Return to Blogging

I have sat down to update this blog so many times over the past few months, but somehow found it too overwhelming to tackle.  We had such a great summer and did so many fun things together as a family and at some point I will have to document them all - or at least a few.  But for now, let me start with something simple - something to ease myself back into blogging.

The First Day of School 2012!!

I have been anticipating this school year ever since Abby was in Kindergarten.  It's true.  Way back then, we had just moved into this neighborhood and I was pregnant with Peter.  I remember thinking as I sent little Abby off to Kindergarten, that when she was in sixth grade, this little baby inside me would just be Abby's age and would be starting Kindergarten himself.  

Foolishly, at the time, that seemed like a lifetime away.  But, here I am what feels like five minutes later, with Abby in 6th grade, Isaac in 4th grade, Henry in 2nd, and that little baby, Peter, is in Kindergarten.  Crazy.

The first day of school arrived with its unique blend of nervousness and excitement.  The kids had carefully picked out their outfits and had loaded their backpacks and they were ready to start a new year.  

Technically, Peter wouldn't start school for another week, but here are 

my four babies who all attend the same school. I love it!

Here's my darling sixth grade girl.  

Ready for 4th grade!

How is this little peanut already a 2nd grader!?

The kids were able to meet up with their friends at the neighborhood breakfast which always seems to calm the nerves.  I love seeing these cute kids reunited and ready to face the year together.

Isaac and our neighbor.  These boys logged a lot of hours together this summer - legos, swimming, basketball camp.  Isaac loves having a friend next door!

Abby and her cute friends.  

I refuse to acknowledge that these girls will be in Junior High next year.

Walking to school hand-in-hand.

Henry and his 5th grade buddy Jake, make their way to school.

These three had a great first day of school.  They all came home happy about their teachers, excited about the kids in their classes, and totally enthusiastic about doing homework.  (Well, at least for the first day.)

Peter and Lucy didn't start school for another week and man alive, was that a long week.  Everyday they would ask how much longer until they got to start school and everyday, they were unhappy with my answer.  Those two younger kids were ready to get in on the action.

Oh, I love these two kids!

Peter spent the morning of his first day feeling a little nervous.  He wasn't very hungry and had so many questions about how the day would go. "What kind of things will my teacher have me do?" he asked.  "How will I know where I'm supposed to go?"  "Who am I going to sit by?"  I assured him that he would be fine;  his teacher is so nice and there are so many great kids in his class.  I promised he would have a great day.  By the time we were ready to go, Peter was excited and ready to get to school.  

Look at the enthusiasm on those faces!

After school, Peter walked home with Abby, Isaac, and Henry and when he got here, he burst through the door with a huge smile on his face and ran straight for me to give me a huge hug.  "Today was awesome!  Kindergarten is GREAT!" he said with more enthusiasm than I know how to type.

Lucy had a great first day of preschool - although when I went to pick her up the only thing I could think was that she is way too small and has way too little hair to be in preschool.  

I am excited for this year for my kids.  They all seem so happy with their teachers and they have great friends in their classes.  They are all involved in activities they seem to love and enthusiastic about.  And as for me, now that Peter is in kindergarten and Lucy is in preschool, for the first time since the day Abby was born, I have two afternoons a week all to myself.

At least until March....

Performances

Last week our family was inundated with performances.  In fact, Lucy was the only one not involved in the performing arts.

Peter had his preschool performance on Tuesday.  For months, he had been singing his songs as he went through the house, and when the day came, he was so excited for us to see him perform.  When I woke him up in the morning and told him we needed to get ready for Kindermusik, he said he wasn't sure if we had time for Kindermusik because we had his performance that night  - at 8:00.  I assured him we could do both.

Peter was proud and a little reserved as he made his grand entrance.

 It was a little hard to hear most of the kids sing, because one girl sang, yelled at the top of her lungs. 

 I tried to think it was cute.

I loved it when the kids sang, "Proud to be an American."

Peter's performance came at the end of crazy day with all the kids needing to be different places at once.  I loved ending my day watching my cute boy perform and it made me more than a little sad to think that this was his last preschool performance.  I am NOT ready for Peter to start kindergarten in the fall.  But, as he often reminds me, "at least you get Lucy for like six more years, or something."

Anyway, on Thursday and Friday of the same week, Abby and Isaac performed in their school's production of "Beauty and the Beast."  This was a play that they had been working on, two mornings a week before school, ever since October.  It was nothing short of fabulous.  

Isaac played the part of a villager.  He was adorable up on stage singing praises to Gaston, doing push-ups as part of a dance number, grabbing a plunger to use for a weapon as the villagers went after the beast, and fighting with the silverware and plates in the final scene at the castle.  

My own little villager - the most darling one on the stage.

Abby had a roll as a "Silly Girl;" you know those girls who flirt with and fawn over Gaston.  She was absolutely adorable in her roll, and while I have never known her to fawn over any boy (yet), she was very convincing up on stage.  

Abby conspiring with another Silly Girl.

Giving her dreamiest expression - far left.

Although Henry didn't get to be up on stage, (it was only for 3rd - 6th graders) all the kids in the school were taught a dance routine to "Be Our Guest." Then, in the middle of the performance all the students who were spread throughout the audience, did a sort of flash mob dance and performed along with the kids on stage.  Henry loved being part of it, if only from the audience and it was great to see so many students in the audience participating.  Henry's class also helped make masks for the wolves in the forest to wear.  He was so proud of his contribution.

As I mentioned, Lucy was the only one not involved in a performance last week - but that doesn't mean she didn't try.  All throughout the play on Thursday and Friday, Lucy stood in the aisles and danced along with the musical numbers.  Then, as the play progressed, she would walk up the aisle toward the stage.  At first it was just a couple of feet and then she would come back to our seats, but by the end of the play, she gathered her courage and went right up to the stage.

Lucy makes her way to the stage and tries to get Abby's attention.

Finally gets noticed by Abby.

Makes a run for it back to the seats.

I'm sure Lucy is already counting down the days until she can be up on stage.  She is already a little performer.

Anyway, the play was awesome and I loved every minute of it.  At the end of the night, the teacher who directed it and spent thousands of hours putting it all together (without extra pay), stood on the stage and talked about the importance of the arts in the lives of children.  I got really emotional as I was filled with gratitude for the experiences my kids have with the arts.  I am so grateful my kids go to a public school that emphasizes the arts in so many ways and I am grateful for teachers who work hard to make a difference in the lives of their students.  I know that the opportunities my kids are having, will last with them always.

I loved this past week seeing all my kids involved in various performances.  I loved the work that went into preparing for their performances and I loved the excitement and satisfaction they all felt when they were done.  Congratulations to all of you cuties

Finding Inner Peace

Today I walked into Abby's room and there, seated on the floor by himself, was Peter.

He was sitting with his back against the wall, legs crossed and hands resting on his knees in the "om" position.  He was wearing sunglasses to hide his eyes and in his mouth was a binky.

"What are you doing?" I asked, surprised to find him sitting there.

"I'm inner-peacing" came his reply.

Oh.

I have to admit, he looked completely relaxed and contented.  I wished more than anything I had a camera in my hands - but I love that I was able to see Peter taking a break from his otherwise strenuous 4-year old life.

What a funny boy.

Peter's New Job

Over the past few weeks, our neighbors have been working on an extensive landscaping project.  Everyday, their yard has been filled with trucks and tractors and front end loaders and pretty much every other type of machinery you can imagine.

Peter has been mesmerized by all the activity.  For several days in a row, he woke up in the morning, dressed quickly, and ran outside to watch the progress.  As far as I know, he never said much, but he sat quietly in our yard and watch them intently for hours - YES, HOURS.

On hot, sunny days, Peter was out there.  On cool, cloudy days, Peter was out there.  But it was a sad, sad day on the morning when Peter opened the door and saw this.  It was then he knew, his work there was done.

(I'm still trying to figure out if our neighbors owe us money for his work as their overseer, or if we owe them money for being our amazing babysitters.)

Peter's First Day of Preschool

Peter started preschool last week - just two and half weeks after everyone else started.

It was a long time for this boy to wait.  Sure, we did our best to fill up his days with worthwhile activities - like bike rides, trips to the grocery store, the library, trips to Costco and even an occasional  trip to Target.  Somehow, despite our best efforts, it just wasn't enough.  Peter needed more.

A few days before school started, he came to me and said,  "Mom, I really think I'm ready to be in school."

Yes, it was time and it was a happy day when school finally started.

It was all smiles when I dropped him off at the school and he marched into his classroom confident and happy to be there.   And he was still smiling when I picked him up after school.  He was even smiling while his teacher told me that he had broken out into hives on the playground.  What?  

Peter is unfazed by hives or anything else.  School has started and he is happy to be there.

While I miss having my little buddy to run errands with, I am so glad he gets to go to school and learn from great teachers and make friends with so many cute kids.  

I love this boy.   I love it when we're driving to school and he looks out his window and says, "Look at those beautiful mountains.  We are so lucky to live here!" I love driving home from school with him when he tells me about his day - who was nice, what he learned, and what songs they sang.  I love his observations of the world and his constant questions.  There is nothing better than a four year old boy and let me tell you, I am loving mine. 

Peter's Excellent Birthday Celebration

Peter celebrated his FOURTH birthday at the end of June and he pretty much hit the birthday jackpot this year.

Even before his actual birthday, we celebrated it at Oma and Grandpa's house during Sunday dinner.  Peter's one request for a cake was "carrot cake without nuts so Henry will eat it."  This caught me a little off guard.  I didn't know Peter had ever tried carrot cake  -  I think I've only made it once before.   The fact that he was so aware of Henry's picky eating habits and tailored his cake to Henry's taste, made me laugh.

Needless to say, on a gorgeous Sunday evening in June, Peter got his carrot cake and it was dang tasty, if I do say so myself.  He couldn't have been happier.

(I love that dimple in his cheek and that cute crooked smile!)

That was only the beginning of Peter's Excellent Birthday Celebration.

For his actual birthday, we were at the beach house in California.  I can't say from personal experience, but as far as I can tell, it doesn't get much better than spending your birthday at the beach house.

Peter started the day opening presents.  He got everything he asked for:

A red slap watch,

A chomping tiger head,

(I have no idea how that tiger became the object of his desires, but it required a last minute trip to Hogle Zoo, minutes before we were trying to leave for the beach - as if we don't have a hard enough time getting on the road without a quick trip to the zoo.)

He also got a great book that has quickly become a family favorite.  

(It's really a must-have for anyone who has a son named Peter.)

So there it was, barely 9:00 in the morning, and Peter had already had a pretty incredible birthday but the day only got better.  The weather was spectacular that day - perfect for spending the day on the beach - so that's exactly what we did.  

Peter got to spend his entire birthday chasing balls in the surf, looking for sand crabs, and building sand castles.  

And when he got hungry, we ate hot dogs on the deck.  Now I ask you, what tastes better than a grilled hot dog at the beach?  Nothing.  Just ask Peter.

Yes, it was a pretty great birthday for our Peter-boy.  In fact, I am a little nervous about how we'll ever top it.  Doesn't it seem a little unfair for a person's birthday celebrations to peak at age 4?  Oh well. It was an amazing day for a great boy and I wouldn't change a single minute of it.

Happy Birthday Peter!  We love, love, love you and we are so glad you are part of our family!

Sleep

A lifetime ago, when I was pregnant with Abby, people would often offer tips and advice about how to prepare for life after we had children.  Without a doubt, the comment that scared me the most, was when people would say, "Sleep-in while you can, because once you have kids, you'll never get to sleep-in again."

You see, I have never been an early-riser.  I can totally see the wisdom in Ben Franklin's adage: "Early to bed and early to rise, " but unfortunately, I've never been able to incorporate it into my own life.  I've always enjoyed those late night hours when everyone else is asleep.  That's when I get my best reading, best TV-watching and best puttering done.  So, ten years ago, when I thought that kids were going to be the end of sleeping-in, it scared me a little.

There's a reason it's called, "sleeping like a baby."

If I'm being honest (and maybe a little dramatic) I have to say that my heart has ached for parents whose kids wake up before the sun.  I have heard horror stories of babies who are up every day at 6:00 am ready to start their day.  (What do you do with a child at 6:00 am?)   Fortunately for me, from the very beginning, my kids have liked to sleep-in as much as I do.  In our current situation, with school, play practice, piano lessons, soccer games and early church, we don't get to sleep in as often as we'd like, however, on days when we have nothing on the schedule, it's not unusual for my kids to sleep in until well after 9:00.

Last night, Andrew was at work overnight.  At some point during the night, Peter came and climbed in my bed with me.  I had the whole big bed with plenty of room for Peter, but his favorite way to sleep is curled up right next to me, breathing right in my ear.  At first, I tried to scoot him over to Andrew's empty side of the bed, but even in his sleep, he quickly found his way back to me.

Oh, how I love this sleepy boy.

Eventually, I gave up trying to move him, so at 5:30 this morning, when I should have been sound asleep, I lay in my bed and thought about how little time I still have with kids climbing in bed with me.   My heart grew tender as I listened to Peter's gentle breathing and to the sucking of his binky  - (yes, he's three and still has a binky.  Don't judge.)  In the pale light of morning, I looked at his hands gently cupped resting next to his head.  I felt the warmth of his little body next to mine and watched as his eyelids fluttered in his sleep.  I wanted to just freeze that minute - to keep it and preserve it, so that not-so-many-years from now, when my kids are grown, I can go back and hear that little breath and feel the warmth of that little boy.

Slowly, I fell back to sleep for an hour, with my little-son curled up next to me.  I am grateful for sleep.  I am grateful for kids who like to sleep-in, but at 5:30 this morning, I was filled with gratitude for that little boy who was making it difficult for me to sleep at all.

And, after I got up and got Abby and Isaac off to play practice, I was grateful that I got to go back in there and curl up next to my warm, still-sleeping little boy.

Our Resident Funny Man

There are few people in this world that make me laugh harder than my Peter.  The way his mind works, and the things he says to me leave me laughing daily.  Three-year-old boys are so funny and Peter is downright hilarious.

Here are a few of Peter's recent comments:

During a recent family "dance party" in our kitchen, I picked up Peter and gave him a big juicy kiss right on his cheek.  "Ummm Mom," Peter said.  "There's a sign on this stage that says 'No Kissing.'  So, you'd better stop."

A few weeks ago, Peter was complaining that he "had something stuck in the drain at the end of his mouth." (aka - his throat.)

One day Abby was teasing Peter about something.  Finally, Peter had had enough and said, "Abby, don't do that to Mommy's Peter-boy!"

While Peter and I were at a school assembly, out of the blue, Peter asked, "Why do we need cheeks?" As I thought about how to answer that question, he looked at me and said, "I'm glad I'm not you."  I sat there feeling very confused about what he had just said,  but the woman sitting next to me had a hard time stifling her laughter.

Maybe it's just that I'm his mom, but Peter makes me laugh - a lot.  These are just a few of his statements, but truthfully, he makes me laugh several times a day.  I feel pretty lucky to have him for our in-house comedian. He is a source of constant entertainment.  We sure love this darling, tenderhearted and hilarious boy.

Siblings

Big news here in our house this week.

Lucy started walking!

She walked around a little on Sunday afternoon and then, on Monday morning, (her 17-month old birthday) she really decided that it was time to walk.  So, ever since Monday, our Lucy has been a walking girl.

Anyway, a few days ago, I sent  Lucy and Peter outside to entertain each other and take care of Minnie.  (Is that too much to ask of a three-year-old and 17-month old?)

Peter and Minnie had a great time "walking" each other around the yard.

As funny as it was to watch Peter and Minnie, the real attraction was watching Lucy follow Peter everywhere he went.  It was so adorable, it made my heart melt. When Peter walked down the hill, Lucy would waddle after him her face beaming with adoration.  When Peter walked along the front walk, Lucy would waddle after him. She was bound and determined to keep up with her brother - and the sweetest thing about it, was the way Peter made sure she could keep up.

If Peter noticed Lucy was lagging behind, he would slow down so she could catch up.  He would call her name so she would know where he was, and if she fell, he would help her up.  It was so sweet, I had to grab my camera to try to capture that moment.

Just as I got out there, Peter had reached out to steady Lucy and I took this picture.

I love the expressions here; the proud and mindful older brother, and the absolutely adoring and grateful baby sister.  

When I was little, I always wished I could have a big brother and I was pretty sure that if I did, this is exactly how I would feel about him.  Lucky Lucy has three older brothers who look out for her and protect her - and this is how she feels about every one of them.  Yep, Lucky Lucy - Lucky Brothers.

*To further confirm the adoration these two have for each other, today Peter said, "Lucy, you are the bestest girlfriend I ever had."  (October 17, 2010)

Four Out of Five

Peter started preschool last week and two days into it, I am relieved to say he loves it.  After the first day, I wasn't sure that would be the case.

The first day of school was pretty low-key.  I went with him and stayed with him while he met his teachers and got familiar with the school.  He was really excited to go and he couldn't wait to see what preschool had to offer him.  I could tell this would be a fun experience with him.

I was wrong.  Once we got to the school, Peter shut down completely.  He wouldn't look around at anything and kept his eyes glued to the carpet.  We walked into his classroom and his cute teacher said "hi" to him.  Nothing from Peter - he refused to even make eye contact.  She asked him what his name is - still nothing - must keep eyes on carpet.   She gave him a note welcoming him to preschool with a Laffy Taffy stuck to it.  "Say thank-you" I urged - but still nothing - that carpet must have been fascinating.  It was a little painful to say the least.

Finally, after Peter had avoided saying anything or looking at anyone and I was mildly embarrassed, it was time to leave.   As we drove home, I asked Peter about his behavior.

"Why wouldn't you talk to your teacher?" I asked.

"I was feeling shy." Peter responded.

I then explained that the next time he went to school, he would have to actually talk to his teacher - and that part of learning is that teachers talk to us and we talk to them.

"But Mom," Peter said.  "My teacher kept BOTHERING me!"

Baffled I asked, "How was your teacher bothering you?"

"She kept giving this to me." he said as he held up the note with the Laffy Taffy.

Yeah, so apparently it really bothers Peter when his teachers give him notes with candy.  Somehow, I don't think Valentine's will be his favorite holiday.

Needless to say, when it was time for preschool a couple of days later, I was a little nervous about how Peter would manage.

Luckily, he was as excited and proud as can be.  Once again, he couldn't wait to get to school and he couldn't wait to see his teachers.  When we got to the school and it was time to drop him off, I was afraid he would change his mind - but when the car doors opened, he jumped out and yelled "Bye Mom!"  He trotted off to the school as confident and grown-up as a three-year-old boy can be.  And at the end of the day when I picked him up, he was just as enthusiastic.

That Peter keeps me guessing - and laughing - but luckily, he is loving preschool.  And so, two days a week for three hours a day, I have four kids in school.  Here at home it's just me and Lucy and it's pretty awesome for all of us.

Good job, Peter!

First Day of Kindergarten

Today Henry started Kindergarten and ended what has officially been the longest week of his life.   From the minute Abby and Isaac started school, he has been counting down the days until he could join them.

And so, I present: Henry, on his first day of Kindergarten.

Look at that confidence.  Look at that swagger.  Look at that adorable cowlick.  This boy was excited and ready to get started.

Right up until it was time to actually get started.  And then he got a little nervous.

He wasn't sure where to hang his back pack.  And he gave his "homework" to the wrong teacher.  And he accidentally walked into the wrong classroom.  Needless to say, he was a little shaken - but definitely not deterred.

Once he got into the right classroom, saw a few friends and found his name on a desk, he was officially ready to start Kindergarten.

I made the mistake of calling Henry 'My Kindergarten Baby' today and he was quick to remind me that he is now a big boy.  As I watched him settle into his classroom I realized that he was right.  I can't quite figure out where the past five-and-a-half years have gone, but somehow my Minnesota son has turned into a big boy.  (I didn't feel it was necessary to tell him that he'll always be my baby.)

Anyway, Henry had a great day at school.  There were lots of fun friends, plenty of recess time and best of all, he got to walk home with Abby and Isaac.  What could be better than that?

The only downside of the day is that now Peter begins what will officially be the longest week of his life.  He's already counting down the days until preschool starts.  (Oh, and counting down the days until Christmas - but that's another story.)

Two cute brothers say good-bye.  Man I love these boys.

Hey Soul Peter!

Peter sings "Soul Sister" by Train

Peter's Third Birthday

We closed out birthday season in our house yesterday.  No more birthdays until January.

Yesterday was Peter's 3rd birthday and there was a lot of build up to the big day.  Poor Peter.  Since the middle of April, he has patiently waited through five birthdays - and at least three times a week he has asked, "Is today my birthday?"

It was a joyous morning when I could finally tell my sweet boy, "Yes Peter! Today is YOUR birthday!"

He was thrilled with the small things... birthday cake at Oma's and Grandpa's, shopping with Grammy and Papa, balloons around the kitchen table, and a birthday sign which he proudly told people read:  "Happy Birthday Peter."

Peter is a great boy - but man, is he intense and wow, does he have a lot of energy.  I don't know who came up with the phrase, "Terrible Twos" because in our family, the threes have been way harder.  And so, I am just buckling in, getting ready to ride out the next year with my boy.

In any case, here are some things I love about Peter on his third birthday:

1. He is the youngest of three brothers, but he can keep up with the bigger kids with no problem.

2.  He loves to work.

3.  When I call him, if he isn't ready to come, he just holds up one finger and says "Minute."  99% of the time it cracks me up, 1% of the time it infuriates me.

4. He has the biggest brown eyes I have ever seen.

5. He loves curling up on my lap and giving me juicy kisses.

6.  He is an athlete.

7. He says the longest prayers - often they involve him looking around the room and blessing everything in sight.

8.  He pretends to fall asleep every time we are in the car and makes the loudest snoring sounds.

9.  He is funny.

I can't believe my baby boy is three.  He talks, he runs, he does flips on the trampoline (actually they're just summersaults but he calls them flips,) he has very strong opinions but he is so sweet.

Happy Birthday to my Peter.  I love you, Little Son.