Spring Break came early for our school system this year. I think this is the earliest one I remember since being in college. It also marks the end of my spouses un-employment for a little while. Though he is excited about his new opportunity he is still nervous. So as I had mentioned in a previous post we decided to take the kids on a short trip. This helped to keep ever one relaxed, and it may be our last trip for a little while (I hope and pray!).
There are lots of historic places to visit in Georgia. We decided to take the kids to the Atlantic coast. So we went to Savannah in order to let the kids experience the Atlantic coast as well as see a little of Georgia history. It was fun to watch our son get excited about seeing the Washington Guns. He learned about President Washington and President Lincoln in school. He also loved all the stuff about Pirates and ships. We visited Tybee island and went to the see the light house. Both the kids braved the steep open spiral staircase and climbed the 171 steps to the top of the light house and even went out on the landing (I couldn’t handle that part). They enjoyed visiting the fort as well.
Of course our daughters favorite part of the day was spent at the beach. Here is the fun part about Georgia this time of year it was in the 30’s during the morning. So the kids started out on the beach bundled up in there coats and long pants. They were given strict instructions not to get in the water. They had fun searching for shells and chasing the sea-gulls (per Nigel in Finding Nemo,,”rats with wings”). After we visited the Lighthouse and had lunch it had warmed up into the low 70’s so we were able wade in the water. By the time we came home from supper that night it was time for jackets again. However, we braved it at got out and enjoyed the day.
Our final stop for the trip was to see the Cathedral in Savannah. What is still a strange sight for me is tourists visiting. While parishioners are praying the visitors are talking about the architecture of the building and snapping pictures left and right. Having grown up Catholic it is still a little “un-settling” to me. I simply whispered to the children what certain things are and took a few pics out side the building.
We also visited River Street. This area is more of “bar and pub” type area however the walk along the Savannah river is beautiful. The kids were able to see ships, river boats and tug boats. The best attraction for them though was the candy store. Here they were able to watch them make salt water taffy and even sample some fresh, warm taffy for free. Any time a little one can get free candy is a plus to them
All in all it was a great trip. I think though that the next time we will just stay on Tybee island. The city was pretty crowded and of course there were the “party” goers on River street to contend with at meals times. Now it is back to work for me tomorrow and back to work for hubby on Monday! Again we start a new chapter. I am anxious to see how it unfolds!
Today was one of those wonderful spring days. The sun was bright, not to hot not to cool just perfect. However, I think today was great just because things are feeling great.
First of all my Mr. Mom found a temp. job with the potential to be permanent. That has put him in a great and motivated mood. He has put on a smile and said everything was fine for 6 months. However, I could tell for the last 2 months it has taken it’s toll on him.
We also found out that our daughter made it through the pre-K lottery and has a spot. We spoke to the director of the private school last week about possibly putting her in public and shared with her that it was a lot about the cost. She didn’t realize that my spouse was out of work. She then proceeded to tell me not to let tuition play a part in our decision. She actually told me that if we wanted to continue at the private school she would take care of the tuition! Though I would continue to work extra if that is what we want to do I was still so touched by her generosity. It totally warmed out hearts and of course is making our decision even harder!
So as I said today is a Good Friday. The kids had there Easter parties and egg hunts at school. Since I work the entire weekend the “bunny” came early to our house. We have a new problem our daughter enjoyed hunting for eggs so much, she keeps hiding them! Yup, she goes to the fridge, takes out the eggs and re-hides them. Then she grabs her basket and “searches” for them. Each time she finds an egg (that she hid) she yells “oh, wook, egg, I won” Yup that is 5 words!!!!! From my little girl that is worth letting her re-hide the eggs!
Now we have a much needed Spring Break. Then as hubby heads off to his new job, we get started into the busy spring pre-school season. If it is like the last two years every week there is at least one event that requires us to be at the school. There will be field trips, special dress up days and it will fly by in lighting speed. The reality is hitting me,,,soon my darling kindergärtner will be heading off to first grade! As I watched him hunting eggs and interacting with his classmates (some of which he has been in school with since 3 yrs old) I realized how lucky I have been to have this child in my life. He talks about his school, his teacher and his friends with such pride and happiness. I am thankful everyday to be his mom.
I am a very blessed women,,,and today is truly a GOOD FRIDAY
Tomorrow will mark 6 months since my dear husband lost his job. It is hard sometimes not to get discouraged. The market is just not that great right now for his type of work. He has sent applications to every possible company in the state. He is doing well not getting to distressed over the situation and making the best of it.
So on that note he had his first experience with an Early warm spring day. One of the things I love about our state is that Spring comes early and fall hangs around for awhile. So today we met with some other mom’s from Kindergarten for an after school pick nick and play date at the park. The high today was about 78 degree with a little breeze, sunny and bright blue sky’s! Perfect for our outing. We lounged for about 3 hours in the grass while the kids all played. And as I had promised him our little group weren’t only ones with the great idea,,the park was packed! I think it was just what we all needed. The end of winter is so close at hand and it was nice to not be cooped up inside with all our worry’s right there in front of us.
He is also getting himself prepared. I have already warned him that the last few months of school get relay hectic! And as Mr. Mom he is going to be very busy!
Last night was one of those very proud mom nights. Every thing was great! My Parker attended his first belt ceremony. Most remember he tested last week,,so tonight was the “results show”. I will forewarn you this is going to be huge MOMMY brag,,,so if you need to close this screen now,,go ahead.
Parker has done well from day one. His teacher continually tell us that he is very good. Now I take this with some credit because his instructor is a World Champ, National Champ and State Champ. He is 4th degree black belt, his son a 2nd degree and XMA instructor (at only 15) and his spouse is a 1st degree black belt and judge. I think he might really know about ATA. This knowledge only came about after we put our son in the class. Parker has wanted to take martial arts for several years but we didn’t know whom to go with or which one.
He really puts his heart into and loves to go. He has been so excited about getting his belt and moving up. So here is how it went.
First he did pass his test and receive his Orange Belt. However, he received more then just that! The instructors wife noticed our son and his friend sitting quietly waiting for the ceremony to start and gave them both a blue star for showing good discipline. The instructor gave him a Silver Star for showing kindness to someone else from his heart. Guess how he earned that one,,,,,he gave the instructor a Valentines Day Card. However, Parker’s biggest award was yet to come. The one he wanted the most. Student of the month! He tied with another little girl so they both received a metal. He is so proud of his belt and his metal. He is already talking about were he wants to put them in his room (oh, well so much for putting it on the mantel).
Of course, we let him know how proud we were of his accomplishments. So my favorite part of the night was when we were coming home. He listed all the things that made the day great, from the belt to the metal. However, he told us his favorite part was the “he made us proud”. I could cry. This of course brought him a huge hug and assurance that though I am proud of his awards I love him and am proud of him no matter what!
In the usual style of I will never let her have that,,my daughter has now picked out and proudly owns her first two Babies. She has Korean Barbie’s dressed in Hanbok, but those are on a shelf and she has no interest in them. Her pics are the Barbie Maraposa. Why,,the doll has butterfly wings. My daughter loves anything to do with butterfly’s. Her second pick in a Barbie with a pet dog. She is more interested in the dog and not the doll.
Now I had Barbie’s that you could style there hair and that was about it. There was relay only a few basic Barbie’s and Ken dolls. You spent the money on there house, car, pool and vacation camper. Now Barbie comes with so many variations. I noticed the other day that the Barbie car comes with a doll. However, at this point I have not found a Ken doll. Not that I am ready for Barbie to have her inevitable partner. I am still getting used to the idea that my daughter is playing with doll.
So why does my daughter like the dog more then the doll? Well you cant style her hair as you could my doll. But the dog eats and then guess what?? You pull his tail up and ta da he POOPS! Yup, the Barbie dog poops! And then you take th poops and pick them up with a “Popper scooper” and deposit them in a trash can. Here is the funny part. The trash can is connected to the pups food box,,so the poops go into the food box for Barbie to feed back to the dog! So the new age Barbie can be a young girl that feeds her dog poop or a Butterfly (Maraposa). AHH,, she has come a long way and of course kept her figure! Well here we go, I guess we are in the Barbie years!
Yup this was the question my 29 yr old sis asked today!!!! Today is her birthday. It is always and exciting day for me! I remember walking up from the bus stop to find my Dad sitting waiting for us (my older sister to). He had a card in his hand. Our first question was “were is mom” He smiled and said “you have a sister!” Life went up hill and down hill from there But it is all wonderful! My sister has done so well,,,,,well both my sisters! It is funny I am the middle child. I should feel left out,,,but many times I truly feel I am the luckest! I get the joy of being the younger sister and the joy of being the big sisiter! What esle could I ask for! When folks say to me “oh,, you are the sad forgotten middle child, I just smile and lugh! I am the luckest,,, I have the best of both!!!!
So today,, why to I feel old and sad??? Not because of that but because I just ordered my son’s Kindergartan Graduation Pics! OH,,,He looks so hadnsome in the red cap and gown (the same as his dad’s Highschool cap and gown). We registerd both for public school this week. I am suddenly relizing that I wont have the biggest inpact on them anymore! They will soon know about kids not having both parents, that they are minorities, that there are mean folks out there. It scares me worse then any fear I have ever had! I relize sometimes that yes I am old. Life was so much differant in the late “70’s and early ’80’s. At that time the most “taboo” thing was kissing, smokeing and only certain girls ended up ” in trouble”.
I pray every day that I can do like my parents and teach my children that they can make the right choices. But right now I look at he WOOLF trying to blow down there house,,, I feel vounerable and afriad. I hate that we are reaching the end of there inocecne to the BIG BAD WORLD!!! Honestly,, folks are just naster then they were in 1976 when I started school,,,more hatefull and closed minde. I am scared for my children.
and even sample some fresh, warm taffy for free. Any time a little one can get free candy is a plus to them 
