Well, Elijah Graham, you've inspired me. You set some lofty goals for yourself, achieved them, and now you're striving for more. Next time will be an even bigger accomplishment...
Showing posts with label Fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fall. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Birthday Weekend
Happy Birthday Husband!
To a wonderful guy, from the family, we're glad we could spend it with you. For better or for worse.
David took Eli to Scout Camp for the afternoon, an event designed to give new scouts of all ages an idea of what Scouting is all about. And boy did they EVER give the kids an idea. The Scouts are now allowing boys as young as 5 to join so Eli's getting a head start on the fun. Kindergartners are Lions. So. Introducing you to our little Lion Cub, Elijah Graham!
They let everyone try archery. And BB guns. Seriously???? Once again, what kind of mom sends her kid.... (See the January Archives for a previous moment with this same thought.)
Bows and arrows and guns. I think they did other stuff too, but that was pretty much all I heard about. Oh yeah, and the rockets. Good thing there were lots of dads there to help every step of the way. Go dads! Go David!
But that was just the start of the fun, once the boys got home, the Fortier Five plus Two Grandparents trekked to the China Lights show at the same garden where David and I were married. When we were able to make our way to the Exact Spot where we stood to get married, there was a 1,000 foot long dragon facing us. I told E that the dragon was there when we got married. And I spent the entire ceremony worried that the dragon was going to CHOMP me! Do you believe me? He nodded, he looked a little scared. Sorry, E, I was just kidding. Anyway, beautiful show.
When we had seen almost everything and taken almost a million pictures we braved the crowds again and tried to swim against the stream to get out. Whew. Poor Dad, his birthday fun light show turned into a bit of a struggle as he tried to corral E and find the van. Eli had way too much energy. The grandparents and mom were way behind and weren't offering any help with the rambunctious Lion Cub. Happy Birthday Dad, you get to spend time with your family. Nothing but sunshine and rainbows, right? ;-)
Now for the little surprise - we took Mamaw and Bampa home and all the kids jumped out of the van to stay in HC for the night. Happy Night!
David and I enjoyed a dinner that didn't include kids menus. We didn't have to tuck anyone in, remind them to stay in bed, tell them to quit talking, etc. Nice evening, thanks to Mamaw and Bampa. I hear they had their own fun movie marathon and such.
Next morning, time to get the kids home in time to finish school projects and get to ballet rehearsal on time. And funny thing, for the first time ever, E insisted on driving. How kind! He asked me about 30 times if he could drive, then he quit asking and just told me, "I'm driving!" There wasn't much arguing with him. Thanks for being the chauffeur for the day Graham.
Ok, outa time, gotta move on to the next activity. Keep moving, everybody!
To a wonderful guy, from the family, we're glad we could spend it with you. For better or for worse.
David took Eli to Scout Camp for the afternoon, an event designed to give new scouts of all ages an idea of what Scouting is all about. And boy did they EVER give the kids an idea. The Scouts are now allowing boys as young as 5 to join so Eli's getting a head start on the fun. Kindergartners are Lions. So. Introducing you to our little Lion Cub, Elijah Graham!
They let everyone try archery. And BB guns. Seriously???? Once again, what kind of mom sends her kid.... (See the January Archives for a previous moment with this same thought.)
Bows and arrows and guns. I think they did other stuff too, but that was pretty much all I heard about. Oh yeah, and the rockets. Good thing there were lots of dads there to help every step of the way. Go dads! Go David!
But that was just the start of the fun, once the boys got home, the Fortier Five plus Two Grandparents trekked to the China Lights show at the same garden where David and I were married. When we were able to make our way to the Exact Spot where we stood to get married, there was a 1,000 foot long dragon facing us. I told E that the dragon was there when we got married. And I spent the entire ceremony worried that the dragon was going to CHOMP me! Do you believe me? He nodded, he looked a little scared. Sorry, E, I was just kidding. Anyway, beautiful show.
When we had seen almost everything and taken almost a million pictures we braved the crowds again and tried to swim against the stream to get out. Whew. Poor Dad, his birthday fun light show turned into a bit of a struggle as he tried to corral E and find the van. Eli had way too much energy. The grandparents and mom were way behind and weren't offering any help with the rambunctious Lion Cub. Happy Birthday Dad, you get to spend time with your family. Nothing but sunshine and rainbows, right? ;-)
Now for the little surprise - we took Mamaw and Bampa home and all the kids jumped out of the van to stay in HC for the night. Happy Night!
David and I enjoyed a dinner that didn't include kids menus. We didn't have to tuck anyone in, remind them to stay in bed, tell them to quit talking, etc. Nice evening, thanks to Mamaw and Bampa. I hear they had their own fun movie marathon and such.
Next morning, time to get the kids home in time to finish school projects and get to ballet rehearsal on time. And funny thing, for the first time ever, E insisted on driving. How kind! He asked me about 30 times if he could drive, then he quit asking and just told me, "I'm driving!" There wasn't much arguing with him. Thanks for being the chauffeur for the day Graham.
Ok, outa time, gotta move on to the next activity. Keep moving, everybody!
Thursday, September 10, 2015
I Think I Need a Personal Assistant, or Maybe Just a Tissue
It would be great if someone could help me manage all the different schedules I'm in charge of...
We are FULLY immersed in school now. Last night David said the return to the routine had gone very smoothly. We discussed how its not really new to me anymore, not many surprises and we just slip right back into it. Kind of.
The difference this year is Archer and Eli are both at new schools. They've done very well adjusting and I'm proud of everyone for their great attitudes. We are, of course, busier than ever.
Archer is still in Scouts, every Monday. He's also decided to join the Cross Country team at school (yay!). That's Monday through Thursday. He gets home after 5:00. Yesterday was his first practice and he wore my old running shoes (they're at 600 or 700 miles by now, worn out?). He came home exhausted - not only did they run, he walked a mile and a half home with a 20 pound backpack. I guess I'll be picking him up after practice from now on.
After missing a week of ballet, Shelly gets to officially start this week. She's gotten rid of the boot and she's ready to go! That's every Thursday.
Eli has gotten the hang of riding the bus and asks me many times each morning, "Is it time to go yet?" We hang out at the corner picking dandelions and making wishes. I hug him so many times in the morning, loving his warm little body against mine, a little sad for the time slipping past us and the time we can't go back to. My little boy, so grown up with so many stories and things to share. He told me today, "I know you're going to do all the really fun stuff when I leave!" I'm not sure what he's imagining, but here I am at my desk, working on emails, wishing he was at my side with his truck delivering random stuff to my feet. Or with his pockets full of tools asking what needs fixed, because he's the Builder Man and he can fix anything for me. Or am I hungry? He just opened up a restaurant called Peanut Butter and Jelly, but he can make anything else too.
Yesterday when we walked to the bus stop, I watched Eli and tried to remember when Archer and Shelly were that small, just starting out in 4K. So confident and stepping out into the world, onto the bus, on their own.
Maybe we've all started back up with the school routine, and maybe we're all getting pretty good at it. But maybe I'm also wishing I could just slow it down a bit, remember those single moments of holding their small hands. Maybe I'm a bit sad that Archer doesn't ask me to help him blow dandelions to make wishes anymore. Shelly doesn't want me reading to her or picking out books for her, she's got her own ideas about what she likes. She won't let me braid her hair and definitely not ever tell her what to wear.
I guess for now I'll just hold Eli's hand as we walk to the bus stop, wave him off and wait for the tribe to return home to me at night and share their stories.
We are FULLY immersed in school now. Last night David said the return to the routine had gone very smoothly. We discussed how its not really new to me anymore, not many surprises and we just slip right back into it. Kind of.
The difference this year is Archer and Eli are both at new schools. They've done very well adjusting and I'm proud of everyone for their great attitudes. We are, of course, busier than ever.
Archer is still in Scouts, every Monday. He's also decided to join the Cross Country team at school (yay!). That's Monday through Thursday. He gets home after 5:00. Yesterday was his first practice and he wore my old running shoes (they're at 600 or 700 miles by now, worn out?). He came home exhausted - not only did they run, he walked a mile and a half home with a 20 pound backpack. I guess I'll be picking him up after practice from now on.
After missing a week of ballet, Shelly gets to officially start this week. She's gotten rid of the boot and she's ready to go! That's every Thursday.
Eli has gotten the hang of riding the bus and asks me many times each morning, "Is it time to go yet?" We hang out at the corner picking dandelions and making wishes. I hug him so many times in the morning, loving his warm little body against mine, a little sad for the time slipping past us and the time we can't go back to. My little boy, so grown up with so many stories and things to share. He told me today, "I know you're going to do all the really fun stuff when I leave!" I'm not sure what he's imagining, but here I am at my desk, working on emails, wishing he was at my side with his truck delivering random stuff to my feet. Or with his pockets full of tools asking what needs fixed, because he's the Builder Man and he can fix anything for me. Or am I hungry? He just opened up a restaurant called Peanut Butter and Jelly, but he can make anything else too.
Yesterday when we walked to the bus stop, I watched Eli and tried to remember when Archer and Shelly were that small, just starting out in 4K. So confident and stepping out into the world, onto the bus, on their own.
Maybe we've all started back up with the school routine, and maybe we're all getting pretty good at it. But maybe I'm also wishing I could just slow it down a bit, remember those single moments of holding their small hands. Maybe I'm a bit sad that Archer doesn't ask me to help him blow dandelions to make wishes anymore. Shelly doesn't want me reading to her or picking out books for her, she's got her own ideas about what she likes. She won't let me braid her hair and definitely not ever tell her what to wear.
I guess for now I'll just hold Eli's hand as we walk to the bus stop, wave him off and wait for the tribe to return home to me at night and share their stories.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Camp Week
This week is all about camp.
Shelly's been at Zoo Camp, she brings home crafts and sunburn and her little lunch box almost-emptied of her lunch and snacks. She doesn't tell us too much about what she spent her day doing, and doesn't remember the names of the animals she's seen. Oh well. She must be doing somthing fun, because she's excited to go back every morning.
Archer' been at Scout Camp with David. They bring home lots of stories, a couple of projects, and near-heat-exhaustion. Its been very, very hot (over 100 degrees the first two days) and when it cools down (all the way to a chilly 86) the humidity nearly suffocates the campers. But that hasn't slowed them down! There are sports, Scout Skills, archery and BB gun shooting, swimming, nature lessons, and lots of walking between everything.
Today I got a message from David that someone stepped on a bee hive between activites. Total injury count came to 3 adults and 9 kids. One of the boys was stung 8 times. I was so sad to hear it. What a story, I'm sure it will be told and re-told for years to come. I can only imagine the panic and running and screaming that probably happened. I'm sure I'll get the full report when they get home tonight. After it was all over, the boys were able to settle down enough to move on to the next activity, and David sent me this picture...
Archer's turned out to be a pretty good shot, hitting the target nearly every time he fires his gun. I'm so proud!!
The funny thing about this week is that, while its been exciting and busy for Shelly, Archer, and David, its been pretty quiet for me. Its been my most relaxing week all summer. Elijah and I hang out, just the two of us, and I'm seeing a little preview of what its going to be like this fall. Shelly called it a practice week, when she and Archer start school, this is what our lives will look like. I'll have time to get the laundry done. We won't be running off to the beach or pool. We'll go back to the real world. And I'll really miss having them home with me, but I'll enjoy the one on one time with E. And the routine, and peace and order.
David and I spend a lot of time discussing what the kids are going to do, how many activities we should sign them up for and the benefits of each. There's always the balance of over-scheduling and running around from one thing to the next, vs. the desire for them to have opportunities to learn and grow and have fun. This summer has been SO busy, but I don't think I'd change it at all. I couldn't pick a single thing that I wish we hadn't done. Its been so good.
 |
| My Shelly - Always ready with a pose and a smile |
Shelly's been at Zoo Camp, she brings home crafts and sunburn and her little lunch box almost-emptied of her lunch and snacks. She doesn't tell us too much about what she spent her day doing, and doesn't remember the names of the animals she's seen. Oh well. She must be doing somthing fun, because she's excited to go back every morning.
 |
| What a wild bunch of boys! I mean, what a good looking group of respectful and courteous Cub Scouts. |
Archer' been at Scout Camp with David. They bring home lots of stories, a couple of projects, and near-heat-exhaustion. Its been very, very hot (over 100 degrees the first two days) and when it cools down (all the way to a chilly 86) the humidity nearly suffocates the campers. But that hasn't slowed them down! There are sports, Scout Skills, archery and BB gun shooting, swimming, nature lessons, and lots of walking between everything.
 |
| Scout Skills - Knot Tying |
Archer's turned out to be a pretty good shot, hitting the target nearly every time he fires his gun. I'm so proud!!
The funny thing about this week is that, while its been exciting and busy for Shelly, Archer, and David, its been pretty quiet for me. Its been my most relaxing week all summer. Elijah and I hang out, just the two of us, and I'm seeing a little preview of what its going to be like this fall. Shelly called it a practice week, when she and Archer start school, this is what our lives will look like. I'll have time to get the laundry done. We won't be running off to the beach or pool. We'll go back to the real world. And I'll really miss having them home with me, but I'll enjoy the one on one time with E. And the routine, and peace and order.
David and I spend a lot of time discussing what the kids are going to do, how many activities we should sign them up for and the benefits of each. There's always the balance of over-scheduling and running around from one thing to the next, vs. the desire for them to have opportunities to learn and grow and have fun. This summer has been SO busy, but I don't think I'd change it at all. I couldn't pick a single thing that I wish we hadn't done. Its been so good.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Pumpkin Farms
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| Shell & Best Friend w/ Mrs. Miller |
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