Watch out for them crazy REINDEER!

The other night T woke up and shared w/ me the silliest dream by far in his almost 4 yrs of dreamful nites! For about 20 minutes prior to his arrival downstairs he was overheard laughing hysterically in his life. I have heard him talk in his sleep before but laughing aloud? Hilarious! Initially it didnt seem right and I figured I should check on him but I knew I would have a hard time doing so when I myself couldn't stop laughing at him from my nitetime FB state.

Before I even made it to the stairs T came stomping down the stairs. He was no longer in a hysterical state. As a matter of fact he was MAD. It kinda went like this:

T: Mom! Mom, I am SO mad!

Me: what are you mad about it? Are you sure you are not happy?

T: No, I am mad.

Me: At what?

T: The reindeer.

Me: The reindeer?

T: The reindeer woke me up!

Me: How?

T: They woke me playing checkers on the roof!

Me: (trying not to laugh aloud-checkers, really? didn't even know he knew what that game was!)

Checkers, huh?

T: Yes, and one of them played really, really fast (as he proceeded to shift his body in a fast paced motion). It was so silly. Laughter

Then I laughed right along with him.

T: Now I have to write a letter to Santa.

Me: To tell him what you want for Christmas?

T: No, to tell him his reindeer are not doing their jobs!

THE END!

I love my guy!

My first Christmas gift of the season

Yesterday was the Holiday Bazaar at Triston's school. This is where they turn the gym into a garage sale and the students get to go shopping for holiday presents. It was nice that my class could attend this year bc in past years we have been off to meetings and missed it. It is chaotic but cute to see kids picking out the "perfect gift". I sent T to school with $5.oo. He created his own list-Mommy and Bryley. I tried to convince him to consider people other than myself (I was feeling guilty that every art project he comes home w/ is 'for you mommy' and daddy doesn't get much...that's the mama's boy syndrome talking again!). He insisted he was 'not in the mood' to shop for G and daddy so I slipped daddy's name on the list just in case he would change his mind.

Well, thanks to my friend Alysa, the mother of T's 'best friend' Jackson ( they graciously take T home from school each day and from what I understand the several minute car ride is quite the festive trot), the shopping took place. She took the boys around the gym lurking for their treasures. He didn't even notice me glancing at him once in awhile. He seemed so into the hunt of it all. It was sweet.

And let me tell ya, it was the highlight of his day...getting to shop with Alysa. He absolutely adores her! You ask him who his friend are and he includes her on his list. She has such a great way with him. I almost didn't send him to school that day bc he had had a slight fever the nite before but he insisted he was fine and NEEDED to go shopping w/Alysa. For awhile he was convinced they were heading to a mall afterschool. That took some explaining. But in the end, he had a mission.

I had no idea what I would be coming home to later that day. What would he choose for me? Did he get something for daddy? Well, I received the most beautiful gift.

Yes, it's chunky, eclectic, with a POW look at me kinda style but it's all mine! In my eyes it's one of a kind. I had to hold back a chuckle when he handed it to me. I imagined him choosing this THERE IT IS, I FOUND IT, PERFECT sort of gift all for me. I got teary-eyed. It still is a wild awakening...those moments I am reminded that this little being puts me on his own pedestal, queen of his life and would think of things no other way. To him I am this amazing person he looks up to, depends on, and thinks so highly of. Charito and I ARE his entire world. It is truly perfection, God's perfection.

I continue to discover all the little WOW moments my mom shared with me about motherhood. This $1.00 bracelet is one of those moments. And as I told her this story she laughed and mentioned there are many more of those "tacky' kinda gifts coming my way. But, you know...I don't mind one bit. I know any gift is chosen with detailed thought and his heart. Because that is the sort of man we are rearing. I am ever so proud of my little santa. I intend to wear it with pride (upon his request this evening) as we head out to another holiday festivity of gingerbread nativity scenes with great friends.

Thank you, Alysa for helping my man out and being there when I couldn't be. We appreciate you and your kind heart as well.

Oh, and in case you were wondering if daddy received anything...he did. A mini flashlight w/ DAD labeled on it. Not sure yet how T went about choosing that item and the amount of guidance that was put into it but I will find out. It was too coincidental of a gift. Charito and T have their own little thing about flashlights for over a year now. They put on their headgear flashlights (yup, regular old flashlights weren't enuf for my techy husband and the father-son excursions) and go cave dwelling under the bedroom blankets. Giggles heard throughout the house as they venture into imaginative lagoons, forests, castles and who knows what else. It is their thing. I leave them to it. Ready to relieve the exhausted giggle boy with some liquids or treats afterward. That's what mommies do.

And even Bryley got some treaties out of the deal. Not bad for only $5!

And we're off!

Ayden helping out Auntie Wowie

Grayson taking them off and putting them on, over and over again! Each time followed with a "da du" (thank you). He really thought he was helping out. Cute!

Off to Christmas-ville that is! This weekend finalized our decorations and I loved every part of it. It was hard waiting til after Thanksgiving to put the tree up (or should I say, get Charito to get the tree out of the garage for me). We had all other interior decor up 2 weeks ago. But, my plan worked perfectly. As soon as C got all dusty from getting the tree off the rafters he just kept on going for all the exterior lights, as well. So, while I prepped the tree of the fragiles ( I do that part and then save all the kiddie ornaments for T , and this yr G to do), Charito worked on the front yard.

T lining up the presents (wonder where he gets those organization skills from?!)

It was a successful Friday for all of us. We did all this and cooked and ate Thanksgiving dinner with the my family. It was very nice to see each other (since we hadn't since Halloween). My Ayden is getting too big too fast!

The labor force, loved by mommy a million times over.

And the icing on T's cake was when we pulled out the Polar Express Train that resides under the tree. He has been waiting months! His expression was worth the wait...although I could have waited to watch the movie 4 times already!

Have No Fear!

MY LITTLE PONY IS HERE! Does she look scary to you? I didn't think so. But, Grayson has installed the mean factor into this little cutie. Every time he sees it, he grabs and it GROWLS really loud! Who knew MLP had such skills?!

A Race to the Finish Line!

At the end of each month, during Charito's weight loss challenge, the winning individual of the contest chooses an activity for everyone to participate in together. A fun teamwork kind of event. Well, Uncle Joel won for th emonth of October and he choose for the clan to particiate in the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot (running just happened to be one of his goals for the month and he reached it!). So, while signing up Charito noticed there was a Drumstick Dash for little kids. A cute little 50 yard dash for 4 and under. I told T this morning he was going to run in a turkey race. Even though he was excited I knew he had no idea what he was actually excited about. Yet, he continued to tell us all morning he was going to a "turkey race". I knew once we arrived he could get a better picture of what he was about to participate in. He has partcipated in plenty of walks for Autism and Leukemia & Lymphoma so once the setting looked familiar it would all click. Boy, did it. He couldn't wait!

I left later than Charito bc his race began at 9:15 and T's wasn't until 10:15. He met up w/ the guys early and I picked up Maria for the kids' event. It was perfect timing. We arrived as the boys (and Najette) were finishing. We gobbled down some food and waited for T's group to be called. It all happened pretty fast (and disorganized , but whatever). Before I knew it he and I were in line behind a bunch of kids and POW off they were...chasing a man in a turkey costume! T took off so fast amongst the group I couldn't squeeze in so I just froze (teared up) and watched from a distance. Charito met him at the finish line where he received a medal! He was quite proud of himself...and we were, too. It was such a tiny event and over before we knew it but it was one of those things that made T feel like "one of the guys". He looks up to his Uncles, these amazing group of guys ( and his Aunts) that have been daddy's friends since HS. They are our family and always will be. What a fun day!

Oh, and we can't forget Grayson. He as content strutting his stuff around the land, holding onn tight to his turkey puppet and green balloon. Now that he is motion anyplace or thing is an adventure! We are in total agreement with the Disney movie UP ...(we had a marathon of it all weekend, it has got to be my number 3 fav Disney movie) "ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!" and we Carpers will find it!

It finally arrived!

A week before Halloween my mom told me to expect a

package for the boys filled with spooky treats and CHOCOLATE for G (you remember how much he loves chocolate). Well, we waited and waited.....and waited for this damn package. Finally after 2 weeks and several visits by my mom to her post office in Arkansas parading her complaints we gave up on the mystery package. Assumed it was lost or destroyed. I felt bad for my parents. Even though it was a box filled with dollar items and candy, I knew it had cost almost $2o to send. So that meant close to $30 down the drain. I was just glad I didn't tell T about the package. I would not have heard the end of it!

Well, after a whole week of dismissing the mystery package.....IT ARRIVED! This past THURSDAY! Over 3 weeks from the day my mom dropped it off at the post office. I came home to a soaking wet box of goodies strewn all over the dining room table. The ONE item that caught T's eye was this giant gummy spider. He was so excited. I figured I had waited long enough for the package and he deserved to enjoy the benefits. I let him have at it. The size of it was too funny against his little face. I tried a bite and it was a little tough (who knows where that box was sitting!) and I figured his mouth would tire out so quickly with all that tough chomping. No way would he finish it. Yeah, well talk about determination. It was quite the sight. Don't worry-G chomped down on his own Hershey's chocolate bar! Thank you Gramma and Grampa!

Addictions

I have to start this post by laying it out there-I cannot blame grandma for this one! ( as I know she will admit to T's encounters with the following discussion)

This all has to do with the NEED (and the impatient whines that correlate) to touch, and do, and taste, and play anything big bro does. What prey tell is this addiction...Grayson and pop!

Anytime he sees the Mcds cup with that big, fat straw (that my mother actually, ironically, hates drinking from) he is in hyper-dodge mode to the nearest person he can mooch from. I gave him a sip months ago bc he grabbed at T's. I was embracing a sharing moment for T and G. It went well...littel did I know the lil' one would be in demand of any and all items containing a fast food straw. Last nite was the first time I let him endulge! It was hilarious watching this tiny body tote around a large cup all over the living room (with no intentions to share...didn't he get my memo that we share with the bro that originally shared with you months ago?!).

It also needs to be said- Do not attempt to take his little addiction away or you will be confronted with alot of this...

But on the bright side...I was so impressed with his new straw game. It was cute watching him put the straw in and out of the cup with a smirk of pride each time (good eye-hand coordination, buddy! Makin' teacher proud, too).

So far THE most memorable Halloween!

All I have to say about Halloween is ....memories! Watching Triston and Ayden tackle the hood like pros was hilarious. It was a race! And they even got in some 'thank you' s while they were at it. But, what topped the spooky cake for me was Grayson! He really seemed to glow with pride that he could copy the boys ( at a much slower pace, of course). He scooted that shorty body of his up and down the sidewalks with so much intent. And his face was so Kodak each time someone handed him candy. As if even though he couldn't read the wrappers to him it was ALL chocolate. It just had to be! His fav! That just had to be what was going thru his mind... and so excited to show daddy every time and tell him "dis" like look at this daddy! He even said some "da du" s when he himself placed it into his little candy tub. Too preciouis!

AND...he is ONE!

For over week I have been wierded out when people ask me how old my kids are. It is so odd to say 3 and 1. One. It has not sunk in yet! But my oh my the big boy he has become. I guess the parties proved it. These are some of my favs from the day ( and SPECIAL thanks to Alysa for her fotog eye and spin on her photos. I fell in love with the photos SHE took so much that I used hers for his thank you cards!)

The amazing cake! It was as scrumptious as it looked. I was hesitant to spend more than $20 on a cake but that motherly guilt kicked in. G has gotten the hand-me-downs of almost everything and I convinced myself he deserved something different and unique for his big day. Not that T's cakes weren't wonderful, Uncle Tommy made his Elmo and Nemo cakes from scratch and he was so creative. But, seriously look at this cake!! And the cookies were out of this world. I have this lady's card on hand for the next event, that's for sure.
Here we are doing our little tradition of icing on all of us and then Bryley got in on it...a first, surprisingly!

Such a cute photo of Alysa's daughter, Maddie and G. She adores him! So sweet.

I was so excited for T to have his own school friends to play with along with his neighborhood friends.Even though it tenses me out to see him running around like a wild animal following the craziness of kids and what they REALLY do at bday parties, I stepped back. There were plenty of people watching out for them all. And I could tell he was having a blast. He doesn't get to rough house, jump on kids, perform wrestling moves, Star Wars and whatever else they were doing on a daily basis. He was FREE! Free from mommy's wicked control and loved every minute of it. And slept awesome and late the next morning. I am just relieved no one was hurt in the chaos (These are the moments I prob sound like Kate from Jon n Kate plus 8, right? Yeah, thought so. And now you can see why I don't think she is a crazy lunatic!).

Although G did not get some huge hurrah of a party it was just perfect enough. The weather held out for us and kids had a chance to play in the yard with toys, animal stamps and playdoh. I decided on a zoo animal theme bc that is truly what G seemed to enjoy everytime we visited the zoo this summer. And he is often found cruising around with an animal puzzle piece or animal figurine in his hands. He is just starting to imitate animal sounds, too. We even did animal crackers and little animal figures as party favors. It was perfect and easy.

Yes, the house seemed cramped (we just cant seem to crank out them summer babies) but the company was great. It was low key and just enough for me to handle with the beginning of the school year. MamaC and TitaMel pulled through with all the filipino food and I made mostaccioli (the cheapo kind my mother would NOT have been proud of me to serve... these are the kinds of things I can pull off in her absence). I had fun and everyone left early. It was nice to look at the clock at 5pm and know we still had the evening to ourselves.

A nice day with great family and friends. And to think we get to do it all again in December for T with pirate pride!

Brothers at it again

A new thing the two of them came up with. T's little butt fits perfectly inside the push toy and he hops right in. G assumes the driving position and off they go. T giggles and G laughs aloud. The things that keep these two amused amazes me. They'll be pushing each other around in their 90's for goodness sake!

Candy anyone?

G has a new "like". Candyland. Months ago, cleaning up last minute before company came over I shoved T's Candyland game under a living room chair. Well, recently G found it under the chair. One of his animals rolled under it and "AHA", another discovery. He yanked out the game and whipped off the lid. In that one incident it all started out cute-T set up the game and instructed G how to play. G layed across the board messing up T's best intentions. I had to laugh.

This weekend Grayson OWNS the game! All this time I haven't had the heart to put the game away. It is hilarious watching him pull it out. Like he knows it really isn't his to touch but somehow he can. Everytime he slips it out from under the chair he smirks this big grin. Yes, it's still here! Instead of tearing it apart he now manipulates each piece. He picks up each color card, inspects and then tosses it aside. It's as if he saying to himself, " Yep, green card. Just what I thought. Yes, double red, just what I thought." I don't know what he is thinking to himself. But the wheels are turning.

In this pic I yelled, "show me red" and he raised it up high for me to see. No, he doesn't know his colors receptively, just the command 'show me'. I am a ruthless dictator ya know.

Sometimes he carefully chooses (and I mean truly contemplates and then makes a selection) one or two cards or a card and a character piece and shuffles away with his stash. Giggling, waiting for T to notice and chase him. Is it the bright colors of the game that attract him? The scrumptious candy? The fact that he is getting access to T's belongings? I am not sure but it sure is adorable. He truly has created his own rules to the game and it has become his little routine. He loves carrying his little tokens around as he crawls or cruises around the living room. His little treasures. With that huge grin of his all the while.

And today he added another level to the game. The past few weeks, he has really been into handing us items from buckets, bins, or anything he finds on the floor ( I can't tell you how many cheerios or crumbs he brings me like he's helping out the cause). We just tell him thank you each time. Well, he has taken 'thank you' and overgeneralized it! Candyland is thank yous all around. After he picks up cards and examines them he hands them to the nearest person and beats us to the "thank you" part. He places them in our hands and tells us 'thank you.' I love it! Especially since he said 'thank you' about 2 mos ago and I havent heard it since. Now I get to hear it 8-10 times in a row. And what was his inspiration? The classic game of Candyland! How simple life can be!

One Year

One year ago, on a cold ,crisp autumn day-Grayson Kedric was born. He is one year old!! Yikes, where has the time flown to? And to think this little guy filled a patch in our family I didn't even know we had?!

His smile seems to get bigger and brighter with each day.

Oh, Grayson! Mama's sushi. You are absolutely phenomenal to me. Your daddy and I are so proud of all your accomplishments in one years time. The things that make me light up about you are some of these...but so much more:

• the way anything and everything your big bro does makes you laugh...like this one. The day your bro was pretending to be Dr. B and checking my baby belly shortly after you were born.
• your silly way of giving kisses...you lean your forehead toward us for a kiss over and over again and sometimes it turns into a headbutt, but I love it anyway.
• when I put your socks and shoes on you hand me each sock and shoe in order as I do your feet one by one. You even wait for me to finish each step before handing me the next item. Too cute. Thank you my little helper.
• how you love to "rough house" in the big bed with daddy. Your laugh is so contagious even Bryley and Triston join in.
• Even though you look forward to seeing me and daddy as you wake up it is as if your day cannot start until you see T. Daddy and I get smiles as we enter your room each morning but T, no....he gets laughter. He even gets an extra tiny laugh when he brings you your milk at 5:30 am ( a nice little "responsibility" big bro T wanted to take on aka lazy mom behavior). I have strategically placed each of their morning milks on the fridge door that T cannot wait to retrieve each morning. Works out great for me! T brings G's straight to his crib and happily says, "Good morning, Grayson!" and then I hear the giggle from G until the sippy cup reaches his mouth. Then I get silence for another 30 min on good days).
• Your fascination with animals and cars and hearing you spit your way through the words "vroom vroom" as you copy T running his cars and trains on the floor. You just follow right behind him with your own car or train. Each time I see it it's the perfect kodak moment.
• Watching you stand for longer and longer periods of time all by yourself this week. This past week you took several steps forward all on your own for longer distances than the usual table to couch and couch to chair. You are getting braver.
• I am beginning to understand your stubborness and need for time. You are your own individual and WILL do things WHEN YOU are ready. I see the wheels turn faster and faster in your head contemplating your timing and execution. You are full of surprises and I like that about you. You are in control. Your confidence is building.
• I like that you are "our sensitive soul". Things "hurt" you more and it takes you time to get over them. But it means you are different from your "charge thru life" bro. You have your own speed. You will reach the finish line. May not be at the same time as T but you will get there. And mommy and daddy will be waiting for you each time you round that bend for each and every goal you set forth. You can count on that!
• I love watching you dance. The way you shake that little butt. You even attempt to dance in your high chair. Your bro always enjoyed music and has quite the memory for words and tunes, he is always humming something. You seem to take to the rhythm and sway of it all. What a rock band combo the two of you will make! Titz McGee (your daddy and uncles' rock band name) is always looking for new recruits. I will have T write up and submit your applications.
• You are so happy all of the time. When you are upset I try my hardest not to laugh bc your drama cracks me up. I hope your happiness is evidence that you truly ARE happy and content with us. That daddy and I are doing it right? That T is someone you look up to and count on for that morning giggle? That you love your life and world today? I hope.
• You are a great eater! Piggie as a matter of fact. Keep packing on those pounds, shorty.
• You love chocolate and pop. Grandma should be proud! Good thing you like brushing your teeth!
• I HAVE been able to count some cuddles in the books the past month! Ha! Thank you for making mommy and daddy feel some sort of affection! You've even been reaching out to us lately and that is a wonderful feeling.
• Thank you for giving me that smile to look forward to coming home to everyday after work. It has been a trying school year thus far and I have difficulties picturing how I am gonna make it to the end. With your smiles and T's daily hiding and yelling out 'surprise' I enjoy my ride home to greet you.
• I gleem while I observe your adoration for T. It amazes me what you watch and imitate from him so quickly. You want to do literally everything he does. You didn't tolerate teeth brushing til you saw him do it and I let you guys do it side by side in the mirror. Same thing with toys, playdoh and coloring. I would not have even given you a marker to scribble with but you threw the biggest fit when I took one away that you found on the floor. I couldn't figure out why you were so upset until I saw you pulling at T's paper and then it hit me. I sat you in my lap and and you looked at T, grabbed the marker and scribbled away. I have your first drawing earlier than your bro's. It's proudly displayed in your room. You even decorated Halloween masks together. Your first art project together and you loved it. It was too sweet. I even think it was T's love for books that boosted your interest (sure wasn't mommy and her slacking off in that department). Now when you see T with a book, magazine or catalog you pull out a book of your own from the bin in the living room and bring it to him. You either read side by side or he reads it to you. Mommy promises to step it up and read to you more!

I love you, sushi. You are my handsome lil guy and we love you so much! Keep on keepin'. Love, Mommy

As Triston says,

"Brothers-Brave together, brave forever" -from Winnie the Pooh

Spoken for the first time in Winter 2008

Cheers me up

Way back in the last week of August, we got in the habit of walks right afterschool. I walk G in the stroller and T rides his bike. We explore the neighborhood, practice bike safety rules ( I am officially convinced T is the only kid in the hood who even follows safety rules. It is insane how kids these days just fly thru the streets and NOT wear helmets!) I wanted to start this little habit for us. For us to spend time together. For me to unwind after work. For exercise, fresh air and relaxation. Not to mention the way it makes the afternoon fly by. We get home from our walks, T helps me cook dinner, we eat early and then before I know it it's time for baths and bed. It is the best way to keep T up so he goes to bed early. I try to avoid the whole nap thing as much as I can. If he has already passed out by the time I get home, oh well. He obviously needed it when he does. BUT, if I can help it-I tak advantage of the 5:30 bedtimes and get some shuteye myself.

Well, one particular day in August as I was thinking about how we would be singing our annual Fall song soon, we rounded the corner and found this......

I couldn't believe how early in the season it was for this! I grabbed my iphone and snapped a pic. How ironic I was just rehearsing the lyrics to our fall song (a silly one I made up when T was a baby). Look at the yellows, oranges and reds!! Luv it!! I looked around and there was no other like it anywhere in sight. The needle in the haysack. My first sign of Fall. My fav season. It was so nice to see. I told T to look up and his eyes lit up. Wow is all he said. When I began the fall song he chimed right in. Now to teach it to G. This is the kinda stuff that cheers me up.

That's my guy!

Every nite Triston goes off to bed on his own while I chill downstairs or in my bed til he passes out (I am referring to the nites when he does NOT pass out right after dinner by 6 pm. These are the nites he has taken an afternoon nap and I am trying my darnedest to stay awake til 9 or 10 til he falls asleep. These are hard nites for me. I have not been sleeping much or enuf as of late). So on these nites he is working his best game to stall the process he typically comes in with 2 or 3 stories he needs to whisper to me-"I need to tell you something, mom." Once he gets these stories off his chest he cuddles into his bed and passes out. It is amazing to me that that is all it takes. Time for him to wind down and give in. As if he is listening to his own body. Anyway, back to funny part. These stories are not books (which I need to get in a habit again of reading everyday with him...bad mommy). They are stories he comes up with. Literally on the spot. They often make no sense and ramble on but are too cute. Last nite's story...'the walk'. ...
I am lying in my bed as he entered and whispered, "Mom, I have to tell you something. " I tell him to go ahead but then he has to go to sleep. He continues...

One time there was a boy walking down the street. I was a baby boy last week. You remember, mom? Yes, you do. The boy keep walking and never find his ice cream again.

The end. Goodnite, mom.

He kissed my cheek and proceeded to leave my room. As he did I heard him whisper to himself, " That story was so awesome!"

I had to cover my mouth and laugh into my pillow before I spit all over the place. He IS my forever entertainment!

Wishes

It's early morn on my bday and I just have to jot this down. I do not have birthday wishes for myself. I have wishes for others. Others I don't even know and some I do and have been lucky to have met and let into my life in recent yrs. My wishes are for less sadder days, harder days, painful days, and can't get out of bed my heart hurts so much kinda days. I am talking about my friend Alysa's dear friends. She received word this weekend that a dear friend of her family's took his life. He left behind a wife and 3 children. Undoubtedly a beautiful family bc God makes only beautiful things. The whys and hows of this tragedy are not my business and I do not need to know. All I know is that every member of the troubled, suffering father and husband are missing him very much today and always. I am thinking of all them today. Sure I don't know them, know what they look like but I know what hurt and confusion are like. So, I will picture silhouettes of loved ones missing their family member ever so dearly. I pray their pain slowly pulls away as they try and move on with their lives.
As for me, today, I am only reminded of how wonderful a family I have. So what if we all woke up super crabby and not ready to start the day...but at least I have a day to start with my family and end with my family. I appreciate every moment I have with them. We are a healthy, silly, goofy and one of a kind family. Charito and I have created this. I am thankful God. Thank you and look after those hurting right now, please.

First school moments

Triston has only been in school about a week and I am already on the lookout for my baby boy. Where did he go? If any of you see him around can you send him my way? It's kinda bittersweet. I will say it again...he is a lil man.

I have decided to blog about our school moments that only a mom would dwell on and think are small but unforgettable.

• First day of school-dinner table, he had so much to say. "School is fun" was the phrase of the evening.
• 2nd day of school-he tripped on the playground and scraped his knee. His teacher wrote me a note and visited me across the hall to let me know. She stated he was hesitant for a band-aid. If she hadn't of noticed it needed a band-aid he would not have said anything or been bothered. That's T! He falls down and keeps on going. She wanted to put a band-aid bc it was still bleeding. I let her know the fear of the band-aid is all my fault. Every kid remembers their first encounter with Bactine and the dreaded RRIIIIPPPP off the bandaid and I have scarred him. Put a bandaid on the kid and he limps and milks it. Leave it off and it it's as if the tumble never took place. Oddball. Later that night, Triston told me his scab was "shaped like a steak". I took a glance...yup, like a New York Strip.
• My first school gift-a fruit loop necklace. I just adored how he presented it to me, "Here, Mommy...this is for you" as he placed it over my head. He smiled with such pride and I did, too. I told him how special it made me feel and he responded, " Tomorrow I have more. I painted for you, but it needs to dry first". You mean there was more to look forward to?!





• First official school painting. A cute little hodge podge of colors.
  

• Every night I lay out his clothes for the next day ( we really haven't gotten into that battle of "I WANT TO WEAR THIS NOW" so I just pick an outfit out for him or choose 2 and he makes the choice). Our morning routine has gone so well since day one. My favorite part right before I walk out the door is, "Mommy, what shoes do I wear today? Hmm, let's see...." as he opens the closet and we choose together. What can I say? He loves shoes just as much as a lady! And believe me, I thought 2 pairs were a good start for the school year (seeing as he will be ready for new size by December. He is the typical every 3 mos feet grower!) So, we picked out the Merrels that were casual but autumn-like tough and the laced gym shoes to get him practicing how to tie. Both on sale ( a great sale!) at Stride Rite. The third pair popped up when Charito went looking for a new pair of gym shoes this weekend and ended up at Famous Footwear and the buy one get one half off sale. I glanced for myself but I am not one to go for me. When I see a deal or have the money I opt to spend on the kids. It is just how I am. I don't care too much bout myself (for proof, see how I show up to work on some days). I mosied over to the kids section and found a pair of Nikes that were on sale and I could still take advantage of the half off incentive. I got those babies for $13. How does anyone pass up these deal on shoes? No one should. So, until he grows up a size he is happy in shoe land each morning.
  


• Yesterday was a big day for him. He had gym class for the first time, had to bring snack and had show and tell. We prepared all of this on Sunday. At Jewel I asked him if he wanted to bring his friends a fruit or a vegetable. He said both. So we chose raisins and carrot sticks. For gym class I explained to him that Mr. G, the gym teacher, wants kids to wear red on gym day. I pulled out 2 red (with various prints on them. We will buy our Farnsworth tee next week) shirts for him to pick one. He chose his Elmo shirt (and his newest pair of gym shoes. Which makes me think about the day he was was about 1.5 and I found him working his tiny legs into my knee high, black boots and walking round his bedroom in them. Priceless!). Then for show and tell I picked out 5 fav items (that were not the size of enormous pirate ships or train tunnels or dinosaurs) for him to choose from. It was a done deal as soon as he saw his bullet train. So I previewed the typical questions with him-What is it? Who gave it to you? Why do you like it? He was ready! After school I asked him how it went and he told me he told them lots of things and it was fun. There is a recurring theme here-FUN. I later asked his teachers how he did and they told me he shared the bullet train from Uncle Joel all the way from Japan. What a big day for the books.


• I am so thrilled he is enjoying it as much as he does. It is so wierd to see my chatterbox so serious when he is in school, though. Anytime I see him in the halls or in his classroom (I stop in to give him a message or conference with my coworkers) he is so busy. Too busy to even notice my staredown to get his attention. He is SO attentive to the teachers. I like that. He cares what they think and seems to understand it is important...and FUN. I am pleased to see and hear that he is as good a boy there (so far) as he is at home. It really makes me feel like I am doing my job the right way (if there is a right way?). He is branching out in his getting-bigger world and soaking up life. As my girlfriend Becky put it, we are 'sharing him with others"'. What a wise statement, Becky! So true. Letting him go to touch others with his awsomeness, compassion, intelligence and FISH-flair.