Waco for a cousin's wedding!  We decided to make a stop at the Cameron Park Zoo in the afternoon since the wedding wasn't until evening.  Kidd hurt his back, so I had to single-parent the adventure.  Note to self:  Keep the husband around, even if only to assist with child management. 

Sorry the picture is so far away, but I was trying to get the whole sign in.  It's one or the other, right?

For being a fairly small zoo, we saw ALL kinds of great animals and creatures---fish, bears, monkeys, alligators, birds, bison....the list is endless. We did skip the giraffes and elephants to go to the Splash Pad.  I'm pretty sure it was their favorite part of the trip!

Then it was time to get ready for the wedding.  Aren't they the cutest?! I'm not biased, or anything. The picture below on the right is from the photo booth at the wedding.  My cousin, OJ, his holding up the kids so they can peek through.  Isn't that a fun idea?!

So, Monday was the big day.  Kindergarten!  Never have I seen a kid so excited about going to school (and probably never will again). 

These two are sure going to miss seeing each other on the playground and around school for the next few years! (and mommy is going to miss one drop off stop...)

With all the hustle and bustle of everyone arriving at the same time, Mrs. Kellen was wonderfully organized with things for the kids to do when they got to school on Monday, so there was no confusion.

In his seat and ready to learn!!

 

 The sweetest Kindergarten teacher ever, Mrs. Kellen! 

This pic is from Meet the Teacher night, which I did NOT make.

And this little gem is courtesy of Miss Sarah Giles of Butterfly Chaser Photography!  We took pics in June, and she made this and posted it to my Facebook page the night before Kindergarten started. I LOVE it and can't wait to see the rest of our pics from that shoot!  Of course, I will share when we get them...

Day 4 of Kinder and he is loving it!  Today was the first day I had to drop him off and wasn't allowed to walk him in (his rule, not the school's).  Nobody told me that would be harder than the first day!!  He was just mad that I insisted on dropping him off at the building rather than across the street so he could do the cross walk.  He did great, and we may explore the crosswalk option next week.  He's got plenty of time for that, since he'll be at this school for five years. 

We are so proud of him, and love hearing his daily adventures in Kindergarten.  May he always be so willing to share his daily experience in the evening when we get home (with some pointed questions).  I hope he continues to have such a love of learning, that school is always enjoyable to him.  I know it probably won't be, but I think this year is off to a great start and we can just hope for the best!

Wednesday's Winning Words

KINDERGARTEN!! 

I could stop there.  Really.  But, that would just be mean.  As you may know, Justus started Kindergarten on Monday.  Talk about one seriously excited little boy!  Don't fret, for those that aren't on Facebook, more pictures are coming in a subsequent post.  It's been a busy week.  We have heard about all of the wonderful things about Kindergarten and Kids Klub (after school program), so there could be a lot to share on this Wednesday.  Instead, I will share with you the conversation that I was never prepared for.

It's Tuesday morning (one day of Kinder under his belt):

Justus:  I have to go outside and check the weather!
Me (and Kidd):  Why?
Justus:  Because I'm going to run to school today.

We completely disregarded this because we had never discussed it...and frankly I figured he meant when we got to school, he was wanting to run in the building.

Then, a few minutes later when he and I were about to leave:

Me:  Justus get your things and let's get in the car, please.
J:  Awww, man.  (breaking down into whiny child) I was going to run to school today.
Me:  Justus, we live over a mile from the school and you are five.  There's no way you are walking or running to school by yourself right now....and frankly, probably not this year.
J:  I wasn't going to go by myself.  You could come with me.
Me:  Well, how would I get to work then?  I wouldn't have my car.
J: You could come back and get it.

Clearly, he overestimates my ability to walk in the August heat (even at 7:30 a.m.) and not get sweaty and gross...and he thinks I'm very fast...

To cap it all off, Little Mr. I-Can-Do-It-By-Myself insisted, this morning, that I no longer walk him in the building.  I have to drop him off. 

I. Am. Crushed. 

(all the while, truly appreciating his independence)

Three days?  I thought I could get at least a week of walking in with him. 

When did he become such a big kid??

Working Mom Fail

There was never a time in my adult life where I contemplated not working.  Sure, I dream of having a sugar daddy who toils away while I spend my day lunching, shopping, exercising (not really, but I'd feel really guilty if I left this one out), volunteering, and going to the spa, but in *reality* I knew I would always work.  I admire stay-at-home moms and sometimes wish for that life, but I love my job and I love my kids and this is the life for us.  I know that I am a better parent because I work, for a number of reasons, the details of which I will spare you.  It's a decision we made years ago and haven't looked back or even tried to find a way to make it work otherwise.  Side note:  I'd love to say that the working mommy gig is also why I don't post to this blog as often as I would like, but several of you supermom friends of mine put me to shame as full time mommies with full time jobs, all the while managing many more blogposts than I.  So, I won't go there.

You know by now that I occasionally travel for my work.  It's not often, but it does happen.  And when I travel, it is not close.  It's not cross country or international, but I'm not getting there in a couple of hours either.  It is also not always negotiable, as to time and date that I need to be somewhere.  It is rare to find a judge who asks if a hearing date or trial date is "good" for me.  Now, if I had a conflict of the legal kind, arrangements could be made, but not this time.

Having said all that, I write to you today about what happens when the working mommy guilt sets in.  First of all, I am writing about this now because the events I speak of are next week and if I write about it next week, I will cry.  Don't you already feel bad for me?

So, Justus starts Kindergarten on the 27th.  It's been on my calendar for a year, nothing else happens that day.  Period.  What I didn't account for was that there would be new parent orientation and meet the teacher nights the week before school starts.  I found out recently that I have to be 6 hours away on Meet the Teacher day, which also makes me miss Orientation the night before because I have to be there at 9 a.m.  There's a small chance I can fly (and by "fly," I'm talking about driving a rental at warp speed because I do work for the government and we rarely get to literally fly) back and make part of Meet the Teacher, but it all depends on the judge.  The judge that I heard just yesterday sees his 9 a.m. docket settings as more of an advisory, and it really means 9:30 or 10:00.  Sinking in the pit of my stomach sets in firmly.  I'm seriously not going to be there when my son, my first born, finds out who his first "real" school teacher is and when he meets her for the first time, and when he walks into his kindergarten class for the very first time.  Major life event and I won't be there because I have a Motion for Summary Judgment hearing that morning on the other side of the state.  BOOOOOO! 

Generally, the fact that I work is not an issue and I know it's the right choice for our family.  But at this moment, when I think about missing this monumental moment (Justus is totally unaffected, by the way), I just writhe with angst.  I worry that he's going to, as an adult, look back and be completely disappointed in me as a parent.  Might he think he takes second chair to my work?  That I would rather be working than doing fun things or school functions with him?  Did I mention he's totally unaffected by the fact that only his dad is going to Meet the Teacher?  So yes, I understand that I'm somewhat delusional in my concerns, but that guilt gets ahold of my heart and just takes it to the depths I never knew existed.

So, those of you who deal with the working mommy guilt--know that you are not alone.  I know you already know it, but in this moment, feel very much that you are in good company.  And please pray that I get back next Thursday afternoon by 4:00.  Even though it's a longshot.

The 3rd of July!!

I know what you are thinking--why in the world is she getting excited about the 3rd of July, isn't tomorrow the holiday and anniversary of our country's independence?  Yes, it is.  But, since kids came into our lives, we've had a little 3rd of July celebration every year--The Weekday School 4th of July Parade!  Today's parade marked 1) the first (and last) time both kids got to be in the parade together--Justus was recovering from his tonsilechtomy last year, and 2) Justus' last parade before Kindergarten (sniff sniff).  Now, when I say "parade," I'm sure you are envisioning floats down the city street, with hundreds of onlookers, cheering as they go by.  Close, but scale it back just a smidge.  Imagine a big gym with parents, grandparents, and other special people (armed with phones, cameras, and videocameras, of course) lined around the edge, and the kids walk in make a huge circle or two, say a prayer, a pledge, and off they go.  The End.  Simple, sweet, and to the point.  It has taken on several iterations over the year, sometimes including lunch for/with the parents and sometimes not.  Can't say I blame them in the "not" years.  Each class either makes shirts, hats, and/or props of some kind.  I'm sure it is a lot of work for the teachers and staff to prepare for this very brief activity.    This doesn't even begin to take into account what happens when some of the younger ones spot their excited parents in the crowd.  More on that momentarily.

So, here are some pics from this year's parade, held earlier today.

I know it's far away and a little blurry, but a shout out to the Friendship Club.  Justus has been with most of these kids since infancy.  They are such good kids and I know they are going to miss each other next year.

Look how much fun they are having with their homemade hats and sparklers.

Total. Pro.

Delaney and her friends a little overwhelmed by checking out the chaos. 

Looking good in their homemade shirts.

Pretty darn cute.  Before she saw me.

...and then someone saw Mommy...

This is why you should hide when your child under three comes tootling through...

Justus waiting on the stage because SOMEONE got to lead everyone in the prayer. 

Check it out--if you can even see him.  My mistake for standing on the opposite side of the gym. 

So proud of him.

They may be short and sweet, but we always enjoy the 3rd of July parades at the Weekday School.  We will miss watching Justus parade around, but look forward to more for Delaney --assuming they allow us back after we made the near fatal error of going to her classroom.  After she was calmed down and eating.  And got her all upset again.  Duh!  I know better.

So, Happy 3rd of July to everyone!!

Pomp and Circumstance

Pre-K graduation was yesterday.  Yes, Justus has met the requisite basic skills to move on to Kindergarten (whew!).  So, we gathered with the other Friendship Club families and watched our kiddos participate in what is hopefully the first of several graduations.  May they all be so quick (I know, wishful thinking).

Delaney and her friend Jordyn already setting the stage for their graduation in about 4 years.

The processional. 

The whole class.  Aren't they precious?

I'm not sure which song they were singing here, but I promise they are singing, not yawning.

Justus getting his diploma from Ms. Carolina.  We've loved having her as his teacher this year and we know he will miss her and the other teachers very much.

They after-party.  May they always just be having cake and fruit with friends. 

A mom can dream, right?

Delaney outside, waving at everyone inside...and done, ready to go eat!

Justus with his friend Jenna (the afore-mentioned Jordyn's big sister).  Maybe when Delaney and Jordyn graduate, we can retake this picture to see how they've grown.  He will miss Jenna and many of his classmates next year.

So excited Aunt Amber came to watch...

..and Ms. Shanon...

...and Grandma and Grandpa Royal.

Super proud Daddy, Delaney, and Mommy!

READY for KINDERGARTEN!!