In lieu of a Thankful Thursday post this week, here is a summary of our recent trip to Baltimore. Which I'm so thankful we got to do, so it works... :)
Last Thursday, David, the kids, and I took a short trip to Baltimore to visit my maternal grandparents. We decided to cash in some of David's frequent flier miles to fly while we only had to get three tickets (Luke, despite his size, can ride as an "infant in arms" until the age of two.)
Of course, by the time we woke up early, drove to the airport in rush hour, parked the car offsite, rode the shuttle bus, checked in, went through security, rode the train, got on the plane, got off the plane, got our luggage, road another bus to the rental car facility, picked up our car, strapped in the rented car seats, and drove the 30+ minutes to their house, we were wondering exactly how much harder driving would have been! Really, though, we know it was way easier to fly. Security was no problem at all and we went through the "special assistance" line very quickly. The kids did amazingly well on the flight, too. Luke slept about 45 minutes then we ate a picnic lunch I'd packed. Once we finished that, it was almost time to prepare for landing. Audrey was entertained with crafts and some school work her teacher had sent (only because I'd been in for a room mom meeting the day before our trip and the teacher had asked if I'd like to take it to occupy AJ on the plane. Not because she's in a pre-K that sends work home for absent students.)
When we finally arrived at their house, we were tired but elated to see my grandparents. My mom had gone up a few days before to help them prepare for our arrival. I was so thankful she was there to help with the kids and keep their needs and schedule in mind. We played outside in the cool fall weather and caught up about life, health, and happenings. I listened carefully as my grandfather talked, every so often saying something I tried to commit to memory. One of my favorite quotes came up when I made a joke about raising the kids as teenagers and what I'll do/say to them when they're that old. "I don't know what you'll tell them," he said, "but if you don't give them any advice before that age, there's no point in trying once they get there." Hearing the wisdom he shared in his gentle manner made me wish he lived closer so we could chat more often. We soaked up the weather, ate dinner there, and then decided to head over to our hotel. It had been a long day and early baths and bedtimes for all sounded wise.
That night, everyone slept pretty well but me because I had terrible coughing fits that wouldn't let up (so, I guess David didn't get a great night's sleep either!) Luke woke up about 4-5 times, but was easily consolable. I think his pack n' play was too small and uncomfortable for a good night's sleep. Thankfully, he never disturbed Audrey even though they were in the same room. We attempted to sleep in as late as we could and then showered and went down for the hotel's continental breakfast. Luke kept asking for Pop-pop the entire time we were eating. He was as anxious as we were to get back over and see them again.
After getting everyone dressed and packing up a bag for the day, we left the hotel and drove to the cemetery mausoleum where my paternal grandparents' remains are. I hate so much that they aren't around to see their great grandchildren, but I know that given the choice between being in heaven or being here, they'd rather stay where they are. Even though this was not our first trip back since they'd passed away, it's still very difficult to be in Baltimore and not see them.
We left there and drove back to my Nana and Pop-pop's place. When we got there, my mom's brother Ron was there and we kicked off a morning of alternating catch-up and playing catch with the kids in the front yard. Around noon, my mom's sister Jill and her husband Paul arrived and we ate lunch with everyone, but not before taking a group picture or two. I am not ashamed to use food as a manipulation to get people to cooperate for pictures! After eating, David took Luke back to the hotel for a nap and Audrey got to lay down on my grandparents' huge bed and fell asleep right away.
Once everyone woke up and had a snack, my mom's other brother Jim arrived. His 19 year old son, my cousin Dwayne, came by after work and was so good interacting with the kids. I walked outside with him to check out his new Nissan Pathfinder and talk about his electrician's schooling and work. The kids enjoyed a little arts and crafts time with Uncle Paul, who is a very talented artist, before we all had a big pizza "party" (anytime we eat pizza with a large group of people, Audrey deems it a "pizza party".) It was a full, full day of seeing sweet faces I hadn't seen in years and hearing voices and stories I etched in my mind. We left tired, but so thankful for the time.
After a much better night's sleep, we had another good continental breakfast and then packed up our stuff and checked out of the hotel. We drove over to their house and gave the kids a snack. Jill's son, my cousin Brandon, made the trek up to see us and got there around 11am. It had been at least six years since I'd seen him and it was tough to believe this handsome grown man was the same little kid I spent so many summer trips playing with. I'm sure he thought it equally strange to see me with two kids. I mean, how could a pre-teen who, during one such visit, irresponsibly dropped her walkman into the pond (WITH the Ace of Base tape inside, no less), turn into a grown woman who can manage to take care of tiny humans? I must admit, I'm still trying to figure that out myself.
Anyway, we attempted to savor each last minute with everyone. David took Luke onto my grandfather's sun porch and let him snooze a little while Audrey read and colored with Aunt Jill. Watching and listening to them I realized that both David and I have a rich heritage of really great educators and teachers (whether in spirit or professionally) in our families. I'm grateful for their examples to follow.
Before we knew it, it was time to wake up Luke and say our goodbyes. We attempted a couple more pictures and loaded the car, trying to stretch out each minute while trying not to be late. No one says it, but when you're hugging your nearly-90 year old grandparents goodbye, there is a pain and a hesitance about the possible finality that pulls at your heart so badly you can physically feel it. We buckled the kids in the car and I turned around for one last glimpse. We drove away waving big waves and I stared out the window trying not to let the kids hear the sniffles from my crying.
The clouds were darkening and growing bigger as we got nearer to the airport. We pulled off to fill up the rental car with gas and both kids were asleep in the backseat before we got back on the road. When we arrived at the rental car facility, we parked in an upper lot and let them sleep another few minutes. David kept checking the flight status and, despite the plane being delayed coming from Atlanta, our departure flight was listed as on time. The kids reluctantly woke up after much prompting and we unloaded all of our stuff, turned in the car, and schlepped our way to the shuttle bus. We checked in and went through security without any issues. We let the kids run around an empty gate area and kept obsessively checking the flight status. Sure enough, they finally admitted defeat and posted a ten minute delay. Though I haven't done nearly as much traveling as David, I do know that no flight I've ever been on has actually taken off within the first listed delayed time. We opted to go ahead and grab an early dinner so the kids wouldn't be starving on top of being bored and confined.
Sure enough, we were supposed to take off at 5:45pm, but it was nearly 7:00pm by the time we got in the air. I was so grateful we'd made the call to feed the kids because that would've meant they would have waited until 7:3opm or later to eat. It did make it more difficult to pass the time in the air, though, and Audrey was extraordinarily whiney. We crafted, drew, and then pulled out David's phone for the no-fail games. Unfortunately, it was super loud back in the back where we were, so the "kid-safe" headphones I got her weren't cutting it because they only turn up so high. She managed with the in-ear pair we had and settled down while Luke and I played "How many different things can you do with silly putty?" (Not very many, by the way.) I pulled out stickers, a small dollar store chalkboard and eraser, books, pipe cleaners, etc. and worked hard at keeping him still and quiet. We were in the back with several other families with small children, so I was thankful for that. The woman behind us had three kids, one that looked to be about six, one that was around Audrey's age, and one tiny baby that couldn't have been more than a month old. I must have prayed for that poor woman a dozen times on our flight. I can't even imagine the stress.
Finally, we got to Atlanta and taxied to our gate. Nearly the last ones off, we pushed through the crowds to the elevator...and then back up to another elevator that went where we were trying to go...and got on the train to baggage claim. The kids were amazing through all of this. Despite it being nearly 9pm, they quietly waited while we got our luggage (which thankfully all made it because this Momma would've gotten U-G-L-Y and mad as a hornet it if they had lost our luggage again!) We boarded the shuttle bus, got to our van, and turned on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in a desperate attempt to keep them awake on the ride home. Luke made it until about 9:30 before he passed out, but Audrey stayed up. As we pulled into our driveway, I whispered a prayer of thanks to God for keeping us all safe, especially in the rain in both cities. We changed Luke into pajamas without him hardly waking and put him straight down. Audrey whined and cried her way into bed and was asleep within 2.5 seconds.
Sinking into our bed mere minutes later, I sighed and acknowledged that the trip was over. Another visit to Baltimore - my 15th one, at least - was in the books.
Part of me wishes we had stayed one more day but a bigger part of me knows full well that if we had, I would've been wishing we had stayed one less day. I'm a big believer that it's always better to leave someone or some place wanting more rather than overstaying and leaving on a sour note. So, we'll say it was the perfect amount of time for a whirlwind visit. And whirlwind it was for sure. My mom, two grandparents, two cousins, one aunt, three uncles, and numerous sights, both familiar and new, all crammed in to two and a half days. The memories we made were priceless and the blessing I know it was to my grandparents is a blessing for me. I hope they're recovering well from all of the excitement and noise but something tells me they wouldn't have missed it for the world. I know we sure wouldn't.
I'll post pictures soon and let you know when I do. Have a great weekend!
Hold His Hand
Friday, September 13, 2013
Dear Future Mrs. Luke Sinyard,
I need to let you in on a little secret. I have a feeling this may be one of the keys to you having a successful marriage one day, so I am burdened to pass it on. Sure, I'm his Mama and he's only 18 months old, but a Mama knows such things, and often well in advance.
Are you ready for this? Okay, here it goes: Luke loooooooves to hold hands.
I first noticed it when he was about nine or ten months old. As I would rock him to sleep, he'd reach around his back to where one of my arms cradled him and pull my hand up to his chest or belly so he could grip my fingers tight. Later, it dawned on me to try this act of comfort in various other situations. Now when he gets impatient or cranky (and I do so hope he grows out of that a bit by the time you're in the picture), I say, "Do you want to hold Mama's hand?" and without fail he responds with an emphatic, "Yes" and calms down almost immediately.
So we hold hands a lot. We hold hands as he sits in the buggy at the grocery store. We hold hands as he walks along new paths in our neighborhood. We occasionally hold hands at a meal. Sometimes my arm falls asleep and my shoulder aches as I reach around to hold his hand in the car seat. It may not always be hygienic or easy, but it is what he wants in that moment and I am happy to oblige. The feeling of those chubby fingers in mine is more precious than I can describe. But I know one day he won't want to hold his mother's hand. I know there will come a time when it will be your hand he prefers in his.
When that time comes, will you promise to step in for me? Will you hold his hand when he's happy and joyful? Will you try to reach out when he's mad or cranky? When he's tired from a long day of work, will you place your hand on top of his to let him know you appreciate him? It won't always be easy. You won't always feel like making the effort. But I assure you it will always make him happy to know he's got your hand to hold.
I'm praying for you and your hands today, that they may one day join my son's in work & play, in prayer & service, in raising a family & making a home.
Love,
Your Future Mother-in-Law
P.S. Have him call me, would you? It's probably been awhile.
I need to let you in on a little secret. I have a feeling this may be one of the keys to you having a successful marriage one day, so I am burdened to pass it on. Sure, I'm his Mama and he's only 18 months old, but a Mama knows such things, and often well in advance.
Are you ready for this? Okay, here it goes: Luke loooooooves to hold hands.
I first noticed it when he was about nine or ten months old. As I would rock him to sleep, he'd reach around his back to where one of my arms cradled him and pull my hand up to his chest or belly so he could grip my fingers tight. Later, it dawned on me to try this act of comfort in various other situations. Now when he gets impatient or cranky (and I do so hope he grows out of that a bit by the time you're in the picture), I say, "Do you want to hold Mama's hand?" and without fail he responds with an emphatic, "Yes" and calms down almost immediately.
So we hold hands a lot. We hold hands as he sits in the buggy at the grocery store. We hold hands as he walks along new paths in our neighborhood. We occasionally hold hands at a meal. Sometimes my arm falls asleep and my shoulder aches as I reach around to hold his hand in the car seat. It may not always be hygienic or easy, but it is what he wants in that moment and I am happy to oblige. The feeling of those chubby fingers in mine is more precious than I can describe. But I know one day he won't want to hold his mother's hand. I know there will come a time when it will be your hand he prefers in his.
When that time comes, will you promise to step in for me? Will you hold his hand when he's happy and joyful? Will you try to reach out when he's mad or cranky? When he's tired from a long day of work, will you place your hand on top of his to let him know you appreciate him? It won't always be easy. You won't always feel like making the effort. But I assure you it will always make him happy to know he's got your hand to hold.
I'm praying for you and your hands today, that they may one day join my son's in work & play, in prayer & service, in raising a family & making a home.
Love,
Your Future Mother-in-Law
P.S. Have him call me, would you? It's probably been awhile.
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Thankful Thursday
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Well, Luke has a double ear infection, Audrey is still hacking and coughing at night, and David isn't quite back to 100%, but I think we're headed in the right direction. Please pray for healing!
Here is this week's list...
2. Time with my boy. It has been really cool to get to spend a little more one-on-one time with Luke since Audrey started school. We went to the park on Monday and I let him lead me wherever he wanted and did whatever he wanted for almost a solid hour. I was able to really listen to what he was trying to say and interpret his toddler-speak. We sat on one of the bench swings kicking our feet and he pointed and said "buffly". Sure enough, there were several beautiful butterflies floating around. As you can imagine, he loved the attention. Of course I enjoy time with both of my kiddos, but it's also wonderful to get one of them alone from time to time.
3. My neighborhood. Several times each week I jog up and down the hills, around the cul-de-sacs, and through the streets of our subdivision. Most of the time it's very early and very dark through the majority of the run. This morning I went later and it was bright and sunny. I really took time to notice the beautiful houses, landscaping, and nature paths and let it sink in how this is our dream-come-true neighborhood. It's gorgeous and we are so blessed, especially after all it took to get here.
4. Everland Play. Have you been to this place? It's like Catch Air, only cleaner, cooler, and with more stuff for the under-two crowd. It can get pricey, but they almost always offer a 20% off deal for some reason or another, so check their FB page or website before you go.
5. New nail polish in a pretty fall color. Now if only we'd get a the fall temps to go along with it. Soon enough, I'm sure.
Have a great day!
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August 2013 Recap
Monday, September 9, 2013
I have no idea where August went. It was by far the month I was dreading the most out of the summer because it was so huge and empty. There was no fun birthday party to plan and enjoy like in June and no vacation with family like in July. And yet, it somehow filled up and flew by like I'm noticing most months do these days.
We started the first week with David finishing out a trip for work. When he got back the kids spent the night at his parents while we went to the Matchbox 20 and Goo Goo Dolls concert. Awesome show, eclectic crowd, great music. After hearing them talk about how long some of their big-hit singles had been out, though, we decided we are officially getting old!
He took the following Friday off and the four of us splurged and went down to the Georgia Aquarium. It was so much fun! Both kids really enjoyed it and even sat still and entertained through the entire dolphin show. We went out to lunch on the way home then came back to crash for naps. When we got in bed that night, David and I talked about what a great day it was. I told him that these stages of the kids' ages are still hard, specifically with Luke, but that it's also starting to be a teensy bit more fun. Being able to take "big" family outings like that and watch them enjoy things for the first time gives me hope that maybe, just maybe, we are slowly inching our way out of the survival mode of babyhood.
At the beginning of the month I was also slammed busy attempting to finish prep work for the twice-annual consignment sale I participate in. As with the spring/summer one that I did back in February, this was a doozie because it was every piece of fall/winter clothing either child had ever worn. From here on out, I'll only be selling the previous season's clothes, so it should be a LOT easier and faster. Once I get maternity done, that is. Haven't even touched that stash yet.
Anyway, on the second weekend, we dropped off all of that stuff at the sale and then headed to my childhood home and helped my Dad move. Since Luke had never been to it and it had been so long since Audrey had gone, we actually drove out the very next day to take some pictures with the kids there and for me to say goodbye. Because my Dad hadn't been living there since he got married in 2012 and we hadn't spent much time there for several years before that, it wasn't as difficult as I'd imagined it would be. Frankly, I hadn't called the place my personal home since I moved out for college in 2001 at the age of 18. I moved back in briefly for the summer after my freshman year, but after that, I was in apartments in Smyrna until I got married in 2004. Having 12 years of separation from the place certainly made it easier to say my farewells. Still, it's always sad knowing a place that holds so much history is no longer physically accessible.
The rest of the month was full of meetings and a training for my women's small group, back-to-school shopping for Audrey, a massive overdue repair and accompanying bill to the 4Runner (UGG), consignment sale pick-up (and subsequent sorting, trying to sell elsewhere, and donating), and then preparing for and taking the FIVE day no-kids trip you may have read about here. Getting ready for and going on that ate up most of the month, but it was so worth it!
We came back just in time for Audrey's Open House at her preschool, my mother-in-law's birthday, and the first Georgia Tech game of the season with friends. With all of that and my training for a half marathon by running 3-4 times a week (Saturday mornings are my long runs, which are now up to 10-11 miles), I guess I realize now where the month of August went. Here's to September and more memory-making good times...hopefully in cooler temps!
Here are a few of the funny quotes and stories of late:
We started the first week with David finishing out a trip for work. When he got back the kids spent the night at his parents while we went to the Matchbox 20 and Goo Goo Dolls concert. Awesome show, eclectic crowd, great music. After hearing them talk about how long some of their big-hit singles had been out, though, we decided we are officially getting old!
He took the following Friday off and the four of us splurged and went down to the Georgia Aquarium. It was so much fun! Both kids really enjoyed it and even sat still and entertained through the entire dolphin show. We went out to lunch on the way home then came back to crash for naps. When we got in bed that night, David and I talked about what a great day it was. I told him that these stages of the kids' ages are still hard, specifically with Luke, but that it's also starting to be a teensy bit more fun. Being able to take "big" family outings like that and watch them enjoy things for the first time gives me hope that maybe, just maybe, we are slowly inching our way out of the survival mode of babyhood.
At the beginning of the month I was also slammed busy attempting to finish prep work for the twice-annual consignment sale I participate in. As with the spring/summer one that I did back in February, this was a doozie because it was every piece of fall/winter clothing either child had ever worn. From here on out, I'll only be selling the previous season's clothes, so it should be a LOT easier and faster. Once I get maternity done, that is. Haven't even touched that stash yet.
Anyway, on the second weekend, we dropped off all of that stuff at the sale and then headed to my childhood home and helped my Dad move. Since Luke had never been to it and it had been so long since Audrey had gone, we actually drove out the very next day to take some pictures with the kids there and for me to say goodbye. Because my Dad hadn't been living there since he got married in 2012 and we hadn't spent much time there for several years before that, it wasn't as difficult as I'd imagined it would be. Frankly, I hadn't called the place my personal home since I moved out for college in 2001 at the age of 18. I moved back in briefly for the summer after my freshman year, but after that, I was in apartments in Smyrna until I got married in 2004. Having 12 years of separation from the place certainly made it easier to say my farewells. Still, it's always sad knowing a place that holds so much history is no longer physically accessible.
The rest of the month was full of meetings and a training for my women's small group, back-to-school shopping for Audrey, a massive overdue repair and accompanying bill to the 4Runner (UGG), consignment sale pick-up (and subsequent sorting, trying to sell elsewhere, and donating), and then preparing for and taking the FIVE day no-kids trip you may have read about here. Getting ready for and going on that ate up most of the month, but it was so worth it!
We came back just in time for Audrey's Open House at her preschool, my mother-in-law's birthday, and the first Georgia Tech game of the season with friends. With all of that and my training for a half marathon by running 3-4 times a week (Saturday mornings are my long runs, which are now up to 10-11 miles), I guess I realize now where the month of August went. Here's to September and more memory-making good times...hopefully in cooler temps!
Here are a few of the funny quotes and stories of late:
- Luke is talking up a storm these days, at least to the close few of us who can understand him. It can be so frustrating for both parties if he's trying to communicate and you're just not getting it! I feel like a game show winner when I finally crack a difficult code.
- One of Luke's favorite words is "under" and anytime you ask him where something is, you're guaranteed to get the response "under."
- Audrey has learned to jump rope...sort of. If two people are holding it and do a big countdown, she may get a double jump in there. She loves it, though!
- Luke is still obsessed with people staying hydrated and will carry them their drink and stand there until they have a sip. I'm hoping this will transfer into a doctor or medical career and not a bartender.
- Audrey is becoming a great reader and sounds things out almost everywhere we go. I have to admit, though, that I'm a little sad David and I are coming to the end of our ability to spell out secret messages. I guess pig latin will be the next step.
- Luke loves feeding himself now and rarely allows us to help out. The morning yogurt mess that occurs daily has become a regular part of our routine.
- One night David and Luke were acting crazy and being silly. I gave Audrey a "who knows" shrug. She responded with, "What in the weeping willows are they doing?!" I said, "I don't have a clue. But you, on the other hand, are doing a fabulous job at what you're supposed to be doing." She grinned and said, "Thanks! I get that from you."
- Luke is learning to sit still for longer periods and look/listen to books. Audrey loves "reading" (still mostly memorization or made-up stories) to him. Incredibly sweet to witness.
- Me: "Luke, if you don't share the bath toys with Audrey, play time will be over and you'll have to get out."
AJ: "Ohhhhh, good one, Mom. Do it! Do it!"
New pictures are up in the gallery. Check out both July and August by clicking the links below. Enjoy and have a great September!
July: https://picasaweb.google.com/112482511844513189984/July2013?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCK6SiNTQ_PureA&feat=directlink
August: https://picasaweb.google.com/112482511844513189984/August2013?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKOlsr3Z7KWrsAE&feat=directlink
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Thankful Thursday
Thursday, September 5, 2013
1. My mother-in-law, whose birthday was Friday. I don't know where to begin except to say we simply could not get by without her. Could NOT. She is willing to take on whatever, whenever, and however she can for us without hesitation. Now that I'm a mother to a son, I realize what it must have meant to let him go and have him put another woman first in his life. It's quite doubtful that I'll be able to do the same for Luke one day, but regardless, please know I appreciate all you did then to make David into who he is and all you're doing to pour into our kids now. We love you and are thankful for you!
2. Audrey's first day went well! Now please take a moment and pray she's well enough to make it to day #2 tomorrow as she's fighting off a cold. :(
3. New small group! My women's bible study started back this week. I am co-leading with a sweet lady and we're going to be studying the 12 Women of the Bible curriculum by Lysa Terkeurst and several other authors. I'm very excited to see what God teaches us through His word and each other this semester.
4. A husband who is not a shallow jerk. An employee at a retail store was ringing me up and talking about the ages of my kids. He asked several times how I got back in shape after the pregnancies and explained his wife is "still trying to get back to fighting weight" after having their son nearly a year ago. I brushed it off and tried to stick up for her by telling him it was really hard. He said it more than once in more than one way until I was just about ready to tell him that I didn't have a lot of suggestions for workout routines, but I had an idea what she could use as a punching bag. Sheesh, man. A) She gave you a son. B) Do not discuss your wife's weight ever ever ever. If it bothers you that much, find a very, very sensitive way to discuss taking on a new fitness hobby together. But really, hush yo mouth. So thankful for someone who has loved me fat, thin, and in between.
5. Crafty project attempts. Even if they don't end up quite the way I envisioned in my head and will likely be displayed in the basement, it was worth a shot. Who doesn't love a good modge podging moment, anyway?
Have a great weekend, y'all!
2. Audrey's first day went well! Now please take a moment and pray she's well enough to make it to day #2 tomorrow as she's fighting off a cold. :(
3. New small group! My women's bible study started back this week. I am co-leading with a sweet lady and we're going to be studying the 12 Women of the Bible curriculum by Lysa Terkeurst and several other authors. I'm very excited to see what God teaches us through His word and each other this semester.
4. A husband who is not a shallow jerk. An employee at a retail store was ringing me up and talking about the ages of my kids. He asked several times how I got back in shape after the pregnancies and explained his wife is "still trying to get back to fighting weight" after having their son nearly a year ago. I brushed it off and tried to stick up for her by telling him it was really hard. He said it more than once in more than one way until I was just about ready to tell him that I didn't have a lot of suggestions for workout routines, but I had an idea what she could use as a punching bag. Sheesh, man. A) She gave you a son. B) Do not discuss your wife's weight ever ever ever. If it bothers you that much, find a very, very sensitive way to discuss taking on a new fitness hobby together. But really, hush yo mouth. So thankful for someone who has loved me fat, thin, and in between.
5. Crafty project attempts. Even if they don't end up quite the way I envisioned in my head and will likely be displayed in the basement, it was worth a shot. Who doesn't love a good modge podging moment, anyway?
Have a great weekend, y'all!
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Pre-K, Baby
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Well, we made it. School started today for my sweet Audrey.
On May 16th as I picked her up from her last day of school, I almost cried. I remember staring blankly at the vastness of summer before us as I wondered how I would survive three and a half (hot!) months of two children at home. Sure, she had only been going eight hours a week. But that was eight hours a week we both thoroughly enjoyed.
Today I pulled away from Audrey's preschool and had to forcibly steer the wheel to make myself leave the parking lot. It wasn't emotional the same way it was last year. I wasn't worried about her or desperate to know how she was going to fill her day, at least not to the same degree. It was more of a quiet realization that this growing up thing - yeah, it's happening. And that I had just survived the longest consecutive break I'll ever have with her. Ever. Next year she'll start kindergarten in August, so her summer will be much shorter.
That makes me really, really sad. Except it also doesn't.
This blog sums it up incredibly well: http://putdowntheurinalcake.com/2013/09/im-ecstatic-schools-starting-except-when-im-not/
So since someone else already put into words how I feel about all of this school business, I'll save the rest of the post for putting into words a few things I liked about this summer in the form of a note to my big Pre-K student:
Dear Audrey,
You started Pre-K today. You looked so adorable in your pink ruffle-tier dress and black mary janes. Your running nose bothered you a bit, but no way were we going to let some sniffles stand in the way of this most wonderful of days! (Sorry, classmates.)
When we walked through the doors, the teachers were having their morning meeting and prayer circle just down the hall. We waited with the other parents and kids for them to finish and usher us in. You kept pulling my hand and inching us closer toward your room. "Are they finished YET, Mommy?" you asked impatiently. I told you no as I took another picture.
Finally, an entire five minutes later, the meeting ended and it was off to the races. You nearly jogged us both down the hall to your class. The first one in, you shyly put away your lunchbox and looked around the familiar room. The teachers were new, half of the students would be new to you, but the room itself was the same. As a fellow creature of habit, I imagine that gave you some comfort.
You chose a coloring page and opened the box of brand new Crayola crayons. Ahhh - that smell. Is there anything nicer than a box of fresh crayons? As you colored, I smiled at other moms, dads, and kids walking in and let my mind wander.
We kind of rocked this summer, didn't we? I mean, last week I began having this haunting feeling that we didn't soak it up as well as we should have, but when I look back, I realize we did pretty darn good.
You took ballet and looked so precious in your pink leotard and sheer skirt. You did a week of swim lessons at our neighborhood pool and, though it was no Coach Kara experience, you fearlessly tackled those too. We started reading and handwriting lessons with Mommy (almost) every day when Luke would go down for nap. Amazingly, we got through 70 out of 100 of them; you are becoming an incredible little reader! We hit the beach with family, the fountains with friends, and the park with playmates. You had the most adorable Tea Party birthday party a four year old could ever ask for. You saw your first movie in a theater, drank your first milkshake, went on your first crab hunt, and ate your first ice cream cone. You stopped sucking your thumb. We visited family and said goodbye to dear, sweet friends who moved away. We saw the aquarium. We saw a magic show. We saw your pediatrician and an ophthalmologist. You splashed in the wade pool in the front yard and strolled down the sidewalks on after-dinner walks. We shopped, played, and picnicked our way through the lazy days, what few of them there were.
Yeah, we did alright.
What's most amazing to me about all that we did and experienced these past few months, though, is you. How you handled each new thing with the perfect balance of bravery and grace. Oh sure, you gave me some trouble. You're getting a little more argumentative in your old age. There were also a few instances (per day) that you'd get upset at Luke for having an opinion or playing with the very thing you decided you had to have at that moment (the nerve!) But overall, occasional four year old tendencies aside, I witnessed quite a bit of maturity blossom in you this summer and I liked it. I am SO proud of you.
Just like I knew you could handle your Daddy and I being gone for five days, I know you can handle Pre-K. You'll step up, figure it out, and help others along the way. You're brilliant and capable, Audrey. God made you that way. Don't let anyone ever tell you any differently.
Go get 'em, Sugar.
I love you,
Mommy
xoxoxo
On May 16th as I picked her up from her last day of school, I almost cried. I remember staring blankly at the vastness of summer before us as I wondered how I would survive three and a half (hot!) months of two children at home. Sure, she had only been going eight hours a week. But that was eight hours a week we both thoroughly enjoyed.
Today I pulled away from Audrey's preschool and had to forcibly steer the wheel to make myself leave the parking lot. It wasn't emotional the same way it was last year. I wasn't worried about her or desperate to know how she was going to fill her day, at least not to the same degree. It was more of a quiet realization that this growing up thing - yeah, it's happening. And that I had just survived the longest consecutive break I'll ever have with her. Ever. Next year she'll start kindergarten in August, so her summer will be much shorter.
That makes me really, really sad. Except it also doesn't.
This blog sums it up incredibly well: http://putdowntheurinalcake.com/2013/09/im-ecstatic-schools-starting-except-when-im-not/
So since someone else already put into words how I feel about all of this school business, I'll save the rest of the post for putting into words a few things I liked about this summer in the form of a note to my big Pre-K student:
Dear Audrey,
You started Pre-K today. You looked so adorable in your pink ruffle-tier dress and black mary janes. Your running nose bothered you a bit, but no way were we going to let some sniffles stand in the way of this most wonderful of days! (Sorry, classmates.)
When we walked through the doors, the teachers were having their morning meeting and prayer circle just down the hall. We waited with the other parents and kids for them to finish and usher us in. You kept pulling my hand and inching us closer toward your room. "Are they finished YET, Mommy?" you asked impatiently. I told you no as I took another picture.
Finally, an entire five minutes later, the meeting ended and it was off to the races. You nearly jogged us both down the hall to your class. The first one in, you shyly put away your lunchbox and looked around the familiar room. The teachers were new, half of the students would be new to you, but the room itself was the same. As a fellow creature of habit, I imagine that gave you some comfort.
You chose a coloring page and opened the box of brand new Crayola crayons. Ahhh - that smell. Is there anything nicer than a box of fresh crayons? As you colored, I smiled at other moms, dads, and kids walking in and let my mind wander.
We kind of rocked this summer, didn't we? I mean, last week I began having this haunting feeling that we didn't soak it up as well as we should have, but when I look back, I realize we did pretty darn good.
You took ballet and looked so precious in your pink leotard and sheer skirt. You did a week of swim lessons at our neighborhood pool and, though it was no Coach Kara experience, you fearlessly tackled those too. We started reading and handwriting lessons with Mommy (almost) every day when Luke would go down for nap. Amazingly, we got through 70 out of 100 of them; you are becoming an incredible little reader! We hit the beach with family, the fountains with friends, and the park with playmates. You had the most adorable Tea Party birthday party a four year old could ever ask for. You saw your first movie in a theater, drank your first milkshake, went on your first crab hunt, and ate your first ice cream cone. You stopped sucking your thumb. We visited family and said goodbye to dear, sweet friends who moved away. We saw the aquarium. We saw a magic show. We saw your pediatrician and an ophthalmologist. You splashed in the wade pool in the front yard and strolled down the sidewalks on after-dinner walks. We shopped, played, and picnicked our way through the lazy days, what few of them there were.
Yeah, we did alright.
What's most amazing to me about all that we did and experienced these past few months, though, is you. How you handled each new thing with the perfect balance of bravery and grace. Oh sure, you gave me some trouble. You're getting a little more argumentative in your old age. There were also a few instances (per day) that you'd get upset at Luke for having an opinion or playing with the very thing you decided you had to have at that moment (the nerve!) But overall, occasional four year old tendencies aside, I witnessed quite a bit of maturity blossom in you this summer and I liked it. I am SO proud of you.
Just like I knew you could handle your Daddy and I being gone for five days, I know you can handle Pre-K. You'll step up, figure it out, and help others along the way. You're brilliant and capable, Audrey. God made you that way. Don't let anyone ever tell you any differently.
Go get 'em, Sugar.
I love you,
Mommy
xoxoxo
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