Light in the Dark

A lot of good to report as of late but it's hard to write about such things when I think about the families in CT.  I just can't wrap my brain around it all - beyond heartbreaking.

So.  D was in the Christmas Cantata last week and rocked as a cow.  I missed his dramatic debut, as I was behind the screen assisting Angel Gabriel, Mary and Joseph, and the donkey.  Had to be done.  But Daddy and Gogo saw him so it's all good.
I think the kids did a great job but apparently were on a high after their performance.  Once we got back to our classroom, things fell apart.  It was like someone had misted the room with pure sugar and they all sniffed at once.  They were dancing, arm wrestling and singing.  Insanity.  Next thing I know, the Director is coming in.  Busted, including me.  She gave a wonderful talk about the importance of Christmas and the story of the Cantata.  Then she turned to me and through what I believe to be gritted teeth, told me Good Job on the performance.  I tried to tell them I was an unsuitable candidate for this teaching position…

Speaking of Church...yesterday at Mass, Nora heard the bells ring during Consecration.  She pipes up loud enough for everyone within a fairly decent range to hear, "When the Bell Rings, it's Time to go Home!"  Nice.  She also announced she had to poop during, so really all the way around, it was a holy experience.
She has been pretending she is a Cheetah a lot lately-she growls and hisses instead of speaking, which I guess is her interpretation of Cheetah-speak.  It's cute but can be a tad embarrassing.  This weekend we celebrated my nephew's first bday and when greeting extended family, she did it in Cheetah-ese, complete with ferocious face.  Good times, always.

D has been sick but was well enough to play yesterday.  He visited a friend in the neighborhood and his mother tells me when D arrived, he took notice of their beautiful Christmas tree.  He says "Wow.  Is that an 8 footer?"  Nodding, he says "We have a 6-7 footer."  Killin' me, Smalls.  Such a little man already.

GoGo delivered this note to me last night as I washed up dishes and cleaned the kitchen from dinner.  Love her.
Of course, she also made me a card the other day that implored me to "Sit Next to Me, Poop."  So, there you go.

These little people are my entire world.  I cannot imagine my life without them in it.  Today Squeezalicious and I are surprising D and Gogo at lunch.  I don't normally visit on days I have my youngest home from school but I feel like having them all together today.  

I just want to walk in their school and see them there, safe.  Together.  

Yesterday was my mother's birthday, she should have been turning 64.  I know my sister and I were her entire world, too.  She would have sacrificed anything to keep us safe and together.  

That's what parents do, the world over.  We work tirelessly to keep these little lights shining.  

All we can do at the end of the day, is to live so that our kids know we love and cherish them.

And I surely do.

Christmas Cheer

So GoGo made her First Holy Confession last week.  She was a bit nervous before, but we talked about it quite a bit and once in the Church, she seemed ok.  She was in line and talking to the priest for a hot minute  before she was back to our pew.  In fact it was so fast, I questioned Quick Draw McGraw, doubting that she had even opened her mouth to talk to the priest.  As she is attempting to climb over the back of the pew, she tells me that she had indeed talked to one.  Pointing, she says "That One Right There!"  Okay, then.  She then proceeded to confess to me as well, do her penance and then the Mission was complete.

D is going to be part of the 3rd grade Christmas Cantata at Faith Formation.  His first choice of characters?  A cow.  Lucky boy, that was the part assigned to him last night.  In fact, most of the boys wanted to be the animals.  Go figure.  I am helping Mary, Joseph and the donkey with their parts.  Joseph asked "When is the part where I marry Mary?"  I told him it was already done and he was good to go.  This ought to be good…

Squeezalicous walked around most of yesterday morning crying because she wasn't in any of the preschool photos D has in a little album.  It's something his teacher made for him in his 4 year old class.  She was literally sobbing at one point.  Sheesh.  So, I took one of the 5 flash drives loaded with photos up to the CVS and printed 20 pics of her at various stages of development.  We then headed to Tarjay and purchased a pink album, loaded it up with said photos and I had one happy 3 year old girl.  It made me realized though, how many more photos I have up and around of the GoGo and D.  Poor 3rd child.

The other day she was wandering around downstairs, looking for something to do.  I suggested she go upstairs and play with her sister.  She tells me "I can't.  GoGo said if I can come in her room again, she will call the police."  In her Elmer Fudd voice, this made me die.

The kids' classes are participating in some program to help a village in Africa purchase livestock and water purifiers.  I hope I understand it correctly, but that's about the gist of it.  So, they are to do chores and earn money to donate.  D came home and wanted to spend $50 of his own piggy bank money so "I can buy a pig for somebody."  Love that boy.  I talked him down to $20 as I know the rest of the class are also generously giving.  GoGo was good with $10.  Of course, she can't find her wallet she has stashed all her monies in, anyway.  Guess who got to donate?

I am done Christmas shopping with the exception of one thing for D and it's super easy.  I am wrapping everything Thursday and then on to baking!  I ordered a couple of Christmas albums off Etsy so after school the kids do their homework to Bing Crosby and Ray Conniff.  I don't know how much it adds to their brain function, but it's fun.

So ready for Christmas here, except for the fact we have no tree yet.  Some great friends came into town this weekend and it was a non-stop party.  So, we never made it to a tree lot but tomorrow is a new day and I don't think these kids will let too much more time go by without one.

Counting down...

Thanks for the Laughs

The other day I thought to myself as I listened to and watched my kids play, I genuninely enjoy these little people.  Which is a nice thought, considering they are my children. But I love watching the slow transformation into the big people they will become someday.  Hopefully, not anytime too soon.

The other night I made a rockin' Sheperds Pie.  D came in from playing in the neighborhood and asked what was for dinner.  I opened the oven door to show him my masterpiece and he said, "I'm not interested."  I would have expected the response Gogo gave me, which was to crinkle up her nose and tell me "I am NOT eating THAT!"  He kills me though-a 70 year old man trapped in a 9 year olds body some days.   He actually ended up eating 2 bowls of it and praised it highly.
He doesn't miss many details, which is a trait he 110% inherited from his daddy.  His teacher I'm sure by now, has recognized this and yesterday made him Donut Police at a class party they had.  His sole job was to stand there and make sure people only took one donut and they one they touched first was the one they put on their plate.  I'm certain he was as good as gold at this.

Speaking of good as gold, Gogo was awarded Star Student last week.  It was given to her for being a Good Citizen and Rocking Timed Math Quizzes.  She was pleased, to say the least.  I'm not sure what the Citizen thing entails but I do know she rocks math-most days she has finished her math sheet on the bus before even getting home.  Another trait inherited from daddy.
Last night she and I took D to Boy Scouts and while there, she decides to root through my purse.  Holding a tampon like a pitchfork, she asks "What is This For?"  No, I wasn't in a room full of dads and young boys and No, I wasn't sitting next to my neighbor.  Thankfully, I don't think he saw anything.  I snatched it away and quickly told her it was for nothing.  She looked dubious and just gave me a "Whatever".

Squeezalicious has been singing this song in the car lately-"The Sun Goes Down, The Moon Comes Out, I'm a Naked Owl!"  This could very well be the lyrics to a current pop song and of course I would never know it.  She also has the ability to hear a song once or twice and then be able to sing it almost word for word.  In her own language, of course.  Out of my 3, she is the most musical by far.  Finally, one like me.
Yesterday she and I were in a very small boutique, wasting time.  The only people in the store were the two of us, the employee and one other lady.  In her best BIG GIRL VOICE, she bellows "MOM!  I got a booger in my nose!"  I shush her and offer her a kleenex.  She digs for gold in the mirror and I take the tissue, assuming she has conquered it.  But, no.  "MOM!  It's still in there!"  So I shush her again, take the tissue myself and begin to mine.  I am successful and I put the dirty tissue in my purse, along with the loose tampons, old raisins and hand sanitizer floating around in there.  She yells "Where did you put my booger?!"  Gawwdd.

Thanksgiving is only 2 days away and I have a lot to be grateful for.  For these three precious little people, their stories and for just being here to take it all in.

Life

Life is flying by.  I feel as though so many funny things happen on a daily basis with the kids and I mean to blog it so I don't forget it but then, I forget to do so.  Nice one, Memory.

We have officially entered my favorite time of the year-fall with its crunchy leaves and amazing colors, Thanksgiving with the food and fan and Christmas.  I am a junkie for all things Christmas.
I am way ahead on Santa this year-last year was a scramble and I hate that feeling.
Once again, D asked for like 2 things and his sisters asked for the moon.  Par for the course.

I found this Christmas picture from last year-or at least what I was trying to get and use as our "official" picture.  Fail.  But Dear God, they are still precious.

Walks With Purpose can write her name now!  GoGo could as well in 3 year old preschool but D could have cared less about doing that.  I think it may have been the end of 4's/beginning of TK before he could give a legible autograph.  So different.

GoGo informed us the other day that "Math and Geometry are FUN!".  D looked at her as though she had lost her mind and I have to say, I did too a little bit.  That subject is her ace, for sure.

I am struggling a bit finding reading material for D that he is not bored with or hasn't already read.  

He has been tossing the football a good bit lately.  He and daddy have been running plays in the backyard.  If I mention the idea of playing flag football, I instantly get shutdown.  He has an aversion to organized sports.  He just does not like to be "scheduled" too much and I have to agree with that.  I am 100% that way.  He likes the freedom of being able to operate on the fly and there ain't nothing wrong with that.

Tuesday was No School for us.  We accomplished so much and had a great day.  However, I have to throw out the Halloween candy because my 3 snuck into it before leaving the house and then proceeded to behave like maniacs in every public place we visited.  They farted and chased each other around Old Navy, played hide 'n seek in the Trader Joe's and recalled loudly, their fart antics in Jersey Mike's.  

To balance that behavior, they all put on socks and "ice skated" around the downstairs as my new record player blasted The Beach Boys.  I adore them.

 I cannot wait to print this blog in book format one day and share with their significant others/husbands/wife the details of their childhood.  

We still have the new kitten addition, Blueberry.  She survived a vicious attack from a feral cat but I think she's mending quite nicely.  WWP told my sister she "gotted a kitty named Boobary".  

She also told us at dinner last night that sometimes "the kitty sniffs her hand" and then WWP "bumps her a wittle, not too hard."  Animal Planet might need to do an intervention here.

GoGo's First Confession is coming up the end of the month.  D struggled to come up with enough sins to confess (please) but something tells me GoGo won't have that problem.  

I am so thankful for these three incredibly different little people and all that they have brought to my life.  Even when they fart and run.

Scratch One off the List

We successfully completed a Bucket List entry last week by taking 3 little people to Disney.
I have to say, it was more fun than I anticipated.  We were exhausted and our wallets quite a bit lighter, but a good time was had by all.  My inlaws were able to come down with us and that made the trip even better.  We did Legoland, Seaworld and Magic Kingdom so each person got something a little special just for them, although they all loved each park.  We crammed a lot in just a few days.  But a week would have been just too much for us - this was just right.

These pictures are not great quality-I didn't use my big camera.  So, these were all iPhone.  In fact, I'm going to try film for a while.  At least as long as I can still buy it and get it developed.


The night before we left, Walks With Purpose scored 2 tickets to Disney on Ice from a sweet friend.  She was in heaven.

WWP at the Lego Driving School.  Somehow, she managed to earn her drivers license.

Legoland had a really cool Driving School for the older kids complete with stop lights, traffic circles and crazy drivers.

Another highlight for WWP-meeting Buzz Lightyear just minutes after we exited the Buzz Lightyear ride.  There was a time in D's young life when he could not sleep without Buzz by his side so I think he was digging it too.

The Castle-what we all wanted to see.

GoGo in the Duplo section at Legoland.

Flamingos partying at Seaworld.

Jaws...

My Sweet Three

Our newest family member, upon our return.  Blueberry.  Don't ask me why.

The Club

Well, I made it.  To the "40" club - and no, that is not a reference to any large bottle of alcohol best served in a brown paper bag.  Last month I turned the Big 4-0 and I am so happy to have done so.  For a hypochondriac such as myself, making it this far is a real accomplishment.  Although the flip side of that is, my once-around could be half way over.  But, such is life.

Turning 40 offers one an opportunity to reflect on life, past mistakes and joys, the future.  Since my birthday fell on a Monday, I really did none of those things.  Instead, I did what I always do; laundry, chased Nora, worked a little, helped kids with homework, shuttled them to Faith Formation, taught Faith Formation and shuttled back to Scouts.  Throw in some baths and bedtime routines, and there was my day.
But I was here, with my people, and that was the best gift.  Although a new tank watch wouldn't have been too awful, either.  I did enjoy a wonderful ice cream birthday cake.  And Zac Brown tix.  And the next day enjoyed a long ladies lunch with much laughter and sweet gifts.  Had coffee with friends.
So.  It was all good.

Fall is coming/here, depending on the day and that makes me incredibly happy.  It's my favorite season and I love the things we do as a family this time of year.  We have the pumpkin patch, mountain day trip and App State football game coming.  Plus, I know Christmas is quickly approaching and I live for that.  In fact, I have already purchased 4 gifts for my little people.  Way ahead.  Not.

Walks With Purpose is in love with a little boy in her preschool class.  Too young?  I don't know.  My best friend as a child and I each had 'boyfriends' when we were in preschool together.  But WWP is funny about it and not afraid to tell God and everybody about this boy.  She is holding her own in a class with 2 girls and 9 boys.  In fact, she asked Santa for a tool bench so she can have one at school and one at home.  For all of her DIY projects, I suppose.

GoGo joined Girl Scouts, or Brownies to be more precise.  She also is wanting to start gymnastics now-it's ever-changing with this girl.  She is acing math at school and I love that about her.  As a girl who most definitely sucked at math, I love that she gets it.  Smart girls are cool.

D is having a great run.  He won the Terrific Kid Award last week, came in first in a Fun Run and completed his first 5k this weekend.  Love to see him shine.

We are headed to Disney in a few short weeks and I am so excited to see their faces.  D can't wait to do the rides and Legoland, GoGo is dying to see Shamu and the dolphin shows at Seaworld and WWP is going to own the Big Castle! at Magic Kingdom.  My inlaws are joining us and the kids are psyched about that.  Plus they get to miss a few days of school.  Good times.

And That's a Wrap

Well.  Our fantabulous summer has come to an end.  I was sad to see it go.  We had such a great time together-so many awesome road trips, good times with family and friends, wonderful memories.

School has started for everyone and it's going well.  Activities have also started.  We are picking up a few extra as we go along.  Losing some as well.

GoGo joined Girl Scouts last night.  She wants to start gymnastics too but the only available time interferes with Mom's Friday evening socializing so we'll see.  I will try to find an alternative because she seems pretty certain on this.  She continues to rock the piano.  She has also discovered what I already knew-she is pretty good at math.  It seems to come more naturally to her than reading does.  She has been called to the front to show things on the white board to her classmates and she pretends she is embarrassed but I know my girl and she is deep down proud.

Walks With Purpose may start a tumbling class-or ballet.  We'll see.  She is happy just playing with friends right now and learning new things at her little preschool.  She is only one of 2 girls in a class of 11.  She has already asked Santa for a tool bench.  I have started calling her Squeezalicious lately.  I can't help myself.

D wants to take a break from guitar.  While this breaks my heart, I cannot argue with him.  He has been doing it since February/March.  He has not practiced as he should.  But.  I firmly believe if you are not feeling something, really loving it, then maybe you should keep on exploring.  He told me that basically you are born, go to school, get a job and work and then die.  He said he doesn't want to do stuff that makes him unhappy, he wants to have a good life.  Profound for a nine year old, no?  And I don't think he was talking about the backpack and briefcase parts of life.  I think he means the extra stuff that is not essential to happiness.  He has known what he likes for a long time now.  He likes to create whether it's building or drawing or writing.  That is his "thing".  He loves being outside, riding bikes and fishing.  He wants to become certified to dive.  If there were a club or class for boys that included playing in the woods, snorkeling and building stuff, he would be in absolute heaven.

I taught my first 3rd grade Faith Formation class this week.  Thank God I have a co-teacher now, otherwise there would have been several visits to the Confessional, I fear.
Two mistakes my first go at it:  1.  I failed to have a closing prayer so I had to threaten TWO prayers plus bring your Rosary next class!  2.  We have a sweet boy with an alert dog for his diabetes.  This dog is a precious chocolate lab that I loved all over for the entire hour when I could find a way to his corner.  After class the mother of said boy instructed me to inform the group that there was to be no attention paid to said dog-no petting, no talking to.  Ooops.

We have Disney coming up next month, which I cannot believe and cannot wait for.
Then before we know it we will be frying turkeys, singing carols and opening gifts.  This year has flown by, as they all do now.

All good things must come to an end.