Keeping the tooth fairy busy

No one knows what happened. There was screaming. Then blood. And then a tooth.

(And after it all, a sad little girl because the counts were even.)

The completed smile

It's just that season in my children's lives where every post seems like it is about loosing teeth.

She pulled her tooth out during school. Just in time for school pictures.

New member of the family

Busted this girl playing very early this morning.

I think she really likes it.

Which is good.

Cause I paid for it!

It's voting day

When I was 17, I was going to change the world.

I registered to vote.

I giggled knowing that I had a valid voters license, but I wasn't old enough.

I was not going to let "the old people dictate where my taxes go."

When I was 21, I got engaged. He was almost perfect, except he wasn't registered to vote and didn't know the differences between the political parties.

My very politically involved Dad and sisters thought this was blaspheme. I thought they were going to try to stop the wedding.

Thankfully, he registered just in time.

Fast forward today.

The only thing politics mean to me is hatred.

The cliche that politics take a good man and corrupts him is correct.

I will not vote for a politician who chooses not to cast a vote.

I will not vote for a politician who cares enough to pay for my phone number, but not enough to know when to call. I work nights. You do not want to wake the sleeping giant. And do not call past 7pm, my children are sleeping.

I will not vote for a politician who can't state what he believes without putting the other side down.

For once, I would like a politician to compliment the other side. That alone may win my vote.

That is why I didn't vote today. The first time ever.

Don't tell my Dad.

Not winning the parenting award

I will retry in January.

Toothless Grin

Grant finally pulled his first tooth!

Thanks in large part to Raea who got it very loose after she convinced Larissa to let her pull it out for a dollar.

Larissa is now even with Ethan again, 3 a piece.

 

 

First Big Game

Grant had no clue that I was planning to go to his first game against their biggest rivals.

But my head hurt. The kids wanted to watch a movie. And I was looking for any excuse not to go.

However, the thought of a ice cream treat was just enough motivation for me to load the car.

At the game, the kids tried to yell to their dad.

"Don't bug Dad; he's in game mode."

"But he was staring right at me."

"Just wait until half time and we will say hi right before he goes into the locker room."

The game was so exciting. Unfortunately, we were the second team to score, but in a cocky move, we went for a two-point conversion on our first touchdown. We were now ahead.

The leader board kept changing. The kids were now old enough to discuss strategy and game rules, but we were still excited for half time.

At half time, the players ran to the locker room. The kids and I assumed our position next to the gate and waited for Grant to pass us. Hollering his name again, he didn't notice.

"Just wait. He's coming."

I don't like to make a scene or identify ourselves especially since a couple years ago there were rude parents saying some awful things about "my coach".

Finally, within a foot of him, he realized it was us. Full of adrenaline, he picked up all four kids in one sweeping motion. He preceded to pull me in and gave me an uncharacteristic kiss at the game.

"I thought it was weird to have so many white people over here."

Even throughout the kids yells, he never recognized us.

Halftime came at 9:00, and I still had a long drive ahead, so we left. Nervous, I waited for the score.

At 2212, I got the text. We had won 48-42.

The next morning he said, "Last night when I saw you, I got a glimpse of what heaven will be like when I am reunited with my family."

Glad I made it to the game after all.

Kids are dying here (in Arizona)

It's just me and the little guy, so he gets to run errands with me sometimes.

Today, I got out of the car, and obviously there was not the usual kids shuffling out the car.

I opened Herston's door; he was concerned and flooded me with questions.

"You weren't going to leave me in there, right?

Cause kids dies in cars, right?

And you would miss me, right?

I'm important to you, remember?

I don't want to die. And I could die in there.

No, you wouldn't leave me in there."

Soccer

I believe in the power of sweating. Kids should sweat. Kids should work hard. Kids should have controlled competition, on the field, not in the house. Kids should win and boost their self esteem. Kids should lose because heartbreak happens. Kids should learn teamwork; to make friends and tolerate the others.

This is why I love soccer.

I also love the subliminal message that is sent that says as much as I love summer, it's time to change seasons.

WARNING: Be prepared for pictures, I've got all four in soccer now.

Another one bites the dust

(Larissa kept popping in the picture; I had to show one of her! Her tooth is up next!)

How do boys survive until adulthood?

Just a Kid

A week ago, Raea asked me if she could do student council.

"Sure. Why not?"

"Well, it meets before school twice a month."

"Ok, that shouldn't be a problem.". (She is always ready early.)

"Well, what about getting the other kids to school?"

"It'll be fine."

"Will it be ok with your work schedule?"

"Sweetheart, I'll be the mom and figure it out."

•-•-•
Fast forward today, she's the first one home. Rare.

With a sad face.

"You know that student council thing?"

Oh, my heart begins breaking for her. "Yeah?"

"I was picked first, and I got in!!!"

And she proceeded to dance like a crazy KID for 10 minutes.

No Title

Happy Birthday

There is this girl.

Who is amazing.

Has the patience of a saint.

Expresses her emotions with composure.

Appreciates her personal relationships with her friends.

Has more maturity then her mother.

But knows how to have fun.

Who is turning 10.


Thanks for making the world a better place.

My Little Buddy

When the older kids were still in school before summer vacation, I was on bedrest.

I had the best partner ever.

Technology was our friend.

Happy Lunch

Bento boxes are Japanese lunch boxes. They are known for a healthier, more creative lunch options. Moms can go all out in the name of love and surprise.

First, I only have two kids with organized snack time. Hence the cucumber flower cutouts. I love the ice pack lids!

Then for lunch, mango star cutouts, hard boiled egg animal faces (photo doesn't do it justice), carrot bodies, yogurt stick, and bagel cream cream and chocolate chip sandwiches. Poor Raea doesn't want hard boiled eggs, so she gets sunflower seeds and cucumbers cutouts.

Good mom points for the Izze soda.

All squeezed into a little box separated by a ice block.

So gratifying. So not realistic for every day.

New School Year

Here's to another great year,1st, 2nd, and 5th grade.

(Yes, the first grader is that sassy, the second grader is that tall, and the fifth grader is that stylish. And I love them all!)

Almost school time

Reflecting on our summer road trip.

My view.
Their view.