Thank goodness fall is here. I seriously think the season twists and turns my mood into a positive thing when I might otherwise not be in a good mood. I also think all the activity in the house is having a profoundly positive impact on what has been quite the sour mood lately. So, once again, I must say ... thank goodness fall is here.
Being busy is making me savor the snuggle moments that I get to have at home with my boys when we're not traipsing all over the place from the grocery store to football to swimming. I also think D has come to terms with the fact that our family is probably going to stay at the quaint even number of four. (By handing over lots of our infant stuff to a close family member today ... I think it was his way of saying "don't think we're going to use a pack n' play again.")
Tomorrow, we'll drop off bags (yes, bags) of clothing at the Goodwill. The one near us just opened (and the parking lot was packed today, not sure if that was because it just opened and they had celebrations or if it will become the hot new place in town.) It does mean, we no longer have to drive 15 minutes away for our annual donation of clothing - which makes me that much happier.
And this Friday, we'll be making our first trek to the apple orchard of the season! Nothing gets my spirits up like doing the corn maze, sipping hot apple cider, going on a hay ride and buying yummy local apples.
I can tell my spirits are lifting, it's red wine season, and my pinot noir last night was fantastic (granted, it was one that had been in my wine cabinet for a few years, but age clearly did it a favor.) Here's to the best time of year -- and, yes, sis, I'll say it for you ... I love all things autumnal!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Mighty PTO
As K entered Kindergarten, I wanted to make a concerted effort to be involved. Granted as a parent who has a second full-time job in corporate America ... being involved can sometimes present some challenges, particularly of the scheduling variety.
However, one thing I figured I could commit to is attending the monthly Parent/Teacher Organization meetings. One hour a month, that shouldn't be too hard, right? So, tonight was the first one of the school year. I arrived about five minutes early (because I like to be prompt) and at first wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. It was a small group, and they all clearly knew each other and were deep in conversation. (You know introverted me, I'm not exactly going to break into dialogue.)
Fortunately, right before the meeting started a familiar face came into the room. So ... in a nutshell, the PTO meeting definitely had some pluses and minuses. On the plus side, wholly information! I am so glad I went to hear about the Talent Development program (often known as gifted and talented programs) and state testing and hearing directly from the principal her goals, and some of the things she is focused on for the year. It's also amazing what kind of power the PTO has ... the group has a budget, and they get to determine how it is spent. So ... on behalf of all parents, the group of people who elect to show up get to determine how the money will be spent. I was sort of amazed and shocked by this power. (And D and I agreed that one of us should always try to show up at the meeting.)
The only major minus was, when you're used to the efficiency of meetings in corporate America, meetings outside of CA can feel a bit disorganized. I just wasn't used to a group that wasn't trying to drive forward some major agenda and was a little more relaxed. Probably a good thing for me to see how the rest of the world operates.
However, one thing I figured I could commit to is attending the monthly Parent/Teacher Organization meetings. One hour a month, that shouldn't be too hard, right? So, tonight was the first one of the school year. I arrived about five minutes early (because I like to be prompt) and at first wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. It was a small group, and they all clearly knew each other and were deep in conversation. (You know introverted me, I'm not exactly going to break into dialogue.)
Fortunately, right before the meeting started a familiar face came into the room. So ... in a nutshell, the PTO meeting definitely had some pluses and minuses. On the plus side, wholly information! I am so glad I went to hear about the Talent Development program (often known as gifted and talented programs) and state testing and hearing directly from the principal her goals, and some of the things she is focused on for the year. It's also amazing what kind of power the PTO has ... the group has a budget, and they get to determine how it is spent. So ... on behalf of all parents, the group of people who elect to show up get to determine how the money will be spent. I was sort of amazed and shocked by this power. (And D and I agreed that one of us should always try to show up at the meeting.)
The only major minus was, when you're used to the efficiency of meetings in corporate America, meetings outside of CA can feel a bit disorganized. I just wasn't used to a group that wasn't trying to drive forward some major agenda and was a little more relaxed. Probably a good thing for me to see how the rest of the world operates.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Like Fish to Water
Yesterday saw the start of our annual round of swimming lessons. But this year is a milestone, because it's O's first lesson. Yes, that unfortunately means I get to don a swimming suite and be in the pool with him, but I chalk it up to some quality O and mommy time.
K's lesson starts 15 minutes before O's lesson. So, we get to sit and watch him for a bit. He loves swimming, and I was so glad, because let me tell you ... it didn't necessarily start out on the right foot at first with my older son. He would just scream when I would try to get him to do the back float.
O is a completely different story (no surprise) the kid loves the water and took to the lesson immediately. Granted, he is so strong that when he just wants to kick and swim on his own, I'm in for a bit of a challenge, but I love that he sits there smiling and singing and laughing. Who knows ... maybe I'll have two Olympic swimmers to cheer for in 15 years!
K's lesson starts 15 minutes before O's lesson. So, we get to sit and watch him for a bit. He loves swimming, and I was so glad, because let me tell you ... it didn't necessarily start out on the right foot at first with my older son. He would just scream when I would try to get him to do the back float.
O is a completely different story (no surprise) the kid loves the water and took to the lesson immediately. Granted, he is so strong that when he just wants to kick and swim on his own, I'm in for a bit of a challenge, but I love that he sits there smiling and singing and laughing. Who knows ... maybe I'll have two Olympic swimmers to cheer for in 15 years!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
New Beginnings - First Week of Kindergarten
This week brought a major life milestone at the house. It was K's first week of school. I was able to work from home on Wednesday, his official first day. We took photos (and apparently not fast enough for him at times ...) and made a special big breakfast. Everything was ready the night before and I had more than enough time to pack his lunch (the day does not start until 9:15 a.m.)
The excitement was obvious. He could not wait to see what this new adventure was going to bring. He couldn't get to the building fast enough. When we entered the room (the first week is the only time you are allowed to walk with them to their room w/o getting a visitor pass.) he quickly went to his cubby to put his stuff away. I was at first overwhelmed by the activity. You had to take their school supplies (that we had to meticulously label the week before) and put them in piles. I am guessing it's because they have tables, not desks and this helps keep only the items they need at their desk.
He sat down at his spot and tackled the coloring sheet the teacher had smartly put out to keep the kids entertained. He was ready to be done with us and dive into school. I looked at D, he stayed near the back of the room and let me deal with the small bit of chaos. We hugged our young man before we said our goodbyes and walked out the door.
As we walked out I looked at D. We'd both kept our composure in the room, but he was silent (even though O was a wiggly worm.) "How are you feeling?" I asked him. He looked at me and said, "I'll admit, it was a bit emotional for me." I smiled. Not surprised, this is the man who cried throughout our entire wedding ceremony.
...
At the end of the day, we picked up our newly minted Kindergartner. He had a great day and was excited to share all that he had done. The first thing he told me was how he made a new friend, and that he'd seen some of his friends from this summer during lunchtime. Then he told us how they did math and got to visit the library. His enthusiasm permeated the car ride home.
Yeah ... I can only hope the enthusiasm lasts the whole year ... and that each day he tells me about another exciting adventure. Here's to kindergarten!
The excitement was obvious. He could not wait to see what this new adventure was going to bring. He couldn't get to the building fast enough. When we entered the room (the first week is the only time you are allowed to walk with them to their room w/o getting a visitor pass.) he quickly went to his cubby to put his stuff away. I was at first overwhelmed by the activity. You had to take their school supplies (that we had to meticulously label the week before) and put them in piles. I am guessing it's because they have tables, not desks and this helps keep only the items they need at their desk.
He sat down at his spot and tackled the coloring sheet the teacher had smartly put out to keep the kids entertained. He was ready to be done with us and dive into school. I looked at D, he stayed near the back of the room and let me deal with the small bit of chaos. We hugged our young man before we said our goodbyes and walked out the door.
As we walked out I looked at D. We'd both kept our composure in the room, but he was silent (even though O was a wiggly worm.) "How are you feeling?" I asked him. He looked at me and said, "I'll admit, it was a bit emotional for me." I smiled. Not surprised, this is the man who cried throughout our entire wedding ceremony.
...
At the end of the day, we picked up our newly minted Kindergartner. He had a great day and was excited to share all that he had done. The first thing he told me was how he made a new friend, and that he'd seen some of his friends from this summer during lunchtime. Then he told us how they did math and got to visit the library. His enthusiasm permeated the car ride home.
Yeah ... I can only hope the enthusiasm lasts the whole year ... and that each day he tells me about another exciting adventure. Here's to kindergarten!
Monday, September 05, 2011
Getting into a New Routine
It's a big week for us. Our firstborn son will start kindergarten in two days. It's a major milestone that cannot be denied. So, like families across the state, it's time to settle into a routine. I took advantage of the long holiday weekend to do anything but stick to a routine. When I looked at our calendar and realized that from now until the end of October, we will have something scheduled on every weekend day ... I knew that I needed to monopolize on the ability to do nothing while I could.
But tonight kicks off the need for a routine to our routine. We've logged all our days on our calendar, the Fridays that we have school, the Mondays that we don't. Everything is labeled and packed in the backpack. I have the menu planned for his first lunch. We bought an organizer for his closet so that we could plan out his clothes for the week. (A brilliant idea I took from Parents magazine. Seriously ... I should probably do the same for myself except that most of my clothes I hang. But really, any parent out there, I encourage you to do this. It was nice to just take 15 minutes tonight and pick out his clothes for the whole week. It will make the getting ready for school routine so much easier for my husband.)
And now, I am sipping tea and realizing it's probably a good time to start some personal regular routines. Hop back on the yoga in the morning routine, the self reflection at night by blogging routine or just reading, or maybe getting my arse into writing my own novel! Seriously ... too many ideas right now to put pen to paper ... I think that's why I'm struggling, I don't know which one will be the most fun to explore.
Back to my original point ... When you send one kid off to school, it makes the snuggles with the baby even more precious, because in four years ... I'll be doing the same thing with him. Of course, K will be an old pro by then, and if we stay put, they'll be at the same elementary school for two years (I think) so I know that I'll be able to count on him to guide his little bro. So, happy 2011-2012 school season to all the parents out there. Tomorrow's a big day for most, and Wednesday's a big day for those of us who have M/W kindergartners!
But tonight kicks off the need for a routine to our routine. We've logged all our days on our calendar, the Fridays that we have school, the Mondays that we don't. Everything is labeled and packed in the backpack. I have the menu planned for his first lunch. We bought an organizer for his closet so that we could plan out his clothes for the week. (A brilliant idea I took from Parents magazine. Seriously ... I should probably do the same for myself except that most of my clothes I hang. But really, any parent out there, I encourage you to do this. It was nice to just take 15 minutes tonight and pick out his clothes for the whole week. It will make the getting ready for school routine so much easier for my husband.)
And now, I am sipping tea and realizing it's probably a good time to start some personal regular routines. Hop back on the yoga in the morning routine, the self reflection at night by blogging routine or just reading, or maybe getting my arse into writing my own novel! Seriously ... too many ideas right now to put pen to paper ... I think that's why I'm struggling, I don't know which one will be the most fun to explore.
Back to my original point ... When you send one kid off to school, it makes the snuggles with the baby even more precious, because in four years ... I'll be doing the same thing with him. Of course, K will be an old pro by then, and if we stay put, they'll be at the same elementary school for two years (I think) so I know that I'll be able to count on him to guide his little bro. So, happy 2011-2012 school season to all the parents out there. Tomorrow's a big day for most, and Wednesday's a big day for those of us who have M/W kindergartners!
Friday, September 02, 2011
Fall into Fall
It's here, the air is crisp, the sky has a slight haze of gray, and you can already see Halloween decor on display. It's amazing how quickly my favorite time of year can swoop in. I'm thrilled and yet, this fall will be a whirlwind of activity ... but before I get to that ...I have to reflect on the farewell to summer event.
We went to the state fair this week ... just us four. It's the first time just the four of us went (okay, that's not too hard to believe since O isn't even two!) We got up early to try to avoid the crowds in some of the more popular buildings. When we got to the fair, we decided to make our way to the animal buildings first. On our way to the cow building ... we walked by the milking demonstration and they called out for volunteers for butter carving. K was in the action at no time. During the contest, he concentrated very hard on his creation. Fortunately, the guy judging asked the six kids to explain what they had carved. The only child's who was probably recognizable without their description won first place. I have to say, I was pretty impressed that K with his alien truck got third place. And his very own state fair ribbon! It was really perhaps the best way to start the day.
We enjoyed a few nibbles of food and walked around. K tried out every fun house, and I took O down the junior big slide. (Yes, walking up the stairs is an unfair and grueling activity ... they really make you earn that ride going down.) It was a nice way to bid adieu to the summer and jump into my favorite time of year ...
Which leads me to the fair that I am not really going to know where this autumn is going to go ... in looking at my calendar between K's football games and both boys' swimming lessons ... I will not have a free day on the weekend until November - that is pure craziness. And later this week brings a major milestone known as that first day of Kindergarten ... my baby is growing up and I've got just five more days to prepare for him to truly become a big boy and enter school. How any parent can completely prepare for this is beyond me - but I guess all we can do is love them and prepare them to the best of our ability.
Autumn ... please don't go by too fast, please!
We went to the state fair this week ... just us four. It's the first time just the four of us went (okay, that's not too hard to believe since O isn't even two!) We got up early to try to avoid the crowds in some of the more popular buildings. When we got to the fair, we decided to make our way to the animal buildings first. On our way to the cow building ... we walked by the milking demonstration and they called out for volunteers for butter carving. K was in the action at no time. During the contest, he concentrated very hard on his creation. Fortunately, the guy judging asked the six kids to explain what they had carved. The only child's who was probably recognizable without their description won first place. I have to say, I was pretty impressed that K with his alien truck got third place. And his very own state fair ribbon! It was really perhaps the best way to start the day.
We enjoyed a few nibbles of food and walked around. K tried out every fun house, and I took O down the junior big slide. (Yes, walking up the stairs is an unfair and grueling activity ... they really make you earn that ride going down.) It was a nice way to bid adieu to the summer and jump into my favorite time of year ...
Which leads me to the fair that I am not really going to know where this autumn is going to go ... in looking at my calendar between K's football games and both boys' swimming lessons ... I will not have a free day on the weekend until November - that is pure craziness. And later this week brings a major milestone known as that first day of Kindergarten ... my baby is growing up and I've got just five more days to prepare for him to truly become a big boy and enter school. How any parent can completely prepare for this is beyond me - but I guess all we can do is love them and prepare them to the best of our ability.
Autumn ... please don't go by too fast, please!
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