It is over

Today is the last day that Oldest will go to day care. Yes, she will go during school vacations and the like, but her day to day life is about to change so significantly and yet so subtly.

We had kindergarten orientation this morning. Although I was supremely dissatisfied with the communication of things like the bus and the bus schedule, I am happy that she will be there at that school with those teachers. Sending them to school means the school administrators get a bunch of new parents. As a kindergartner she will be picked up at the end of our driveway and you can be rest assured that I am buying batteries this weekend so I can record as she embarks on this new adventure.

They got to ride on the school bus with the teachers and the principal today. My heart skipped a beat watching her as she lined up to get on the bus. Upon leaving today she told KD that she can't wait for a long ride. He and I chuckled, we live 1/2 mile from school.

I continue to be a flurry of organization. I put every single activity on our calendar at home, every 1/2 day, every day off, etc. I am working on finding Bento Boxes for her lunch as she really does not eat sandwiches.

Middle will be starting pre-school on Wednesday next and we presented him with his new back pack yesterday. He was so very proud! "It is a perfect fit, Mom," he said proudly. Middle is also allergic to peanuts. It was one of the moments I was horrified at when we discovered. His allergy is every so slight, but present none the less. So this morning, the pre-school teacher sent the following email out:

Good Morning,

Just a quick note, we have a peanut allergy in the class this year, so please make sure to check labels when sending in snacks. On Wednesday we will provide you with a list of "Peanut Free" snacks!

Thanks so much and enjoy the weekend!

I was mildly embarrassed. I felt like saying, "Yes, I have one of those kids." I am not making light of the seriousness of this type of allergy, I am making light of the fact that my kid requires special handling. Perhaps I am not making sense, but if you know me, you know what I am trying to say. I also need to get a doctor's order for the school nurse. You can bet your bippy that I will be having him tested at his next appointment! His last reaction(and 2nd only in his life) was over a year ago and it was no worse than the first time. And the first time he had hives around his mouth. We do not read labels, we just do not let him eat peanuts or peanut butter. But now that he will be with other kids in a less controlled environment than our babysitter it is an issue for his safety and my sanity. So although I am embarrassed about the attention via the email, I am glad for the precaution.

I would like you all to welcome...

My friend from the Happy Valley!

We were reunited under sad circumstances and my life is fuller because of her and her family. She has been a loyal reader for the past few months. My witty stories of the daily craziness around these parts has inspired her to chronicle her family's life in the gorgeous Happy Valley where she lives.

Please stop by, leave her a comment and welcome her to our fabulous community!

And do you want to know what is worse?

The principal of the school doesn't even acknowledge the issue. If I were an administrator, I would address the faculty to deal with the whole situation. I mean what is he thinking? The guy has his head in the sand and frankly up his arse...

So instead everyone will gossip quietly to themselves and avoid the elephant who sits squarely on the steps to the front door.

If only I could write to someone who could make this man go away, far, far away. But to whom do you write a letter to about such a man? The superintendent of schools? The newspaper? It is sad when the administration is so far off from the reality of the school under his command.

Scandalous, for sure.

Today I received a phone call from KD, during his professional development day. This is most unusual. I picked up the phone and KD inquired if I wanted some juice. "Of course," I replied.

Evidently, a teacher who did not return to the high school where KD teaches, left his wife for a student. This teacher, who did not return to teach as he was thinking of attending law school, asked the parents of this 16/17 year old student for permission to date. The parents of this 16/17 year old student gave permission to a 31 year old man, who left his wife for their daughter, to formally date.

I don't know about you, but KD would have sawed him in half for even thinking of asking.

Horrifying on so many levels.

Updated to add: The student (who is NOT 15, as I originally reported, but either 16/17) will not be returning to the school, she has alternative education plans. Oh and he sent an email to all the teachers in the department in which he taught, regaling them with his tale of love. And that they shouldn't worry about him, he is ok with his decision to leave his wife. Um, WHAT?

It is not the size that bothers me, it's the length

I have never had a perfect body. Whatever a perfect body means, that is.

I have a flat butt, hips, thighs and a stomach. I have always had issues with my weight and now is no different. I am bigger than I was before I got pregnant the first time. Evidently it is very common for women to gain with their first and maintain with each subsequent pregnancy. As an admitted crazy person the thought of going on a diet makes me eat as if my last meal has come and gone. It is awful.

The only time I was ever truly happy in my own skin was when I was pregnant and/or nursing. I was amazed at what my body could do, no matter how little I actually did to care for it. But now - the slackness of my skin and the fat that the skin covers seems to be floppy, deflated if you will. I often wonder if it is a function of my advanced age when I produced off spring.

As I said it isn't the size it is the length that bothers me. I was a 34B and now? 36 l o n g. Yes, you read that right. I said l o n g. Humphf.

The driveway?

After a sun soaked day yesterday at the beach, we are taking things easy today. Hanging about the house, "surfing" in our wading pool, grazing and watching t.v. Just the kind of day we need. Or at least I need.

There exists a correlation between Middle's dietary habits and his behavior. Which is really not his fault, as I am in charge of his food selection.

This morning I took them for munchkins, 6 each. The people at DD were more than accommodating of my request for 3 bags with 6 of varying flavors per kid per bag. Then we headed up to a yard/barn/moving sale.

My pockets were full of ones and I am always on the look out for something for our house but never actually go looking for stuff, so I thought this is my chance. They finished their munchkins way before arriving to our destination. As we drove up the long driveway I told them that they were to stay in the car, as they were still in their pajamas and I would be back. I scored some quality items that I had seen in one of my country home magazines, on the cheap and we headed home.

Oldest requested time on the computer, of course. Baby wanted to help me as I removed something one of my purchases, "Of course," I said, as he changed his clothes. Middle was in time out for hitting his sister and then refused to cooperate with getting dressed. I told him we would be delighted for him to join us as soon as he got himself dressed. He, instead set about hitting and throwing anything and everything he could put his hands on. We were all outside and I had decided that if he is going continue to break things as a way to get my attention when in time out, I will ignore him. We don't own anything that is so precious that can't be replaced so have at it, Middle.

Baby and I were working on our project when he emerged, still in his pajamas, screaming that he wanted me to help him get dressed. After I was able to get him calmed down and take some deep breaths, it hit me. He really and truly can't eat crap. I have suspected this for some time, but over the past day or so his diet has been less than desirable. He was a total maniac at the beach yesterday and at Papa's house last night? I was embarrassed by his behavior.

I helped him get dressed and we played in the back yard. He jumped on his surf board and got soaked! He asked to get changed and was dancing around. I asked if he needed to go to the bathroom, he denied any need. Once we got his wet clothes off of him he asked if he could put his bathing suit on. "Sure love, it is on the driveway. If you need to go tinkles please water the grass," I said. He returned after some time wearing his bathing suit and when he did I inquired if he went tinkles. "Yes," he responded. "Did you poop?" "Yes," he responded. "Did you wipe your bum?" "Yes," he responded. "Hmmmmm," I thought.

Promptly after this exchange, Baby jumped in the pool with his clothes and asked for his bathing suit. I stripped him of his sopping wet diaper and headed toward the driveway to retrieve his bathing suit. As I approached the pile of beach stuff strewn about the driveway I noticed something that looked like a pine cone. "Weird," I thought, "We don't have any pine trees over the driveway." When I got closer I realized that it was most certainly NOT a pine cone.

Middle did his business on the D R I V E W A Y. We are fine with nature tinkling and in fact encourage him to water trees and grass when we are outside and he is wiggling around holding himself. But pooping? Yeah, not so much.

We are home

va·ca·tion –noun- 1. a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday.

To me, this vacation was more than just a suspension of work, etc., it was about spending time off the grid. No email, no phone ringing, no people trying to reach us. Just the family spending time together. We had a blast and try as we might upon our return home, the computer beckons in whispers. Even Oldest is asking to play one of her games. Vacation isn't over for me and the kids just yet, sadly it is over for KD. He will be working all weekend and straight into professional development days early next week. Baby has a cold which threatens to keep us from our beach adventure tomorrow, but we will see. Sigh.

It is true. This vacation was sublime and I will hold on tightly to the memories, to the feelings and to the laughs, as reality creeps back in.

And to Kathy Likes Pink thank you for taking care of the kitties while we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

Saturday

On Saturday, we spent the day at my brother's house. My dad was visiting and we all gathered to see him and visit. It was, as always, great to see him. We do a lot of reminiscing and even more laughing. It struck me, as we were driving home, that we don't have many memories as a family after my parents divorced. That may sounds dumb, but we have memories after the divorce with my mom, as a family. Yes, we see my dad, but we see him for holidays and visits, the visits I am talking about are the life visits. Just regular gatherings or helping out with stuff, not the holiday formal stuff. After 21 years, it still makes me sad.

But the great thing about Saturday? Was the kids. All the kids running around like maniacs. Having a "What's that horrible smell party?" It truly fills my heart with gratitude and love for all this family, as a whole, has accomplished.

We are blessed!

We are off

We have had our family meeting.

We are cleaning the car.

The final items are being packed and we will be hitting the road shortly.

It is no small feat to pack up all of your stuff and transport it to a different home, for five days. No sir. We have been strategizing since last week.

We sure are looking forward to getting away and spending time together.

Story Land here we come!

It is happening

I can't stop it.

The back pack has been ordered.

Some clothes have been purchased.

Some school supplies have been purchased.

We received the schedule from the principal.

The letter has been received from her teacher. Including a little questionnaire of sorts. You know, things like, what is your favorite food, what do you want to learn in kindergarten, that sort of thing.

Here is her answer to What I want to Learn in Kindergarten...

To read better, not to have spooky dreams at Halloween, to canter and to make better cat sounds.

I. kid. you. not.

Then this one will be going too! We went to the playground at school last week. We showed him where his class room will be. He is excited and doesn't really care how he will get there, and I am still working on it.

Oh and I signed them both up for gymnastics! We start on the 6th! So cute...

Is it really a Village?

So the kid bus service wants a deposit of $300, by Friday. Um, I am going to Story Land. Hullo?

I work. I want and need to work. We don't live close to family, well we do, but not that close. I don't live in a neighborhood where I know every neighbor and where all the other kids are also going to pre-k. Our babysitter keeps telling us to skip it, "He will go for two years, after all," she says. "But he is READY and I have told him all about it. Plus I have already paid the first two months of tuition," I respond.

There is a new housing development being built in my town, a co-housing development. I have a fantasy about such a place. We would all take kids here there and everywhere. Cook dinners together and give each other space. And then I wake up and think, "Oh my, I couldn't handle everyone knowing my every move, my every awful disgusting habit."

But right about now I would take that fantasy!

Nothing much

It is raining dogs and cats here! Booming thunder, the whole works. I am at work, trying to get things done, because next week we are going to STORYLAND!

And we are VERY excited!!

Fur and flesh

While snuggling on the couch this morning Oldest was caressing my arm. She came to my elbow whereupon she said: "Mom do you have a scrape? It is rough here there is no flesh."

She continued on to say, "On the flesh where there is no fur."

Our daily life

Since he has been doing most of the driving this summer, KD started a routine in which each child gets to pick the route we drive to our baby sitters, to and from. Of course they have options, straight way, bump way or the secret way.

Yesterday it was Oldest's turn to choose. I have to ask her which way she will choose almost in code as the boys both begin to yell out their choices. Yesterday was no different, I barely had the words out of my mouth before the boys were screaming, "straight, straight, straight!" To which Oldest responds, "STOP. You always confuse me when you scream. Stop! You are confusing me!" I always tell her that I am listening to her and her only and it doesn't matter what they say, it is her decision. But yesterday was different, she continued with this, "You are fired. I am firing you from your jobs! STOP!" By the way, she chose the straight way. And I chuckled all the way home.

Today

I am sick.

The cold I have been battling has beaten me.

Ugh.

Almost

When discussing the current situation with getting Middle to school with KD, he said, "Whatever is efficient and cost effective." I know I am suffering from mother anxiety and guilt.

But it would be an adventure for him, right?

But he will be the only child being picked up through a service.

But that would make him feel special, right?

Or it could make him feel like an out cast. When all the other kids are being greeted by hugs and smiles, he will be met with a cordial chauffeur.

I spoke to them yesterday and, of course, we are a little farther from their service area but it would only cost us a few dollars extra per week. They are sending me all the information.

H E L P - I need some moral support from all you guys!

I can't decide

Last year when Oldest was going to pre-K and I was going back to work, our baby sitter agreed to drop Oldest off and I would pick up. She had recommended I check out a local service that only transports kids, not a regular bus, but a mini van. She had families that had used it in the past and thought it would be good for us. Even though I had a sick feeling in my stomach, I mean, what kind of mother am I that I would send my kid in a "taxi?" I finally did call the service and they were unable to fit our schedule. I was elated! Secretly, of course.

This year Middle will be going to pre-school and I had just assumed that our babysitter would be able to drop him off and I would pick him up, just like last year. Then it dawned on me that her kids would be in kindergarten, just like Oldest and she would have no reason to leave the house at the time when Middle would need to be there. So this morning I inquired if she could bring him to school. She said it is just too much trying to get everyone ready and I completely understood.

So here I am again, I have the number to call for the "taxi" and I have a sick feeling in my stomach. I want Middle to attend pre-school and he wants to attend pre-school. He is ready to go. Now I just need to figure it all out, before I throw up.

Life

And kids.  We went to the beach today.  Not my most favorite beach.  The plunge step was huge and the kids were being knocked down by the waves.  I was FREAKING out.  Seriously.  I was so very anxious.  We ended up have a grand time and the kids had a blast.  And, after all, isn't that what it is all about?

Kindergarten is coming OH MY

My obsession with Bigfoot is real, however, my more immediate obsession is making sure that Oldest has age appropriate clothing for school.



My dilemma - Oldest is changing sizes, 5T to 6 otherwise known as little girls clothes. She is no longer a toddler and I am sad about that, yes, but I am more sad at the blatant change in style of clothing available to her as a 5.5 year old. For example:








This is example is almost seamless, but the point is that Oldest is not quite 5.5 years old and I want her to dress in clothes that are not provocative nor could be perceived as such. So I hunt and I hunt and I hunt for clothes that are not only appropriate but meet our budget. Because, as you know, clothes only get more expensive the bigger they get.

For example, I really LOVE this out fit:



Shoes = $29.50
Dress = $24.50
Leggings = $12.50
Total = $66.50



WHOA!