Job Opening

We had to let our tooth fairy go. We are currently looking for a replacement. She seemed like a promising candidate, but just did not perform up to par.

She did a wonderful job with tooth #1. She delivered the appropriate monetary compensation for the missing tooth with efficiency and ease.

When tooth #2 went missing, she failed to show up for her duties.

What is this world coming to?

WON'T YOU PLEASE, PLEASE HELP ME

HELP!
HELP! I NEED SOMEBODY,
HELP! NOT JUST ANYBODY,
HELP! YOU KNOW I NEED SOMEONE, HELP.

I'm drowning in the sea of papers sent home by the school. I can't seem to organize them. I'm too paralyzed with fear to throw anything away. I can barely see my counter top. I think I've been blinded by all the fluorescent colors. And my fingertips are bloody from the paper cuts.

There's the artwork, letters from the teacher, reminders, letters from the library, info about the bus (Richie doesn't even ride the bus), scholastic book orders, nametags, lunch menus...the list goes on.

Strangely, though, there is no letter with a magical formula for maneuvering "The Loop" (now that would be a good use of tree pulp). And yes, there is a story behind that last little comment, but it will have to be for another day. The wound is still too fresh. I did try to share my "loop" story with Rich (try being the operative word), but he was too busy watching Star Wars over my shoulder. Atleast he didn't burst into song this time.

Whew! I feel a little better, but I still have the pesky paperwork problem. Do any of you veteran Moms have a good system for all of this? Please share before...

I

LOSE

MY

MIND!

Save the trees!

The Tide is Changing

Feel free to say it. I know you want to. Don't hold back. I know what you are thinking.

"I told you so!"

Today was a good day. There was absolutely no weeping or gnashing of teeth because my oldest child was at school and not with me. That is not to say that I didn't miss him or that I wasn't eager to pick him after school and hear about his day, but I enjoyed the day with William and Richie really seems to be coming into his own with enjoying school. Thank the Lord!

Today when Rich dropped him off at school, he said he walked into the school with a spring in his step. If you know Richie, you know that is the norm. He doesn't really walk, he skips. He's a joyful child, full of energy and life. He really threw me for a loop that first day when he came home without that spring. That is so out of character for him. I see now that he was overwhelmed and tired. I should have expected as much and given him license for that, but instead I chose to sound the alarm of my heart (BEEEEEEP!!! WARNING...WARNING...something is wrong...prepare for worst case scenario). Because I'm a Mom and I worry and Satan tells LIES!

Thankfully, I have peace in my heart. Has someone been praying this for me? Probably so, thank you! I'm not sure I've had the presence of mind to pray it for myself.

Will and I had a lovely day. We played at the park, took a trip to Target, and ate lunch together at a little table for two. Can I just tell you how much I loved eating lunch alone with that little guy? It was PRECIOUS. He was so stinking cute with his face covered in pizza sauce and ranch dressing, I could have eaten him up!

After we picked Richie up from school and took a short trip to the grocery store to obtain some essential items for dinner tonight. Yes, you read that right. I'm cooking dinner! And for the second night in a row!! That is a record for me these days. I finally got my stuff together and prepared a meal plan for the week. No more standing at the refrigerator wondering what's for dinner. Atleast not this week...

One last thing. Is it possible that Richie has matured in the four short days he has attended Kindergarten? He seems and acts older. Strange, but nice.

Aaack!

Wow, I feel like I'm behind on a few blogging things, so I'm going to play catch-up with this post.

1) Kindergarten Update

We made it through the first two days...only about 150 to go (actually I don't know how many, I'm just guessing!). I definitely had a harder time this week than Richie did. I have to say the emotional difficulty of sending my little boy off to school for the first time REALLY took me by surprise. I never pictured myself having a hard time "cutting the apron strings" so to speak, but I was wrong!

When he got in the car after his first day, he didn't seem himself. I think he was just tired and overwhelmed, but I took that as my cue to WORRY and FRET about his emotional well-being. I spent the whole second day in the "depths of despair" as Anne Shirley would say. Actually, that is a little overdramatic, but Anne was over-dramatic when she said that so it kind of fits. By the way, if you do not know who Anne Shirley is (I'm hyperventilating at the thought) that must be remedied immediately!

It turns out that I worried for nothing, because when I picked him up on the second day he seemed much more like himself and I instantly felt better. If you haven't figured it out yet, I am a worrier. In fact, my list of worries concerning this are so irrational, I would be embarrassed to name them. When will I learn to give them up to God?

2) I'm glad you liked my signature...



If you would like to create your own signature, Debra tells you "how to" over at and by faith...the blog.

3) Poll Results

My latest hard-hitting poll question was..."What do you call a carbonated beverage?"

6 (50%) of you say "Soda"
2 (16%) of you say "Pop"
3 (25%) of you say "Coke"
0 (0%) of you say "Soft Drink"
and
1 (8%) of you say other (as in you call a carbonated beverage something other than soda, pop, coke, or soft drink...not that you call the beverage "other". That would just be weird!)

As usual, I would love to know how you voted...especially if you are the one lone "other". I'm racking my brain to come up with "other" options. And "Pepsi" is NOT an option; so don't even go there!

4) Nice Twice!

I don't know what to say to Melissa and Suzi for giving me this sweet blogging award!



I guess "thank you" would be good for starters! Both of you have been a blessing to me and I can certainly see why this award was given to each of you.

I feel a little cheeky posting it on my blog, actually, but honored that you would think of me!

I'm also supposed to pass the award on to some other blogging friends! I hope my "real life" friends who also blog will forgive me for not passing this award on to you. It's not because you are not nice...obviously, I wouldn't be friends with you if you weren't nice ;-) I just don't think I can choose only a few from that group. So, I'm going to pass it on to some new "nice" friends I've met solely through blogging!

Rochelle at Dream Bigger

Kittyhox at Kittyhox

Janet at Life with the Wisners

You have all been encouraging, inspiring, humorous, sweet, and nice (of course). I enjoy reading each of your blogs and seeing life through your eyes.

Trying Something New...

When I saw Teri's beautiful signature over at Facedown, I had to have one of my own. You know how I love a little blog bling! And it looks like she got the idea from Debra! Thanks Guys!



What do you think? It makes me happy!

Now, if only I can remember to use it!

Struggling to Find the Words...

I'm still processing yesterday and today (day 2) for that matter. I can't seem to formulate the events of yesterday into a post. I have so many thoughts and emotions.

So, for now...

First Day in Pictures

Ready to Go!

I'll miss you buddy.

Hand in Hand with Mom

Does that door look BIG to you?

Greeted with LOVE by Mrs. R

One last squeeze from Mom

Full Circle

Remember this, Mom?



My Mom gave me this book before I started Kindergarten 27 years ago. I still have it. I found this picture of it on the internet. Mine looks very similar, but with a few more rips and scratches. I remember sleeping with it and asking to have it read to me OVER and OVER and OVER. It brought me comfort.

Tonight, life came full circle when I read it to my own son the night before his first day of Kindergarten.

The pile of tissues continues to grow...