Hilarious Halloween!

Well, with our crazy arrangement these days, nothing goes quite as smoothly as it used to. Jeremy has warned me to get it together. Apparently, being a single mom 4 days a week, resigning from my job, and going to school full time have made me a bit scattered. So, Halloween didn't go quite as beautifully as I had planned.
We purchased Carson's Halloween costume, Spider Man, in early September, size 8. It fit fine, and he loved it, much to my disappointment, because I enjoy the creative side of costuming. But, under the circumstances this year, I didn't choose to fight that battle. Maisy wanted to be Cinderella and we purchased that early too. However, after reading Rapunzel for the 1,000,000 time, she decided she really wanted to be Rapunzel, the forgotten princess. So, happily I agreed to fix Cinderella into Rapunzel. We got a very long blond wig, some fancy shoes and stitched a little underlay into her Cinderella dress to make it more Renaissance looking.
Halloween night the kids got dressed to head over to Jeff and Nikki's to trick-or-treat. Remember we still live in the weeds! My Spider Man had grown since our last fitting and looked extremely tight in his costume, not to mention the 2 inches of leg sticking out between his costume and socks. Maisy looked the part for all of 2 houses, when she decided she hated her wig and her heels. I brought nothing to repair "wig hair" and no extra shoes. She went from princess to peasant in 5 minutes. She ended the night in my socks, with horrible hair, but happy as can be. It was so funny. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.

Below are some photos before we left. Notice SpiderMan was squatting, due to his "high-water" leggings.

Playing with Maisy

Maisy is so much fun to play with, as long as you do what she wants you to do. As her mom, I am the perfect playmate right now, because I follow all her orders. This morning, we were playing babies and she was carrying two of them. She dropped one, and of course it cried. When I handed it back to her, I asked if she was going to drop her again because we would have to call the doctor if it happened again. She said, "I dropped her because my hands were slippery. I had chicken to eat."

Warning to all moms, do not eat chicken and then hold your baby. You might drop the baby. :)

Surviving September

We did it! Happily surviving this month has been my goal for the last 30 days. Not because I was dreading Lori's wedding, because I wasn't. In fact, it was just the opposite. I was so excited for her I could hardly stand it. Seeing her so happy is wonderful. It was all I have ever hoped for her.

We just got back from Florida. It was such a nice break from reality. I slept beside my husband for 5 nights, which is a real treat these days. The weather was nice, but cloudy. Another sign of my age, is that I was actually glad the sun was gentle. It was so hot when it was out. We all loved shelling. I think we took home a combined 50 pounds of shells, with Carson being the biggest shell hog. He left with a goal of finding 2 shells for each child in his class, but came home saying he would show them at school, but not give them to anyone.

The best part of the trip for me, was the wedding. Lori was beautiful. Her hair was done in a surprisingly fancy up-do. She just radiated happiness, which melted any doubt lingering in our hearts for her future. She is truly happy. Maisy loved her responsibility as flower girl, but was coated in sand before the ceremony began. She is a true beach baby, loving the water and waves.

This month has just been jam packed with activities and travel (for Jeremy), which is hard on us all. The adjustment to this new way of life has not been easy. Thankfully Heather has moved in, which has made me sleep so much better at night. She is no body guard, but just having someone else in the house is comforting. Carson has really struggled with Jeremy being gone. It breaks my heart to see him so sad. He really enjoys hanging out with his dad. The girl/boy line is stronger than ever. Maison misses him, I know, but is less vocal about it. She is still a big Momma's girl.

Before I begin weighing the options that plot out the rest of my life, I wanted to post some pictures from our trip. Some of my favorites were taken with my other camera at the ceremony, so I'll have to scan them later.

We miss you!

Guitar Hero!

Kindergarten Quotes

Following his first 45 minute bus ride home...I said, "Carson, I was so worried about you. That took a long time. I think I will just pick you up from now on."
"No, I just love riding the bus home. I am the last kid off. When all the other kids get off I get some quiet time. I put my head against the window and let it vibrate. I love it."

Concerning a "bossy" girl in class...
"Abbie is so bossy. She tells us everything we already know, like don't sit on the platforms in music and if you run in the halls you have to go the safe spot. We all know that! She sounds like BLAH,BLAH, BLAH."

Later in the week, after I got is class list, I asked about Abbie. I didn't see a potential Abbie on the list. He swore there was an Abbie. The following week he said, "You were right, Mom. Her name is Maddie."

"Mom, my goal for today is to be pace car!"

"Maisy, I brought you something today...a princess key. It was a girl's birthday and it was in her cupcakes. I didn't want it, so I saved it for you. It even has a little sugar on it still. It might attract some bugs so you can catch them."

"Why do we not got to school on Saturdays?"

"I made a new friend today, Mom."

We all survived!

After rushing around to get everyone ready and all cameras were located and working, we managed to snap a few shots before I had to leave for school. Most of them were with my nice camera, but these were a couple of my favorites from the digital.

Carson was a very big boy today. I am tremendously proud of him. In the end, I think it was much easier for both of us that I didn't take him. Jeremy said he got really nervous at school and wouldn't walk in front of him. Jeremy delivered the paperwork to the teacher and hit the road, which was what Carson needed. I would have lingered and made things worse. I had a large cry on the way to work, just realizing how truly fast 5 years have gone. He is a big boy now. Sniff, sniff. I am still really emotional, but try to show him nothing but excitement because I want him to love school. He called me when he got to the sitter's and reported that PE was the best part of his day and that he made a book he would read to me. He wants to go back tomorrow. His goal is to be the Pace Car in PE next time. This honor is saved for the best behaved kid, he said. We're off to a good start.

The sun was in his eyes. He wasn't grouchy.

Tomorrow is the BIG day!

One Step Ahead

He took his hand from mine
And a step ahead he went;
"Mama, I'm a big boy now,"
is what his gesture meant.

He climbed upon the steps
Of that yellow school bus,
He never made a sound,
He never made a fuss.

He looked back at me
With confusion on his face,
Kind of happy, kind of scared,
Of this new and different place.

He waved his hand at me,
As the bus began to go,
I waved back and forced a smile-
My heart was breaking so.

I watch 'til he was gone,
And then I turned to go
Back down that long and lonely road,
As tears began to flow.

I knew I was acting
Like one big silly fool,
But I'm a mother, it's my privilege-
My baby's gone to school.

Jeanie Scarborough

Berry Bootiful...I have to be fancy...this is berry pretty

Maisy loves lip gloss. The more the better! I let her play in her "pretty basket" the other day and she put on layers of lip gloss. I think at times she even tried to eat it. I have caught her putting it up her nose too. She kept whispering to herself, "I am berry bootiful. I have to be fancy. This is so pretty." It was so funny. She was very serious the entire time. She even went to the grocery store that way. I felt really weird about it though. She is just a walking contradiction. Later at Carson's football practice, she was laying on her stomach in the gravel making a dirt angel. Saying, "I love it." I think she likes the way dirt feels between her fingers. I love her funny little personality. She constantly surprises us. Tonight she fell flat and as she popped back up she said laughing, "Oops, I fell right on my buns."

The first day of kindergarten...is next week.

I am really struggling with this. So, as any sane person would do I have begun a feverish hunt for a poem that was read at Carson's preschool graduation about going to kindergarten. In some sick way, I hope it triggers the flood of tears I have been holding back.

I can't believe my baby is going to school.

I have yet to find the poem I am looking for, but found some that released the first flow of tears. I know I will revisit them several times in the next few days. This one sums it up for me tonight.

PS-The mohawk was temporary. Carson is clean shaven and ready for school.

First Day Of Kindergarten School Poem

~Author Unknown~

She started school this morning,

And she seemed so very small.

As I walked there beside her

In the Kindergarten hall.

And as she took her place besidethe others in the class,

I realized how all too soon

Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as

She first learned how to walk.

The words that we alone made out

When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed

In learning how to write.

It seems as though she must have grown

To girlhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred by hastily

I brushed the tears away

Lest by some word or sign of mine

I mar her first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with her

And keep her by the hand

To lead her through the places

That she couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear

Was mingled with my pride.

I knew she would no longer be

A baby by my side.

But she must have her chance to live,

To work her problems out,

The privilege to grow and learn

What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl

With friends and work and play;

She's not a baby anymore --She's in Kindergarten today.

Things I have learned...

Aside from my academic challenges in June, I have learned a lot about myself and family this summer. I wanted to make note of some items of particular importance or of high frustration for later reflection.

1. Potty training can be an extremely lengthy process. Carson was accident-free in 48 hours, before he was two. Needless to say, the second time has drug on a bit longer. Accidents only happen at bedtime now, which is my fault, if I forget the pull-up. But, wow, I have washed a ton of sheets this summer.
2. It is much easier to learn to ride a two-wheel bike on a smaller one. That was a great tip!
3. I don't have to be super tan anymore to feel good about myself. I have beat "tanorexia".
4. Kids truly carry their parents opinions and thoughts everywhere. I have heard my own words regurgitated on several occasions. My favorite is when Carson tells Jeremy to change the channel because the show is inappropriate.
5. Sponge Bob is not so bad. I actually think he's funny and enjoy watching him.
6. I enjoy yoga.
7. My son is truly a lot like me, which worries me.
8. Discipline is the hardest it has ever been. Jeremy and I don't agree on approaches.
9. My kids love fish, not to eat, as pets.

I Want to Remember

I am trying so hard to commit things to memory, but have decided, I just have a bad one. So, I am going to take a minute and record some of the things I want to remember from this phase in our lives together.

Carson's innocent fear of the mountain lion in our neighborhood caused a phase of sleeping with his sister, that I may never break. He thinks it terribly unfair that he has to sleep closest to the window, so he puts Maison there when he forces her to sleep with him. Some big brave brother he is. Here mountain lion, when you creep in my window, eat my sister first.

Maison shrieks when something doesn't go her way, and it is unbearable. She uses it to get my attention or to fend off her brother. I will not miss that! If it ever goes away.

Maisy's fear of bugs has now turned into an understanding of "bug families". She cries if she thinks one is going to be stepped on, because the bug's family will be crying for it to come home and it never will.

Carson told me his armpits smelled and he was getting little black hairs in them. In fear, I checked. Then I kissed the smooth little things in relief, not stinky and no hairs. Thank goodness!

Both kids hate to be sweaty and will strip down to their underwear without any notice. Good thing we live in the country.

Water Horse was the hit of the summer. Both of them want a water horse for a pet.

Maisy started dance lessons because she wants to be like Orphan Annie. She frequently smiles at me, the sweetest smile, and asks, "Mom, I look like Annie?" I always tell her I think Maisy Kay is prettier than Annie, but she insists she looks like her. She also frequently changes her name to Annie or Logan. Logan is a friend of Carson's that she has a little crush on. Right now he is the first one on her list to marry. Then Bub, Mom, and last, poor Dad.

Carson says he is never getting married or having kids, so he can live with us forever.

We made a rule earlier this summer that no one could get out of bed until 8:30. Carson was in charge of reading the clock. That lasted about a week. They get up so early.

When Maisy was transitioning to her big girl bed, she fell out of it every night for 3 weeks. I had to make a nest on the floor for her to sleep in, because she never woke up when she fell out. Since the mountain lion scare, the falling out has stopped. I guess sleeping in a twin bed with your brother calms your sleeping habits.

Carson got a scuba set for his birthday that he loves. I had to force him not to use it for a weekend because he had rubbed a big sore across his forehead from the mask. His name at the pool is Scuba Steve.

Maisy entertained my mom and I for an hour "hipping", which apparently is a type of hop she invented. It is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. She is very serious when she "hips" too. I think that is what makes it so funny.

Well...right now my imaginary phone is ringing, so I have to quit logging memories. The restaurant in the playroom is calling for me to come over for dinner. The kids have set up Smith's Pasta House and love to play waiter and waitress. Off I go for dinner at the Pasta House with the best service in town.

Fun Times!

The last two weeks have been filled with fun. We took a little road trip with Nana and Pa last week, while Jeremy was out of town on business. It was nice to get away. We haven't planned a big family vacation this summer, because we are hoping to attend a fall beach wedding. So, Branson was a great opportunity to spend some nights away from home. We went to Shepard of the Hills, which was a HUGE mistake. My tenderhearted 5 year old was scared out 0f his skin. There was a lot more violence than I remember from visits as a kid. I wouldn't suggest it for audiences under 8. Maisy has been pointing out bad guys from Shepard of the Hills ever since, like the Amish we passed on the highway and a homeless man on the street. She got something out of it. Carson and I met Lori and Marisa at Silver Dollar City and had a blast. It was so fun to spend the day with her and see our children playing together. We ate out and rode go-carts. Fun stuff! The real mission on the trip was shopping and everyone won on that!

Look closely...this was a bullfrog race. Notice Carson is missing. He's not an animal guy!

We didn't see that coming!

July started off with a bang...literally!

I finished my grueling 9 hours on July second. We started lighting fireworks that night to celebrate. Then, was the 4th and all its beauty. Maisy has started dance lessons. We have had Carson's and Jeremy's birthdays too. It has been busy! Here are some of my favorite photos from the events.

We tie-dyed shirts for the 4th. I think they turned out pretty good. We had fun doing it too.

Carson loves fireworks! Jeremy even let him light some smoke bombs this year. He felt like such a big kid.

Maisy liked the fireworks too, but really enjoyed the glow bracelets and Popsicles.

My baby is 5! More emotions to come on that one. No time for that now.

My little Dancing Queen

Shirtless Wonders!

I finally have it! These are the stars of my future children's book. I have struggled coming up with the characters, but I have been living with them the whole time.

INTRODUCING:

The Shirtless Wonders!

Captain Carson and his sidekick, Messy Maisy

Baseball Boy!

Poses compliments of Jeremy. Doesn't my sweet boy look tough! He is quite a force out on that t-ball field. His slide at home is truly something you have to see. It looks more like a very awkward fall. I think he inherited my coordination. Poor kid! Either way, it has been fun this summer. Carson really likes baseball and has done well. He is grasping the basics of the game and really getting aggressive in the field. Hitting is still his favorite though.

Way to go, Slugger!

No More Cow Babies!

There is a great children's book titled "Cowboy Roy". It has some adult humor and the kids love it too . It is about a little cowboy that is learning to ride his bike, Silver, the best bike in the West. He calls himself a cow baby when he has to use his training wheels. Anyway, my little "cow baby" just became a real cowboy! Check it out!

I know he looks a bit too big for that bike, but another Mom suggested teaching him to ride without training wheels on a smaller bike to make him feel safer. It worked! Now he has transferred to his real bike and is riding all over.

Kids still amaze me at how quickly they can master something. I said it with skiing and I'll say it again, I swear they improve while they sleep. They quit for the night at one level and return to it better the next day. Must be nice! I could really use some of that right now!

Code of Ethics Assignment

For one of the many assignments I am working on right now, I have to write my code of ethics. This has been a really thought provoking assignment for me, because as I realized some time ago, until I had children, I didn't really know who I was or what I believed. I had made it through most of my life doing what I was told, not questioning life and its meaning, but enjoying it. Luckily I was surrounded with ethical people that helped guide me as I grew and I have trusted many good person to tell me what I believed. But, once it was my responsibility to raise my child into "hopefully" a productive member of society, I began to question the values I wanted to pass on. I knew then that it was them, my children, that made me understand myself and what I believed in. For that I am forever thankful.

As I develop this assignment, I plan to share it, so someday they can read my values, just in case I don't do such a good job teaching them. This first piece connects them to my Code of Ethics and the Seussical presentation that I have chosen to use in getting my message out. Fitting I thought, for me and them.

For My Children,
In 5 very short years you’ve taught me a lot,
About where I came from, who I am, and am not.
You’ve done it through giggles, “Why Mom?”, and glances,
Made me question my beliefs, priorities, and stances.
I’ve realized myself while raising little ole you.
I am a better person because of you two.

When I think of the adults that I want to raise,
The fruits of my labor after many long days,
I wonder what values will reflect in your eyes,
If my example will matter with how quickly time flies.
I want you to know what all you’ve taught me-
About being the person that you want to be.

You’ve taught me to wonder,
About airplanes, princesses, and thunder.
To pay attention,
to slow down,
to try something new,
Because if I don’t, then neither will you.
To watch what I say and how I choose to act.
Because both will be repeated, by you, that’s a fact.
Most importantly, My Children, you’ve taught me to love,
More than I thought I was capable of.

It’s funny that after 30 long years,
Of classes, jobs, celebrations and tears,
The realization of who I really am,
Has been guided by your little hands.
Rocking chairs, stroller rides, Dr. Seuss,
Those quiet moments with you has led to my truths.

So, years from now when you question the person you are,
The lessons are every where, you don’t have to look far.

Thank you,

Mom.

So far this summer...

With my specialist program taking up more time than I'd like, we are just trying to adjust around here. We have managed to make it to the zoo, which was a great trip. We were adventurous and entered an aviary where we were swarmed by parakeets. None of us particularly enjoyed it, but suffered through the experience together. Carson really hated it, but he did go in. Since neither one of my children are really fond of animals, I am making a conscious effort to expose them to more and try and spout of interesting facts. I think it is helping a bit. This summer we attended the annual Bike Wash with our close friends. It is so sad how quickly time goes. I remember Carson being two and attending, without a sister. Now she is two. We have also had our first swim of the season. The water wasn't even too cold and everyone hopped right in. Fun times!

Preschool Graduate!

Although preschool graduation was last weekend, I still feel the need to document the evening. It was quite an event. Two hours to be exact, in full cap and gown. Carson was very nervous. I could tell. But, he sang his songs, recited his 6 languages, and accepted his diploma in a good manner. He just looked so big up there. The evening started off with a poem I have to find about your baby getting on the school bus for the first time, so I was crying before we even got started. Carson was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up and his answer was a football player, which I predicted. I was hoping for something a bit more academic, but doctors and Presidents were few and far between with this group. Attached are some pictures of him with his friends, including one very special one, that always brings a sweet smile to his face. I am really glad we had the preschool experience. I have decided that no matter how ornery Carson is at home, he will be a good kid at school, at least while he's little.


Maisy was in rare form for the ceremony. Luckily Nanny, with her endless supply of goodies, was there to entertain. It was really funny watching her. She ate anything she could find, put on multiple shades of lipgloss, and combed anyone's hair brave enough to let her touch it. I don't know what I am going to do with her, or what I would do without her.


The whole evening was so rushed and went by so fast, I didn't even get a family photo. I am really sad about that. It is a rare occasion that we all look nice at the same time. Oh well...maybe next time!

Picnic at the Park

Is there anything better than a sunny spring day? Not today. It is perfect outside. To get out and enjoy this rarely beautiful day (It has been a cold, wet spring.), we went to the park for a picnic. We had a great time. Carson taught Maisy how to run the bases the right way. He also showed her the "pitcher's lounge"(mound). HA! In addition to playing, we watched a momma bird feed her babies and built a sand castle with a moat in the sand volleyball court. All the ingredients of a good trip to the park. Before long they won't want to do those things with me. I am try ing to cherish these fleeting moments of attention that they lavish on me right now.

The Yankees

Last night was our first t-ball game. The kids were so much better than I expected them to be. I was completely impressed. While hitting off of a tee is hard for Carson, because he is used to being pitched to, he did really well. I attached a clip of his last "at bat". Excuse the bumpy filming. Maisy was swinging on the fence below me. I think evenings at the ball park are going to be lots of fun. It was the first night of many!

Welcome to Miami...

While the majority of my readers are not at all interested in pictures of anything other than my kids, I had to write a little about our great week. It is always hard to leave the kids. No matter how much I prepare, plan and organize, vacations are a BIG deal. The weeks of preparation over with, the trip flew by too fast, and now we are attempting to recover and get back into a routine. I cried my typical good-bye tears, but the kids happily let us go. Thankfully. Any tears from them and I might have skipped the whole thing.

Actually, Carson, so much like me, was very upset about us leaving. However, he has come into manhood at the ripe age of four and a half, thinking he shouldn't cry, at least not in front of his dad. When Jeremy ran in the bank on our way to drop them off, Carson started sobbing, which broke my heart. I gave him my cell phone number on a special piece of paper and he kept it in his jacket pocket. That was all I could think of at the time, but luckily it worked. I don't know where this new awareness of not crying has come from, but he will not cry in front of Jeremy. My sweet boy!

Anyway...we arrived in Maimi and spent 2 days there before heading to West Palm Beach, where our vacation really started, at least for me. Maimi was not what I was expecting. Ten years ago it might have been much more appealing. We walked Ocean Drive, saw Versace's house and ate good food. Then, we stayed at The Breakers in West Palm. My favorite resort to date. We had a great time, made some new friends, Jeremy played golf, I got a massage, and we spent time by the pool. It was really nice to have that time together. We were spoiled rotten by his company and enjoyed every minute. I am very proud of Jeremy's hard work.