Goodbye, old friend

On Friday afternoon, I listed the truck on craigslist.  By 4:30 pm, I had 10 requests to see it.  By 10 am the next day, it was sold.  So sad to see this truck go.  This is the car that Joseph drove when he dated and proposed to me.  It was our family vehicle during our 3 years in Ohio.  It's been Joseph's commuter car for the past 6 years.  Lots of memories... especially of the time period in our early married life when all our belongings could fit in the back of this truck.  Goodbye, old friend!

Back to School

Today David began his first day of school.  He was very nervous, but after meeting his teacher seemed ready to go.  I woke up at 6:30 am this morning in order to get David to school by 8:00 am.... feels especially early for our late morning household.

We did good at getting out the door.. even got to school 10 minutes early!  Surprisingly, none of David's friends from Kindergarten are in his class.  I am a bit sad about it, but he doesn't seem to mind.  This boy is really good at making friends.

David likes Mrs. Hann because he says that she is the nicest 1st grade teacher.  We'll see how he feels when the first homework packet gets sent home.  I spent much of the day feeling lonesome for my boy, but I am optimistic that this year will be a good one.

Why I love James

Imaginative, smart, silly, serious, determined, thoughtful...

I love you

I sent this picture yesterday to my dad for his birthday.  Thought it was too cute not to share!

Ruthie has been snuggling in bed with the boys these days.  She'll usually stay there for about 5 minutes after the lights go off.   Then, she goes back in the crib.   Though the whole ordeal is such a hassle, it is very sweet to see how willing the boys are to share their covers with her.

pen pal

This is an excerpt from a letter I wrote to a far-away friend.  I thought I would share...

"We are beginning to look ahead to the start of school.  I am feeling very anxious about things; I don't know why.  I even had a few nightmares last night, both related to school.  David was starting Kindergarten all over again, and I lost James in the school office.  Bizarre, I know!  What a relief to wake up and realize that everyone was home safe!  

The kids are growing at an amazing pace.  David seems so much older these days.  He is really progressing in the piano, which is fun to watch, even if we fight during every minute of practice time.  He has also definitely outgrown his old bicycle.  No matter how much we raise the seat, his knees are at his chest.  We keep suggesting that he should ask Santa for a new bike, but he insists that all he wants are Legos.  James is also growing.  We are putting him in preschool this coming year and he is REALLY excited.  He just wants so badly to be as big as David.  Today I gave him David's old bicycle helmet and he was so happy!  You would have thought it was brand new.

Ruth is DRAMA.  She is so tough these days.  Just as James has departed his terrible toddler years, Ruth has stepped right in.  Patience is my main goal these days.  The glimmer of hope is that her tantrums last for less than 5 minutes, unlike the marathon tantrums that James used to throw.  I have also noticed that Joseph has a difficult time disciplining her, which is never the case with the boys. He just can't seem to tell her no.  Hopefully, we won't have a little diva on our hands!"

The ice cream truck

What is happiness?  Look at these faces and you'll find out.  Nothing could be more delicious than a spur of the moment "whistlepop" from the icecream truck.

Happy Birthday David

David had the luxury of a Saturday birthday this year.  We woke up and headed first thing to the beach.  This is David and his cousin Xander, hitting the waves.

No birthday could be complete without hamburgers and lemonade, right David?

David got what he asked for: the Lego General Grievous Starfighter, plus a trip to the Lego store to spend birthday money from his grandparents.  To this boy happiness is spelled L-E-G-O.

Seven candles for my big boy.

This spectator was awfully cute.

Next up on the birthday list: James.  He can hardly wait...

We sure love our David.  He is such an easy going, wonderful boy.  David is a friend to everyone of any age, including me.  I have put lots pressure on him this summer to do more difficult house work and he has stepped up to each task without complaint. I am so proud of him and very glad to have him in our family.