One Eighty {180}

Day 1 of 180.

I've said it before but I am so ready for a routine. The random days of summer were fun at first but have definitely lost their charm. I need to be accountable with a time constraint, I need quiet time in the afternoon, I need to run errands with only 2 kids and not 4. And almost above all else, I need time to blog! Really.

We started the morning with our traditional initial pancakes. It was a bit crazier than usual (Reed was screaming in the background) so you can tell which pancake I started with. By the time Dane's made it to the pan, it was too hot . Kat had a nice pancake with a slightly bloated K, Nate's wasn't too bad but it was huge and he couldn't finish it, Dane's was definitely burnt and he only ate a few bites.

They were all a buzz waiting to leave for school. I'm really happy with their teachers, Nathan has the same teacher Kathryn had last year. I don't want to do that every year but this woman lives for 1st grade. Kathryn is most excited for the classroom pets that her teacher has. A turtle and a hamster. I'm sure those animals wont know what hit them when she gets to them, she is a crazed animal lover.

Oh these guys are getting so old. Life was so hard when they were both young and while I wouldn't call it easy now, it's just a different kind of hard. My mom reminds me that's how every stage is. You trade your old 'hard' for a new 'hard'. I can attest to that and they're only (almost) 7 & 8. I love them so much and worry each day that I've armed them with what they need to have to be safe and happy in this world. It's not an easy job and as cheesy as this sounds, I wouldn't want any other one.

You can't tell by looking at this photo but Dane was in tears just moments before. I'm pretty sure he was feeling the stress of staying behind this morning. He turns 5 next Wed and so will have to wait another whole year for kindergarten. I'm really happy about that, it's just hard for him right now. He starts preschool next week and can't wait. I hope they're ready for him, ha!

On the way to school I realized Kat was in Room 8 and turning 8 this year.

Nate is right next door in Room 7 and he'll be 7 this year.

Can you tell they were over me taking pictures? Kat ran right off to the playground and Nate went to investigate the classroom until he found a friend. And then he was off and running to the field.

Since we've been home Dane has eaten 2 more breakfasts, a snack and insisted on calling his friend Kimble because he says buddies talk on the phone. Oh and he woke up Reed during his morning nap, claiming he was scared when I was in the shower. Bored seems like a better word than scared. He begged me to pack his lunch bag and while I was getting ready I just kept putting him off. Finally I told him, your school doesn't start until next week so we don't need to do that right now. He leaned into my ear with a serious look on his face and in a loud whisper said, 'Mom, my homeschool...'. Man, this kid has worn me out and it's only the first day. Thank heavens he's sleeping it off right now, he's had a busy morning, ha.

Back to School Night

We had back to school night tonight and were able to meet the kids teachers and see their classrooms. Milo had a big meeting and couldn't go or stay home with the 2 younger ones, so we called on Gramimi to save the day and she watched Dane and Reed. A thousand thank yous wouldn't be enough, it was sooo nice to just take the big kids. I'm not sure what they were more excited about, meeting their teachers and seeing their classrooms or the ice cream social in the gym at the end of the evening. I'm guessing since I'm their mom, it was the ice cream!

We went to Nathan's class first and Kathryn was ready be his teacher. It's the room she was in last year and of course she still knows how it's all ran. They made these pouches for the teacher's reward system and had a chance to look around. He found a couple friends to chat with and when he saw two girl's from his kindergarten class he said a very shy, awkward 'Hi' to them. He can be so wild and silly, I love to see his shy embarrassed side once in a while. He is my energetic, fast paced, smart, loving, funny boy and I can't wait to see all he learns in 1st grade. He's going to have a great year!

Kathryn made herself right at home in her class and went straight to the reading corner. She loves to read and thought it was hilarious that her teacher has a Where's Waldo doll. I'm so proud of this sweet, loving, smart, happy, caring girl. She has come a long way and I know she's going to have a fabulous 2nd grade year!

Moving on in His Life

For weeks now Nathan has been practicing his graduation song (see videos in the post below), 'Watch me as I graduate, as I move on in my life'. It has been cracking me up. Moving on in life right up to first grade, ha! We would be driving around town and he would start singing it to himself out of nowhere. I love it when he does that, it proves their minds are never, ever still. We gave him that little balloon and some candy not thinking he would be interested in a sweet bouquet of flowers.

All Reed wanted was Nathan's shiny balloon. All Kat wanted was to have a kindergarten class as cool as Nathan's. And all Dane wanted was to climb on the tables and eat cookies. None of that was surprising. We were so glad Gramimi could join us. She held Tankus (Reed) the whole time so mom and dad could run the cameras. Thanks!

Nathan's teacher is so amazing! I really can't say enough about Mrs S. She helped the kids reach their potential and I feel like she got Nate out to a great start for school. I know that sounds dramatic since this is just kindergarten but really, this is how all teachers should be!! All year she has been so encouraging and positive. I for one am really going to miss her as Nathan's teacher.

And we loved out teacher's aide, Mrs L. She is my aunt's sister so I've known her forever it seems (follow that?). She loves the kids and they love her right back. When we went on the field trip, kids just kept going up to her and giving her hugs. And she gave them right back. Thanks teachers!!

This is the pile of art work we came home with (missing a couple more). Plus 4 books, a writing journal, an ABC portfolio and a song book. I had to take a picture of it, am I really required to keep all this stuff for 20 years? I do love the sunflower he drew and painted. That I might keep. His favorite is the one on bottom left. It has a vellum cover that shows rain and when you lift the vellum, it's sunny. He thinks he's quite clever, ha!

Nathan, I can't believe you are 6 1/2 and that you have finished your first year of school. I have loved your attitude this year both in learning and obedience. I have learned right along with you.I learned you are loyal to your friends and will stick up for them and play with them when no one else will. You root for the underdog. I learned that you love math and reading and you retain most all of what you are taught. I learned that you can make an absolute mess with ketchup at lunch and not care for one second that you are a huge mess. I learned that you always keep your promises. I learned it's a good thing to let you go and I can trust you to always tell me the truth. Stay little just a bit longer, I love you at this age!!

Watch Nate As He Graduates

I'm sure that no one but a grandma or an aunt/uncle would want to watch 3 videos of Nathan but I couldn't resist. They aren't long but man I love to watch this kid sing. He get so into it!! And anyone that has seen him in primary knows I am not kidding! (I have no idea where he gets that from, ha!)

There he is, second from the left, singing his heart out. Sorry about the shaky camera and the red and white stripes that fill the screen for a few seconds. Don't people know when you're taping? (I'm kidding, sort of)

I'm going to do a real post about his amazing year and teacher but thought I'd break it up since this wont be added to the blog book. How did my first baby get to be this old? So sad they are growing up!!

School Lunch on the Menu

Nathan has been bugging me all week to eat lunch with them at the school cafeteria. I kept checking the menu as to when I would be the most brave and yesterday I took the plunge. On the menu- Hamburger w/ whole wheat bun, oven potato fries, birthday cake and chocolate milk. I can honestly report that it wasn't half bad. I'd brave that menu again.

They have a salad bar everyday too. With fruit, veggies and ranch for dipping, salad and fruit cocktail. We never had lunches like that back in the day (yeah, I'm aging myself). Both Nathan and Dane ate a plum and Kat had some fruit cocktail. Way more choices than I give them here at home too. I usually make a pb&j with a few crackers. No wonder they like this school lunch idea. Most days anyway.

I kept trying to take some self portraits but they table was so bouncy with all the kindergarten kids getting up and down none were of much success. All of them are blurry and I debated on posting them but (obviously) decided to go ahead with it. It was our first lunch together, right?

Kathryn was so happy to see us there. Nate's class came in first and from across the gym she saw us and started jumping up and down with excitement (one of her favorite things to do when she's excited. kind of like a puppy)

Dane was ALL over the place. He felt like such a big kid and for the rest of the afternoon talked about the other kids and how he got to eat at their school.

The big kids could not wait to get Dane out on the playground. Nathan held his hand the whole way. I'm not going to lie, I thought they were the cutest boys out there!

Dane has been waiting to go down this slide ever since school started. They kids have been telling him how it's a super fast one that will whip you down it. He was giddy! I loved seeing all of them together with so many other kids around. I know I'm sappy sentimental right now with being pregnant but it made me smile.

Apparently it's tough to find a ball out there during recess and Kathryn scouted around until she found the boys this soccer ball. A boy in Nate's class joined them and they ran the whole time. It's beyond me how they don't just fall asleep in class they burn so many calories. It was cute to see them all together. Once she found the ball for the boys, Kathryn was a goner, she wanted to get back to the swings.

I stopped them long enough for one last shot but as you can see they weren't really cooperating. Oh well. It made for perfect timing so Dane to get home and have a nap (me too!) because on the way home he told me he was really tired. I suggested a nap when we got there and he told me all that needed a nap was his legs. Good thing the rest of him complied, he slept for 1.5 hrs!

First Day Success

I'm most definitely NOT a morning person but last year on the first day of school I made the kids their letter initial pancakes thinking I would try for the over achiever award (I don't strive for that very often). It was stressful and too much work so I didn't bring it up this year. Last night right before I shut the door to Kathryn's room she says to me, 'Remember last year you made us our letter pancakes on the first day?' Well yes I do remember so, without meaning to, I guess I started a tradition. Maybe next year I'll adopt Christina's donuts and juice instead. WAY easier! (just for the record, it really wasn't too bad making them this morning)

Here are the kids with their letter pancakes and our play by play morning.

Notice I haven't tackled the peaches in the background yet. It's on the list.

Thanks for the gentle reminder last night Kathryn. I'm glad the pancakes could be special for you. It wasn't quite as crazy as last year but for sure I wont be doing this every morning!

Dane loves his letter 'D'. He's even started writing it.

Here they are getting ready to walk out the door. Dane wanted to wear pajamas and while any other day I'll find that totally acceptable today we were planning on getting out of the car so I made him dress in clothes. He wasn't too happy about that.

Dane didn't want them to go! He hung on tight while they were walking to the van. I think it might be him who has the hardest time adjusting. I'm afraid I might be boring.

We walked Kathryn to her class first. No surprise that she went right to her cubby (she remembered where it was), hung up her backpack and went and sat in her chair. I barely got a quick hug and a wave. She was funny when we were walking into the school. The title 'Tour Guide Barbie' (Toy Story 2) came to mind with all she was telling Nathan. This is so and so...let's say Hi to her. This is the way to my class. That is the way to yours. Oh there's whats her name, let's say hi. Anyone that knows her can hear her saying all of it. It was funny and I'm glad she wants to show him the ropes so to speak.

I was happy to send them today, not in a bad way. Just an I'm ready for this way. And I really am, when your kids start school it's a whole new life. They look so grown up to me, I can hardly stand it! How did it get like this so fast? I better stop, I'm waxing sentimental right now. It stands to get really cheesy. A mother's love.

Only half of Nathan's class goes today and the other half tomorrow. I guess it's a way to break the kids in, they call it kindergarten slow start. He will stay home tomorrow and then all the kids will be there in full swing on Friday. Perfect, I'll be ready to have him home tomorrow and even more ready to send him on Friday. He hung his backpack up like a big boy (he is you know) and found his seat. I can't wait to pick them both up and to hear about their days.

And don't go into shock people, 3 posts in 3 days? It's almost like the old days! Here's to more time at home, more time to blog and more time with just Dane while I still have the chance!

First Day of School Eve

Tomorrow is d-day, we start school. Any reservations I had with Nathan going all day were vanished today! This was my attempt at getting a photo of him bawling. My mom took a couple of me back in the day and while it seems so rude at the time, they are the funniest pictures to look back on. He was too smart for me though, he said 'Don't take a picture of me! You'll email me to people!' I started laughing cause he was so right. Probably email AND blog the photo. Smart boy.

My friend informed me that it's Heavenly Father's way of preparing mothers for the inevitable. Like college, missions, marriage. You name it. You dread it and dread it and then right before said event, they drive you INSANE and you are all for the change. Totally happened here today. He was bored all day and no matter what game I tried to implement he was not to be fooled. He wanted school and so did I.

Jill suggested in a comment that I get addicted to self portraits so Milo and I appear on my blog more. Tonight was the perfect, crazy opportunity. Milo gave the kids their Father's blessings to send them back to school. Dane was so cute, at almost 4 (on Mon) he sat with his arms folded and was ready for his blessing. I can't believe how old they are seeming all of the sudden. I'm sure it's thoughts of me having a baby around here again but these guys have really grown up in the last year. While we were taking this photo, 2 kids took turns crying, many heads were cut off and by the end we were all laughing. Thanks for the suggestion Jill, I ended up loving all of the ones we took.

Here's to getting to school on the first day ON TIME!!!

Two Wear Em Out Days

The first wear em out day was on Friday, we had a small reunion of sorts when we got together with ALL 14 siblings on Milo's dad's side. It had been almost 3 1/2 yrs (in my calculations anyway) since all of them had been together and it was fun to pull it off (remember most of the thanks goes to Shaila for getting it started). We went to the pool during the day (no photos from there) and from there we ended up at a park just out of town.

Dane was so, so tired. I took this on the way out to the park when we were stopped at a stop light. He was just begging to go to sleep. The next time I looked back I found him like this...

Crashed out! I left the car running (it was right next to where we were) and he took a good 30 minute nap. Which he totally needed. He is one of those kids that when too much is going on he will not eat. So I'm estimating here but I'm sure he burned off 5,000 calories while only consuming 500. Too bad my body doesn't work that way. I'm just not that active, ha!

{a little blurry but in all the other ones someone is 'acting' out, =)}

It wasn't easy getting all 14 people to look at the camera and look at it normally! We did it last thing of the night so everyone was tired and silly. Most of them are like that anyway so it was a double challenge. The big kids (aka MILO) were just as non cooperative as the little kids. But hey, at least there is a photo to document they were actually together right?! It's so confusing to explain the hows and whats of the sibling arrangements in this family so just trust me (and don't ask), Milo was raised with most of these guys.

The brothers.

The sisters.

We left the park after dark, it got dark so fast I was hoping we weren't leaving anyone or anything behind. It was such a long day but worth it in the end. I crashed when we came home.

Today I made the trek to my grandma's house (an hour away) to pick peaches from the orchard behind her house. I guess you could call it our second wear em out day in the last 4 days. It went so fast I can't believe we picked 5 big, full boxes. Many thanks goes out to my aunt and to Nathan (he actually learned which ones were ripe and only picked a couple rock hard ones). No thanks to Kathryn (she was playing with the dog and picking dandelions) or Dane (he ran through the sprinklers and jumped on the trampoline) but I'm glad they had a good time. We were back home in 4 hours and that is saying quite a bit since 2 of those hours were spent in the car. It's hard to visit my grandma (she's 83 and lonely) because she wants all day visitors and that is hard in her town (very small) and house (nothing to do). I was dying of heat in there (she thinks her house is cool at 78^!) and couldn't wait to leave. It sounds rude, I know. I'm blaming the raging pregnancy hormones for all the sweating. I started my van early to cool it off so I could drive home without the heat! Glad that's over. I'm not totally crazy. Only 2 boxes are for me. The other 3 I'm sharing. I couldn't possibly can that many and stay sane the first week of school. I'm pushing my luck with 2. I'll let you know how it goes.

Tonight was meet your teacher night for the kindergarten kids. In the first 5 minutes I could tell without a doubt Nathan had a better teacher than Kat did all last year. I'm so happy about that. Our school started every day all day kinder and for Nathan I think it's great. He is old and had to wait (his bday is Nov 6th) and he is beyond ready. I wanted this program, requested it and in the last couple weeks have been really dreading it. I'm happy he is ready but I'm so nervous to send him away from home all day! I question myself and if I've done enough to prepare him to be away from me (I think I have). With Kat in just half day last year I felt like she still came home and ate lunch with us and spent the afternoon playing so I still 'had' her. I hope it only takes a couple weeks to get used to it. For me, not him, I'm sure it will only take him a couple days he is so excited! (Am I the only one with these irrational fears, it is the pregnancy hormones or is this a totally normal I'm sending my kid away for 8 hours fear?) Just tell me it is OK?

We have Kathryn's back to school (grades 1-5) tomorrow and her teacher comes with great reviews (she sent Kat a darling letter and sounds so happy to be a teacher). We start school Wednesday so life as we know is will be officially over. Or starting which ever way you look at it.
So far I see it both ways. Bad for the mornings, perfect for errand running with just Dane!