Thankful Tuesday

As we have entered the fall season with the initiation of school starting, I find myself feeling so very thankful and grateful and so in love with life, in love with us, and in love with the direction our paths are winding.  Sure there is plenty I wish I could change, but I am choosing to focus on the good things in our lives. The love, the happiness, the joy, the loudness and the craziness being the family that we are right now.  We are so fortunate.

 I have always loved routines; schedules that are filled with obligations but still leaving time for spontaneous opportunities. Activities keeping everyone busy but also having adequate time just to be. Special time for each of us, to be alone and to be together alike.  I think we have started to establish just that.

The kids are loving their school time. After each of the three days I have picked up Rylan from preschool, his teacher comments on how well he has adjusted.  Today she remarked on how well he knows all the school songs, stating Makenna must have taught him.  "The other kids are still looking at me a bit lost but Rylan sings right along with me."  My heart swells.  He is happy. He is learning to be without his momma.  He is continually growing as the little being he is meant to be and that makes me so proud and so happy.

At home he wants to do everything independently.  "mommy I need to go potty."  "I'm ok. I don't need help." Ok Rylan, just make sure you put your pants on afterwards( a common issue lately). "mommy i need help though."  Smile.

If you ask Makenna what her favorite part of school is she will undoubtedly tell you recess, followed by rest time and lunch.  She loves going to gym class, going to the school library and having a reading buddy from the second grade come read her a story.  As far as what happens between those hours, I'm not really sure,  but she is happy.  She looks forward to school and is enjoying the days.  She comes home content and gives her little brother a hug and her puppy a strong snuggle.  We look through her bag, read through any of the paperwork and talk about her day.  Life is good.

And with changes we stretch our wings a bit further and reach out to the world to say I am here and I am going to fly.  We adapt, we grow, we discover a new way and in turn we embrace the life of today.  And that makes me so thankful. Here's to that...slainte'!

there's this boy

He is sweet, loving and caring as well as loud, rambunctious and full of life.

He has boundless energy and can run and run and sometimes just won't stop running.

He plays with his trains for hours, giving them voice conversations and many opportunities for crashes.

He carries at least one train with him everywhere he goes.  And at night, a couple select trains sleep under his pillow.

He has a mighty ROAR and the cutest "Argh Matey."

He loves his sister and misses her greatly when she's not home.  He calls her "sister" 100% of the time, which I have to say I love dearly.

The downside is that he's convinced he's also five years old and can do anything his sister does, including tumbling off of furniture (which isn't encouraged for either of them, mind you.).

Every book he brings home from the library is about trains.

He can be a crab monster if he doesn't get his sleep and he comes with a warning label that reads: Please give me ten minutes to wake up from a nap and adjust to reality, otherwise I may bite (figuratively, that is).

Historically a momma's boy, he has become a bit more independent and can now be left out of momma's presence without much angst.

He has said goodbye to toddlerhood and hello to boyhood, albeit, little boyhood. I know the days are numbered when I can still carry him and rock him while I read his goodnight books and all too soon he won't want to kiss my boo boo's as much as I kiss his.

He had his third birthday on Monday and his first day of preschool on Tuesday. It has been a BIG week.

So he has officially become a Big Boy!

 And have to say he has done amazingly well with all the transitions because he's awesome like that.

"Mommy, you are going to come pick me up when school is done."  Yes, Rylan, mommy will be back when school is done.  "Ok. love you," and with a kiss on the lips, he ran into his classroom right to the box of trains.

Man, I love this little guy.  Even though I can't believe he's already three years old, life with him right now is pretty great.

Happy Birthday Handsome and Happy start of preschool.  You make your mommy and daddy so proud and we couldn't be more in love with you.  You are awesome Ry Guy today and always.

a letter to my girl

Dear Makenna Claire,

Today is the second day of Kindergarten and this morning is the first time both you and your brother are at school.  And it kind of feels a bit too quiet...ok, a lot too quiet.  I miss your energy, your voice, your spontaneous irish step dances.  The dogs lay quietly at my feet and I think they miss you too.   I sit here writing at the computer, with my coffee close by and wondering what you are doing right now, and wondering where the years have gone.

I can say in full confidence though that you are doing well, enjoying your day and loving the structure and socialization of school.  You were so excited to start the school year and on Tuesday when we met your teacher and stepped inside your classroom for the first time, you were immediately entranced and enthralled with kindergarten, hoping and wishing that the next day would arrive immediately.  "Momma, I want it to be tomorrow already.  I want to go to school." And that makes me so proud and happy Makenna Claire.  You have wings and you are going to soar.

 I feel like we hit the jackpot with your opportunities this year.  This is the first year Pioneer Elementary School is offering full day kindergarten which is something I really wanted for you because you will thrive in a 9am-3pm environment.  Also, your teacher, Mrs. Blong, seems amazing and you already love her so.  I think she has gotten a taste of your bubbly, outgoing personality too.  Walking up to her confidently, giving her your hand drawn and colored picture within minutes of meeting her and asking questions without any hesitation might have given her a bit of a clue.

The night before kindergarten we had a celebratory dinner with a menu of your choosing.  Vegetable Stir Fry with a side of corn and watermelon for dessert.  Nana joined us and the dinner conversation revolved around school excitement.  After a shower and you picking out your next day's outfit, Nana tucked you into bed. "I can't sleep, I want to go to school!" After some reassurance that morning will be here soon, you nodded off into sweet dreams.

Waking up at 7am gave you plenty of time to get ready for your first day of kindergarten.  You were dressed in minutes and per your request, I braided your hair..."two braids please with princess bows on the end."  I made everyone blueberry pancakes with a side of fruit and packed your lunch. We took some first day pictures and soon it was time to leave the house.

We all walked you to school for your first day.  Wearing a backpack full of school supplies and  carrying your lunch bag, you took in every step excitedly and confidently. After our ten minute walk, we arrived to a sea of kindergartners in the gymnasium of the school.  You immediately found your teacher and sat down with your classmates.  We stood in back waiting for the cue to leave and when you marched away under your teacher's direction, you never looked back.  That's our girl.  We slipped out of the gym and as I held your daddy's hand, we each wiped away our tears.  Tears of happiness, tears of joy, tears of pride, tears that are present because at that moment we were all transitioning to a different time in our lives.  Our baby girl, at exactly five in a half years old, has now entered the formal education years.   

A little before three o'clock, Rylan and I headed out the door to walk to come greet you.  I was so excited to come see you and hear all the stories of your first day.  After what seemed like a long wait (it wasn't), Rylan immediately gave you a big hug and said "hi sister!" and I was next in line. You recounted pieces of your day like seeing your friend Mackie at lunch (she's in another class) and loving recess time, although you were disappointed that kindergartners can't play on the monkey bars.  You also told me that your gym teacher was so nice and that you led the class in an exercise activity (ha ha..no surprise there). "I loved it momma, can I go back to school tomorrow?"  That's our girl.  

When we got home, you pulled out your lunch and most of it was still intact.  "I was too busy talking to Mackie to eat."  Daddy face timed you to hear all about your first day as well. " I had so much fun Daddy!"  You showed us all the papers you brought home from school and told us that you didn't have homework today but "I bet we'll have homework tomorrow!"

And that Makenna Claire is the start of an amazing year to come.  I am so proud of you and I know that you are going to grow, thrive and learn so much.  I will adjust to having you at school five days a week, after all you think it's pretty cool to only be off school when daddy is off work too.  Your wings have only begun to take off and my heart soars with love and pride every time they are spread. 

I love you, 

Love,

your very proud, happy momma

It's almost the weekend ramblings..

Some random thoughts.

* Rylan is still in count down mode for his birthday.  His party is on Saturday while his actual birthday is on Monday.  And although he needs a little prompt to remind him of his new age, he will tell you that his birthday is most definitely in August and that he can't wait for it to arrive. 

*  Party prep is almost complete. Makenna Claire has selected her special gift, it's wrapped and ready for the big day.  It has been beautiful weather this last week and Party Day looks devine with temperatures hovering near 80 degrees.  After a hot summer, this weather is a special treat.

*  Yesterday we visited the elementary school and completed the registration process.  We found out who her teacher is going to be and the word from many parents is that she is spectacular at her job.  "You'll love her!" was a frequent comment from the surrounding parents. Yea! 

Makenna is surprisingly a bit nervous about going to the new school but I am sure she will adapt very quickly.  Weaving through the lines of registration I too found myself getting a little melancholy and teary eyed.  I am so very happy and excited for her, but it also marks the beginning of new stage in her life. Ahh..she's growing up.

*  In order to get beyond those tears, I just need to remind myself of the chapstick that has been smeared over so many body parts and random toys.  Can that stuff smell anymore disgustingly sweet?  Yep, that snapped me right out of it.  ;)  Off to kindergarten you go MC.  Ha!

* Makenna is also starting Irish Step Dancing this fall.  Ever since visiting a national competition this summer, she has fallen in love with the sport.  Head. Over. Heels. Like, Borderline Obsessed.  There isn't a day that goes by that she doesn't adorn her tap shoes and do the irish jig to all who will watch. She can't wait to be dancing on stage in front of an audience.

* Anyone who knows MC, knows that she also can't wait to wear those pretty dresses and wigs.  Yep..no surprise there from a little girl who downright refuses to wear anything but skirts and dresses and wants her styled to her desire every morning.  #lovethatabouther.

* It was a rainy day today and Ry and I were out doing errands.  My most favorite quote of the day?  "Mommy, my train needs a raincoat too."

*  A couple more dog days of summer left and we are planning on closing summer 2012 out with a bang. 

 I'll be back next week when both my babies will be in school.  

Bring it on..

 The last full week of summer before both kids are in school. We welcome this week and all the new adventures that await us with the change of seasons.

Happy Monday!

Ten on Tuesday

1. Woot. A new look is in progress.  I wanted to finish it up this afternoon but it looks like I have to buy a photo upgrade through blogger to make that happen.  Boo. Hopefully I'll figure it all out soon and our pictures will be updated!

2. I have never spent so much time in the bathroom but Rylan is officially potty trained and hasn't had anymore accidents, although many sprayings causing me to wash the bathroom very frequently. (Definitely different with little boys!)  Everytime he finishes, he looks up at me and saids, "you so proud of me mommy?"  That's right Ry, you make me so proud of you in so many ways and you are definitely a big boy!

3. The one thing he is still working on is the idea that when we have an option for a bathroom, we go to the toliet and not just drop our drawers wherever we are.  But I guess I can't really complain about that, since we kind of started that, now didn't we?

4. Our first garage sale is done and it was a success despite the very, very hot temperatures.  Seriously, we were melting and wondering while anyone was even outside shopping. MC often went cruising down to the neighbor's houses to peruse and socialize (It was a neighborhood wide garage sale) and one time she left Abby there and came home carrying this. Great..now we have 2 ice cream makers (well..three if you count her own little one) I think she misunderstood the reason behind the garage sale.

5. Two weeks from today Rylan starts preschool and the day after MC starts Kindergarten.  How is that even possible?

6. Jane, Alex and kiddos...we miss you so much!  I want this back.  Like, Now.

7. Abby went to the vet today for puppy shots (boy..there's a a lot of them!) and she weighs 15 pounds 9 ounces.  A big jump from the little 7 pounder we brought home back in June.

8.

And she is still sleeping there. Every. Night. Since. Then.  Hmmm...maybe I should of sold her bed at the garage sale? :)

9. Rylan is so excited for his birthday. His Auntie Alice sent him his gift early and he couldn't wait to open it.  Every day since then he has carried her bday card around with him, saying it's his birthday.  I love seeing life through my kids eyes. Pure. Simple. Joy.

10.  Happy last days of summer.  We are trying to soak up every moment.

Time with Family

If there is one thing that excites both my children to the highest thrill, it is spending time with those who love them so....family.  So when we told them we were going to spend the day at a Renaissance Faire in Wisconsin..they were excited.  When we told them Nana, Uncle Brad and Auntie DeChantel were joining us for the day, their response was heightened and they were over the moon excited.  Jumping up and down, shrilling in excitement and stating that  this was going to be the best day EVER! was the beginning of the joy of the day.





We all met at our house first thing in the morning before piling all seven of us in my seven seater Acura MDX.  After a few pit stops where we teased Makenna that the faire was all about driving through parking lots (lol) and after a urgent expressway pull over for the newly potty trained Rylan, we were on our way and soon arrived to Kenosha, Wisconsin at the grounds of the Renaissance Faire.

It was the most beautiful day, especially considering how hot and humid it has been all summer.  I think we were the only ones not dressed for the event, and the costumes from everyone were amazing!  We were immediately transplanted back in time, back to the medieval era, with a little bit of added magic.

We were immediately drawn into watching two men play in the mud, which was actually quite humorous (who would of thought).

As we walked the faire grounds, there was lots to do.
Rides for the kids and performers at every turn.

Kid tattoos.

Makenna wasn't so sure of trying this acrobatic move but after a few minutes of watching the other kids, she jumped right in and when she was done, she wanted to do it again! 

 Games for adults and kids alike. DeChantel rolled the cup right onto the magic spot, winning herself a very special jester hat and a certificate.  The kids thought it looked like so much fun, they each took a turn at the roll.

Elephant rides.

And an all over very fun and magical day with everyone.
I agree with the kids...days together with our family rocks our world too.  :)

SIDENOTE:

And because we didn't think Rylan would be at all interested in the porta potties, and honestly we  didn't want to scare him, his Daddy showed him THE alternative :)  Another foot into the world of boyhood.  Now I just have to remind him that we still do use bathrooms most of the time and peeing outside is only when he isn't right by a bathroom.  Ha ha..life with a little boy.