Packing Lunch is Boring!

In case you don't have a 5-year-old, "_____ is boring!" is the worst insult known to man---or something like that. We're just into the fourth week, and I"m already getting so bored with packing lunches, ugghh! I've been reading some different tips and brainstorming and did some fun things to keep things interesting this week. I'm bored again, though.

The biggest hit was ham rolls:
It's the only thing Miss Elise has mentioned, "I LOVE the ham rolls!" Wow. Didn't expect that...I baked the ham slices with cheese on top at 200 for 15 minutes, then rolled them, stuck them with a skewer and cooled them in the freezer for 5 minutes so they they set, and then cut them in half.

The thing *I* enjoy most is using cookie cutters for fruit (as well as sandwiches on sandwich days).
Plus, the "crust" doesn't go to waste! ;)

Another goodie was the mini skewer for grapes...I was super-excited about the egg slices, but to no avail!
Plus, I'm not opposed to sending gelatin in the lunch box. It helps ward off the Little Green Monster (Berenstain Bears reference to jealousy---just in case you don't have a 5-year-old :) ) that arises in the kids from time to time.

And, just a fair warning: in spite of being very fun for Elise and me, I just thought I'd warn you against sending wooden sticks with whole grapes to the Toddler Room at preschool. I'm not saying I know someone who did, and it definitely wasn't *me* who had a note sent home from the teacher---nope, nothing like that happened around here! Shoo. That would have been embarrassing! :)

Keeping Track

After the week we had, I'm even more dedicated to my memorabilia. When I was looking through all of my "stuff," I found my baby book, and it's so cool to see the way my mom kept track of things. She wrote a lot down, like all of my visitors after my birth...

...and all of my firsts...

She does write it with a cocky air, but I don't mind. I do have to admit, though, that I haven't written one thing like that down! Luckily, my kids *will* have better pictures of waiting for the bus:
They don't actually take the bus---but hopefully they'll like their photos, since they won't know when they rolled over or took steps or got a tooth...

In addition to my pictures, I do keep a lot of mementos. If I hold something in my hand and it brings me back in time, I keep it. Just ask my husband. Once things slow down, I *will* one day scrapbook or something! For now, I'll just keep these labeled things sitting around my house, accumulating resentment from my spouse! I do think that even he likes this one though:
Sorry! I should've warned you. These images aren't for the weak of heart. Above is Elise's umbilical cord, and below is Evie's tube (as Elise calls it).The bug-looking part is where the clip was on it. To some, this would be trash, but to me it's a pathway back to the time my babies were newborns. I love them. Hey! Don't call me names! You're supposed to be My Fans! {:0]

Deep Thoughts by Elise Roche

Michael takes Elise to school in the mornings. The day he left for Uncle Al's funeral, I received this text "I told Elise that Uncle Al died and I had to go give Aunt Sheila a hug. She seemed to understand that. So, expect some questions." Yeesh!

The last time we'd really talked about The Cycle of Life was around her 2nd birthday, when we had to put our dog to sleep. These are just a few of her responses: "Don't touch the rocket or you'll die and fly into the sky." "Uh-oh! It's raining in the sky, and it's getting HeeHaah wet." "I don't want to go to sleep because I might go to heaven and I want to live here with you and Daddy." So...I braced myself.

This time, however, her maturity about the matter actually soothed *me*. "Mommy, how can we live as long as Tie?" (my 96-yr-old grandfather); "We just try our best to be healthy and to be good people;" "Then, we'll live to be as long as Tie?"; "Well, we really don't know;" "That scares me;" "Me too, honey."

So, if you're searching for a longevity icon, this is your man:
His mama, Gaba, told him that the key to her 100 years was all of the peanut butter she ate. Maybe? I'd get hives, but you guys could try it! :)

Uncle Al

What is life but the people in it? They make us whole. Uncle Al always showed gratitude to the people in his life: always kind words to say, a joke to put guests at ease, the funny railroad crossing gesture with his eyebrows to make the kiddos laugh, and never a thirsty person left his house.
We have the wonderful memories that he left us, but our lives are no longer whole without him. Please, say a prayer for our family as we say goodbye to Uncle Al, especially Aunt Sheila, whose loss I cannot imagine.

Slow Down

Although I like to poke fun at myself for taking shortcuts with my second child, I do think I've learned some valuable parenting lessons over the years. For example, this picture that I took (with my SLR camera) was on her fourth day of school.
I really don't think she looks any different from her first day, do you? Oh, yeah. I forgot. You never saw her on her first day. Ha! :)
And, this $5 Walmart, self-monogrammed backpack: I don't think she could be any prouder. :)
School, schmool. Watch out world, here I come!Plus, her teacher gave me this last picture from her actual first day:My point is that we moms need to lighten up, slow down and enjoy these little snugglers---quick! before they're teenagers! :)

Ten Ways You Can Tell She's My Second

1. When I walked out the door for *her* first day of school, I used my phone (and not the SLR camera) to take a picture.
2. She ran right into Mother's Morning Out, hardly noticing that I left.
3. *Her* backpack was a Walmart special for $5.
4. When I accidentally deleted the pictures from my phone, I decided that the *second* day of school would work just as well.
5. I really didn't worry about her in her new class, with only one or two familiar faces.
6. Instead of having her backpack monogrammed, I wrote her name with a paint pen.
7. I remembered the second day pictures at the last minute and snapped one with my phone of her looking off to the side.
8. Her lunchbox came free with an item I was already buying.
9. I'm pretty sure she faked crying today when I left so that her teacher would hold her.
10. I really didn't care that much when I realized I accidentally deleted the pictures from her second day of school...

TGIF

It has been a *long* week. I don't think I've ever seen a 5 year old SOOOooooo tired! Kindergarten has taken everything out of her. She is still nervous every morning, BUT this fine 3rd grader has really helped our mornings a lot!!
...and next week, she will be crucial to getting this babe into her classroom--- since Mommy and Daddy won't be allowed past the front door!! :( Whaaahaaha! Then, once she's in the classroom...the Playdoh helps.
We told her about TGIF today, and her response: "I only get two days, then I have to go back?!" I know it will get easier, but I'm worn out too!

My Baby!!!

My baby girl, Leesey, the moment I met you I realized my purpose in life. Every fiber of me rose up to be your Mommy. Since that day, I have felt whole----alright, also slightly insane! Nevertheless, you made us a family. You made us your Mommy and Daddy, and we love our titles and *you* so much!

When you were a baby someone told me that the days are long, but the years fly by. So, so true!

 

 {last 4 pics by Erin Cobb Photography}

I can't believe how big you are today: your first day of kindergarten!

You walked into your classroom this morning like you owned the place. I am so proud of you! Last week your Daddy and I had to drag you into your classroom to meet your teacher and classmates. Literally. I physically forced you *into* the car, kicking screaming and crying. Your Daddy physically forced you *out* of the car, kicking screaming and crying. We half pulled, half dragged you into the school and down the hallway, where your teacher had to pull you into the classroom. You weren't in there two minutes when you spotted the horseshoe crab shell, and started chattering and even spoke to your teacher. I am so proud of you for facing your fears. You're a tough---and *stubborn*--- little cookie!

It didn't hurt that you had a fan club cheering you on!

All four grandparents drove to Huntsville for the occasion!

Plus, you had your surrogate grandma and little sister. Who could ask for more??

You have so many people who treasure you. We all love you so much, and we hope you love school more and more everyday!

Love,
Mommy

Ten Fun Facts on Tuesday

1. Stomach bugs are not fun.
2. A stomach bug that involves both of your kids having the same stomach bug is even less fun.
3. Tomorrow the kindergarten festivities begin.
4. I'm hoping that everyone is feeling 100% tomorrow.
5. I heard a story this summer about a mom who hid in the cafeteria everyday (until she was made) so that she could be near her kindergartner.
6. I really hope that I'm not the mom in #5.
7. A pool party, a parent meeting, an open house, and a kindergarten party may *seem* like too many functions for an almost-kindergartner, but it sounds just right to me...
8. I still haven't unpacked from our road trip.
9. I'm watching Zaboomafoo.
10. All of the grandparents are coming in town for Elise's first day of kindergarten.