Deep thoughts on Winsday (as Matt would have it spelled)

A week in review:

(themed: Life is Not Fair)

(1) Matt, the kids and I were out in Richardsville Saturday afternoon celebrating baby Samuel Garcia's first birthday. On the way home, I told Matt that I wanted to look at the Mt. Zion and Mt. Pleasant churches since they are/were in that area. (For those of you out-of-town bloggers, these churches of Christ were recently set on fire and destroyed). As we pulled up to Mt. Zion, we noticed charred metal chairs that were once part of a classroom, a stove that once existed in the church kitchen and piles and piles of ash. It was quite eerie! This church was totally destroyed. When we were pulling away, I noticed names that I recognized in the cemetery next door--Milam, Basham, and Davis. The Mt. Pleasant building was still in tact on the front but in bad shape on the backside. It looked like someone had come by and sifted through the rubble, salvaging a few of the song books which were stacked up. Boy, oh boy, were these horrible events teachable moments for the kids. I talked to them about anger and how we need to control it, consequences and punishment, sadness and feelings hurt by the actions of other's, etc.

(2) Life's just UNFAIR. I was reminded of this statement on Monday morning as Isaac received an excellent report at the dentist's office.
Poor Karson has been through the ringer when it comes to dental woes. I certainly don't want Isaac to have the same experiences Karson's had, but I feel badly that her teeth are in such poor shape. Just recently, she told me that part of her tooth fell out. I thought maybe a piece of apple or something she ate wiggled its way out from between her teeth, but when she brought it over, it was an actual piece of tooth. She told me that it hurt when she breathed, and I replied, "we need to see t he dentist if it hurts." Later that night, she told me "Mom, my tooth isn't hurting anymore." Poor child. I dread taking her back to the dentist because I'm sure that tooth will have to be pulled =(. Ahhhh! I did snap a few shots of Isaac at the dentist. I've never taken a camera in for Karson's visits--it's just a sad event all around.

(3) Bathtime is sheer chaos in the Deaton house. It happens around 7:30-8:00 p.m. We try to make it a speedy event because with three kids in the mix, it can QUICKLY get out of control. I purchased a bunch of children's play bath sets on clearance after Christmas last year that I have stored in our garage for birthday presents throughout the year. Karson got a new bathtoy on Saturday, and I knew that it would be an issue if the boys didn't have one also. SO, I decided to bust open two of the stored bathsets which happened to be shaving sets. Fun was had ALL AROUND. Miles and Isaac enjoyed their plastic razors and shaving cream. I'm not sure how to apply the "not fair" theme to this event besides the fact that I have to shave a lot more than Matt. He's probably the most non-hairy person on the planet. There was nothing cooler than getting to shave when I entered into the fourth grade, but it feels like a thorn in the flesh these summer days as a 31 year old.

Miles's NEW Do

BEFORE

Okay, okay it's been a marathon of posts week. I can't help it. Miles had his first REAL haircut yesterday at The Hair Den. Matt's barber Tray cut his shabby do. I didn't want to sport my camera at the barbershop and look silly. I guess that's the difference between your first and last child. Karson has about three photo albums FULL of her first hair cut. Obviously, I'm being facetious, but I think I took photos of absolutely everything with her. I've been pretty good about keeping up with photos for the boys too. I didn't want to miss this monumental event so here are the before and after shots. I'm not into shabby and Miles's do was getting out of control. Translation: my hair cuts are no longer looking good. Miles looked big sitting in the barber chair. I was ready for all out war, screams and tantrums which is what Isaac subjected everyone too at Miles's age. Isaac could not stand getting his haircut. I think Miles actually enjoyed the pampering. He sat there with a pack of grape Nerds in one hand, and a blue Dum Dum pop in the other (sugary heaven). It's amazing how a haircut can transform a look. Miles no longer looks like a toddler, but in fact, a little boy.

AFTER

Breakfast of Champions

In honor of Olympian Michael Phelps, this post is dedicated to Isaac, our all star eater. For breakfast this morning, Isaac stated that he wanted chocolate milk. My response, "you have to eat something with your milk." His reply, "okay, I'll have a fruit roll-up with my milk." Later on, he decided to have a bowl of Cocoa Puffs. For breakfast, Michael consumes: 3 fried egg sandwiches, 2 cups coffee, 5-egg omelet, bowl of grits, 3 pieces of french toast, 3 chocolate chip pancakes. Isaac took snacks to school today so I believe he ate pretzels, a fruit roll up and chocolate milk at snacktime. After school, Isaac chomped on a pack of Smarties which he chose for his treat. He also had two Dum Dum Pops while getting his hair cut at the Hair Den. On the way home, I asked him "what would you like for lunch? hot dog? chicken? macaroni?". He replied, "all I want is water." For lunch Michael eats: 1 pound pasta, 2 ham and cheese sandwiches, energy drink (1,000 calorie) After we picked Karson up from school, we headed to Mamaw D.'s house to swim. Matt ran to McDonald's (and our favorite China Express) to pick up dinner. Isaac dined on a cheeseburger, some fries and a Sprite. After dinner, he split an oatmeal pie with Karson (and chewed two pieces of Bubblicious). For dinner, Michael eats: 1 pound pasta, 1 large pizza, energy drink (1,000 calorie). Michael Phelps consumes 12,000 calories a day which is 9500 more than the FDA recommends. I believe Isaac Deaton consumes a total of 500 =). I'm definitely starting to see some distinct similarities in their diets. Aren't you???

Isaac has begun writing his name. I never worked with Karson on name writing because she likes doing things on her own (with NO help). She started writing her name soon after 3 year old preschool began. I haven't worked with Isaac either, and his name has started appearing on his papers. Isn't it the cutest??!!

Pizza and Corn

After patiently waiting two weeks (as was suggested by the Plano staff), I went to school and lunched with Karson today. Our lunch was the greatest meal ever invented by the school system, the classic staples PIZZA AND CORN! I didn't want to sport my camera and cause embarassment so there are no photos in this post. However, I did come across a google image that resembled what I ate today (minus the pretzel and fruit cocktail). Karson's class was lined up, ducktails and bubbles, outside the lunchroom when I arrived. I quickly took my cue from the teachers and lined up with Karson. We got our trays, fork, milk, fruit (I chose pears and Karson chose oranges), pizza and corn. Each child is assigned a lunch number which they keep until they are seniors in high school. As we approached the check out lady, I heard Karson say her number which we recited a couple times at home. I knew the number was correct, and the lady kept saying it wasn't. She asked for Karson's last name and was having trouble finding her in the system. By this time, I decided to stick my nose in and help out =). I told the lady that I was sure the number was right, but she told me some of the numbers overlapped others and had to be changed. Karson's was one of them. I had her write the new number down so we could practice it at home. After the number fiasco, we took our seats at the table. Karson told me everyone's name at the table. I enjoyed ever minute of the conversations I had with Karson and the other children there. We talked about a number of things ranging from when our birthdays were, what kind of car we drive, does Karson walk/ride the bus/or car ride to school, would I be going to recess with them, where is Karson's nana and does she have one.....etc. It was the MOST fun! I'm looking forward to our next lunch date. Maybe I'll try the chicken rings next????

A NEW Gym

There's a new fitness center in town, DEATON HOME GYM. Many of you know that I'm a walker. I love to walk. Sometimes I sport my iPod and make air dance and guitar moves as I strut my stuff down the street in some mis-match terribly put together at 7:30 a.m. work-out attire. And, other times, I meditate, talk to God, smell the crisp morning air (and exhaust from the school buses), listen to the sounds, and wave to neighbors who are probably thankful they don't have to witness my "So You Think You Can Dance???" moves =). Once Karson (and I) started back to school, I realized that my walking days may be limited due to time constraints. Karson has to leave for school by 8:00 a.m., and I'm at school on Tuesdays and Thursdays and also have to leave by 8:00. I decided to break down and purchase a treadmill. I found a really nice one, with a great warranty at Wal-Mart. Since it wasn't in stock at the store, I ordered it online and had it shipped to our Wal-Mart. Matt picked it up yesterday.

In honor of this groundbreaking event, me, Isaac and Miles decided to decorate the walls of our new home gym which NOW houses a weight bench and treadmill. If anyone is interested in placing membebership, please let me know.

MY NEW MILL =)!!!

Yet Another First

Isaac had his first day of preschool this morning. Last night when were getting the crew ready for bed, I told Isaac that we needed to pack him a change of clothes in his backpack. He ran into his room, unzipped his backpack and immediately started loading it with clothes. I sat back and observed as he shoved seven shirts and three pairs of underwear in his pack. He said, "I don't need any pants" but then proceeded to pull three pair out and pack them too. Needless to say, the token Spiderman backpack was cram-packed with clothes. Once he was in the bath, I pulled all the clothes back out and placed them in the drawers. He's a funny guy and sometimes refers to himself that way--"Mom, I'm that funny guy." He had a great first day of school. His job was flag boy. The year I began teaching at Greenwood Park EEP, I found out that I was pregnant with Isaac in the spring. I cannot believe that he is already old enough to be in preschool. I snapped a few photos this morning of "that funny guy." Speaking of that, I need to call Ms. Windy and see how he acted today. That's one the perks of working at the school, being able to call your child's teacher and talk candidly =).

Isaac and his teacher Ms. Windy.

Isaac's cubby and backpack.

Sunday Pictures

What does every parent do to get the perfect shot of their children in photos, BRIBERY. I told the kids they could have some Pez if they smiled nice in the photos. Whaddya know, it worked. The kids were all sugared up before church.

On the way to church I was telling Isaac that he starts preschool this week and that his open house is tomorrow. Karson chimed in, "can I go too, Mom?" I said, "Karson you have school tomorrow." She said in a very pronounced tone "AGAIN." I certainly remember feeling that way myself when I was little. Here's to another week of Kindergarten!!!

FIRST DAY

Our entire family made the walk over to Plano Elementary School this morning to deliver Karson to her kindergarten class. I was incredibly proud of our brave girl. We have worked hard to prepare her for this next chapter in her life. Plano had open house on Sunday, and Karson met her teachers Mrs. Rather and Mrs. King. The whole school process, paperwork, PTO, lunch numbers, etc. was a lot more than I had expected. We are lucky having such wonderful school systems in Bowling Green. I know that Karson is in good hands.
I got a handful of supportive phone calls today, received some kind messages from friends, and was able to attend a Mom's in Touch prayer meeting at our church building. Millie was my prayer partner this morning, and I feel very fortunate having her as a friend. Prayer (especially in the company of friends) is such a nice way to channel emotions. I usually channel my emotions through cleaning. It's always been something I can control and a form of solace and reflection for me. SO, the tears weren't flowing but the Pine Sol(ed) floors, bathroom mats, and laundry were done =). I also did some hedge trimming--what can I say, order is my outlet. When we picked Karson up, she told us how much she LOVED school and was looking forward to Thursday when they paint (oh my).

I received this email forward a couple days ago and thought I would pass it along. I solicit your prayers on behalf of Mrs. Rather (who Karson is posing with), Mrs. King and Mrs. Windy (Isaac's preschool teacher).

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TEACHING APPLICANT:
After being interviewed by the school administration, the teaching prospect said, "Let me see if I've got this right: You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning. You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride. You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook and apply for a job. You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the state exams. You want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents by letter, e-mail, telephone, newsletter, and report card. You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps. You want me to do all this, and then you tell me... I CAN'T PRAY?"

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Karson is selling Smart Cards for $12. If you would like to support the Plano PTO, let me know and I'll reserve you a card. I've attached the link below with all the vendors. This card is good until August 2009.

http://www.smartsavingslink.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=210

One Last Hurrah

My very kind parents are taking our older children to Holiday World today. My sister and all of her family are going too. I'll be honest, I simply didn't have the energy to tackle it with Miles this year. He gave us such a scare at the zoo, and since this is Holiday World's busiest day, combined with the fact that I'm suffering with a head/allergy cold of some sort, I opted out. My mom recently purchased a digital camera so I'm hoping to get a few pictures. I settled for the pre-trip photos outside this morning as Miles screamed and banged his head against the door trying to escape the house. His big thing now is adding the word "too" to every phrase. It's not just a simple "too". It's high pitched and emphasized, like DO NOT PLAN ON LEAVING ME OUT OF THIS.

Some examples:
I go bye bye TOOO
wanna pway Pligh Doe (play Play Doh) TOOO
wanna goc gog (hot dog) TOOO