We've Got Spirit-Yes We Do!

Little Eagles on the first Spirit Friday of the Year.

speaking of chrissy...

She's been the best fish babysitter while their mom is away...She doesn't take her eyes off of them! and NO she is not allowed on the counters. She's been in constant kitty time out for such behavior. The animals and children are taking over.

this place is a zoo...

Tonight Tanner put Chrissy in the shower with him.

She didn't like it.

hard day's night

9:00 pm: Kids finally asleep in bed.

11:00 pm: Finally finish up daily stuff and head to bed.

12:00 am: asleep?

2-3am-ish: Tanner has a bad dream; sleeps with us.

4:45 am: Madison has a bloody nose; I "sleep" with her.

5:30 am: Grady wants a cereal bar; we coax him back to sleep.

6:30 am: Grady still wants a cereal bar; we tell him he has to wait until the sun wakes up.

6:45 am: Everybody up-time to get ready for school.

This isn't healthy. It's amazing we even know where our kids are! Let alone pick them up roughly on time.

getting in the swing

At 3:15 this afternoon the phone rang.

It was the elementary school. Madison had been abandoned by her parents...noone had come to pick her up.

o.my.god.

In our defense, it's been a chaotic week wth 2 pick ups a day-one at noon for Tanner, and one at three for Madison, and trying to squeeze in a nap for Grady somewhere in between. Todd's been crazy helpful and has been shuffling kids to and fro all week, but Today he forgot. (I won't mention that this has happened before-we'll just leave that in the past...not even bringing it up-nope...didn't hear it from me!) Imagine keys flying, kids running, dogs barking, garage doors spazzing, and crying sleepy babies protesting-that was this house in those 3 minutes.

Todd finally returned my spastic call and was on his way to grovel about this dysfunctional little set up we have as a family.

It's Wednesday of the First Week of School-this can't be good.

Dinner Conversation

"Tanner, did you cut your hair?"


"NO." (fighting a smile)


"Tanner-tell me the truth. Did you cut your hair?"


"No."


"Did someone else cut your hair?"


"Yes, my teacher did."


"Tanner, I don't think your teacher cut your hair. When did you cut it?"


"Last night after my shower."


"Thank you for telling me. Next time let's go to someone who knows how to cut hair to do that, ok?"


"OK."

***at bedtime***

"Am I still handsome with my cut hair? "

"You're the most handsome kid I know."

The First Day

We survived.

We were dressed and at the breakfast table by 7 this morning. I doubt we will see such eager faces once the routine has settled in, but it was fun to see them so excited this morning. We took offical first day pictures by the front door... new packpacks and lunchboxes from Aunt Patti in hand.

Grady was convinced he was going to school too, and wore his packpack along with Madison and Tanner. I didn't let on that he wasn't going to be staying with sister and brother-just hoped for the best. Todd and I both made the pilgrimmage to each classroom. We dropped Tanner off first, and I just watched as he found his cubby and seat. He plopped down and began working-that was that! Madison was actually a little nervous this morning; I was surprised. I know that excited nervous feeling though-I willed her to have an awesome day.

That's when my eyes began to water. By now you know the sap that is me-and yes, there were tears today. I didn't attend the official Boo Hoo Breakfast, opting for McDonald's with Grady and Todd instead. At first Grady was a little lost without Tanner, saying he needed help-Tanner was at school. I was a little surprised by that sentence in general, and even more surprised when Grady mastered the big steps in the playground. He did it all by himself.

It's just the two of us this year, and while I'm looking forward to that special time, I actually do miss the other Hoodlums. I'm broken. :) I couldn't wait for their reports when they got home, hoping all their expectations were met and exceeded. They had wonderful days and are just as eager to get up tomorrow morning. The Todd bus leaves at 7:35; Grady and I will be here when they get home waiting to hear about Day 2.

we've gotta say goodbye to the summer...

Today was (I guess) the official last day of summer for us. Tanner's been longing for this day all summer long. He might be the only kid in the universe who continually asked throughout the summer if 'this was the last day.' The excitement of kindergarten-never again do you feel that I guess? We spent the day watching Big, and as usual, working out in the yard. That's become our newest favorite past time-or obsession, whichever way you want to call it...We finished out the day with dinner on the back porch, and reflected on some of the summer fun...

Madison reading books to the boys-this is something else that Tanner can not WAIT to do. He wants to read more than eat these days, which is saying more than you know! Grady already thinks he can read, so he's over it.

Growing sunflowers, and anything else we could get our hands on. We managed to grow TONS of grass (the lawn kind, in case that made you wonder!)-which made Todd really happy. We planted 8 trees? I'm hoping for more soon with the cooler fall weather. (hint, hint Todd!) The kids and I spent hours and hours outside planting, watering, and nurturing our babies. They complained some-fear not-but they might have learned a few "playing outside skills" that I think are darn important! They sweat a lot too-always a good thing.

Spending TONS of time at the lake-both Nocona and Bridgeport. This is probably our most favorite summertime activity. We love lounging with our favorite book (notice the bookworm to the left), riding on the boat, the jetski, swimming, and just taking the time out to spend with eachother. We're pretty funny I guess. :)

We spent our Wednesdays with Playgroup going on TONS of fun field trips (peach picking pic here), and sometimes just hanging at a park-all the time building friendships and (for Grady) learning to SHARE!! (big milestone that sharing crap.)

I still have miles and miles to go on finishing my never ending to-do list. There are lists of projects I didn't get to, and right now as I take the time to write and upload, my floors are dirty and there is laundry in the dryer. I have to force myself to stop down and take in the moment-the moments of the summer my kids were 7, 5, and 2. The first summer we were in this new house. The summer before Tanner started school, and Madison moved up to 2nd grade. The summer we started teaching Grady all about the potty. The summer Todd and I celebrated our 12th Wedding Anniversary. It was just another summer, but these moments made it special.

The backpacks are packed. The lunches are made. School clothes are laid out, and children are sleeping. The bell rings tomorrow at 7:55, and we are off to start the school year.

Meet the Teacher

Last night we met teachers-one for Tanner and one for Madison. We are going to have TWO kids in school this year. I fear the craziness will multiply exponentially. In any case, the kids were beyond excited to take their school supplies to their room, find their desk, and see who was in their class!!!!!!!!!!!! (hopefully all those exclamation points give you an idea of the crazy excitement!!!!!!!!) Tanner has one super good friend in his class-we dutifully warned the teacher of their love/hate best friendship. I'm excited for him. He's so big. Madison was ecstatic to find that she knew almost all the kids in her class, and I was super pumped that those kid's moms-they are friends of mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (that excitement is a contagious thing.) She has real textbooks this year, and folders for each subject. THAT means we get to start ORGANIZING. I'm looking forward to see her move from learning about school to learning from school.

Tons of happiness at this house right now. School days, school days....

Happy Hour

That new On the Border commercial really makes me want to go to happy hour somewhere. They look like they are having so much fun!!

I miss that-Friday afternoon happy hours after a week "in the office." There should be some kind of establishment that embraces "Mommy and Me Happy Hour".

There's Mommy and Me Swim Class-I'm just sayin'.

Perfect

Yesterday was whirlwind.

I gathered my children and courage and headed to Children's Medical in Dallas for Grady's last monthly check-up following his E. Coli infection last summer.

Everything was perfect. His labs were perfect for the first time since the sickness. His attitude was perfect. We were able to not only get the hospital band on his leg, but also get an accurate blood pressure reading. He didn't cry. He didn't ask to leave. He peed in a cup. The Other Hoodlums were perfect during the 2 hour appointment, and didn't touch every piece of medical equipment in the 5 mile area. The Doctor was perfect, and told me only perfect things. Grady is on the positive end of all the statistics. We don't have to go back again for one year. Perfect.

I left that office so triumphant, so high on life. It was such a different feeling than what we had last summer while walking those exact halls. I almost ran out of there before something could break the spell.

Looking at these two pictures-one from last summer, and one from just a few days ago-I'm in awe of what he went through, and where he is now. I worry about what doctor phobias he might have in the future, and wonder where we will be on that long term statistic list. I think about what the experience taught me, and what it was meant to teach all of us. Mostly, I'm so thankful to have healthy, happy kids. I'm so thankful to be here, and to share my days with them.

Hope Floats

Tonight I stumbled across Hope Floats, and just couldn't help myself. This is one of my all time favorite movies, and I know it reinforces that Inner Sap I've discussed at length, but I don't care.

The first time I saw this movie was after ascending from the great Hell most people refer to as the Grand Canyon. Todd and I had hiked 7 miles in, and 7 miles out. By the way-he left me in the Canyon, but that is neither here nor there, and we can discuss it later. We drove away from that Hell, ate dinner at Chili's, SPENT THE NIGHT IN A HOTEL, and treated ourselves to this movie. I think we were in Nevada. I cried like a little girl almost the entire movie. I'm talking snotty-can't-catch-your-breath-bawling. I'm sure my emotions were a little wacky from the recent brush with death, but I still took in each moment of this movie. Each moment that was so heart wrenching from the beginning-all the characters had so much emotion in their hearts, and so much life in their spirits. Soon after we saw this movie, Todd and I started our "real lives" with work, blah blah blah. The hustle of the daily grind tried to take some of our spirit, and we began the dream of living, working, and playing in the same town.

Now that we are here, I constantly reference this movie-I note that I have Hope Floats moments more often than not--I remember telling my sister this story just this last Christmas as we watched the Decatur Christmas Parade on the Square...I know you can just imagine. There was hot chocolate and candy canes for all. I recently posted about the oddity that is Reunion, and I relish in the daily warmth of family and friends. Small towns-they have their way...they have their way of making time slow a little, making your spirit a little lighter, and making you just a little happier to be here...

A taste of the wisdom of Hope Floats:

Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome. That's what momma always says. She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will...

The Gods Were Smiling

There is a special river in Heaven set aside for the sole purpose of floating. I just know it. The Gods smiled upon us this weekend as we set out for a last summer fling before the chaos that is the school year.
















The Crew was perfect, and survived dangerous rapids, crazy waterfalls, scalding sunshine, and a torrential downpour.

The food was great-always important to a gathering, event, roadtrip, vacation. Fried. Bologna. Sandwiches. That's what we had for lunch...new for me, and I have to admit...not that bad...in a little-kid-playing-outside-trip-down-memory-lane-kinda-way. Cheese. That's what Some of us snacked on down the river. Homemade Ice cream. Everyone submerged themselves in the ecstasy that was the homemade ice cream later that night between poker, dominoes, and napping.

A. Perfect. Weekend. Thank you Gods.

Next time we won't let Todd be in charge of the Ipod.

Weekend Hopes

It seems the Gods are conspiring against us. This weekend we planned to float the Guadalupe...my own kind of paradise.

Earlier this week a few of our friends had to drop out, but we hung on to our hopes.

Today it's raining-40% chance of more this weekend.

I'm clutching my kite string and holding on. I have a certain obsession for TOOBING. Nothing is more relaxing than grabbing a beer and a floatie and drifting...well, I guess there might be something, but I'm not quite sure what that is.

Cross your fingers-my sanity for the school year rests on this.

Water Works

Friday we finally made it to a Water Park! I had it on my list all summer as an official "fun thing to do.". Todd even took a rare golden day off to join us.


I'm not sure what I was thinking that I could handle this kind of field trip solo though. I tend to do that-not think things through. Madison and Tanner immediately ran off to the waterslides, and I couldn't get Grady slathered down fast enough before he headed to the "kiddie area". Three kids is a lot.











I was glad for the reinforcements. Lifeguards too.
Normally, I'm spazzing trying to take a constant headcount of the Hoodlums, so when they scattered, it sent me into a bit of a fainting spell. I forget they can swim-and then there's those lifeguards I mentioned earlier. I'm actually getting to the point where the kids are self sufficient. IT'S SO WEIRD! We had a great time though-we went to Denton Water Works. It was the perfect size-baby area, some slides, and a lazy river...I think I'm still a few years out from places like Hurricane Harbor....gives me the shivers just thinking about how far they will scatter. But then-I bet we don't end the day like this....

One time....at Band Camp....

This weekend I went to dinner with my "Coppell Crew" as I affectionately call them. We were plunged into working together going on ten years ago...I remember being so terrified to begin that first year teaching, and relieved that I was opening a new school-that EVERYONE was a newbie-not just me. I thought maybe noone would notice how green and shy I really was. They did.

A few took me under their wing; I still have a "growth plan" in my scrapbook from "Bulldog Teague". They succeeded in pulling me out of my shell and then subsequently conning me into sponsoring cheerleading and a host of other things. It's ok-I know I have a wingman when I need one. :) Working together was a Gift; we are now scattered throughout Texas-no longer a few steps down the hall, but our bond might just be more than the Coppell Way.

Ten years is a long time in my world-I joked once that "we wouldn't even know eachother when I turned 30". That was before digital cameras.

I turn 33 next month, and these are all digital pictures.

This weekend was no different-other than taking 3 months to get a date on the calendar! We told some old stories, and learned a few new ones. Hugs and kisses were passed around the table. Throughout the night, I watched as each one of us commented on the nature of our group. We love a good bar; we each have our favorite College team; we each tolerate the other's favorite College team; we teach; we have a certain affection for the American Pie Era; we love telling stories; we crave laughter; we respect and learn from eachother.

We are kindred spirits. After 10 years, our smiles are just as big.

A Baby in a Bar

So last week after our playgroup adventured to the Dallas Museum of Science, I met my friends Sona and Kevin for lunch. I'm never that direction..."big city" and all, so I wanted to make the most of the trip. I advised her that it needed to be "kid friendly", and preferably quick since we would be gambling with naptime.

I met her at the Angry Dog, which, I admit, was loud and there were no cloth napkins. Bonus points there. However, I was met at the door with two Suits on their way back to the office, and when I scanned the restaurant, I realized everyone else was hurriedly eating that power lunch before heading on back to the high rise they affectionately call work. The Hoodlums and I shuffled our way to a table in the back and I ordered a round of Sprites. I didn't ask for a highchair. It was a lovely meal overall; I don't remember any significant chaos, other than a random pepper shaker flying. I'm pretty sure Kevin caught it.

After the lunch crowd thinned, I let the Hoodlums wander inches from the table while we chatted. It was then that I realized what an amazing mother I truly am. Grady sat on the floor under the table to get his toy, and I freaked:

"Get up from that floor! It's dirty! This place is just like The Chicken!"

For those that don't know, The Chicken is another bar I've frequented on many occasions; there is a page dedicated to it in each of the children's baby books. So there you go...babies in bars. Guess I should write a parenting book now.

Oh the Insanity

This is my dining room table at the moment. I'm trying to go through and organize pictures/school crap from last year before this year begins! I'm usually pretty good about keeping up with this stuff-but this year got the best of me. I just began to pile soccer pictures on top of cheerleading pictures on top of painted hands and other precious preschool paraphernalia. What do I do with everything? Scrapbooking used to be my answer, but there is no way to scrapbook all this stuff! Besides, (sigh) scrapbooking has given way to laundry and life these days...and yes-I HAVE thrown some things away-I don't save everything...but now looking back on the first time Madison wrote her name...I just can't get rid of that! I made a dent in the mountain of memories this afternoon, and hope to see wood on my table before week's end. In the meantime, every time I walk by I bang my head against the wall in search of a solution.

Happy National Underwear Day!

I had no idea. On a sidenote-I can't stand Kathie Lee...I know...I'm the only one, right??

The Moments in Between

Today I came home.



It was a whirlwind weekend to say the least, and I am so grateful for the time with my family. A shared hug or smile brought us together and gave us the push to inch forward.


One of those nudges was going ahead with the Irish Festival. We usually visit Ohio this weekend every year we can. We always attend the Dublin Irish Festival with all the extended family. I guess you could say it's our version of a family reunion.
There is a "wee folk area", beer, an Irish Stepdancer or two, Irish dogs, beer, vendors, beer, pubs, Irish Folk music, and stout beer. In other words, fun for all ages and those who like beer. Sometimes I like beer.

Once, when I was the DD (pregnant of course!), I had to give my dad lessons in ordering from Taco Bell-interesting when we got back to my Uncle's house with enough tacos for the entire family on the "west side" (Ohio speak for those who live 10 minutes from those on the "east side"). There are always tshirts purchased for the "wee ones"...shirts with clever, yet suitable sayings like "Patrick was a Saint...I ain't", and "I drink me milk by the pint."...I always browse the beaded jewel sections, and most people become Notre Dame fans for the day-those people that aren't arguing the subtle differences in defensive football strategies of Ohio State vs. The University of Texas. I usually duck out for a refill at that point. Aggies know when to reload!

This year was a little more subdued, but my Grandpa did manage a laugh here and there. He told a few stories, and commented on what a good turnout the festival had this year. He ate a
hot dog and although his beer of choice, Shlitz, was not served, he did have a few of those "other crappy beers" like Killian's. Go Figure.

We made plans for future trips to Ireland, and relished in some fun family history. We asked about the few that couldn't make it and hoped to see them soon. We cooed over all the babies at the festival, and agreed with Grandpa that "they grow up too fast." Mostly we allowed that push forward, and our past became part of our present.

Except this time we stopped for chicken mcnuggets instead of tacos.