Peace

The kids went with my mother to a family reunion in Jett, which is located towards the Oklahoma Panhandle. Apparently, some of our family were founders of the town during the Oklahoma land run. The kids were pumped to take another mini-vacation, and I have to admit I was looking forward to a little "down" time. They left Friday after school; so, Rick and I actually went out on a date that evening. We still had a gift card from Christmas we had never used which shows how often we actually go on a date. We rarely get a sitter unless we have something to attend with other people. It was nice to have dinner and see a movie without any little voices interrupting. And, I also felt more freedom not worrying about how the kids were doing at home or making sure we were home at a certain time.
Saturday, I met a couple of friends for breakfast and then ran some errands, and did a little shopping. I returned home to an empty house (Rick was gone enjoying the games with friends) about mid-afternoon. In the past 5 years, I have never had the house to myself for more than an hour. Thinking the kids would be home around 5 or 6, I cleaned house, did laundry etc. I had to remind myself that I could actually sit down and watch the living room television instead of retreating to my bedroom. At first, I enjoyed the peace but as time went on, I really felt lonely. The house just felt so empty without my children. The kids didn't end up getting home until close to 8. I didn't want to start any big project because I kept thinking they would be home. Typically time flies but it seemed to pass ever so slowly. Ironically, it seems I am always wanting a little peace and when I finally got it, I didn't know what to do with it!
Within 10 minutes of the kids return, reality set hold. While giving the kids a bath, Baylor and Delaney got into a little fight and they were both crying. They were tired so they went off to bed very easy. But, even in that short amount of time, the house is no longer spotless. There is a toy sitting on the couch and toys are on the stairs. And, even though the kids are now sleeping and silence feels the house, I no longer feel lonely. Life seems normal once again.

First Day of School

So, today I sent my babies off to Pre-K. Rick likes to point out that they haven't been babies for a long time. I know that but it also seems like just yesterday that they were babies and now they are off to public school. I'm not sure how we got here. Time really does fly.

The kids have been anticipating this day all week. On Monday, we went to "meet the teacher" where they met, Mrs. Whitehill. I chose the teacher so we already knew who they had for a teacher. Delaney has been asking for weeks if Mrs. Whitehill lives on a hill. We've been trying to explain that its just her last name. After, "meet the teacher" night Jax said, "I thought she was going to have white hair. " I guess he was thinking that the last name must have meant something as well. His teacher is very young, sweet and cute and far from having any white hair. Jax also pointed out once again that he won't be seeing his best friend, Emily as much.

Tuesday Baylor woke up thinking it was time to go to school. When I informed him once again that he didn't start school until Wednesday, he cried and told me, "I'm sick of you telling me one more day. I want to go to school." Although, he was throwing a fit, I was happy that it wasn't the other way around and him not wanting to go to school.

Luckily, my students do no arrive until Thursday so I was able to go in a little late and take the kids to school for their first day. Everyone was more than cooperative. Delaney said several times that her stomach hurt her but she would be okay. I think it was nerves. I fixed everyone what they wanted for breakfast.

Jax eating waffles
Delaney eating cinnamon toast
Baylor requested fruity pebbles but it was a little early for him to be eating!
All together and ready for school!
"you can take my picture, but I am not smiling"

"ready for school!"

Ms. Strike a pose looks so grown up!

Walking to class...

It was a little errie to be in my old elementary school even though it has changed

Arrival to Mrs. Whitehills Beach Club. The kids were more than excited to see their name on little "fishies" and the room to have sea creatures! They have been so fascianted in everything that has to do with the beach.

And, then I left... Rick had forbid me to shed any tears while we were there

From what they told me, it was a typical first day where they learned where things were and how to follow some simple procedures. They said they learned how to pick up toys, but I have a feeling that at home they will still receive a failing grade. Jax was amazed that the school has a library. And, they told me all about going to the "afeteria" to see the "ancipal" speak. Delaney was very excited that they were able to paint. The only disappointment was that they didn't get to play on the playground. Apparently, they were working on it but their teacher has promised that they can play soon. At home, they were continuously playing school. It was apparent that a whole new world had opened up for them...full of new words which they can barely pronounce!

Early Birthday Celebration

Today, while I was shopping with my best friend, Carole (which was a birthday present in itself), the kids went shopping with Dad for my gift. As soon as I got home, they couldn't wait until my actual birthday to give me their gift, an iPod docking station. At four, it's very hard to keep a secret. They would say, "We are not suppose to tell you, but we did get you a Dr. Seuss card". Before long, Jax was offering just clues, "Well, it plays 'muslic". (Not a typo, that's how he says music). So far, Delaney has enjoyed the gift as much as I have.

For dinner, we went to Tokyo Garden, one of our favorite places to eat, but one we eat at only on special occasions. The kids love to watch the "fire"! Baylor is usually a little slow to warm up to all of the excitement, but he comes around especially once all the good food begins to hit the plate.

Photographer, Delaney took this picture

Enjoying the show

The kids love the noodles and insist on eating with chop sticks!Yummy, ice cream for Delaney while Dad finishes off plate #2- everyones leftovers!

Goodbye July

And, goodbye to the lazy days of summer. We've spent the last weeks of summer with friends, enjoying some last outings.

Here is a little of what we've been doing....

A couple of weeks ago, we spent the morning at the Zoo. I say morning because it was SO HOT and that was about all we could take. Many of the animals were not even out.
Enjoying the park. It was shaded and seemed to make everyone happy!
Since all went well with bunk beds on vacation, we decided to put the boys beds together. Jaxon loves sleeping on top and Baylor is very content to sleep on bottom. So, it all works out.


The past few days the kids have attended Vacation Bible School in the evening. Last year Baylor sat on the sidelines with me, but this year Baylor joined the festivities and told Delaney, "you were right, VBS is fun"! While they enjoyed VBS last year, I think they enjoyed it even more this year. I can tell they are starting to be ready to go to school (some structure). Here the kids are sorting through all of their school supplies and packing their backpacks.
Delaney proudly displaying her High School Musical Backpack!
Today we went swimming with friends. The kids had not been swimming in about five days. With Vacation Bible School in the evenings, we couldn't afford to make two trips to Tulsa. I think they were seriously having withdrawal symptoms. Yesterday, I was talking with Delaney and telling her that I would have to go back to work soon. She was asking if I wanted to go back to work and I told her not really since I enjoyed spending time with them. Jax caught the tail end of the conversation and said, "we been spending time together, we need to go swimming"!

The kids really enjoyed playing with their friends and being in the water. After several days of being really moody at the house, everyone was all smiles at the pool.
Mid jump shots!


Hopefully, we can get in a few more pool days next week before I have to officially report back to work. Getting back into the groove though is going to be a challenge.

A Day On the Lake

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of spending the day on the boat with Patrick & Julie. We typically go out with them once a year. This year the kids were so independent and had the stamina to make it a full day without breaking down from exhaustion (that came after we were home!). In a way, it was nice because I could relax more, but in another way, it made me sad to think of how big they are getting. Last year, Jax and Delaney tried tubing but this year Baylor gave it a try as well and truly enjoyed the experience. Overall, they just really love being out on the boat and in the water. They were all smiles.

Thanks Uncle Patrick & Aunt Julie for a wonderful memorable day!

Baylor is first and he is smiling

still smiling as the ride gets a little bumpy

Jax gives it a try by himself but isn't too sure of it

This is better!

Delaney and mom take a turn

Summer

Every year the summer seems to pass by faster and this year is no exception. I am not sure where June went and now we are over half way through July. It just doesn't seem possible. Since we have been back from vacation, we have kept busy. Baylor asks every morning, "Where are we going?" When I tell him no where, he begins to cry.

We must go swimming at least twice if not three times a week. Swimming is definitely their favorite past time of the moment. Since vacation, they all go underwater. Jax can swim underwater for the most distance. They all love going down the slides and jumping off into the pool.

When we are at home, they stay busy by playing on their new playground. Typically, they are running around outside in their underwear. It seems that from about 2 o'clock on, I can't keep the boys clothes on.

And just random things...

• Apparently, there are a lot of infomercials on cartoon stations. They will come and tell me, "mom did you know that there is something that will get stains out of anything....I mean anything... and it's only 9.99! (This is just one example).
• Of course they still LOVE to make a MESS. The current favorite game is playing..."going to Florida". They pack ALL OF THEIR TOYS into bins (after they have mixed the toys and bins together) and sit on the stairs. They always stop in "Mississippi's" (yes, plural).
• I know it won't be long until everyone pronounces everything correctly but until then...I enjoy Baylor's , "swim soups" and "sun scream"! Delaney enjoys using big words. Most of the time they are in context but on occassion they are not.
• We have watched several magic shows at the library which the kids have really enjoyed. I'm amazed at their attention span these days. They also like reading much longer books and going to the library for new books. This is about the only entertainment that doesn't take us out of the town of Skiatook.
• Since vacation, we have not been on a normal nap schedule. The boys will sleep until 7:30 or 8 sometimes and Delaney always sleeps until 8 or later. She however when given the opportunity will still take a nap. The girl very much needs her beauty rest! On the other hand, the boys have to be really worn out. They will nap about every three days. They are almost 5 so I knew it wouldn't last much longer. I am fine with it because it actually allows us to do more. If we can just make it past the grumpies around 4:30-6:00, we are okay.

A tour of the corn-popper with some kids from our Church play group. The kids watched them make pop corn and try numerous flavors .

A little slip & slide actionPoor Jax...no one wanted to play with him

Enjoying their new play gound and club house

They had their picture taken at Woodward Park the other day, so later that evening they wanted to strike some poses together in the bath tub. Where were these smiles earlier?

Even Baylor is learning to have his picture taken

The daily dance recital (this one did not include costumes which was unusual)

Strike a pose!



Racing, Jax's favorite thing-but he likes to win!