Lovely Cruise

beetles and booties

Several weeks ago Sam came inside and said, "Mommy, I want a beaddle."  I responded (several times), "A beetle?"  Then he would say, "No a beaddle, siwee (silly)."  We went round and round, and he was getting frustrated.  I kept asking him to show me, but he couldn't.  Finally, and I don't know how I figured out, I asked if he wanted a BURRITO...  Yep, he wanted a beaddle. 

So this week after we dropped Charlie off at school I asked Sam want he wanted to do.  He replied that he would like to play bootie.  That was his only request, to play a game of bootie.  You know, Cootie.  :)

Today I cried...

There were no Charlie tears today.  I walked him to his class and he marched in with no tears.  He was so proud and so was I.  As I left I fought back the tears.  Tears because we finally made it to this point.  Tears of flippin' joy.  He did it.  He's really a Kindergartner.  Wow. 

the sound of silence...

I've neglected my poor blog lately.  I just don't have a whole lot to say.  I guess Charlie having a hard time with Kindergarten is just wiping me out.  Not sure what tomorrow will bring, but today was another bad drop-off.  I have a feeling there will be more tears tomorrow.  He's fine once I leave and he gets going with the routine, but the whole morning at home and getting him to school is painful.  I'm surprised that he's having such a hard time.  And I'm embarrassed.  And I'm sad.  And I'm irritated.  And I'm running out of patience.  He'll be fine, eventually.  Life is not for wimps.

p.s.  Sam LOVES his new school.  And he is just exploding these days.  He's putting thoughts, phrases, and words together.  It's like he's grown a year right before my eyes.  It's really amazing.  And then there's Ella.  She's a sweetie.  And now she's nine months old.  But she's still not sleeping through the night.  Ugh.  And I'm not sure I'm up for baby boot camp, at least not this week...  Peace out.   

life takes COURAGE

The only courage
that matters
is the one
that gets you from
one moment
to the next.
Miguon McLaughlin

Journaling:
Charlie, I wish I could take away the nervousness and anxiety of this new exciting time in your life. I wish I could take away the fear of walking through those big school doors, but I can't. All I can do is love you and tell you that it will be ok. I know you will do great. Be brave, little man. Love, Mommy

One down...

One to go...
Sam's 1st day of school.
And there were no tears.

for tante

A little Sammy T. love...

Pride

This boy played t-ball this summer and at the end of the season they gave him (and every other player) this trophy.

After being afraid to even put his big toe in the water this boy now swims like a fish.

This boy can talk your ear off.

This boy still loves salami.

This boy goes to Kindergarten in six days.

This boy loves all sports that involve a ball. 

This boy is a big brother. 

This boy makes me smile, laugh, and sometimes yell. 

This boy is persistent. 

This boy rides his bike without training wheels.

This boy is fascinated by superheros, right now his favorite is Batman.

This boy is five years old.  And he's my son.  And the pride on his face in this photo is the same pride I feel about him. 

not so much...

I had this long witty blog entry all written in my mind, but I'm just too tired to write it all out.  It's probably not all that witty anyway...  Just know that all is well.  School starts next week.  And the turkeys are back. 

To make up for my lack of wittiness, here are a couple photos of Miss Ella Bella and her itty bitty toof.  She just makes everything ok.  Acually, better than ok...

swing

Journaling: When I look a this photo I don't think about the 4th of July, fireworks, or the yummy food we ate. Instead, I think about your DETERMINATION to master Nettie's swing. A swing that requires a run and a hop to get on and swing. But you didn't give up. You tried all day to do it by yourself. And finally you did! I love this about you. You don't give up on the things you really want. 7/4/2006