Ten on Tuesday (ish)

 1.  A big highlight last week for M&E was picking out their birthday gifts using money from Great-Granddaddy.  We still put a portion of it in college savings funds, but they like getting to pick things out and ride the Toys R Us rides.  M selected a baby doll (just like one Kyle has) and an extra outfit for it.  E carried around the tiger and bear he has in this picture for the entire time and then at the last minute picked a large elephant instead?

 2.  Ms. Allison's last day was on Thursday.  We gave her gifts and a sticker filled card from M.  We had a great summer with her.  It is so nice to have someone you know will show up and do a good job everyday. The kids love her and I think we "may" be lucky enough to have her join us again next summer.

 3.  We're, again, taking morning walks/outside time before my work.  Frequently this means trips to the pond to feed the ducks, throw rocks. or play in M's "House" (Find her deep in the willows in the back of the second picture).

 4.  The final day with Ms. Allison featured M in her fairy costume, complete with Tinkerbell hair, and a very fun fort, where B eventually ended up napping --- He and I had a rough day that day and he was not permitted electronics.  Napping was probably the best outcome anyway.

 5.  Four days last week B had short one-on-one baseball lessons.  He at least knows the basis, but has so much more to learn and needs a zillion repetitions so there is muscle memory.  So far, you can still see him mentally checking off boxes as he throws or bats.  We do now have a "pitch back" and base ball tee so he can practice more at home.

6.  LEGO building is happily returning as a favored past time.  E loves to watch and help build almost as much as the big kids.

7.  On Saturday, B had sculpture class at the OK Museum of Art, which was very exciting.  While he was in class, the littles and I played at the Myriad Gardens, including the Thunder Fountain.  Sadly, M got scrapped up pretty badly when she fell, but she persevered.

 8. M, E, and I had a big painting day over the weekend.  I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but painting with kids stresses me out.  I want it to be fun, free, and creative.  Most often it is a hot mess.  See how M's hair is wet? In the first 2 minutes she had green paint all through it.  We worked it out and I even got to paint a few backgrounds for my scrapbooking.

 9.  More scenes from morning walks - The van was in the shop for a day having the battery replaced and some recall checks done.  I walked to Sonic with the kids in the morning.  E is "almost" ready to place his order.  He rides in the wagon for most or all of these walks.  In the second photo you may be able to see that "big Mario" usually joins him on adventures of late.

10.  This morning we went to the farmer's market.  M chose this rocking, sassy outfit.  Love it.  She and I spend an intense amount of time in stubborn -offs this week and she has some bad attitude/interrupting/rudness issues too.  It isn't good, but rest assured I am winning this battle however long that takes.... When we're not arguing though she is tons of fun and totally beautiful!

Ten on Tuesday.

1.  The big news of the day was B's school program.  I'm uploading some videos and hoping that at least some of them work. Just in case, I'm also adding a collage below.  The program was awesome.  He did a great job with his part, sang the whole time, and the whole 150 1st graders were very organized and prepared.  It was great fun.  I went to both the morning and afternoon shows and the afternoon show ended with a surprise rendition of "What did the fox say?"  Very cute. Thanks to Audra, Zane, Rowan, Grandma, Able, Granddaddy, Grammy, M, E, & Brent for joining me in the fun!

2.  This weekend was cousin Rowan's 1st Birthday party.  Everett and I attended and had a blast playing all afternoon!

3.  Meanwhile, Brent, B, M, and Granddaddy headed south to cousin John's 6th birthday at LEGO Discoveryland in Dallas. We are, as you know, LEGO fanatics so this was a fabulous trip. 

4. On Sunday, E & I had brunch at Waffle Champion with the Korenaks, Grandma, Able & Kari.  It was delicious as always.  Then Able, Kari, E & I had coffee at Elemental Coffee and went to Mass together.  E was tired and very busy during Mass. Able & Kari were a huge help and it was all more or less under control until he (inevitably) crashed in to the marble floor and got a big goose egg on his head.  After some crying outside, we came back in and made it through fairly happily with chants of "goldfish."  (He is obsessed with goldfish crackers, I should record that as he says it very intensely.

5.  Friday night I hosted the Oklahoma Alumni Network's George Washington's Birthday Bash.  There weren't very many people there, but it was great conversation and fun.  

6.  Today, after the program, we had ice cream at Braum's with Grandma and Granddaddy.  It was just like old times with post-program ice cream with my grandparents.  Loved it!

7.  This weekend is my birthday.  So far, we're planning lunch at Cow Calf-Hay with anyone that wants to join us.  Let me know if you do!

8.  Today, I set up babysitting for the kids here at the house four days a week all summer.  You may recall that we went through MANY baby sitter issues last summer.  Here's hoping this one is a bit smoother.  I still have to figure out camps and what to do about Fridays, but it is only February, right?

9. We've been doing a lot of cooking with our Raddish Kids kits.  They kids have enjoyed it so much and I'm trying to step back and let them do everything (and not freak out when it is a horrendous mess).  We've tried some new recipes like Panzanella salad that I probably wouldn't have made on my own, but it was delicious.  I totally get that I could develop these recipes, information tidbits, and related crafts on my own.  That said I wasn't doing it on my own and do want to have these learning moments with them in the lead rather than just watching me cook.  It is like someone giving you a well-developed lesson plan versus having to make a course from scratch.

10.  I have been running at least twice a week.  My feet are fine and I've babied them carefully.  My gym routine is about 35 minutes C25K run training + 15 minutes weights + 15 minutes stretching, stretching and more stretching.  So far, I feel good. I really need to find that third day to actually make any progress, but I'm just doing what I can now and not pushing it lest I get hurt.

Kindergarten!

Here we go -- this is long and detailed, but I so wan to remember. 

The BIG Day finally arrived!  My sweet B graciously lined up for his photo session with no protests whatsoever:)  He chose his own outfit and location.

Showed us his missing teeth.

And a variety of smiles and almost smiles. 

 

 

He even posed with his very enthusiastic little sister. 

This one is for Grandma so she can see the sans front teeth look from far away Colorado.

Then it was time for school. We live in the land of huge parking lots, huge cars, and somewhat bigger families.  We are used to having places to park.  No one walks, practically anywhere, and this school is not in a neighborhood, but is on a fairly major street.  All this leads up to "parking lot insanity".  There are two drop off loops all of which are rimmed in fire lanes. There are 118 kindergartners (as well as 1-5th graders of similar numbers).  When just the teachers were there yesterday there were probably less than 50 spaces empty.... yeah... not good.  We arrived maybe 20 minutes early and ended up parking in a fire lane.... Or at least we did until we were told the fire marshal and 20 tow trucks were coming.  Luckily, the bigger kids' parents were leaving by then so Brent found a space, but people were being towed and ticketed on the first day of school.  Insanity....

Oh, you came to hear about kindergarten though, right... not parking?? Ok, so we went inside to the "kindergarten pod" and found our way to Rm 109.  

The kids found spots on the rug and we observed them go through morning attendance rituals and all heard some basic instructions. E slept through all of this and most of the day actually.

M with her brother listening to Ms. S. read "Owen"

We all listened to a story and then it was time to go.  B came out and game Daddy, Maggie, Everett, and me hugs and turned back around right back to his spot.  He didn't look back.  I cried as we walked away.  Not all the way to sobbing, but the promised tears.  We went home and Brent went to work.  The kids and I went to the gym.  We walked in and I started punching in my code.  I hear this blood-curdling scream and turn to see it is actually my daughter....  Her finger is smashed in the part of the huge gym door where the hinge is.  I get it out and the finger is kind of flat on one side and bruised on the other with a little bit of blood at the cuticle.  Other mothers come running from all over with wet towels, hugs and eventually an ice pack from the Y staff as M shakes like a leaf sobbing.  Instant distraction from the Kindergarten tears.  We took her home and had a fairly fun afternoon, once the tylenol took effect.  

 (Side note - I wondered later how this happened today as we are at this gym every other day with no issue.  The difference today was no brother to hold the door or run in with her and she started exploring on her own to her peril without him.  So sad :(  We did talk to the pediatrician and he thinks it is likely broken, but there is not much more than ice and tylenol to do.  She perked up and was fine for most of the rest of the day, happily). 

We then had a few visitors.  These awesome cookies were from Grammie as well as some new clothes for the kids.  Mary's mom came by to pick up some baby things for Isaac to borrow and M was a huge fan.  She's already asking if "Isaac's Grandma can visit again".  We did a little shopping for girl clothes and purged small clothes... had a dance party.. you know, killing time.

E did wake up briefly - long enough to be put in silly hats and driven to the store... and fell back asleep before the next round of excitement.

Then we got to pick up the big boy.  We went early and avoided the chaos that immediately emerged again with massive 1/2 mile long pick up lines... blerg... anyway, we went in, watched his smile light up, said good-bye to Ms. S, and tried to get the kindergarten scoop as he enjoyed his cookies from Grammie.

We have only gotten a few details, but so far it sounds like:

• In the morning they practice having lunch, then later had lunch.
• Lunch was a hamburger, carrots and ranch, french fries and chocolate milk.
• He made one friend whose name is Scooter (!) obviously.
• He went to gym (not P.E. mom-gym) and was told if he doesn't have on sneakers on gym days he can't play--- he does not know which days are gym days so he just plans to wear sneakers daily.

• He sat at a shaped table and they had four stories
• They had rest time, but it was short and he was still tired.
• He went to recess and there were three things on the playground he'd never gotten to play with before. 
• One of the kids in his class is going to church two days from now (We tried to point out that probably more than one was... he was not buying it???)

• His teacher gave them lucky charms as a snack along with a description of good wishes they represented. 
• They went on an ABC scavenger hunt around the school and found all the letters.
• Music is on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• He saw two kids from his pre-K, neither is in his class.
• It was "pretty good"
• He thinks he will go back on Monday.

This has all come out in a series of questions in the ensuing say four hours between getting out of school and bedtime. lots of randomness.   After tasty snacks at home, who should show up but Granddaddy!  Granddaddy brought LEGO block kits for everyone.  I adored M's LEGO DUPLO Creative Cakes set while B worked through his dino 3 in 1 kit.  We finished in time for Daddy to arrive for a celebratory Star Wars pancake dinner (B's request).  Then, it was time for the MDO open house.

It was so fun!  We discovered that M will be in Ms. V's class---- I adore Ms.V.  She was B's teacher about three years ago and has the most awesome craft projects.  Everyone in her class is a 5 day a week person and most are old friends from prior years.  I think it is going to be awesome for her.  We also visited the kids' teachers from last year and saw plenty of familiar faces.  It was a nice familiar way to end the day with good news all around.  M did not want to leave, which is always a good sign.

At home, B got a welcome to kindergarten Skylander from us and some video game time during the little's bath ritual.... 

And that was that. The school year and the next phase of our lives is beginning.  I am so incredibly happy that they are happy.  I am incredibly delighted that the transition seemed to go well today for B.  I was afraid he might cry, but that was a small boy I first dropped off at MDO years ago, not my strong son today.  He did admit in the car that his mouth and tummy again thought he was shy and were nervous, but the rest of him, he said, was OK and that seemed to be true.  My brave, sweet, capable, boy.  I am so very very proud of you.

12 on the 12th: August

Welcome to 12 on the 12th - Here is a quick look at today!

1. Fun with big floor puzzles

2. A quick round of the treasure hunt game.

3. Happy 2 month birthday to E!

4. M wanted her picture taken too in her new night gown.

5. A final back to school trip to Target before OSSM starts tomorrow.

6. Me & E 

7. Brent dressed up for Convocation.

8.  Swimming at Great-Granddaddy's house with Granddaddy

9. Followed by pizza at Hideaway.

10.  Then LEGO block building time with Grammie and Granddaddy.

11.  iPad time with Daddy (this one is out of order and happened in the morning).

12. Almost catching a grin from our little guy.

It was a busy, very long day with Brent gone most of the day.  We did have lots of fun with the Grandparents and Great-Grandparents though.  I am so glad they were able to share in our day!

Five on Friday

Miss me? It has been a heavy work week, but I did find some happy things to share with you.

1.  As you know, we struggle with how to best be parents to B's sports and other endeavors that he somehow both seems to enjoy, but be challenged by emotionally.  I thought a recent article from Hands Free Mama -  entitled Six Words You Should Say Today - was very helpful and thoughtful.

2.

Source: etsy.com via abbeyviolet on Pinterest

When I was pregnant with M, my mom, sister and Chrissie made this awesome tree branch for her room with pictures of women in our family.  I'm wondering about making the new baby a tree like this that we can add the finger prints of his visitoring friends, family, etc... too.  I don't draw, but maybe when my mom returns she could help.

3. 

Source: chocolatecoveredkatie.com via abbeyviolet on Pinterest

I am such a fan of all things to do with coconut milk and these look positively incredible... and I'm mostly sure that isn't just pregnancy cravings talking...

4. 

Source: thisiscolossal.com via abbeyviolet on Pinterest

Check out this page for some incredible birds made out of LEGO blocks.  This might be the intersection of my mom's bird interest and B's LEGO fascination.  Think what they could build together!

5. 

Source: bhldn.com via abbeyviolet on Pinterest

I just think this is so simple and lovely.  I am seriously dubious about whether any attempts at having one of my own are reasonable, but sometimes just having this little bit of inspiration to look at is enough.

Have a happy, beautiful Friday!

Ten on Tuesday

Several things have happened that probably deserve their own posts and hopefully will get them soon.  That said, I'm in a bit of a writing funk so I'm going to preview them here so they don't get missed.

1.  At very long last, we finally bought B his first real bike and helmet. Uncle Able came along to help with selection and assembly.  It was a great success and B even rode it (with training wheels) all the way to Sonic today with Brent and M (while I was working---more on why everyone is home below).

2.  Ok, this is hysterical and embarrassing, but here goes.   I was writing the above and discovered for the first time that there is no "n" in helmet... who knew.  Brent and I were both laughing hysterically, although I think for different reasons. Pathetic.

3.  When B got his bike it seemed only appropriate that M would get a little something too.  She picked out (with a tiny bit of assistance) this purple, princess leotard.  She is VERY in to leotards these days and has worn one for at least the last three days in a row and would probably wear one everyday if they were clean. She dances around everywhere and adds skirts if we're going out so she can be fancy (as she told her Uncle Able when we went to lunch on Sunday in these sunglasses, leotard, a bright pink skirt, and pink polka dot rain boots).

4.  For those concerned, we are fine after all the tornado excitement.  The sirens went off here once in the night and I slept through them, which was terrifying when I discovered it later.  Happily, Brent woke up and took care of the danger assessment for us all.  

5.  Saturday, we picked up Able to stay with us through the projected worst of it (we have a tornado shelter!)  He keyed up a "tornado party" which mostly involved grilling on the back patio before he and the kids all fell asleep by 9pm.  We did watch 11 tornadoes go through a largely unpopulated area of NW Oklahoma on the television.  This was an important introduction to Oklahoma culture, weather, and life experiences for the kids who busily listened to Gary England keep us advised, just as we all had at their age.  Our viewing included several multi-vortex tornadoes and was quite an impressive introduction for them. I am so glad that most of the danger was away from people this time.

6.  Sunday was the beginning of the end of hoping we were all well.  M had had been warm off and on since Friday.  Sunday, B woke up sick. By Monday he was still sick and M had a new viral infection that, while not dangerous to her, kept her out of school as it is quite contagious.  Everyone was out again today and M will probably need one more day out before she ceases to be contagious.  We all might be getting the tiniest bit sick of each other as we're effectively under quarantine and can't really go anywhere other than outdoors around our house.  Also, the kids don't actually feel sick at all so they are bursting with energy... I am not. B definitely has to go back tomorrow and Brent is headed back to work.  M and I, I guess, will muddle through.  It is kind of nuts here.

7.  Pregnancy - 31.5 weeks - I'm feeling big, fat, and cranky--- blunt too, it appears.  A really good way to help with this would be more exercise and less eating everything around.  There has been a fair bit of stress eating this week, which isn't helping.  We did get back to two days of exercise this week and will try for more this week, but I'm dubious as I leave for DC on Friday and return on Sunday evening with a packed schedule in between.  Meanwhile, the baby appears to be fine, happily growing, and stronger.  Sadly, the storms meant that the planned nursery work day was postponed so no progress on that front.  We did wonder several times in the sick kids chaos how we would handle this with another baby, but accept that we just will.  A helpful person at Unpluggits who was holding her third baby was very encouraging about the transition from 2 to 3 and her baby was so incredibly adorable that Brent and I decided we really should work on having one of those.  (Side note, this baby had a tiny cute adorable head.... ours never have tiny heads, so for some reason I find these tiny baby heads fascinatingly sweet). 

8. B is so into building LEGO ships these days.  His sick days have happily been more focuses on building these incredible creations by himself rather than much video game/tv time.  The above is Boba Fett's ship (obviously).  There are 95 steps of instructions to complete it and he did almost the entire thing by himself on Monday while Brent was at work.  (He had some help getting started on Sunday and a few tweaks with Brent later, but still...amazing!)  Today, they moved on to a new project together that is similarly impressive. I love it.

9.  M is showing some renewed interest in her play kitchen.  Lately, it had been ignored although she was playing happily at every kitchen we visited in other people's homes.  Now, she is back to bringing us all food and particularly fond of making Uncle Able (aka "her husband") some pretty amazing sandwiches.  There is also play food scattered all over our house so we are implementing a daily "putting away the food" ritual.  

10.  B is also showing a renewed interest in various Angry Bird games.  In some moment of craziness a few weeks ago I bought him Angry Birds space, after forgetting we'd decided not to buy expansions until he got three stars on more levels of the original.  Since then, he has purchased Angry Birds Rio with some money he found during the Richards/Rouse Easter Egg hunt.  Now, he wants to buy more expansions, etc... We are drawing the line for awhile and he hasn't played at all, I don't think, in the last two days so we shall see how it goes.

I'm heading to DC for the weekend for a conference and so excited to see my friends there.  I hope all of you have a wonderful week!