The agony of defeat

Yesterday Fuller's team suffered their third consecutive loss. Which might not be so bad, except that his team has yet to score a goal this season. Not even one. They're feeling defeated. Some of the players on his team were on his team last year, you know the team that lost all of their games but the last one. This year it seems like they just give up once the other team has scored. They certainly aren't out skilled by the teams they've been playing, their hearts just don't seem to be in it. It's kind of funny because during practice they often scrimmage a local girls team, and in those games they play so much harder than they do in their regular games. I think I'm going to have to invite some of those girls to the games and ask them to taunt the boys so they'll want to fight back. I hope his coach has some really motivating pep talks planned for this week, they're in need of some kind of intervention. Watching Fuller lose every Saturday this year may just be too painful to watch.

He's so cute when he's asleep

I love to go look at my kids when they're asleep. They're so sweet and peaceful. Most nights I find Rowan with a book still clutched in his hands, or one laying across his face. Grayson is the more unpredictable one. When I go to check on him he's not always in his bed. Sometimes he sets up camp in his closet or builds a fort under his desk. Last night he looked like this:

I don't know how he could possibly sleep that way, it looks really uncomfortable.But there he was, snoring away. As a true example of what a sound sleeper he is, he didn't even stir when I took pictures of him, or when Paul moved him over to his bed.

I guess he's not quite all the way adjusted

Rowan has been being really good about going to school lately. The tears have all but disappeared and he actually seems excited about going sometimes. He is still completely unwilling to think about anyone but me taking him to school, but that's ok I kind of like watching him line up with his classmates. Yesterday however totally threw him for a loop. First, someone other than his teacher came to pick his class up.I was really surprised that he stayed in line and followed her. He was wiping his eyes as he walked away. Then, they had their hearing and vision screenings, which meant more strange grown ups telling him what to do. Also, there is a bit of a kissing problem going on in his class. There are a couple of kissing crazed girls that he is just a little afraid of. I think it was all just too much for him to handle. When I asked him what he had done at recess he said he just hid by a bush. When I asked him why he said he didn't want to talk about it, he was just nervous. That's just so sad, but also kind of cute.

In other news, all three kids went to the dentist today and we had no cavities. WOO HOO! I just love it when the dentist says "See you in 6 months."

Fresh picked

The recent shift in the weather has forced me to realize that it's about time to say goodbye to the garden. I am so thankful to Paul for all the work that he put into it. Being able to go out and get yummy fresh veggies everyday has been wonderful. This is the haul that Rowan and I made this morning. I'm going to savor those fresh little tomatoes while I can!

Sauerkraut Ice Cream

Sauerkraut ice cream was just one of the offerings at our local Sauerkraut festival, that we chose to pass on. We also did not eat any chocolate sauerkraut cup cakes.

My parents came out on Saturday and joined us for a busy morning of soccer, three games before 11 AM. Then they offered to treat us to lunch at the local Sauerkraut festival. We had never been, though we'd talked about it since we moved here. The kids enjoyed their hot dogs and elephant ears, but the closest they came to sauerkraut was "cabbage bowling". They also had "cabbage head decorating" and other cabbage related games. Having now been to the festival, I think I can safely avoid it from now on, and not be afraid of missing anything. Small town life, you just never know what you might get.

Observations

I've noticed a few things this week while taking Rowan to kindergarten. (I probably would have noticed them sooner, if I hadn't been so busy consoling Rowan and prying him off my leg.)

1. I am REALLY old, at least by kindergarten mom standards. Seriously, some of those other mom's must have had their kids before they graduated from high school.
2. When did everyone get tattoos? A large portion of the parents, and even some of the kindergarten teachers (ones older than me even) are sporting some major ink.
3. Little girl clothes are still cuter than little boy clothes- so are their backpacks.
4. While waiting in line kindergarten girls like to hug each other. Kindergarten boys like to hit each other with their backpacks.
5. There are worse things than a crying clinging child. I had been so focused on Rowan, that I hadn't noticed the little girl that kicks and hits her parents as they try to leave her.

Rowan has also made some interesting observations. Yesterday after school he said this,"Mom, in my class all of the toys have a place where they belong, and you have to put them back there when you're done with them. We should do that at home Mom, it's a good idea." Gee, wish I would have thought of that!

Turning over a new leaf

I am feeling cautiously optimistic. Rowan has not cried at all about school in the last two days. When I picked him up yesterday he had a smile on his face and a piece of paper clutched tightly in his hand. When I asked what the paper was he said "a letter from my teacher...a good letter." I'm so glad he added that last part, because notes from teachers do not always bear good news. The note read as follows:

Mrs W.,
I just wanted to let you know that Rowan has been helping another friend that has been missing her family! With his help she has had a smile on her face all day today! Rowan has had a smile too!
Mrs.H

What a sweet boy!

Weekend Project

In keeping with our weekend theme of "round the clock soccer" Paul decided to indulge the boys' dream of having our backyard be a soccer field, and built them some goals. We had looked at some goals online, but Paul thought he could build some sturdier ones for less on his own. In the end though, I think he wishes he would have just bought some.


The boys however thought it was great to build our own. As you can see they still have their soccer uniforms on in this picture. They couldn't even take time to change out of them before getting back to work on the goals.


Grayson's a real Mr. Fix -it! He tends to make me a little nervous when he has tools in his hands.




The goals turned out great!


And the boys played until the sun went down!

Too.......much........soccer.........

The note I wrote myself for Saturday read as follows:

7:30 Fuller soccer pictures
8:30 Rowan soccer pictures
9-10:30 Fuller soccer game- arrive early
10:00 Rowan soccer game
11:40 Grayson soccer pictures
12:00 Grayson soccer game

Unbelievably we made it to everything on time!
Saturday was Fuller's first game of the season, he was super excited!
This is a big soccer year for Fuller, they play on the big field at the high school, and they play full 11 player teams.


Fuller's games have gotten so exciting to watch. This one was a really important game for them since they were playing their "arch rivals", the only other local team in their age bracket. Most of these boys have played on teams together in the past or at least played against each other at recess, so it's fun to watch their determination when they play against each other. Unfortunately the other team outplayed us, and won 2-0.


Fuller was getting really tired by this point in the game. His team ended up with only one substitute, so he was pretty much running the entire game.


This is Fuller and his best friend Dylan, they like to mull over what's going on in the game, or talk about video games, I'm really not sure.


When I finally made it to Rowan's game he looked like this- completely attached to Paul. I guess he had been crying and saying he didn't want to play, and refused to play unless Paul came out on the field with him (which of course he did- what a good dad!).

Rowan's team is really into pulling the grass when it's not their turn to play. It must be more interesting than it looks, because they do it all the time!.

Rowan's coach was so patient and encouraging, and really helped him want to play.


Eventually our happy energetic guy returned, and ran and played on his own.


And every now and then he'd give us one of these sweet looks.


By the time we got to Grayson's game I was tired of lugging my camera around, so no pictures of him in action. It was pretty hot by his game, and he kept volunteering to go in. I realized after awhile that he hadn't sat out at all and was getting really red in the face, so I asked the assistant coach to pull him and make him take a drink. He was out for all of about 5 minutes before he weaseled his way back on to the field. That boy just can't get enough action!

So after this busy day of soccer what did the kids want to do? That's right, come home and spend the afternoon playing soccer in the backyard!

And the winner is.........

LAUREN!
Get ready to do some serious coloring!

Quarters

Rowan (and his mommy) officially survived the first full week of kindergarten. On Thursday I thought I was very brilliant. I decided that Rowan needed something to keep his brain busy at school, and distracted from his homesickness. I decided he needed a job. When Fuller was in kindergarten he was PAINFULLY shy, so I offered him a shiny quarter for each classmates name that he learned. Though the purpose was different, I thought this job might be just the thing for Rowan. Over lunch on Thursday I presented the plan to him, and he seemed very excited about the quarters. In fact he gave me a few names before we left for school and he was off to a good start. When we got to school and lined up he started to tear up and get a little weepy again. I pointed out to him that this would be a great time to learn some new names, since parents would be telling their kids goodbye. He stopped being sad and started listening intently. By the time his class was headed down the hallway he had a couple more quarters happily jingling in his backpack. For the first time all week I could go home and relax. When I went to pick him up he looked a little like he had been crying, but he said he only cried at the end because after the bell rang it was taking to long for me to walk to his class, and he thought I wasn't coming.
Today unfortunately he had no interest in earning any quarters, and had a very sad, sobbing, tearful goodbye. Poor Mrs H., I think she's going to get tired of leading my pitiful son by the hand! But, when I picked him up he was all smiles and had lots of exciting things to say. He said he didn't cry at all once they got to class. So maybe progress is being made. It's just two steps forward, one step back.

11:35- The worst time of the day

Rowan is having a tough adjustment to kindergarten, and I'm a little at a loss for what to do. Rowan is generally my most social child, and he never once cried or wanted me to stay with him at preschool. His first day of kindergarten went great, he was giddy with excitement all morning, and when I picked him up he talked my ear off about all the fun things they did- that was Friday. Over the weekend he seemed very clingy and needy. He wouldn't go to sleep without the overhead light on, and came and got in bed with Paul and I both nights. Monday morning he was very leery about going to school and had a sobbing meltdown when we got there, begging and pleading with me to take him home. I know his teacher pretty well since Grayson had her and I know that she is about the kindest, most patient teacher you could ever ask for. So I know that's not the problem. I finally calmed him down enough that he was able to walk to his room with the rest of the class, but when I picked him up he was crying, and had apparently been crying intermittently throughout the day. He's crying at weird times too, like recess. When I asked him what's wrong he said, "sometimes I just need a parent." Once we got home though, he told me all about the fun things he was doing at school. Tuesday morning brought more anxiety, and some tears at drop off time, but better than Monday. I sent him armed with a family picture in each pocket and that seemed to make him feel a little better. I told him to just try and think about all of the fun they are having and the time will go faster. He said he doesn't want be sad, but his brain just tells him to. His teacher said he cried less on Tuesday, so I was hopeful that he was getting used to this whole kindergarten thing. However, today was the worst drop off of all. He started brushing tears away as I pulled into the school parking lot, and by the time we got to his class's line he was sobbing and begging me to pick him up and hold him. He said both his legs and his tummy hurt. He kept saying "I just want to be with you Mommy!" His teacher kindly held his hand and said he could come lead the line and be her helper today. I had to quickly turn and walk away, I didn't want him breaking free and following me, and I didn't trust myself not to just scoop him up and take him home. His teacher called me about an hour later to let me know he was doing fine (she really is THE BEST!) She had made a deal with him that if he could stop crying she would walk him by Grayson's classroom on the way to recess and let him wave to his big brother. Apparently he had a good day after that. He said he loves PE and music, and had fun doing some art. Then tonight his separation issues were back in full force. When we got to soccer practice he sat on my lap and refused to get off or even look at his coach. Anytime I would mention that he should go out and practice with his team he would start crying. I'm just hoping this adjustment process doesn't drag on too long, I just don't have it in me. Crying in the school parking lot every day after I drop him off is getting exhausting.

This baby needs a new home!

This week I got the opportunity to test out a really fun pattern for Debye at www.cberrybaby.com. If you get a chance to visit her website or her ETSY shop I totally recommend it. She has the cutest stuff! Anyway- her pattern was for this adorable and reversible crayon apron. The one I made is sized for a toddler or preschool aged girl. While the boys were jealous that I was once again sewing for someone other than them, none of them really want this. In fact Rowan wouldn't agree to model it for me unless I promised his face wouldn't be in the picture. So, if you have a little girl who you think might like this, let me know. I'll pick a name out of the hat on Saturday. (Local friends only please, I'm not in the mood for the post office:))

Firsts

This past week was a big one for Rowan. He had his first day of kindergarten on Friday. I had to laugh/cringe as I watched him walk down the hall with the rest of his class. He was doing his patented hop on one leg move. He was so excited and bouncy that I couldn't help but smile, but I also felt a little worried for how he would settle down for his teacher. I didn't get to check in with her at the end of the day, so I'm just hoping he was ok.


He also had his first soccer game this weekend. Five year olds are great entertainment. Most of them didn't have a clue what was going on. The coach kept having to remind them not to use hands and which direction to go, and one kid on his team just flung himself on the ball like he was tackling it every time he got near it.




I didn't notice it when I was taking the pictures at Rowan's game, but when I went to download them I was so tickled by what a big smile he had in pretty much every picture. He was REALLY having a good time!




Grayson had his first game of the season too. His team is interesting to watch. I think they're really starting to understand the game and "get" positions and teamwork.


Grayson had been really excited about getting to be goalie, but most of the time that he was goalie he looked something like this.

I think his lack of "goaliness" irritated Fuller, and he started trying to give him some direction.





We lucked out and Fuller didn't have a game this Saturday, but starting next weekend we'll have three games to get to every Saturday. Should make things interesting.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Today is my Grandma's 99th birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

Big thanks to my dad for sending me this picture of her celebration- wish I could be there to help you celebrate! We love you Grandma!

Feeling low

Someone......

is missing his two favorite buddies!

1 down, 173 to go

Well we officially made it through our first day of school. There was quite a bit of nervous energy in the morning, and great relief on my part once Fuller and Grayson were safely deposited at school. Rowan and I had a very nice day together. The kinders don't really get started until next week, but we will be going in tomorrow to meet with his teacher. He was reveling in getting everything to himself today. When we got back from dropping Fuller off he promptly grabbed one of Fuller's prized possessions and one of Grayson's and sat smugly smiling on the couch. What a little stinker! When I picked Grayson up he proclaimed that he actually likes 2nd grade! A big deal from my school hating child. Then off to get Fuller. He was excited about being at a new school this year, especially about having a locker. He got in the car and said 6th grade ROCKS! He loves his homeroom teacher, who it turns out he has for five of his nine periods. She put little treat bags with fruit snacks, chips, pencils and pens in their lockers to give them a little extra incentive for figuring out their combinations. So far all signs are pointing to a good year! I'm hoping day two is just as good.

Labor Day Weekend- Just What We Needed!

After more than 15 years of marriage Paul has really come to understand me. He knew that I needed some down time to get ready for the new school year. So he gave me just what I needed, and took the boys out of town for three nights. I was able to get my house much cleaner and more organized, take long walks with Buster, watch chick flicks, complete sewing projects, and take some naps. I feel so much calmer and more energized!
The boys also got just what they needed too. Labor Day weekend is usually when their worries and anxiety about the school year reach their peak. But they were so busy having a good time at Paul's mom's house that they didn't have time to worry. Instead of sitting at home fretting, they were out running around in the woods, climbing trees,and building forts. What a wonderful way to end the Summer!





















I think the boys must have gotten too much fresh air or something. Apparently Grayson was acting like a hobo trying to hitch a ride, and as you can see Rowan was channeling his inner "gangster/rapper".