Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Kindergarten & Preschool
Well, the time has almost come when I send my first born off to Kindergarten. He has orientation this Friday and starts school on Monday. I know a lot of Mom's in my same position are sad to see their babies off. I'm not so much sad that he's off to Kindergarten, but just surprised at how quickly this time has come. Jack has been home with me for almost 6 years, with the last two years in a half-day preschool program. I've gotten used to him being away from me during these preschool years. I'm more excited for him, than anything else! I'm not too nervous for him. Because he's not nervous at all!
Jack isn't the only one growing up! James will start his first year of preschool. He'll be in a 3 year old program, 3 days a week, from 8:30-12:30. I'm a bit more nervous about James than I was for Jack. James is almost a whole year younger than Jack was when Jack entered a 3 year old program. It's because James' birthday is before the Sept. 1 cut-off and Jack's is after the Sept. 1 cut-off. James has had a little bit of practice at his preschool this summer. He did three 1-week long sessions. The days were long, but he did mostly good. My hope for him this year is to enjoy school, his classmates, and teachers.
As for me, it will be my first regularly scheduled time to myself. I'm really excited about this...but at the same time, not sure what I want to do with my time. Part of me just wants to lay on the couch and relax for the first month! That always sounds better than it really is though! I would imagine that I will get involved in both boys' schools. I can now volunteer at Jack's school, while James is at his preschool. I also want to sew some more. I want to photobook (my new favorite thing). I want to get better at photography. I'm looking forward to treating myself to "me" time! Although, I'm sure I'll have to squeeze in some house chores along the way! :)
Jack isn't the only one growing up! James will start his first year of preschool. He'll be in a 3 year old program, 3 days a week, from 8:30-12:30. I'm a bit more nervous about James than I was for Jack. James is almost a whole year younger than Jack was when Jack entered a 3 year old program. It's because James' birthday is before the Sept. 1 cut-off and Jack's is after the Sept. 1 cut-off. James has had a little bit of practice at his preschool this summer. He did three 1-week long sessions. The days were long, but he did mostly good. My hope for him this year is to enjoy school, his classmates, and teachers.
As for me, it will be my first regularly scheduled time to myself. I'm really excited about this...but at the same time, not sure what I want to do with my time. Part of me just wants to lay on the couch and relax for the first month! That always sounds better than it really is though! I would imagine that I will get involved in both boys' schools. I can now volunteer at Jack's school, while James is at his preschool. I also want to sew some more. I want to photobook (my new favorite thing). I want to get better at photography. I'm looking forward to treating myself to "me" time! Although, I'm sure I'll have to squeeze in some house chores along the way! :)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
What My Kids Said 2010 - July 2010
Once again, I wrote down things here and there that they boys said. I wish I could put the inflection in their voices and expressions on some of these. That's what makes some of them cuter than they seem. But, you get the point.
July 2010
-Jack asked Jason for dessert. Jason said, "no, not tonight Jack." Jack started to sob a little and Jason reiterated, "Jack, no dessert tonight. You gotta understand we can't have dessert every night...that's why it's a sometimes food." Jack said, "I DO understand, that's why I'm crying."
-Walking into Target, Jack said, "wow, it looks like a nice day in Target today."
-I gave the boys a choice between a red, black, or blue lunch box. They both said black. I said, "come on guys, you don't want the colorful ones?" Then Jack said, "Well, black's the new khaki!"
-I asked James if i could go to preschool too. He said, "SURE!" I said, "what do I have to do to be good in preschool?" He said, "WELL....you have to paaaaaiiint and coloooooor."
-Jack was laughing at something. James said, "it's NOT funny JACK!" Jack said, "it's funny to me!" James, "no its not!" Jack, "well James, we have different perspectives, it's funny to me and not funny to you."
-Jack, "what's a career?" Jason, "it's a job you've had for a long time. I've been in the military for a lot of years, so it's my career." Then I said, "Mommy doesn't have a career." Jack said, "yah, because you've got a job...it's to work for us."
-I noticed Jack looked taller this morning. I jokingly said to Jack, "stop growing!" Then I turned to James and said, "James, you stop growing too!" James started bawling immediately and said, "but I HAVE to grow!"
-Jason was telling Jack about something...and after a few moments of Jason talking, Jack said, "you know what we're doing right now?...you're teaching me!....you favorite thing!!!"
-Jack said he wishes he wasn't James' big brother. Jason explained how that's not a very nice thing to say and, "how would you feel if me or Mommy said we wish we weren't your parents?" Jack said, "well, kinda bad, but then I'd want to just get new parents that wouldn't say that kind of thing."
-Jack and James were in the playroom, I was in the other room. I heard Jack ask James, "Do you wanna see Emma?" (we have glass doors on a cabinet with all sorts of pictures tapped onto it). James, "yes!" Jack, "let me see, here she is. This is Emma. I'm going to marry her someday. And we're going to have babies. She's my best friend."
-James as he hugged Jack's waist, "we're FRIENDS Jack...wanna dance with me? I'm a princess dancer!"
-we were sitting in the car and the boys noticed two people smoking. Jack said, "I do NOT want to grow up and do that!" James said, "but I want to do that!" Jack said to James, "well, it's all up to you James, but I just want to warn you, it is NOT good!"
-When James woke up, he called from his bed, "Mooooom, help me...I'M SWEATY!" (he was soaked with urine, rather than sweat).
-James said this morning after rubbing the corners of his eyes, "I have crumbs in my eyes!"
-at the pool I told James I wished I had floaties, then asked him if I could have his floaties. He said, "No...then I will die. You're too big for my floaties. When it's your birthday you could get some BIG floaties."
July 2010
-Jack asked Jason for dessert. Jason said, "no, not tonight Jack." Jack started to sob a little and Jason reiterated, "Jack, no dessert tonight. You gotta understand we can't have dessert every night...that's why it's a sometimes food." Jack said, "I DO understand, that's why I'm crying."
-Walking into Target, Jack said, "wow, it looks like a nice day in Target today."
-I gave the boys a choice between a red, black, or blue lunch box. They both said black. I said, "come on guys, you don't want the colorful ones?" Then Jack said, "Well, black's the new khaki!"
-I asked James if i could go to preschool too. He said, "SURE!" I said, "what do I have to do to be good in preschool?" He said, "WELL....you have to paaaaaiiint and coloooooor."
-Jack was laughing at something. James said, "it's NOT funny JACK!" Jack said, "it's funny to me!" James, "no its not!" Jack, "well James, we have different perspectives, it's funny to me and not funny to you."
-Jack, "what's a career?" Jason, "it's a job you've had for a long time. I've been in the military for a lot of years, so it's my career." Then I said, "Mommy doesn't have a career." Jack said, "yah, because you've got a job...it's to work for us."
-I noticed Jack looked taller this morning. I jokingly said to Jack, "stop growing!" Then I turned to James and said, "James, you stop growing too!" James started bawling immediately and said, "but I HAVE to grow!"
-Jason was telling Jack about something...and after a few moments of Jason talking, Jack said, "you know what we're doing right now?...you're teaching me!....you favorite thing!!!"
-Jack said he wishes he wasn't James' big brother. Jason explained how that's not a very nice thing to say and, "how would you feel if me or Mommy said we wish we weren't your parents?" Jack said, "well, kinda bad, but then I'd want to just get new parents that wouldn't say that kind of thing."
-Jack and James were in the playroom, I was in the other room. I heard Jack ask James, "Do you wanna see Emma?" (we have glass doors on a cabinet with all sorts of pictures tapped onto it). James, "yes!" Jack, "let me see, here she is. This is Emma. I'm going to marry her someday. And we're going to have babies. She's my best friend."
-James as he hugged Jack's waist, "we're FRIENDS Jack...wanna dance with me? I'm a princess dancer!"
-we were sitting in the car and the boys noticed two people smoking. Jack said, "I do NOT want to grow up and do that!" James said, "but I want to do that!" Jack said to James, "well, it's all up to you James, but I just want to warn you, it is NOT good!"
-When James woke up, he called from his bed, "Mooooom, help me...I'M SWEATY!" (he was soaked with urine, rather than sweat).
-James said this morning after rubbing the corners of his eyes, "I have crumbs in my eyes!"
-at the pool I told James I wished I had floaties, then asked him if I could have his floaties. He said, "No...then I will die. You're too big for my floaties. When it's your birthday you could get some BIG floaties."
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
James ABC Book
A friend of mine directed me to Shutterfly ABC book template. This was SO simple to do and turned out adorable! I just wanted to share with you other moms that may be interested in making one for your little ones. I made this one for James! Can't wait to get it in the mail! :)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
I was in 9th grade when my Great-grandmother passed away. She was my mother's, mother's, mother (I called her Nan). I had a special bond with her. When I was little, she kept me at her house while my mom went to work. I remember one year she insisted that I get to pick the Christmas tree. She had a special box of coloring books that only I was allowed to color in. And one time, she insisted that the person in a picture that she was looking at was NOT my dad, until I came over and told her that it was my dad. She only believed me! :) I loved Nan so much. She was really the first person I was really close with to pass away. It happened the week before dance team try-outs for the high school team. If you missed any of the workshops, you couldn't try out. My mom said I could stay in Covington with family, instead of going to TX for the funeral. I just couldn't NOT be there to say goodbye though. So, I decided I'd forgo try-outs and instead go to the funeral. Well, it turns out, that after talking to the dance team director, I was going to be excused from missing the first half of workshop. It was going to be a lot of work to catch up with what I missed, but I was willing to give it my all! While in TX, my grandmother gave me one of Nan's rings. It was a beautiful aqua marine stone ring. I was so honored that I was given something so beautiful to always remind me of her.
When I returned home, I had friends get me up to speed on the try-out dances I had not been around to learn. On top of that, I had to learn the remaining routines from the workshop. It was a lot of work, but I kind of put in my mind that I would do it for Nan! I wore the ring everyday. Including try-out day. We were paired up in twos. I happened to be paired with a girl that was on the team the year before...and was one of their best dancers (Tiffany Reiff). I was so nervous! We were all waiting in the hallways until it was our turn. Tiffany and I were actually the 2nd group, out of about 45 groups or so. I was glad to get it over with, but the waiting afterwards was tough. All of a sudden, someone ran in from outside and yelled, its SNOWING! I have to remind you, this was March 12 in Louisiana!!! Snow is unheard of year round, much less in MARCH! All my anxieties were released and we were all running around in our leotards in the snow outside! I kind of felt like it was a message from Nan to just let loose, relax, and have fun!
When it was time for them to announce the new dance team, I held on to my ring. I knew I did all I could do. And to my surprise, I had MADE the team! It was such a magical night for me. It meant the world to me. And I had hoped I made Nan proud.
Fast forward to April 2010. I was wearing the ring for several days. However, it had lost one of the corner diamonds a few years earlier. I still wore it. One day I took the boys to the playground (an after school tradition with the other mom's and kids from Jack's class). I had noticed while sitting with the moms that the stone had fallen out of the ring! I was so upset on the inside, but tried to play it off to the other moms that it's okay, it's just a thing. I did tell them it was my great-grandmother's ring. They insisted on helping me look. My only path was from the rock parking lot to the picnic benches. So, the kids got a kick out of being "explorers" with the moms. It didn't turn up. I was so disappointed, but knew there was nothing I could do. I just put the ring away in my jewelry box and thought, maybe one day I'd replace the stone.
About 3 weeks ago, the boys and I were rushing out the door. Jack was in his room getting his shoes on. He came in the kitchen and said casually, "here Mom, I found a jewel for you." We often have the little art jewels laying around from his projects from school. I put my hand out saying, "thank you Jack." Normally, I show interest, then just throw that kind of stuff away. With me being in a rush, it should have been no different. However, I happened to look at the 'jewel' and it was THE STONE from the ring! I was so excited! And of course, he was SO excited I was SO excited! He was so proud of himself for finding it (even though he didn't know it was from my ring when he found it...but he knew I had lost it several weeks ago)! I asked him where he found it and he said on the ground kind of under his bed. How I missed it each time I vacuumed, I have no clue...but regardless, it was found! I told Jason the next time I talked that we found it!
Yesterday was our 11th anniversary. Jason said we needed to go pick up my gift. We ended up at the jewelry store. His clue to me was that 'on our wedding day, you're supposed to wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.' He had gotten the ring restored, cleaned, and replaced the missing corner stone and aqua marine stone. It was something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue! The ring was special as it was, but now it's even more special. And after it's time at the jeweler, it's as beautiful as ever! This picture isn't as crisp as I would have liked it. But I don't have the appropriate lens for such close ups. Still beautiful though!
When I returned home, I had friends get me up to speed on the try-out dances I had not been around to learn. On top of that, I had to learn the remaining routines from the workshop. It was a lot of work, but I kind of put in my mind that I would do it for Nan! I wore the ring everyday. Including try-out day. We were paired up in twos. I happened to be paired with a girl that was on the team the year before...and was one of their best dancers (Tiffany Reiff). I was so nervous! We were all waiting in the hallways until it was our turn. Tiffany and I were actually the 2nd group, out of about 45 groups or so. I was glad to get it over with, but the waiting afterwards was tough. All of a sudden, someone ran in from outside and yelled, its SNOWING! I have to remind you, this was March 12 in Louisiana!!! Snow is unheard of year round, much less in MARCH! All my anxieties were released and we were all running around in our leotards in the snow outside! I kind of felt like it was a message from Nan to just let loose, relax, and have fun!
When it was time for them to announce the new dance team, I held on to my ring. I knew I did all I could do. And to my surprise, I had MADE the team! It was such a magical night for me. It meant the world to me. And I had hoped I made Nan proud.
Fast forward to April 2010. I was wearing the ring for several days. However, it had lost one of the corner diamonds a few years earlier. I still wore it. One day I took the boys to the playground (an after school tradition with the other mom's and kids from Jack's class). I had noticed while sitting with the moms that the stone had fallen out of the ring! I was so upset on the inside, but tried to play it off to the other moms that it's okay, it's just a thing. I did tell them it was my great-grandmother's ring. They insisted on helping me look. My only path was from the rock parking lot to the picnic benches. So, the kids got a kick out of being "explorers" with the moms. It didn't turn up. I was so disappointed, but knew there was nothing I could do. I just put the ring away in my jewelry box and thought, maybe one day I'd replace the stone.
About 3 weeks ago, the boys and I were rushing out the door. Jack was in his room getting his shoes on. He came in the kitchen and said casually, "here Mom, I found a jewel for you." We often have the little art jewels laying around from his projects from school. I put my hand out saying, "thank you Jack." Normally, I show interest, then just throw that kind of stuff away. With me being in a rush, it should have been no different. However, I happened to look at the 'jewel' and it was THE STONE from the ring! I was so excited! And of course, he was SO excited I was SO excited! He was so proud of himself for finding it (even though he didn't know it was from my ring when he found it...but he knew I had lost it several weeks ago)! I asked him where he found it and he said on the ground kind of under his bed. How I missed it each time I vacuumed, I have no clue...but regardless, it was found! I told Jason the next time I talked that we found it!
Yesterday was our 11th anniversary. Jason said we needed to go pick up my gift. We ended up at the jewelry store. His clue to me was that 'on our wedding day, you're supposed to wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.' He had gotten the ring restored, cleaned, and replaced the missing corner stone and aqua marine stone. It was something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue! The ring was special as it was, but now it's even more special. And after it's time at the jeweler, it's as beautiful as ever! This picture isn't as crisp as I would have liked it. But I don't have the appropriate lens for such close ups. Still beautiful though!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Drew Brees, A True Saint
When we got word that Drew Brees was coming to the Pensacola Barnes & Noble, it was a no brainer to go meet him. His book just hit the shelves, "Coming Back Stronger."
We were told that the store was going to open at 6am and the signing would be from 10:30-12. So, Jason went there around 5:40am while I stayed home until the boys woke up. When Jason arrived, there were already about 100 or so people in line ahead of him. Some had stayed the night, tailgating, and drinking. Obviously, those without children! :) When I arrived around 7:30, the line had been moved inside...weaving throughout the store. I'm so thankful that we didn't have to wait outside with the boys...because the heat index has been over 100 as early as 8am around here lately! Many of the tailgaters were asleep at the front of the line. :)
It was so fun because the store was playing Mardi Gras music and Saints songs. Everyone was so happy to be there! We had a great time waiting. The boys even didn't seem to mind the wait. I brought a suitcase of matchbox cars, a picnic blanket, and plenty of snacks...so we were set!
Drew was about 30 minutes late...but once he got there, the line went SO FAST! When we got to the front of the line, it was going way faster than I imagined! Our plan was for me to go ahead with the boys, and Jason behind us to snap a picture (they said no stopping the movement of the line for pictures)...so it was a snap and go thing! Jason was holding the books too though...so by the time we walked in front of Drew, Jason was still handing books over. I was looking back noticing he didn't have his camera out...in the meantime, Drew says to me, "Hi, how are you?" I was a bit flustered by the herding action and our unpreparedness, and holding James who was on the verge of a meltdown, that I hadn't even said 'hi'! By the time I tried to respond and say anything of substance, like "thanks!, or congrats, or ANYTHING" we were being herded off. However, Jack had not taken his book from him...so we bought some more time...as we told Jack to go "get your book from Mr. Drew Brees." Thankfully, my Aunt and cousins were behind us, and they were able to snap some pictures as we were clown-acting our way through! :)
The boys were having fun playing under the tables with the cars. Every once in a while we'd take a walk through the store.
This is me telling Jack to walk up and get his book from Mr. Drew Brees. Jack was a bit shy about meeting one of the Saints.
This is Drew smiling at Jack as Jack hesitated getting the book.
Jason, not as flustered as I was!
Aunt Karen got this adorable picture of Drew looking at her and smiling. Love it!
We were told that the store was going to open at 6am and the signing would be from 10:30-12. So, Jason went there around 5:40am while I stayed home until the boys woke up. When Jason arrived, there were already about 100 or so people in line ahead of him. Some had stayed the night, tailgating, and drinking. Obviously, those without children! :) When I arrived around 7:30, the line had been moved inside...weaving throughout the store. I'm so thankful that we didn't have to wait outside with the boys...because the heat index has been over 100 as early as 8am around here lately! Many of the tailgaters were asleep at the front of the line. :)
It was so fun because the store was playing Mardi Gras music and Saints songs. Everyone was so happy to be there! We had a great time waiting. The boys even didn't seem to mind the wait. I brought a suitcase of matchbox cars, a picnic blanket, and plenty of snacks...so we were set!
Drew was about 30 minutes late...but once he got there, the line went SO FAST! When we got to the front of the line, it was going way faster than I imagined! Our plan was for me to go ahead with the boys, and Jason behind us to snap a picture (they said no stopping the movement of the line for pictures)...so it was a snap and go thing! Jason was holding the books too though...so by the time we walked in front of Drew, Jason was still handing books over. I was looking back noticing he didn't have his camera out...in the meantime, Drew says to me, "Hi, how are you?" I was a bit flustered by the herding action and our unpreparedness, and holding James who was on the verge of a meltdown, that I hadn't even said 'hi'! By the time I tried to respond and say anything of substance, like "thanks!, or congrats, or ANYTHING" we were being herded off. However, Jack had not taken his book from him...so we bought some more time...as we told Jack to go "get your book from Mr. Drew Brees." Thankfully, my Aunt and cousins were behind us, and they were able to snap some pictures as we were clown-acting our way through! :)
The boys were having fun playing under the tables with the cars. Every once in a while we'd take a walk through the store.
This is me telling Jack to walk up and get his book from Mr. Drew Brees. Jack was a bit shy about meeting one of the Saints.
This is Drew smiling at Jack as Jack hesitated getting the book.
Jason, not as flustered as I was!
Aunt Karen got this adorable picture of Drew looking at her and smiling. Love it!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
13.1
The most I've run in my life at one time, was 6 miles. I was on an Outward Bound course in North Carolina between my junior and senior years of high school. One of the things we did daily was run the mountain trails every morning. We were working towards the 6 mile trail run at the end of the course. I had never been a runner...and still don't feel like my body is meant to run. But, when I finished that 6 mile run, I felt so good for accomplishing what I never felt was possible. Last year during my triathlon, my weakest event was the running. It was only 4 miles, but I literally thought I was going to die! So, this year, I've decided to make it one of my goals to run a 1/2 marathon. I figured if I concentrated on just one event (running), I could perhaps begin to like it and possibly get better at it. I'm two weeks into the training program now for a 1/2 marathon on October 10, 2010 (10-10-10) in Mandeville, LA. I'm not loving it yet. But I DO love the little baby step accomplishments of my training program. Every Saturday is my long run. It's usually a little bit farther than the week before. These baby steps will hopefully prepare me for 13.1 miles! :)
I've been using an application on my iphone to help me keep track of my distance and accomplishments. I've also been posting my completed runs on FB to help keep me accountable. I need any bit of motivation I can get! :) I'll also keep my logged workouts posted here on my blog.
So far, I've learned that running is a true challenge, but running in the heat, adds even more challenge! So, I've realized there's a trade-off to having to wake up super early to run...and that's no sun! As soon as that sun peaks over those trees, that's it! So, early runs are great (even if I lose sleep). Secondly, this morning I sprayed myself with a spray bottle of water before starting my run. VERY GOOD IDEA! It helped keep me cool to start out my run. I also invested in a running belt that holds water. Jason filled the little water bottles with my GU drink halfway, then froze them for me. Then I just added more right before my run. My drinks stayed icy cold...and melted quick enough to still enjoy it! The thing I need to work on most, is staying well-hydrated before my runs. I think I'd feel better if I could get better at hydration.
If you have any other running tips for me, please add a comment under this post! I'd really appreciate the input! :)
I've been using an application on my iphone to help me keep track of my distance and accomplishments. I've also been posting my completed runs on FB to help keep me accountable. I need any bit of motivation I can get! :) I'll also keep my logged workouts posted here on my blog.
So far, I've learned that running is a true challenge, but running in the heat, adds even more challenge! So, I've realized there's a trade-off to having to wake up super early to run...and that's no sun! As soon as that sun peaks over those trees, that's it! So, early runs are great (even if I lose sleep). Secondly, this morning I sprayed myself with a spray bottle of water before starting my run. VERY GOOD IDEA! It helped keep me cool to start out my run. I also invested in a running belt that holds water. Jason filled the little water bottles with my GU drink halfway, then froze them for me. Then I just added more right before my run. My drinks stayed icy cold...and melted quick enough to still enjoy it! The thing I need to work on most, is staying well-hydrated before my runs. I think I'd feel better if I could get better at hydration.
If you have any other running tips for me, please add a comment under this post! I'd really appreciate the input! :)
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