Happy Birthday, Jacob!

This picture just about sums up my Jacob's personality. AND I cannot believe he is already nine years old. Nine! Where has the time gone?

Lately I have had my fair share of eye rolling, and "Geesh, Mom!" 's from Jacob. He has such a strong sense of self and is so independent. I am having trouble letting him be...him. I do believe that I am subconsciously preventing him from growing up. I'm not ready to have such a big kid!!

Friday night we had six of his friends over for a sleep-over. They had a great time, but I did hear Jacob say a couple of times, "I wish my mom would just let us do what we want!" Well, I did have to stop them from doing flips off of the bed and flinging glow sticks at our new TV. Yes, I know.....I'm such a drag! I have to admit I did have my feelings hurt...just a little.

The next day I took Jacob on a lunch date. We went to McDonald's (his choice). He ordered a happy meal and got my drink for me. After he picked out the perfect table for us we settled down and ate our meals. What surprised me most about lunch was that Jacob actually talked to me. He hasn't wanted to really talk to me in such a long time. We talked about school, his friends, what we want to do next summer, Christmas, the beach, and GIRLS! Yep, he actually talked to his mama about girls. I was glowing.

Happy Birthday, Jacob! You brighten every day and make me so proud to be your Mom!

Baseball

Yesterday evening we played baseball in our front yard - Jacob was batting, Tod pitching, I played outfield, and Brady drew the chalk lines on the street.

We had 3 baseballs and one tennis ball. Tod would pitch the 3 baseballs first then the tennis ball. Jacob could really launch the tennis ball! One baseball was eaten by our bushes and never found. Another went down the sewer drain. As the ball count dwindled so did Jacob's attention.

At one point Jacob said, "Hey Dad! Look at this!"
Tod - "There are no cartwheels in baseball!!!"
Jacob - "What about handstands?"
Tod - "I give up..."

As official outfielder I thought cartwheels and handstands would really liven up the baseball game!!

We are now in a rain delay....

Run Update

As most of you know I have set a goal for myself to run everyday. All I have to do is run one mile minimum each day. Most days I run about 2 miles with a couple of longer runs and maybe a one mile run each week. Last Thursday was my 4 month anniverary. I ran 3 miles on Thursday, 2 miles on Friday, and 2 miles on Sautrday.

Well, on Saturday afternoon I very clumsily and carlessly broke my pinky toe. Not totally sure if I broke it, but it is black and blue and sure feels like it. Sunday morning I very carefully strapped on my shoes and went for the most painful run ever. It took me 16 minutes to run one mile. Once I got home I crept into the bathroom and cried for a couple of minutes while trying to get my shoes off then sucked it up and carried on with my day. Today I waited until around lunchtime to take my daily run. I have to admit it hurts worse today. It was a slow, painful and tear-filled run today.

I have been struggling with my daily run goal. Do I stop and heal? Do I continue? Do I have to start all over? Frustrated.

Tales of a Bus Rider

My kids are bus riders. It took me a long time to give in to Jacob's constant request to ride the bus. I drove him to and from school when he was in Kindergarten and half way through 1st grade. Then he finally put his foot down and I allowed him to ride the bus home from school. I still couldn't give up that morning drive.

When second grade came around Jacob told me that he really wanted to ride the bus to school. He didn't want to be a car rider anymore. This meant that he had to wake up 30 minutes earlier! This meant that I had to wake up 30 minutes earlier!!! Not sure if I was ready for this.

I have to admit having a bus rider has made my life so much easier. Not to mention the money we are saving on gas!!

Once Brady started Kindergarten a few weeks ago I had a big decision to make. Do I rev up the minivan and join the carpool line once again, or do I allow Brady to do something I would never let Jacob do....ride the bus. The first three days of school I drove both boys to school and let them ride the bus home. Brady's favorite part of his day was the bus ride. Go figure.

I have received criticism from one person saying, "I can't believe you allow your 5 year old to ride the bus! He must be terrified!" (this person obviously doesn't know Brady!) I have also received some wise words, "Riding the bus is part of growing up. Part of going to school. Part of teaching your kids to be independent."

Miss Saundra, the bus driver, has become a very important person to our family. It is so obvious that she loves her job and truly cares about all of the kids on her bus. She is so kind, caring, and extremely strict! As I put both of my boys on the bus each morning I am confident that she will get them there safely and return them to me each afternoon. We are lucky to have her!!

A Few Things I Saw Today...

Every once in a while I will have a day where just strange things come into my line of vision. Here are a few things that made me scratch my head today.

* There was a "lady" sitting outside Big Lots (need I go on...) hooked up to an oxygen tank and smoking a cigar. Yes, a cigar. I was a little wary to enter the store in case a small explosion blocked my emergency exit to safety.

* While driving back from Big Lots I saw a car full of elderly women in a bright green Cadillac. All of the ladies had on those gigantic black sunglasses that little old ladies wear. If that wasn't odd enough... they were listening to Eminem's Lose Yourself very loudly.

* After pulling into the driveway and walking the 30 feet to the front door I saw a small black snake, a lizard without a tail, a HUGE orb spider, my neighbors cat, and six baby frogs.

I am hoping that the rest of my day will be normal.

First Day!!!

I cannot believe that it is already the first day of school!!

Jacob was super excited to start 3rd grade. He was nervous because none of his buddies were in his class, but he clicked with a new kid in his class. I have to hand it to him.....he is always drawn to the "new kid". His favorite part of the day was they got an extended recess.

I have been so worried about Brady starting Kindergarten. He is my baby. We all struggled through preschool and I have constantly worried about him. We walked him into school yesterday and it was so obvious he was completely overwhelmed. Yesterday was such a long day for me. Waiting to see how he did. When the school bus stopped.........Brady had a little smile on his face that told Tod and I that he had the best day ever! Whew!

We are all ready for a great year!!

Letter to a Friend

Dear Tracy,

Thank you for being my friend. The funny thing about our friendship is that we are so different. We do not share the same beliefs religiously, politically, or even parentally. We come from such different backgrounds. Your roots are in the upper Midwest and mine are in the deep south. You are always of the "my cup runneth over" mindset and my cup is half full (and yes, half empty at times). You don't gossip and, well, I tend to "pass on" the unimportant chit chat of the day. You are a working Mom and I stay at home.

Tracy, thank you for being the person that you are. You never judge me when I go off on my tangents. You always come up with solid solutions to my crazy problems. I want to see the world with your compassion. I love that you pray each night with your family. I love that you are a believer in all things that are good. I love that you strive to be the best mom, wife, and friend. I am learning from you every day.

My wish is for every person to have a Tracy. You are a breath of fresh air, a secret keeper, a truth seeker, and my very best friend.

I love you and hope that I can be half the friend that you are.

Your forever friend,
Kathryn