Kids Say the Darndest Things…

or just simply state the facts.

Tuesday morning Shealyn came in our room announcing she had had a bad dream.  So she crawled in bed with us since the alarm had gone off and it was time to get up anyway.  I was trying to get her to tell me about her dream by prompting her with questions.

M–Was there a monster in your dream?

S–No

Daddy—Do I need to get out my shotgun (remember he’s a redneck)?

S—with a giggle —- NOOOoooo

M—Was someone chasing you?

S—Yes

M—Who?

S—I don’t know, I didn’t look.

Good girl Shealyn — get away from them and don’t look back!

 

And just this morning as I was dropping Shealyn and Carter off I was smacked in the face with the other simple fact.  The kids had each grabbed a book to read on the way to school.  Oh wait, I better set this up better for you.  Shealyn usually bolts the minute the door opens for fear I might make her kiss me or something—–*eye roll* and Carter, on the other hand,  is sure to give me a kiss 98% of the time.  So, as they are getting out of the van this is my conversation with Carter:

M—have a good day buddy; I’ll see you after school

C—okay, mom you be careful

awwww my heart is melting because my 6 year old is concerned about me getting home

C—I don’t want you to lose my spot in Arthur (the book he was reading– because he had carefully lain it open to his spot)

Sllllaaaammmm!  Back to the real world!

Let the school year begin!

Yesterday was the official first day of school for Shealyn and Carter.  Although a little nervous I think they were mostly excited and the morning went very smoothly.  They both woke up to their alarms and got up without a problem (BITE MY TONGUE NOW!!!).  This is the first I’ve let them get up to alarms because in the old house our rooms were all so close I didn’t want the whole house up if it wasn’t necessary, not to metion the girls shared a room.  We left the house at 7:30 and this is what they looked like.

Carter’s first day of 1st grade.

 

Shealyn’s first day as a 3rd grader!

 

One of the rare moments they don’t mind hugging each other.  There IS hope!!!

 

P. wanted to be part of it so it was finally her turn.  And this is probably the most true to life picture of my three goofballs :o)

 

Other than a little confusion at pick up time (Carter got in the wrong line to go home) their first days seemed to go well and they seemed to be happy and ready to go back today.  They were ready to come home and veg out for a little bit.  Because, also along with the start of school we are now in the full swing of Shealyn’s softball practices and Carter’s football practices.  I thought it would be cool to not have their practices on the same night because it wouldn’t seem so busy.  I was wrong—I wish Clark and I were going 2 separate directions on the SAME night!  Shealyn practices Mon/Wed and Carter Tue/Thur—blllaaahhh!  Oh well, I know this is just the tip of the ice berg and life will get much busier in the years to come.  Enjoy this while I can is what all you readers that have older kids and are never home are saying.  I’m just happy to have Clark to split the duties with.

Back to School Sundae!!!

What a marvelous idea Aunt Debbie!!!  Yesterday, about 1:30 Aunt Debbie called and said, “hey it’s Back to School Sunday — would you like to come have Back to School Sundaes with us?”  Guess where we were at 3:00?  I never turn down ice cream and it was fun to talk with everyone.  Although I wasn’t entirely privvy to the conversation I think it was decided this should become an annual tradition )  No arguments from me—-I’d host too! 

Good Luck on the first day of high school Lauren and Em.  Have fun in 3rd grade Avery and of course happy wishes to my own 1st grader and 3rd grader!!

Dad’s Day – All Aboard!

A quick fact not known by anyone outside of immediate family is that I love toy train sets! Willie, my father-in-law, has an excellent room in his house that is devoted to trains. About ten years ago, my mother bought me one for Christmas and I never had a place to properly set it up. When Willie started his train room, I got the opportunity to set mine up as part of his room. We had fun placing the track, wiring up the switches and enlisted Virginia to decorate and paint the scenery. Anyway, my train was removed from the room about a year ago as the layout grew to a point that three complete sets (Yes three, and they all worked!) no longer fit. For non-train enthusiasts, a layout is something that is never complete. There is always scene changes, re-routing of the tracks, additions, subtractions, and the work goes on and on. To continue, I unpacked the train a couple weeks ago and somehow the power cord for my transformer didn’t make the trip to Texas. After a few minutes on the computer I managed to locate the nearest Lionel Train dealer and the trip was planned.

Last Saturday was Shealyn’s turn to go on a “special trip” with Dad, so she and I got in the truck and headed off to the hobby shop to buy a new cord. Upon arrival we both walked around the store with eyes bulging out of our heads and mouths open taking in all the train stuff. The bad news is that Lionel has discontinued the transformer that came with my set, including replacement parts! Bummer, the good news is that the salesman was more than happy to set me up with a brand new transformer that is now the standard of all Lionel Trains (imagine that!).

We got home and got the train going and to my suprise, Shealyn was very interested in the whole operation! I showed her how to run it, including the whistle, and she immediately tested how fast it would go! After we got the train and cars back on the track I attempted to show her the finer points on speed control through the corners and she only derailed it a couple more times before she realized its limitations. I enjoyed watching her work it for about ten minutes before we were called to the table for dinner. At this point I didn’t think much of her interest.

Fast forward a week… today I am sitting at the kitchen table and I hear the train running. I get up and walk out to find Shealyn laying on the floor running the train. I crawl onto the floor next to her and start talking with her about the train and learned that she plays with it almost everyday and has gotten quite good at it. She shows me how she likes to blow the horn and points out interesting little facts she has learned about the operation of the train. I have to admit that I was impressed with her insight.

I think the fact that a train runs near our house several times a day has had some influence on her curiosity, but I am most excited that her and I share this interest. We have already started plans to expand our basic little layout to include more track and even some switching stations. Hopefully her interest doesn’t fade and we can share in this hobby.

The Conductor and His Apprentice

As you can see, I have only set up the most basic layout, but we are going to expand. Unfortunately, we have to keep it fairly simple as it is not a permanent setup.

Keeping our eyes peeled!

  Have a great week!

They met their teachers

Friday was “meet the teacher” night at Shealyn and Carter’s school.  I was the most apprehensive about it all day and let’s just say I did not have a stellar performance once there.  I quietly tucked some Kleenex in my pocket before we left the house.  I knew it would be emotional for me I just had no clue it would be a tidal wave.  We first ventured off to meet Carter’s teacher,Mrs. Grounds, and I JUST KNEW the first meeting would be the hardest.  I kind of lingered behind Clark and the kids because the tears started back when I saw his class list (  Trust me, I was trying to hold it together because #1 I didn’t want my kids to see me like that, #2 who wants that to be the new teacher’s 1st impression of a crazy mom and #3 I didn’t want to scare any other parents or kids.  It just didn’t happen!  Carter’s teacher looked right at me and said, “mom, I’ll take care of him and love him!”  Yep, gonna like that one.  Somehow, I managed to bring my emotions into check and have a short civil conversation with her and I think Carter will have a good year!    After he dispersed his school supplies (there was a list) around the room per her directions we ventured on to Shealyn’s room. 

I was dry eyed, but I’m sure the tears could have easily spilled if I had been looked at wrong.  So, we repeated the same process with Shealyn’s classroom and briefly talked with her teacher, Mrs. Haynes.  She’s 4 years out of college so I’m excited for the opportunities Shealyn may have with her.  She’s already contacted me a couple of times via e-mail so I know the communication is going to be good!   It’s not that I don’t think my kids will be happy because ultimately they will, I just am having a hard time with the new kid status for them.  This is like nothing I’ve ever experienced and my kids are more resilient than I.  But, then I had a slight panic last night as I was sitting thinking about school again—-who will they sit by at lunch, who will they play with at recess?  Logical questions to a mom right?  They’ll find their way, I know they will, it’s just much harder on me than I thought.

So tomorrow marks their first day as an Argyle Eagle and after Payton and I drop them off we’ll join some other parents and the PTA for a CHEERS/TEARS session in the cafeteria.  I am kind of looking forward to that time as they have tables set up per grade and it will be a chance for me to meet some other 1st and 3rd grade parents.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

I have 2 to share with you this week since one happened late last Friday.

We were looking for school shoes for Carter and she was sitting on a bench patiently waiting for us when I hear this:

P—Momma. come here

M— Yes, P?

she’s laying in a prone position on this little bench

P—I’m waiting for my 1 true love’s kiss

Of course, I kiss her (how can I refuse that invitation)

P—Thank you momma

M—Am I your 1 true love, P

P— Yeeesssss

What are the chances she’ll be telling me THAT in 10 years?

 

Earlier this week I was talking to the kids and telling them how daddy and I are going to sit down this week and establish some better house rules (I’ve been way too lax this summer with many of my rules).  P. immediately pipes up with the first one——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

NEVER BE NAKED WITH THE BLINDS OPEN!!

Words to live by )

I have an ice cream date tonight!!

I have a date with my son tonight.  Back when we started the reading program this summer there were incentives along the way.  Carter very much had a goal in mind when he saw the incentives.  He knew if he read for 20 minutes for 20 days he would get a ticket to the water park down here so he worked very hard and diligently toward that goal and MADE IT!!  He, Clark and his Grandpa McNulty went and played there for a couple of hours the other night.  Well slong with that coveted ticket he got a coupon to Coldstone Creamery!    I know — twist my arm—-for ice cream—yeah right.  So tonight’s the night.  I’m taking him to football practice and then we’re going to go on ouir date.  Sounds perfect to me.

Olympic aspirations?

Clark and I are such Olympic Fans (summer are by far my favorite) that I’m afraid we might be adding 3 more to the fan base.  Let’s just say since the opening ceremonies our TV has been on pretty much non stop and about the only thing it’s been tuned into is the Olympics.  We’ve watched Michael Phelps, diving, track and field, gymnastics, kayaking, LOTS of volleyball.  I’m quite an animated spectator of volleyball and the kids sure got a big dose of that today when the US men were playing against Serbia to get to the medal round.  It took them all 5 games, but they pulled it out.  I don’t know that it can top the Karch Kiraly, Steve Timmons, Craig Buck and Jeff Stork days, but it’s very hard for me to not get drawn in.  And then of course I just marvel at the athleticism of the beach players.  Just watching them jump out of that sand makes me tired —- hhhmmmppphh.  Really I marvel at the athleticism, strength (emotional and physical) and the heart of all the athletes, but hey this is my blog and I happen to LOVE volleyball.

Anyway, on to the purpose of this post.  As I was very animatedly watching the US men see saw back in forth with Serbia the kids told me what they want to do in the Olympics except for Shealyn.  Carter has been glued to a TV anytime Michael Phelps has been on, but he surprised me with telling me he wants to be a runner.  Payton has loved anything that has happened at the CUBE as well, so she wants to be a swimmer and a diver for the WOMEN!!!  I’m glad she wants to “play” for the women )

Hope you’re enjoying the Olympics as much as we are.

Dad’s Day – Weekend Recap and a Little Nostalgia to Boot!

This past weekend was an extremely busy one for us down here in Texas! As some of you already know, my parents are here for a visit. To go along with that, I have been very busy at work and was required to get up early on Saturday morning and go to work for a couple hours. We didn’t let the late start slow us down much.

Kimmer and Mom had the opportunity to get away Saturday and do…..well, whatever it is they do when they get out. Dad came over after he finished with his test on Saturday (He took the Texas Master Electrician Exam) and we played with the kids until Mom and Kimmer got home. Dad and I managed to break away long enough to watch Brett Favre’s maiden performance as a NY Jet. Other than that, the kids kept us pretty busy. I must admit, it is times like that when I truly appreciate what Kimmer goes through everyday. Those kids can be exhausting!

Sunday proved to be a humdinger as well. Dad, Uncle Tom and I met at 7:30am and drove out to deer camp. Dad and Tom had not seen it yet. Dad was very impressed and particularly excited about the lake that we all feel will offer good fishing and duck hunting. We had fun walking the property and scoping out areas we will be hunting this fall. After three hours, a couple miles of hiking, and an encounter with one snake, a hive of bees and a lone skunk; we headed home.

 Upon arrival, we dove into our evening activities. We all pitched in and enjoyed a wonderful supper of grilled salmon, grilled shrimp skewers and naturals greens salad with grilled asparagus, portabella mushrooms and green peppers. If you haven’t noticed, I mention food quite a bit in my blogs. I do this for several reasons, but most all it’s because I love to eat. Eating is one of my favorite things. I know that is “possibly” the reason I have a big belly, but I can live with that!

OK, I pay attention to Kimmer’s blogs and notice she likes to include cute pictures of her children so I wanted to include one some of my favorite pictures of my kids “Hangin’ With Dad”. Some of these are old but they make me smile!

SHEALYN

I love this picture of Shealyn and I. It really shows how much we look alike (poor girl).

CARTER

Carter was very good about coming out and “Helping” me work on the racecar. He’s pretty handy with a cleaning rag too!

THE DIVINE MISS P

Yes, not very flattering for me and doesn’t even show Payton’s face. Miss P loves getting in bed with me and “reading checkbooks”.

“THE GANG”

Kimmer left us alone for a Saturday so we all went to WalMart and bought some new teeth!

“Kimmer and I”

Next to our wedding picture, this one is my favorite. How did I get so lucky, isn’t she beautiful!?!

Have a great week an I’ll talk to you soon!

More Splash Park Fun and Best Shot Monday!

We headed off to another splash park one afternoon last week to beat the heat.  Okay, actually it wasn’t too bad—it was in the 90’s which has been a relief.  I could actually sit in the sun without sweltering.  So, in pictures you will see what fun the kids had.  The girls were a little harder to photgraph this time around—either avoiding me or in constant motion )  I’ll let you guess which one avoided me and which one didn’t stop!!

walking around the bucket tree

waiting…….

SPLASH!!!!

 

I finally got her to stop where I wasn’t in a bunch of water with a camera trying to get her picture.

Don’t buy that sweet and innocent look either )

 

She made it into an obstacle course (she would call it Ninja Warrior) and this was her finish point.

 

Shealyn didn’t think I would be quick enough to snap her picture during her peek a boo game with me.

 

This is quite often the face I’m greeted with when she sees the camera ;0)

 

And this one is the favorite of the week! 

Check out that look in her eyes; it might be because I was on the receiving end of that spray!