The BEGINNING

BACK TO SCHOOL

What a week it's been! Karson, as usual, was ready to go back to school. She loves learning--definitely a daddy's girl in that way. She couldn't wait to pick out her backpack and shop for her school supplies. I was content with the teacher selections for 2nd grade classes (assuming they would all be the same). When Karson started the 2009-2010 school year, she was going to be in Ms. Vincent's 1st/2nd grade split. Days later is was squashed, and she was moved to a solid 1st grade class. I really liked Ms. Vincent and thought she handled herself very professionally. Ms. Vincent would have been my #1 choice this year. However, when I polled all the kids sitting around me at lunch one day at Plano last year, all of them wanted Ms. Woods for 2nd grade. The last teacher is Ms. Strode who I've also heard wonderful things about. Three great teachers, three choices, anyone of them would be fine with me. At open house this year, there were a lot of changes and shifting around of teaching positions. Ms. Vincent is now a 1st grade teacher. Ms. Strode is teaching a 1st/2nd split. Ms. Woods remained the same. A title I teacher Ms. Allison was moved to 2nd grade, and then Karson's teacher Ms. Pridemore (below) was a new hire teaching a 2nd/3rd grade split.

Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful that Karson is bright and can hang with 3rd graders, but I simply wasn't expecting SO MUCH change in the 2nd grade classes this year. There are only a handful of 2nd graders in her class and a few of them have dropped due to the addition of some 3rd graders. It's hard getting Karson to talk about school (and always has been), but I have no doubt that she enjoys it. She's a fairly independent kid and works well on her own. I, on the other hand, simply want her school experiences to be positive and her to feel comfortable (which I know she would tell if she wasn't happy). I stress a lot more than I should. I've talked to the curriculum coordinator who has eased most of my worries. Plano is such an excellent school to be a part of, and I have been very happy with all the faculty and staff thusfar. I know it's going to be a great year for Karson my brainiac!

I lost not one but TWO children this school year. Isaac began kindergarten. When I registered him in the spring, I requested Ms. Rather and Ms. King as his teachers. I absolutely fell in love with them when Karson had them. I couldn't imagine Isaac not having the same experience. I wrote a letter and emailed Ms. Stephanski. I know the Rather/King combo felt the same way about us and told us they were trying their best to make it happen =). Guess what? It worked. Hooray! We saw his name on their class list and were thrilled! This year Plano had a program the day before open house called Panther Prep for all incoming kindergartners. When I saw that the orientation was FOUR hours long, I thought, ugh--no way do I want to spend my last Saturday before school at Plano all morning. I'm sure glad we did. It was really nice, and Isaac was able to meet Ms. Rather and Ms. King, all the specials teachers, take a bus ride, play on the playground, have a snack, etc.
He seemed excited about school and then came TUESDAY. I honestly didn't think it would be as emotional as it was. If you have access to facebook, check out the video of him on his first day (on mine or Matt's pages). He held it together for a minute and then broke down. It was heartbreaking, and I certainly hadn't experienced that with Karson. It was all I could do to hold it together. The thing that makes is easier is that he is with two fine ladies all day that will love on him and take extra good care of him. I know he's in the best of hands. As the week progressed, he still cried daily, but I think it will get better. School is such an adjustment--it has completely uprooted Isaac's safe little world. He cracks me up with the things he says about school. He say things like, "you don't want to get your sticks pulled" or "no mom, he doesn't follow the rules and won't keep his hands and feet to himself so I don't play with him". He also said this which I thought was cute. He told me that they had played a game in class and said "I played with one black guy and three peach guys". He's also asked about fire drills and the Principal's office. He told me that he cried one day because the teachers made him eat a biscuit (btw, Isaac never eats anything much less anything with carbs). It's cute hearing him talk about school and seeing his work. I sure hope he gets into the swing of things soon for his sake and MINE!

Here's the whole gang ready to set out on the first day of school. We love our neighbors the Chapman's. Their daughter Mia (seated by Karson) started school with Isaac and Laila, their youngest, will be in my preschool class this year.

Peace, Love and Community

No summer would be complete without church camp. We began a new tradition last summer at our church. We call it Family Camp. The camp is on Friday afternoon/evening, all day Saturday and Sunday morning, basically the weekend =). It's just perfect for our small church. Family Camp is held at Whispering Pines on Old Hickory Lake (about an hour from Bowling Green). Our theme this year was Peace, Love and Community. Above is our family sport'n' the tie dyed camp shirts.

What does one do at family camp, you ask? Well, we spend a majority of our time in the water. The camp is on a lake. A few people bring boats, jet skis and tubes for entertainment. The camp also has canoes. If the lake isn't for you, there is also a swimming pool.

-OR-

you can cool off in THE MUD PIT

Who needs a spa when you can exfoliate here for free?

We also spend lots of time eating the delicious foods the cooks prepare for us. I supply all the snacking goodies for the kids (chips and cookies). We also have smores during our nighttime devotional. Smores have to be one of my favorite dessert EVER!

Clowning around with friends at camp is necessary. I think these kiddos will be pulling some major pranks in the future.

The crevice is a camp highlight. Isaac made his way down the hole this year. Look out Mountaineering and Marksmenship 101, Isaac is pro-fessional. He scaled that wall about as quickly as any 5 year old could.

Karson was a bit more hesitant, such a girl! She's definitely inherited my "cautious" trait. She's very careful about any and everything that may be potentially dangerous. She made it all the way down the crevice this year. Last year, she made it about half way and decided enough was enough.

Karson, Elizabeth, Annabel and Cassidy playing a couple of rounds of CRAZY 8's. I see some rook players here. I distinctly remember sneaking behind the cabins at church camp (with my buds) and playing spades during "quiet" time. Don't tell Karen Preston our counselor!!! Sheesh, who needs quiet time when your a kid (I know who needs it now).

Family camp is a time to love on and appreciate your family.

We've made some pretty wonderful memories in our two years at Family Camp.

I sure do love my family (related and non-related)!!!

July What?

Anyone know where in the world the month of July went? I'm shocked that it is already July 23 and school is rearing it's ugly head. Plano's open house is a week from tomorrow. It doesn't feel like the summer should be over yet. Don't get me wrong, I love getting back into the school routine, but I'm simply NOT ready for structure and sending not one, but TWO of my kids away daily. And, Miles will be starting preschool (sniff, sniff). My days as a stay-at-home-mom are numbered.

Here are our top ten events of the month:

#1. After working hard on her "behavior", Karson earned a pedicure at her favorite spa SOHO. Note to self, do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT ever go to Soho on a Saturday, BIG MISTAKE. We waited for almost an hour because of a wedding party. In Karson's eyes, totally worth the wait!

#2. Spending time with family and friends at Beech Bend. I am so happy we purchased season passes this year. It was money WELL SPENT. I cannot imagine a summer without Beech Bend now. It certainly broke up the monotony that the summer can bring. Plus, it's a great way to wear the kids out.

This picture was taken minutes before the ride broke down with US on it. After we cooked in the sun for about 10 minutes, it finally started working again. The Wild Mouse has been Karson and Isaac's favorite ride this summer. They've logged many hours on the ol' Mouse.

teacups, pirate ships, flying bobs = big smiles

#3. Birthday parties. Evan and Elizabeth celebrated their 6th birthday with a pool party at Indian Hills. It was a fun-in-the-sun kind of day. (Above) Elizabeth, Karson and Kennedy striking a pose. Kennedy wasn't a party guest but was at the pool that day. She was in my preschool class years ago and played on my basketball team last winter. She is such a sweetheart and so is her precious family who I got to catch up with.

Pinatas and cupcakes~superb!

Evan and Isaac making waves in the pool~BIG WAVES.

Karson also went to birthday party for her friend Kaylee (middle) at the Skate Box. Karson looks like she is cross country skiing (and racing) when skating. It's comical to watch. I decided to have the "skate tech" loosen up her skates even more. She glided a little easier but still looked the same =).

#4. After two long seasons, both of the kids earned trophies for their accomplishments. Isaac's team was treated to a McDonald's party after their last game. You can imagine how LOUD and WILD it was in that playland with 12 hot, hyper little boys.

Karson's team was treated to party at Gattiland. It's been a great ball season all around. I hope my kids continue in organized sports, it teaches them so much.

#5. Backpacks have been selected for the impending school year. Karson was excited about picking hers out. The boys, not so much. I had to pick their backpacks up on a Walmart run. I did manage to organize all of the kids school work from 3 year old preschool up until now. I highly doubt they will want to keep when they get older, but I want to give them that option.

#6. I've been trying to read more this month. I wish we could've made it to some of the library events this summer, but it never seemed to work out.

#7. I've been preparing for Community Camp at Whispering Pines which is this weekend. I love that our church does a family camp over the weekend. It's short, sweet and a great time. When you're part of a small church, small events seem just right (although it takes a lot of work and effort from many people to make these small events happen). I like being in charge of kids crafts and snacks. I also decided to start doing an optional preschool storytime during the nightly devotional.

#8. I've been sifting through the kids winter clothes and preparing for the Polka Dot Door's winter consignment sale in August. I love consigning. I feel like it's a small source of income which I turn around and spend on replacing clothes for the kids. The PDD's sale is great because the return is 70% and what I don't sell, I take over to Kiddo's~win, win.

#9. No summer is complete without a silly string fight. The kids enjoyed running around a spraying each other. We may have to do a shaving cream fight next week.

#10. Karson attended basketball camp this week with the Lady Toppers. I logged many hours at Lady Topper individual and team camps during my summer years. Karson really enjoys basketball. We may have to get some Lady Topper season tickets. I LOVED Lady Topper basketball games.

Karson's friend and fellow teammate Erin attended camp. Karson's team name was the Lady Rainbows (sounds intimidating, eh?).

The camp ended yesterday and Karson got a medal, basketball, photograph of all the girls at camp, certificate, AND she received a trophy for scoring the most free throws.

~Sooo, there you have it, our July in a nutshell!~