Indian Summer and Flag Football

September 5th - 17th

Alex starts preschool at Playwise Preschool Academy.

Though we loved our previous preschool at Assurance United Methodist Church, this distance was much further due to our move. The new preschool takes me about 5 minutes round trip and I'm all about simplifying where I can.

The kids were enjoying a beautiful Indian Summer day.

Brothers.

My suspicious were confirmed this week when Isaac's unusual fussiness was rewarded by his first tooth. Bottom left. One down and only nineteen to go.

Isaac is such a joy. His good nature, sweet temperament is just what I needed this go around. Though, I've forgotten how much work babies are. They're back breakers. Literally.

Stow-away!

Tiger is usually kept outside. Occasionally he sneaks in and pretends to live the high life.

The moment I've been waiting for since my Bubba was born over 4 years ago.

From the very beginning we imagined this deep voiced, broad shouldered little boy to be a football player. Our joy was enhanced when he showed a natural athletic ability at an early age. Finally we get to put that talent in a setting.

This week Alex started flag football. He looked so cute in his little jersey (which he didn't take off all weekend) running around with the other 4 and 5 years olds looking like deer caught in the head lights while the coaches shouted out things like "offence", "defence", "fumble", and "mouth-guard". Actually I was quite impressed with the organization and instruction. The things those 3 coaches got 30 little boys to do amazed me.

Rob was a pro at being a sideline dad. He had to hold me back and coach me into staying on the sidelines myself. I kept wanting to jump in and correct Alex or help direct him any time he looked confused. Rob wisely informed me that Alex needed to rely on his coaches for instruction. If jumped in every time, then he would look to me to direct him. I tried to control myself. I really don't want my son learning football from me.

Practicing the correct football grip.

Living in Chaos and Back to School

Weeks of August 22nd - September 2nd.

Moving is like childbirth. When you are in the heat of it you swear you will never do it again, but as time passes you quickly forget the pain.

This was definitely the most painful move yet. The stuff kept appearing and just when we thought we were done we discovered more to be done.

The first night in the new house Alex succumbed to the exhaustion before making it to his bed. And, yes, I did a little editing.

From the moment we gave Alex his Nintendo DS for his birthday we have regretted it. It seemed to consume his every thought. If he wasn't playing on it, he was whining about not being able to play on it. The only thing that Alex likes as well as playing video games is Legos - Star Wars Legos, that is. During a moment of of desperation for a new legos set I suggested he purchase a new lego set with his DS. He thought that was a grand idea and we quickly headed to the store before he changed his mind. He choose a pretty elaborate Star Wars Lego spaceship (they are not cheap) and handed his DS over to the cashier for payment. It has been well worth it. He only asked about his DS once since. I now have my little boy back and I am all the wiser. Never again will any sort of video game disgrace our home.

Here Addilyn is relieving me of the duty and taking a turn building the ship with Alex.

In truth, I've found my new career of choice. I LOVE building lego sets. There is something very therapeutic in it. If my budget would allow I would gladly build a new set every day.

Here's the finished product. It had moving parts that opened to reveal the inside of the ship. Very detailed and elaborate and I enjoyed bonding with my little guy. I have to focus on the bonding experience because the next day the ship had a tragedy and was destroyed. Oh well. I guess that's the great things about legos. You can rebuild and re-bond.

Maycie's favorite thing to do is color and crafts.

Along with crafts, her new favorite joy is hauling around her baby brother. She is so sweet and helpful with him. Nap time seems to be too long for her and she tried to patiently wait for him to wake to resume her game of playing mom.

Now you know why she can't resist him

First Day of School

2nd grade with Mrs. Brown

Due to Kindergarten staggered start Maycie's first day of school was the following day.

Kindergarten with Mrs. Fite (and mom forgot to bring the camera to school).

Back to School Feast 2011

"Love one another and serve one another"

This year as I prayed for what we should focus on for our Back to School Feast I kept thinking that the focus should really be on our family but with lessons applicable to school as well. The scripture I chose was Mosiah 4:15. "But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another and to serve one another."

Rob and I discussed that walking in truth and soberness meant that we seek for things that are correct and right and we try to live our life with a clear head and humble heart. We talked about the places and people we can serve and love and how those actions need to start at home and swell to the people and places around us. The children seemed to understand and the spirit was there.

Schultuetes.

A German tradition of giving paper cones filled with goodies and school supplies to children on their first day of school.

The children each received a charm with the theme on it.

The menu:

Filet minon

Garlic mashed potatoes with parsley garnish

Sauteed asparagus with sea salt

Whole wheat baguette

Fresh pineapple, mango and strawberry with a sprig of mint

Blood orange sparkling juice

Chocolate buttermilk cake tier with ganache frosting ala mode.

Complete with unpacked boxes in the background.

Success!