The End of Kindergarten is Almost Here!

Sadly, our first step into the world of school and big kid stuff is coming to an end. I know many of you reading this are feeling the same thing. I am thinking into this way more than I did on the first day of school. Kinda weird. Anyway, the last few days have been eventful with the Volunteer Appreciation Tea yesterday afternoon and then our last chapel and special awards given out this morning.


The room was nicely decorated for an afternoon tea and apparently the kids learned how to do it all! (Notice the place settings!) Now there will be no arguing about how to set the table for supper. The kids sang a few songs and it was melt your heart sweet to see them. When they were finished they went out to the crowd of parents and friends and shook hands and said thank you. LOVE THAT!

There is a little boy at the preschool who is battling a brain tumor that the kids have been praying for and bringing in their piggy bank change for. He and his mom were there and it was special that he got to thank the class as they gave him a special gift that came from their hearts. I am in awe at how the students' hearts were being taught with as much enthusiasm and emphasis as their brains.












This morning Sawyer was given the Aiming High Award for always striving to learn as much as he could squeeze from subjects throughout the year. His teachers have done such a wonderful job this first year of the academy and we are so blessed by what they have accomplished through God with each child.

20 Things I Will Never Do

Found this on Dallas' and thought it sounded kind of fun. Dawson is engaged in his cereal and Landon is fast asleep.
1) Jump out of an airplane or heli-ski...anything like that where I am having that "I'm outta control" feeling
2) Love football
3) enjoy rubbing someones feet (although will pay my kids and husband to rub mine!)
4) Let an animal kiss me on my face, especially on the mouth! YUCK!
5) Pass gas in public (someone is reading this who is laughing VERY hard right now and going to tell me later to "never say never")
6) Let my kids go free on Spring Break without "chaperons" (those being Ragan and I)
7) Eat liver or sauerkraut, or pickle loaf, or eggs, .....
8) Be a Survivor contestant
9) Read or watch scary books or movies
10) wear a bikini
11) Leave my house a mess when we leave town
12) Let someone I know leave their zipper down without telling them
13) Stop loving 80's music
14) Sit at home doing nothing when I could be shopping
15) Pay full price for (almost) anything (or buy something that I can make cheaper)
16) Stop wanting to see new places
17) Live out of the country (at least I can mark that one off the list)
18) Buy a house with a pool (but I would take an outdoor kitchen)
19) Understand it all ...
20) Forget our first neighborhood with great friends all around us. The American dream!
That sounds pathetic...I'll try again
20) Stop being silly!
There, now post your own and I'll enjoy reading your "nevers". Although I didn't think this could be so hard, I did have to sit and think a bit. Funny how different this version is from the one we played in Junior High.

We're Home!

What an incredible 5 days we just spent! We left Thursday afternoon and returned last night (Tuesday) 30 minutes before Sawyer's ballgame was to start (only a few minutes drive away). I had resigned not to go and Saw had given me the OK on that. They arrive and the coach wasn't there and Ragan had to take over and couldn't do that with a three year old that thought he should be out there with them as a part of the team. So... put the baby back into the car seat he has lived in for 2 days and go again. Luckily, I quickly convinced Dawson that I had something super at home waiting. (bed)



We had a wonderfully peaceful trip, both in the vehicle and at my parents'. Somehow the boys manage pretty well in the car. Thanks to movies and special coloring books, journals, and each others' giggles. Landon is pretty much a miracle child. We aren't sure what is wrong with him yet, but he is a super traveler. Never says a peep except when being pestered or hungry. Is this a third child thing? You better speak up or I will be shouting how Landon is somehow gifted at an early age because of this. I can't wait for all of you in Rogers (and Springdale) to see him in all his giftedness!



The boys caught so many fish they lost count, and rode the "hog" until there were permanent tracks in my parents manicured lawn. They also played lots of basketball, water balloon baseball, and acted silly with their cousins until they literally fell asleep as soon as they were put to bed. Can't ask for a better time than that. Of course they got the family tree rehearsed to them as we took Dad's Iris he proudly grew to the cemetery on Monday after lunch. Does everybody's family do that? I always use to think that was so boring. Very cool now. I always swear that I am going to write it all down. I need to do that.



We drove off Monday afternoon and I couldn't hold back tears. I don't find myself feeling that kind of emotion often, but I am confident that the tears were some much needed medicine. Medicine that reminds me of where I came from, how much I love and miss my family, how proud I am to come from this small dot on a map called Carrollton, Missouri, and most importantly, how much I deeply desire for my boys to know Ma Patty and Pa Rex. Not just be familiar, but to grow a deeper understanding of who they are and appreciate them for every last bit of it.



God is so very good.



Here are some of my favorite pictures from the weekend.

the Weekend Update

I just loved this cute little picture of Landon's feet.

I took several more but I won't bore you with them. I was just caught up this week on his feet. The size of them mainly, but also thinking they won't be this cute for long. Soon they will be very large and stinky. I just wanted to remember this adorable stage when I kissed them all the time. Doesn't this make you want to kiss them?

Sawyer finally got to play in his first coach pitch baseball game of this season. He chose to be on a different team this season to be with a good school and church friend and we ended up playing our old team! The game started at 8:00pm and I couldn't believe that he didn't get home until 10:00! I took a separate car and left early with the other two after seeing him hit and in the outfield a couple of times. I hated to miss part of the FIRST game, but really...that is so late for a little guy! He was immediately trying to remember if the real Diamondbacks had played their opponent in the series last year in order to predict a win or loss last night.

Just a few shots of Landon as I had to wake him up the other day. He usually wakes so sweetly...smiling and playing hide and seek until I pick him up. This time he was not happy to be woken up without finishing his nap and gave some pretty unflattering looks that I captured and will share. Don't we all have moments like this?
NO way are you waking me after only an hour!uh oh...camera. I'll smile once for you

really? you've gotta be kidding me

OK, I'm alright now

Nothing else really exciting going on here. I can't believe there is only a couple of weeks left of school! Sawyer will be a first grader! That blows my mind. I can't think too hard on that. Dawson finally understands that he just can't join school now that he is completely trained. We've told him for so long that he could go after he was doing his business like a big boy. He has the Spider man lunch box and backpack picked out and is anxiously waiting for preschool in "the fall". Here he is laying in the wet grass at the game last night.

Landon, I am quite positive, will explode with cognitive abilities very soon, yet he hasn't learned thus far how to keep from getting hung up under furniture. He does push ups all the time (just like I hear Elyn does) and could run a race backward, just can't go forward... yet. It is so funny though, he smiles for the camera, and then puts his angry face back on and tells me to get him out of the mess he is in!

OK, new subject...

There are times when I am trying to have a conversation with Sawyer and I know his mind is a million miles away. I realize that he is growing up and has other things to think about, running plays in his head, working out tomorrows kickball strategy, etc...Then something like this bed making thing happens and I am reminded that maybe he does hear me every now and then. I usually make the beds after he leaves simply because I don't like him leaving for school after we have argued. Mornings can be hard enough. I really want him to do this and I think he is old enough, but I just haven't gone so far as to require it from him yet. So, he left for school today, and I go into his room to start making beds and this is what I see...
TA DA!!!! Missing an item and not exactly how I would do it, but WOW!

Now, some of you know this, but when Ragan and I got married, I thought he made the bed every day. It was when we came home after the honeymoon that I realized, he just never got under the sheet and blanket! He just would pull the comforter up at night and folded it at the bottom of the bed during the day! What a bachelor!
Whatever the reason Sawyer made the bed this morning, I could care less. I have praised him and will continue to and hope that whatever motivated him to do so, will continue!

Happy Mother's Day!

Ragan took us out to eat at this great place in Wadsworth that we went last year for Mother's Day and Father's Day called The Galaxy. They have the most deliciously chilled cocktail shrimp and I felt very appreciated there. Not having to do any dishes, or cook made me very happy, but I want you all to know that Ragan made reservations two weeks ago!!! That in itself was a beautiful gift to me! Thank you honey! Sawyer gave me a card he handmade and been hiding since Wednesday, and Dawson helped Daddy sign his name to a card from him. That was very special, since he normally wants nothing to do with writing letters or drawing anything, really. And Ragan gave me a cute funny card that expressed his gratitude and love. All very kind and thoughtful sentiments!

Here are the boys and me on Landon's first Mother's Day

Now, I would like to tell MY mother how wonderful SHE is! I was going to try and make this really clever and post a top ten list for her or something like that. I have made lists of ways she has impacted my life and I was going to try and rank them making the biggest most wonderful thing at the end. I got stuck somewhere along the way because I started telling Ragan what I really want to inherit from her is her culinary skills! Forget the sappy stuff, I want to be able to multi task in the kitchen and wave this magic wand and have everything on the table at the perfect temperatures all at the same time. That is a beautiful thing! Mom, you do that so well!

What I really want you to know, Mom, is that you have taught me everything I have needed to know to run a house. (With some help from Dad, but I'll do that post in another month or so!) I learned practical skills from you like cooking, even though I was a lot better at cleaning up. I know I can make a few things because you took the time to show me. You always made things fun and not like a chore. I made an apple pie for teacher's appreciation this week and Ragan made me make one for us as well. I love that I know how to do that. I know important stuff like where to draw the lines with the fork at the end. Thank you for being a patient teacher with me.

You taught me to sew, even though I wouldn't have been caught dead in anything I made. I can't tell you how many other moms I know that would really love to have that skill. Do you remember my friend Teresa from Springfield that I taught to sew? We went to Joann's one Saturday and got four different fabrics and we made four shift dresses that we rotated for an entire summer. I have even made a few dollars sewing for other people. Thank you for helping me develop a talent and teaching me something that I could bless others with.

You taught me to love and support Ragan by your example with Dad. Though our 11 1/2 years don't quite compare to 40!!!!!! you are a beautiful example of healthy marriage. I heard you having fun, I watched you laugh a lot, I sat with you when you worshipped, I watched you working together for the benefit of our family. I will also say I have seen you kiss just a few times, kinda gross to post that, but thank you for letting me witness your complete devotion to Dad. That example will mean a lot to my boys.

Thank you for teaching me the little things, like wearing clean underwear in case I'm in a wreck. I still hope I don't have to use that knowledge, but I appreciate it... and rest assured, my boys will be ready.

I watched you work very hard for all of us. Whether you were still at home or working after Robin was in school, I saw you do all that you could to help Dad in the garden, moving equipment from farm to farm, doing the bookwork, dressing chickens, and still had time for homework and 4-H projects. You included us in whatever you could. Thank you for teaching me to work hard at all that I do.

I thank you for being so patient with me. I think I might have given you a few gray hairs along the way as I wasn't the easiest teenager or college student for that matter! Thank you for believing in me and helping me understand that I was not the equivalent of my mistakes. Knowing and feeling your forgiveness helped me understand how God sees us all.

I love you mom! Hope you have a great day!

MJ

Chapel and the Aeros

I was so surprised when Mrs. Turocy asked to make sure I would be in chapel Friday morning, I am always in chapel. I figured there must be something up. It has been Teacher Appreciation Week.... but I then realized it must be a Mother's Day treat. After singing 3 or 4 Mother's Day songs (that made my heart melt) the kids, one by one, took a small bouquet of 2 carnations and some baby's breath and greenery, and stated "I love my mom because...." and each of them filled in the blank with their own unique ending. How adorable! Sawyer's turn came and he took the bouquet and said, " I love my mom because she is nice." I cried as he came and delivered the flowers to me and gave me a hug AND a kiss. I emphasize that because he won't kiss me in front of anyone outside our family.

Singing with his buddies Cade and Logan

It's his turn...what will he say?

Also, we went to an Akron Aeros game last night (thank you, Smuckers!) So funny though, we were behind home plate, but there isn't a bad seat in the stadium. This was 3 nights after our sit down, "lets review our budget " talk, and we spent $40 on dinner there. It seems like when there is a sporting event, the rules get laid aside. Although the meal didn't come cheap, we did save a few dollars on gas. We took Ragan's little car... take note of how cozy the boys are in the back seat! Also, check out the miles per gallon! Can you beat that?

Here are the other best pics.....

Landon recently learned to clap. He clapped

through most of the first half of the game.

One more thing, we finally got a chair for Landon to eat in. I know it sounds ridiculously late in the game to be getting something like that. We had given away the nice high chair the other boys used, like all the other baby stuff, and I just wanted to see how long we could use the bouncy seat and bumbo seat. Those days are gone, he is 20 pounds! The clip to your counter or table kind are what I really wanted but our table is so ancient that they didn't fit around that large lip. This picture is from a few months ago, but now you can see what I mean about the table.

After taking a few and returning a few, we finally settled on this cheery looking booster chair. He is safe and has a place to eat that doesn't move...that is a necessity!!
I think he likes it.....don't you?

Water Colors

The other day I attempted to do a creative activity with Dawson, water colors. He really didn't have any desire to do this with me because he expressed that doing this would get him "dirty". What? Who's kid is this? He has always had an aversion to getting cold and doesn't play in the snow much, but dirt too? So I convinced him that it would be more fun than he could ever imagine and I would give him special gloves to wear and Daddy's cooking apron. That seemed to convince him and here is how it went.

he decided against the gloves but

never really understood correct

finger placement on the brush

ok, this isn't so bad...maybe even fun still don't want my hands to touch the paint but we're having fun now
All done...all 7 strokes
Easiest clean up job, ever!

It's Wadsworth Day at Progressive Field!

It has been a crazy week so I am just now reporting what happened last Sunday! We went to our first Indians game of the season and Landon's first ever (out of the womb). Because all of Wadsworth Baseball Leagues went, we all sat in the upper decks far far away from the actual game and I am thinking that is why we lost.... they couldn't hear all of us cheering!


So here is the gang all decked out, Landon is also sporting official Indians gear. We had a hat that I found for him a few months ago and I was just sick that I misplaced it and he couldn't match the other boys.
Here, Dawson has his glove and Landon's lovey, very focused for the hike up up up to our seats.

We realized as we sat there and watched all the families around us (because the game was so far away) that this opportunity is so absolutely great! It was a chilly, but beautiful day...about 65 degrees. To see all these people who might not love baseball THAT much, or don't spend as much time together as they would like (who is not in that category?), or some that might not have been able to spend that extra money if not for the discount we got for that special Wadsworth day... it was just awesome!

Here are a few pics from the game.

Our day started off with church at 8:30 and ended at 9:00 when we got home from bible study. Obviously, the game was a highlight, but the BEST part was when we were home for the hour before we went to home study and Dawson came inside and told us he needed to poop!

He's been on a roll for about a week with zero accidents. I feel like a new woman, and it has nothing to do with me! I am pretty sure he is as happy as I am though. We are on a hunt for a Spiderman costume. Wal-Mart will come through for us, they are just out of stock right now.

Definitely a day to remember.