a preschool thanksgiving

The kids had Thanksgiving lunch at school today. They both dressed up like Indians. Bryce's Indian name was "chief loves his mom". Made me laugh. He is highly attached to me and everyone knows it. The funny thing is that he knows it and doesn't care (I'm sure one day being called a mama's boy will not go over so well). They made placemats that listed what they were thankful for. Bryce's says Cows that give us milk, my mom and dad, my family, and God.

Callie ate all of her food but didn't seem too fond of the pumpkin pie. It is rare to find a food she doesn't like!!

lessons

I learn things from my kids everyday. As a parent, you go into it thinking you are going to teach them so much. and then real life happens and you realize that they are the real teachers. I have started making an effort to think about what they have taught me that day every night before I fall asleep. Here is a brief list of things (both sweet, serious, and funny) that I have learned over the last week.

No matter how good of an idea it seems, and no matter how many coupons you have for free jr. Frostys, it is not a good idea to let kids eat them in the car. There is no amount of napkins that can clean up the mess. trust me.

It is good to thank God for all things... Food, cars, wii games, friends, puppies, hair, bath soap, chairs, leaves, trees, etc. I have come to realize that I skip the little daily items and only focus on the big things. I think God likes to hear that we notice everything around us.

Kids are drawn to the kitchen whenever you are preparing food. When you are trying to make something extra special they are not only drawn into the kitchen but they will arrive in full tantrum mode.

The gold leaves are the prettiest in the fall. They look like butterflies fluttering to the ground.

Kids will say the most embarrassing things when in a crowd and in the loudest voice possible. Case in point.....Callie yelling "you have big boobs" while shopping at Kohl's.

Life is the sweetest when you are surrounded by your family.

peer pressure

Bryce loves having friends. He is always asking when we can go play with someone. This past week he has also made several other requests. It seems peer pressure is starting to set in.

He asked me if I would buy him Sketchers. How in the world does a 5 year old know what Sketchers are? I figured it could be worse and agreed to get him a pair. He needs some new shoes anyway. Bye Bye Stride Rite and hello Sketchers.

He asked me if he could wear his pirate shirt today. He wore it Friday and usually I try to cycle through clothes before re wearing something. It seems Iris and Avery liked the shirt and they asked him to wear it today. At first I said no. He had never asked for a specific shirt so I figured that it wasn't a big deal. Well, it was a big deal and I conceded. He happily walked into school with his pirate shirt proudly displayed. When they came running over to him he gave me this little "told ya so" grin.

I am counting my blessing that the peer pressure is currently harmless. I know one day we will face much bigger issues then Sketchers and pirate shirts!

I love this picture....Cody is one of Bryce's favorite friends

talking in sentences

Callie has somehow progressed from talking in 2 or 3 word phrases to speaking in full on sentences. It is fun watching her explain her thoughts through words. She also loves to repeat everything that her brother says....sometimes this is a good thing and sometimes not so much. Yesterday on the way home Bryce's foot fell asleep and he began crying that it hurt. She looked at him with a really serious look, and said "what hurts Tyce (how she says Bryce)? Your foot....mommy put a bandaid on it and it will feel better. Don't be sad". So sweet!

She also has several favorite phrases that she loves to say over and over... The first is "hold on". She holds up one finger when she says this and gives you this "you need to be patient" look. The other favorite phrase is "don't cry". If you ask for a kiss or a hug she will say no, start walking away, and then look back at you and say this. Such an ego at 2! I will remember to tell her this when she starts dating!!

Christmas in November

It seems like Xmas festivities start earlier and earlier every year. This year, one week after Halloween weekend, Santa arrived at Bass Pro Shop (for those of you who do not know, that is Bryan's current place of employment). I got the kids dressed up, took some pictures hoping to get some for xmas cards (think I got a couple!), and headed to Bass Pro with a friend and her kids. Santa arrived on a boat and then moved inside to his "workshop". We had a time card for an appointed time to see him.....8:30!....we got the card at 5pm! We wasted time hanging out in the mall and the store and finally got to meet Santa and take a picture with him. The kids did great and he was a really amazing Santa. He talked to the kids forever and was wonderful with Callie (If you live in the Lawrenceville area I highly recommend going....you get a free 4x6 and can pick up a time card in the am and go back in the evening at your appointed time). Bryce and Callie were in complete awe. It was so much fun seeing their eye's light up. I'm still not sold on Xmas in November but for an hour or so it was nice experiencing the Christmas spirit. Now lets all eat Turkey!

Bryce's letter to McCain

Bryan and I both got to vote yesterday. I stood in line for about 1 1/2 hrs and he waited a little under an hour. It was amazing to see so many people out voting. We then sat up last night and watched the results. No matter who you voted for you can not deny that it was a milestone in American history.

So this morning I decided to chat with Bryce about the results. We have been talking about the candidates and he was aware that yesterday was the day to vote (I brought home a sticker for both of the kids). Well, I informed Bryce that Obama had won. Here is the conversation that followed:

Bryce: So who lost? McCain?

Me: Yes, McCain lost.

Bryce: Well...do you think he is sad?

Me: Probably. It's not fun losing

Bryce: Well maybe I can make him a card. Could you mail it to him?

Me: Yes, I guess we could mail him a card. What would you like it to say?

Bryce: I'm sorry you lost. But I don't really care becuase I'm only five.

trick or treat

We had a great Halloween. The kids got to wear their costumes to school where they had a small party (the teachers call it a "special snack day" - why not just call a party what it really is...a party?). Callie was dressed as a bumblebee and on the way to school kept saying "I'm a bee and I'm going to sting all my friends....buzzzz". She cracks me up! After school we stopped by my mom's school so she could see the kids dressed up. Bryce got really upset when everyone started calling him spiderman. After one teacher said "go save the world spidy", He got very upset and said "don't they know I'm just a boy in a costume?". Too cute!

We had a party at our house last night. Chili, soup, salad, and bread for the grown-ups and mummy hot dogs and mac and cheese for the kids...yumm! We ate dinner before heading out to trick or treat. The kids had a blast and everyone got way too much candy. We ended at our house where the kids all dumped out their bags to check out their goodies. After cookies, cake, and plenty of jumping and running around everyone headed home. Bryce and Callie crashed hard shortly after and slept in this morning. I guess all that sugar is good for something!!

PS....Blind Melon is not my favorite band and that is not why Callie is dressed like a bee.

Here are some pictures for the day.