What I'll miss about Ty because he starts kindergarten today. . .

I will miss miniature Lego pieces meticulously placed around every nook and cranny of this home: in my bed and under my sheets, on chair rail, on piano keys, on shelves behind picture frames, in the pantry, every where you walk and on every makeshift ledge that is level to Ty's height. Yet, they are never where you thought you left them and impossible to locate when desperately needed.

I will miss the "little man" in Ty's stomach that will remind him around 2:00 o'clock each day that he hasn't eaten lunch, as he is now in my kitchen desperate for food. Because, Ty is playing hard and can't break for lunch at noon, when everyone else does.

I will miss Ty begging for someone to play baseball with him in the backyard. Of course, he only asks during the HOTTEST part of the day when the sun hasn't rotated off the back yard yet. Anyways, that couldn't possibly make a difference.

I will miss Ty getting in the car to leave the house and after strapping on his belt say, "I'm thirsty. Can I get a drink?" or even better "Wait I forgot my Lego guy. Can I go get him?"

I will miss my little shadow that, as of yesterday, completely adored and loved to be with me because from here on out it will never be the same.

Here's to an awesome year Ty guy. I will miss you terribly!

Note to self: refrain from posting the same day emotions are running high. Drop off was easy, blogging is not.

Update: About three days into school I mentioned to Ty that I had missed him on one particular day. This was his reply: " I missed you too mom. I miss you every time I say Ms. Christensen's name."

A second Update: Again, I told Ty that I missed him being at school. I promise I'm not trying to manipulate the kid. The last time I told him I missed him was over two weeks ago and that's when I got his first reply.

Tonight while getting Ty ready for bed this was our conversation:

Mom: I missed you today, buddy.

Ty: I missed you too.

Mom: When do you miss me?

Ty: During learning time.

Mom: What's learning time?

Ty: You know, when you learn.

Mom: Oh. Why do you miss me then?

Ty: Because that's when the teacher doesn't know what I'm thinking about.

I love this little man. We'll let it slide that he wasn't paying much attention, right now "learning time" consists of your basic 5 shapes and the numbers 1-5. So day dream away Ty guy!

The first day of the rest of their lives

Ty's first day of kindergarten and Jaden's first day of fourth grade at Mary Marek.

I overheard this conversation between Jaden and Ty this morning, the first day of school, as they had convened in Ty's room - well before the alarm was to go off. Both were were beyond excited to begin their day. During this time Jaden took the opportunity to give Ty a few pointers as only an experienced sibling can.

Jaden (in a very strict low voice): "You know Ty, if you ever get in trouble for talking out of turn, or not listening, or not sharing you'll probably get a warning. After that you'll loose recess and after that you'll get sent to the principles office. You DO NOT want to go there because you could get suspended."

Ty: "What's suspended?"

Mom: "Jaden, that will be all. Thanks for the helpful tips, now go get dressed."

Happy 9th birthday today Jaden!

Birthday breakfast in bed is a tradition in our home. It is a tradition that, for Jaden, nearly didn't happen this year! Luckily, the birthday girl woke the sleeping giant and reminded her (or rather demanded) that breakfast be on its way. In my defense, it was 6:45 - honestly, I can't remember a single time during the summer that this "little princess" ate breakfast or even woke before 8:00 a.m. As well, school doesn't officially begin until tomorrow. So, I'll be on my game tomorrow and not a day earlier, even if it is a birthday. From the looks of it, she suffered miserably until her tray arrived.

Here's how Jaden wants to spend her birthday, as well as her last day of summer: breakfast in bed, put backpack together which includes labeling, organizing and then reorganizing it (that should take 2 hours or more, which allows time for this post), hair trim, hit the theaters to see G-force, catch a few HGTV design shows through out the day - her all time favorite, and meet dad with the family this evening at the restaurant Mimi's - they have a bread basket "to die for" says Jaden.

Jaden had a fabulous "friend" birthday party a few days back. Maybe I'll get to post that at some point.

I'll take 3 out of 6

Love being with my sisters!  Can't get enough of them.  Always question why I live so far from them.  Can't wait to get back together.  We missed you Deon, Charity and Elle!

P.S. Don't worry, that's just Vinnie's abnormally large leg that is going to eat us after this picture is taken.