Here is a typical schedule. It's not any different from any other typical American family with active kids, but it is taking Eric and me some getting used to.
5:45 Alarm goes off. Hit snooze once.
5:54 Alarm goes off. Stumble to shower. Take shower. Get dressed. Do hair.
6:15 Wake Evan so he has 15 minutes to snuggle in our bed. He gets very cranky when he misses out on snuggle time in the morning. Brush teeth. Do makeup.
6:30 Evan needs to eat. I pack three lunches while he eats. Evan gets ready...most of the time without much help. Some days, however, are rougher than others.
7:00 Wake Hudson. Get him dressed and teeth brushed.
7:15 Goal time to be out the door. Rarely make it. Usually pulling out of driveway at 7:22.
7:30 Drop Hudson at Linda's.
7:40ish Reach school.
7:50 Morning prayer with teachers.
8:00 Bell rings.
8-11:30 Teach.
11:30-12 Lunch.
12:00-2:00 Work. Today's project was getting ITBS (standardized testing) materials passed out to teachers.
2:00-2:50 Cooking class. Today we made chicken fajitas.
3:00 Bell rings for end of the day.
3:05 Get Evan so he can do homework in my classroom. No time to do it at home with Scouts and soccer practice. Much quieter in my room without Hudson to distract us.
3:45 Evan heads back to daycare so I can do a bit more work.
4:30 Get Evan. Get Hudson.
4:50 Pull in driveway. Make a super fast dinner of ready-made pasta and meatballs.
5:05 Eat.
5:15 Rinse dishes.
5:30 Leave for soccer practice.
5:50 Arrive at soccer practice. Eric met us there. I took Hudson and went to run errands.
7:00 Get home. Get Hudson bathed. Empty dishwasher. Clean kitchen.
7:40 Evan and Eric get home. Get Evan bathed. Listen to Evan read.
8:00 Kids in bed 1/2 hour late.
8:01 Crash.
Like I said, there isn't anything unusual about our schedule. It's just taking me some time to adjust to two nights of soccer practice, an every other week meeting of scouts, homework and general craziness. Last year we got Evan's homework packet on Friday. I learned very quickly to do as much as we could over the weekend. That isn't the case this year, so it is tricky fitting it all in.
I can't even begin to imagine what life will be like when Hudson is in school and participating in all these activities as well.
In all of this craziness, the one thing that bothers me the most is when we don't eat dinner as a family. The one thing I like the most is knowing we are giving the kids opportunities to learn and grow.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Happy Birthday Hudson!
Happy Birthday Hudson!
It's hard to believe that three years ago this little man came into our lives. It seems like yesterday, and it seems like forever ago.
It's hard to remember life without him in our family.
Hudson,
You are quite the charmer! You look just like your Daddy with your impish little grin and big brown eyes. And while you look and act like your Dad, your heart belongs to Mommy! You've been my little man since the day you were born.
My little shadow. My constant companion.
You sure can be a little stinker, but boy do you make us laugh! You are curious, stubbornly independent, not afraid of much (except the squirrel who lives in our backyard), and very sure about your opinions of the world.
You tend to be our shy boy. It takes you a few minutes to warm up to new situations, but once you are comfortable...watch out! You are the life of the party!
You look up to your brother, but you sure don't let him boss you around. Anywhere Evan is, that is where you want to be as well. Sometimes it's hard for you to stand on the sidelines watching Evan do all the things his age allows him to do. In just a few short years, you too will be going to school, playing soccer and baseball, going to play with friends, and heading to Scout meetings. Very soon, my little chicken.
You started out with the nickname of Chicken. That one will always be your special nickname. However, in the last few months, we have started calling you Allejandro. I'm sure you don't remember, but I was singing the song and you kept telling me to stop. Being the kind-hearted mom that I am, I instead started calling you by the name Allejandro, and it just sort of stuck. Now whenever you hear that song, you stop and listen!
You are my Allejandro Lovebug. You are always willing to give lots of kisses and hugs. Sometimes you are like a little man going in for those smooches! Where did you pick that up?!
I hope you had a great day! You seemed pretty happy to get two of your very own Zhu Zhu pets. You also had fun with the balloon that you and I picked out at the store. Could I get you to go with Scooby Doo or Handy Manny? Nooooo. You chose a balloon with a picture of the world on it! Maybe that means that someday you are going to be a traveling spirit.
We are so proud of you!
We love you with all our heart, Hudson. You complete our family.
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Three Years Ago...
Three years ago today I was the mom of one little boy named Evan.
Three years ago today I was anxious to become the mom to a yet unknown little one the next morning.
Three years ago today our life was very different with one child who was our world.
Three years ago today I didn't know that our love was going to multiply and our world was going to be complete because Hudson would soon be in it.
Three years ago today I was crabby, excited, nervous, and wanting to meet our second child.
Three years ago today I wasn't able to go to sleep.
Three years ago today Hudson spent his last night curled up inside me.
Three years ago today we were on the verge of a very happy day.
Happy birthday tomorrow to my little Hudson. AKA Chicken. AKA Allejandro.
And hopefully I'll get my butt in gear and actually take pictures and load them here on Hudson's actual birthday!
Three years ago today I was anxious to become the mom to a yet unknown little one the next morning.
Three years ago today our life was very different with one child who was our world.
Three years ago today I didn't know that our love was going to multiply and our world was going to be complete because Hudson would soon be in it.
Three years ago today I was crabby, excited, nervous, and wanting to meet our second child.
Three years ago today I wasn't able to go to sleep.
Three years ago today Hudson spent his last night curled up inside me.
Three years ago today we were on the verge of a very happy day.
Happy birthday tomorrow to my little Hudson. AKA Chicken. AKA Allejandro.
And hopefully I'll get my butt in gear and actually take pictures and load them here on Hudson's actual birthday!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
First Days
We took pictures of the first day of school, but they aren't posted yet...obviously.
My head is spinning with the business of the first week of school. So much to do to keep Evan and Hudson running smoothly at home and all the kids running smoothly at school.
Luckily, Evan loves first grade. He's been a dream kid getting ready in the morning. Hopefully that trend continues.
Hudson is Hudson. He's resisting daycare lately, but hopefully this will pass. He gets to take a folder and lunch to Linda's now so he feels more grown up going to "school" at Linda's house. Today he wore his new tennis shoes. I CAN'T wait until he is at the preschool at my school.
Busy busy busy busy. Now I must sleep.
My head is spinning with the business of the first week of school. So much to do to keep Evan and Hudson running smoothly at home and all the kids running smoothly at school.
Luckily, Evan loves first grade. He's been a dream kid getting ready in the morning. Hopefully that trend continues.
Hudson is Hudson. He's resisting daycare lately, but hopefully this will pass. He gets to take a folder and lunch to Linda's now so he feels more grown up going to "school" at Linda's house. Today he wore his new tennis shoes. I CAN'T wait until he is at the preschool at my school.
Busy busy busy busy. Now I must sleep.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Did A Lot
Today I was feeling a bit mopey and weepy about the summer being over. I started back to work, and Evan starts school on Monday.
When people ask, I tell them we didn't do anything over the summer, but that is actually quite opposite from the truth. No, we didn't go on a long vacation away from Clovis, but we did plenty right here.
While I am sad that our carefree time has come to an end, I am pleased with what we did and am looking forward to routine and structure.
Here is our summer in pictures. (in no particular order)
This summer we...
...went to the movies.
...got over our fear of the deep end.
...did a little reading while perfecting potty training.
...did some running and wore cute skirts while doing so.
...ate ice cream.
...took an overnight trip to the ocean.
...visited Grandma and cousins.
...played family games.
...rode on the train.
...went on spur of the moment dates.
...destroyed our favorite blanket in the whole world.
...enjoyed a T-ball team pizza party.
...spent mornings watching cartoons in Mom and Dad's bed.
...kicked back by the pool with a cold one!
...went bowling.
...went to the zoo.
...played in a fountain in Hanford.
...bought some cute jewelry.
...donated blood.
...played with new toys.
...worked a little.
...visited Dad and rode a carousel horse.
...jumped at Pump it Up.
...snuggled.
...went to Gilroy Gardens.
...saw the Vietnam Memorial replica wall.
...and spent some time on our computers.
I think we had a great summer!
When people ask, I tell them we didn't do anything over the summer, but that is actually quite opposite from the truth. No, we didn't go on a long vacation away from Clovis, but we did plenty right here.
While I am sad that our carefree time has come to an end, I am pleased with what we did and am looking forward to routine and structure.
Here is our summer in pictures. (in no particular order)
This summer we...
...went to the movies.
...got over our fear of the deep end.
...did a little reading while perfecting potty training.
...did some running and wore cute skirts while doing so.
...ate ice cream.
...took an overnight trip to the ocean.
...visited Grandma and cousins.
...played family games.
...rode on the train.
...went on spur of the moment dates.
...destroyed our favorite blanket in the whole world.
...enjoyed a T-ball team pizza party.
...spent mornings watching cartoons in Mom and Dad's bed.
...kicked back by the pool with a cold one!
...went bowling.
...went to the zoo.
...played in a fountain in Hanford.
...bought some cute jewelry.
...donated blood.
...played with new toys.
...worked a little.
...visited Dad and rode a carousel horse.
...jumped at Pump it Up.
...snuggled.
...went to Gilroy Gardens.
...saw the Vietnam Memorial replica wall.
...and spent some time on our computers.
I think we had a great summer!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
If you can't say something nice, show the monkey
Wow! That title has some funny double meanings!
It's the monkey and my mom! I just realized, the monkey is upside down. The way she's holding him, it just looks like he's sitting on his rear end. He's supposed to be standing on his feet and leaning over. I'm sure you can figure out the sentiment behind this adorable little guy! My sister gets them from her dental office! I guess that's what they are passing out to kids these days when they have no cavities! Apparently the monkey has several poses, but this one is the funniest.
After having lunch with my mom that day, we drove through Merced towards home. I was explaining Evan's new game of "Bug, I Win" to her. Evan made up the rules, so there's no rhyme or reason to it. The general gist of the game is to spot a Volkswagon Bettle and yell, "Bug, I win!" However, PT Cruisers also count in this game and roundish cars of any variety...apparently. It's a great game!
Mom and I started playing, and then she told me about her friend Kay who used to look for deer when she was little. Same game, different goal! I asked Mom if Kay had to look for deer when she was coming over in the covered wagon! We laughed and laughed. Then I named Kay's game "Deer, I Win" and "Slug-Deer" (instead of Slug-Bug!). By the way, Kay is my mom's age. I think they just missed hanging out with Laura Ingalls!
We were stopped at a stoplight during all of this fun and hilarity when I looked to my left. I couldn't believe what I saw. We were sitting right in front of what was probably an Elks lodge and there was a deer head mounted to the outside of the building! (It was probably an elk, but who cares.) I shouted "Deer, I win!" I thought my mom was going to fall out of the car from laughing so hard!
Now I realize that this story isn't nearly as funny here as it was when it was happening in my car. I just wanted to recount it for my own silly memories.
Thanks, Mom! I had a great afternoon with you last week!
It's the monkey and my mom! I just realized, the monkey is upside down. The way she's holding him, it just looks like he's sitting on his rear end. He's supposed to be standing on his feet and leaning over. I'm sure you can figure out the sentiment behind this adorable little guy! My sister gets them from her dental office! I guess that's what they are passing out to kids these days when they have no cavities! Apparently the monkey has several poses, but this one is the funniest.
After having lunch with my mom that day, we drove through Merced towards home. I was explaining Evan's new game of "Bug, I Win" to her. Evan made up the rules, so there's no rhyme or reason to it. The general gist of the game is to spot a Volkswagon Bettle and yell, "Bug, I win!" However, PT Cruisers also count in this game and roundish cars of any variety...apparently. It's a great game!
Mom and I started playing, and then she told me about her friend Kay who used to look for deer when she was little. Same game, different goal! I asked Mom if Kay had to look for deer when she was coming over in the covered wagon! We laughed and laughed. Then I named Kay's game "Deer, I Win" and "Slug-Deer" (instead of Slug-Bug!). By the way, Kay is my mom's age. I think they just missed hanging out with Laura Ingalls!
We were stopped at a stoplight during all of this fun and hilarity when I looked to my left. I couldn't believe what I saw. We were sitting right in front of what was probably an Elks lodge and there was a deer head mounted to the outside of the building! (It was probably an elk, but who cares.) I shouted "Deer, I win!" I thought my mom was going to fall out of the car from laughing so hard!
Now I realize that this story isn't nearly as funny here as it was when it was happening in my car. I just wanted to recount it for my own silly memories.
Thanks, Mom! I had a great afternoon with you last week!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Train Ride
I have been a terrible blogger this summer. I usually pick it up in the summer and fall behind during the school year. Sigh. Don't know what has gotten into me.
We went on a train ride to Hanford to have lunch with Eric last week. I picked Wednesday to go, because I figured it would be one of the least crowded days. Yeah, and every other mom/kid combo figured the same thing. I've never seen so many train day-trippers!
I was a bit nervous about this year's field trip for a few reasons. Last year I barely got a parking spot and the train was super crowded. Luckily, there were plenty of parking spaces. We had plenty of time to purchase our tickets and wait. The train was crowded, but it was only 20 minutes late.
Hudson waiting at the Fresno train station.
Evan at the train station showing off his Pez I bought him the day before.
The other reason I was nervous was because I was taking both boys for the first time. It's only been Evan and me til now. Evan was Hudson's age when I took him on the train the first time, so now it's Hudson's turn to enjoy the fun.
Luckily, Evan is a very good boy in these types of situations, and Hudson was nervous, so he stayed very close to me.
The train rolled in, we were the first people on our car, and we snagged a two-seater right as we walked up the staircase! All I had to do was sit back, relax, and pry Hudson off my neck!
This is a fuzzy photo that Evan took for me, but it illustrates how Hudson spent the first 20 minutes of our train ride. I finally coaxed him off of me and got him to look out the window.
The rest of the ride was very enjoyable.
We got to Hanford, Eric picked us up, and we zipped over to Superior Dairy. We ate a great lunch complete with a GIANT sundae, and then Eric gave us a tour of the new City Council Chambers. I love going into places the average public doesn't have access to! The remodeled chamber is gorgeous, and I finally got to see the place I have been hearing about for several months.
After that it was pretty much time to go. Eric dropped us off back at the station, we met up with all the other mom/kids heading back to Fresno, and caught the train which was running 20 minutes late...again.
We had fairly good luck with seats on the ride back. We got two singles right across the aisle, and then two teenage boys gave up their four-some seats for us. Very nice!
We got off the train directly in front of our car. Hudson fell asleep during the last five minutes of our car ride home. Figures.
I love our annual train ride to Hanford. I just need to do a better job of taking pictures. Looking at my three sorry photos, you can't even tell these are taking place on or near a train. Sigh. I'll try to do better.
We went on a train ride to Hanford to have lunch with Eric last week. I picked Wednesday to go, because I figured it would be one of the least crowded days. Yeah, and every other mom/kid combo figured the same thing. I've never seen so many train day-trippers!
I was a bit nervous about this year's field trip for a few reasons. Last year I barely got a parking spot and the train was super crowded. Luckily, there were plenty of parking spaces. We had plenty of time to purchase our tickets and wait. The train was crowded, but it was only 20 minutes late.
Hudson waiting at the Fresno train station.
Evan at the train station showing off his Pez I bought him the day before.
The other reason I was nervous was because I was taking both boys for the first time. It's only been Evan and me til now. Evan was Hudson's age when I took him on the train the first time, so now it's Hudson's turn to enjoy the fun.
Luckily, Evan is a very good boy in these types of situations, and Hudson was nervous, so he stayed very close to me.
The train rolled in, we were the first people on our car, and we snagged a two-seater right as we walked up the staircase! All I had to do was sit back, relax, and pry Hudson off my neck!
This is a fuzzy photo that Evan took for me, but it illustrates how Hudson spent the first 20 minutes of our train ride. I finally coaxed him off of me and got him to look out the window.
The rest of the ride was very enjoyable.
We got to Hanford, Eric picked us up, and we zipped over to Superior Dairy. We ate a great lunch complete with a GIANT sundae, and then Eric gave us a tour of the new City Council Chambers. I love going into places the average public doesn't have access to! The remodeled chamber is gorgeous, and I finally got to see the place I have been hearing about for several months.
After that it was pretty much time to go. Eric dropped us off back at the station, we met up with all the other mom/kids heading back to Fresno, and caught the train which was running 20 minutes late...again.
We had fairly good luck with seats on the ride back. We got two singles right across the aisle, and then two teenage boys gave up their four-some seats for us. Very nice!
We got off the train directly in front of our car. Hudson fell asleep during the last five minutes of our car ride home. Figures.
I love our annual train ride to Hanford. I just need to do a better job of taking pictures. Looking at my three sorry photos, you can't even tell these are taking place on or near a train. Sigh. I'll try to do better.
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