1st DAY OF 1st GRADE

 Dear Thomas,
You started first grade.
When did you decide to grow up?
After snuggling with me in bed for a few minutes you got up and got yourself dressed (in the clothes you laid out the night before) and did your own hair.
You made your bed and ate your breakfast.  Waffles your choice.
We took a few pictures.
You gave me hug and told me that you were going to miss me.
Then it was time.  Time to start our walk.
Both you and brother wanted to carry your new stuffed animals.  Foxy and Tigey.  The ones you got in DC.
You held my hand the whole way to the school.  My favorite.
We chatted about feeling nervous but excited.
We had to wait outside for a long time.  At least it felt long because it was really hot.  Brother rolled up his pant legs.
We finally got to go in and walked to your classroom.  You helped a friend talk to the teacher and you confidently talked to her about yourself.  Giving her your name and how you were going to get home.  All sorts of important things.
You immediately let go of my hand and found your seat and immediately started coloring.  You wanted to be early so that you could have time to finish your picture.  I took one last picture.  I am sorry in advance I just want to remember everything about you at this stage in life.
I didn't shed any tears this year.  I know that you thrive in a scheduled school environment.
I know that you are a leader.
I know that you are a good friend.
I know that you love learning.
I know with all my heart that you are at the best place for you right now.
We love to be together... but we wouldn't be happy if we were always together.  There wouldn't be enough room for learning and growing and becoming.  Very important things when you are 6.
I asked Lew on the way home if he missed you.   He said, "No.  I mean yes.  Thomas misses me more."
It is true.  You love each other.  This morning when Lewis woke up and came out to the kitchen table where you were eating your yogurt for breakfast.  Without saying a word, he walked right up to you and you starting hugging.  A good hug.  The kind that last and mean something.  You are lucky to have each other.
We didn't get to do our traditional water balloon fight with friends because a storm blew in and it was raining like mad.  You were bummed.
I love walking home with you holding my hand.  You told me a little bit about the day.  It was good just like we knew it would be.  You are already making new friends and continuing friendships with old friends.
We did have a giant cookie waiting for you when you walked through the door.  Chocolate chip.  Just for you.
Dear Thomas.  I am happy that you are learning so many things.  I do miss your silly jokes and all of your help during the day. I love you more everyday.

xox MOmma

A NIGHT AT THE COUNTY FAIR

We hit up the Crawford County Fair again this year.
It is always fun to ride a few rides, see some animals, take in the culture (can you call it that) of fair people and of course eat the food.
My all time favorite are the elephant ears.  yum.  They never disappoint.
The boys loved the corn dogs and Daniel loved the apple dumplings with ice cream.
It is always good to get out and have some last minute summer fun.
The evening was perfect.  You can see it in the smiles on the boys faces.  Oh

Back to School Dinner 2014

We had our annual back to school dinner last night.
School doesn't start until next week, but this was the only time we could squeeze it in.
Life gets busier and busier I tell you!

 This year seemed more low key.  I only have so much energy.
The boys helped me make dinner.  Mashed potatoes, meatballs, homemade rolls, broccoli zested with lemon and water to drink.
I enjoy thinking of small things to make their night special.  Special love note place settings.  Gift bags with surprise goodies.  Things like glow in the dark swords and heart glasses.  A giant sucker and whoopee cushions!  What more could a little boy need in life.
We set up outside under the trees.  Everyone helped.  It was a beautiful evening.
We enjoyed doing something a little special.  A little out of the ordinary.  It was fun to just chat and enjoy being together.
Daniel helped to present our yearly scripture theme.  1 Nephi 3:7  "I will go and do"  We talked about Nephi and how we can learn to be like him.  A very good example to us all.
Then we cleaned up.  Everyone helped.
We shared our extra rolls with neighbors.
We got our glow on and headed outside for some fun in the darkness.
We caught fire flies.  One went down my shirt.  Yikes!
Daniel serenaded us on the guitar.  He really should do that more often.
The boys had sword fights and races and did all sorts of boy things.
We came in and had giant chocolate chip cookies.  A favorite!
The boys started dancing and man do they have moves!
They even found time to use their new whoopee cushions on daddy during storytime !  So So sneaky!
Lew especially found his very very funny and we heard him using it late into the night.

I sat down exhausted from all of the fun.
I hope these things we do.  These extra special things we do aren't in vain.  I hope they are special and have meaning and show we care.  Show we are taking the time and the effort to put our family first.  To teach our boys the importance of the scriptures and relying on them in our lives.  I hope that it shows that we LOVE LOVE LOVE them and want to do extra special things, that exhaust us, so we can show this love.