Homeowners Again

We are without internet because, yes, it's true--we are finally in our new home! Things are going well, but unpacking is a bit of a pain. We had a great time in the "hotel" a.k.a. the apartment, but it's nice to finally have the process over and to be moved in. The kids are really enjoying opening all of their boxes--it's just like Christmas rediscovering all of their treasures that were packed away for two whole months. I will blog more once we have internet at the house--probably in a week.

Special thanks goes out to Ross, Sean, Grandma and Grandpa Peel, Mom and Dad. We couldn't have done the move without ya'll.

Disturbing...Very Disturbing

So, the other day Christian had just finished a sucker. Mike gets me out of the other room to witness this sweet little darling lounging on the couch watching tv pretending to smoke the sucker stick. He held it between his first and second knuckles, pulling it out from his lips occasionally and then "blowing" the smoke out. We stood in the kitchen and watched him for a few minutes. I had to compose myself and stop laughing so that I could go explain to him about not pretending to smoke. I snapped this picture as he was going to throw the stick away.

I know the source of his sudden interest. It is the movie Annie. I bought it a few months ago and it has become a family favorite. Smoking is seen in the movie. Who knew kids were influenced by what they watch!

The funny thing is that the kids went through a phase last year where they were really aware of people smoking. We had discussed with them that it is not a healthy choice, etc. We were in a parking lot and a man, who was smoking, walked by us. Christian blurted out, "That guy is gonna DIE."

His Last Single-Digit Birthday

Andrew let us know that this was his most important birthday yet--it was his last single-digit birthday. He wanted to go to Chuck E Cheeses for his birthday dinner.

We were able to celebrate with both sides of the family. He is looking forward to spending his birthday money. He wants Legos and Pokemon cards.
He really values the traditions we do as a family. Every year on their birthday they get their favorite breakfast delivered to their bed. A few days before his birthday he started giving me subtle reminders, just to make sure that I wouldn't forget the breakfast.

I can hardly believe that he is nine. He is my first baby and such a blessing to me and our family. He is so fun to be around. I can always count on him to say something that just makes my day and makes me laugh. He is so willing to help and serve others. He is sensitive and smart. Life is never boring with him around. I am lucky to be his mom.

Hey kids, Mom is back!

So, I think that I can actually get back to doing the laundry, making food and picking up the apartment now--you see, I finished the book. My experience with reading Breaking Dawn was a lot like when I read the others in the series--I just couldn't put it down. Of course, whenever I was hunkered down on my bed, indulging in the book, Mike would just walk by and roll his eyes. Bev walked by me yesterday while I was reading and asked, "So, Mom, how are the vampires doing?" I told her that the madness was almost over. Well it is over now. I've gotta go make some food, do some laundry and wash some dishes. This place has gone to pot the last few days.

First Day of Preschool

These two started preschool yesterday. They were so excited. Jessica chose a Dora backback and Kiki picked a Diego one. They have been talking about it for weeks now, and they did great. Christian reported that it was "fun and loud" and Jessica said that she "minded her teacher." When we walked in Christian turned to Jess and said, "if you get scared, just come over to my class and I will help you." They sure do love each other.

First Day of School

On Monday Andrew and Bev started school. We are new to this year-round school thing. The night before, there were a few tears--they were nervous about starting at a new school and they didn't know anyone there. After I dropped them off there were a few more tears--mine. Every year I am excited for them to start school. I am also sad that they are not going to be with me as much. I miss them during the day and I worry about them. Are their needs being met? Are they happy? Are they making new friends? Do they have good teachers?
All ready for 3rd grade. His concern about the new school was whether they had recess or not. When shopping for new shoes he informed me that his style is not the skateboard style--it is the Sketcher style. I told him that he could get a new backpack because he has had this one since Kindergarten. He reminded me that his was still in good shape and that he was going to see how many years he could use it. He said that it would be cool to have this same one when he got to high school.

He reported that his first day of school went well.

Heading off to 2nd grade. Bev was worried about making new friends (and missing her friends from their previous school.) She wanted her hair done in buns (her favorite hair style lately.) She is more interested in what she wears now--she has her own ideas about what she likes. Unlike Andrew, her backpacks do not last. This is because she always wants those character ones that fall apart. No more of those.

After the first day I asked her how it went and she replied, "It was good and the boy that sits behind me smelled like poop."