If You Give A Child A Bar Of Soap

• If you give a child a bar of soap, they'll probably want to take a bath.

• When they get into the tub, they'll want to play with some toys.

• While playing with their toys, they will splash so much, the entire floor will get soaked. You'll need to get a towel.

• When the child sees the towel, they will start screaming that they are cold, and want to get out of the tub.

• After you dry them off with the towel, you use it to mop up the floor.

• Mopping up the floor, reminds the child of the milk they spilled earlier, they will ask for more.

• When they get their glass of milk, they'll probably want some cereal.

• When you give them their cereal, like clockwork, their oldest sibling will appear.

• That sibling will probably want their own bowl of cereal, which prompts you to ask the third child, if they would like one too.

• The third child will probably say no, and after you put everything away, will suddenly change their mind.

• As you put the new pile of dishes in the sink, it will remind you, the children need to brush their teeth.

• After brushing their teeth, they will probably be thirsty for sugary apple juice.

• More apple juice will remind you to make them pee again, so you are not changing sheets in the middle of the night.

• Sheets remind you, that you need to change the toilet paper roll, because boys are so much like their father.

• The toilet paper will probably make the middle child have to use the toilet. Again.

• Using the toilet will probably make him strip down naked.

• Stripping down naked will make him play with his "weiner" because he likes it when it stands up.

• Standing up, he will probably drop the poop hanging from his butt, on the floor.

• The floor looks like a good place to bang your head against, after you clean the poop.

• When his business is done, you'll probably give the child a bar of soap.
  

I'll Be The Talk Of The Town

Today the sun finally peeked out from behind the clouds. It has rained for days, and as I was feeling like a complete hermit, I decided to walk T. and R. to school. It's only a few blocks and I needed the air.

I dropped T. off to his teacher and then I walked outside to where R. lines up with the other Pre-K kids. Once they started into the school, I turned around to walk back home.

I heard my name and when I turned, I saw Mr. Schmitty. He was on his way to work and had stopped by the school to give me a ride back home. He knows I'm seriously PMSing and I guess he thought he'd spare me from sweating like a pig on the way home. (I sweat so badly right before my period!)

As we walked toward each other, you could see the heads turn. All of the Pre-K and Kindergarten parents were watching. Most of them are younger, new parents to the school system. Many of them are sending their first child off, whereas, I am sending my second and third. Because of this, many of the newer parents don't know us very well, yet.

Cars were driving by. Each driver was craning their neck to see.

Mr. Schmitty opened the door to his work truck, cleaned the paperwork off the seat, and I hopped in. People were turning around, as they walked to their cars, wondering what was going on.

Lord, the conversations they will be having over their spaghetti dinners tonight!

The hilarity of it was killing me. Yes, people, I am laughing AT you. Humans are just so damned nosy. Always looking for the drama!

Oh, did I mention? Mr. Schmitty is a State Troooper.

I really wanted him to throw the cuffs on me, but he wouldn't. Party pooper.

Like A Scene In A Romance Novel

My MIL and SIL sat for the Schmitty kids last night. They were sweet enough to watch them so Mr. Schmitty and I could go out for an anniversary dinner.

We decided on a Mexican restaurant a few towns away. Mr. Schmitty hates Mexican food, but knows I love it. Ah, the sacrifices that man will make for his bride of sixteen years. Thankfully they had steak on the menu.

After I ate my yummy enchiladas and a basket of chips and salsa, we looked at each other with expressions that said, "Now, what?!"

Hmmmmm......."Well, we need milk and bread!" I announced.

Can you even stand it? I just ooze romance from every pore!

Yea, kind of like a festering pimple. Heh.

We decided to swing by the mall and look for raincoats for the kids. It's always about those damn kids, isn't it?

So, WE.WALKED.THROUGH.THE.MALL.ON.A.FRIDAY.NIGHT!

Can you say, "Teenagers are annoying?" After spying the droves of huddled teens in the food court with their cell phones beeping, thumbs texting, voices screeching, hair flipping, cleavage bursting, jeans sagging, eyes oggling, and skirts seeming to shorten by the second, the hubs and I vowed to lock R. up for the rest of her life.

On the way home, after I picked up a Venti Sweetened Black Iced Tea Lemonade from Starbucks, I said to Mr. Schmitty, "A babysitter and we're already on our way home. We suck."

We chuckled and came to a red light.

I looked at Mr. Schmitty, "Chinese fire drill?!"

He started laughing. The light turned green, "Oh shucks, it's green." hmpf.

We passed an upscale furniture store and he asked, "Wanna go in and jump on the beds?"

"Well, it is our anniversary, think they'd mind if we tested out the mattresses?"

"Excuse me sir, does this bed squeak?"

We pulled into the driveway and got out of the car. The two of us wiping the tears of laughter from our cheeks.

I called over to him as we walked up the path to the door, "Hey laimo, happy anniversary!"

I planted a kiss on his lips. Suddenly in the distance, as if on cue, we heard, "Pop, Pop, Poppity-Pop!"

"Well, so much for the fireworks, all we can muster is a few lousy firecrackers!"

We laughed until our stomach muscles ached.

And this my friends, is the pathetic life of an old married couple on their 16th wedding anniversary.

Can you imagine what our 25th will be like? I'm just giddy and burning with anticipation!

NLMLYD!

Last night I was looking through a photo album and came across my honeymoon pictures. Mr. Schmitty and I spent a week in Jamaica during autumn of 1992.

It seems so long ago, yet, when I look at the pictures, the memories flood back and it only seems like yesterday.


Don't we look so young? We were both 25. Now, at 41, we are celebrating our 16th anniversary.

Through the years, we've had happy times and sad times. Rough patches and special moments. We've experienced births and deaths. High points and low. We've had unforgettable family moments and family moments we'd rather forget. We've argued and we've made up. And we've laughed and we've cried.

But most importantly, we've stayed the best of friends who love each other, more than words can say.

Happy Anniversary Babe!! Nobody Loves Me Like You Do!

Secret Santa Soiree

My friend Georgie has come up with a fantastic idea. If you love Christmas as much as I do, you will be thrilled to jump on board. It is going to be so much fun!

She is hosting the Secret Santa Soiree. What is this, you ask? Well, I'm going to tell you.

Simply put, it is a holiday gift exchange. You buy for someone and someone else buys for you. But shhhhhhh....it's a secret. No telling who you have because you want to keep them guessing!

What a fabulous way to celebrate with our bloggy friends. I am SO loving this!

So, what are you waiting for? Click on the button below to get the 411.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Meme Using Alias Names

You all know me as my Mrs. Schmitty, my blog alias. If I ever need to go into witness protection or become a spy, I may just need to change that.


1. MY ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Dusty Mazda

2. MY GANGSTA NAME: (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Black Raspberry Snickerdoodle

3. MY "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) CSCH

4. MY DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Orange Tiger

5. MY SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Carol Long Branch

6. MY STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) SCHCH

7. MY SUPERHERO NAME: (“The” plus 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The Turquoise Zinfindel

8. MY NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Fritz James

9. MY STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy) DiorellaRocher

10.MY WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother's & father's middle names ) Carol Francis

11. MY TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) DeSantis Detroit

12. MY SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Autumn Gerbera

13. MY CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Strawberry Panty

14. MY HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Oatmeal Willow

15. MY ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your favorite hobby/craft, favorite weather element + “Tour") The Drawing Sun Tour

Now, it's your turn! Leave me a comment so I can follow you back to your blog and read your answers!

Don't Make Me Shake It!

Okay, first my daughter gets all silly over her first crush. And by the way, you should see the two love birds after school. As "Zaaaaacaaaary's" mom and I wait for the older kids to get dismissed, the two of them swoon over one another. It's SO cute!

Remember how W. came home from school back in June and declared that he had a girlfriend? He didn't even have to wait until 5th grade! Well, said girlfriend wasn't seen all summer. One day I asked him if M. was still his girlfriend and he said, "Well, mom, she felt kind of weird dating, so we're just friends now."

So adorable. Giggle.

Today he came home from school and told me that he has a NEW girlfriend.

"Oh yea? What's her name?"

"O. And two other boys in my class asked her to be their girlfriend and she said no. I said to her, If I ask you to be my girlfriend what would you say? And she said YES!"

"Wow! You go boy!" He's so competitive. Giggle.

A while later he asked to use the phone.

"Um, no, you are grounded." I said.

"But I want to call my girlfriend." The cuteness is starting to wear off.

"Listen bud, first of all you are grounded, second of all, you don't need to be chatting away on the phone with O. You saw her all day in school, you'll see her Monday."

He got a silly grin on his face. "Mom, we are getting to the kissing part."

HUH?! Okay, not cute at all.

"No, you aren't! Quite honestly you are too young for a girlfriend and more importantly you are too young for kissing!"

"Only on the cheek mom!"

"NO! I'm sure her parents wouldn't appreciate it. Do you understand?" [feeling faint at the thought]

"Okay!"

He turned and started up the stairs. "Oh, and I asked her to the 5th grade Social next week. She's my date!" And he ran to his room before I could answer.

Well, that's okay, I'm chaperoning! I've already got him nervous because I told him that when a good song comes on I'm going to yell from across the gym, "Hey sweetie, come dance with MAMA!!" as I shake my big old bum toward the dance floor.

All I'll have to do is remind him of that and he'll be on his BEST behavior!

I Love My Family But.....

....sometimes I just don't like them very much.

Right now I would like to be here:

ALONE.

Waiting for this:


While drinking this:



Which was brought by him:

Anyone relate?

Senate Bill 1738—The PROTECT Our Children Act

I had my, vote for me as the Captain of the Cheerleading Squad button, as a sticky at the top of my blog. I have taken it down because there are more important issues to be addressed. Suddenly, my becoming a blog contest winner is not so important.

Did anyone watch Oprah this week? I just finished watching an episode I recorded on my DVR. She did a show on Online Sexual Predators and Child Pornography.

I am sickened. I am angry. I want these monsters stopped. I can help. You can too.

In a few days, on September 26, 2008, Senators will be voting on Bill 1738 - The PROTECT Our Children Act. That is next Friday, so we need to respond quickly.

Please visit Oprah's Website and follow her directions. Be a voice for our children. I did and it only took a few minutes to email my Senators.

Hundreds of thousands of children are victims of sexual abuse each year. Due to the sheer lack of resources, law enforcement is unable to follow up on the majority of leads they have.

The PROTECT Our Children Act will:

• Authorize over $320 million over the next five years in desperately needed funding for law enforcement to investigate child exploitation.
• Mandate that child rescue be a top priority for law enforcement receiving federal funding.
• Allocate funds for high-tech computer software that can track down Internet predators.

Please urge your Senators to pass this bill. Do it now! We are running out of time. Our children are depending on us to keep them safe!

Like Nails On A Chalkboard

W. is permitted to take up playing an instrument this year in school. Yea For Me! Yea For Him!

He decided on the clarinet. Okay, I can deal with that. I really thought he'd go for the drums. Had he, I would probably be living elsewhere.

Yesterday he came home from school and said that his teacher wants him to practice at least fifteen minutes everyday.

I said, "Well, get too it. Let me hear!"

He assembled his instrument and started licking the reed.

"W., are you suppose to do that?"

"Yup!" He answered enthusiastically.

He was taking this very seriously. I had to stifle my laugh because he looked like an overly thirsty lizard with the way his tongue was darting in and out of his mouth.

"This is a G note."

Blow....OH HOLY HELL! My body tightened up like I had just gotten an electric shock treatment.

"Wait, let me try again."

I braced myself this time.

Blow....Okay not as bad, but he definitely needs work because his playing reminds me a little of Squidward Tentacles. Only it was worse because he is practically screeching those sounds into my FRACKING EARS!!!

He continued to practice for a few minutes while the dog hid at my feet, R. buried her head in my lap, and T. announced, "THAT'S HORRIBLE!!"

I think I may have to set up a special place for him to practice. Like the shed. You know, so he'll be able to concentrate and not be interrupted. I'm such a great mom that way, always thinking of his best interests.

Me? Captain Of The Cheerleading Squad?!

A few days ago I told you all how my dear, DEAR Sistah, Sarah, nominated me for The Dottie Awards. I was so flattered!

She shouted my praises from the rooftops. [blush, blush]

The voting phase has now begun. She again is cheering ME on. (So, who should be getting this award? RAH! RAH!) She even threatened to go to our fellow Sistah's homes if they didn't vote. I'm sure just for a talk. Hmmmmm.....I could use someone like her.

Okay, back on topic.

When I started Our BlubHer Overhaul with Karly, I never imagined it would take off the way it has. I never imagined it would be having the impact it has on others. The women taking this weight loss journey with me are so supportive and caring. They are so appreciative.

I am honored you have nominated me and are voting for me. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside to know that I am helping to make a difference in your lives. You all are doing the same for me.

So, my loyal readers, I'm asking you to do me a favor. Please click on the button below and vote for me as the Captain Of The Cheerleading Squad. I would love to win because it will help spread the word about Our BlubHer Overhaul. I would love for more women to join this quest for a healthier body. Thank you in advance for helping me out.

~Mrs. Schmitty

Kiss My Grits

Do you know what I really hate? Snobby people. People that think their shit doesn't stink. People that look down their nose at others. Biotches that talk your ear off one minute and completely snub you the next.

What am I in frackin' high school?! Puuuuulease.

Yes, girlfriend, I'm talking to you! The one that so happens to have a daughter in R.'s Pre-K class and a son in T.'s Kindergarten class. And guess who my kiddies are playing with every day?

Yup.

Listen Mrs.-I-Don't-Even-Know-What-Your-Name-IS, I thought you were nice. I thought we could be friendly. I'm a very friendly person. I can be quiet, sometimes shy, but I always offer everyone in my path a smile.

Every afternoon we engage in small talk, as we sit outside the school building on that hard, stone wall, waiting for our girls to be dismissed. Yesterday we laughed as our daughter's walked like crabs in the hallway. It was a skill they learned together in gym class last week.

Tonight was Open House. We had to sit in our child's seat during the teacher's presentation. (You should have seen me getting my fat tush in that itty bitty chair. SNORT!)

T.'s seat is right next to your son's. I sat, hoping not to break the chair, and said, "Wow, our boys are in the same class too!"

You looked at me and then looked away.

[crickets chirping]

Oh no she diin't!

You sat next to me the entire thirty minutes. Right.Next.To.Me. And did not say a word. Not.One.Word!

I should have fallen on her when I was trying to get out of my chair. That would have taught her a lesson!

Who the heck does she think she is? I'm a veteran at this school! Her oldest is in Kindergarten, she's too wet behind the ears to be pulling that crap! She doesn't know who she's dealing with. I KNOW PEOPLE! Heh.

Anyway, that felt good. Tomorrow? I won't save her a spot on the wall.

Tina Fey IS Sarah Palin or Is It The Other Way Around?

I don't discuss politics on my blog (it's the same for religion). The topic gets too many people's panties in a bunch.

Quite frankly, I have enough stress dealing with my daughter pooping in hers.

I would gladly have a friendly debate on either subject (not not my daughter's skids but politics and religion) if it would stay, well, friendly. But it never does, does it?

Anyway, I'm more about the funny. I'd rather hear that I allowed my readers a good laugh than hear I got someone all worked up in a tizzy.

That being said, here is a political video that I found hilarious. ENJOY!

P.S. Sorry about the advertisement!

And They Called It Puppy Love

R. has been doing very well going to school this week. She gets ready without hesitation and whips her backpack on the first time I ask her to.

She practically skips the distance to school.

Hmmmm.....

Knowing my daughter, like I do, I know she's not that enthusiastic because she enjoys a structured, rule abiding day. There has GOT to be more to it than that!

Oh boy, and is there ever!

The Pre-K class is dismissed fifteen minutes prior to the rest of the elementary school. This works out perfectly, as I need to sign T. out in a different area of the school.

As we are walking to the gym, where T. is set free, I ask R. how her day went. She told me about playing at the sand table with "Zachary". Not Zach as I've heard everyone else call him, but "Zaaachaaary".

My right eyebrow arched a bit.

We proceeded into the gym to wait with the other moms and dads. Inside was Zachary and his mom. I walked over to say hello. We began to chat and I looked down at the kids.

Zach was peeking out from behind his mom's legs. R. was burying her head in my crotch and then peeking over at Zach.

Both kept giggling and their smiles? Well, together they could light up Broadway.

I glanced up at Zach's mom. We both smirked.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, I understand the reason my dear daughter LOOOOOVES school.

The Dottie Awards

I am so completely honored! Sarah at Mom Tips and Notes from the Zoo, one of my Sistahs from Our BlubHer Overhaul, has nominated me for The Dottie Awards!

The Dottie Awards are being sponsored by MomDot.com. They have eleven different categories that you can be nominated for. Sarah has requested that I be placed in the running for Captain of the Cheerleading Squad!

Captain? Me? Wow! Back in my youth I was a cheerleader in the sixth grade. I wanted to prove to everyone that you didn't have to be one of the "popular girls" to be a cheerleader. I proved it and had fun....but not that much fun. When you have to hang around with a bunch of rich snots who were too busy looking at themselves in the mirror than to be well, nice, it gets somewhat boring. Biotches!

I quit the following year and hung with a new crowd. They were more fun, they taught me how to smoke and ditch school. What can I say, I had a well-rounded childhood.

But back on subject here. Can you imagine my surprise when I saw a post from Sarah this morning that said,

"Ladies I think you will all agree with me when I tell you that Mrs. Schmitty ROCKS!! She started this whole Overhaul and she has been working tremendously hard to keep us going.

As recognition for her hard work and inspiration I have nominated her for Captain of the Cheerleading Squad over at the MomDot Dottie Awards. Follow me and do the same would you?!

The actual voting doesn't start for a week or two but I think she deserves all the nominations we can get her!

Thank you Mrs. Schmitty for being one awesome cheerleader!"

I had tears in my eyes! When I, along with Karly from Wiping Up Snot, started Our BlubHer Overhaul blog, I thought we might get a few women to join us. I figured it would be a nice place to write about my weight loss journey.

I never imagined it would turn into what it has. We have 27, dedicated, wonderful women blogging. They are the most supportive and sweet friends. We are truly in this together. We average 15 posts per day with comments galore. No one judges if I slip up. Each person is truly happy if you do well. They offer great advice. They make me laugh. I love each and every one of them.

I have a long way to go in this quest. I will be leaning on my sisters for help. I will also be there for them whenever they need me.

Thank you again Sarah, this nomination means the world to me. I feel like I've actually made a difference in someone's life.

Flies and Poop

My readers are going to start dropping like flies unless I start posting more. I've been spending a lot of time with my Blub Blub Sisters over here. Our BlubHer Overhaul officially started yesterday and I'm trying to get myself healthy. By the way, it's not too late to join us. We've got a great bunch of women there that are simply amazing. Everyone is TREMENDOUSLY supportive. Send me an email if you'd like to jump on the bandwagon.

So, get this. R. went to school yesterday and she went IN smiling!! Um hum...yes she did! I was so proud and excited. She's starting to really enjoy herself now. I am so happy for her.

Now, if I could stop her from poopin' in her drawers. She did well today, but she's been having accidents constantly. I would say it's nerves from school, but it started long before school was an issue.

It's really just a case of being too involved in what she is doing to stop and use the toilet. The other day she had another accident and unfortunately for him, Mr. Schmitty had clean-up duty. I needed to stay in the other room because I was afraid I might rub her nose in it like you would a naughty puppy.

When she came out of the bathroom she said, "Mom, do you know WHY I pooped in my pants?"

I replied, "Um, because you were being too lazy to get up and use the toilet?"

To which she responded, "Well, that's the first reason."

The things she says...OY! And here is another R.ism...though it's totally unrelated to poop or flies, it is just as darned cute.

We were watching tv in her room the other day and a commercial came on for ForReal Friends. They have a new dog which now rolls over.

"Look mama, isn't he cute?"

I thought to myself, "No, not really." It really is kind of an ugly pooch but I told her, "Yes, R., he is."

"I like him!"

Of course she does. She is the stuffed doggie QUEEN! "He can even tumble!"

"I know mama, just like a weed!!"

I'm Not A Very Good Friend

Okay, I suck. I'm so wrapped up in my own stuff that I completely forgot, on four occasions, to thank someone for being so kind to me.

That's right, you read it, FOUR.TIMES!

[hanging my head in shame]

I'm not a very good friend. I have absolutely no manners.

But I know how to grovel.

[dropping to my knees and clasping my hands together]

Leigh? Won't you please, PLEASE forgive me? You are such an awesome lady and I completely screwed up.

[crawling towards you and looking up with puppy eyes]

I swear I will make it up to you!!

[kissing Leigh's feet]

You might all be wondering what this is about. You see, Leigh at Tales From Bloggeritaville, considers me one of her "Frans". She has proven to me time,

July 2008

and time,

August 2008

AND TIME AGAIN, that she values my friendship.

August 2008

And.I.never.even.acknowledged.her.gestures.on.my.blog. (Well, here I did, but that doesn't count because who seriously cares what awards I've gotten? I'm sure no one has ever even clicked on that link. I just put it there to stroke my own ego.)

I'm a complete and total bonehead.

If you forgive me Leigh, I would like to present you with a peace offering. I searched the internet for the perfect award to honor you. I couldn't find anything worthy. So I made you one. I hope you like it.

I am really and truly sorry Leigh! I hope you can forgive me.
I love ya!!!!

Can They Expel A Pre-Schooler?

I'm sorry I've left you all hanging on the outcome of Miss R.'s first few days of school. Thank you to everyone who commented.

The boys absolutely LOVE school, their teachers, their new friends, and everything else about 5th Grade and Kindergarten.

R.? Not so much.

Thursday was her first official day. I was very nervous because of the way she reacted the day before - WITH me there. It was rough, as was today.

T. and R. both need to be at school at 12:30. He goes in the front door of the building and lines up with his classmates, in the vestibule, at the main entrance. I need to wait with him until his teacher arrives.

I was hoping that R. would see that T. was so happy to be there. I wanted her to feed off of his excitement. I guess she thought he was full of shit, because as soon as we went outside to find her class (the Pre-K kids line up outside at another door), she began to whine that she wanted to go home.

I kept distracting her with small talk, in my ever so chipper voice, and walked to the back of the line with her. The teacher directed the children to start walking into the building.

The line moved. R. did not. She stood completely still. The poor kids behind her didn't know what to do.

Thankfully one of the other moms was quick on her feet. She asked R. to bring her daughter, E., a band-aid because "She really might need this."

R. understanding the importance of band-aids to a 4 year old, began to head to the door. I wanted to hug and kiss that mama.

I looked ahead and saw R. hand the girl the band-aid and again she planted her feet firmly to the concrete. She was not going to step one foot into the building.

Then I saw her teacher pick her up.

My entire body tensed. I was praying to the Lord above that R. didn't clock her during the first week of school.

I turned and went, tears streaming down my face and the sound of my daughter's cries ringing in my ears.

I went home and waited by the phone, sure that I would get a phone call stating that my daughter had given Ms. Liz a black eye.

The call never came and R. came out of that building at 3 pm with her good behavior sticker and a smile.

Third Post Today!

I got hit with a triple whammy today. First my oldest headed off to 5th grade, ON.THE.BUS, in the Big, Bad Middle School.

Then my middle guy had his first day of Kindergarten in the elementary school.

And finally, my dear daughter, R., had her orientation for Pre-School in the elementary school. I was allowed to stay for this and it was only an hour.

My R. is an unpredictable one. You all have heard about her personality, her stubborn streak, her anger management issues, right? Well, my sweetie can also surprise you, so you never quite know how any situation will pan out.

I began preparing her for Pre-School a few weeks ago. She either acted happy about going or she completely ignored me as though I wasn't there. I would be going on and on about all of the fun activities that she would be doing and she would begin talking over me about Spongebob.

This morning she seemed really excited. She put on her new pink dress and her sandals. We walked the few blocks to school, hand in hand, practicing our phone number. We climbed the steps to the front door. We walked into the hallway where the children, who were to be her classmates, stood.

She turned to leave, pulling me by the hand.

I coaxed her into staying and we walked to the classroom. Upon entering she stuck her butt out, bent at the waist, and started to back-pedal. Again, I began talking about all of the neat things in the room and asked her if she could find the chair with her name on it. She really has been into writing her name lately, so this was a fun task. After she found her chair, she noticed the play kitchen. YIPPEEE!!! She began to play and actually made three new friends.

It was time to go and I couldn't get her to leave! But remember, I was still with her. On the way home she complained that her stomach hurt. Shortly after we arrived home, the poor girl proceeded to have diarrhea.

Her nerves did a number on her. I felt awful!

I am so afraid of what tomorrow will be like. Because tomorrow.....She flies solo.

Second Round

Well, my middle guy, T., was dropped off after lunch, for his first day of Kindergarten. He is in the afternoon class, as we only have half day Kindergarten here.

He is the most bashful boy. All blushing and burying his head in my stomach. He may be my shyest child, but he is so great at "sucking it up". He is such a brave little soul. Hanging tough and confident that HE.CAN.DO.THIS!

All of his class was lined up waiting for the bus kids to arrive. The moms all stood close by, gushing. When he didn't think I was looking at him, T. would just glance around at the other children. He was as white as a ghost. Well, except for the small rash that broke out on the back of his neck. Nerves will do that to him.

Suddenly, we would make eye contact, and he would beam. He has the most radiant smile in the world.

I asked him if he was okay. He nodded and then admitted that he felt like crying. My heart just fell to pieces.

And then he smiled at me again, fully determined to be a big kid.

Big, Bad, Middle School

I just watched my oldest baby get on the bus heading off to his first day of middle school.

[wiping away tears] [quivering in fear]

The bus scares the daylights out of me. Hell, the whole idea of middle school does. It would scare you too if you had to deal with rumors like this.

W. was extremely excited about embarking on this new journey. He couldn't fall asleep last night and ended up in my bed. I rubbed his back and sang him lullabies, per his request.

He woke up all through the night checking the time on the alarm clock. Of course he couldn't just LOOK and go back to sleep, he had to ASK what time it was. Needless to say, I'm a tad exhausted this morning.

I think my boy is turning a corner. He's always been somewhat immature, however, Mr. Schmitty and I have noticed the last few weeks that this is changing. He's been less combative and more cooperative. Instead of being dramatic when something doesn't quite go his way, he's shaking it off and moving on. He's even being HELPFUL and doing things the.first.time.he.is.asked!

Thank You LORD!

Last night we joked and laughed as I asked him, "Who are you and what have you done with my kid?"

My son is growing up. Such a bittersweet statement.