Preschool

The day of trepidation finally arrived, da da da. First day of preschool. I was a nervous wreck while Jackson remained blissfully clueless that he was about to embark on this new chapter of his young life.
I was prepared for the worst. Crying, yelling, clinging and I thought Jackson might have a hard time too. Well, much to my surprise there were no tears on either side. He did great. He found his name at the table carefully traced each letter saying them out loud J A C K S O N. When, he had finished this menial task he grabbed the sheet next to him and began again D E R E K. What next? Geography? Trig? Bring it on. That's my boy.

Halloween

Remember as a kid running from house to house, begging your parents to go faster, to keep up. Must get more candy. Run, laugh, eat candy, run some more. What could be better? Nothing right? I thought the same until I went trick-or-treating with my own kids. Better, way better. Seeing them/him have so much fun is even better than doing it yourself.
We had a great Halloween.

The kiddos pre trick-or-treating. They have no idea what they are in for.

The fattest little lion on the block.

The joy of realizing that complete strangers give you candy when you go to the door. He invited himself in to more than one home and even played with a few toys if they were interesting enough.

Dancing for joy.


Less dancing, more running.

And finally a rest. Check out that pirate's booty.

And of course some birthday festivities.

Surprise

This year was the big 3-0. I have officially left the life decision making years known as the 20's. Think about it in the span of ten years I decided on a career, chose an eternal companion, bought our first house, started a family, and endured/enjoyed everything that comes along with that. Now is just time to settle in and enjoy the ride, right?
Well, Mark decided to welcome in this new decade with a bang. A surprise party at Classic fun center. He planned it a little early as to ensure that it would be a surprise. So much a surprise in fact, that I showed up to my own party in sweats.


There were all the makings of great party.....sweats, family..

...bowling...

...and of course relay races on the inflatables.

So how do I feel about being 30? Pretty good. In fact, really good. I think there is a certain contentment that comes with a dose of maturity. I have found a wonderful balance of work and family, 10% work 90% family. I love being a mom and wife and find joy in just being with my fam. I feel at home and established in our neighborhood and enjoy being part of a community. In general I just feel good about where I am in life.

That said..

Today I ran into a friend's mom whom I had not seen in quite a while and after talking for a bit she gave me an appraising look and said, "You look good. You are aging very well."

Aging well?! Really? Is that a compliment when you are under 60?

3

Happy Birthday to my sweet boy. We waited, prayed, and waited and prayed some more before you joined our family. I knew your presence would change things, make things better, give us that missing piece in our family. I just had no idea just how much you would teach us and how much I would love you. I feel so blessed to be given the privilege of being your mom. Definitely not worthy, just privileged. The pure, innocent, joy that you exude gives me a daily reminder of the simplicity of life.

I wouldn't change a thing. I love watching you learn and discover in ways contrary to the norm. You amaze me with your love a academics and your ability to learn. Your special spirit will always be a blessing in our home I couldn't be more proud to be your mom. Happy Birthday my boy.

Blissfully unaware that all this fuss is for him.

Forced awareness from dad.

A perfect celebration of the wonderful day three years ago.

Fall Fun

I love fall. Too bad all this autumnal bliss is inevitably followed by winter.

Nice Spare

Over the last few weeks Jackson has been going through various assessments in preparation for preschool. During one particularly long session the speech therapist brought out a bunch of animal figurines and said that she wanted to see how Jackson did with imaginative play.
"See if he will pretend with the animals and have them interact with each other." she said hopefully.
Mark and I just looked at each other like this ought to be good.
Jackson tediously lined up all the animals, putting careful consideration on their placement. When he had them just how he wanted them, he brought his hand back and with one swoop sent them flying. He looked up triumphantly and announced, "Nice spare!"
"What did he say," the therapist asked confused.
Mark and I looked at each other a little embarrassed and I sheepishly said, "Nice spare. Like in bowling. He likes bowling." I finished lamely.
She laughed, "Not quite what I had in mind but I can't argue that it is defiantly imaginative play." and she marked something in her notes.
Thanks Jackson for reminding us once again that it is okay to think outside the box.

Sounds of Fall

My dad and I were talking yesterday about the closing of the elementary in Huntsville, my alma mator, and how it has changed the whole atmosphere of the small town.

It sounds different now. Sitting on the front porch of my great mother's house has lost some of it's familiarity and nostalgia. Gone are the screams of girls being willingly chased and caught by the boys. The shouts of triumph from the conquerors of the tower slide and wailing victims fleeing the onslaught of pine cones from the conquerors. The sounds of comradery from the impromptu soccer and kickball game. All of this set the melodious squeaking of the old iron swing set. The pitch changing depending on the rise or fall of the swing.

They didn't return this fall. I will miss my old school.

It sounds different now.