Isn't It Ironic?

Do you see the heart to the right of the sunburst?

#sayinggoodbyeishardtodo

How did we go from left to right in the blink of an eye?!?

Three years. 

Still my happy, smiley pig-tailed girl, who battles me a bit more on the bows (and pigtails).

I'd say she's grown quite a bit. Her head almost touches the bottom of the flag string - almost to the same place where her brother stands in the picture; he's the same age as she is here (only it's November vs. August).

Today is our last day.
The end of a 6-year era.

No more daily detours on my way to and from work.

Justin will now take both kids to school. I'll pick them both up, unless there is an activity that causes the other to pick up.

Maybe I'll actually make it to work on time?

It's a good thing we're leaving early today to head to the lake - and Justin is doing the pick up. It will help me reign in the tears. I'll say my good-byes this morning. Take one last look at the halls where my children laughed - and cried. Learned and slept. Made friends. And grew.

It's been fun KRK. It's been fun!

Saying Goodbye...

The last day of "school" snuck up on me.

It seemed like we had an entire summer to make it through and then - BAM - tomorrow is Ashlee's last day at the place that's been our children's home-away-from-home for almost 6 years.

I still remember touring the place.

It was brand new and hardly anyone went there yet. We could hardly get Tyler to stay, let alone play on the playground with the director's daughter - who would later become one of his classmates and friends.

We started a few months after that visit.

It was a good transition - that home to center thing - and he flourished there.

And then we moved Ashlee there, too, when she was almost 2 1/2.

It seemed to be our magical "transition to center" age.

Tyler moved onto kindergarten with 6 or 7 of his classmates.

Ashlee stayed behind.

Now she's moving onto kindergarten with 2 of her classmates, leaving far too many behind - including her best buddy Dexter.

We're sad to say good-bye. We're sad to leave the teachers. Very few remain from those early days, but we love the ones that are there now just as much.

As a good-bye, I got each of Ashlee's main teachers a subway art print with a mug full of M&Ms. I also got the front office a special print from our family.

I hope they know how much they mean to us - and how much they mean to our kids. They were definitely a hug above the rest, and we will never forget them and the love they showed our kids!

Wordless Wednesday {Preschool Babes}

Burning Off Steam

Ashlee, Millie, Olivia, Tommy, Asher, Tyler, cousins

One of Tyler's pre-K buddies, Asher, moved to Houston in kindergarten. And he came back to visit today - his first visit in almost 2 years!

A few of Asher's buddies joined him at an open gym to burn off some cooped up winter steam.

Tyler had a blast playing with Asher; Tommy, another pre-K buddy; and Olivia, who's now in his class and who's mom used to be Tyler's preschool teacher.

Ashlee joined in the fun, too. Playing with Olivia's little sister, Millie, in the organized mass chaos.

I worked from the lobby as they ran, jumped, flipped and did whatever else for nearly two hours. They would have kept going but I made them leave to go see the remake of Annie in the theatre with grandma!

Meet the Teacher

Tonight was back-to-back Meet the Teachers.

These "nights" are always interesting.

Tyler was up first. He has a new teacher so we were interested in learning more about her, her classroom and her expectations for the year.

And she passed with flying colors.

I think we had it rough last year, and I'm looking forward to a "smoother" year this year, or at least that is my hope, at this time.

The best part of the event was looking at "self portraits" and trying to figure out which one was our child. We were sure Tyler did some fibbing on his as we were not able to pick his out - not from the drawing or the writing. We finally just took a guess after everyone else had picked out their child {he somehow forgot he has a sister....hmmm}.

I guess we picked right?!?

He also had this list of the Top 10 things he did this summer.

There may be some made up items on it ... in true typical Tyler fashion.

At Ashlee's .... I don't think we even saw the teachers, Ms. Sandra and Ms. Smita?!? I know she didn't.

She was too busy running around chasing the boys, aka Dexter and Connor. I guess that happens when you've been there since you were 2 1/2.

Ashlee knows the teachers but we do not. Only 2 teachers that Tyler had are still there.

This is our last year at the school that has been our home since Tyler was 2 1/2 - so about 5 years! It will be bittersweet when it's time to leave. I'm hoping to savor each moment.

And, I'm still secretly hoping for time to slow down.....

Ready or Not...Trunk or Treat

We made it back to Trunk or Treat this year. It was a bit cold...and dark...so I didn't get any pictures other than this cute one of them posing at home. I have to say we have a pretty adorable ninja and Snow White on our hands!

Hoops {Star}

This past weekend, Tyler got to guard another of his former preschool buddies, Christopher:

 

He and Tyler spent a lot of preschool recess time playing bball; now they got to show off for their dads, ie the coaches....and Tyler was even taunted a bit by Christopher and another preschool buddy, Tate, from the sidelines. It was pretty cute!

Note: Tyler is a fairly tall kid (4' 1/4"); Christopher still towers over him.

B-Baller

First tip-off, completed by Tyler!

Out of all of the sports Tyler plays, I don't think he's wanted to play any as badly as basketball {except maybe football, but I keep trying to avoid that one}.

Sure, the Y offers Bitty sports, but you barely get into a practice before the season is over and the kid is crushed, so we opted to skip that - and avoid the tears.

Now that he's in kindergarten, he can be on a real team - through the Y.

With his fellow classmates - most from his actual kindergarten class - Tyler became a member of the Patriots - No. 9 {complete with a jersey made for a middle schooler! Seriously, it's like a youth medium - WAY too big!}

Show me whatcha got, Tommy!

Justin is the assistant coach. He's still not sure how he keeps getting signed up to coach all of these sports {secretly, I think he enjoys it, but he'll never admit it!}.

Every Saturday, there is an hour-long game.
Every Sunday, an hour-long practice.

The first game was exciting as it was a reunion, of sorts. All of Tyler's preschool friends were there - they all go to different schools and are all playing on their school teams, so for a short time, they reunited in this one elementary gymnasium.

I'm sure they will play one another at some point throughout the season. In fact, Tyler got to guard his friend Tommy (No. 2), aka Moose, at his first game. It was pretty amusing to watch him guard his friend. I'm sure those lunchtime games at their old stomping grounds were helpful....maybe?!?

The boys surprised the coaches at the first game. When you're starting from scratch, you never know what to expect.....some of the boys can't dribble; some can't shoot....it's more of a social hour for some {Tyler practices a lot}. Regardless of the reasoning, they're all there to shoot some hoops and have fun! And I think they can say that was a success!

 Some of the fan club

Reunited

And it feels so good. The love birds reunite. Same class and all.
A third wheel has come in between them, Riley.
Riley lives next door to Sarah. She also is in the class.
Riley and Tyler like to push each others buttons.
Poor Sarah gets stuck in the middle.

Adjustments

Life is full of them.

It just takes a little while longer for our oldest to adhere to them.

Oh, who are we kidding? These reports are nothing new. We just get to see them in the form of colored stop lights rather than written words in a little green notebook {how we communicated with the teachers in preschool}.

Yes, friends and family, Tyler is still "adjusting" to Kindergarten. I like to put it that way. I like to believe he will suddenly start following directions and stop climbing on toilets. That he will not tell a friend at Y Care "I'm going to punch you in the face" just because.

Because deep down, Tyler has a heart of gold; he really does.

He just has some pent up energy that if not redirected toward something good ends up going toward something ornery, hence this week's behavior report. Every day it comes home in the backpack; every day I sign it and every day we discuss it.

There are consequences for red days. Minor ones for yellow. And celebrations for green.

Uncle Brett promised him a trip to the candy store to pick out whatever he wanted if he got all greens. He didn't even make it through Monday.

There's always next week.

The teacher makes them color in the stoplights themselves. You can see there was some disagreement over Thursday. He was going to color it yellow.

Then there was Wednesday - the day where he apparently "really" earned red, but someone moved all of the sticks around when the teacher wasn't looking and he somehow ended up on green. He says it wasn't him who moved the sticks, but it wouldn't surprise me if he was the culprit.

He's pretty smart. Just obviously not sneaky enough to not get caught.

And Friday, oh Friday. I came for lunch duty and the teacher sought me out to tell me Tyler was having a "beyond fabulous day." This was at 11:05 a.m. By the time we picked him up at the end of the day, he was on yellow {not red, at least}, hence my note of "where did our good day go?"

If this is what he's like at 5, God help us when he's a teenager. Him and a teenage girl, together under one roof. Heaven help us!?!

EDITOR'S NOTE - UPDATE - The week of Sept. 3, Tyler received 4 green lights! He was rewarded by a trip to the candy store with Uncle Brett where he was able to pick out anything he wanted! He also received some stickers and candy from us and a surprise trip to the ISU football game. The week of Sept. 10 is off to a good start with 2 greens and a yellow light....

One Final "Sleep"

"Fields of Opportunities"

On the road again....

In case you don't follow me on Twitter or Facebook, here are some pictures I shared on our journey back up to Des Moines on Sunday.

I took another visitor with me this time: Tyler.

Now that he's done with preschool, and officially on vacation until next Thursday, I figured he would enjoy some one-on-one mommy time and a trip to see his Papa {plus it was a short one-night stay...remember he has the attention span of an ant}.

And the trip didn't disappoint. In more ways than one {luckily no puking involved this time around, even though Tyler kept teasing me in the car}.

Tyler was being such a good boy, watching his movie (Up) and not complaining, that I stopped and got him a Chocolate Banana milkshake from McDonald's as a surprise. Anything from the 'ol Mickey D's scores high in his books - even if he only drank 1/3 of it.

After another stop for a potty break - and a third stop for a cake at Costco to thank all of dad's nurses and PCTs at the hospital - we finally made it to the hospital. In 4 hours. Felt. Like. Eternity.

Farewell Daycare

Graduation was months ago. But he never had to really say good-bye.

Until today.

Today, we dropped off our teacher gifts. And a box of donuts for the rest of the staff and said good-bye to the school that has been our home since we left Joyce's nearly 3 years ago.

A lot has changed since then.

Tyler has changed since then.

Our family has changed since then.

But it's still home-away-from-home for our children.

Ashlee will remain there, so I didn't shed any tears ~ luckily, but I can't say that won't happen when she bids it adieu at age 5 {luckily, I still have some time}.

Tyler was pretty pumped to say good-bye to school. I don't know if it was the Chiefs game we were going to that night? The nearly week-long vacation that awaited? Or the upcoming start of Kindergarten?

He says it's because he'll be back to pick up Ashlee. I don't think he grasps that his friends will not be there - maybe a few - but not most.

Thank you to this school for loving my child. For hugging my child. For teaching my child. For believing in my child. And for putting up with him when he tested every boundary you ever placed before him ~ I will never forget the day we were called in to watch the security cameras over the marker incident {good thing Rayna became one of his best friends}.

Thank you for preparing him for Kindergarten. His next school thanks you. We thank you!

Farewell. So Long. Adios.

How we said our final good-bye to Tyler's 2 preschool teachers

Personalized stamps, markers & hand-stamped necklaces

*Shout out to GroopDealz where I purchased the stamps and necklaces!

A Visitor!

Look who came to visit Papa this week?

Ashlee!

If I was going to miss my 7th anniversary with my hubby {it's today}, I was going to bring a piece of him back to Des Moines with me. And since it's Tyler's very last week at preschool - ie the school he's been at since he was 2-years-old - I had to leave him behind.

Ashlee has been a great "patient."

At 2 1/2, she has "patiently" rolled with the punches. The hardest part so far has been sleeping in my itty bitty bed with her. I already didn't fit in it, but now I have a kid sleeping on top of me, tossing and turning, waking up crying wondering where in the world she is. But we survived.

I slept as much as I normally sleep here, which is little to none.

She enjoys eating McDonald's, getting a special treat (because she pottied TWICE in the LOUD potty), pushing Papa's wheelchair down the halls, getting out her "wiggles," and playing with the cow that is in the "roof garden."

She also enjoyed a visit from my aunt. And lots of attention from nurses and patients.

I'd say her favorite part - other than undivided attention from Papa - is riding around the halls on his lap.

I'm thinking if she had a conversation with you about the hospital, she'd tell you it isn't too shabby. They even have balls in the "gym." And she pretty much has free reign since she's so good....and quiet!

And she took a 3 hour nap. SCORE!! Only 2 more days to go!

 

The Avengers

We went school shopping today.

Tyler, Ashlee & I {somehow daddy got out of it}.

He selected his FIRST backpack - a holographic Avengers one, which fits him perfectly as he spent a month (or more) begging us to attend that movie. And after much consideration {Facebook polls, checking with grandma who had seen it and multiple conversations}, Justin broke down and took him.

And he loved it. Just like the backpack {look at that grin!}.

He also picked out a matching lunch box and pencil bag...as mommy, they have to match!

Then we tackled the class supply list.

I don't remember the lists being this complicated when I was little.

Ounces on the glue. White, not purple. Red and yellow folders, no designs. Excessive numbers of items-8 glue sticks!

Wonder if it's a change in time? Economic levels? Pot vs. each-child-keeps-at-desk?
I mean I couldn't even get everything at Target. I'm going to have to hit up Wal-Mart, too!

Of course, Ashlee couldn't be left out of the fun. Although she originally wanted a small Minnie Mouse backpack, she swapped it for a Dora lunchbox. She'll probably never use it as a lunchbox, instead it will be used to carry around their growing collection of Squinkies (another "fad").

Two and a half weeks until school {First we'll have to say good-bye to Ty's preschool}!

I Have TWINS!

 Look at their faces - IDENTICAL! NUTSO! 

Not sure if the identical-ness is because they're chewing or if it's "why are you taking my picture again, mom?" I'm guessing the latter.

This was taken at the school summer picnic Friday. Tyler joined Ashlee's class for lunch so I wouldn't have to stay 2 hours to eat with both of them {my work is awesome and let me attend!}. 

Tyler was excited to get a really long lunch, and apparently, he was quite proud to be the oldest student as he told me repeatedly "Mom, I'm the oldest kid out here" and kept running off to get the best toys before his class showed up {smart kid!}. 

Ashlee was just excited to have me eat lunch with her as I had never done this before. I had told her I was coming, but apparently she didn't believe me. She took full advantage of my visit, ensuring she got a full bag of chips, 2 drinks and cookies. Oh, my child, she loves to eat!

This also was a sentimental day for Ashlee...it was her last day in this her first classroom. She and 5 of her friends moved up to the next classroom today. She was pumped - she does this cute "YES!" while pulling her arms back motion - to get a new classroom, her old teachers (she will miss Ms. Lakia and Angelica) and a new outdoor playground with a slide. 

I'm hoping the new room speeds up this potty training process {I hate potty training, although it's better with her than Tyler} and her shoes start lasting longer because there are less ride-on toys for her to drag her feet! One day in and so far, so good!

Ash-isms #4 & Ty-isms #35

I've been doing some "isms" collecting in the last week or so and decided to do a combined post. I've come to find that motto "Monkey See, Monkey Do" is very much alive in our home.

My new favorite from Ashlee, especially as she stomps down the upstairs hallway. Or as she yells from bed after "just 1" book:

I NOT happy

And she will repeat this until you do make her happy. And then, you get a big smile and:

I no sad. I happy!

You can't help but smile at her. She's definitely letting you know she knows what she wants. When she wants it!

And you ask where the monkey comes in?

Well Mr. Big Brother does the same thing, only he just proclaims I'm NOT HAPPY repeatedly at the top of his lungs. It's never followed up with a I'm now happy remark, sadly.

They both also tell us continually NO THANK YOU! Something they learned to say at school when they are upset at something. If they don't like an answer to something, it's NO THANK YOU MOMMY or NO THANK YOU DADDY.

They also both try to make happy plates at meal-time. Gotta love what they learn at school!

Ashlee also has skipped over the why stage - well, she didn't skip it, she started it early and I guess has become bored of it - and now says What I hear? to everything.

She has the ears of a wolf. Anything that's just a bit out of the ordinary, leads to her exclaiming What I hear? We do a lot of explaining.

And speaking of hearing, she pulled on these headphones yesterday (picture) and proclaimed I wear daddy's ears. I couldn't help but laugh. Only her daddy would still have headphones like this!

After the headphones incident, she looked down at my leg and told me you have chocolate on your knee. I get it off. And she licked her finger and started rubbing at it. What was it? The birthmark on the inside of my right knee.

And my favorite....

Ashlee has started stripping at the gym.

It's all fun and games until poop is involved.

The first week, she just took off her diaper and said she was going potty. They called me from my class to tell me she was naked in the bathroom (Tyler stood watch at the door giggling). I go in to find her hands all wet. Luckily, she said I go potty mommy. I all done. I wash my hands. I'm glad it was just water!

If only the second time was as easy.

The next week, it was the same scenario. Diaper off, going potty. I'm called from working out. For some reason, I hurry down. They told me it was because she pooped (they don't change diapers) and when I went into the bathroom, I saw her little legs dangling under the stall with toilet paper dangling all over.

Me: Ashlee, what are you doing?
Ashlee: Mommy, I go potty!

I try to open the stall. She locked it! (meanwhile, Tyler is standing guard again, gigling. Her pink skirt is on the floor along with a diaper covered with poop).

I get her to unlock the stall and she walks out like all is right in the world and goes to wash her hands. She doesn't realize that there is poop all over the back of her and all over the toilet she just sat on. Needless to say, I spent 30 minutes cleaning her AND the bathroom. She went home with nothing on but a skirt and sat on a garbage bag in her car seat (because the staff felt bad for me).

To say I was mortified was an understatement.

We now go to the gym and have pep talks about not stripping!

Another good one:
Ashlee: I have hair on my legs (staring/picking at her legs in the backseat as the sun shines in)
Me: Yes, you do. You've always had hair on your legs.
Ashlee: GET IT OFF! I no like it! 

(one of her favorite sayings is "I no like it" to EVERYTHING!)

A great Ty-ism:

Last night while reading this book his new elementary school gave him at round-up so he could learn the teachers, I got to the page about the REAL teacher. REAL, I believe, is reading out loud for enrichment or something like that.

Me reading: So and so is the REAL teacher at our school
Tyler: What's REAL?
Me: It means she reads out loud to you.
Tyler: You mean she screams at you?

I lost it right there. I couldn't help but laugh uncontrollably.

Another one:
During a recent haircut, the stylist asked Tyler his favorite movie, his response Sports. Well there you have it folks, 100% truth. At least I can save $10 by NOT taking him to the movie theatre. I just turn the TV to ESPN!

Class of Two Thousand and Twelve

I present to you the Pre-K Class of 2012...in photos!

The class was large: 45

The class was really 3 different class"rooms:" Jennifer/Nicole; Jessica & Shelly
Tyler was in the biggest class - Mrs. Jennifer and Ms. Nicole's

The class marched in first sans cap and gown

They sang a song about growing up
(Tyler is smack dab in the middle, grinning as he sang)

Then they marched out. And left us to watch a video. And cry. 

But, oddly enough, I didn't cry. I enjoyed reminiscing with the video.

I went on all but 1 the field trips. I submitted many of the photos.

I was there. I was a part of it, too. And it was a happy time, not a sad one!

When they returned:

The class wore blue {the other school color is yellow}

They recited a poem. And received their diplomas!
Tyler received his from Ms. Nicole

(it was HILARIOUS watching them try to keep the hats on!)

And then, in a blink of an eye, it was over. Much like 2 1/2 years has passed.

Tyler amused us with pictures...for a small amount of time

Grandma

Joyce and Schulzie

Refreshments!
Tyler dipped his purple cupcake on his face before this picture...just cause!

Tyler & Sarah

Tyler, Ms. Nicole & his graduation gift from us
Mrs. Jennifer missed graduation :(