Back to School

Sam started kindergarten last week. He was a little nervous in the days leading up to the 19th, but when he woke up that morning, he was ready to go! I think I was more nervous than he was.

The day before the first day, I took the kids to McDonalds for an ice cream cone and play time. We met some friends who have a daughter who was also starting kindergarten. Sam and Abby enjoyed their ice cream and had a great time on the playground. (thank goodness for the coolness of the playroom on a hot day!)

That night for dinner we had pizza and did a little back to school party for Sam. It wasn't anything fancy - I just tried to make the table a little more festive than normal. I think he liked it because when he came to the table, he had a big smile on his face and said, "I can't believe this is all for me!" I think we'll have to make this a family tradition.

The morning of the first day went really smoothly. We had my Mom come over to stay with Abby so we'd be able to focus on Sam at school. I was feeling pretty good and even thinking I might get through the morning without crying. We got to the school and were walking in and one of the administrators welcomed Sam and he said so proudly and excitedly, "I'm going to Kindergarten!" That's when my tears started. I was just so proud of him! My little guy was going to school and he was ready and excited. It was what we had been preparing him for. I pulled myself together and got him settled in his classroom. He walked right in and made himself at home. I think he would have been just fine without a good-bye kiss and hug from us. Thankfully, they were having a Boo Hoo Breakfast in the media center for the kindergarten parents. We stopped there so I could wipe my tears.

That first day was pretty tough. I had no idea what the routine for his day was or when he had lunch or anything! I found myself thinking about him wondering what he was doing and then I'd start missing him, so then I'd try not to think about him and would then feel guilty for not thinking about him! It was a tormented day for me! I was about to crawl out of my skin while waiting in the line of cars that afternoon. I don't remember ever being so anxious to see him!

Then I got worried that he wouldn't want to tell me about his day. I was so happy when he jumped in the car and was talking a mile a minute sharing his day with us!

So today, we finished up day 4 and he seems to be adjusting really well. I'm so proud of him and so happy that he loves school and his teacher.

Happy Anniversary

Mike and I celebrated our 11th anniversary on August 5th. Well, we didn't actually celebrate that day, but that's the date anyway. The 5th happened to be the night of Sam's kindergarten orientation meeting, so that took priority. To celebrate, we took the kids to my Mom & Dad's for the weekend. We pretty much do this every year on our anniversary. It's fun for us and fun for them.

This year we decided to head up to Charlotte. We took in a movie here Friday night. Mike chose Dinner for Schmucks. It was funny at times, but the overall story line was kind of dumb. Definitely not worth the $20 it cost to get in. Come to think of it, not many movies are worth the price of admission anymore!

Anyway, we got up Saturday morning around 8 (which is sleeping in for us - the kids are usually up at 6) and left for Charlotte around 10:30. We stopped at a Ruby Tuesday for lunch in Rock Hill on our way up and headed for Concord Mills Outlet Mall. Mike's not usually much of a shopper, but I think he had a good time. We found some good deals and he got 2 new pairs of shoes, couple pants, and 4 shirts from Polo. He did pretty well!

We headed back to the hotel around 4. Our crazy GPS took us what had to have been the long way, but we did get to see a lot of Charlotte and about every red light on the way! The hotel was nice and we rested for a bit and then got ready for dinner. Every couple of years Mike likes to splurge and go out to a really nice dinner. We debated over which restaurant to go to and decided on Sullivans. We went to one in Denver with his parents once and it was really good, so we thought we'd try it again and we were not disappointed! Our server was so friendly and down to earth, not stiff and uppity like you often get in nice restaurants. We had an amazing fried calamari appetizer - the BEST I've ever had, steaks, au gratin potatoes, asparagus, and a slice of key lime pie for dessert. They even comped the dessert when they found out it was our anniversary. As you can imagine we were stuffed when we walked out and had enough leftovers for lunch the next day!

It was so nice to sleep in again on Sunday. Overall, it was just fun to reconnect with Mike. We often get so busy in our daily lives, that we don't get to just hang out and have an uninterrupted conversation. I can't believe it's been 11 years! Time sure does fly, especially since having children. I love him more now than I did then and look forward to spending forever with him!

Happy Anniversary Babe!

Growing Up

Ok, I know - it has been just about 2 months since my last posting. That tells you what a busy summer we've had! I am working on a post that will recap our entire summer.

This morning I took Sam to his elementary school for his kindergarten screening. He was a little nervous (or so he said), but sure didn't show it! He walked right in and made himself at home. I wish, wish, wish I could have been a fly on the wall! I can't get him to really tell me what she asked him, but I think its general stuff like does he know his name, address, birthdate, the alphabet, numbers, etc. I was sure he'd do fine and he did!

It just has me thinking today, how did the little baby I once held in my arms, suddenly get to be old enough to go to Kindergarten? When did this happen? As I looked at him in the mirror this morning while we were brushing his teeth, I suddeny saw him in a whole new light. He is no longer a baby, toddler, or even preschooler. He looks like a kindergartener!

I love both of my children equally. My whole heart belongs to each of them, I just love them differently. Sam is such a good, sweet, smart and fun loving boy. We are so blessed to have him in our family. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for the gift that he is to me. I really feel so unworthy to be the Mom of one of His sweetest little spirits. We often hear from people that Sam is a joy or a delight. Just yesterday someone told me he was a treat. I love that other people can see his enthusiasm for life. And I hope beyond hope, that his is always the case.

I think Abby and I will be sending a piece of our hearts to school with him each day. I hope he knows how much we love him and how proud we are of him!