Sometimes...

John Harold Alley

John Harold Alley, Jr.

Sometimes it takes my breath away. And it hurts.

A: Toothpaste & Baking Soda

Q: How do you get your 3 year old's permanent marker masterpieces (yes, PLURAL) off of your brand new, birthday-present-money, favorite ever IKEA dining room table?!

Ready...or Not

Trenton's first day of school officially came and he and I were READY. His birthday is the 26th of September and the deadline for kindergarteners was Oct 1st until last year. It was changed to September 15th last year, so technically he could have started last year. Steve and I made a rather difficult decision to hold him back and stick with the old deadline. So after almost two years with three preschoolers underfoot I was ready for kindergarten to start, and Trenton was definitely ready for the structure and routine of school.

Or so I thought.

After all the preparation of uniforms, school supplies, shoes, meet & greet w/the teacher, loads of paperwork, etc. the big day arrived. After beautiful school blessings from Daddy, we put Trenton to bed at 8. Steve asked me if he seemed nervous. I replied, "No. He's ready." I was cleaning up in the kitchen and about 45 minutes later I heard a little voice say, "I forgot to say thank-you." I spun around and there was my little wide-eyed boy - who has never once in his life not fallen right asleep after laying down. "Thank you?" "Yes Mom. For the drink of water you brought me. Thank you for that." Well, maybe a little nervous.

What a blessing Steve could be there for the big send off; the whole family drove over to the school. We asked him what he was going to do and he said with a straight face, "I am going to work. At school." My little serious guy. We walked up to the school and turned back and threw his arms around me. He hugged and hugged and hugged me. He wouldn't let go.

And that's when I lost it.

His sweet little arms gave me one last squeeze and I tried to hide my tears as he took determined steps toward the school. All the little ones lined up in their uniforms was one of the most precious sights I've ever seen. The parents were the paparazzi, with 2 parents per child filming and snapping away. Their teacher came to the door with a big smile, and as Trenton walked down the hall I realized 1/3 of our (full) time with him was over. And for the first time in my life, the previous 6 years with my boy had gone way too fast. It happened in a blink - I couldn't believe it was over. My mind raced over the past 6 years and things I was glad I was done and things I wished I'd done different. But my heart overflowed with gratitude that I was there.

I sometimes struggle staying home with the kids - it is tedious, monotonous and quite boring, hard work. But I was so grateful at that moment I had not missed my baby Trenton growing up. I had chosen to be with him instead of pursuing a career. We have 2 days a month that they are not with mom or dad as I work one day a week as an RN - 2 of those are Saturdays with Dad. Often I wish I worked more. I have a passion for the art and science of medicine. But watching Trenton walk down the hall I was so grateful for our prophet's and leader's guidance on being the ones to raise our babies - it is simply a season, a short speck of time in the grand scheme of things. And his first 6 years are gone. There is no getting them back. My heart filled with thankfulness and I cried all the way back to the car. A couple of Moms gave me hugs and said, "It gets easier with each one, dear. You poor thing." But it wasn't quite that...I loved sending him to kindergarten- and he loved going. But wasn't it just yesterday he was my baby?

Labor Day Camping

We went camping for Labor Day weekend. I forget how MUCH work it takes to make it happen until we do it every year. BUT...it is worth it to be in nature, away from video games, TV, & computers & watching the kids be entertained with the great outdoors. We go with a group of friends, which is the only way to do it. Kids play together, someone always has what you forgot & there are plenty of friends to cook and chat with.

We went to Turquoise Lake in Leadville, CO. The kids called the lake "the beach."

The first night was so cold even our papoose for Blakey didn't prevent him from waking up the entire camp at 1 in the morning screaming inconsolably. Although most of the camp said they were already wide awake, freezing away, praying for the sun to come up to end the torture, I still felt bad. The days were beautiful - perfect, sunny, and warm. And the second night was much much warmer. Thank goodness.

Steve took the kiddos fishing a bunch over the weekend and Trenton caught his first fish, a beautiful rainbow trout, by himself on his Spiderman pole (after this picture he walked up to me with his hand held out, saying "Mom I need some real water. I just touched real live FISH SKIN!)

Grandma's Petunias

We were able to visit my Grandma Alley, Coo-choo Grandma to the kids, for a week in June. This was during the time we were homeless, so she was kind enough to endure 3 children under 5 with only one parent to try to reign in the chaos. It was a wonderful week and the kids were spoiled and loved only the way a Great-Grandma can.

We enjoyed Grandma's treats...

and played for hours on end with the greatest toys.

We were able to do some projects and Kali's favorite was helping plant Grandma's petunias in the "wheel." Kali loves helping anytime she can and she felt like a million bucks helping Grandma carefully choose her favorite flowers, moisten the dirt, fill the wheel and plant the young blooms.

Every time we've driven through Laramie this summer we've been able to watch the 'fruits of our labors' grow under Grandma's watchful care. It's been fun to watch. I remember petunias in the wheel since I was a little girl, but this years batch is the biggest I've ever seen. Here are some pictures with proud little Kali by 'her's & Grandma's' flowers.

Swimming Lessons

Today wrapped up two weeks of swimming lessons for my little ones. Their teacher (Coach Dave) gave us evaluations at the end which fit their little personalities very well. He said Trenton seems more cautious and careful, while Kali was quickly swimming circles around Dave, completely submerged. I could have given him that evaluation while they were in utero.

Trenton, patiently mastering the two handed technique...

while Kali dives right in, swimming away.

I had the kids write thank you cards to Coach Dave. This was Trenton's - he loved diving to the bottom to get the rings. Precious.

Lovin' 30!

And so begins the great catch up for the summer of '09. The last 3 months have been an awesome whirlwind of family and fun and it's time to play catch up. I'd like to begin with my best birthday ever filled with many memorable firsts...

The kids first trip to one of my favorite restaurants, Cinzetti's, an all-you-can-eat Italian buffett where kids eat free on Tuesday nights - the same night as my birthday, happy day. After his third trip to the dessert bar Trenton says, "I sure love your birthday, Mom."

Our first get away with my best friend that we've hired a babysitter for (thank you to Mom & Dad and JeVonne & Paul for the previous two get-aways). We went white water rafting and spent a night in Winter Park. Heaven.

It was also filled with my other two favorite firsts - my first surprise party with some dear friends and my first trip to IKEA armed with b-day gifts from generous friends and family. I had way too much fun at IKEA. 1 year and counting until we get one in Denver :).

But my very favorite first - it was the first birthday I wasn't pregnant or nursing in 6 years. I felt like me again. That's a nice feeling.

I loved turning 30 - my 20s were filled with big life-determining decisons (why do we have to make those so young anyway?), college, a tragedy, three pregnancies, and a few bumps in the road...all of which were educational, refining, and some rewarding, but none of which I care to repeat. I love where I'm at and my blessings are inumerable. I am blessed with an incredible husband, healthy, loving children, a beautiful home, a secure job, and especially a supportive family & dear friends. I've had many warnings about turning 30, but I think I'm going to like it :).