A new leaf

So, ever gotten to the point that you are so behind with something that it is overwhelming to contemplate starting? Ya. Me too. Well, here I am, ready to re-start the blog. I'm *planning towards* blogging every day in December and hoping that will give me the ol' ooomph I need. I know, you're welcome, (mom) all of one's of readers.

As shameful as it is, I am going to back-blog the fall events that I've missed...there have been quite a few. :) My attempt is to blow up your google readers. Ha! So, here goes life in our house from late summer through the fall...

The boys had their first days of school....

Jack was so excited to go to school that this was the best picture I could get. You can see his feet blurring from moving towards his teacher. No tears, or even "bye mama" from this guy! He goes twice a week (and wishes it was every day!)

Ryan was also excited to go to preschool. He was thankful for Lydia to be in his class. Ryan goes all 5 days, 9-1.

Saying goodbye!

 

Obligatory front door pictures. :)

I spy

As we drove to church this morning the big kids were playing in the back.

Anna-Kate: "I spy with my little eye something blue."
Ryan: "I know, it's your shoe."
AK: (full of superiority) "Ryan, this shoe is black, not navy blue."
R: "Umm, I know, it's your shoe!" (totally reminded me of Dory from Finding Nemo).
AK: "No!"
R: "It's the clouds!"
AK: (very teacherly) " Now Ryan, clouds are white."
R: "Not the sky, the air--it's the air!"
AK: "Ryan, it isn't the air, it's the firmament. This ones too hard for you. I spy with my little eye something pink. It's on me. It's my dress."

We were rolling.

Favorites, the Pre-school edition

                      Favorites, the Pre-school edition.

                         Ryan Aug. 2012

     1. What is your favorite toy? Spiderman and Capt America

2. What is your favorite color? Blue

3. What is your favorite fruit? Cantelope and watermelon

4. What is your favorite TV show? Batman (old Adam West)

5. What is your favorite movie? Robin Hood

6. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Fish sticks (and Fish tacos)

7. What is your favorite outfit? Turquoise polo shirt (has a rainbow ribbon on the inside of the collar that he is obsessed with)

8. What is your favorite game? Candyland

9. What is your favorite snack? Spiderman cheezits

10. What is your favorite animal? Horses

11. What is your favorite song? Hakuna Matata

12. What is your favorite book? The cookie book

13. What is your favorite vacation place? White Water (or Animal kingdom water)

14. What is your favorite thing to play? Dress up

15. Who is your best friend at school? Lydia

16. Who is your best friend at church? Henry

17. What is your favorite sport? Baseball and basketball

18. What is your favorite thing to do outside? play chase

19. What is your favorite drink? lemonade

20. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween and Christmas

21. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Blanket, Max, lambie, brown bear

22. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?  oatmeal

23. What is your favorite restaurant? Pizza

24. What do you want to be when you grow up? Army man

25. What is your favorite thing about school? Playing with friends and the computer

26. What is your favorite school subject? Reading!

27. What is your teacher’s name? Ms. Mary Ann

28. What is your favorite thing you did this summer?  Watching baseball with daddy

29. What is your favorite date to do with mom?  Watching batman shows

30. What is your favorite date to do with dad? baseball games

What's in a name?

If you are me, a lot. :)

So I previously hinted at some of the "rules" or parameters for naming Mark. It became quite a lengthy and extensive list by the end of the process. :) We had many friends pondering with us as we attempted to find the perfect name.

Family name.  Had a good meaning. Four letters long.  Contained an "A".  Did not begin with "A", "R", "J" or "H". Couldn't end the same way as our last name. Not short for anything (ie, "Will" was off the table because it is short for William).

***

So, for fun, I will include all of the kids' names and their meanings.

Anna-Grace, favor
Kate-Pure
Ruth-Faithful friend

Ryan-Little king
Elliot-My God is the Lord

Jack-God is gracious/His gracious gift
Henry-Ruler of the home

Mark-Strong warrior
Christopher-Bearer of Christ

I have loved watching my kids grow up and take on their names, and what their name meanings have brought us to pray for them. Just a little special thing for me.

Chapters ending...

Here's a quick rundown that I've had most morning and evening with my unborn babe, on why he can't join us in this world until June 1.

1. His sister's birthday is all the party planning I can handle mid-May.
2. By the same token, we already have a family birthday in May, he can take June.
3. I wanted to finish school and be able to attend all of Ryan and Anna-Kate's end of the year things (ballet recitals, soccer games/parties, field days, last day of school stuff etc).

Clearly, we have a good listener on our hands. :) While it still isn't June, the major milestone of school ending, has come and gone. And I now have a pre-K4 and a 1st grader on my hands! Completely boggles my mind how this is possible.

Anyway, Ryan's school ended a week before Anna-Kate's. We had a sweet little party with pizza and icecream sundaes for the kids, their closing program that night and then a family carnival the following morning. So fun, super cute, and just completely re-confirmed the decision we made to move him--precious school, precious director and just an all around good thing. So pleased. 

 They had a luau themed party, complete with soccer plates. :)

Ryan and Lydia

Jack on cloud 9 with his bowl of icecream, sprinkles, gummy bears and "treats" (m&m's which he normally only gets for going potty. Lol).

Ryan with his sweet teachers, Grace and Lori

Jack at the carnival the following morning. Both boys couldn't get over their luck that there was cotton candy. :)

In fact, Ryan couldn't be bothered to stop eating and smile. :)

After our hotdogs, chips, cookies, cotton candy, snow cones, and time on the bounce house, Ryan opted into some face painting. He convinced Ms. Lori to give him a pirate patch. Sad that I felt very cool for not telling him no. He looked like he'd been punched by that evening in the pool for his sisters' birthday party...

With his best buddy at school, (besides Lyd, of course) Graeme. So sad they won't be together next year. Graeme is joining his sister at her school for pre-k. 

In the new format of blogger, I haven't figured out how to move pictures that are uploaded out of order...so these shall remain out of order. :) The Thursday evening show.

 Ryan and Lyd waiting to go on stage.

I love the intensity with which Ryan is pointing to his eyes. Lol.

Smiling and singing...love it.

The following week was Anna-Kate's big week! She had field day on Wednesday followed by a very sweet and special last day of school (chapel and a small party in her class). 

Yep, I got her to wear shorts. We "girled" it up with a pink accented hat and bows on the shoulders to try and keep the humongous shirt on. :) 

Haley, Marin, Anna-Kate and Natalie. So blessed with sweet little girls in her class. :)

 with Grace

Her TA, Mrs. Byrd and teacher, Miss Miller. Such a blessing they were this year. In addition to teaching the kids all of the academics, they helped bring my sweet girl out of her shell, make her comfortable being away from me all day, and frankly, helped me be OK with them having my girl all day. No small feat. :)

The kids stood and recited the whole of Psalm 8 for the parents--complete with energy and hand motions. It was awesome! After, Miss Miller handed out awards to the kids for various character traits, creativity etc. Anna-Kate was given the character award for "her over abounding love, joy and servants heart." I was so proud to hear these words!

To celebrate the end of school we went with our friends to Costco for some pizza (though Anna-Kate opted out, still "not liking sauce"...and got a smoothie) and then to Chuckee Cheese for some game time. Again, sad that I felt like such a rock star Mama for this little gesture. :)

"Ride Seh-dee?" These two are so sweet together and Jack just talks about Sadie all the time. :) 

Date Knight

Last weekend I had the honor of introducing Ryan to the world of gentlemanly manners on a date. :)

Chick-fil-a has hosted a father/daughter date night for a few years and I have always loved the special time that Chris has had with Anna-Kate. However, I've always been sad that there is nothing for moms and sons (as, you know, I will have three of them and all. And, boys seem to need a little more instruction on the ways to treat a lady...). So, I was thrilled to hear about "date knight". We got dressed up, heading to our local Chik and were seated at a table with a table cloth, "rock" (plastic) walls, shield shaped placemat, (with crayons to draw/color the animals we wanted our family to symbolize--Ryan chose a mouse for trust and a lion for bravery) balloons and flowers. 

Handsome little man! So excited to wear his tie. :)

They gave all of the boys roses to give to their moms. He was so excited to give it to me. Precious. It was very special one-on-one time with my Ryan. We sat and talked, (there were even some suggested questions/topics on the table--like, "if you had to choose between never eating icecream or never eating candy again, what would you choose?" (Ryan and I both agreed we could give up candy before icecream!) and ordered off the menu to a server dressed in knightly attire. He got to choose anything he wanted, which included his own lemonade, kids meal with fruit--I shared my fries, and an icecream sundae (notice the chocolate on his shirt and the missing tie in the last picture? Lol.). I got to help instruct him on how to act on a date, like taking a shower and putting on nice clothes before heading out, not jumping on the seats, looking his date in the eyes, answering her questions and asking some of his own.

So, in conclusion, your welcome, future daughter-in-law. :)

Updates

Well, there is still no news on the insurance front. My adjuster is in the process of going through arbitration, so there hasn't been a final answer. So there's that.

 I had a lovely shower thrown by my sweet friend, Leigh-Ann, last week. But that is a post in itself. :) Chris was heavily pursued by an awesome company and finally decided to make a change in a couple of weeks. I am so proud of him and beyond thankful that his commute will be less than half what it is currently. Amazing. Praise the Lord for providing what we didn't even know we needed!

 Me. My back is still hurting. I'm not completely useless, which is an improvement, but am definitely starting to count days, which I don't particularly recall doing in previous pregnancies. 38 days, if you were wondering (And, holy cow! Typing that is UNREAL!!!). I was texted a "baby update" last week that advised me to have all of my baby clothes, toys, paraphernalia washed and put away to be ready. Ya, a bit overwhelming as we still don't have a nursery set up, (and I'm in the midst of dealing with my second fabric choice being sold out everywhere...I evidently have amazing taste...) a name for our child, (and thank you to Anna-Kate for pointing out last night that "Anna, Kate, Ryan and Jack all have "a's" in them, so we'd better have a 4 letter name with an 'A' in it too Mommy." Wow. I hadn't even thought of that yet. Great...) and are still in the midst of settling the big boys (weird) together in one room. Ya, hopefully they will get washed before he arrives. And hopefully the race to the finish nesting will kick in. By evening I'm doing good to walk upright to the bed. Sigh. I'm stretched a bit thin right now and am feeling my emotions heavily as I am dealing with a few disappointments. I find that I expect people to react, respond and do things they way that I would do them--which isn't fair, as God created us all differently, and is 100% not reality (unfortunate as that is...lol). Though I'm stressed out and worried about this summer, I am very much looking forward to a slower pace and more time to sit back and enjoy my kids (though, I'm praying they don't get bored out of their minds with endless summer days and a mommy recovering from surgery).

 Anna-Kate is devouring books. I'm so proud of her and thrilled that she loves to read! She literally is beside herself if she forgets to bring a book in the car with her. She's gearing up for her party and is thrilled that it is soon, along with summer. :)

I am loving Ryan at age 4. The freak outs, tantrums and hardness that was three has produced a precious boy who loves to learn and is a sweet brother and son--Praise the Lord! He loves his school, which is a huge blessing and has started giving me good information when he gets home (something I feared wouldn't happen as I've heard boys don't share as much).

Jack is still my happy boy--though age two has brought a new naughtiness to him. He will look me in the eye as he does something wrong and then just give the biggest, happiest smile in the world. Little stinker. He's precariously close to opening doors. Praying we can hold that off a bit longer.

Baby Caboose is continuing to grow. I mean, if we are taking bets, I'm betting he is close to 9 lbs and I'm not exaggerating! I can barely breath sometimes! He remains a bit violent in the womb. I keep telling him to get it all out now so he can relax and sleep in his lovely new nursery when he arrives. (fingers crossed). So, that's what we've been up to. (well, that and the 50 other things that have pictures associated with them that I am too tired to upload and blog about today...). :)

Credit cards

One of the gifts my parents gave Ryan was a Disney gift card. He was so proud of his "credit card" and painstakingly looked at every.single.toy we saw in all of the various Disney stores down in Orlando for the perfect thing. He finally saw IT...a Buzz Lightyear space shooter. Oh man, once he saw that, there was no turning back. He was set on it. He has since spent hours shooting Zurg targets and just making noise. :)

He was SO proud to give the castmember his "credit card".



I think my parents enjoyed watching his excitement so much they decided to give Anna-Kate an early birthday present of a Disney gift card so she could pick something special as well. She spent a {very, extremely} long time narrowing down the choices, but finally settled on a tiny (like 1 inch tall) Tinkerbell and her fairy house. It actually pairs nicely with her doll house and she's played with it a ton.

Proudly using her "credit card".



She had about $5 left on the card and I asked her if she would like to pick something out and I would keep it while she did chores to earn extra money to buy it. She said, "No, I don't really like chores so much. I think I will just wait for more teeth to fall out."

Awesome. Where did we fail on the training of work ethic? Something to work towards...

4 year old stats

Well, as we were at Disney right after mine and Ryans' birthdays, we just got around to that 4 year old well child check up. :) Ryan is growing just perfectly and got a perfect bill of health. He is 39" tall, (hilarious, and good thing I stuffed his shoes with socks so he could ride the 40" rides at Disney!) which is 20% and 36 lbs (45%). His hearing is perfect, his eyesight is almost perfect (he had a little trouble with the right eye when they covered it, but not enough to be worrisome for his age). He has my blood pressure (95/68--good for him!). :) Ryan was very nervous about his shots (so was I...4 year shots are not fun, there are four big shots, but he is now fully vaccinated and doesn't need more until age 11! Woo-hoo!). He tried so hard to be brave but ended with a few tears. Luckily, it was donuts with dads at school, so daddy was there to sweep him up and have a special time at school. Perfect!

Super Ryan!

Here he is, the big FOUR year old!



Sadly, no family shot. At least I got pictures of all three kids (and their capes--which has hardly come off Ryan's body.)! :)







Ryan has been talking about his super hero party for months. As I am not a "character" person, (be it on a t-shirt or at a birthday party) I began scouring pinterest and the internet for super hero themed parties, sans specific "guy". Found some cute invitations on vistaprint (thankfully, the kid pictured had blonde hair as changing hair color wasn't an option...but hey, they were cheap!). I thought to myself, "Oh, wouldn't it be fun for each of the kids to have their own cape? Ya, that'd be great, it could double as their party favor...think how much money I'll save." {PS, when will I learn that, at some point, time is money?} Anywho. I spent a long time making the capes (which originally were going to be personalized on both sides. Ended up with the child's first letter on one side. :) You know me and taking the easy way out...).

The forecast was positively horrible for his party day. 100% chance of rain {side note, the invitation specified bounce house. There were 16 kids between the ages of 1-6. I was sweatin' it out!}. We, as a family, prayed all week for the Lord to hold off the rain for Ryan's party. Anna-Kate even prayed about it at school. What a beautiful thing it was to look up to a blue sky Saturday morning and to talk with my children about the ways that God looks after His children and answers prayer--even in little ways like holding rain off (until about 1 hour after the party!).

Chris did an awesome job of following my vision for a skyline cut out and totally did this for me! I told him it was "as good or better than I could have done myself", but he already knew that. :) It looked great and I was so happy with it! I also envisioned superhero's hanging from it, but as we have various sized ones, he did great about putting them out to make it look somewhat proportioned. (click a picture to enlarge it. You can see a little of the invitation that didn't get framed before the party--oops!)



I had fun with the food. We had "super dogs" for the main dish (healthy, you're welcome, parents) and "super sauces" (mustard and ketchup) or "turbo sauce" (chili) to top it off. There were cups of "kryptonite", (green jello. Side note, it was melon, and actually, really good!) "x-ray vision boosters", (carrot sticks) "super stars", (cheese cut in star shapes) "lightening bolts", (grapes on sticks) and "incredible crackers" (chex mix). I felt very witty. :)







I consider it a good {kid} party when everyone seems to be having fun, the kids are active, yet not destructive, and I am not constantly checking my watch for when they will all be vacating my home. :) I'm happy to call this party a success! My parents came up the night before to help get ready and between chatting with them and my (adult) friends, I had a great time too! :) In fact, the kids were having such a good time that we almost forgot to open presents! (in fact, some had gone home by the time I remembered).

The group of "super hero's" (minus a couple who left by the time I remembered.)



Ryan thoroughly enjoyed both the opening process and his new toys. Amazingly, there were no duplicates at the party or of already owned toys. My boy was in hog heaven, and it made it all--late night, cake making, cape sewing, sweatin' the rain--totally worth it. Thanks to all who made his day so special!

Ryan turns four!

Ack! Attack! It isn't possible! {but it is}

We tend to make a big deal of birthdays around here and they also tend to stretch for days. :) Last weekend was his birthday party, (another post for another day) followed by a trip to my parents' house to see them and my grandparents, and then, the actual day. I think all told we sang to him 4 or 5 times. He loved it each time. :)

On his actual birthday, we had a big family breakfast and he was allowed to eat breakfast fully decked out in dress up costume--big treat!(Chris had planned to go in late after a big breakfast, but as Anna-Kate threw up the night before, he ended up staying home so I would be able to take dessert to his class that day). We had powdered donuts and ham and eggs, a birthday tradition and favorite of all! Ryan loved the candle and singing and getting the special birthday plate.

After breakfast he opened his gifts and was especially excited about the imaginext Joker and car from Anna-Kate to play with his Batman he received from his buddy Henry (and has subsequently hardly put down). Jack picked out a spiderman cup and plate from the dollar bin and I scored a batman costume for $2 from consignment, new in the package! My boy was in hog heaven (but I am since regretting giving it to him as it results in a major meltdown each time he has to take it off...). I got Ryan a bunch of new undies (as his others were all 2t...ha!) and Chris found a smaller pirate ship to go with his bigger Playmobile one from Tuesday Morning. All in all, a happy birthday, done on the cheap...success!
BUZZ!





Thanking sister...



Round 3 of candles!



BATMAN! (nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh--BATMANT! All I hear these days)



He is crazy about playing pirates!



I took him to school and later returned early with a cookie cake for his class. He (again) loved the candles and singing. Clearly, not shy of the attention. :)



That evening he requested our favorite pizza place for dinner (though he was so tired from the day that he fell asleep on the way there and only ate 1/2 a piece...). Our friends met us there and then we jetted out for his first soccer practice of the season. He is beyond thrilled that Chris is coaching his team. :) After practice, we gave him the choice of Chick-fil-a icecream or home for icecream with sprinkles and toppings. He chose home. Go figure.

The boy loves his chocolate!



As I wrote on facebook yesterday, which about sums it up: Happy 4th birthday to my precious Ryan!! He keeps me on my toes (and knees!) but I am so very thankful for my spunky, spirited, affectionate second born.

Making Memories

{so help me}

Despite my exhaustion last night, I trekked to Publix last night for a few ingredients for a special Valentines Day breakfast. Then I baked a pan of brownies for Ryan's party at school today. I planned to use my 2" heart shaped cookie cutter to cut them out, add icing and sprinkles. Unfortunately, I must have imagined owning said cutter as the only one I had was 4" wide--much too large to get 14 kids (plus their parents and siblings) a brownie. Sigh. Too late and too tired to fix the problem.

I awoke at 6 to preheat the oven for my heart shaped cinnamon rolls, showered got ready and put the finishing touches on my themed breakfast. The kids were overjoyed at their "stickies" (Jack word for them--actually sounds more like "sickies" but that's just kinda gross) and strawberry yogurt with sprinkles. Anna-Kate drank her pink milk in a large gulp while Ryan whined that he doesn't like pink, only white. Sigh.

We left a few minutes late for carpool as someone didn't want to wear her uniform, only something pink. {We compromised on a large pink bow and...gasp...red, pink and navy argyle knee socks. Such rebels!} The second I walked in the door, I threw some breakfast at Jack (so thankful he is eating reasonably well with a spoon such that "spoon yogurt" was not everywhere) and whipped up some mini cupcakes and some small cakes for the kids' dessert tonight. Got the boys ready and was preparing to walk out the door to take Ryan to school when it all fell apart. He didn't want to go because he likes me, jammies and home. Not cupcakes. Not ever. I think because he's had pink eye {oh ya, update, we've had that again. it's fun.} he and I have spent a bit more time together and just been "sick". Who knows really.

I'll just say, I did not cement mother of the year this morning. As I buckled a crying flailing Ryan into the car I heard myself yelling over him, "YOU HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL SO I CAN MAKE TODAY A SPECIAL DAY FOR YOU!!!!"

{Yes, I really said that. Please don't judge me.}

He then responded that he didn't want to be my friend anymore. I delicately responded, "I HAVE FRIENDS AND I DON'T WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND RIGHT NOW EITHER!!!"

{I know, I'm a horrible human being.}

Then he unbuckled his seat belt (oh no he did-n't!) Fire may have come out of my ears as I barely whispered, "buckle immediately". Again, while fault lies on both sides, I'm willing to admit it was not my finest moment...

We drove to school in silence as I wrestled with my emotions. I apologized and asked his forgiveness for losing my patience. Thankfully, when we arrived, he hopped out of the car and skipped in, holding my hand. He offered me a big hug and kiss at the door (without being asked!) and ran in to play.

I rushed off to grocery shop and then ice the cupcakes. I was home a total of 24 minutes and ran back to school with half a tray of cupcakes and half a tray of brownies. Thankfully, the kids didn't seem to mind the randomness. :) Ryan greeted me with a big hug and kiss then pointed to his classroom (we were in the hallway) and said, "now you go back in there. I have to wait here with my class and get sanitized." Lol.

I'm planning breakfast for dinner...ham and eggs with red pancakes and strawberries for the kids and a "date night in" for us tonight after they are in bed. I'm planning bacon wrapped filet, roasted asparagus, twice baked potatoes, fresh bread and chocolate dipped strawberries for dessert. Cause, you know, nothing says "I love you Valentine" like stuffing them full of high caloric food. :)

Thankful for my Valentine, for our sweet littles and for the Lord's grace that covers my stumbling through parenthood.

School conversations...by Ryan

Ryan: "Today Lydia told me at school that she was going to marry me. I told her I'd been thinking about it. We'll see, huh mama?"

Me: "uhh, sure. God already knows who you will marry we just have to wait and see."

R: "Well, I know all about how to marry a girl."

Me: "Oh really?"

R: "Yep. I have to kiss her. Then she gets a baby in her tummy. Then we are married."

Me: "Well, I'll say it's a bit more complicated than that...and let's be clear, God puts babies in tummy's after you are married."

R: "Right."
***

R: "I learned about Adam and Eve and snakes today. That mean old snake wants to kill all the girls."

Me: "Do you mean he tricked Eve and God made snakes and girls not like each other?"

R: "No, I think he kills them."

...I think he's missing a bit of the story...lol.

On the difference between boys and girls

Ryan has started his new school this week, and it's fantastic! Truly, an answer to prayer. He loves it, has a new little buddy and asks to take off his jammies and put on clothes (not normal for him, which means he is raring to go!). In fact, on Tuesday I told him to hurry and get dressed so he would have a few minutes to play with Jack before we left. He said, "I don't think I want to play with Jack this morning. I just want to go to my new school and play with Graham."

Anyway, on Monday when Anna-Kate came home from school she came in and immediately asked Ryan how his first day of school was.

Ryan: "good"
AK: "Oh, I'm so glad! Did you get to play outside? What did you have for snack? Did you make any friends? Here, I'll just sit down here on the couch with you and you can tell me about your whole day from the beginning and then I'll tell you about mine!"
Ryan: "Umm, no thanks. It was good, that's all."

Clearly, that is a nature, not nurture issue for boys. At least it isn't just me he doesn't spout out the info for. This is going to be a hard shift for me as I'm accustomed to getting a minute by minute play by play of the day (who wore what, who said what, who got in trouble, what everyone ate, and her thoughts on all of the above.). Sigh.

I guess I didn't realize I was spoiled. Silly boys. :)

Answered prayer

I believe in the power of prayer.

I also believe in gravity, but I see that happen pretty frequently (my kids, their eating utensils and toys would be exhibit A, B, and C, respectively). I don't often "see" highly unlikely situations perfectly worked out in response to prayer. But on the occasions that I do, it is a humbling and beautiful thing.

We have had a rough preschool year here thus far. There were a few problems we saw in Anna-Kate's transition (based on her preparedness that she learned, or didn't, in preschool) that were troubling and then a few problems in Ryan's class this year. We began by just thinking we'd move him to another Pre-K4 next year, then it turned to "I wonder if we'll last the full year", then "we'll put him out in between semesters" to finally, "we are pulling him out today...two weeks before Christmas."

To say that it's been emotional and hard would be a huge understatement. I wish I could say that Ryan has come out unscathed, but that would not be accurate either.

For perspective, in our town, preschools (well, schools in general) are extremely competitive. Registration happens in early February and if you aren't in a school already (by having a sibling there, or church affiliation) you are extremely lucky to get in at that point. Most often, you go on a waiting list (which can help you get in the following year). Anyway. As the situation deteriorated at Ryan's school I began looking around at our options. The various schools I called either put me on the list (we were number 17) or refused to put me on a list because it was too long that I wouldn't get in. Or, it was in town (far away) and really expensive (which would lead me to put Jack somewhere else, resulting in me driving to three schools next fall, with an infant, which is just not a sustainable/healthy family decision for us). I was extremely worried and stressed out, but, was confident that we were following the Lord and doing the best thing for Ryan.

So, last week I called a school I had not particularly heard of before, on a complete (desperate) whim. I spoke to her for close to an hour and had every question perfectly answered (no TV! No child ever alone! Two teachers in each room! The same writing curriculum that Anna-Kate's school uses! Zero tolerance for physical behavior from children! Fantastic playground! They stay until 1!). I could keep going, but those are a couple of high points. :) She said she'd had a couple of families move over Christmas and had space, but needed to call through her waiting list. So we waited, for a week.

She called yesterday and told us that not only had Ryan been accepted, but that his best buddy, Lydia, would be accepted and they would be in the same class together! I was overwhelmed at the goodness of God. What has been months of worry and heartache has been perfectly fixed. Had I called a month ago, she would have turned me away as she didn't know of anyone leaving and her wait list was long. The Lord gave me that school name at the perfect time. And He provided Ryan's little friend, Lyd to go with him.

We visited today to meet his teachers and see his new friends. We hadn't been in the classroom 2 minutes when a little boy walked up to Ryan, introduced himself, held Ryan's hand and asked him to come play with him. The boys played trucks, computer and I heard them talking about their love of soccer and hatred of shots--all in the span of 15 minutes. Ryan went from terrified of a new school this morning (which, I honestly can't blame him) to excited to start his new school and play with his new friends next Monday. My heart is overflowing with joy and with thankfulness for the provision from the Lord...for answering the deep desire and prayer of my heart.

Starting over in the new year

Well now. Happy 2012. :)

I don't do resolutions, so starting over for us is more in regards to school. I've been very worried and stressed about a preschool for Ryan for next year. It's just so competitive and/or expensive, yet necessary to be accepted to kindergarten! Ryan is determined to read--begs to learn and has even cried in frustration as he doesn't know how yet. We are working on it. :) I am not particularly worried about that aspect of his education. He does, however, have zero interest in handwriting, or even holding a pencil.

Anyway, in an extremely random conversation I heard the name of a school I hadn't yet considered (or frankly, heard much of). Turns out, they do the same writing curriculum as Anna-Kate's school. (perfect!). Every one of my concerns were addressed and answered as if I had been giving the answer. Bonus, it is ballpark the same price we were paying--so not a complete hit to the budget, were he to get in. And that is the big question.

Per usual, in our area, there is a huge wait list. Thankfully, 3 kids moved at Christmas, so she is calling through her wait list and will get back to me. We are definitely praying towards this being the answer for the boys and hopeful that this is the Lord's provision for us. Either way, it's been an encouraging day for me to feel peace about the situation and to wait. I know He will provide!

For the sake of documentation

As this blog is ultimately a journal for me to be able to look back on life, I feel I must make short mention of the following...

We have withdrawn Ryan from his school. The situation has consumed a good bit of my time and thought life this semester, culminating in an emotional climax mid-December. Chris and I are both extremely comfortable with the decision and believe it to be in the best interest of Ryan and our family. This is definitely us trusting the Lord and stepping out in faith that He will provide.

Birthday {x 2}

Ryan's birthday is in February. Ok, now that we have that clear...

I picked up Ryan from carpool today and as he climbed in he said, "MOM it's my birthday today!" His teacher had a big grin and was nodding and wishing him a happy birthday weekend. I was a bit perplexed and informed her of his actual birthday, in February {wondering what horrible things she had thought of me for not sending cupcakes in on my childs' birthday!}. She said, "Oh, well that's what I had on my schedule from the office. We made him a card in class, pulled him up on stage during chapel to sing to him and everything." {Ryan is nodding gleefully as she is saying all of this.} I said, "well, lucky Ryan, I guess he will get to be celebrated twice this year." Ryan jumps up and says, "YES! I love having two birthdays!"

Crazy kid.

So, per usual, I asked him the best part and worst part of his day. The best was going on stage, (so my "performer" non-shy kid) then he started fake crying/whining and said, "but the sad part was when ____ {boy who is always naughty/mean in his class} wouldn't even sing happy birthday to me with everyone. It was the birthday song and he wouldn't sing!" I said, "Ryan, it really isn't your birthday today." Quite displeased with the outcome of his day he said he just wished today was February. I told him he would miss Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas if that was the case. He said, "well, I wish it was all of those days today."

He's a dreamer. :)

The moment I stopped breathing

Today we went to Target after Ryans' soccer game. He was sitting under the buggy as we went out to the car. I had just stopped pushing and was reaching to open the trunk when I happened to see Ryan hop out just as the car next to us was backing up. I screamed "STOP!". Ryan instantly froze. The woman slammed on her brakes, missing him by maybe two inches. I was absolutely shaking. She leaned out of her window, almost in hysterics herself, and just kept saying, "I'm so sorry, I have children, I'm so sorry.". I was holding both big kids' hands and motioned her to back up. She said she would wait that she would feel more comfortable knowing they were in the car. She waited for 5 minutes as I buckled everyone. She then apologized again. Of course I wasn't angry with her, but I really couldn't speak I was so shaken.

Chris had been on the other side of the car and had missed it, except for my scream. As I explained the situation to him I was overcome by how truly blessed and protected we were today. I nightly pray over my children that the Lord would preserve them for His glory and put his angels to surround them. Today, I witnessed the protection of my son, and truly, an answer to my many prayers.

If I had turned my head one second earlier...if Ryan had not instantly obeyed me and frozen...if that woman's window hadn't been rolled down for her to hear me...my day, my life could look very different.

Tonight, I hugged my kids a bit tighter, will echo my prayer of many nights before, and will praise the Lord for his protection and faithfulness.

Boy talk

Every morning as we pull into preschool I turn to unbuckle Ryan, and as he stands up he asks me to "blow down the window please Mommy?". {he loves to stick his head out the window and wave at his friends as we get close to the drop off area. Social butterfly, that one is.} I can hardly stand to correct him.

At the dinner table tonight Ryan looked at Chris and said, "Daddy, I've changed my name. I am now Captain America."

Ryan came in my room early this morning and said, (in that loud whisper that could wake the dead) "Mommy, I have bad news. I'm awake!" {why yes, that is bad news...}

He is into the bad news thing. At lunch with friends today he came up to the table of Mamas and said, "Mama, I have bad news." I asked what was wrong. He pointed to a little girl and said, "I don't remember her name." Ha.

***

So, Jack is finally "talking". :) I am choosing to forget the fact that a mommy friend just told me her daughter, who is 1.5 months older than Jack is speaking in sentences...I know he has more than this, but this is all that is coming to mind at the moment.

He still signs more, please {"peez"}, milk, all done, up and thank you {"ank ew"} and he has finally learned to differentiate between yes and no. For example, a month ago, if I asked him if he wanted a cookie, he would emphatically shake his head no, then run to the pantry. Now, he puts his hand on the nearest chair for support and, bending at the waist, with a straight neck, rocks his whole body back and forth to "nod" yes. Hilarious.

"OW-KE-SIGH!!!" {with banging on window/door} That's Jack for "Mommy dearest, I would love it if you would please take me outside."

"Bzz-Bzz" {Buzz Lightyear}

"uhsairs/ouwsairs" {upstairs/downstairs}

"chuzzz" {cheese. aka, the thing he would eat forever}

"Nana"

(he's finally added to Dada, Mama, and Ah-Kay,(Anna-Kate). He tries so hard to say Ryan, it is just indistinguishable. And animal noises for monkey, cow, dog, duck...he has others, but those are favorites/the most comical.)