Nyou

Just wanted to add this picture cuz I think she's so pretty.
A couple weeks ago, after having his diaper changed, T picked it up and headed for the front door. This photo is from today. He will not be deterred from this practice and insists, even with bear feet that he go out and take the diaper to the big garbage. I love that he wants to handle this task. The last few times, A has gotten into the act and races out to open the lid. What a team!
Okay, so I'm not ready to bear all in this blog. Originally, I had a photo of my bedroom and the contents of closets that lay on my bedroom floor. It was an amazing amount of stuff. I dealt with the majority of it today but still have more for tomorrow. I was doing laundry at the same time, so as I got rid of it, more was added--kind of a futile exercise, but isn't much of what a mother does that way? The kids have no school tomorrow, so I figure I'll have help and get it all done.

Believe it or not, Q came home from school today asking if she could go to school tomorrow. She wants to help her favorite teacher with a mural she's making. I guess a bunch of her friends are going in to help also. Another thing is, last year the Friday before my birthday they had off too, and I took them all hiking up the Gorge to see all the waterfalls. She is afraid I'm going to do that again this year. I would really love to, but G's going on a scout campout, and if Q doesn't come, it will leave me alone with all the kids who really need big helpers. I don't have that many arms. I could do it, but Monday's off too, so I think I'll surprise them with it then. I think I'll just tell them to get in the car, and off we'll go. Hee Hee (evil laugh).

Before I could tackle the bedroom, A was dying to play a little game of Candyland Wheel. If you are ever tempted to buy this game, don't. We bought it one summer when we took a little family trip and knew we'd be spending some time in our hotel room. It was one of the only games Rite Aid had in that town, so we bought it. One of the things I love Candyland for is that it teaches kids colors. This game doesn't do anything. Well, A still loves it, so I guess it's good for togetherness time, so that's what we use it for. We got through a game and a half and then he was off to school. I must admit I liked the game more than what was facing me upstairs.

As I do this blog thing more often, I guess I'll learn to carry a camera. I've kicked myself twice now for not having one with me. One was tonight as we headed for Kindergarten orientation. A was so excited. In the past, the kids have gotten to ride the school bus around the neighborhood, but such was not the case tonight, so I got A all excited about something that didn't happen. Two of his church and preschool buddies were there, so I guess that took away from any disappointment he might have been feeling.

The principal has it all set up so fun. The kids are given a bag with a bingo type page attached to it. The kids go into the gym and around to stations that represent various aspects of what goes on at the school. At each station, they get a sticker and something to go in their bag. After that is over, the parents sit in chairs and the Kindys are asked to sit in front on a mat to watch a slideshow presentation about the school. All the kids are lined up after this and off they go to the classrooms to hang out with the Kindy teachers. Brilliant! No crying kids cuz they're torn out of mommy and daddy's arms. A was pumped and excited all evening. It was a great experience. Now comes the "Mom, when's September?" daily question for the next five months. Seems like I just went through this.

Z and I both had meetings tonight after Kindergarten Orientation. I had a camp meeting for which I was supposed to say the closing prayer. I left after the kindys left the gym and walked down to the church. The meeting went long and then another was added for those who will be acting as counsellor advocates--that would be me.

To make a long story short, Z and I met up again after both our meetings were over and after I'd been locked out (accidentally) of the church, and he took me home. We arrived home at 10pm. It's wonderful to have a teenage daughter who can keep the kids.

T was still awake. I went up and his bedroom light was on. He was happy to see me, but I must admit I would have been happier seeing him all snuggled up in his blankies, dreaming. I brought him downstairs as he patted me on the back, and had him say good night to everyone. He said, "Night Night" to Z very clearly and then I whispered for him to say "Love you." He said, "Nyou." I can't believe how he's growing before my very eyes. He's 18 months old today. It will be so sad here when there isn't a funny baby to laugh at any more.