Big Man on Campus

So today was the first day of kindergarten...we all survived!

As long as I have been dreading this day, Will has been counting down. He has been so excited to go to kindergarten. He's been ready for a long time. I know that, I've known he was ready, but mommy not so much! He actually cheered yesterday when he asked me when the last day of summer was, and I answered today. So last night, he picked out his clothes, and we got his backpack ready!

It's funny because, he's actually going to be gone less than he was for preschool, but I have been emotional nonetheless. I think it's because I've past the point of no return. I can't pretend that he's a baby anymore. I mean it's KINDERGARTEN!! He is in elementary school, he carries a backpack and rides the bus! (Well, he rides the bus home, I still drop him off in the mornings...Mom was not quite ready to let go of all control!) I know he'll love it!

This morning about 5 minutes before it was time to get in the car, he told me he didn't feel good. I guess it was just nerves, which did not help my already frazzled state of mind! But we loaded up, and drove (the whole 5 minutes!) to his school. He was excited when we got there, and we all filed to his class. Once in there, he greeted his teacher (she's really nice!) and put his bag up, and started coloring. I took a couple of pictures, (just a couple, I didn't want to prolong anything!) and said goodbye. I was fine the whole time...then I walked out of the doors. I could feel my chest ache, and my eyes get full, and a huge knot well up in my throat. As the tears fell, I dropped on my sunglasses so Olivia wouldn't see me cry. I don't want her to think it's sad to go to school! (Her turn is coming soon!) Anyway, it was good that I had Olivia and Caroline to worry about, otherwise I'm sure I would've been a mess. By the time we got back to the car, I had composed myself. I took the girls to a fun princess party, so that was a good distraction!

Since I'm going to be taking Olivia three days a week, we made the deal that I will take him in the morning, and he can ride the bus home. For some reason this freaks me out! My husband (he used to teach elementary school, and he's the practical one anyway) thinks I'm nuts. But, I guess the right of a mom right? He only goes to school for half the day, so when he comes home, it's only kindergartners on the bus. They told me what time the bus will drop him off, so I made sure that I left the princess thing early enough to be here a good 10 minutes before his bus was supposed to be here. So, as I'm pulling up to my driveway, the bus (with my kid still on it!) is pulling away! I met the bus at it's next stop where the bus driver informed me that on Tuesdays & Thursdays, they will be a little early. Good to know...too bad they didn't tell me that yesterday!

Oh well, he was fine, and LOVED school! He had a great time, and is excited to go. I'm fine, but I'm glad it's over!

4 is Fabulous!

Wow, so 10 days after celebrating my sweet baby's first birthday, we are celebrating another birthday. The princess is 4! I can't believe she is 4. 4 is so grown up! We are starting preschool in September, and dance lessons too! Can't you just see her in a little tutu? ;) It was actually right at this moment, 4 years ago that my water broke! That was the beginning of an exciting adventure. I will write about both girls' births in a different post, but I wanted to end with a letter for my Olivia.

To my beautiful Olivia:

You are such a precious gift from God. Your daddy and I are blessed to have you in our lives. From the beginning you have brought such joy to us. You radiate joy and happiness in all you do. Your laughter and smile are contagious. You have that mischievous little twinkle in your eye. I love that you are girly, and love to dress up and play pretend. But I also love that you can roughhouse with your daddy and brother. I have no doubt that you will be able to hold your own ground. You are so funny, and people are drawn to you. I know that you will be a leader. I love that wherever we go, you have at least one new "friend" that you have met by the time we leave. You may be small, but you can do so much!

You are beautiful. Never let anyone tell you differently. But you are just as beautiful inside. You have a sweet spirit, and compassion for those who are hurt. You try to take care of your baby sister, and you want to do what your big brother does. You adore your daddy, and I love to see you interact with each other.

You came into this world a tiny little thing, but I know that God has big plans for you. I am so thankful that He chose me to help you, and guide you through this life. I pray that I can be an earthly example of God's love for you, and a good example of a wife and mother that I can only hope you will strive to be like. I pray that you will have a husband like your daddy, and a rich God filled marriage.

You are truly one of God's greatest gifts, and I'm so thankful that He gave you to us. I love our relationship now, and I can only imagine it will get better as you grow. You fill my days with happiness, and our house with laughter, and squeals. I cannot imagine my life without you in it.

I love you Olivia!

Mommy

Time flies...

It has been 12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days.

It doesn't even seem possible that Caroline has been in this world for a year already. This has been one of the fastest years of my life!

To my sweet Caroline:

I am so thankful for you! God brought you into my life at a time when I didn't realize how much I needed you. I cannot imagine our family being complete without you. From the start you have brought us such joy. You have been such a good baby with such a beautiful sweet spirit. I am honored that God chose me to be your mommy.

As you grow, I pray that I will be a good example of how a wife should be, how a mother should be, and most of all an example of God's love. You have always been such a good baby, you warm my heart with your smiles, and giggles. You love your brother and sister very much, no one can make you laugh like they do! I love your snuggles, and sloppy baby kisses. I love the way you light up when your daddy walks into the room. I pray that you will someday have a husband who is like your daddy.

Always know that we will love you no matter what. You will always have a safe place with your family. My love for you grows as you grow. I know that God has great plans for you. You are His beautiful creation.

Each day I am amazed at what you can do and what you are learning. You are funny, you try to make us laugh! You pretend to talk on the phone, and are about to start walking. You chatter a lot, and I know you and your sister are going to be up many late nights giggling and talking!

I am eternally thankful that God chose to bring you into our lives when He did. You are such a gift, to both your daddy & I.

I love you sweet girl,

Mommy

Is it bad?

The past couple of weeks, I've had a very heavy heart. I've been sad for a friend whose life has been turned upside down. Her husband was fired, and they have three small kids. The oldest is Olivia's age, and the youngest is Caroline's. The way he was fired was completely wrong, and now they don't know where they will go, or what he will do. She is my good friend, so it has hit me pretty hard.

I've tried to keep this blog light, so I haven't posted anything. So to continue that way, my friend Kelli did this, so I decided to do it too. You can write me a comment with your own, or post it on your blog! Here goes!

Is it bad that sometimes I let my kids watch way too much TV for a day just so I don't have to hear them argue & whine?

Is it bad that sometimes I "forget" about the clean dry towels in the dryer, and they only get taken out the next week when I need the dryer?

Is it bad that I have no desire EVER to own a dog?

Is it bad that when I bake cookies with my kids, it's usually because I want cookies?

Is it bad that when I bake said cookies, I usually end up eating most of them?

Is it bad that even though I hated it as a kid, I get a certain satisfaction of saying "Because I said so!" to my kids?

Is it bad that I still get sucked into reality TV? (I'm so glad Jillian finally let go of Wes! What a jerk!)

Is it bad that my son (5) already knows that mommy is not a morning person, so he bypasses my room to come straight downstairs to watch cartoons?

Is it bad that right now I have two folded baskets of laundry in my room that need to be put away, but I'm writing this post instead?

Is it bad that if I'm home alone, I sometimes make bedtime earlier so I can watch TV?

Ok, now it's your turn!

9 years!

Wow, 9 years! It doesn't even seem possible that we have been married 9 years. We say that, and then realize that we have a kid who is going to kindergarten in the fall! I have been so blessed that God has provided me with a great husband who also happens to be a wonderful daddy to my kids.

God brought him into my life when I was 14 years old, and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was going to be my husband. I actually met him at church when I was in eighth grade, and I had an instant crush on him...he was so cute! The next year when I was a freshman in high school, we both went to another school's homecoming dance with other people. We ended up sitting across from our respective dates, but next to each other, and that was the first time we officially talked. The rest is history!

He proposed to me the summer after my freshman year at college. The next summer we were married. I was 19, (almost 20) and he was 22. We were such babies! Our wedding was so great, everyone told us what a fun time they had. It was raining that day, and I remember everyone (literally everyone!) telling me that rain on your wedding day was supposed to be good luck. We honeymooned in Mexico which was great. We were both full time college students, and working, but it didn't matter because we were in love! We lived first in a tiny (seriously, I think the whole place was about as big as our master bedroom & bathroom now!) apartment, then lived in crummy married housing through his scholarship, a nice apartment, our first house, and finally the house we live in now, our house which we plan on being in indefinitely.

In 2002, we were blessed with a pregnancy, but it ended in miscarriage. This was definitely a big low in my life, but not in our marriage. He was my rock. God used this to bring us closer as a couple, and also in our relationship with Him. We were blessed soon after with another pregnancy, our son. It was a joyous time for us! During that pregnancy, we had to trust God completely. We found out that our son had some markers for genetic abnormalities. Again, he was my rock! Our son ended up being completely healthy. Then we were blessed again with our daughter. She was born 2 1/2 weeks early, tiny, but healthy. We were blessed for a third time with our sweet baby girl. Since our babies have been born I have been able to stay at home. I'm thankful that God gave me a man who supports me being home even if it means he works a little more.

I have learned that my husband is the calm one in stressful situations, and in turn keeps me calm. He frustrates me sometimes, but most of the time makes me so happy, and makes me laugh like no other! I love to watch how he grows as a man and father. He is a great dad who thoroughly enjoys his kids. I am sure anyone who knows him is not surprised that he is the "fun" parent, however the kids know that when daddy gets mad, it's serious!

I am so thankful that God brought him into my life, and that he brought us together. He is my best friend, and love. There are still sometimes I can't even believe we got married. I am blessed to have him in my life, and share my life with him!

First time for everything....

Unfortunately, I wish this was a first we could have skipped! We've had 3 kids in 5 years, so I guess it was an inevitable first. Our first trip to the E.R. Surprisingly it was not our crazy 5 year old boy, our very brave 3 year old, but our sweet mild mannered 10 month old! Yup, Caroline was the first!
It was Wednesday evening, Jason & Will were at baseball practice, Olivia was playing in the family room, I was making dinner and sweet Caroline was in her booster seat eating cheerios. I had my back turned to her because I was getting dinner out of the oven, and starting to serve plates. Next thing I know, I hear a huge crash and Caroline is screaming. I run over to find her, still strapped into her booster seat, but the chair had fallen backwards. She had put her little, no tiny feet between the table and her seat and pushed off knocking herself and the whole chair backwards. I unstrapped her and was trying to calm her down. She stopped crying pretty quickly, but then laid her head down on my shoulder and started falling asleep. This freaked me out because you always hear that if there's a head injury, it's bad news if sleep follows it. I called Jason who was turning into our subdivision. He got home a couple minutes later and took her. She was awake by now, but not her normal self. She immediately began throwing up...a lot...
I ran to the phone and called the doctor who (very calmly I might add) told me he would advise us to bring her to the E.R. He said it sounded like a concussion, but he was not as worried about that. He said that since she was throwing up, it could be signs of something more serious, like hemorrhaging in her brain! Wait, WHAT??? He was very calm still and told me he would call ahead to the E.R. so they would be expecting us. So while I'm processing all this, I'm thinking of what to do with my older kids. Thankfully we have great neighbors. I called her and told her what was going on. Without hesitation, she told me to bring my kids over, and go.
The trip to the hospital seemed like it took forever. The whole time I was trying to keep Caroline awake. She had only napped for an hour that day, so I didn't know if it was from being tired, or hitting her head, but I wasn't going to let her fall asleep. We got to the hospital, and were put in a room. The doctor came in to check her out. She was awake and even alert by now, but still not her normal self. The doctor checked her eyes, and reflexes. She actually almost took her first steps in the E.R.! He said she looked good, but wanted to keep us there a little bit longer to observe her. He wanted her to eat to see if she could keep it down. If she did, we were free to go, but if she didn't he wanted to do a CT scan. I fed her, and our Caroline was back...she was laughing, yelling, and trying to grab everything in sight! About 10:00 PM the nurse came in and said we were free to go home. After a LOOOONG and scary night, we were relieved to find out that she was completely fine.
We also found out that sleeping when kids hit their heads is fine, it's the throwing up that should be cause for concern. The nurse told us to look at their eyes to make sure their pupils are the same size and that the kid can focus on something. So there's a little bit of advice for all you parents!
Hopefully that is not a trip we have to repeat anytime soon!

A day in the life...

...Of a 3 1/2 year old princess!

I'm Olivia, and I lead a charmed life! I wake up around 7:30 or 8, and my Mommy makes my hair pretty, and puts me in a cute outfit. I'm cute, and I know it. I'm super girly, and love to play pretend, dress up, and have my nails painted. I like to color and draw, (my favorite color is pink) and I'm learning how to write. I can write my name which makes me feel like big stuff. I'm a huge chatterbox, never running out of questions. I love to perform, and make people laugh. Mom & Dad think I will be an actress when I grow up. They say I'm a bit of a drama queen. I think I will be a chef and an astronaut when I grow up. Whatever I do, I'm sure I will have fun doing it! I am super happy most of the time, but watch out if I get mad! ("Pam" tends to come out when I get upset!) Mommy says that I can be a little bit sneaky sometimes, but it's only because she doesn't let me do fun things like drink her coffee, or fill up my tea pot with water in my room.

I have a big brother who is pretty cool most days! I adore him, and want to do what he does, which sometimes gets me in trouble. I have a baby sister too, and I LOVE her! I take being a big sister very seriously. I pick her up a lot, and try to feed her. For some reason Mommy usually yells at me when I do this, but that doesn't stop me!

After playing all day, Mommy & Daddy make me go to bed around 8. If it were up to me, I would stay up late! I might miss something exciting by going to bed!