Safe.

Tommy is definitely going through a phase of "worshipping" his Dad. Understandably, Dad can throw a football better than me. But, tonight, while brushing his teeth, Tommy said this:


"Mom? I like when you walk me to school. Just you, not Dad. We hold hands, and you give me a kiss and hug at the door."

"I love it too, Tomma. It's one of my favorite things to do."

"Will you always do that?"

"As long as you'll let me, Tommy, I will always take you to school."

"Thanks. It makes me feel safe."


What a guy.
I guess we all have our roles to play...

The Challenge...

I have been more than challenged in the job of being Lucy's mom, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I found this the other day and it really spoke to me...

Three Keys to Bringing Out the Best in Your Strong-Willed Child
(Discover Your Child’s Heart by Dr. Tim Kimmel)

1. View Them Positively-as hard as it may be to acknowledge, being strong-willed is a gift. A beautiful trait that needs to be refined, but appreciated. They should never feel like having a strong personality is a negative thing.

2. Draw Clear Boundaries-“Clear moral standards draw boundaries within which a strong-willed child can flourish.” They need consequences, regimentation, traditions, routine, rituals and rest.

3. Give Them Some Say-most battles can be avoided, if you maintain authority, but also give your child some say…from eating to napping to keeping their room clean, you can work together to accomplish the goal.

"Once They're Both in School..."

When this picture was taken, I was thinking...
Thank the lord I get a break.
I hope Tommy learns to potty train soon.
These 2.5 hours of freedom will be the best of my life.
They sure are cute little people.
I can't believe we have to pay $365/month in preschool tuition.
I am sweating.
Can I do five loads of laundry in 2.5 hours?


When this picture was taken, I was thinking...
I can't believe they are both in school.
I can't believe what big kids they are.
It seems like they were just born, but then again, not really.
I hope this all goes o.k.
I hope they don't forget everything we have taught them.
It's hard to let go.
How will I stay busy and not go crazy.
This is my favorite job and I just went part-time.
I can't believe I will never have a preschooler again.
I will miss them so much.

Two weeks later, and I am still missing them SO much.

Together...

Summer 2011 wrapped up with a big, fun, new adventure to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and a visit to Mackinac Island.

We all felt that hovering feeling of summer almost being over. We all knew our long summer days together were coming to an end.

So we packed it up, got outta town, and embraced the "Last Hurrah!"







And then we came back, and got ready for school. We laid out our clothes, and talked about our worries and our excitement. We talked about all the new adventures the year would bring. We talked about how big everyone was and how we couldn't believe we had a Kindergarten boy and 2nd grade girl.

We talked about the new challenges we were faced with, even the scary ones. We held on tight.

And we all headed out, still together, even though we weren't next to each other with long, summer days in front of us.

Still together.