Happy Halloween

I'm really glad that I seized the opportunity to snap pics of the kids in their costumes at our church party a couple nights before Halloween.  Because instead of trick-or-treating (and picture taking) tonight, I spent the evening at the Urgent Care with Ty.  Poor guy. What a bummer to spend Halloween getting stitched up.  Ty's chin connected with concrete when falling off of his bike (minutes before I was planning to call him in to unload dishwasher) and four stitches later we were home in time to trick-or-treat only one neighbor.  The same neighbor that brought our bloodied Ty in from the street.  And the same neighbor that had a large tote full of candy for Ty guy when we arrived home.  Jaden and Reese gave up half of their candy.  And Ty's good buddy, Jake, claims (via text) that he'll be sending half of his loot too.

Here are a couple of memories from Ty's frightful evening:  First off, I'm beginning to believe that Ty really is a product of Kyle.  When Kyle gets sick/injured he turns all sweet, sentimental and super grateful.  I couldn't help but notice Ty doing the same tonight.  For example: One of Ty's first concerns while he stood in my kitchen, chin gaping open, was that he wouldn't be able to throw a football with his dad.  On the drive home (and nearly in tears as he gazed out the car window) he apologized for my having to cancel our spooky dinner plans with friends.  Afterwards I told him to choose either Jamba Juice or McDonald's for a shake or smoothie.  His reply, "whichever one is closer so you don't have to go out of your way to get me one." And when asking what size of smoothie he wanted to slurp down with a numb chin he said, "a large, so I can share it with you."  Good grief, rip my heart out.  And on top of that he was a big stud in the emergency room.  Tough as nails -- just some pretty clammy hands afterwards.  Beyond that, he got out of dishwasher duty, piano and Kumon.

Anyway here are the kids in costume a few nights earlier.

Jaden as the Goddess of Wisdom.  Quite a big Lightning Thief series fan.

Ty, looking ever so happy to be taking a pic as the Nerf specialist.  It's funny how each kid goes through their phase of abhorring picture taking.  It seems like Jaden recently rolled out of this phase just in time for Ty to take her place.  And are you liking his shaggy hair?  I'm not quite sure what we're going for here but I can't wait to get where ever it is that we are going with this!

And last but not least, Reese in her second year as cupcake.  We're hoping to make it three next year.

Such a crazy and fun museum

One of our outings while staying in St. Louis with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson this summer.  After learning that Miriam, Scott and Lexee would be visiting Mom and Bob's the kids and I decided to crash their party by driving into town too.  I have too many pictures to post all at once from this trip.  So I've decided to break it up into events.  This is the St. Louis City Museum.  I've not seen anything like this museum.  It is so eccentric and cool and not necessarily child proof.  Enter at your own risk here.  Jaden left with a pretty badly scrapped up back.  Lexee was missing for a good 20 minutes.  Matthew got stuck in a crawl space.  And had I not gotten down on all fours, winding my way through the life size underground mole whole, I'm fairly confident Reese would not be with us today.   Nonetheless, we had a heck of a time.

Grandma Rowe

Such a sweet lady there pictured with my Jady Lady.  It goes without saying that it is always such a treat to visit with Grandma Rowe.  To my children she is a celebrity, as is evident in all of these pictures.  They are just beside themselves when given the slightest nod or bit of attention from Grandma.  They melt in her presence, hanging on every word she says or sometimes sings.  I have to admit there's just something about a little old lady shuffling around the house handing out words of encouragement, praising all you do, grinning from ear to ear when making eye contact with you and breaking out Christmas tunes on the piano in July.  When it comes right down to it she carries a lot of weight in regard to our making a decision in favor of driving 14 hours to St. Louis.  I am so happy my kids will have these memories with her.  

My last memory with her the night before I left town (this summer) was helping her get tucked into bed.  After turning down the sheets and helping her to climb in the bed, she managed to pull her blankets up under her chin.  She then rubbed both eyes with fisted hands, not unlike a baby.  Adorable.  I kissed her goodnight and told her I loved her to which she replied, "I love you, a bushel and a peck!"  And anyone who knows her can hear her now with that endearing, swingy, high pitched voice.  Priceless.  Such a privilege to be her granddaughter.  So glad my children have been gifted the opportunity to know her in this life.  Very sweet that she will end her days in the care of my mother.  What a lovely circle of life.

 

Anyone sensing a theme here?  Yep, she loves the color pink!  I hope I look as good as she does at 95.  I'll wear pink everyday if that helps. :)

       

To hear the video below you'll need to scroll to the bottom of the page and push pause on my music box.

      

Back to the blackboard . . .

or a laptop if you are Jaden and a promethean board if you are Ty. 

Having taken only one summer trip (to my mom's) these kids were ready for school to begin this year.  I always have mixed feelings about sending them off to school.  Selfishly I love taking my kids back for the summer.  I love that our regimented routine takes a back seat for a few months so that they can be kids again and so I can see more of them.  Summer gives us a chance to fill up on each other just in time for school to begin.

The start of this year held quite a few changes to our routine.  Jaden started Junior High as a 6th grader.  That's one school.  Ty continued at his Elementary school as 2nd grader.  That's two schools.  And Reese began her first Mother's Day Out program 2x a week from 9-2.   Make that a 3rd school, twice a week.  Everyone rolls out of here in shifts and all are where they need to be before 9 am.  How did my mom ever do it with 10 kids?  I can't fathom it.

And I'm happy to report that everyone is doing well.  All the nerves I've had about Jaden starting Junior High (that she didn't have) are subsiding.  I'm finding that she can hold her own.  Our attitude is that we'll just take one day at time and cross each bridge when we get to it.   

During Ty's first month of school he's been through two sets of teachers.  He's been able and willing to make the changes without much thought, luckily.  His first teacher was asked to teach at another school after 2nd grade numbers dwindled.  Then after about a week in his new class they swapped him over to a new home room.  I guess he'll just grow where he's planted.

Then there's Reese who has already won the hearts of her two teachers.  This week one teacher asked if she could take Reese home with her.  And neither of them believe me when I say she hasn't been in a school program before.  Unless they count nursery on Sundays.  I'm biased of course but I'd like to bottle her up pretty much every day.  I just wish she'd stop growing so fast!  I wish they could all stop growing so quickly.  That's why I hesitate (for like 10 seconds) to send my kids back to school, because we get so busy and then their lives seem to whiz past me.   Good luck to you three this 2011-2012 school year!  We're rooting for you all the way!

Happy 11, Jaden!

Happy Birthday, Jaden!  Or to rattle off a few of your nicknames for memories sake and pure embarrassment: Jady lady, Jady love, Sissy and Sis.  Here are 11 things we want to remember about you.  

11. Although I highly doubt you'll admit it, you really are taking to piano these days.  To the point where I have to ask you to quit playing so you can get some homework done.  I didn't think that day would come.

10.  When cleaning your room you remind me of myself.  I did more decorating and reorganizing than I ever did cleaning.  Going forward we've had to distinguish the difference between the two. 

9. Soccer is becoming your activity of choice.  You have participated in a lot of extra curricular activities so far, but soccer is becoming the front runner as the favorite.  You have all the heart, desire and drive one could ask for when committing to a sport.  Which is something you can't teach.  You either have it or you don't.  What you do lack is skill but we hope that will come with the new training you're taking on this year.  You stand out as a leader on your new team -- calling for and organizing the team chant, encouraging team mates and firing them up with your shrills and shrieks.  And my personal favorite, you mid play, craning your neck back while dribbling the ball to apologize to an opponent after accidentally bulldozing her over.

  

8.  It's no longer the HGTV channel that holds your attention when getting any chance to watch TV. It's iCarly.  But I can't complain because I've loved both of these shows too.  And I have a little crush on Spencer.

7.  As I am late in posting this you are already 3 weeks into Junior High.  Between me, you and dad, I've been the most anxious.  And I've tried not to let you feel that.  I can report that you are making a seamless transition.  So far you exude all the confidence I could have hoped for you to have when taking this leap into JH.  I'm so proud of you.

6.  You are now the rightful owner of a cell phone -- purchased with your very own hard earned money you made this summer.  Dad and I welcomed the thought of having access to you at the massive Junior High.  Not that you can freely use it but in case of emergencies.  As well, when it cools down around here there are plans for you to be biking/walking your way to school with a friend. 

5.  Junior High begins Pre-AP classes and you are currently in all that they offer.  With that placement comes a lot of responsibility to keep up the grade to stay there. You know that keeping a high grade is your "job" for the school year.  And it's a good thing dad's around to help you do that because we all know that Junior High is where I tapped out.  I'm kidding.  But Dad is hands down the better parent to play this role.  Thank goodness because, as you know, I don't have the stamina after 8:00 p.m. 

4. In typical sibling fashion, you compete with your little brother most.  Maybe that's the reason you picked up soccer again, because Ty got so much of our attention when he played.  Nonetheless, you are making it your own.  FYI, Ty could really care less and lets most of it roll off his back.  Apparently, he doesn't see you as a threat. :)

3. Something new I've learned about you is that you are getting a kick out of showing boys up.   You started off the year in an all girls PE class and didn't mention any discontent with it.  However, you had to change periods when we pulled you out of band placing you in a co-ed PE class.  And oh how the stories are pouring in each week about your accomplishments in beating out the boys in a running race or sacrificing your knees to make an out in kickball.  Where did this come from?

2.  You enjoy playing second mom around here but not in the lovely one might be thinking.  Just the bossy way that drives Ty crazy and sometimes Reese.  At least if anything happens to me you'll be able to carry out my wishes and commands for the family because you already think like me in those respects.

1. To say you are a big UT Longhorn fan would be an understatement. 

 

The "happy" toaster strudle was eaten before I pulled my camera out.  But I'm sure it tasted especially good because of its message.

P.S. I love this Taylor Swift song Never Grow Up.  Most days I think these thoughts about all three of you! :)