Eyes Everywhere

K: Mama, let me take a picture of your eyes.
M: Good grief. Why?
K: It is a mystery how you can see EVERYTHING.
M: It is my mommy power.
K: Creepy, but let me still do it, k? I want to figure this mystery out.

I laugh inside-- If you only knew of ALL my Mommy manipulations, er, powers ...

Photo credit: kk

RULES

As a Mom there is an abundance of rules to follow. I cannot keep up with the forever evolving list. I will preface that these rules were not made by Mom or typically enforced by Mom.

-          Always, ALWAYS ask if a sandwich should be cut in half. Do not assume it is in rectangles as triangles do exist. Lunches can get crazy and at time these halves turn into quarters. Be aware. You never know when crazy happens. Ask.

-          Fat, ugly, stop, kiss and but are all words we are not allowed to say. Be vigilant as this list changes minute-by-minute.

-          I have been told toilets should not have seats. It is the seats fault as to why urine spots it, not the peeing boy who chose not to lift it. Thus, remember to look before you sit each and every time.

-          Give privacy when they are using the potty. If you should enter expect a verbal lashing. They will leave the toilet to close the door and lock it. Soon they will get up open the door and scream “MOM!” down the hallway. Time to wipe said private bottom. 

-          They can swim in the rain because they are already wet.

-          If they have not watched the DVD or VHS movie 462 times do not suggest or play another movie. Night ruined.

-          Baths are oceans, pools, lakes and places to get married. The thoughtful splashing is to help encourage mopping of the floors (hallway included).

-          Rain boots are to be worn throughout the winter and cowboy boots are designated summer wear. This footwear is all that should exist.

-          The word no is code to continue the behavior or repeating of words as if they are battling Turrets.

-          Do not hold hands to cross the street or parking lot. Dealing with big boys.

-          “Hold me! Hold me! Hold me! I just saw a mosquito!”

-          7:00pm no one is hungry, therefore movie begins. 7:00:45 same children are famished.

Their list goes on and on as does my laughter. I admit to being the habitual rule breaker. I am doing my best to do better, but there is a learning curve called four and five.

 

9/16/12 Posted about CRIB

A Mother's Song

A Mother's Song

Words and Music: Anthony W. Carter

Tying little shoe laces
Wiping off dirty faces
Are just a couple of things
That a mother will do...

Mending a broken heart
Is only just a part
Of the care and the love
That I've given you...

With a Kool-aid smile
And a sparkle in your eyes
I wrap you in my arms
And whisper this advice...

Be strong, be kind
Be patient and in time
You'll find out, my son
What true love is all about

Be faithful and be true
Show love in all you do
Then you'll know, just how
You make your mother proud

Now, little boy days have passed
And you've grown up so fast
But in my heart
That little boy will never be far...

So on this blessed day
There's so much I want to say
But above all, I thank God
For the man that you are...

With a tender smile
And a twinkle in your eyes
I wrap you in my arms
And whisper this advice...

Be strong, be kind
Be patient and in time
You'll find out, my son
What true love is all about

Be faithful and be true
Show love in all you do
Then you'll know, just how
You make your mother proud

You've made your mother so proud...

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

My song to Kaden and Ashton as you both shine so brightly in this world. I love your guts. ~ Mom

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
-Jewel


Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.

When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.

Then the traveller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.

In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye,
Till the sun is in the sky.

As your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the traveller in the dark.
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
How I wonder what you are.
How I wonder what you are.

Diploma

June is a magical time of the year. It is a season of change and excitement. The school year is coming to a quick close. Children look forward to the frolics of summer months while parents frantically realize the last nine months got away and they must plan events and vacations. Graduations are looming while congratulations abound. This leads me to a very important subject: diplomas.

I imagine I have been on the PTA most of your schooling. Come your Junior years I am probably President planning for graduation dates. I look ahead to the classes of 2027 and 2028 . I see my boys dressed in their cap and gown with their tassel tickling the sides of their temple. It is safe to guess I am more of an emotional heart than I am today. I have had a lump in my throat your entire Senior year. I am proud.

Am I proud of your diploma? Sure. Although, I think the pride bursts from whom you as individuals have grown into. Two young men who at times struggled as well as found ease in achieving, whether it be personal or educational matters. This entire school year I will be in my minds eye replaying moments leading us to the diploma: first word, counting to 17, riding a bike without training wheels, crossing the street alone, love notes, overnight camp, driving clutch, a real paycheck, college letters and the list goes on to remembering how we worked on reading; and Kade in one sitting you learned to tie a shoe. All are life successes. All are notable.

The above milestones (and many more) are achievements, but more importantly each is an expectation. As your Mom, I expect you to learn to wash your laundry, navigate a map, and practice manners. Just as I expect that after you receive your diploma you will choose to go off to school, learn a trade or work. I anticipate my family growing by you boys. I expect. It is in the details of how the expectation is met, which will become your accomplishments. Your choice.

I will not be a parent all buttered and buttoned to celebrate your diploma as something earned. I will save this for college. Your high school diploma takes discipline to earn, but it is has been a lifelong expectation, not a lifelong achievement. Just as my guidance, singing Happy Birthday on your birth dates and providing a safe home is an expectation placed upon me your diploma is an expectation placed upon you. There is no maybe. It is a definitive- not to be missed.

As a result of this understanding I go back into my imagination and find myself sitting in the midst of hundreds of parents delighting knowing you two understood this family’s expectation. The two of you independent of the other and from me set out forging ahead to make good on this belief since pre-K. Your name is called, I cry and applaud. I hold up my camera, look through the lens centering it on my life’s achievement. I press click capturing the obligatory photos of you in your cap and gown holding your diploma. During this time there will be an echo of congratulations for your accomplishment. I see high-fives all around for being dedicated in completing this mountain called school. Little ones, school is the one mountain I expect you to climb. You will struggle, but you will peek.

 

Last day of 3's class for Ashton

 

Kade says goodbye to Rivergate as he graduates from Pre-K

Kindergarten Promotion

Kindergarten promotion was tonight. Three years of school behind you. You are past ready. I am not.

Teacher Jill gives an award to each child. The award is for character. She awarded you the Tom Landry Award: Math skills, Excellent Manners and looking out for others.

You gave us such a treat. It is a recipe book. prepare and cook/bake. Inside each student shared their favorite meal and how to bake/cook. The ingredients, measurements and times are fantastic. I will cherish it forever and always. When you are older (MUCH MUCH older) you might be able to look at it- look not touch.