Routine

Well, since starting school, we have fallen into a pretty normal routine. I have recently reflected on how my mornings begin with a determination to have a good day, help my kids have the same result. We wake up, lovingly rubbing cute faces and small backs to rouse from slumber, ahh...seems like we are off to a good start. As the early morning progresses, I find one child (the one who has to be out the door, of course) will not get ready, after 27 times of his name being said I am LOUDLY saying brush your teeth...get dressed...come on!! And, then a quick kiss and he is off. Fast forward through the morning with the girls and wade through a few tantrums and meltdowns and dare devil climbing stunts by the toddler and we are near to pickup after school. Then, once everyone is home, the fighting begins. The other day the two older kids were in trouble because we could not determine who was telling me a lie. Because only one of their stories could be correct, I told them one of them had to be lying. Finally, after a long 20 minutes or so, Katelee says, "alright, I guess I am the one lying." I had had it that day...my goal of a gentle loving mom went out the window and I turned to....my scriptures. No, I didn't read them a sweet story of love, I read them a verse that says, "Wo unto the liar, for he shall be thrust down to hell." As soon as the words came out, I wanted to rewind. I just condemned my child to fire and brimstone...not exactly how I pictured my day. But, Katelee did of course inquire about hell and when I told her its where the devil lived, she said, "Well, I sure hope I don't lie again, cuz I don't want to live with him!" I guess lesson received-can I call that a success?!

Dinner seems like chaos, bathtime and bed are a tug of war, but books are read, kids tucked in and everyone calms down. Every night when I ask the kids their favorite part of the day, Katelee has to tell me 3 things. Without fail, one of her top three is "giving mom hugs and kisses!" As I tucked her in, turned out the light, she says, "Mom, I am loving you right now." An hour or two later, I walk in and rearrange flailing arms (Katelee's the best to check on, she talks in her sleep nearly nightly), I can't help but be grateful that I get to do the whole routine again in the morning, (minus the condemnation). Well, that's my goal at least.

Starting School Again!

It's that time of year: backpacks are filled, new shoes are purchased, pencils are sharpened and for the first time at our house-a lunch is packed!!! Katelee started preschool, and she is of course loving it. It is a fun break for her in the day.

I am feeling rather sheepish about how I dealt with Grant's entrance to kindergarten, because first grade was way worse for me on the extreme emotions scale. Here Grant is on his first day. I am not sure why he looks like he is ready to take off for a track meet, but that is the pose he made before we hopped in the car. I went with him his first day to make sure he knew where to line up before the bell rang. He asked me what would happen and I had to choke out the words, " You will go through those doors when they take you away!" I held back the sobs until I got into my car and he was safely at his desk, but all I could think of was the thought that they are taking him away! And, I grieved. I grieved because he is gone from me for a long time each day. I was so sad because I missed him and not just him, but that phase of our life that is now passed-laying around all morning (he had pm kindergarten), having breakfast at 9, playing with toys for an hour before even realizing someone is hungry, reading books in bed for a half hour with the kids...now we are on a schedule. I told Grant how much I miss him and he told me he doesn't miss me...awesome. But, after a brief pause he said, "but I do think about you in the day." I guess that's how it is supposed to be. I definitely want him to love school, but thinking about his mom now and then can't hurt!

Summary of Summer!

Its common knowledge I am not very good at taking pictures-getting a quality photo or taking enough of them. While I haven't toted my camera around to all our activities over the last three months, we have had a fun time. We've done Lagoon, Seven Peaks, a playdate at a new park every week, watched fireworks and parades, taken swimming lessons, gone swimming, gone to splash pads, played water park in our back yard, killed some grass with frequent slip and slide episodes, been to the float preview, the dentist, the Bees baseball game, done some house projects (painting) not exactly a happy memory I would like to reconjure. Grant's played on his first basketball team (and made two baskets, might I add!), had soccer training, Katelee's learned to ride a tw0-wheeler, we've visited with cousins and had Grandpa and Grandma visit from Florida, we've welcomed home my sister Paige from her mission-YAY!, visited with childhood lifelong friends (and their moms), gone to the canyons for a hike (we needed to do that WAY more), gone camping, we went to Lake Powell for the first time....Thanks to Dave's brother Brian-surfer and boater extraordinare. Here is Brian surfing with Katelee:
Grant loved the tubes, it couldn't be fast enough for him-two thumbs up with Dave crying out that he was going to die and it was too reckless!
Dave took to wake surfing really quickly and loved it.....me, on the other hand, I needed much more assistance, but eventually I got it!We welcomed our first pet and later buried (or should I say flushed) our first pet. Katelee wanted to take a picture of the floater on his day of decease, but I was a little grossed out by that, so we have no proof he ever lived. We've done free weekly bowling and started piano lessons. We are ready for school and we are TIRED!!!

The Mister

Just a little post to honor the provider of the house...Dave just had a birthday, so he is one year older and wiser too, at least we like to think so! He continues to work super hard at ADP, always pushing himself and motivating those around him. We appreciate him so much and love him a lot! Dave is a lover of travel and food. He is a self acclaimed food conniseur. If you need recommendations on where to get the best food (specifically dessert) he can direct you. Because he is so enticed by that which goes in his mouth, he runs a half marathon...one half marathon a year, and he trains for it very minimally. He believes this will counter act the calories consumed the other 364 days. Don't know if that is a healthy outlook, but I'd say a half marathon is impressive, no matter the preparation done before! Way to run it! Dave requested no cake this year, but opted for his mother's much loved Banana Chocolate Chip Bars. We sang, had some neighbors over for ice cream, and he indulged and loved every bite! Miss Brenna, however, seems to have cravings for mud pies these days-YUCK!

Culture

We as a family want to experience culture...different cultures, discover our own, explore the meaning of the word. Is being 'cultured' being familiar with the refined and high society? (Katelee just had another dance recital. She is taking a one year leave to try out soccer. Now she is second guessing her decision. After the final curtain call, she yet again stood in front and waved to all her adoring fans. The girl needs the stage!)

I suppose some cultures are like that. But, we too have our own culture. I guess our kids have some religious traditions with our LDS faith. They, along with their father, have some southern culture sweetly dripping out with the occasional 'y'alls' and love for grits, Karo, grouper and the likes. This week we were all exposed to various cultures as we accompanied Dave to Las Vegas ...and exposed we were! He had work, we wanted to play, so it worked out. We had a great time. Grant pointed out some 'immodestness.' But all in all, we left unscathed! I love the representations from different architecture of the world. (A view from our hotel room...great spot to watch the fountains at the Bellagio). As we explored the Italian corner at the Venetian, the gondoliers were floating through the waters, serenading the passengers with elegant operatic tones. Katelee, leaned over the edge, and joined in song. But her choice was a more familiar one-Row Row Row Your Boat. I am sure all around enjoyed it. Here she is by the NY NY hotel.

I love people watching and I love variety. We have some diversity in our neighborhood, and I think we need to have some explanations about it in our home because recently Grant rode his bike up to our little neighbor whose parents were born in India and he stuck his head close to this boy's and exclaimed, "Hola! Como estas?!" Grant was across the street and I couldn't help but chuckle. We notice differences, and I hope we can all learn to appreciate them!