Keaton's First Days of School

Yes! I am finally writing about Keaton's first days of school! I had only one major breakdown and it was the night before....Jas was a saint about it. For family night we did what my family always did the night before school started--Dad gave blessings.

It was almost humorous trying to give our active boys blessings, but very fitting of our lives. Both K & little J have so much to look forward to this year! K--first days school, getting bigger, expressing himself more clearly, imaginative play (this is awesome-more for another blog), potty training. Little J--first time walking, learning to talk, trying all kinds of new foods...After the boys were down, Jas gave me a blessing. It was so sweet and calming. Not enough warning about this whole child going to school/becoming independent/mom not right next to them phase....

I layed out clothes for all of us, we read our getting ready for school book, prayed about school....

Now, the first day! K was overjoyed w/ school! We don't have your typical "stand by the front door first day of school" picture. This is Keaton doing all sorts of yoga moves he sees us do. He just hammed it up!






Will someone tell me how to rotate these pics?


Now I drove him the first day. I couldn't fathom having him take the bus that first day. He did wonderfully. Only was shy for but a minute, gave me kiss and he was off to the races! I wasn't surprised. I had my sweet husband texting me and my friend Miranda calling to see if I was okay. (thanks guys)

The second day was riding the bus. We read our riding the bus to school book 100 times (he has it just about memorized)! Well, the bus was 5 min. early--which is really early for a mom! I was a bit frantic, but tried to stay calm...K had a moment of the deer in the headlights look, but recovered quickly. After a kiss, a picture and videoing it (Jas was out of town for the big event) K got buckled into his very own booster seat. I got Jonas buckled in and we were all off!



YES, I did follow the bus to school--I AM ONE OF THOSE MOMS! I followed right behind the bus giving myself pep talks that K was doing just fine, so I needed to do the same. Here is a pic of K's school bus!




He did wonderfully! In fact, they said K talked their ear off...they just couldn't quite understand all of what he said (; Riding the bus is, SURPRISE, Keaton's favorite part of school! We survived. School puts us in this wonderful routine. Because of school I now have special one on one time w/ Jonas, Keaton is flourishing AND (w/ working like crazy during nap times) I now have more quality time w/ my boys. I feel so blessed.

Been Tagged

I have been tagged by my good friend. So, here goes...

3 Joys:
1. My boys--Jas, Keaters & Jonas--aren't I so lucky?!
2. Fall time I LOVE it all--the cool weather, BYU football, Halloween, school starting, going running outside with a chill in the air, cuddle time, canning...
3. Good food--especially going out to dinner w/ Jas and just savoring every bite. It makes me positively giddy!

3 Fears:
1. Losing my family
2. Waking up and having my kids all grown up and not needing me anymore (I know, I know...I'm freaking out already about having a 3 year old).
3. Being old--I guess I gotta work on that, I'm getting older by the minute.

3 Obsessions/Collections:
1. Uuum...keeping my house clean--it's near impossible!
2. Parenting, behavior modification--I've checked out so many at the library
3. Finding the perfect boots/shoes for winter!

3 Surprising Facts:
1. I've been skydiving two times--once in Hawaii!
2. In Junior High I got the "Most Likely to Drive to Hawaii" Award---Seriously, can you believe that?! I am so sure you are all surprised at this one!
3. I have never gotten a ticket--almost once, but I got out of it!

Okay, I'm tagging Tina Wright, Chelsea McCain and Melinda Roberts!

You Know Your Child is in Preschool When....

He grabs various kitchen utensils and announces, "It's Music Time!" He then grabs more wooden spoons and takes them to his baby brother, "Come on Jonas, it's music time! Make music." A few minutes later (after pounding the heck out of his intruments), he then puts them away, all the while singing, "Music time is all done. Clean up, clean up everybody, everywhere. Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share!"

Oh Motherhood!

This is just a quick post--I have pics to show of K's first day of school, the McCain rally, and trips. This is just me and my words.
One of my best friends just had her first baby. We spent a good hour talking about motherhood---all the first experiences she is having and memories of mine w/both my little boys. Motherhood-there isn't anything like it. I was so happy that she is now experiencing all of those wonderful, exciting, amazing, ovewhelming, and exhausting moments. Doesn't it make a mother happy to have someone close become a mother also? Life just has more meaning and is more magical (and tiring, but it's all worth it). It brings a smile to my face that she now fully understands what I've tried to explain. Congrats to Malia and her beautiful baby girl!

Preschool Jitters

This morning I had the preschool jitters. Do you remember being nervous right before school started? Nervous, yet excited! I am so feeling that way, only I'm not going to school, Keaton is.

Lately I have been at the edge of a panic attack (those of you who really know me know I'm not exaggerating too much!) (: My little boy starts preschool on Tuesday. I've known it for weeks, but have just pushed it aside. I'm NOT ready--he is my baby and I want to be part of every minute of his life. I just want to savor every moment w/ him...

The ironic thing is that I am a school-lover. Always have been, always will be. I was the annoying teacher's pet in elementary, the student who wanted to sit in the front and the one who personally knew most of my college professors...who else would become an elementary teacher?! Jas kindly pointed this out, so now I am trying to remember this for Keaton--the joy of school--all the experiences he will have,the friends he will make, the songs he will sing, the things he will learn...I may not be right next to him, but I will be likely watching through the one-way mirror.

I am now trying to embrace it (though failing at times). We have gone to the library to check out almost every getting ready for school and riding the school bus book. We've gone to meet your teacher and had countless talks about going to school. Keaters is ready...now for his mother. Tuesday will be a day I will likely never forget. I love you Keaters, my big boy

Keaters is 3!

Keaters on his big 3rd Birthday! The only way we know how to get him to smile is to say, "show us your teeth!"

Keat had a sweet BDAY pool party with all of his little friends.

Our little sweetheart who is now 10 months old.
My two birthday boys--Jas 30, Keat 3

jas & I made a choo-choo cake for Keaters--it is quite hilarious (; Our goal was for K to at least recognize that it was a train.

Keaton is one amazing little boy! These last 3 years have been the richest and deepest. We love his love of life and his talent to make friends anywhere we go! He'll keep us running for many years to come. Happy birthday little man. We love you!

Keaton's Tower

So, we just got back from a little trip to Nauvoo w/ my Dad, Rita and Mariah. It was wonderful! Only 3 hours from our home--come visit us (hint, hint..)

Anyways, Keaters just loved the temple and the pageant--he watched the entire thing! Today he got out his blocks and said, "Momma sit, Momma sit." He then started to build, all the while saying, "Jesus Christ Amen Tower, Jesus Christ Amen Tower." It took a sec, butI figured he was building the temple! Sweetness.