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.

Grandma Rocks

The difference between mom and grandma is obvious when the girls go shopping. Mom thinks, "practical basics" and Grandma thinks, "let's have fun". It works out well for the girls! Kate found this less than practical outfit while out shopping with Grandma and LOVES it. Today, she finally found the perfect  occasion to wear it. She's going to a friend's house for a play date. When she emerged ready to go, she declared I should be taking her picture. I complied. As did Ty.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Grandma!

Don't freak out

I realize I need to set a personal goal for this up coming school year. I've titled it, "respond not react", or more commonly, "don't freak out". I have to admit, I was just short of freaking out today when I signed my employment contract and discovered I would be reporting to work full time on Monday. That's a week before the kids start. Erin starts school the same day I do, leaving no one at home with the resilience to care for Kate and Ty, much less Colby full time while I am trying to learn a new parenting technique, attend training courses and get acclimated to working full time outside our home. I texted friends I thought could help before finally sending Greg a panicked message begging him to take vacation time so our kids aren't shuffled around for a week before they start school. Little man is already processing the upcoming changes in his life a bit more than we'd expected so the jostling would not be healthy for him either. God is in the details. I am certain I am supposed to be in this role. I expect growth through challenges and also believe it will be good for us in the long run. I'm praying I can learn to slow down, respond in a reflective manor and assert myself when needed. It's going to be okay.

It's going to be okay......my last day caring for this sweet boy will be Friday. I can't honestly accept that truth just yet. It would be one thing if I would still be seeing him at church on the weekends or having cookouts like we did yesterday but he is moving away in August and taking his awesome parents with him. It breaks my heart. I'm rather smitten. It's probably a good thing I am going to be so busy for awhile.

Puppy update

Earlier this week, we went to visit Woody, now called Gunner. He is a 65 pound beautiful boy who is expected to top 85 pounds before he's grown. His owners invited us out to see him once we recovered from the shock of learning our little Mia had passed away. She had a weak immune system and was sick several times. After daily immune boosting shots, antibiotics in repeated doses and a week long hospital stay, she passed away breaking the hearts of her forever family and ours.

In it to win it

Erin's senior class beat the juniors in tonight's Turkeybowl football game 38-0. She had a blast. There were no injuries (Thank you Lord) and the only tears belonged to Ty who wanted to play football too! It was a beautiful night for football and Erin says she wishes she could play again. A group of big guys were sporting her #77 and Baughman on their shirts and faces. It was pretty cute to see guys cheering for girls at a football game.

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of the game, the coach told the girls he enjoyed working with them and welcomed them all back to support his efforts with next year's team as they had great attitudes, excellent sportsmanship and are an incredible group of girls on and off the field.

Makenna Grace

Happy 12th birthday Makenna! You are spirited, passionate, creative, dramatic, intelligent, beautiful, silly, loving, playful, honest and nurturing. It is a blast watching you blossom. We love you!

New Beginnings

Greg's parents spent the afternoon with us yesterday. Have I mentioned how much I love grandma's back to school budget blessings? Shopping, playtime and an interview were covered in a few short hours. We wrapped up our visit with my favorite dinner. It was my favorite because I didn't purchase it, prepare it or clean it up. It was a pleasant day. Thank you Baughmans!

While they were here, I slipped away to interview for a position with the kids' school and was offered the job today. I will be providing care for the teacher's infants and toddlers. Our sweet Colby is moving away in a few weeks so this opportunity was provided at the perfect time. God typically works it out like that doesn't he? Ty will be enrolled in the preschool program and is looking forward to "being big". He is excited but in all honesty, that is the one element pulling at my heart strings. I suspect he will be growing up a little more quickly now. We have a lot of changes headed our way given this is the first time I have been employed full time since 1997. I'm pulling out the crock pot recipes and planning streamlined lunches. A new chapter in our lives is beginning.

A day out with Grandpa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While Grandma had the girls out shopping for back-to-school (and blessing our budget), Grandpa checked out an old pharmacy and train in Corydon with the little ones. Kate giggled quite a bit at the name of the pharmacy. As much merchandise touting the name was available, I suspect Kate isn't the only one amused. (It's noted in her horse ride photo.)