Birthday Fun...

...but it's not for who you think. We have been on full birthday countdown mode since the second day of school. It just so happens that Issa's teacher's birthday is also this week--tomorrow to be specific. Issa finds this thrilling.

 

She also wanted to make a gift for her teacher, so we spent a little time trolling Pinterest and voila:

We had everything but the brown paper bag and the peppermint patties that are inside. The two of us had a blast making it. Issa did all of the cutting aside from the feet, and we tag-teamed the gluing. If you attempt this little owl, I highly recommend gluing and then filling; it is a little tricky to get things to stick when the surface isn't flat and you're working with a glue stick. I think it will be a very happy birthday tomorrow morning for the teacher, and then only one more day until my baby girl turns 7!

Bird

Well...this weekend didn't go exactly as planned. I had to work both days, and I spent much of the time in between doing this:



We had a tree removed Friday that was crowding the house. We hadn't really planned on having it done Friday, but our neighbor was having work done and the tree guy cut us a deal. About halfway through the process, they brought me a baby bird that had fallen out of the nest.

 

We spent much of the evening reading and mashing up worms to feed him with an eye dropper. The tree guys found the nest, and we tucked him in his nest in a shoebox on the porch. We also spent a lot of time talking about how young he was, how we hadn't seen mama bird, and how we were not getting attached. And then we named him Bird. We were attached.

 

Saturday morning, we woke up to check on the bird, and Brad and I pronounced him dead. He didn't move, and we couldn't see him breathe. Issa was relieved that we had tried to help: "At least he died full and loved." My heart nearly broke into tiny pieces. Lots of tears were shed, and then I had to go to work.

When I got home, Issa declared the bird was alive just as we were getting ready for the funeral. I took a deep breath, ready to explain, again, that Bird had died. Except...Bird was not dead. He was in fact alive. It was a "hurrah" and "crap" moment at the same time. We knew he had now been without food for a long time and his situation was precarious at best. We also knew the kids would never believe us if we had to tell them he was dead again.

 

I got some more worm in him, and we realized Mama had returned to a nearby tree. Brad found an old hanging basket, and we moved Bird into the basket and into the tree:

Mama Bird found him, and we were relieved. We know she tidied up the nest and flew in and out with food several times.

Yesterday afternoon, though, we knew Bird was dead. Mama wasn't around, and the evidence was irrefutable this time. More tears were shed, and Daddy took care of what was left of him.

It's hard to see the kids cry, and it was hard to lose Bird. I heard myself say he was pretty sick, but even I was so hopeful Saturday afternoon. What I do know is the kids know we tried. We tried to take care of a little soul who needed help. We were able to make sure he was with his mama, and we were able to make his end a little more comfortable. I hope that is what they remember, and I hope they learned a little bit more about trying no matter what the odds.

8

I have mentioned more than once that I am not a fan of the motherhood sucker punch. I can handle big transitions I see coming. I can handle the milestones after I've watched the process to get there. I can handle the incremental changes of watching my kids grow up. It's the milestones that blindside me that I really struggle through.

I got sucker punched last night.

I picked a very happy Issa up at dance, and she actually let me come up to the "no parents allowed" dancer's loft (because her friends had gone home and the big girls were all in class) to see her locker. She showed me how she had decorated and how she had organized. I know it sounds like a little thing, but it was such a big deal to me that she invited me in to this little corner of her world. I was on cloud nine.

We headed home to meet the boys after Evan's soccer practice, and it happened: Evan held up his first ever jersey with a big old "8" on the back. He's number 8.

I haven't seen him that excited in a long time, and I bit the inside of my cheek and gushed about how cool that jersey is.

Yes...I have known he is on a real team. Yes...I knew he would get a team shirt and socks. I just had pictured a little t-shirt that looked exactly like everyone else's. There is something about that 8 on jersey material that makes it that much bigger. He's bigger.

Next week, we have our first game. He will be 8 on the field, proudly wearing his jersey and white socks, and I will take all kinds of pictures and cheer on the Zebras, including my not so little man.

I'm "That" Mom

So...I may have a few mom issues. One of them rears its ugly head every September in the form of Halloween costumes.

I have some costume baggage. We were always late on the costume front, and I vividly remember some years where we were stapling white circles onto black trash bags and calling it a cat. In the grand scheme of life, if this is one of my biggest childhood blips, I'm dang lucky--and I truly am. But...I swore my kids would never wear trash bags for costumes.

Issa's first Halloween, I stumbled upon a great site for ordering costumes. She was the most miserable looking lamb, but the costume was so cute. She was just not a fan of hoods or mittens or really the whole get-up I subjected her to. But...ever since that order we are on their early list, which means we get their catalogue in September, which means the kids now think that everyone orders Halloween costumes the day after Labor Day because that is the company's blitz sale and Mommy likes a sale.

So...I ordered Tuesday, and I got the notice that the costumes shipped yesterday. We will have our cuteness a full six weeks before the holiday--no trash bags involved. Issa swore me to secrecy, though, so you'll have to wait for the cuteness...it will appear in about two months.

Zebra Herding

Because of my work schedule, I still haven't gotten to actually see our little Zebra at soccer, but Daddy humored me with some pics. I mean really, can he be any cuter:

 

The best part of soccer is still the shin guards. They are apparently fabulous. He also really likes his helper:

I'm guessing the helper is more of a Zebra herder. Evan is actually loving all of soccer:

I think that face pretty much sums it up. That is joy right there.

We have our first game Tuesday, and I will get to be there cheering on the  Zebras. I just have a feeling hilarity will ensue with this herd.

Blissful Nothingness

We greatly enjoyed our three day weekend. It was spent in blissful nothingness. That isn't entirely true, but it was the general theme. Brad did the yard work. I cleaned the house. The kids reclaimed their rooms and the playroom. We read stories and watched movies and laughed until we cried. That was it. Nothing remarkable. It was a much needed break from a week of constant somethingness, and I wouldn't have traded it for anything.

The Fun Part

I have been pretty honest that life at work has been brutal the past few weeks. Trying to settle in to a new old position, start a semester, and reshape a program is a bit much. Throw in 83 girls and a graduate class that is shaping up to be a tough group to teach and I've been a bit--something. I don't really have a word for it. Not overwhelmed. Not unhappy. Just...ugh. I think that's about it.

Last night, though, last night was anything but ugh. We had our committee supper last night, and I challenged my girls to raise the bar for themselves. I had met with previous chairs about sharing leadership and doing more than meeting. Last spring, there was nary a committee meeting--much less an event. It was pitiful.

If last night was any indication, though, we are in for one hell of a year in the best possible way. A senior lead a campaign to Wear Red for Ed last night, a symbol of unity with the profession. We jumped through all the hoops here, and their picture is already on the state campaign page...it was by 8:00 last night. As if that wasn't enough, they talked about how that was nice but they needed to do more. They are discussing ways to effectively advocate to the legislature, and I couldn't be more proud.

The service committee decided fundraising was right out--that's  not real service. Instead, they are working on plans to get truly involved with a group of girls at a local outreach center. They have set the bar high, and the groundwork is being laid to follow through.

The recruitment committee is talking about more than recruiting for our program. They want to show high school students that teachers are valuable and necessary. They are stepping up to the challenge of recruiting the best to be part of their profession.

Even the social committee is planning events that will help publicize the work of teachers in fun and new ways. They are way more creative than I am, and I can't wait to see what they do.

Our communications committee is embracing all of these ideas and developing ways to spread the word about the work being done on our campus and in classrooms. I watched them share leadership and ownership and build accountability structures for actually doing the work.

Through it all, I watched girls laugh and build relationships. I saw my freshmen become part of teams and assume ownership for the work. They were one group driving toward a common goal, and I couldn't be more proud or more excited about what this year will bring.

We Have a Zebra

Evan finally got to start soccer this week. After a complete wash out last week, he was more than a little excited to try out his shin guards and big socks.

We are still in love with the rec program. They truly seem to understand they are still working with littles--aside from the choice to put Evan's team in white jerseys and socks. The first item on the practice agenda was to choose a team name. Evan is now officially a Zebra! It may not be the most ferocious animal, but it is fast and has white on it. I can see it.

Evan was most excited about being able to play soccer monster. After two seasons of learning how to pass and everyone playing with his own ball, they are now starting to introduce the idea of trying to get the ball. Soccer monster is the perfect game to teach the concept. All but one player has a ball that they have to keep moving. The player without the ball is the Soccer Monster, and he has to get a ball. (You get the idea.) Evan was careful to explain you have to keep your head up if you are not the monster so the monster can't sneak up on you. He was also very clear that in a game you can only be a monster to the other team; you don't take the ball from your teammate. Brilliant!

We'll see what the next practice brings, but for right now, we have a very happy Zebra.

End of Summer Safari

The blog had a moment yesterday and wouldn't let me post, but let me assure you Issa is loving second grade and all that comes with--especially being able to read whatever she wants for her homework. Life is good.

 

Now, for a little flashback to the weekend. The weather was particularly gorgeous, cool and sunny, so Brad and I got the itch for a day trip. Enter the zoo.

 

We arrived shortly after it opened and managed to grab a prime parking spot in the first row. It was an omen of the perfect day to follow.

 

Our first stop is always the hippos:

Isn't every one's first stop at the zoo a statue rather than a real animal? The kids love the hippo garden just outside the entrance, and I love that they actually want their picture taken!

Evan isn't quite as graceful:

But he does love climbing on the baby hippo:

After we had enough climbing, we headed into the actual zoo, and I found a new favorite animal:

We have always stuck to the same path at the zoo--the short one because we were little and always managed to get there later than we planned. Since we are bigger and arrived way earlier, we took the long route and even had time to venture into the other half of the zoo. This new route put us much closer to the animals in the African side of the zoo, and I fell in love with the giraffes. I don't remember ever being so close to a herd that was so active. I now have a dream to travel to see them in the wild. I just have never seen a more majestic creature.

After the kiddos finally tore me away from the giraffes, we ventured off to see the elephants. After watching them for a while, we explored the exhibit that shows how they track elephants in the wild:

Elephants and helicopters--Evan was thrilled.

We also climbed inside ostrich eggs:

And then we climbed more statues and saw more animals:

But the real destination was the dinos!

Last time we went, Evan was feeling a little punk and didn't really enjoy his time. This time, both kids were all about it! By the way, Issa doesn't have a dramatic bone in her body:

This was Daddy's favorite dino:

We even had two very careful paleontologists:

Right before we got to the dig site, I might have gotten spooked by a dinosaur. We had remarked how one was tucked in some bamboo, and then right as I walked past he roared. I might have jumped and screamed a bit, and my family might be almost ready to let me live it down.

After a quick lunch, we made an amazing discovery. Evan is very big...big enough to ride the carousel without Mom or Dad:

Issa was a great big sister and made sure he was settled, and he thought he was pretty big stuff:

We wandered through North America and found all manner of new discoveries at the zoo, including this geyser:

After several attempts at a group photo with only one member looking, I decided the picture above was my favorite.

We left the zoo late afternoon tired but still very, very happy. I can't think of a better way to end summer.

Our Little Owl

Be still my heart. My baby girl went off to second grade this morning:

 When did she get so grown up? I blinked and all of sudden she is not so little any more.

Please notice the owl backpack and lunch box:

 Little Brother was pretty thrilled for Issa this morning, too:

Last night, Issa and I had our first day of school talk...

"Baby girl, you know that Daddy and I love you and are so proud of you. Nothing you could do would change that."

"I know, Mom."

"And you know we don't send you to school to be the best or the smartest."

"I know. You send me to learn and to learn to learn."

Even as a felt that surge of "she gets it," I fought the lump in my throat. "That's right, baby, and I am so very glad you know that. We also send you to learn how to be part of the Universe. We send you so that you can practice learning from other people, practice listening to other people, practice being kind.

"You remember how you were a little nervous the first day of boot camp, and the big girls helped you. They made sure you had a friend and they made you feel better. Sometimes, you have to be the big girl."

"But, sometimes it's scary to be the big girl, Mom. What if I don't know what to do?"

"Then you just do the very best you know how at that moment. You do the next right thing. And if you don't know what the next right thing is, you talk with your teacher. And when you get home, you talk with Daddy and I and we will help you figure it out. We will always be here to help you figure it out."

She snuggled in with Baboo, and she still looked little. She was a little nervous about second grade, but she was also excited. She just needed to know the anchor was still there.

This morning, I walked her to her classroom and helped her get settled and she looked so very grown up. She was all smiles when I looked back through the doorway. She was happily coloring her owl, Hello Kitty pencil box in front of her and fresh crayons tipped out just enough to see the colors. I fought the lump and didn't cry until I was safely in the van. I think our owl is in for a fabulous year, and I couldn't be any more proud of the person she is becoming.

What I Learned

This was my first experience as full time faculty at the beginning of a semester. Here is what I learned, in no particular order.

1. Holy hell.

2. No matter how ahead you are at the beginning of the week, you will behind by Tuesday.

3. Triage is not just for hospitals; it also occurs in lines outside of offices. She who is crying comes in first. She who has class in five minutes comes in next. Eventually, the line will be gone, but by the time you start a project it will reappear.

4. Holy meetings, Batman.

5. You really only need to have a syllabus and be one chapter ahead.

6. Keep a back-up box of tissues in the office.

7. Schedule changes happen, hit the fan, you get the idea.

8. I am exhausted--physically and emotionally.

9. There is a certain adrenaline rush combined with an emotional rush to the start of the year. Freshmen are teary because they are starting something so new. Seniors are teary because it is the beginning of the closing of a chapter. Faculty are nostalgic for the whole story, teary with the freshmen who become our babies, teary for our seniors who have grown so much and will soon leave the nest.

10. As insane as it all is, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now.

Fairy Guilt

Issa came to work with me yesterday and spent the better part of the day regaling every person she met--my colleagues and my students--with her fairy woes. She was not at all whiny, but she wanted people to know the fairy couldn't find her tooth and it was okay because she had a plan. Thankfully, I work with teachers and future teachers who understand the severity of this situation and made the appropriate fuss and affirmation of her plan.

 

This was the end result:

 

She put the tooth on her dresser so it wouldn't get lost under the pillow and made the Fairy a sign:

She wanted the Fairy to both know there were no hard feelings and also not miss her tooth. Who could miss a tooth with a sign that colorful pointing the way? I believe it is a tie dyed tooth.

Needless to say, that Fairy not only found the tooth but also left double the payment. Issa was delighted this morning, and we are all quite certain the Fairy will never get lost again.

Fairy Failure

Well...it finally happened. The Tooth Fairy missed Issa's tooth. We have heard it happens to everyone, and last night it was our turn.

Issa was with me at work yesterday, and for the first time she pulled her own tooth. I was talking to a colleague, and all of a sudden she blurted out my name. That is so not like her I spun around, only to see her standing there, bloody tooth in hand. Thank goodness I work with teachers who have the good sense to make quite a deal out of this.

Issa dutifully put the tooth in her box last night, but the Fairy never showed. There were tears this morning (from two of us). She decided the tooth must have slipped under the pillow in her box and the fairy just missed it. She plans to leave the box on her dresser tonight with a big sign and arrow. Thank goodness for creative children who identify the problem and pose solutions. I think we both might survive this fairy failure...but I have also heard the Fairy pays double if she's late.

Five Bells

With the new back to school schedule, my alarm has started singing at 5:00 am. It's still dark, and I stumble out of bed and into my running shoes or onto my yoga mat.

Yep...since I started in June I have never missed a run. I might have delayed a day, but I have made every run within 24 hours of my alert. I'm still going strong. Admittedly, I'm walking more than running these days because of a bashed up knee from an unfortunate encounter with the shower (no, I have not gotten any more graceful; yes, I will get it checked out if it doesn't get better).

The alarm is ugly, but I actually love running that early. It's cool, and I get to watch the sunrise. I also encounter all manner of critters, and the world is just quiet. It's my time to just breathe and soak it in. I refuse to let myself problem solve or plan. I just am...me and my running shoes...and I'm still in love.

Getting There

I feel like I'm starting to settle into the new normal. I know school starting next week will alter that normal again, but I'm adjusting to the new pace and rhythm.

 

Friday I was in an all day meeting, picked Issa up in time to run to the last day of boot camp, attended my first Company parent meeting (during which my head nearly exploded with information and dates), and then came home to have pizza with the family. Saturday, the kiddos and I went to the grocery while Daddy went to the "don't be a jerk" meeting for soccer. I met my freshmen Saturday afternoon, and I came home to hang out with the family a bit. Sunday, we went to see Planes, and the kids actually asked me to take a picture--a wondrous thing:

 

When we came home, I cleaned out my closet while Brad mowed. I finished the housework that didn't get finished this week (including paying bills and booking hotel rooms for competitions), and Brad and I had the big calendar planning meeting for the week and semester. It's doable. It's a little nuts, but it's doable. And...I'm less stressed. I think just realizing I can do it--we can do it--and that we still have family time is a huge relief. For now, though, I better get back to it!

Big Sisters

We have finished three days of Issa's first company boot camp, and she is still in love. Tired--yes. Some achy feet--yes. But she is head over heels in love.

God has always been incredibly gracious to me in the big decision department. Every time I have agonized over a decisions--especially when it comes to the kids--He has given me peace and the knowledge it was the right one very quickly. Company has been no different.

This week, Issa was assigned not one but two big sisters. One is just slightly older, a girl who was a Tiny and vividly remembers how that works and feels. The other is a high school student who has truly become a big sister in three short days. I have watched her pull Issa into her lap during company meetings, knowing she was exhausted. Issa leans in and can rest for a minute. I have seen her draw my sometimes shy girl into company games. Last night, I watched her pull Issa's hair up into a bun for ballet, and I watched Issa's face shine. The highlight of boot camp yesterday: "My big sister did my hair and she only needed two bobby pins!"

All of the older girls have adopted the littles into their company family, and I am so, so grateful to watch Issa become a true part of it.

Holy Full Time, Batman...

So...here's the deal. I am really, truly full-time now. Not 30 hours a week full-time. Real full-time.

I'm adjusting. I'm juggling. Nothing has crashed to the floor yet. That is about all I can say about it at the moment. This is a brutal week of trying to start the semester and start our first year in Company with boot camp--every day--from 3 until 6. Brad is taking tomorrow for me so I can do a marathon day in the office. Today, I am trying to knock as many things off the to do list as possible and survive. Wish me luck.

Savoring Little

In a million small ways, my children remind me every day that they are not babies. Issa started boot camp for company dance last night. We bought Evan shin guards this weekend for his first soccer team outing. They are growing up.

Every once in a while, though, they are still so little. This weekend, Evan was feeling snuggley and climbed into my lap and wrapped himself around me, head on my shoulder, snuggled into my neck. Little.

Last night, we had a mighty thunderstorm roll through. The lightning made the room look like it was noon. The thunder shook the windows, and the rain sounded like thunder. Issa was so tired from boot camp she didn't budge. It wasn't long, though, before I heard little footprints thumping down the hall. Evan was frightened, and he wanted to snuggle. We settled him in between us, and he snuggled right into me. His little fingers wrapped into my hair, just like they did when he was an infant. He nuzzled into my neck, and every time there was a clap of thunder he would stiffen until I rubbed his back. Then he would relax and settle back into sleep. He was little and I could make everything all better, and I savored every moment because I know they are fleeting.

Bears and Dinos and Beads, Oh My!

Yesterday, our little family headed out to our museum to feed the bears! We had gone before, but Evan was teeny tiny and Issa only had vague memories. We were beyond thrilled to be able to go again, and I am quite certain that the kids won't forget this one.

 

Last time, we went for an evening feeding, which is scattered across the enclosure. This time, we went for breakfast, which means we were much closer to the bears.

 

Our tour started with some work. Each family was given a paper mache ball to fill. We stuffed ours with sweet potatoes, frozen lettuce, nuts, and beets:

 After our balls were stuffed, we were taken inside the bears' enclosure. Miss Sherry, the keeper, showed us how they check the bears' nails and paws:

 She holds up a walnut and Gus pops right up. We think he wanted another walnut:

 We then got to help weigh Gus:

 He enters from the outside...all 391.6 pounds of him. They were very careful to point out that even though these bears were rescued and have been in captivity their whole lives, they are still bears.

We then headed out to the fenced in area outside of the enclosure. Once our food was safely placed, we headed outside before the bears were allowed inside. Gus, the alpha, was the first to come eat:

 The paper mache didn't stand a chance:

 Mimi came in, grabbed a ball, and ran back out:

 The kids with Gus:

 It was a little toasty:

 Virginia wandered in, but I didn't get a picture before she wandered back out. Yona, the bottom bear in the hierarchy and the "baby," was the last to arrive:

 He finally snuggled up to Gus and ate whatever Gus left. No walnuts for Yona.

It was amazing to watch the bears interact that close!

After lunch, we explored the dinosaur trail:

 And visited the farm before heading inside. The museum has opened a few new exhibits, including this interactive light board:

To say that we had a great day at the museum is an understatement! I am so grateful such a wonderful place is so close to us!

We Have a Winner!

I took the kids to the library yesterday, and we got quite a surprise! A few weeks ago, Issa entered an essay contest for kids 8 and under. She refused to let me see what she wrote addressing the prompt, "Write a story about your favorite place."

 

As we were selecting our books, a librarian approached Issa, with her essay in hand, and told her she had won:

Issa was beyond thrilled with her prize and the recognition. Here is what she wrote:

My favorite place is the library becase I get books. I read the books. Thay are cool! When I was five I got my one library card. I get books then I check owt.

I think I'll keep her.