Vegetable Soup

Grady Adam Randolph – first day (no school)

My little guy, Graders, is two.  So, he still has another year home with me before he can start preschool.

HA – someone try telling him that!

He was devastated that he didn’t get to go to school this year.  As Ava & Garrett got ready for their big day, Grady got ready for his.  He got out his trusty “Thomas” backpack, threw in a toy or two & waited for his turn to explore the unknown, but, “must-be-ever-so-exciting-because-I-want-to-go-soooo-bad” place known as “school.”

Grady – in the depths of despair

Okay, so the big meltdown moment came after Garrett got on the bus & Grady didn’t.  Did I mention Grady was devastated?  He wa DE-VA-STATED!! By this point, he managed to get his shoes on by himself (funny, I didn’t know he could do that…).  I will say though, I think he has very nice form & should consider diving in the future.

Grady – posing on the porch

During the meltdown, one of the things Grady kept repeating was “Gleedy’s turn.  Gleedy’s turn!!”  I thought he simply meant that he wanted his turn to go to school.  But no, he wanted his turn to have his picture taken.  My poor little guy – he really is a sweetheart.  So, he sat on the porch just like Ava & Garrett & finally had “his turn”.

Grady – the remedy

After pictures, Grady started to get upset again.  So, I did what I do when I’m upset.  I bent down & asked him, “Do you want to go get ice cream?”  Thankfully, that worked.  So, the two of us headed over to McDonald’s.

Graders – bottoms up!

This picture just makes me laugh!!!

Grady – it’s a fun day afterall…

What started out as tragic for the little man ended up turning into a pretty fun day.  I didn’t realize though I had set a precedent.  After Garrett left for school the next day, Grady grabbed his shoes & told me it was time for McDonald’s & ice cream.  Thankfully, he didn’t fall apart when I explained that was a special trip.  We had fun playing for a while, then he went down for a nap.  Let me tell you, I was right behind him!  I’m looking forward to the four hours Grady & I will have together each day.  But secretly…I admit I’m also enjoying the hour I get to myself when he naps.

Hope it’s a great school year!!

Garrett Adam David – 1st day of preschool (3rd year)

Seems kinda strange typing “3rd year” of preschool.  Most kids only go 2 years!  Garrett started preschool early because he was part of the IEP program at his school.  The progress he has made is amazing.  Those who know him well, know how far this little man has come.  His speech is clear & his social skills have improved dramatically.  I am so thankful for every one of his teachers at his school.  I will always be appreciative for the impact they made on his life.

Garrett -  getting on the bus

Garrett loves the bus.  Loves it!  When it pulls up in front of our house, he bolts out the door & makes a beeline for the open door.  I remember how nervous I was putting him on the bus the first year he attended preschool.  Funny how we, as parents, have a tendency to worry about what our little ones can or can’t handle.  He surprised me that year by how independent he really is.  I did a lot of growing that year (still continue to do so), as I let my kids take chances & do things without always relying on me.  I learned not to hover over them all the time (especially Garrett) & instead give them space to try new things while I watched with a bit more distance.  In doing so, I learned how strong they really are…and discovered a hidden strength in me too.  I have a tendency to hold tightly on to things.  God has slowly been teaching me to relax my grip.  Funny…I never realized how much strength it takes to let go.

Garrett – on the bus

As the start of the school year drew closer, Garrett became more vocal about not wanting to go to school.  He & Ava are so different!  Ava counted down the days until school began.  Garrett kept saying he wanted to stay home with me so we could eat lunch together.  This was a bit odd because he’s always attended the afternoon preschool session, so we do eat lunch together.  Things turned around though, when I told him he could pick out his very own backpack.  Then he was excited!  We went to the store & he had lots of choices.  He ended up settling on the “Star Wars” backpack.  Interesting choice, seeing that he doesn’t have any “Star Wars” toys or has ever seen the movies.  But, this is what he really wanted.  So, this is what we got.  He was so proud to show Adam his backpack when he got home.  And he was even more excited to bring it to school!

Garrett had a great first day.  He really likes his teacher, classmates & especially loves snack time.

Grady’s turn tomorrow!

Ava Grace – first day of 1st grade

When Ava was 3 years old, her Grandma Bev gave her the book, “Strawberry Shortcake Goes to School.”  In a nutshell, Strawberry forgets her lunch on her first day of school, but all her friends share their lunch & everyone has a great day.  Ever since then, Ava has wanted to bring her lunch to school.

TODAY WAS THE DAY!

Ava had her heart set on a High School Musical lunchbox.  Oh, and it just had to be a tin one.  We searched the Disney Store, Walmart, Target, etc., but came up empty each time.  Luckily, we found one online!

I have to say, and I know it’ll probably sound silly, but this whole lunch thing really got to me.  I went grocery shopping a night ago & carefully selected things I knew would make Ava’s first lunch a special one.  As I looked for her favorite juicebox, I felt like I could start crying at any moment.  This morning she was sooo excited to help me make her lunch.  I cut her sandwich into four triangles with the crust off of course, gave her a pickle, triscuits & a chocolate pudding (hey, I even remembered to buy spoons! )  I packed everything up & handed her the box.  She was one very happy little girl.

Ava – on her way to school

Ava & Mommy

As we walked along, I noticed our shadows.  She’s really getting tall, isn’t she?

Ava – in her classroom

Ava was a little nervous today.  She wasn’t sure how many kids she would know.  Luckily, one of her very good friends was in her class.  She also has a fellow preschool classmate in her room.  So, when I left her, she was all smiles.  Her teacher is a sweetheart.  We met her last year because her daughter & Ava were in the same kindergarten class.

Garrett also started school today & Grady wished he did.

More on Garrett’s big day tomorrow (and I can’t wait to show you Grady’s pics…heartbreaking & funny at the same time!).

“Sad is the day for any man when he becomes absolutely satisfied with the life he is living, the thoughts that he is thinking and the deeds that he is doing; when there ceases to be forever beating at the doors of his soul a desire to do something larger which he seeks and knows he was meant and intended to do.”

~Philips Brooks

Looks like someone had a bit too much fun in the sun today!

I’m probably a bit of a nerd for posting this, but I thought it was sweet.

The doorbell rang just a bit ago.  I assumed it was one of Ava’s friends.  However, when I opened the door, there stood the boys who live behind us.

The older one looked up at me and asked, “Can Garrett & Grady come out & play?”

I seriously just looked at him for a moment.  You see, this is the first time someone has asked for the boys to come play.  I guess it’s just a little reminder that they’re growing.  Next thing I know, girls will be calling!

So, the kids played for a bit & then I got lunch ready.  I asked the neighborhood boys if they wanted anything & before they had a chance to respond, Ava piped up, “It’s okay.  You can order whatever you want.  She’ll tell you ‘yes’ or ‘no.’”

And I thought my waitressing days were over – silly me!! 

because that’s what I was doing until 2 am…

Yesterday afternoon, Ava came running up to me, “Mom,” she cried, “Can you make a princess dress for my Kit Kittredge doll?  Pleeeeease!”

Ava found some old material in my sewing basket that had Disney princesses on it.  Now, I use the term “sewing basket” very loosely.  I enjoy cross-stitching.  And I can sew on a button.  That’s about the extent of my sewing ability.

But I, wanting to be a mommy-hero, replied “Sure!”

Adam, being the ever helpful hubby, suggested to Ava that I make a dress that looked like this:

I shot him a dirty look & said I could make a simple dress.  That’s it.

I got out the scissors, some thread & a needle.  And then I stared at the material.  And stared some more.  And then felt my stomach drop.  I didn’t even know where to begin.

Ava looked at me with wide eyes, waiting for me to begin what, I assumed, she hoped would be a fashion extravaganza.  I considered offering to take her to just go buy Kit a dress.  But, there was no way she was letting me back out.  And it was at that moment when determination set in.  I was going to see this through.  Besides, I figured if turned out awful, then I could always dress it up with accessories.

I thought, “Well, whenever I’m being fit for a show, the costumer designer always starts with the tape measure.”  So, that’s what I did.  I found my measuring tape & got to work.  I measured Kit’s hips, waist, bust, shoulder width & even her inseam.  About this time, Ava asked when I thought I’d be done.  I told her two days, if she was lucky.

I made a pattern & hand-stitched the dress.  The dress didn’t go on during my first fitting attempt.  Let me tell you, that doll has some pretty broad shoulders!  So, I cut a slit down the back of the dress & managed to get in on that way.  I suppose I should add some velcro later…

Here is the finished product:

I like to think of it a dress with princesses, as opposed to a princess-dress. 

I had Kit standing on the counter this morning, so Ava would see her when she came down.

Honestly, I was nervous!  I knew I had to be a good sport if she was disappointed, but still, I secretly hoped she’d like it.

She walked in to the kitchen & was excited!  She even said she loved it!

I was actually a little surprised (and relieved!) by her reaction.  I mean, the dress is very simple & crude, not your typical fancy & frilly princess dress.

So, I asked Ava what she liked about the dress.

Her reply:

“That you made it for me.”

And that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?  When it comes down to it, I think what Ava wanted most was my involvement, not necessarily my skill (or lack thereof…).  She wasn’t looking for a special princess dress.  She wanted a dress that her mom specially made for her.

Before walking away with Kit tucked tightly in her arms, Ava smiled at me and added:

“And, that you put Cinderella on the front.”

Well, maybe more like 1½.

While in Tennessee, I cast a fishing line & touched a mountain.

Now, in my bucket list, I said I’d like to touch a mountain in Colorado.  I’d still like to do that, but now I can say that I’ve actually touched a mountain.

So, here’s to completing #2 & #7!

This picture was taken from our cabin.  In was amazing to watch the fog gently roll through the mountains.  Actually, if given the opportunity, I’d love to see the mountains in autumn – I bet they’re breathtaking.

Ha – I not only cast the line, but I managed to reel one in!  And for those of you who are wondering…

No, I did not bait my own hook.

Yes, I did throw him back. 

We just got home from Tennessee after a 10 day getaway!

I was down in Nashville for 6 days & then the rest of the family (along with my parents, grandma, aunt & uncle) came down.  We spent the rest of the vacation in the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge area.

It was a great trip – one I’ll always appreciate & remember!!

I have a bunch of photos to sort through.  I’ll have them up by tomorrow!

(hang in there just a bit longer Matt )

“God, I’ve let You down so many times.”

“No, (God replied) you were never holding Me up.”

I don’t know about you, but I think my heart skipped a beat when I first heard that.

Check out the rest of the skit below.

It’s about 10 minutes long, but it’s worth your time.  Trust me.

Thanks Dana for telling me about it!

I did, until I reached in the jar.

Pulled out Pickle #1 & thought it looked a little odd.  Went to take a bite & then realized someone beat me to it.

Call it the “mom instinct” or just plain ol’ common sense, but something told me this wasn’t the first pickle victim.

Reached in for Pickle #2, & sure enough, someone did a little snacking on that one too.

Pickle #3 & Pickle #4…same story.  Seriously.

Suddenly, I didn’t want a pickle anymore.  But, I did get a good laugh.

Dear Grady,

Next time you want a pickle, just ask.  Yes, there is a chance I’ll say “no,” as I tend to use that word often.  So, I get why you decided to sneak the pickle(s).

However, the next time you pull an “Uncle Kevin”…

Finish the pickle.  Or throw it away.  Leave it on the counter for all I care.  But, don’t put it back in the jar!!!  You’d be wise to listen to your Mommy, because if this happens again, a pickle is exactly where you’re gonna find yourself.

Hugs & Kisses,

Mommy

The flu passed & I’m happy to report we all survived!

It turned out to be a 24 hour bug, but let me tell you…those 24 hours blew chunks! 

Of the five of us, Adam was the only man left standing.

Thankfully, Adam was able to take Friday off.  So, he had to be both “mom” and dad all day.  I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again.  I don’t know what I’d do without my husband.  I’d be lost without him.

Today, the kids & I are going to the zoo.  We get season passes every year.  Now that we’re healthy again, we’re ready to get out!

Ever have one of those mornings where the best thing to do is simply go back to bed & wait for tomorrow?  Yeah, well…

This morning, Grady had a 7:15 appointment with the cosmetic surgeon.  So, the kids needed to be up, dressed & in the car by 6:30.  I decided to get Grady ready first.  I walked into his bedroom & the air smelt funky.  I turned on the light & found a bed full of puke.  Grady woke up, look at me with groggy eyes & muttered, “Mommy, I went hop-a-dee-a.”

hop-a-dee-a: noun Grady’s word for anything excrement related.  Inspired by the word “diarrhea.”

Luckily, Adam had not left for work yet, so he quickly gave Grady a bath while I got the other two kids ready.  We still managed to leave on time & made it to our appointment a little early.  Of course, it was raining & of course, I forgot an umbrella.  The kids at least had coats with hoods.  I was not so fortunate & got drenched before walking into the air conditioned building.

I was casually chatting with a nurse as I checked in.  All of a sudden, I heard Grady yell out, “It’s hop-a-dee-a Mommy!”  I whirled around and there stood poor Ava, puking in her hands.  The receptionist, who was a teenager, looked up and started yelling, “Oh @%$#!” over and over again.  Seriously.  I almost told her to shut it because the last thing I needed was my kids learning that word.  Instead, I frantically looked for a garbage can, but I guess they don’t keep those handy in waiting rooms.  The nurse ended up handing me the garbage can from the office, but it was too late.  The mess had already been made…oh, and did I mention that the waiting room was carpeted??

By this time, Grady was standing on his chair making sure everyone & their brother knew there was hop-a-dee-a all over the floor.  Garrett meanwhile kept trying to inspect the mess & pointed out he thought there were carrots in there.

Another nurse came out with a washcloth for Ava.  She wiped her face & her shoes.  I had a weird “mom moment” then.  I was standing there holding the garbage can while someone else was taking care of my kid.  I felt like I should be doing something to help, so I started to clean up the mess.  However, I was told that maintenance had been called to take care of it.  So, I settled for keeping track of the boys.

We sat in the waiting room until they called us back.  The seating was arranged in a U-shape.  The puke (which was now covered in a powder that smelled like oranges) was near the bottom of the “U,” so everyone positioned themselves on either side of it.  I can only imagine the internal dialogue taking place…

The nurse eventually took us back to our room.  The boys were nuts.  They kept trying to run around the tiny room, while attempting to open drawers & play with the garbage can lid.  They both got “the look” from me, but it didn’t phase them.  So, I mustered up my best “if you don’t stop it right now, you’re getting your butt whacked” look.  They didn’t even bat an eye.  Even the doctor commented about how “strong-willed” my boys were.

Thankfully, the appointment was quick.  Grady’s scar is healing & we go back in December.

We had to go back through the waiting room on our way out.  There, with his foot resting where the puke used to be, was a gentleman dressed to the nines.  I picked up Grady before he could squeak out a syllable of the word “hop-a-dee-a” and got right out of there.

I kid you not, as I write this, the song playing from “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” is “Yea!, Yea!, Yea! It’s a perfect day!  Yea, Yea! Yea!  It’s a perfect day!”

yeeeaahhhhh…I beg to differ.