Why I blog!

“We write to taste life twice,
once in the moment and in retrospection.”
(Anias Nin)

I love to write! I have been told I am pretty good -- not sure I am novel-worthy but I appreciate the compliment! I love blogging too. I find myself coming back to my blog and re-reading my posts over and over. I do this even though I have lived it and written it. I think the quote above describes exactly why I love to write and blog. I love to reflect on what has occured in my life. To keep track of moments that may seem small to someone on the outside but so meaningful to my heart.

I'm also big on "saving" things. Things with meaning only to me. Things that may be junk to you but are priceless in my eyes!! My hope chest is crammed full of mementos. Some of my most prized possessions...a card my Grandpa Inman gave me on my 16th birthday - He picked the card out himself and only he signed it; Letters from my Grandma Connelly when I was in college; a smocking magazine my Mother-in-law gave me; the ring my Grandma Inman gave me before she passed away; a card my Aunt Debbie gave me, in it she wrote "Beautiful people need Beautiful Things and You are Beautiful Inside and Out" - She gave me this card along with a camisole - I still have the camisole even though I can't wear it anymore. I could go on and on about items that mean the world to me. All these items can spur a story in my head of that moment. Moments I treasure! I am hoping that my blog might become a prized memento to my kids or family someday of moments we shared. It's my life through my eyes written down to catch the reflection of that moment. I write to keep those reflections fresh in my mind and heart - the retrospection mentioned above.

YAY, PreSchool!!

Olivia sitting at her desk!
Miss Gina letting Olivia play with the new dollhouse!
Olivia and Miss Michelle
First Day!!

Today was Olivia's first day of preschool! Yesterday, they held an open house and we went to visit. She was so excited to see all her favorite teachers and gave everyone lots of hugs! She especially loved seeing Miss Michelle and went running into her arms when she saw her! I absolutely love Miss Michelle. She is the director of the preschool and is just an amazing, kind woman. I don't know what it is about her but I feel very drawn to this woman almost like she was a God-send to me. She definitely helped put my mind at ease when Olivia first started going there. I was so racked with guilt and panic-stricken about having to hurry and find a preschool for Olivia when Jane got hurt. But after a few weeks of Olivia going to KidKare, both Jimmy and I decided that it was perfect and that we would not be putting her at the saught-after "Villa", where big brother Alex went. All the teachers there just love Olivia. How could I ask for more especially when she loves them all right back!!

So, back to yesterday's open house. As soon as we walked in, Olivia spotted some new toys. Her favorite -- a gigantic doll house! Miss Gina (another of Olivia's favorites) let her play in it. So, this morning, Olivia couldn't get to school fast enough! We packed her backpack and made her lunch and headed out. First day of school! We put her backpack on the hook she picked, and put her lunchbox in the kitchen. I got a big hug and a kiss and then she wiggled to get out of my arms and go play. Miss Lisa said she was really impressed. I guess because even though Olivia is comfortable with the school and the teachers, it's still hard getting back into the routine. When I got to the car, I saw her at the window waiting to wave to me. I eagerly waved back as I forced the lump in my throat down. She won't actually start her preschool class until Sept. 10th but at least this gets her back into the groove. We have been working on our letters and she is really good (if I must say so!). She is even getting really good at writing her name! I am so excited for this next step in Olivia's life. She can't wait to go to "Alex's school" but she definitely loves KidKare! I love KidKare! I can't wait to pick her up and see how her day went! I am sure she pitched a few fits (because after all, it wouldn't be Olivia if she didn't) but I hope she had a good day.

Breaking News!

Alex had a great first half day of school!! He did not get upset once and even told me (more than once) that he had a really fun time today!! Awesome! His only complaint was that we forgot to pack him a snack this morning. Thank goodness Mrs. Henning (the other 4th grade teacher) brought Rice Krispie treats for all the kids. Sounds like it is going to be a good year!! After school, Jimmy took him to Missouri Bakery for a chocolate drop (his favorite) as a special treat for the first day back to school. I can't wait to drill him more tonight when I see him about his first day!

Alex's First Day of School

Today was Alex's first day of 4th grade! I cannot believe it. As I was driving him to school this morning, I looked over at him sitting next to me and couldn't believe that my baby boy is growing up so fast!! At soccer practice last night, one of the Mom's that we have known since the preschool days asked "how did this happen - 4th grade!" "Weren't we just at the Villa?" I totally agree. How did this happen so fast? One minute I am preparing him for preschool and the next minute, he is going into 4th grade!! Crazy!!

Last night was kind of rough. He was so nervous when it was time for bed, that he couldn't go to sleep. I went to bed after 11 p.m. and he was still awake. Jimmy came to bed at 3 a.m. and when he went to move him, Alex told him he was awake. On the way to school, he looked so tired. He worries so much about things. He worries that he won't know where to put his stuff, that he won't know what to do - in general. I had to have a little pep talk with him that he needs to believe in himself. That I believe in him and that nothing can stop him if he just has faith that he can do it. I assured him that no one knows what to expect on the first day but that Sr. Margaret would tell him. She would tell the whole class the new rules and that he didn't need to worry about the small stuff. I mentioned that he is an old pro at this now. He knows all the kids in his class, he knows Sr. Margaret, so there should be no worries. I guess that's easy for me to say even though I am a worry-wart too. He just doesn't know how to calm himself yet.

So, I walked him in to school and as we were walking in, one of his good buddies was also coming in (without his parent). I think that made him realize that things would be OK. He found his friends and waited for Sr. Margaret to walk them to the classroom. I quickly said good-bye and prayed that he would not get upset and he would just go with the flow. I guess I won't know until after school when I talk to him how the day went.

As I mentioned this in the last post, today Alex received another feather in his wings. And as I tucked that feather in, I couldn't help but get choked up as I noticed how quickly his wings were filling up. Have a good day, Buddy!

Getting Ready for School!

Last night was the Back to School Liturgy for Alex. They had a mass and after mass, we got to go see his classroom and meet the teacher. Alex got Sr. Margaret Mary - one of the few nuns who still teaches. She is a wonderful, gentle woman. Alex has known her since preschool so that's pretty cool. Alex sat in his seat and even opened his desk. He was excited because his desk was working normally. He told me that his desk in third grade was broke and that he couldn't lift the lid without the top falling off. Hope they got rid of that one. Crazy!! Olivia even took a turn sitting in his desk. (She can't wait to go to school!) We then went to the cafeteria to sign up for school things. This year, they have clubs available after school. He signed up for the Science Club. He loves to do science experiments. So I am pretty excited about that!! This year is going to be a big year for him. More homework and more responsibility. As I say, just another feather in his wings. (You know the saying, give them roots and wings? I like to think that ever milestone they encounter is just another feather added to their wings - one day, those wings will take them out on their own. I know I have lots of time but it seems like it's just all going so fast!)

So, this should be a relaxing few days for Alex. Jimmy took the week off to spend with the kids before it's back to the grindstone. Alex will start school on Thursday and go half days both Thursday and Friday. Full day will start next Monday. Olivia starts school next Monday so she has the whole week to reverse all the bad habits she picked up over the summer!! We will go visit her school this Sunday. I know she can't wait to see Miss Michelle and all the teachers. Preschool class for her won't start until Sept. but at least she'll be back into the daily grind.

Looking forward to a great year!!

ps: Please keep Jimmy in your thoughts and prayers as he begins the process this week for the Police Academy.

New Found Love!

Olivia has a new love. Polly Pockets! If you don't know what these are, they are tiny little dolls with teeny-tiny little accessories!! Olivia loves them. She bought her first Polly Pocket with the giftcard she got from Grandpa for her birthday. We went to Target last night and she picked out a new Polly Pocket with the giftcard from Aunt Debbie and Uncle Steve. (So much for the clothes I wanted to buy!) It's a little swimming pool, so water is involved! When Polly gets wet, her hair changes to pink and her swimming suit gets polka dots. Great! No really, it was so much fun watching her play. I love hearing what she has to say while playing. I wish I could just bottle that up it was so cute!!

A special treat arrived in the mail the other day from Grandpa. He sent Olivia a new book. He is always sending books to Alex and recently, Olivia started noticing she wasn't getting books. So I think Grandpa happily obliged. When I opened the box, I was so excited. It was the Puff the Magic Dragon book. I have been wanting to get Olivia and Alex this book for quite awhile and have just not gotten around to it. Puff the Magic Dragon was my favorite song to sing as a child. I can still remember all the words. The book came with a CD. So while on our way home, we put the CD in and sang along. Alex even sang with me. Then, we get home and we're making dinner. All of a sudden, Alex starts singing Puff the Magic Dragon again. He says "Great Mom, now I have that song stuck in my head!!" We had a great laugh -- great memories. Thanks Grandpa for sending it!! We all LOVE it!!!

Week (so far) in review!

My week days are just crazy. We have so much going on that I have no time or energy to focus on keeping my house clean or just doing anything else that I want to do.

Monday was OK. Alex came home with a horrible headache and needed to relax before swim class. I indulged myself since I had the TV all to myself for a few hours while Alex and Jimmy were up at the Y and watched all my Big Brother After Dark episodes. Did a load of laundry in between.

Tuesday got a little crazier. I checked the school website and found a message that Alex's soccer practice starts on Wednesday nights. So after picking the kids up from Jane's, we headed to Sports Authority for some new soccer cleats. I swear, I buy these for this kid every season!! This year, they got brand-spankin' new uniforms. They are really cool!! Wish I was playing soccer again!! It's still my goal to get on a team -- hopefully next year. One other crazy thing that happened today and the joy of being a mother is, Olivia had green poop. I'm talking light green. I was getting her bath ready and she was going potty. She got off and said "Mom, I've got green poop." Of course, being her mother I had to inspect. I kind of panicked. What does this mean? Is something wrong? I called my mom and as we were talking, it dawned on me that Olivia has been eating the heck out of the blueberries we bought at the Farmer's Market on Saturday. She absolutely loves blueberries. So, yep, we found the culprit!! Aahh, the joys of being a mother!! ;)

So back to our Wednesday night craziness. Go to work all day, pick the kids up and run home to change. Alex had to be at soccer practice at 5:45 p.m. Practice is 1.5 hours long. At least last night was a pleasant night. I also enjoy getting together with the other parents and chit-chatting. Then, Jimmy and I had our last softball game of the season. The Chamber of Commerce put on a BBQ so we headed there straight from Alex's practice to grab a bite. Our game wasn't until 8:50 p.m. Needless to say, we didn't get home until 11 p.m. and the kids were covered in dirt!! Quick showers and to bed for them. I finally got a chance to sit down and relax for 30 minutes reading my Breaking Dawn book before heading to bed myself. What a long day!!

I am thinking of taking a few classes at the Y during the evenings but when I think about how I am never home during the week, it makes me not want to do it. I have to keep telling myself that the house will wait until the weekend. I just feel that when the house is a mess so is my life. But I am also at a point in my life that I know I need to take care of myself. I just need to get on top of it. The bedtime routine is down perfect. I have gained back my independence. The kids go to bed without me!! Woo Hoo!! I guess I could use that time to clean but I savor those moments. Moments that I can sit and read my book or watch a movie - something Jimmy and I did Monday night that we haven't been able to do since before the kids. Moments that aren't for work or someone else. Moments that are for myself. Is that selfish? I guess I need to work on a system and maybe then, I'll feel better.

So that's my week in review so far. Alex has a party on Saturday and Jimmy's going to the Ram's game and helping a friend move. Sunday is the Back to School Mass. Guess my weekends aren't looking any better, especially since soccer games will be thrown in there soon!! But you know, I love this life. I love my kids and everything that comes along with having them. Hope everyone else is having a great week!!

Birthday Celebration!

We were finally able to celebrate the July and August birthdays last Sunday! Olivia swore she had not had a birthday yet because she had not had a party with cake and presents. She was so excited for her big day!! She wore her new Hannah Montana sparkly shirt for the occassion. I also let her pick the birthday cake theme even though there were 3 other names on the cake. She's only had 4 birthdays, I thought I would let her have her moment. She chose Hannah Montana - of course! After we cut the cake, she wouldn't let anyone eat Hannah's face. So cute.

We had a great dinner of Mostaciolli, garlic bread and salad. It was perfect. Liz hosted and it was a very nice time!! The weather was perfect for enjoying out on the patio too.

Olivia got lots of great presents. Grandma and PawPaw got her a Hannah Montana doll from Disney World. She slept with it and took it to Jane's on Monday. They also got her some other great gifts. Auntie got her the Fishing Game which she loves and has played with every day! Auntie also gave her a new Princess lunchbox for school. I was trying to wait to use it until school started but when I made her lunch yesterday, she insisted her lunch go in the new one and not the old Dora one. So I obliged. After all, what's the fun of getting something new and not being able to use it right away. Uncle Moo Moo and Christine got her a Princess oven that bakes cupcakes and treats. It's really cool because it cooks without heat or electric. It uses ice. Don't ask me how, but it works. Olivia had to try it out as soon as we got home. She made a batch of cupcakes for Daddy and Alex. She loves to cook. When she does, she has to wear her apron Grandpa gave her (see earlier blog) and I have to call her Little Chef. What a goof! I of course, oblige her. It's just the sweetest thing. Aunt Debbie and Uncle Steve gave her a Target gift card which I think I am going to use on some clothes for school and cousin Nick and Amanda gave her $10 in cash. She also received $20 from Great Aunt Debbie Do, a Color Wonder book and markers (which she loves so Auntie bought her another one) and a coloring book and crayons from Great Aunt Pammie and Rachel and a gift card from Grandpa. She had a great, great birthday!! Thank you all!!

It was also my birthday celebration. 36 years old. Where has the time gone? I still consider myself young and the one thing that keeps me from falling into old lady-hood is looking at my Mom's youngest sister Debbie. She is 49 and looks and acts like she is my age. I love it. I want to be just like that when I am almost 50!! Anyway, my parents gave me a steamer. I haven't tried it out yet but plan on putting it to great use! We went to Soulard's Farmers Market on Saturday and got lots of fruit and vegetables. I am trying to start everyone eating more healthily and stocking up on the fresh fruits and vegetables as opposed to the junk. So far so good. Liz got me some new scrapbook stickers and papers. I really need to get into this since I have so many supplies and pictures. She also got me the new Stephenie Meyer book, Breaking Dawn. It's the conclusion to the Twilight series I got both of us hooked on. I put the other book I was reading aside and dived right into this one. I am taking it slow, savoring it, not wanting it to end. My cousin Nick got me some scratch-offs and I won $20. Woo Hoo!! Thanks to everyone for making my birthday so special.

We also celebrated my Mom's birthday and Bryan's birthday. I made my mom and Mickey Mouse bracelet from the Mickey's she brought me back from Disney. We gave Bryan some Cardinal stuff to go in his Cardinal room. I think he like them.

A great time and great memories were created by all. Thanks again to all who celebrated with us and sent birthday wishes our way for a great year!!