Ready for School...

I took this picture this morning as we were getting ready for school...it's a little fuzzy...who has time for a focus button when you have two babies who you don't want to move. LOL

Ready for School...with new shoes!!! The babies just love their new shoes!!! They are so proud of them, it's the cutest thing ever!!! It's amazing what blue jeans and tennis shoes do to a child, they make my babies look so old and tall and oh so...child-like (not babyish).

Is this not the sweetest picture ever!?!?!

Ella's Abby Cadabby New Balance Shoes

Elijah's Elmo New Balance Shoes

Oh what I'd give to be able to take them to Sesame Place or heck....while we're wishing...the Sesame Street Beaches Resort in Jamaica would be nice. A travel agent actually checking into it for us...it was almost $5000 for 3 nights and 4 days...don't think so...YIKES!!


Maybe we'll make it up to PA one day!!

Ella and Elijah...first day of school.

They seemed so excited when we were walking up to the church. Elijah cried for just a second when I opened the door, all of the carpool kids (older kids) were sitting in the foyer waiting to go to class...I think he thought that's where I was leaving him. I quickly said, "No baby, we're going to you're class. You're not staying here." He immediately stopped crying, I guess he knew just what I said. We walked past the kids and he made the turn and went straight into his room without me. It works out nicely that they are in the same room that they are in during church so they are already used to it.

I was afraid that Ella was going to cry when we left because soon after we walked in she said, "Hold Mommy" and held her precious arms up to me. She didn't...neither did Elijah...they seemed so big...no tears...I was so proud.

Elijah...ready to go!

Ella trying to get her balance... "This backpack is way too heavy for me."

Ella wouldn't cooperate to get a door picture...

her backpack was too heavy and she wanted it off!!

This is how we left them...after we had our Good-Bye kisses.

The babies are in "school" every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9-1. I even have to pack a lunch for them, how sweet is that?! Today...chicken nuggets, cheese, crackers, and fruit.

I can't wait to pick them up and hear about their day.

I can't believe that we have 3 backpacks hanging by our backdoor.

First Grade

First Grade

First grade is a special place,

See the big smile on my face.
Games to play and songs to sing,

We learn about everything.

Pencils, papers, books to read,

We have everything we need.
So much to learn, so much to do,

We must listen to you-know-who.

Our class is a busy bunch,

Look- it’s almost time for lunch!
We know all the ABC’s,

Right down to the XYZ’s.

Reading, writing, spelling too,

We even know two plus two.
We learn together all year,

Second grade will soon be here!

There’s time for work, time for play,

Learning new things every day.
First grade is a special place,

See the big smile on my face.

__________________________________________

Speaking of smile, do you notice the closed mouth grin? A few weeks ago, out of the blue, Evan said to me, "Mom, I've got a new smile, I changed it. Wanta see it?" I think it's precious!

Ready to walk out the door.

Open House

Evan and Mrs. Lindsey at Open House


Every year we reread The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. It's a precious story about a little raccoon who has first day jitters. His Mom kisses his hand and explains to him that he can keep the kiss in his pocket for a time when he might be missing his mom. Every year we make Kissing Hand cookies to go along with our story...this year...Evan wasn't as impressed as last...is he growing up on me or what?!?!

I have to say that last year, the kissing hand was very important to Evan. In a jittery voice, he asked for a kissing hand several times, this year, he was too excited!

Evan, you woke up this morning full of excitement! Last night, you were so funny. You had the hardest time going to sleep, it was like Christmas eve. You said, "I'm not scared, I'm not nervous, I'm excited, but the thoughts just won't get out of my head and let me sleep." One time you came out of your room and said, "I'm so mad, that these thoughts won't let me sleep." You came down and drank some warm milk, which you thought was gross!!! It took you about 2 hours to finally go to sleep, so it's a good thing that you went to bed at 7:00! Before I tucked you in we read The Kissing Hand and talked about 1st grade, before saying your nightly verses and saying your prayers. This morning on the way to school we sang, Live it Out, usually, we listen to it over and over again but this morning after the first time, you wanted to talk. That made Mommy so happy. You asked if first grade was going to be hard and we talked about what the word challenging means...not too easy, not too hard...but just the right amount to help you learn more. I'm so proud of you, my baby, my big boy, my big first grader.
I'll love you forever! Love, Mommy

Kissing Hand Cookies

Evan and I made Kissing Hand Cookies, Thursday, for him to take to school. He really enjoyed making them and Mrs. Willis said that the class loved them. We all know this is a special book for our family. Link However, our big boy is growing up and getting very brave. Every morning before he and Clay leave, and every night when we tuck him in, we exchange Kissing Hands. Clay said that his morning when he dropped him off at school, he gave Clay a quick sideways hug, (not the usual big full body hug) and walked away. Clay then asked Evan if he needed a Kissing Hand and he said, "Nah." I can't believe it!!

Flashback Friday

This picture was taken on Evan's first day in 2 Yr-Pre-K at Social Circle.

The Years...

Life is fleeting, years rush past...

and little boys grow up so fast!

Let me take time out to be thankful mine is with me.

And though I'm busy through the day,

Let me take time out to play...

Let me take time out to smile,

to sit with him for just a while...

Let me take time out for walks,

for swings and sports and quiet talks,

for sharing giggles, tickles, and hugs,

for patching knees and catching bugs...

for running races, climbing trees,

for helping with his A - B - C's...

For hatching plots and planning schemes,

for listening to his thoughts and dreams.

Let me tuck him in at night,

hear his prayers,

turn off the light.

And when my busy day is done,

Let me thank God that he is my son....

---Author Unknown

Kindergarten...Here I Come!

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I come!

Hand on the door, ready to go! We take this picture every year

and I can't believe how much taller he is this year.

Evan with his teachers, Mrs Willis (l) and Mrs. Tanner (r)

Mrs. Willis will be teaching while Mrs. Bailey in on Maternity Leave with her twins.




Busy getting started on his morning work.



Open House, yesterday...

Man, I can't believe that my sweet baby boy started Kindergarten today! I've cried for days whenever I would think about it and balled like a baby all the way home from dropping him off. I had to quickly grab a tissue without Evan noticing as I walked out of the room. I felt like an idiot crying through the halls, I mean big tears, the ones that you can't hide from people. Yes, everyone who I passed in the halls knew I was a first time Kindergarten Mommy. As I passed the ones whom I knew they smiled and gave encouragement, since they each have older children. It's just that I'm going to miss him so much. We've been home together since he was home and he only went to school for half of a day last year. Plus, I have all of these images in my head, like him caring his lunch tray of pizza and corn very carefully, clenching it tightly with both hands, worried that he might drop it as he walks back to his table (why is it that corn is always served with pizza at school? Yuck). And, him walking down the hallway all by myself to get to his classroom and fears of him getting lost and scared. Fears of him being shy, even though I know he makes friends easily. Okay, I know my baby is tough, but his Mommy isn't nor does she ever claim to be. I mean, this is big school, a "real" school, not the small Private Christian school that's he's been at since he was two, where I knew everyone and everyone knew Evan as my baby. We dropped him off at carpool in the morning knowing that he sat with his class in the hallway and then was walked to class, plus last year, his Mimi was there. Whereas now, he'll be dropped off in the car rider line to walk down the long halls with twists and turns to get there all by himself, oh my! At least for a while, his Daddy will be walking to class, quizzing him on how to get there alone.

Okay, maybe you think I'm overreacting a bit but I don't think you understand the magnitude of this event! This is our baby, who God sent here all the way across the globe to be my son, my very, very special son, the one who made me what I am today and what I always wanted to be...A Mommy!

I do find solace in knowing that his teacher is Mrs. Bailey. (for those of you who don't know she is Clay's cousin, she also just had adorable twins) even though she isn't there yet, she will be soon and this I prayed for. Also, the para pro in Evan's class is Cathy Tanner, who has been friends with my Mom for years. I also find comfort and have confidence in knowing that Mansfield is one the top elementary schools in our county, we now have 12. It's also one of the county's smaller schools which also gives me peace.

To get ready for today, we read Look Out Kindergarten, Here I come by Nancy Carlson.

We also read an old favorite of ours, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn and Evan went to school with a Kissing Hand in his Pocket.

Sorry Alonda, I promise we (okay...I) will do better before you get there. LOL!!

A Busy Day for Evan

Yesterday, began as usual, waking up early and watching Star Wars with Daddy and Elijah. Eating his breakfast and getting dressed, then going upstairs to wake Mommy up with her moring cup of coffee. (Which is the sweetest) After sitting and talking with Mommy a little bit, it's off to school with Daddy.

Later Ampa came over to watch the babies so Mommy could pick Evan up early for a Doctor's appointment with Dr. Doud. Yes...time for 5 year old shots...a totally of 4! Two in each leg...Evan was a trooper and tried so hard not to cry but that second one really hurt and he couldn't help it. After the tears and shots, he asked Mommy, if they could still stop for sour skittles...Of Course!! Evan got a bag of candy for each shot...shhhhh don't anyone...not the healthiest reward ever.

After the shots, they met Daddy and headed to Mansfield Elementary School for Kindergarten Round-up. Evan will be attending Kindergarten at Mansfield this year. Mommy and Daddy can't believe it...their baby is going to big kid school!! It was neat to watch Evan gladly leave Mommy and Daddy, without hesitation and walk down the hall with a teacher to do his hearing and vision test. He said that he had a lot of fun in there and that next year, he'll get to go to the library to check out books and that they can EVEN bring them home! As we were leaving he said that he liked seeing Anna Beth's Mommy and Cody's teacher (which is the same person).

We really hope that Mrs. Bailey will be his teacher next year, so pull some strings Alonda!!!

In many ways it seems like we were just dropping Evan off at SCCS with Mrs. Gina and Mrs. Rhonda for the two year old pre-k class, only months after coming home and now he'll be going to Mansfield. He's quick to say that his Ampa, Momi, and Toet-Toet all went to school there.

Little scenarios keep popping up in my head, like Evan walking down the hall by himself with a hall pass or him caring his little lunch tray to the table, oh so careful not to spill it. I just can't believe what a big boy he's growing into. First, it was, Well he's not a toddler anymore, a pre-schooler for sure, and now oh my...I can't even type it! My baby's not a baby anymore, it's so bitter-sweet.

Anyway, enough of Mommy walking down memory lane. After Daddy got off work Amma and Ampa came over to watch the babies so we could take Evan to the fair in Covington. I have such found memories of going to the fair at Legion Field when I was a kid and want our kids to experience the same. Evan and Daddy paid for an all day ticket to ride everything. But Daddy soon became a thing of the past when Dayton and Emily Green showed up. It's something about your peers that quickly zap any and all fear out of you, there was no hesitation to ride anything.

Here are a few pictures from the day...

Funny Face

Hand Stamps...Evan and Daddy.

After some coaxing and Daddy riding by himself, Evan gave the Superman ride a try and liked it.

The Super Slide

Evan and Dayton on the bumper cars for the 4th time!

Dayton, Evan, and Emily on the fast scary ride.

Evan had a ball at the fair, but said that he was sad that Mommy didn't get to ride anything. And asked me if I was sad. That's our boy, always concerned about others.

4-Year old Pre-K

Evan, I can't believe that you are in Pre-K!!! It seems like just yesterday we were dropping you off for your first day in the 2 year old class with Mrs. Gina and Mrs. Rhonda. Mommy cried all the way home. Your last day in the 3 year old class was a bit sad because you had Mrs. Gina and Mrs. Rhonda for 2 years and now you would be moving on.

You were so excited and ready for school to start this year. You would ask everyday when you could go to school. At first you missed your old teachers, but you quickly adapted to Mrs. Amy and now you just love her. You are always drawing pictures and making things for her and yesterday you took her an apple that we picked in the mountains.

Mommy taught at your school for a couple of months and I was afraid that the transition to me staying home might be difficult for you, but it wasn't at all. You are such a big a boy and I'm so proud of you. You love school and are enjoying learning your letters and sounds. Yesterday, you were so excited to show me how to make the letter H and you must have made 100 of them on your paper. Last night you found an old box of flash cards as Mommy was packing away some of my teaching stuff and you knew 12 cards, either their sound or letter and many of them...you knew both! I'm so proud of you!

Leaving for your first day of school...August 6, 2007

You and Your Teacher, Mrs. Amy.

School, the beach, and the big 50!

August was a busy month. Evan started school and loves it! He is still at Social Circle Christian School and has the same teacher as he did last year. He goes 3 days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I so enjoy taking him and picking him up from school because he is so fun to watch. He is Mr. Cool at 3 years old! He gets out at carpool and marches up the ramp into the building with no assistance. I often I have remind him that Mommy needs a kiss before he gets out of the car. When I pick him up, we pull over into the parking lot where he shows me his work that he is so proud of and he tells me all about his day. Clay picked him up one day last week and he got there early so he decided that instead of waiting he would go ahead and get Evan about 30 minutes early. Clay thought that Evan would be so excited to see him walk into his room instead he looked at Clay with a funny look and said, “I workin’ hard” like I’m not leaving yet. Clay asked Evan if he was ready to go and he said that he had to finish his work so Clay waited in the car. LOL!!

We went to North Myrtle Beach with Clay’s family and the Schattes met us there. We had such a wonderful time. Evan is such a joy and just loves the beach. He worked hard on teaching Hannah to enjoy the ocean and pool and boy did she ever enjoy it!! We really enjoyed spending the extra time with Uncle Brent since we usually only get to see him on the weekends with limited time. Amma and Ampa bought Evan a dump truck for the beach and he must have ran and pushed it for miles over the beach. If you ask Evan why his Ampa bought him the truck, Evan will answer, “Ampa love me.” We celebrated Hannah’s 3rd birthday by going to the Pavilion which they are tearing down to build high-rises. We enjoyed eating out (and blowing our diets), and just taking it easy. Our last night there we went to eat Japanese with Brent and he convinced me to try sushi…a crazy roll. It was pretty good. Of course, I took lots of pictures to remember the trip. The Schattes will be coming back to Georgia in January so we can celebrate Russian Christmas together on January 7th.

Mimi turned the big 5-0 this month! We had a great time celebrating her birthday. We all went to eat Japanese food and I even called Brent to ask him what kind of sushi to order but it wasn’t that good this time. I hosted a surprise brunch for Mimi and her closest girlfriends on Saturday and it was wonderful. I was so afraid the Evan was going to spill the beans b/c he kept talking about her cake...luckly she didn't pick up on it. She was so surprised, it brought her to tears!

Now that summer is drawing to a close I am looking forward to the fun of fall and all the joy that it brings. I can’t wait for pumpkins and hayrides.

The Hodges...family of 3!