Last in the long line

Today was it, the last day of preschool for KP.

We, our family, has been going to this preschool for six solid years.  We have gotten to know the teachers well and they have gotten to know us and our kids, each one of them with their very own special personalities.

And on the last day I realized KP had no idea what was going on.  We never really talked about it, it just came. In fact it came so fast that I did not give it too much thought.

The group gift was purchased, I gave my money and then this morning I thought I should maybe do something a little extra special SINCE WE HAVE BEEN WITH THEM FOR SIX YEARS.  I thought maybe a plant, a nice thoughtful note, something…extra.

Instead I did nothing and when it came time to leave at the end of the day after the wonderful slide show, the handing out of certificates and the picnic, KP didn’t even want to get his picture taken with his teachers.

It was almost like walking out of school and just telling everyone to SUCK IT!

I guess he’s ready to move on.

Just funny

The other day during a morning run, T-odd told us about the new tri top he purchased for the upcoming season.  Then he went on to tell us about his struggles gettting it on.

It got even more funny when he blogged about it and added photos.

Lets here it for my mother!

As most of you know my mother doesn’t really align with me on my LOVE of working out.

But after all these years, today we had this conversation:

Mom:  What are you doing today?

Me:  Going on a bike ride with Todd and Courtney.

Mom:  OH Honey!  It’s so hot and soooo windy.

Me:  dead silence on the other end of the phone.

Mom:  But that means you will get a really good workout in.

School Work

Yet another story about bacon.

She writes, “Everyday I eat three bacon strips and I drink one cup of orange juice.”

Year long photo project: 3 of 3

KP turned five, as you know, last Friday.  That said, I have embarked on his 5 year photo project, which I love to do and gives me a reason to have my camera at the ready everyday.

I decided when CT turned five that I would do a year long photo project, a photo a day, of each child of their fifth year.  Then ultimatly, I would compile it into a book for them.

I can’t believe I am at the end of the line.  The books have not been made yet.  I want to give them out once each one has theirs complete.  In fact, CT’s photos have not even been compiled yet.  God bless flicker, it made it so much easier to keep it all organized with PJ’s project.

So off we go.  But I’m already wondering if I should do it all again at 10.

What will they be doing then?  What will they look like?  How much will they change?  It’s amazing the change you see throughout the year when you’re looking through a lens.

You should try it.

Who is this guy?

I love this photo.

This is PJ’s first experience being on a float in a parade. She really is very excited to be dressed up as a mini bride for the Historical Society even though it is not showing at this moment.

She has no idea who the kid sitting next to her is.

At the end of the parade I asked her what it was like being up there and what they talked about. She said, “Oh, I didn’t talk to him.”

High FIVE

Dear KP,

What a year.  How much you have accomplished, how big you have become and how wonderful it is to be with you.

You are chalk-full of life, you take it by the tail, whip it around and squeeze EVERY last bit out of it.

You certainly know what you like, who you want to play with and what you want to do.  No need to argue, you know.

If it’s not nailed down, whatever it is, you will break it.  The million year old fossil your brother gave you today…I give it one week.

Not so much because you are destructive, ok you ARE destructive, but you are also very curious.  What will happen if I break this fossil in half?  Do I get two?

You love like there is no tomorrow.  You hug like it will be our last.  And you are learning to be oh so patient.  You got it down to a point, but once we’ve teetered over the edge, everyone knows to step back or the same amount of loving intensity comes flying out in a very negative way.

Your little face and eyes are filled with so much expression you wouldn’t need to utter a single word, but you do, lots of them in a cute, funny, husky little voice.

I can’t believe you are five.  My baby, who is no baby, who has not been a baby for a very long time, is five.

This upcoming year will be filled with so many amazing experiences for you.  I can’t wait to see what you do with them.

I love you my littlest big boy.  Have a brilliant day.

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mom

Teeth

I don’t know much about the Dad’s father, he died before I was born.

But the two things that I do know are these:  he worked as a bellhop for most of his life at a very fancy hotel in Ohio and he always told my dad to make sure to check a woman’s teeth before he married her.

Running wild

I run with people because I am an extrovert, getting my energy from others feeds my soul.

Clearly I am emmitting negativity about the upcoming race to my compadres.

Nothing like getting a little love and support via the internet.

Kitty Cat Heaven

Sweet Arthur died last night.  Our ten year old Devon Rex that has been with us through two moves, the birth of three kids and the addition of all the other wildlife that has come into our house.

He started having breathing problems yesterday, so I took him to the vet.  They told me he had pulmonary edema and put him on Lasix and said that he most likely has congestive heart failure.  I did not realize when I left the vet that he would not be with us the next day.

It’s been hardest on CT.  They are true buddies. They always have been, even when CT was a baby, we would find Arthur in his crib while he slept.  That has not changed, CT will miss him sleeping on his head.

To watch your children be so heart broken over the loss of their pet is difficult.  It’s pain you can’t take away.

As Erik so kindly wrote today,

“Arthur has gone to get his claws and balls back–to a place where there are no screens on the doors and no counter top rules. He was the statesman among the fish, kids, hamster and hound.  He was a ranking member of the family, part of the gang, a buddy.  My heart goes out to
you all, and especially CT.  I miss him already.”

We miss you too little buddy, we miss you too.