Lil Monkey indeed

Today was sneak preview day at Max and Weston's preschool. They got to meet their teachers and the other students who will be in their classes, and they got to stay for a short time without parents, while we all went to the parent meeting down the hall. They both seemed to love the experience and are looking forward to the real deal next week. The irony is not lost on me that Max was placed in the "Lil Monkeys" class. And more ironic still is that today was the preview day, because today held every single reason I signed Max up for the program in the first place. I will only tell you of his three greatest crimes of the day:

• In the middle of Grammar class, Max got away from me. I thought he was playing quietly in his room (that should have been my first clue) until I heard an unnatural banging sound coming from downstairs. I caught him with a full-grown (NOT a toy) hammer--which he stealthily and amazingly swiped from the top of the dryer--trying to beat in my bedroom door.
• At one point today that little sneak got into my closet with a forbidden pencil and wrote all over my new step stool chair. This was discovered later in the day by my horrified oldest child, who knows first-hand what a terrible offense this is.
• And the straw that just almost broke the camel's back: I came into Jeff's office to to discuss something with him briefly and was not out of the room more than 10 minutes. When I re-entered the scene, I found no less than a third, and maybe even more like half, of the keys plucked off the keyboard of my laptop and strewn all over the kitchen floor, rendering it completely useless.

You will all kindly remember to say a special prayer for Miss Brittney and Miss Debbie come Thursday.

Just me and my little man

Weston and I don't have the opportunity to go out and do something by ourselves very often. So, I was kind of glad it worked out that Max's nap time fell during story time today. It was really nice to have some one-on-one time with Weston, especially in light of the fact that he is going away to preschool next week, and I may never see him again! (The previous statement may have been inadvertently dramatized in accordance with the mother's overactive emotions). We really did have a lovely time.

This story time at Barnes & Noble is one of the only out-of-house activities we have ever participated in that really gets Weston out of his shell. He absolutely loves it. He dances. He sings. He interacts with other kids. He listens to the story and volunteers answers to questions asked by the story teller. He eagerly attacks the craft and is always so proud of what he puts together. And he always asks if we can come again. So, it was nice that on this, his last story time (since he'll be in preschool [sob] on story time days in the future), just he and I got to go. I didn't have to worry about chasing Max around or keeping him quiet. I could just enjoy Weston, enjoying story time. And then afterward, Weston and I went on a special date (to the Starbucks inside the Barnes & Noble), where we had turkey and cheese sandwiches (with melted cheese), chips and a little M &M blond brownie for dessert. Weston felt very big and told me he was glad that we got to go on a special date. I was really glad we got to go on this special date, too!




*Click on that first picture so you can really get a good look at Weston's face and see how much he is enjoying himself.

Prior planning prevents poor performance

Weston became interested in learning to read this morning. He came to me with a book in his hand and asked if I could teach him to read. Of course, I said I would. I then told him that the book he had picked might be a little hard to start with and suggested some that had just a few words on each page. He picked out three such books and immediately laid out his plan. He told me one would be for morning time, one for noon time and one for evening time. Then he proceeded to ask when was morning time. I told him it was now, so he promptly sat me down and told me which book was for morning time. We worked through the title together and then tried sounding out several of the words in the book. He loved it. He then carried all three of his books around with him for the rest of the morning, periodically asking when was noon time and explaining to anyone who asked, what his plan was. Around 11:30 he asked again, and I told him it was pretty close to noon and we could read then if he wanted. But, he was determined to wait until it actually was noon. So, we read the second book in much the same way as we read the first. Again, he carried the books around with him for the remainder of the afternoon, asking from time to time when evening time would be. We read his last book right after dinner. And then he carefully gathered them up to take upstairs with him so they would be ready to read again (in the same order) tomorrow. What can I say, he's a man with a plan. He was so proud of himself, of his plan and of his teacher. And I'm so proud of him.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Can't believe it's already been eleven years! It just keeps getting better!

First homeschooling, now this:

Vegetarianism. If I start using cloth diapers, you'll really know something is amiss. (No offense intended for my cloth-diapering buddies). We haven't really given up meat, but it just so happened that none of our meals contained meat this week. And, frankly, we didn't miss it that much. We had some fabulous meals, without a chicken or a cow or a pig in sight. (There were turkey sandwiches one day for lunch, but it makes a better story if I say we had a completely meat-free week). Our fare included red beans, pasta salad with roasted red peppers and feta cheese, polenta, portobello pizzas, kale and potato gratin and penne pasta with mushrooms and roasted red pepper/eggplant spread. We will not likely make vegetarianism a new lifestyle choice, but we have enjoyed the experiment and will certainly incorporate these types of foods into the menu more often. If you are a veggiephobe or a die-hard carnivore, you should consider trying an experiment like this for yourself. You might just be surprised how much you enjoy it.

Not for sale, but definitely up for short-term lease

One breaking and entering, food-sneaking, mess-making, possession-destroying, banshee-yelling, fast-running, furniture-climbing, sink-sitting, couch-diving, lipstick-eating, object-throwing, intense-crying, purse-emptying, pantry-raiding, noise-making, rule-breaking, chair-moving, goods-stealing, potty-splashing, shift key-removing, warning-ignoring, risk-taking, door-opening, opinion-having, book-tearing, trash-digging, sibling-terrorizing, glass-smudging, carpet-staining, super-cute little boy.

Second Grade

Well, we survived our homeschool adventure last year, so we have decided to jump in for another round this year. Today was our first day, and we were all really excited. Here's the line-up of classes for this year: Math, Spelling, Grammar (or "English" as Ruth prefers to call it), History of the Middle Ages, Earth Science/Astronomy, Portuguese, Music, Writing and Reading. Ruth will also have some special classes on Fridays with other homeschool kids and other teachers. The "Super Friday" classes for this semester are Passport Through History, Chimes and Math Counts. Please stay tuned for snippets of our school year and see how much fun second grade can be.

Baby no more

Max moved into a big-boy bed tonight. I won't lie to you. I cried. Perhaps the tears were spurred by moving him into the new bed on the very day we bought Weston his new backpack and lunchbox for preschool. A mother's heart can only take so much, after all. But, I suspect there would have been tears regardless. And if my friend lamenting her son's return to college is any indication, it never gets easier. Our kids are made for growing up. And our job is to see that they do. But what a mixed bag of emotions all this growing up is. On the one hand we thrill to our children's every accomplishment and step towards independence. But on the other, we build our scrapbooks with all care and diligence because we need to hold on. We need to be needed, and we can see the writing on the wall showing that we will not always be. Yes, a big-boy bed is an exciting step. (Not to mention a whole lot safer). But, for this mommy, it's hard to see the baby days slip much too quickly away. Although, in that huge bed, he does look a bit like a baby, doesn't he?!

Eventful week, so far

We made the 10-hour drive back from the Davis Mountains on Monday in around 12 hours, after stopping for playtime and work emergencies along the way. Upon arriving in Kingwood (a.k.a "the plastic bag," a moniker given to reflect the impossibly hot and humid living conditions), we went directly to a homeschool event, where we were able to meet other homeschool families and find out what kinds of activities and programs are offered for homeschoolers in our area--of which, there are many. At that event, I put my name in a drawing. I found out the next morning that I actually won! I never win anything, so I was really pumped! And what I won was a big basket of school supplies, which is one of my favorite things ever, not to mention pretty useful for our upcoming school year. I have eaten Mexican food twice this week and have plans to do it again on Friday with some of my girlfriends. I have eaten Thai food once and cheap fast food once, as well. I have also gone out for ice cream and a Sonic Diet Vanilla Dr. Pepper. I've taken my kids to storytime. I have given the washer and dryer a workout like they have never known before. I have sorted through a mountain of mail, which included a wedding invitation for a dear family friend and a picture ticket for a traffic violation Jeff committed downtown about a month ago and thought he got away with. I have also paid more than a few bills. I have gone through my inbox and caught up on all the goings-on (that I care about) of cyberspace. I have hosted a Bible study in my home and have swept up more Nerds candies than you can imagine. I have talked on the phone (for business and pleasure) and opened some presents. And I have celebrated a teeny, tiny birthday. I have also made the official school schedule for our upcoming school year and have begun preparing lessons for history and grammar. I have bought the big kids new school shoes and have watched them try them out in the middle of the street on which we live. I have made plans to attend a couple of big events in the lives of a couple of different family members in the next few months. And I have watched some adorable kids sing "I'm a Long, Tall Texan" on You Tube. I finished a novel, started looking through my September Real Simple magazine and have had more than a handful of sessions in my massage chair. I have downloaded pictures from our trip on to my computer and have looked at the pictures of the kids from Nana Camp. I may have even squeezed in a nap or two. And it's only Wednesday. Can't wait to see what else this eventful week brings. I'm sure our neighbors are hoping to see a mowing of our lawn come up on the list.

Campmeeting 2009

Pack-Pack-Packing

We are making our annual pilgrimage this week out to the Davis Mountains, where we will stay for almost 2 weeks. We are looking forward to the cool weather, the beautiful scenery, the excellent food and the fabulous fellowship with family and friends! But to get there, we've got to start with packing--which is what I have been doing for the last three days. There are the clothes, of course, but there is also a whole host of others things. Such as:

• Linens and pillows for 8 beds, including a few extras "just in case"
• Towels/washcloths for at least 11 people
• Various tools and home improvement-type implements
• A cooler full of boxed drinks--a rare treat we almost never indulge in except at Campmeeting
• 2 cases of Diet Dr. Pepper
• Mop
• A fan AND a heater
• Various gifts for some of the people we will see
• Toilet Paper
• First Aid Kit
• Blankets
• Jackets
• Ruth's telescope--because this place has the most fantastic night sky ever
• Board games
• Reading Material
• My in-laws' mail, which WILL NOT stop coming to our house, no matter how hard we try to get it to.
• Chai and hot chocolate mix
• Diapers and wipes in abundance
• Max's Pack-N-Play
• A stack of childen's DVDs
• 2 sets of wireless headphones to make the trip (more) bearable for all of us
• And, the kitchen sink. (Of course, I'm kidding about this one. But, I wouldn't be surprised if my father-in-law has one in to take).

We will be completely removed from all modern technology, so we'll catch back up with you sometime after we get back. In the meantime, just talk amongst yourselves.

Kids out to eat

The restaurant we dined at tonight had a "children's section." Any one who came in with a kid under about the age of 12 was seated there. And, I think this is a great idea. I'm surprised more places don't do something like that. But, I'm very proud to report that, even though our group is occasionally messy and loud, Jeff and I have never hesitated to take our kids out in public. They know it is a privilege to get to go out, and they know how to behave. (And it's not because we just got lucky with good kids). And, usually, they do a fantastic job. Last night was a great example. (I know, out two nights in a row). Jeff and the kids arrived at the restaurant 20 or 30 minutes before I did, due to some unexpected road construction. I'm told the kids were pleasant the whole time. After I arrived, and while we were waiting on our food, a lady from another table approached us to tell us "these are the best-behaved kids I have ever seen at a restaurant." She had also drawn a picture of each child, which she presented to us as a gift. Jeff and I swelled with pride, and the children were all very pleased with themselves as well. We were quick to tell the kids how proud we were of them, and to point out that times like this make us want to take them out more often. Don't get me wrong, we've had our share of having to get up and leave the restaurant in the middle of the meal, usually completely mortified. But, overall, it is fun for us to take our kids out. And it's especially fun when others notice their good behavior and encourage them to keep it up through positive reinforcement.

Glutton for Punishment

Hey. Me here. Sorry it's been a while. The reason I haven't been blogging is because Jeff and I have been staying up late playing his new game, Settlers of Catan. And I must have one of those bizarre OCDs where you can't stop inflicting pain on yourself, because Jeff has been beating the pants off me, and yet, I can't stop playing! (I did win a couple of rounds early on, but clearly that was a fluke)! It's really fun, and we are looking for some other "settlers" to join us. Wanna play? (I could really use some other players, especially bad ones, to make me look better).

Facebook

I came very slowly and reluctantly into the social networking world. And, I will admit that there are still lots of times that I feel the whole thing is ridiculous. I mean, who really needs to know (or even cares) what I'm doing right now or what I scored on the latest lame quiz?! But, I will say this, I have been able to reconnect with people from my past that otherwise might have just slipped out of my life completely. I have in my "friends" list people I went to elementary school and Jr. High with, people I went to high school with, people I went to college with, people I got to know in my post-college/early adulthood and people that I have only recently met. When I log on to Facebook, it's like the whole story of my life--each chapter with it's different characters--is right there before me. And I think that's kind of neat. Every time I come across someone I have known, memories flash in my mind. And a smile can be found in many of these memories. And, smiling is something we could all do a little more of. And not only that, but I am discovering new things about these people, too. And there are smiles in many of these new discoveries as well. I'm definitely not a die-hard Facebook fan, but I will say that I can see value in being connected. Of remembering who you were and knowing who you are. And having people to share that connection with.

That's my GIRL

My boys are so much fun, and I love hanging out with them. But none of them (right up to the biggest boy of all) get shopping. This activity doesn't thrill them. Doesn't excite them. Doesn't do anything for them, except make them cranky. But my girl. Oh, my girl! She gets it. She loves to touch the fabrics. To try on shoes. To look at pretty things. Even if we can't take them all home. (Even if we can't take any of them home). We had the best time today--just the two of us--shopping together. And, she is the best kind of shopping buddy. She doesn't demand or insist or beg. She simply enjoys the experience. And if we should get to take something home, she is appreciative. She is my shopping buddy. She is my girl.

In the words of Weston

"Did you put a swim soup (suit) in my soup case? And how about some scream (sun screen)?"

"I need to take a massage."

"I like lellow."

"I can go potty by myself, but can you just come watch me?"

"Who is going to give you hugs when I'm at preschool?"

"I only have 4 more hugs, so you better get them before Daddy starts asking for some."

"Can we fix it? No we can't."

"Do we have any skin (skim) milk? How about cold (whole)?"

"Maybe while Ruth is gone, we could slip up to her bathroom and wash our hands and get a drink."

"I'm really ready for bed now."

"Maybe. Maybe not. I'm just keeping my options open."

"I want meat and cheese on my burger and no of other stuff."

Max's Half-Birthday Party

Early Birthday

I was away from the house for a good part of the day today to take Ruth to meet her grandparents for an upcoming week of "Nana Camp" with two of her cousins. When I arrived home, there was a U-haul trailer parked in my driveway, and I wondered which of our neighbors was moving. When I started up the driveway, I noticed some very large boxes. And, when I made it into the house, I was greeted with birthday wishes and a room full of new furniture. And not just any furniture, but the furniture I have been pining for ever since I saw it several months ago. Talk about surprised! The formal living room is my "safari room," and this furniture is absolutely perfect for the theme. I love it so much! I'm including the store's stock photo (only mine will have zebra striped throw pillows instead of the ones seen here), but know that it is so much prettier in person and just so right. If you don't believe me, you should just plan to come visit. My sweetie scores big, big points with this amazing early birthday present.

All work and no play makes Mandi a dull girl

Which, of course, you all know I am not. And, lest you think, based on my last post, that this week was all work, I wanted to share some of the "play:"

*Took quite possibly the most hilarious walk ever. Grown-up pushing stroller, pushing tricycle. Hilarious.

*Had lunch with an old college friend that I haven't seen in ages and her two sweet kids, with the promise of doing it again soon and often, since they live not very far from us at all.

*Attended the weekly story time at Barnes & Noble, followed by the purchase of a beautiful book about elephants for my safari room off the discount shelf and a delightful lunch with my kiddos in the mall's food court.

*Spent the day out with just Max, running errands and bonding over ice cream, while a wonderful young lady and good friend watched the big kids for me.

*Laughed out loud on several occasions at my hysterical children.

*Watched Ruth and Max do a rousing performance of "fancy footwork".

*Heard Weston tell something like a hundred "knock-knock" jokes, each one funnier than the last.

*Had a lovely lunch with a new friend, two of her beautiful daughters and my two big kids. We simply cannot wait for the opportunity to do it again.

*Had shrimp for two meals in one day.

*Celebrated an early half-birthday for Max at one of our favorite places. Sharky's is right on Lake Houston, and we got to sit outside--on the shady side. And, there was a nice breeze blowing. The food is excellent, and there is a dancing fountain right outside to play in before and after dinner.

*Rejoiced in the glowing report we got back from the standardized test Ruth took back in the Spring. The short of it is that she made about a 95 and was well above average for most of the content.

Handy Mandi

In addition to the regularly scheduled program around here this week, I have also taken on a few other projects:
*I hung a new towel rack near my sink in the bathroom. No more walking halfway across the room with drippy hands!
*I repaired a chair leg on an old chair that we acquired while at Jeff's parents' house, and also vacuumed off the upholstery of it and it's partner. With places to sit in the living room, it now seems a bit more inviting. Not to mention, I think the old chairs just look so cool.
*I added a storage unit to the inside of the cabinet under the sink in the kitchen to hold the foil and plastic wrap. That should eliminate all the awkward cramming and/or digging and/or falling that previously went along with using those products.
*I made a double batch of my new favorite chai mix to have on hand at all times. Because you just never know when the urge will strike.
*I assembled my new clothes steamer and put it through it's first test. It passed with flying colors, ironically making putting the laundry away less of a chore for me. (I have issues, what can I say)?!
*I very successfully and somewhat successfully (depending on the unit) removed years of built-up gunk from some plastic-coated wire shelving units, which I can now surely put to good use somewhere in this house.
*I took on the pantry...and conquered it! It looks awesome! And, get this, we can actually find things in there! Amazing. I mean, we have canned salmon. Who knew?! Now if all of my family members will just look, but not touch, the pantry bliss will go on and on.