The Power of a Lollipop

In an effort to avoid putting my son in a box with holes and shipping him across the country to somewhere in America, I gave him a lollipop as a bribe to go to school. Over the last week or so, he has gone from one extreme to the other. On one end, defiant and not adhering to 1st time obedience. On the other end, whining and crying. I was about at my wits' end! Seriously, I needed a drink.

Yesterday, he literally clung to my leg when it was time for him to go to school. I know what you are thinking. I am not a big fan of his teacher either. I cannot quite put my finger on it but she does not make me feel pretty inside. I am going to see about changing his program tomorrow.

However, today, I gave him a lollipop and he did not cry when I dropped him off. At pick up time, the teacher stated he had an awesome day. He followed instructions, played well, and completed his lessons.

Yes, I will give him lollipops every school day if that is what it takes. I know: it is a violation of Train Up a Parent rule number #42. It is either that, or I drink lots of alcohol!

My Other Scholar

I told NyCee to get ready for bed. She completed all but one thing- actually getting into the bed. I walked into her room and found her sitting in the chair "working on her computer." While I appreciate my child's commitment to her educational studies, is it possible that she can apply that same diligence to matching her pajamas. (Really, what is with that outfit?)

The next morning after breakfast, the kids headed to the car. When I walked out to the garage, NyCee was buckled up in her seat "working on her laptop." Again, I appreciate her commitment to education but may she please remove the 1000 toys from my van and neatly place her backpack on the front seat!

Sleepy Scholar

Tyler came home from school, ate lunch and said, "Mommy, I am tired. I want to take three (3) naps." I replied, "Okay" and he went to lay on his bed. He was asleep almost before his head hit the below.

At one point, he woke up, as for some water, walked right back into his room and went back to sleep. I do not know if it is pre-k, the heat or a combination of both, but he was exhausted!

(He did manage to find time to "read" his McQueen book before going to sleep.)

Kitchen Helpers

For mother's day, Nana Ida bought NyCee and I matching aprons. Super cute. This is the first time she has worn it. We decided to make cupcakes this evening.

I have decided that Sunday is has to be a day of rest. I am on the go all week long. Not anymore. Sunday is family day! Even if that is stay home, play games and make cupcakes. Earlier this afternoon, we played "Candyland" and "Perfection." The kids really like the new house. Much more than they did the other house. Definitely feels like a home.

Tyler's Birthday Song to Me

37!

Today, I celebrated by 37th birthday. It was a quiet day. Friends and family called or sent text messages. The highlight of my day was this morning. The kids each made up a Happy Birthday song for me. It was priceless.

They took me to dinner this evening and we had birthday ice cream cones.

I spent the day hanging pictures and continuing to organize the house. I am so comfortable in my new house. It really feels like a "home." I haven't felt that way in a long time.

Enjoy NyCee's song! (I had to post the songs as two separate entries.)

All Moved

The process that began last Friday, 8/12 has been completed. All of our things have been moved into the new house. I really like my house. It is a ranch style, approximately 1650 sq ft, and newly remodeled. There is a small but comfortable back yard which I wanted for the kids.

As a child, we lived in a colonial style house - basement, living floor and the bedrooms were on the third floor. Both of my houses in GA were two story houses. The house we just moved out of was approximately 2500 sq ft and two stories. I have lived in my new house for less than a week and there is great joy that floods my soul from living in a ranch style house. OMG!!! This is beautiful. I could own a 5000 sq ft house. But it needs to be 1 level unless there is a completely finished basement.

NyCee loves her room. When she comes home from school, she generally says, "Mom, I will be in my room playing a game." I think its cute how she has adapted to the house already. The house is approximately a 10 minute drive from the kids' schools. That is wonderful compared to the 25 minute drive four times a day. OUCH to the gas budget!

I have no plans to move out of this house until I am ready to buy a house. The kids and I will be comfortable here for a little while.

Ode to Grandma

NyCee and Tyler made up this little song for their grandmothers.

First Day of School

Well, the day for which the kids have been waiting finally arrived. The first day of school. NyCee was so excited she woke up 30 minutes before her alarm. This summer she began using an alarm clock. She turns it on at night as part of her daily chores. In the morning, she climbs out of bed, turns off the alarm, and gets dressed.


She played on the playground for a few moments until she heard the sound of the bell. Immediately, she jumped off the swing and ran to the line at her classroom dooor.



Tyler attends a different school because the Pre-K program at his school was full. However, the schools are approximately three minutes apart.



His teacher stated he did very well in class today. When I picked him up, he stayed in line until the teachers walked them over to the parents area. He said, "Hi Mommy. Thank you for taking me to school."

The Royal Treatment

NyCee is such a sweet child. We returned home after a few errands and I sat in the chair to rest. She walked up and said, "Mommy, lay down. I am going to rub your feet." As she rubbed them, she asked if I wanted some water to drink or fruitsnacks to eat. How cute?!