Got Milk?

This is, what they call in the business, a milk mustache.

Pack Meeting

Thursday night the family attended Pack Meeting. With "Blind Olympics" as the theme, the boys played several games blindfolded (Scot only got one bump on the head which we discovered the next day). They kicked a soccer ball with a partner, played blind man's bluff, and tossed beanbags. Paul tried his own game of "eat the out-of-bounds cone," the girls played hide and seek (with no one seeking). Paul enjoyed the refreshments best: rice crispy treats and Kool-Aid pouches. Scot received 6 Academic Belt Loops: soccer, chess, astronomy, computers, weather, science. James received his Wolf rank plus one gold and one silver arrow point, plus the soccer belt loop.

Scot getting a handful of belt loops!

James receiving his awards; me pinning on the mom's pin.:)

Scot and fellow cubscouter are about to get a Olympic volleyball spike cheer from Cubmaster Gygi.

First Week Adjustments

It rained most of the day. There was a short break this morning that was just long enough for us to walk to the bus stop. Amy stayed inside and watched from the window. On today's bus ride Maggie again sat behind the bus driver (and probably always will this year). Yesterday I had told her that she could talk to whomever she sits next to and that she could ask for his/her name. This advice must have sunk in because today as soon as she sat down she was deep in conversation. As the bus driver closed the doors all I could see what the back of her head, her blue bow bobbing up and down as she chatted away. It turns out she was sitting next to Nadia, a girl also in her class.
Amy greeted Maggie home today with a big hug and a plaintive "I missed you, Maggie." Maggie had to run away to avoid hugs every 5 seconds from Amy. Then it became a chase-around-the house kind of game which became interrupted by lunch. Phew!!
In James' class, his teacher had them all fill out an "Olympic T-shirt" paper with their names, adjectives about themselves, etc. In the middle they were to fill in why they where a champion. James' Olympic medal declared him champion because he is "the quietest in the class." He must be saving up his talking energy until he gets home because before and after school it nearly explodes out of him.
Scot is excited to join either the chorus, band, or orchestra. I'm looking into the possibilities, but he would like to play either the trumpet, clarinet, or french horn. (That was the abbreviated list.) Scot also just finished reading the entire Chronicles of Narnia series. Yes, all seven books!
Paul is "officially walking," according to me. Scot has been trying to declare this for the last two weeks, but now since Paul is walking way more than crawling (which was my criteria) I finally let Scot make the announcement--which came as a loud declaration from the dining room.
Paul also thinks that he should be able to go for long, frequent walks whenever he wants now that he is pushed in the stroller each morning to the bus stop. He's just tall enough the reach the door handle and jiggle it. Then he looks around for someone to help him, and when he does, he beckons them with an outstretched hand or pointing index finger. I think he's feeling a bit lonely, but he has learned to follow Amy just about anywhere. This morning she said, "Come on, Paul," and he followed her right up the stairs and into her room.
Brian and I seem to be adjusting just fine. We have earlier mornings, but plenty of time for fitting in exercise, scriptures, breakfast, and piano practice (boys practicing, not us--and they don't know it yet, until they read this).

First Days of School

Paul waiting in suspense.

Our house is in the middle of the two bus stops--one at the top of the hill, one at the street below us. We chose to wait at the bottom one so Scot could be with his friend Austen. I knew Austen would be able to lead the boys were they were supposed to go since he's always attended this school. In a melt-down-kind-of-morning, the kids could catch the upper stop. The bus has to back-up into the lower street to turn around which would give them just enough time to run up and catch the bus at the corner. My wanna-be philosophy: always be prepared and always have a back-up! There are quite a few kids at the stop. The first day there were 8; so between all the stops there are at least 12-15 kids just on our street. The bus fills up quick, and I'm glad they can get on a little earlier so it's easier to find a seat. The only have a 10-15 minute bus ride in the morning; 15-20 minutes in the afternoon.

James making his 3rd grade debut.

Scot turning on the 5th grade charm.

Amy, Maggie, and James waiting for the bus on Maggie's first day.

The bus surprised us by being about 5 minutes early, and the kids all had to run to the bus stop. Paul, Amy, and I had to wait on the other side of the street, so all I could see of Maggie getting on the bus were the flashing lights of her new shoes.

Maggie's first day of kindergarten. To school, she rides with Scot and James; coming home she is on the kindergarten-only bus. This bus drops her off in front of the house.

Today she came off the bus looking a little dazed, like she'd just seen the Wizard of Oz or the most magical creature imaginable. It took a long time for the stars in her eyes to wear off.

Here are some of her answers to my quizzing:

How was the bus? Good (with a smile)

Where did you sit? Behind the bus driver

Who did you sit with? A girl

Did you talk to her? No

How was kindergarten? Good

What did you do? I can't remember everything

What was the first thing? We sat on the carpet. At the end my teacher read a silly story. (giggle)

Was your teacher nice? Yes

And that was about it! Hopefully tomorrow she'll be able to elaborate more without being so star-struck. At least I know she wants to go back--as does Scot, who said he couldn't wait to go back 5 minutes after getting home.

Stake Conference

Warning: This is a long post with many parenthetical descriptions!

This weekend we enjoyed our first stake conference here in Ohio. The stake center isn't too far away, only 25 minutes and right off the freeway. Whenever we attend stake conference my mind goes back to the conferences my family attended growing up. Our stake center was 2 hours away in Weiser, ID. My parents would always attend the Saturday adult session(s). I mostly remember playing at a nearby park while they were in the meeting. I'm sure when I was really young the boys (my brothers) watched me--most likely Erin & Joel. I remember 2 things about that park: 1) it had a really great twirling 1/2 carousel--the kind that uses centrifugal force to fling you to the outer edge if you're not holding onto the rail for dear life; 2) a boy that I played with one time--he asked how old I was, I told him "Seven--no, eight; I just had my birthday." I was so embarrassed that I couldn't remember how old I was. I always hoped there would be other kids playing (even if they were boys). I more hoped just to be able to go, to play at the park.

A few times we stayed overnight, but mostly we would drive home late Saturday night and drive back on Sunday morning. Driving home Sunday morning we were all exhausted. The reasons seemed varied why we never stayed over. Sometimes the motels had no vacancy, or perhaps my parents didn't want to spend the money. Either way, it translated to me a faithfulness to keep the Sabbath Day holy and attend all your meetings.

The kids all felt the exhaustiveness of stake conference driving home today, to which the humid heat promoted. Both Amy and Paul zonked within minutes of driving. Brian and I were grateful that everyone (especially Paul) had made it through the two hours. We sat on the stage, which apparently is not air-conditioned, but has a great view. Scot was able to "rest his eyes" during the meeting, (I agree that it's hard to stare at the back of someone's head for 2 hours, having done it myself last night) but I don't think he was really asleep. Paul managed to add a purple marker streak to his already colorfully bruised, scraped face. (The boys had taken him on a walk Saturday morning, and, while pushing the stroller to one another, tipped him over in the stroller. Any worse and we could turn him into the Phantom of the Opera for Halloween.)

Last night the kids were able to enjoy playing with a babysitter; Brian and I were able to enjoy attending the adult session by ourselves. On the drive we laughed over James' new plan for Brian to sue Disney's "Fast Play" DVD option. I had told the boys they could watch a movie when the babysitter was here and they quickly went through their movies options. James came into the kitchen and approached Brian. "Dad, we don't like Fast Play. Since you're an attorney, we want you to sue it." Brian replied that the system doesn't quite work that way-you don't sue because you don't like something (a good thought that should be passed around the world). Apparently the boys don't like this DVD feature because it forces them to watch all the upcoming attractions instead of skipping right into the movie. Should we worry that James could be serious about litigation, or worried that he will be a satirical genius?

Overall, it was a great weekend. My favorite ideas from stake conference were 1) the 10 second rule--this is the time to react to the promptings of the Holy Ghost before you reason yourself out of following them; and 2) "what are you willing to sacrifice to make your home sacred?"--an insight of the etymological relationship between sacrifice and sacred (look up the meaning of the two words and you'll understand what I mean).

Tomorrow the boys start school; Maggie will begin on Tuesday. Expect fun pictures of strained smiles from heavy backpacks.

Why are you buggin' me? They're just new shoes.
--Paul in his first pair of sneakers, which we got at the Stride Rite factory outlet. We went there (the Jefferson outlet mall) last week to get a few school clothes, shoes, and hang out with Heidi & her kids. We had a fun time, but it's probably not a trip we'll make too often--great stores, long drive. The kids had the most fun on the huge playset which we visited after every 3rd store. Maggie will definitely be a shopper. "Oh, Mom, this is so cute!" was her first reaction in every kids clothing store. James kept trying to sneak shoes into the pile, but they weren't shoes for him. They were Paul-sized and, I agreed, each pair was adorable. During the shoe sneaking, Amy found a pair of pink ballet flats. I almost broke down on that one since she found them herself and modeled for everyone. In all, everyone got what they needed (emphasis on need), and I discovered a beautiful violin concerto which I'd never heard before, "The Butterfly Lovers." It's my new favorite classical work.

12th Anniversary

Brian and I celebrated our 12th anniversary down at Newport on the Levee. It was very reminiscent of Chicago's Navy Pier--lots of shops, restaurants near the waterfront. We had a nice dinner at Brio's and toured the shops. After having been apart for the whole week it was so nice to relax by ourselves for a few hours. Just an hour earlier (from starting our night out) the kids and I had all driven to the airport to pick up Brian from his trip to San Diego. In the car Paul was so excited to see him. He could not stop giggling, which made us giggle as well. As an Ohio-first-business trip we all did relatively well--no ER trips or major car repairs. I was very grateful and relieved.
So much has happened these last 12 years, it's hard to imagine what will occurr in the next 12. We can only assume it will be filled with joy, tears, sweat, and hundreds of mediocre meals! 2 Nephi 2:11 gives me great hope for the future.

School Prep

While I can't officially report that we are ready for school, this week we came ten steps closer. Monday was Maggie's doctor's appointment. The office staff were all very nice as all 5 kids and I filed into the exam room. Maggie, of course, passed with flying colors, and I was grateful to have found a good pediatrician--it only took me 3 tries.
Tuesday we were able to tour the school for the first time at a New Family Orientation. Our 5th grade escort showed us down nearly every hallway and outside walkway. She was very enthusiastic, especially when we came to the nurses station which, she explained, was a very nice place to visit. It sounded like she'd visited a fair number of times since we learned where the ice packs, band-aids, and soothing washcloths were located. The boys and I were especially impressed with the large gym and stage. It will be nice to have these "luxuries" coming from Swallows which only had a large common room that quadrupled as cafeteria, gym, stage, and assembly hall.
Wednesday we were able to find out the kids new teachers when we picked up their "packet." This had more information and a letter from each of the teachers to the kids. Maggie will be in the morning kindergarten, and all three will ride the bus to and from school. The bus routes haven't posted yet, but they won't be nearly as early as the boys are used to leaving. The regular day begins at 9:10am and ends 3:40pm.
We have purchased most of the school supplies on the list. I'm still looking for plain single subject theme books, wide ruled. Everything I've seen so far has kittens or pop stars. I was a little embarrassed going down the aisle at Wal-mart with Amy (and Maggie) ogling at the Hannah Montana supplies. Please tell me my three year old isn't going to become a rock star fanatic. It may be time to nip it in the bud. (But what am I nipping? We don't even watch Hannah Montana!?!)
For all three, school can't come quick enough, and to be honest, I am getting to that point as well. It has been a great summer together--one we'll never forget, and one that can never be duplicated.

"Bruiser"

--Paul's new nickname which he has earned by bullying everything and everyone in his pac-man path. As a side note, I think he may also be training for the Olympics on the sly.
As for the bullying, at least he doesn't show resentment against any certain item. He indiscriminately tosses balls, pens, papers, the girls, and me. The boys usually stay out of his way, but they can also become easy targets. His favorite place to push me away from is the kitchen sink cupboard so he can pull out all the cleaning supplies then dead lift the Mag-Lite flashlights. His other training exercise is the popper (the thing with the long handle and balls pop when you roll it on the ground). He was determined today to walk with it popping, and he did pretty good. When he got tired of balancing, he used it as a bicep exercise by sitting on the ground and rolling it back and forth in front of him. As for the shot-put, he's not too concerned with accuracy yet--mostly he tosses stuff just so he can chase it down and toss it again.
I thought his new walking skills would start trimming down his legs, but I think they're getting bulkier. Three times now I've have to pry a leg out from between the crib slats. He sticks them through, then screams because the fat rolls lock them in place. Now I have to check on him every time he cries in the crib to make sure he's not stuck. Hmmm...maybe he's doing it on purpose....
Just when I begin wondering if the 1 year old bully will last, he cuddles on my shoulder with a blanket, sucks his thumb, and lunges to kiss me. All smiles and giggles my heart melts, and I think he'll turn out just fine.

Woodland Mound

The kids and I at the water park with the Millers.
Woodland Mound has more than 1,000 acres of trails, picnic areas, frisbee golf, playground, etc. The kids had a great time, except for Amy. She was just warming up when another kid bumped her (or possibly she ran into him) and she fell, scraping her knee and hand. Inconsolable for the next twenty minutes or so, we decided to pack everything up, throw our lunch baggies away, and get home. She of course fell asleep (along with Paul) before we made it too far. Now, when she's supposed to be sleeping, she and Maggie are playing in their beds while we wait for the boys to get home from scouts.

Creative Play

I've been listening to Maggie & Amy play this morning. No idea where it began, but I've heard it change from marker magic wands ("bibbidy-bobbidy-boo") which all the girls in the house received and marker swords (apparently the boys declined theirs) to pretend drawing Mermaid Land (which turns you into a mermaid). I can't even list all the morphed pretend play. Now I hear something about butterflies and snakes. Can I begin to write how grateful I am that Maggie has Amy?!? Maggie is always the ringleader, but Amy can definitely hold her own.
Somehow it reminded me of getting our house ready to sell in Colorado. The kids all wanted to play Real Estate Agent. They would alternate ringing the doorbell and playing tour guide. "This is the living room...Did you notice the beautiful window?" Of course this game went along with Garage Sale. "I would like to buy this binder. Only 10 cents? What a deal!" These two games merged whenever they played Puney Land with legos. Then it was the punies that went garage sale-ing and bought/sold their homes. They also delivered mail and shopped for clothes, with puney currency (green legos). I love that they have each other. It's a far cry from when I had to play Sorry by myself as a kid.

Rockets & Burgers

After a charcoal-grilled hamburger dinner (mark that off of James' cub record) at John & Catherine's home we went over to their neighborhood park. John had bought a discounted Estes hydrogen propelled rocket at the hardware store and was anxious to see it work. We had brought Scot's birthday rockets as well. He had wanted to launch them here in Ohio over the Fourth of July, but we weren't able to find a good launch area (that wouldn't have been overrun by holiday celebrators). So, tonight was experimental rocket flight night. All of them eventually worked (John's took a couple of tries), and we only had to drive to find one of Scot's that had flown over a nearby house. The other rockets had landed within running distance. It was fun counting down and then watching 6 kids running across the field to retrieve the dropping rocket shell. They need to enjoy these late summer nights--they will end all too soon for all of us.

Lions, Tigers, & Bears

Setting: Maggie had been playing ding-dong-ditch (without the ditch). She storms into the kitchen.

Maggie: "James, you lied. You said you were going to lock and mordicade the door!"
Scot to James: "Did you tell her 'barricade' or 'borricade'?"
[Scot to himself: "Why didn't you barricade the door?"]
James, indignantly: "I said 'barricade.' Why would bears even care?!?"

I guess you had to be there.