Sweet Pea

As all mothers do, I often call the kids short nick names throughout the day. Most times, I'm not even thinking about it and the names just come out. My usual for Cole happens to be "sweet pea". Yes, I know, not the most masculine name for a little boy but I'm his Mom so I can call him whatever I want...

In any case, the last few weeks have been quite funny with this. If the boys get into trouble over something, Cole will look at me eye to eye and say (as I'm scolding him), "Hi Sweet Pea". It's the cutest, most innocent voice - and of course, it makes me laugh and crumble into a million pieces. Think I'm in trouble in the years to come? He's got my number...

Dry Run

...all of that worrying for nothing! I took the kids to their school today for about 30 minutes and dropped them off just to let them get familiar with things before they spend their first day there on Monday. I wasn’t really sure what to expect and frankly was a bit worried that it might not go well at all. As it turns out, they could have cared less whether I stayed or not and they had a ball! The minute I took off their coats and put them in their cubby, they were off and running, going opposite directions to check out the new place. They smiled and talked a lot – which is always a good sign. Tomorrow we go back again for the same routine - hoping that today was not a fluke and tomorrow will be more of the same.

Needless to say, I feel like we’ve made a great decision for them and I’m feeling so good about letting them go next week. Now the tough part – saying goodbye to Jessica tomorrow...

Our favorite Aunt

Happy Birthday Aunt Kathy! We love you.

School Days

We've finally made our decision on what we're doing Dec 1 when Jessica leaves us. Nevermind the sadness I feel about the part that she's leaving, we're happy with our decision and looking forward (sort of) to our new routine. The thought of finding another nanny was absolutely daunting to me - and something that I just couldn't do. I tried, for a week. Personally, I know that I've been spoiled and I couldn't imagine finding someone as perfect. I know that there are so many wonderful nanny types out there - but the thought of entrusting my kids with another stranger (of sorts) who would drive them places just didn't work for me. That said, our decision was made.

The boys are going to be starting a school program, with afternoon day care. We looked at a couple of schools and narrowed in on one which we are really excited about. I'm thankful that C. took an active part in our choices and his visits to the school helped to confirm that we've found a good spot.

My work schedule will change and I'll be working three full days a week, instead of 5 partial days. At first I had mixed feelings about this but since it's our only option at this time due to availability at the school, I've gotten used to the idea and actually like it. It will give me 2 days per week to spend with the kids and do some fun things with them. It's going to be a huge adjustment for all of us - in many ways. But change is good and I think the kids will flourish once they are around all of the other kids and in a new setting.

Looking back, I can't imagine a better beginning for them, having had Jessica with them since they came home from the hospital. We were fortunate enough to not only have in home care, but the most wonderful, nurturing, loving woman caring for them. She's going to be such an amazing Mom herself someday - and although we will miss her terribly, I feel so fortunate for the time we did have with her. She is responsible for so much of their emotional development into such loving kids. Her kind, gentle demeanor and child rearing philosophy parallel mine. That is key for the consistency we've been able to have.

I am not quite sure how to prepare the boys for her departure. At their age now, I know that subconsciously they will miss her and feel the void when she's gone. But I don't think that they will know enough to ask why she's no longer with us each day. They still are in the 'out of sight, out of mind' mode, which I think I'm thankful for at this point. They light up when they see her and she comes in the door each day ~ but I'm hopeful that with the new routine, they won't miss her too much to the point that it makes them sad. That in itself would break my heart, seeing them sad each day. In another few months I think we're going to be to that place emotionally with them so I'm glad it's happening now before they are mature enough to realize it. I dread the day that she's really gone - I don't know how I will tell the boys to say good bye to her THAT day. I myself will be a basket case, and if I had to guess, she will be too. It makes me cry just writing about it. Ugh, tough days ahead I suppose...

Nonetheless, we're excited and hopeful that we've made the right choice. In prep for this big day, we have procured their first little backpacks (or "rescue packs" as they call them, for you Diego fans who understand that lingo!). They love to wear their little packs around the house and put their things in them. It's a total hoot. I look at them running around the house with backpacks and can't for the life of me, understand how they got so big already.

As time passes, I am reminded, yet again, of how lucky we are. And I can't wait to be able to spend more quality time with them in the coming months with our new schedule. These days will be gone before we know it and they will be in school full time. I'm just lucky I have the chance to do so!

Life's Best Recipe

*Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

*Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

*When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________'

*Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

*Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

*Try to make at least three people smile each day.

*Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.

*Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

*Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

*Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

*Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

*You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

*Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

*Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their Journey is all about.

*No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

*Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

*Forgive everyone for everything.

*What other people think of you is none of your business.

*GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

*However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

*Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

*Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

*Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.

*Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

*When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

Someday....

...his wife or girlfriend will REALLY appreciate this photo (obviously, he WILL NOT find it quite as amusing as we do).

Dizzying fun

This is what happens when they eat vanilla wafers, and not much else, for dinner!

Sunday Special

Every Sunday for the last many months, Grampy (My Dad) goes over to my niece's to get her for Sunday donuts. Sometimes he brings the donuts to her house, and other times he picks her up and they go get them together. It's such a fun tradition for them.

Well, they brought donuts to OUR house this morning! The cousins were lucky enough to have breakfast with Grampy this am - what fun.

WE LOVE GRAMPY (AND DONUTS)!

VOTE VOTE VOTE

I hope that everyone is planning on voting next week. Please, make an EDUCATED vote on November 4th!

Halloween was a hit!

The kids did great on Halloween night. They loved trick or treating and especially loved seeing all of the lights and running kids while being pulled in the wagon. We're in for a real treat next year. Until tonight, they didn't really know what candy was - the cats out of the bag now!

Hope everyone had a fun, safe night - it was a great night for trick or treating!