Birthday Boy Then and Now

Then...just turning 3.



Now...my very preppy 6 yr old big boy.

Happy Birthday, Boo! You've grown up so much. I look at you now and I have to admit I don't have a baby anymore. Such a big year you've had...starting kindergarten, learning to read, and loosing teeth are just a few of your bigger accomplishments. I know you're still struggling with the harder things life has thrown at you, but I want you to know that I'm proud of how far you've come. We'll keep working on it together til we get it right! And thanks for saying that you'll always be my baby, even if you don't mean it lol.

The Begining of the End

Need I say more?

Firsts

Last Friday was a night of several firsts for my big boys. There was a school dance. It was Cory's first dance with a "date." He asked his newest girlfriend to go. It was Ty's first as fifth graders are only allowed to go to the last one of the year AND his first with a girl.

The third and final first of the night also belongs to Ty and isn't such a sweet or happy milestone. Yep, that's right! My baby got in a fight OVER A GIRL! He and the other boy didn't get caught so it must have been quick and relatively minor, but I'm still less than proud. I'm telling you...it's the monastary for that boy! Apparently what happened is that his girlfriend was too nervous to dance so he danced with another girl and THAT girl's boyfriend was a little upset by that. Hmmm, ya think?

Wondering how I found out since they didn't get caught and in trouble? That's the joy of small town living. Some girl Ty's age lives near my mom and dad and chats them up when they walk their dog. She must know they're Ty's grandparents and told my dad. My dad told my sister and she told me. Nice, huh?

"I'm Grad-ge-ated"

The day was perfect, sunny but cool and breezy. Aunt Val and I sat by the lake in our chairs and waited for the processional to start. They marched in to Billy Dean's "Let Them Be Little." I, of course, cried.

I can't get over how much time has gone by since he's been in my life. It doesn't seem possible that my baby has gotten to be so big. How does it go so fast????? I feel like I blinked and his toddlerhood is over. I know part of it is the dark cloud that was the court case that hung over everyday. I TRIED not to let it touch everyday or those special mommy moments, but it was always there. I pottytrained him. I taught him to swim. I taught him not to swear. Would any of it matter? If he went back to that horrible life, would any of it help him? I'm still, after all this time, not sure how to put into words what it feels like to love a child and raise him as your own not knowing if he is or will be yours. At any rate...he is mine now and he's safe forever. And he's growing from pre-schooler to grade-schooler, whether I like it or not.

Belated Birthday Post

L turned five on April 2. It took me forever to finally download the pictures from his party. We just took a few of his friends to McDonald's for lunch and cake. It was nice.

I can't believe my baby is 5! And that he's starting "big boy" school next year! :(

Steps to Manhood

Cory took one last night that was more like a leap than a step. Aside from moving up to Middle School this might be the most noticeable step to maturity he's taken. He shaved! It started 2 nights ago when he said to me, "Mom, I hate my mustache. Can I PLEEEASE shave it?" I really couldn't say no to that so yesterday I bought him shaving cream and a disposable razor. He let me give him tips but wouldn't let me take any pictures lol. He proudly allowed Ty to watch too.

All of this lead to the following conversation this morning.

Cory (to J and L): "You guys didn't even notice I shaved last night."

J: "Let me see." Pause. "Oh yeah! Now I see. It's all red and bumpy."

Golden Days

The first 2 days of school have been really nice. I've enjoyed having the boys gone so I can miss them but it's sure been quiet. It's nice to have L to myself too until his pre-school starts next week. I hope work (subbing) starts in earnest soon after that. I just can't imagine being home a lot without them after having them here all summer.

I Love You, J

J,

I can't believe you're 8 now. It seems like yesterday that you walked into our lives and into my heart. I'll never forget that first night (How could I? You remind me often lol) when you were so quiet and shy and you wouldn't even eat dinner. Pizza. YOU.

It's hard watching you work so hard to put your past behind you but I'm glad you're doing it. I'm so proud of you! I hope that if I'm allowed to try I can be the mom you need to help you through this. You may not trust in this yet but I'll be here for as long as I can, forever if I have my way.

My hope for you is that some day when you look into the mirror you see what the people who love you see and NOT what your past has taught you to see. You are so smart and creative. It's always in the stories you write and the machines you build with your toys. You are considerate and appreciate the things people do for you. Not many kids would care enough to thank their mom for bringing their back pack to school when they forgot it. You show your kindness and generosity every day, whether you're helping me with chores, bringing Cory his cup, or sharing your gum.

Thank you for being my son! May your 8th year be your best ever and your life get happier and more blessed each year after!

Bits and Pieces

A couple of bits and pieces about the day.

We went to look at a house tonight. I LOVED it. I wish we could just go ahead and do it. It's a bit of a pipedream, though. Still...I'm praying about it. Heaven knows God will provide the means if it is meant to be.

I got a new cell phone. I love it but I wasn't planning on it. Mine bit the dust and there just was no choice.

L is over the top thrilled. He got his first bike!

I know....exciting stuff, right? ;)