A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood. We spent the morning perusing the community garage sale where treasures were purchased, conversations were enjoyed, kids played together and new toys were discovered. Afterward, my favorite little man and I wandered into the field to check out the new construction equipment.

 

 

 

He was in his glory, although a little concerned by just how dirty those "giant tractors" were.

We had some playtime in the yard followed by grilled hot dogs. Can you get enough of Greg's assistant? He was so serious!

 

 

To Ty's delight, while taking Lauren to a friend's sweet 16 party tonight, we got to wait on a train! All of us have learned to appreciate them since they bring him such joy. They used to be a hassle.

 

My adorable husband said I looked like a tourist taking photos of the train. He then proceeded to point out birds, signs, grass, clouds, etc...just in case I wanted to take photos of them as well. He's cute.

Grounded

Last night Greg grounded Kate to her room for the day. I gasped a bit. It is beautiful outside! We NEED to be outside! But I remained quiet. She was being a stinker and it had gone too far. He was right. But, I headed upstairs with her this morning toting all the scrap booking supplies she's been coveting. Greg asked what I was doing and I let him know I was grounding myself to Kate's room. I then let him know we'd be taking 15 minute breaks to walk bare foot in the dirt today. He asked me if I'd lost my mind. To which I replied, "clearly".

Ty joined us for a bit and discovered the baggie of buttons. He immediately declared he needed to find one that fit. 

Confession

I woke to cooler temps and crisp fall air this morning. It took me exactly sixty seconds to throw open all my windows, turn off the a/c and decide I needed to haul out the fall decorations. It was in the 90's this week but I am on my second bag of candy corn anyway. It hit the shelves and I thought, "I need this. It's for fall". So, by candy corn standards, fall actually started in August this year.

 

Some of us headed out to pick apples and find a few little pumpkins to aid my need to decorate this morning. I love this season's warm hues. Pumpkins, candles, fresh air, light sweaters....I crave it all. I suspect the drought this summer will destroy the beauty of turning leaves but I am hopeful; perhaps we'll still catch some glimpses.

 

 

 

Last night's storm restored a little water in our neighborhood creek. The littlest people in my house couldn't wait to explore it again.

 

My guys.....sporting their Buckeye apparel. I couldn't care less about anything sports related but that man of mine's moods are directly linked to how well his team plays; therefore, I quietly support OSU.

No photos, please

My friend Jill and I have taken an oath. We've promised each other that the first one of us to die will have a sign placed near them that says, "if you take my picture while I am in this coffin, I will haunt you". We've both noted family photos being taken at funerals and find that particular custom rather disturbing. That being said, I did see some gorgeous photos taken of a funeral procession for a fallen police officer in our hometown that were done tastefully and there were no images of the deceased. BUT, the cutest little girl attended the evening calling hours for my grandma. She was a petite, dark complected cutie with big brown eyes. She was darling. She found Grandma's flowers a bit too tempting. I was sitting back with my Aunt Laurie observing her looking over her shoulder to see if anyone was watching. We could hardly contain our giggles as she plucked a few petals here and a flower there, all the while completely oblivious to Laurie and me. We knew Grandma would help her pick flowers if she could so we found nothing wrong with letting her proceed. If I had my camera, I would have totally blown the pact I have with Jill. I wouldn't have taken Grandma's picture, but that little girl picking flowers from funeral bouquets? Absolutely. Pure joy.

Saying Goodbye

It wasn't easy to say goodbye, far more difficult than I anticipated. She was pretty amazing, the way she loved all of us. We are a diverse group, to say the least and she found qualities in each one of us she adored and bragged about to the others. She always had the latest news about each of our families and made sure we all knew how much she enjoyed us.

My cousin A.J spoke at the funeral. He said looking at the photos around the room made him wish we could all go back to one of the happy days of our childhood when life was simple. The days of cousins running around the farm, enjoying a little too much freedom and each other. Jeremy, Joel, A.J, Theresa, Mike and I were all around the same age and always looked forward to those visits. He remembered sitting around Grandma's table during one of those days and noting tears in Grandma's eyes as she looked around at all the chaos our gatherings created. Looking back, he realized they were tears of joy. She loved her family. 

We lost Jeremy ten years ago. I am sure they are still sipping coffee and catching up in heaven. That reunion had to be one of the sweetest. And Grandpa, he's probably sitting back with a grin on his face as he takes it all in. He adored her. I miss them all. Like A.J, I wish we could have one more carefree day of childhood to really appreciate the simplicity of those days. One more day to hang on a little longer to a hug or listen to another story. Saying goodbye was not easy even though I know she was ready for the reunion in heaven.

Savoring

Today I had a picnic with my favorite seven year old in the school parking lot. She wrote me a note in her journal last week and her teacher made sure I was aware it said, "Dear Mom, I miss you. I wish I was in your class. I wish I could give you a hug every day. Please eat lunch with me. Love, Kate". It took some maneuvering of schedules but it went on the calendar for today and sister was beaming.

I needed it too. I went into this position with idealistic goals of more time with my kids and the ability to connect with them throughout the day. I am far more isolated than I ever would have envisioned. It's lonely and the days are long. It's almost torturous to be so close and yet, not be able to see my kiddos. Today, even more than usual, I needed my family close.

I started my day at 4 am with a call from my mom letting me know my beautiful grandmother was hours away from meeting Jesus. Whereas there is rejoicing in heaven and a reunion with my grandpa, I am incredibly sad I didn't get one last hug and kiss. Rest in peace, Grandma. I love you. 

Little Man of Mine

This little guy is making me wish I'd waited to work outside the home. I know he's in good hands but they aren't mine. He misses me and tells me every day. I miss him too.

 

He's running a fairly high fever this weekend but you wouldn't know it. He's thrilled to have us home together. Me too.

 

 

 

He scored the electric skillet cord after Makenna treated the six teens we hosted last night to a pancake breakfast. It was the toy of choice once we wrapped up with the Lincoln Logs that always remind me of my childhood days building with my dad.

 

I met with his teachers last evening to discuss his upcoming school year. He will be learning a lot and they adore him already even though they admit they wish he liked them better! The tears have continued to flow but they believe he will relax more once another child stops crying all day. Ty apparently approached the other crier on Wednesday and let him know his mommy would be back at the end of the day. His afternoons are pleasant but he struggles in the mornings. One teacher gets a hug at the end of the day and he's contemplated hugging the other twice. I pray he's completely comfortable by the end of the week. His ability to enjoy school will make all the adjustments I am experiencing easier to manage. 

Weekend Review

Greg and I slipped away for a little date last evening. We are getting rowdy in our old age as the local farmer's market and Meijer were the destinations. Errands were run and complete sentences were spoken. It was beautiful with clear skies and temperatures just below 80 degrees. Simply perfect.

A friend of Lauren's visited and when his mom arrived to pick him up, we discovered we already knew her. She took care of Ty's daily blood work when he was born. We saw a lot of her his first three months. We laughed that he'd cry if he heard her voice since she was always sticking him! Small world. 

We ended our evening relaxed by the fire pit when I thought to ask Greg if the burn ban was still in effect. Oops.

 We are preparing for another school/work week and honestly, I'm not too excited about it. As I was standing outside Ty's studio on Friday, his teacher asked me how I was doing and I truthfully answered that I was questioning if I took on too much too soon. She wisely recommended I table that question until Labor Day weekend so my answer isn't based on emotions.  I appreciate her wisdom. Today I walked with a friend whom I've home schooled alongside for the last five years. She will always ask me the tough questions and hold me accountable. I adore her. It was good for my soul to take that walk today.

 I cleared the camera card and discovered Makenna's first day of seventh grade photo. As it turns out, she was the only cooperative child on Monday and therefore the only one captured. She is having a blast planning her theater seminars and updating her Facebook status to "in a relationship". Have mercy.

Inquiring minds....

• "Mom, did you know your hair is like a boy style? I mean, boys can have long hair but they also have hair like yours. Also, did you ever see a girl with a mustache? I have." -Kate

• "Mommy, I have a secret". Little man has never actually said any words in his previous secrets, just made a whispering noise but on day 2 of preschool, he whispered, "poop" and doubled over laughing at himself.

• So Mom, do you think it would be okay for me to have a boyfriend at school? Umm.....Makenna, you are 12. I know but he's only 14 and he asked me. (I told her to ask her dad) Seriously??? It's the 4th day of school!

• "I really like this school. The teachers are so cool. You know, I was afraid to ask a question today because the teacher at the other school yelled if you ask questions but here, they were totally chill about showing me how to work on my assignment". Makenna on day four in new school. (Other school was an 8 day adventure with our local middle school in January)

• Little man screamed through his entire first full day of school. ALL.DAY.LONG. Did I mention his studio is across the hall from mine so I can hear him crying? He wasn't the only tearful one on Wednesday. It was really tough. I found myself questioning if this was the right fit for our family after all. I wanted to grab my baby and run for the hills. I stayed and loved on other people's babies instead. Today was better. I'm praying he settles by next week.

• Our hot breakfasts continued this week. My husband rocks. 

• Kate and I just wrapped up reading Wonder by  R.J. Palacio and it is my humble opinion every parent should read it to their children. Simply beautiful. 

Bragging Rights

This week was long and a blur at the same time. Having a week under my belt before supporting the kids through their first week was a blessing; a challenge but a blessing. Monday was great until I put little man in bed at 7 after getting home from work at 5. I left his room in tears and fought them all day Tuesday. Once we are all in a routine after this next week, I have faith we will thrive. It's just going to take some time. Welcome to the pep talk I've been having in my head.

I started a few dinners in the crock pot this week before heading to work. Greg wrapped them up or started the others before I got home each day. As result of his efforts, Erin and I also had a hot breakfast each morning. That man of mine is pretty awesome.

All four of our other kids start school tomorrow. Their nerves are running high and tears have started flowing. Back to the pep talk in my head. Ty will have two days of orientation from 11-1 before full days start on Wednesday. This presented a few logistical challenges for us but we've worked through them as well. Greg and I realized his time waiting on Ty will correspond with my lunch break so we are planning a tailgate date for lunch together on Monday and Tuesday! We'll have a picnic in the back of the truck in the school parking lot....why not? We've already realized how purposeful we will need to be to connect in this new season.

I came home Friday to a clean house....like even the windows were cleaned! Shocked, surprised and grateful only begin to describe my reaction! We slipped away for an hour after dinner on Friday so he could enjoy a much deserved ice cream treat and I could exhale. We spent Saturday relaxing together and accomplishing the weekly shopping. I will miss having a weekday to work through that chore but with his company, perhaps it won't be a chore after all.

On a totally adorable note...Thursday night was Open House at the school so Greg brought the kids to see my work space and each of their studios. Ty was pretty taken by the fish tank, the sink at his level and was most impressed by the little potty in his area. He came out of the bathroom and announced to the entire room that he didn't have to stand on his tip toes while demonstrating that movement, complete with his hips swung forward. There wasn't a straight face in the crowd despite all efforts to do so.

Daddy's Little Helpers

 

Both sets of grandparents contributed to a new swing-set for the little one's birthdays this year. It has been so hot, we've waited for slightly cooler temperatures to build it. It was clearly a "family project" but a good time despite the efforts of Daddy's little helpers!

Greg texted me a photo of my smiling little guy playing on his new swing-set when it was complete and it made my day. The same daddy got up early this morning to send me and Erin out the door on our first day with an omelet breakfast. That guy is a keeper.

We have one more piece coming from Amazon.com this week and we'll stain it next year when we also stain the deck but it is ready for playtime! Thank you Grandmas and Grandpas. We love it!

And then we blinked.....

My baby started her Senior year today. I told her it would be really helpful if she could start rebelling and causing trouble so I could more easily send her out into the world in nine months. She giggled, hugged me and left with a smile on her face. Time flies. Wasn't it just yesterday she was the little kindergartener in that photo? I believe it was.

Colby James

We are going to miss you like crazy.

Ty and Brutus

Before I get to the hilarious shots of Ty shooting Brutus, I want to share a little story I like to call, I am the Mother of the Year.
Ty had his three year check up today. It was the first time Ty's been to the doctor since his two year check up last July. Yeah! That will likely not be the story a year from now since he is starting school in two weeks. Anyway...during the routine physical we learned he has gained four pounds and grown two inches this year. He is 29.2 lbs (20%) and 39 inches (40%). He also has walking pneumonia. The doctor kept questioning me about his congestion. I repeatedly told her he was a little congested but it wasn't bad, he wasn't too run down and he wasn't running a fever. I wouldn't bring him in for that but mentioned he had a virus last week that kicked off the cold sores again. She laughed at me and let me know his right lung was full of fluid. Wonderful. He's wrapping up the anti viral meds today from his latest cold sore outbreak and starting antibiotics. I thought he was dealing with some allergies and didn't think they were significant enough to warrant medication, much less a trip to the doctor. Yep, I am the mother of the year.

 

 

 

 

When our little man isn't busy harassing Brutus, he is still exploring. Future scientist?

Don't worry, the harassment goes both ways. Did you want to play this game?

I have a lot of new material to learn before starting my new job so I asked Greg to occupy Ty for a few hours. Within a few minutes, Ty was back at my side requesting attention. When I asked him what Daddy was doing, he said, "he's playing trains". Sigh.