I've been Amy/Jaime-d

When I was a kid, Amy Comtois and I ran the show at ye old Baptist church. (Others thought they were in charge, but no.) Amy and I were inseparable and ran all manner of relatively harmless schemes.

One of our favorites was to try to con our families into eating lunch together after church. Some weeks, they'd come up with this on their own. But when they'd say, "No, not this week. We're just going to go as a family." That's when we got to work.

It was pretty easy, really. One of us would find out where the family was headed for lunch. "Oh, Captain D's sounds great, Mom!" Then the other would gently persuade (insist) that the only place she wished to have lunch was innocently the same. Voila! Everyone had lunch together and we were happy.

Today at church, I heard Sam talking Stu into Freddy's for lunch. Sounds good, I thought. But as I'm walking out the door, my good friend Gabe says, "Collin really wants to go out with you all to lunch sometime but we just can't today because we have these other plans..." Wait, I thought. I didn't invite Gabe to lunch. That's right. We'd been Amy/Jaime-d.

First day of Kindergarten! (oh yeah, 3rd grade too)

It's finally here, the long-awaited day when both of my kids would be in school at the same time, same place even! Wow! I've been waiting for this day for so long, I expected to throw a parade or leave the school skipping and singing while the wind swept through my hair and the diet coke fairy bestowed a fresh, bubbly beverage in my hand and throngs of mothers everywhere would line up on the side of the street and say "Well done! You made it! Free at last!!!"

So I know you're as surprised as I am that I was a little emotional about the whole thing. It didn't help that our morning was a little, well, off-plan. But, when we got out there, and headed on our way, the kids looked good, Stu joined us for his first 1st-day experience, and all was sunny and warm. I felt bad when we dropped Sam, which became sort of an afterthought to the big FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN thing for Kate. He was fine, though, and told his new teacher he was ready to go.

For Kate, I have wanted her to be a kindergartener for so long, and she's been so ready for so long, that over the last week or so it occurred to me that I wasn't giving her first day the same weight that I did Sam's way back when. But once we were there, on the kindergarten play ground, in line to go into class, it hit me that this is a big deal. My big girl is finally where she belongs, where she wants to be.

I am so happy with her teacher, Ms. Consalo. When the bell rang and the kids lined up, she stood on the chair at the front of the line and yelled, "Good morning Ms. Consalo's pirate class. Are you ready for a pirate adventure? If you are, say "Aye aye mate!"" and then all the kids yelled back. It was so fun! She marched them off to the class room, telling them that the big people who were there (Parents) were all soft and weepy about the big day, so she needed the kids to be super strong ("Show me your muscles!" she told them). She read a weepy story (The Kissing Hand), and told the kids to run and give their parents a kiss and say good bye quickly. Kate looked up from her spot on the rug like, "I'm not getting up. You people can go now." She did finally get guilted into coming back and saying good bye, but she was NOT doing the kissing hand thing. See ya mom and dad. Ugh. My heart. Breaking.

I know, I'm proud she's a tough girl, and I taught her to be that way, but geesh. Just a little kissing hand? Please?

Silly faces.

Happy faces.

First day of school faces!

Field day

Here in the desert, field day at the end of the year is kind of... Hot. So, Sam's field day was before spring break began. And what a perfect day! About 82 degrees, sunny... Ummm.

I went to watch some of the day and the kids were having a great time. They'd been practicing field day events in PE, so they'd get to each event and just go for it. No instructions required.

I have some pictures and a video I'll get up here someday. Until then, here he is!

Wee Willie Winkie

I used to love that Mother Goose rhyme. I mean, what's funnier than a guy that "runs through the town; upstairs and downstairs in his nightgown!" A guy in a nightgown is funny enough.

My Sam is a bit like Mr. Winkie (definitely not the nightgown bit-- I'm sure he wants that on record). He's a bit of a sleepwalker. I'm not sure if he's a REAL sleepwalker, or just a kind of fuzzy, out-of-it, restless sleeper, but he does walk around a little in his sleep. Normally, it's pretty targetted walking-- straight into my room and back. We've never had him go downstairs, or for the door or anything, so I guess we're lucky there.

Tuesday night he and his guys (Moosee, Alex and someone else) slept in my bed, having ambled over just as I was headed to bed for the night. (I'm weak-willed and let him stay. I know.) In the middle of the night, I heard him get up and shuffle towards his room. I thought he was probably headed back to bed, but here he comes, back into my room.

"What's going on?" I asked him.

"I had to go see if my room was clean," he replied.

"Huh??" I muttered, probably inaudibly, as I tried to go back to sleep.

The next morning, I told him about the funny thing he said in the middle of the night. His response?
"Well, you kept telling me to clean my room, so I finally just got up to go put my legos away, but they were already put away" he said.

"In the middle of the night? That wasn't me!" I told him.

"It wasn't?" he asked. "Well, I heard it over and over, so I just went to go check."

I told the story of young Samuel in scripture and how he kept hearing what he thought to be Eli's voice, but it ended up being God. "Maybe God wanted you to have a clean room," I said, laughing.

I'm not sure where his dream came from, but I'm all for sleep-cleaning. In fact, if I could clean and sleep at the same time, I think I'd be a lot happier person!

Making my own lunch

Sam declared that he would make his own lunch today. Check out the meat on the sandwich!

Leprechaun Trap

Sam came home the other day saying he wanted to make a leprechaun trap. When I asked for an explanation, he said he thought we could build a home that a leprechaun would want to live in, and then the leprechaun would make it his home. Think Gingerbread Baby.

I agreed to the plan, quite honestly thinking that it was some book or school craft activity he'd done and that it would likely never come up again.

This afternoon, he was true to his word, and recruited his sister and her friend to help build the home/trap. They worked hard for a long time, and designed the home below. I love a good holiday craft that requires absolutely no involvement from me.

Parenthood. Seriously. Too seriously??

My sweet Sam is doing so well in school. He has this easy, laid-back personality that is easy to love. Apparently he does not get this trait from me.

The new school has a lot of homework. Usually at least 30 minutes a night, plus spelling and reading. Add piano and other life activities, and I guess it becomes a very good thing that we have 6 hours between school and bedtime.

Sam does very well with this, as long as he sticks to a pretty set schedule. I try to make studying a little fun or at least break it up a bit. For example, when we practice spelling words, I try to have fun using them in a sentence. Tonight the word was "running." so, like any good parent, I used this opportunity to teach him his first bad pick up line: "Are you tired? Cause you've been running through my mind all night.". Hilarious. He laughed and said, "I don't think that would really work, right?" Right.

So, when I give him the next word, he said, "What's the bad pick up line for that one, Mom?" Of course it was like hopping or bobbing, and I had to admit that he had stumped me. We laughed for a minute and then I shifted into mom-speak:
"I don't know one for everything, Sam, so you'll just have to write the word so we can get this done. "

[cue the whammy sounder here]

Sam's face gets all sad and he gets hurt. He says something about how he's just a bad kid. Of course, I said , "No way! You're a great kid!" and told him he's doing great at school and that we're proud of him. I also confessed that he doesn't shift moods as quickly as i do and that I'll work on being more deliberate.

I just hate that he thinks that. We talked about how my job as a mom is to teach him, which means that sometimes I have to correct him at home so he doesn't make the same mistakes later--just like spelling. But that just because I correct things doesn't mean that I don't love him or that he's anything less than a great kid. He's the best, but even he best makes mistakes from time to time.

Does that sound like saying "suck it up"? I tried to be nice about it, but as I think about it, that's really what it was, right? Ugh. Parenting is hard.

Risk (or Geek Life Lessons 102)

For some time now, Sam has been itching to learn how to play Risk. I'm not sure why, other than that he's seen it in the game closet and wanted to learn.

Yesterday, Stu acquiesced. Since then, they've been at it. I thought maybe simply listening to the directions would squelch Sam's interest, but no. Clearly not. Before bed last night, I caught Stu staring at the game board. "Strategizing against your own son, eh?" I asked.

"No. I'm trying to figure out how not to lose," he said.

"You should be proud."

"I am."

And as I type, Sam's down there winning. Welcome to the world of geek gaming, son. What's next? Catan?

Christmas Morning

We had a terrific Christmas this year, even though it certainly marked a first for us. This was the first time we didn't have the kids in our own home for Christmas morning. Fortunately, Jack did a great job and let Santa know just where to find us, so we awoke to a living room full of surprises on Christmas morning. The kids were great about coming to wake us up first, and then patiently (or not so, in Kate's case) waiting for us to get up and around for the festivities. Grandma and Grandpa were prepared with all of the things we needed to open boxes and power up new toys. Grandma Mary made the breakfast casserole we always have, and Janet supplied us with enough cinnamon rolls for all 6 of us. We are so blessed!


We're just so excited! (Isn't that a beautiful Christmas tree??!)



Tangled Sing and Glow doll for Kate

Unwrapping mania!

Whoever came up with the boxing strategies for Barbies should be shot.

Wearing our new jacket (for me) while playing wiht the Beyblade we are really interested in

Halloween

What a day! I remember when I was a good parent, maybe a new parent, and I documented each holiday with fervor. Today, I didn't even take my good camera out trick or treating. Yikes.

Kate had a party at her new school and wore a cheerleader costume. She looked supercute. Mom and Dad were here still, so they got to see some of her classmates and her new school.

I didn't make either Halloween party today, but we sent homemade cookies for Kate's, so I should get some points for that.

We went out trick or treating with some friends, and the kids got tons of candy. I thought about weighing it for posterity, but really, why document such a waste! More than half will be thrown away anyhow.

They came home and were almost more enthusiastic about giving out candy than getting it, if that's possible. Sam even saw a few kids he knew from school, so that was good too.

I'll attach a couple of the pictures I do have. Bad mom.

Skyping with Grandma

Look at our haul!

My son, the author

Today Sam's class had an Author's Tea. It was an opportunity for parents to come see what they'd been doing in their daily writing time. 6 kids were chosen to read their story to the class and Samuel (his school name!) was one of them. He spoke loudly and clearly and used great humor and inflection when reading. Stuart and I were so proud!

His story was about our long drive from Missouri to Las Vegas. It was very funny and rather food-centric. My boy likes continental breakfast!

Stuart arranged to be there, which Sam was super excited about. I was okay too.

It is great to see him doing so well in class. We are blessed.

Showing dad his classroom

Sam at his desk

Speaking in front of the class

Sam's Book

This SHOULD be the video I took of Sam reading the story he wrote in front of his class and their parents at Writer's Tea.

Training Camp

I helped out again with this year's Chiefs Charity Game, which benefits the Children's Center for the Visually Impaired. There are several perks. One is working with my friend Eileen. One is getting a chance annually to chat with my favorite Sports Radio 810 host, Soren Petro and crew. This year, we also went up to St. Joe for training camp. Sam and Kate get along terrifically with Eileen's twins John and Nora. The Wilkerson clan came up that day also!

Here are my pictures from the big day:


Chiefs QB Matt Cassel signing an autograph for Kate



Chiefs QB Matt Cassel signing Sam's ball cap



Here's our crew. Note the influence from Kate's meeting the cheerleaders. Pose much?

Sam turns 8!

It's hard to believe my baby is now 8 years old! He wanted a pool party AND a sleep over, and being a total sucker right now, I complied. (Knowing that Sam and Kate's life is about to turn upside down with the move to Vegas, it's very difficult to say no right now!)

Our dear friends Beth and Doug Whorton agreed to let our boys swim at their house for Sam's birthday. Beth told me that one time, when Luke was younger, Bob and Adella Lunsford hosted Luke's birthday party in their arcade-like basement, so it was her turn to pay it forward. They went totally above and beyond with decorations and preparations, and Doug even jumped in with his clothes on, which was a big hit for Sam's friends from school. Sam had 3 friends: Reece, Dillon, and Max. I was a little worried about the group, but they got along great! My parents, Bob and Adella, and the Wilkersons joined us poolside to celebrate too.

Afterwards, we went home and let the boys sleepover in the basement. Stu was the late-night sentry, but they were asleep by about midnight (though they were pretty sure that they stayed up all night!) It was a sweet send-off.

Cookie Cake

The boys!

Looking for a loose balloon

Here he goes...

It's tough being the only girl!

We are the Stingrays...

the mighty mighty Stingrays!

Sam participated in the summer swim team again this year and had a great time. It was so sad to leave behind such a great group of coaches and families. It was really too bad that Kate wasn't old enough to swim-- she would have swam better than most of the little first-timers, if I do say so myself. One of Sam's coaches this year was male, which he responded really well too.

He also continued to take private lessons with Eliot during the summer. Eliot was much more a friend than a coach, but Sam grew a lot in his strength, confidence, and stroke under Eliot's teaching. Many times Eliot would stay and play with Sam and Kate for 15-30 minutes after lessons were over, and even invited Sam to his graduation party. We miss Eliot!



Eliot, Sam and Kate-- lesson time???



Brrr. Swimming started pretty cold this year...

Here are the stingrays! I actually put him in his uniform trunks this year!

Waiting at a swim meet. Lots of waiting...

Spring Swim Lessons...

are about over. One more week. Sam stayed twice for non-competitive this week (don't tell) because tonight someone brought cupcakes! Fun!

Snapped this pic with my cell phone when the kids were waiting for lessons last night. They were walking in one of the lanes like this, both with goggles on, having the best time. It's always nice to find that your kids actually like each other, isn't it? (Note that when I told them I wanted to take a picture, Kate had to take her goggles off. See "Fashionista" for more info...)

Spring football

I'm sure I mentioned that Sam chose to play spring football this year, rather than soccer or more basketball. He's had a great time. His team was undefeated (WOO!) after a shortened, rain-delayed season. Sam's really embraced his role as nose tackle/center. He's always felt confident about hiking the ball, but this year he tried rushing the passer and tackled more too. I think my favorite play of the season was one with the opposing team a few yards from the goal line, 4th down, and Sam pulled the runningback's flag as he crossed the scrimage line. No score! Go Sam!

I'm a horrible parent and have few pictures to show for the season, but my good friend Janet provided these. Thank goodness for friends!

Mouthguard Sam

Center Sam

Center Sam, different QB

Blocking Sam

Troublemaker Kate-- "Here, let me fill in those eyebrows."

Happy Kate

Yes, we finally succumbed to the parent tunnel

Another win for the Gators! (Not that we're keeping score!)

Swimming marvel

Kate and Sam started back to swim lessons in February and both kids passed their levels easily (3 and 6, respectively). Sam's "class" ended up being one-on-one sessions with his former private teacher, for group lesson price! We've continued that, and moved Kate up to level 3. She came home after Monday's practice and said, "MOM! In level 3 we have to swim in the deep end! I don't think that's a good idea." But after watching her last night I'm totally amazed! She is swimming, without a jacket, up and down in the deep end, both front and back strokes. She is swimming under the water (granted, with a little nose-holding). She's amazing, and getting even more fearless.

The most hilarious part was her attempt at diving off the side of the pool. She's not at all afraid to try it, but she stands (or kneels) in the proper pose, and then disregarding entirely the examples before her, jumps in with her hands still together and entirely above her head. It's hilarious. I'm probably not doing it justice, but trust me, we have some work to do there.

The other thing she reported to me after Monday night was that she might be in the wrong class, because she's only 4. Having now seen her classmates, I can tell you that one of the girls is at least 10, if not older. The other two look more her age-- probably 5 or 6. I think we'll be in level 3 for a while, but I just keep assuring her that it makes her a very big girl, just like Sam, to be able to swim so well!

Sam's doing very well, as usual, and working hard on his form. Eliot, his teacher, is such a blessing and very good with him always.

Yes, you too

The other day I was talking to Kate about all of the things she can be when she grows up (...while we were brushing her teeth. Don't ask me why that was what we were discussing, but if the dentist asks, tell him the subject was dental hygiene.) I said, as I often do, "Kate, you can be anything you want to be when you grow up." And I offer a helpful list of suggestions too, no pressure. I just want her to remember that pole dancer or professional cheerleader don't often come up, but you know, whatever she wants to be.

Sam, who overheard us talking, leans in and says, "Hey, can I be whatever I want to be when I grow up too? Anything?"

I had to laugh at this, because when I'm telling Kate about all the things she can do, I'm trying to counterbalance generations of girls who were limited in job selection to secretaries and teachers. I'm trying to empower her to take on anything and be the Speaker of the House or President or preacher or author or head football coach (probably not that one, but whatever. Someday.) I guess I don't give the same encouragement to Sam, who I think should be born with entitlement and pride in his little white male genes.

So, I respond, "Yes, Sam. You can be anything you want to be."

"Great," he said. "I think I want to be a pilot." (This was a first-- he is usually very adamant about becoming a video game creator.)

Naturally, I leaned over to Kate and said, "You know, you could be a pilot too. If you wanted."

Spring break in Minnesota?

Perhaps not the best time to go north. It was "balmy" in Minneapolis-- a warm 47 and sunny on Friday. We'll take what we can get! Took a quick road trip to visit Philip and Molly in Eden Prairie over the kids' spring break. Mom and Dad went with us, but Stu had to stay at work. We did two days at the Mall of America, including one day riding rides at the Nickelodeon Universe. We saw a lot of Philip and watched KU play their first round NCAA game together as the only KU fans in the local Buffalo Wild Wings. We went to see Philip's school on Saturday and were impressed by the facilities. High schools have stepped up quite a bit since I was there 20 years ago! It was a short, but fun trip. Here are a few pictures!



The closest we got to an American Girl doll



At the aquarium



With my favorite cartoon character (ha)



Kate at the Lego store in a BIG lego



My Kansas kids in the ferris wheel



Waiting for the ride



Brown family required train station picture, in the mist



"Look, we're really happy about this. And freezing. So take the picture!"