Imagination Run-Amok

My double trouble duo is out
of school for the summer. And stuck with cranky, old mom.

To make the days pass faster, they pull out the old “creativity” trick.

And yes, they can be quite imaginative.

Here’s a sampling of our first few days home:

Digging for bugs and making little homes for them. Of course, they got rather miffed when they went to check on the buggy friends only to find they had walked off. Huh. Imagine that.

Re-enacting “Barbie in A Mermaid Tale” at the pool. I was just thankful no one was nearby to hear the constant dialogue.

Pretending to be the puppy next door….complete with barking. Fun, fun.

Lots of paper, scissors, and glue to create a much needed object to haul around the house pulled by a string. Lovely.

Making kites out of construction paper to “fly” in the wind. Uh huh.

Dance parties in the bedroom which involves jumping off the bed…and for some reason, they are always shocked when I bust them at it. Like I can’t hear the pounding of feet above my head.

Playing dodge ball with stuffed animals…(I hide those toys for a reason)

But today’s creativity took the cake…

The duo was off playing in the house. I could hear snippets of conversation but hadn’t quite gotten the gist of the story line ‘du jour’.

Abby silently appeared in front of me and said,

“I am a pirate and Anna is a puppy.”

Don’t ask me why a pirate and puppy would go together but it did…

And then I heard the next words,

“Can she lick me for real?”

Yuck!

16 Candles....

Ah. Do you remember turning 16? Excited to get your license, perhaps a huge party, or something else equally cool?

Hmm…..I don’t remember doing any of that. I don’t even remember turning 16.

Yes, I must be that old. Seems to be a theme lately. Not a good sign.

When Katie turned 16, we had a huge party with lots of friends. Toss in the St. Patrick’s Day birthday, and it was definitely a big thing.

Let’s just say the adults participated in the theme in their own way. Ahem.

Alex turned 16 today. I can’t believe it.

We are now headed toward another driver (do I hear a yay and an oh my), one step closer to leaving the house, and one more reason for mom to feel over the hill.

He did not want a party. So….that money was put toward his present.

The kid is musically talented. It just amazes me. He can pick up an instrument and begin to pick a tune rather quickly.

So, he asked for a keyboard.

Uh…..we have a piano.

But mom, I can’t take that to my room.

Very true, very true.

The gift…..



as well as a buffet dinner at Golden Corral per request (ugh)

and cake at home



with family,





as well as the sister with the missing boyfriend playing baseball in Alaska,



and The Girlfriend



rounded out his day.

Happy 16th Birthday Alex!!!

(I won’t embarrass you and say anything else….)

Dear Santa...

Santa? In June?

We really do know how to read a calendar, I promise.

Tonight we had dinner with The Boyfriend, aka Catlan, before he embarks on his newest adventure.

You see, he heads off to Alaska in two days to play summer college ball with a team in Anchorage.

Alaksa for summer baseball. Who’d a thunk it?

Daddy had the girls convinced Catlan was going to live in an igloo and pet the polar bears. They were totally buying it until……mommy intervened.

Can’t have them believing that, can we?

But in the midst of our conversations about the big adventure, Catlan happened to mention his side trips. Things like the pipeline, glaciers, and Santa’s Workshop.

Santa’s Workshop?

Oh my. Little ears perked up immediately.

And the lists came out. “Catlan, tell Santa I want….”

I am thinking Santa does not need a Christmas list in June.

But along the same subject, I just started our 2009 Christmas letter.

Yes, you read that correctly. 2009.

Yes, six months too late.

Or maybe it’s six months too early.

Yeah, that’s it.

Go with me on this one.

A New Era

Last night was Pre-K graduation for Abby. Considering the fact that she dislikes being in front of large groups, I wondered how she would do.

My fears were unfounded.

During the first song, I saw this….



and she continued to smile and sing the entire time.

Whew.

Cap and gown time for diplomas was precious.

I just love this picture! My nephew said I need to save it and show it to her at college graduation. I just may do that.



Her teachers are the most amazingly awesome and patient people. Miss Jenn and Mrs. Pat must be since they’ve survived both my girls.



After ending the evening with cake,



we headed home to bed. Mommy was tired.

So after fifteen years of having kids in school, I can officially say……we have attended our last Pre-K graduation!

One would think I’d be sad. Or think of this as a bittersweet moment.

Nope.

I was psyched!

Last year was sad with Katie graduating from high school and Anna Grace graduating from kindergarten. But this year?

Pure glee.

The kids are all growing older, becoming more independent, and turning into the people we, as parents, strive for.

But I will still be the oldest mom in their class.

Oh well.

The Last Week of School

‘Tis the last week of school
and what do you hear?
The loud noises and shouts
as we all give a cheer!

The college kid is done
and home for the summer
Working long hours each day
which can be a big bummer.

But she finished freshman year
with out of sight grades.
Raise your hat off to her!
She’s got it made.

The sophomore is finished
with his thrilling year too.
Main focus was guitar
and driving our zoo.

Next goal is the license
to drive around town.
Just a few more safe days
‘til he’s out and around.

The first grader is happy
to end the school year.
So much was learned that
it’s oozing out of her ear.

She loves to read and to write
and to entertain all.
But quiet in class?
Maybe, just maybe, come fall.

Our last child leaves Pre-K....
way to make me feel old!
She’s had a great year
as I’ve clearly been told.

She’s ready for big school
and is counting the days
‘til kindergarten starts
and she heads on her way.

Last year brought changes
that made mommy cry.
But this year was better…
as I heave a big sigh.

So as summer arrives,
it’s time to sit back.
Take time to do nothing.
Go plan your attack.

Lounge in your jammies
and read a good book.
Go to the pool;
don’t take time to cook.

Do nothing but enjoy
the lazy summer days,
‘cause we know by August,
it will all be a haze.

Happy last days of school
to all of my friends.
A new year is awaiting us
right ‘round the bend!