To Patrick on your seventh birthday

Photo Credit: Tawnya Hood Beauty of Life Photography

Dear Patrick,
Seven years ago today, we were anxiously awaiting your arrival.  And now the day has finally arrived, you are seven.  There aren't many things more exciting than your 7th birthday!  Or so I've been told....

I want you to know that I am so proud of you and everything that you have accomplished in your seven years.  Did you know that you read more than 3,000 pages of books this summer?  Did you know that you are the best big brother that I have ever met?  Did you know that you write some of the best stories that I have ever read?  Did you know that you are funny and tell great jokes?  Did you know that you are turning into an awesome swimmer?  Did you know that you are courageous and fierce?

I love you.  I love the person you are and the person you are becoming.  One of my favorite NEW things about you is "Encyclopedia Patrick."  All of your reading has resulted in the ability to provide us with on-going information.    "Mom, did you know that spiders aren't insects?"  Love it!  Love you.

Happy birthday big boy!  You are in a class of your own.  You are my absent-minded professor with a caring heart.  God blessed me immensely when he placed you in my arms. 

Love,
Mama
LET THE COUNTDOWN TO EIGHT BEGIN!

Photo Credit: Tawnya Hood Beauty of Life Photography

First Days of School

Both boys successfully completed their first days of school.  Both boys described their new teachers as "nice."  Both boys are trying to sneak Legos, late movies and other summer activities into the school schedule.  Both boys made new friends on their first days.  Both boys forgot their new friends' names. Lauren misses her boys.

Monday: Patrick's First Day of Second Grade

All ready to go!

Mrs. Boris and Patrick: So lucky to have a familiar face!

Ready to Learn!

 Keith's First Day of "Big Kid Preschool"

I've got this Mom.  No big deal.

 And.... I didn't even cry.

10 Months Old

Our little baby is starting her countdown to 1!  Ten months old today.  And look!  She's actually wearing clothes.

She has changed so much. Here's the run down.

She's climbing (YAY, not)
She waves hello and goodbye
She slept through the night two nights in a row (tonight she won't because I just mentioned it to you)
She stands up on her own
She loves her baby dolls
She weighs 21 lbs and is 28 inches long
She started discriminating when she's eating (that usually means dropping things on the floor or spitting food out)
She gives kisses and hugs
She's walking

 

No, she's been pushing her stroller around for a couple of months.  I mean really walking!

 

As of today we have a walker.  She's still perfecting her gait but she is definitely walking. 

I love this girl!  Her little personality is emerging full force.  She is such a love and so hilarious.  GO LoLo!!!

Dear Mary Poppins,

Really?  Just a spoonful of sugar? Hmmm....I don't think so. My kids ain't buying what I'm selling these days.  If only a spoonful of sugar would help this situation. 
I've tried sugar, I've tried everything.  Today I sent them to bed at 6:35 pm. 

As a Mommy there are days that fly by (those usually include playdates, movies, and Dad) and you love life! Then there are days that fly by with a flurry of activity but you are left with the sense that all you accomplished was moving the messes from place to place and screaming at your children.  Today I didn't get to see any of my friends, my meager 28 minutes with my husband was the highlight, I went to the eye doctor with all three kids during dinnertime and I had papers to grade.  My boys got into a fight that could only be described as a girlie fight.  They didn't throw punches, instead they attempted to hurt their brother's feelings.  "You aren't my best buddy and I'm not playing with you" was caught in the repeat mode all day.  My kids don't bicker very often but sheesh!  Shut it already. 

This wasn't how I saw the end of summer.... ok, I don't know how I saw it but I'm pretty sure if I had thought about it, this isn't what I was thinking.  So here I am, papers graded, coffee consumed, guilt warmed up, husband asleep.....  All I have to offer you is a random sampling of this week.  Oh!  and a promise to update you on Miss Lauren in a couple of days!  Wait until you hear....  Anyway, in the meantime, check this out.

 Once upon a time I took a nap.  Not one but two annoying people knocked on the door and rang the bell.  Kevin was so irritated he put up a post-it note forbidding anyone from soliciting, ringing the bell or knocking on the door. 

 I took it to the next level. This awesome bit was compliments of AnythingbutPerfect.com 
I might try one of the other colors.  I don't think this one looks right with my door.  But I do love it.

 And then there's Keith.... Once upon a time, I made my kid run and he face planted in the grass.  Yep. Those are skid marks on his nose.  Forehead too.  Never mind the PB&J on his face.    He didn't cry at all.  Gotta love him.

And I didn't get a picture but Patrick started soccer!  He's the one with the red socks.

Yoga Pants

I swear my kids don't watch that much tv but it seems that the commercials stick with them.  In Keith's case he blends two commercials....

He then proceeds to tell me the following (in Keith volume *which is loud* in the middle of JoAnns on a Saturday): MOM, YOU NEED YOGA PANTS.  CUZ THEY DON'T RIDE UP!  YOU NEED THEM MOM, I THINK THEY DON'T RIDE UP.  (SINGING) THEY DON'T RIDE UP, THEY DON'T RIDE UP!  YOGA YOGA YOGA.  THEY DON'T RIDE UP!
YOU REALLY SHOULD GET THOSE YOGA PANTS THAT DON'T RIDE UP....... MOM, WHAT ARE YOGA PANTS?

Teacher Requests

Patrick has made his official request for his second grade teacher.  I don't think this lady is employed by Clovis Unified though.   Glitter... Lots of Glitter!

p.s. I'M READY!!!!!!!!!

Say what!?!?

I just don't think I'm ready..... But then again.... Maybe I am.