Monday, August 31, 2015

First Day of Preschool 2015.

Today was the first day of Connor and Tyler's MDO program. This is also known as my sanity break.

AND ALL THE ANGELS SANG THE HALLELUJAH CHORUS.

Connor and Tyler were both so very excited this morning when they saw their lunch boxes packed and ready to go. The hardest part is waiting between the time of dropping Brayden off and their own school starting. The waiting is oh so hard.


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I can't believe that this is Connor's last year in preschool. This morning he walked into his classroom, put his stuff in his cubby and then sat down to do his work. I asked if I could have a hug and he laughed as if he was embarrassed and said no, before resuming his work. It's a shame he's so emotionally attached to me.
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last night as we decided on what he would wear he chose the batman one. At first I was hesitant (I am weird with kids clothes, which is surprising considering I normally look like I just rolled out of bed), but then he said "I just need this shirt because I really am awesome like batman, mom!" Couldn't say no the the awesome kid (see also: no one will ever be able to accuse my kids of not having self confidence).
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Connor is really one of the sweetest boys you'll ever meet. His heart is as big as a lion's, and he is constantly seeking out how to help others. Can't wait to see how much he learns and grows this year!

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And this stinker. He HAD to hold his "blue other pack pack" during his picture. He got the hand-me-down lunch box this year. He was most excited about the hammer on it (Thors gavel).
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I asked him to put his hands in his pockets (it's easier to take pics of him if his hands are preoccupied). He couldn't find his regular pockets so he put them in his cargo pockets. He is HILARIOUS.
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I was a little nervous he'd have a melt down as I left since he was a little emotional about being at school during open house. But he walked right in, started playing and didn't even look back when I told him good-bye.

I was able to be productive today, and my house stayed clean upon it being clean, which is always a refreshing feeling. Tonight I was reminded about how quickly these baby and preschool years are fleeting... I happened upon some old pictures and video I had no idea were still left on a memory card. They are of Brayden when we first moved into our current house (about 3.5 years ago!). He is SO little and precious and he says words incorrectly and has a speech delay that at the time freaked me out but now I just think is the most endearing thing ever. I don't have a ton of regrets in parenting, but I think the biggest one is that we have never owned a video camera. It just kills me to think of all of the memories that we have missed in preserving. So obviously I am taking my emotional unrest on my babies growing up to research video cameras. If you own one, leave a shoutout in the comments if you would recommend yours! And if you don't, join my boat. We can't all be regretting this when we're in nursing homes in 40 years.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Instagram Killed the Blogger.

If video killed the radio star, then logical reasoning would have one conclude that instagram killed the blogger.

It occurred to me the other night as I was perusing through old photos that Tylers first two years of life are largely caught on camera... the phone camera that is. Which makes me a little sad to think that I won't be able to blow up big pictures of lots of fun memories. It's OK. Better than no pictures (obviously), but still sad.

So for the past week I've tried to be more intentional about pulling out my big camera during the every day moments of my life. It's so much harder to do when I now have three kids. It's big to lug around, and I'm almost inevitably having to put it down to rush and get Tyler out of something he's not supposed to be in (there is good reason why we all call him Tyler the tornado. That boy is a P-I-L-L!). These moments that are seemingly mundane, are also the most sweet to me. They are the moments that only I get to witness. When my boys feel safe and free enough to express imaginations of grandeur super hero status and world changing strength. The moments where the dance and sing and say sweet things that show their innocence and preciousness.
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I sure do love being their mom. Our days are filled with love and laughter (and some fighting, because: LIFE.). As Jen Hatmaker says, I hope their childhood days are mostly good. Because mostly good will turn into magical when they turn 40 :) As for Instagram, I'm not backing down. As much as I'd like to think that I'll pick up the camera regularly, if I don't, Instagram's got my back.

Monday, August 17, 2015

Summer Exits.

Today I was reading back through the post I wrote about Kindergarten last year. It made me smile thinking about all the ways Gods hand was evident throughout the year last year. Public school is not a choice I had ever considered for our children initially, but so far it has been the biggest blessing not only for Brayden, but also for Drew and I. The Lord has been so faithful to walk before us in each step.

We're beginning our third week of school, and I have to say, it's going as well as I had anticipated. Brayden likes his teacher and his classmates, but is a little peeved that there aren't centers and that first graders are required to count to 120 (instead of 100-- the gall of these teachers, pushing these kids to uncharted counting waters!). I've had to lovingly inform him that life gets a little harder every year. Such a disappointing thing to find out at the age of six.

Connor has been a bit bummed having to wait one more year for Kinder. I am not complaining... I love having him home, and think the extra year will be good for  him. Still, he does mope around a bit during the days asking why he can't go to Kinder. Trying to explain a birthday cutoff to an almost five year old is a bit of a daunting task.
Caught Connor taking his super heroes on a ride on his horse. This boy has been a little bummed watching a few of his friends head to K this fall, while he stays behind at preschool. I'm so grateful for one more year at home with him, especially when I se
He's just the sweetest four year old I know!

The weather has been a bit nicer and there's a slight hint of fall in the air. As much as I am sad to see the summer weather come to a close, fall has a special place in my heart. There's also no bugs in fall (we got a bad case of chiggers from going on a mini hike last week and are still suffering through), which is a welcome change from the bug infested summer we've seemed to have.
It's windy today, and the wind smells and feels like football season. #mboys2015

Fall sports is about to kick into high gear soon. Our schedule is about to ramp up to lightening pace, so Drew and I took an opportunity to get away for an evening last weekend. We decided to just stay local and enjoy some of the restaurants that we live near but never frequent. It was so nice to relax and enjoy time alone without interruption (and sleep in till 10am!). I'm so thankful for our friends who help with the boys so that we have these opportunities.... such a blessing!
Date night with my man :)

Here's to sports season- goals and touchdowns and lots of fall fun!

Monday, August 3, 2015

First Day of First Grade.

Today was Brayden's first day of first grade. I'm not a runner by trade, but I imagine that if I was and I had taken it upon myself to run a marathon, the feeling I am currently feeling is what I would feel like post-marathon run. My body aches, my head feels like it's going to explode and I am not sure I'll even muster up the strength to peel myself from the couch to the bed. Transitioning from summer to school may be harder on the parents than the kids afterall!

Brayden had a good day today. He loves his new teacher and has already made several friends (which is not too surprising given that he tends to be a social butterfly). I did well too. No crying, although I did pull into the exit instead of the entrance on accident. Guess I'm just living up to my "bad driver" reputation that my boys give me ;) The saddest occurrence of the day was when I was halfway to school and realized I had left my big camera at home. Drew was following behind me in his truck and talked me out of trying to attempt a u-turn in the van in on coming traffic. Mom emotions run high the first day of school, y'all.

I did happen to snap a few pics of Brayden before we left the house, so I'm thankful my mind was not completely gone this morning. The change from last year to this year is STAGGERING. I sent Drew a text today telling him I felt like we should just go ahead and write our letters for his high school graduation (I'm not dramatic at all).
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When I first started snapping pics I asked Brayden why he was smiling funny. He said "because! I need you to see where I lost my tooth!" Ha!
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cannot. get. over. how. big. he. is.
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Love him so much!
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and just stick a fork in me. I about came unglued looking at this comparison. He was still a BABY last year when he went to Kinder and now looks like a full grown boy.

After my realization that we left my camera, I don't think I've ever been more happy to own a smart phone than I was today. We walked Brayden into school (along with every other parent there-- it was like herding cattle through those small hallways!), snapped a few pictures with my phone and said goodbye like we've been doing school drop off for years.
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Tyler with a classic photo bomb. Trying to drop off a kid in school is infinitely harder when you have little siblings involved.
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all ready to learn!

The remainder of my day consisted of going to a brunch with other moms from the school and then errands with the two littles (which feels like a bit of a vacation after having spent this summer bringing all 3 to the store). This afternoon I was quickly reminded of my dislike for car rider line, especially on the first few weeks of school. I'm thankful Tyler is a bit older this year, so instead of him crying his head off in the van, he spent the time singing alphabet songs and calling the hogs :) Here's to more days spent in the car staring at other parents just as desperate as me to get their kid home so they can talk about their day (or in the boy moms cases... feed the child and get one word responses about the day. ;)) Happy 2015-2016 school year!

Sunday, August 2, 2015

The Weekend Before First Grade.

Greetings from the land that is exempt from sales tax for 2 days... aka the place where all the peoples get out and do their back to school shopping at one time and clog the aisles of supermarkets and shoe stores everywhere.

Last year I braved that battle, but this year I opted out of the drama and just paid the extra 10% to Uncle Sam. It was worth my sanity and my time to just battle the aisles in peace (which is a joke of a saying, because if you have ever shoe shopped with a 4 and a 6 year old, you will know that it is not the most peaceful experience you could pursue in life).

So while all the peoples shopped, the boys and I showed Drew around our new children's museum. It was our fourth time there, and as always, it did not disappoint. I love that we have this indoor option now, that not only allows my kids freedom to explore and learn, but keeps us out of the elements. 3 hours into the trip, and the boys still cried when we left, if that tells you anything about how they like it. The only downside to the museum is that keeping up with all 3 boys can be somewhat daunting, so picture taking is a rarity. I have yet to get one of the kids playing. Soon, soon.

The rest of the weekend was spent doing fun summer things because, alas, today was our last summer day. It's funny how a year can change things. Last year I was a big weepy mess, but I haven't shed a tear this year (yet... knock on wood). Brayden has been SO SO SO excited about school, which I am sure eases much of my anxiety. My biggest fear going into this year was the assumed let down I would have, given that our Kinder teacher last year was a bit of an anomaly and just absolutely amazing in every way, but especially in communication (we got an email EVERY day of the school year, plus some, and even received an email this summer with pictures). School hasn't even started yet and so far we've received a post card AND two emails from our new teacher. I wish I could convey to you how happy this has made my momma heart.
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Our teacher this year sent us home from meet the teacher day last week with a little poem to read before bed. Brayden had eagerly anticipated reading it tonight, and about ripped it to shreds when he got his hands on it. He decided to only sprinkle one confetti star because he said he needed to make it last all the year through. Oh how I love this boy! Can't wait to see how much he will learn and grow this next year. Get ready first grade, because he's ready for you and he is fierce!
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(this was the face he gave me when I asked if there are any cute girls in his class... ha!)
 

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