Welcome to First Grade

Exactly how did I go and get myself a first grader? Seriously, is he really old enough to be in first grade? It's true, it's very, very true. As the day drew closer for school to start, Carter begged to ride the bus to school. I couldn't bare the thought so he still rides with me. However, I do let him ride in the afternoons. Baby steps, right?

Day one of this new adventure started with smiles and his favorite, Lucky Charms. Not necessarily the best breakfast in the world but it's what he wanted. Is it normal for momma's to get a little choked up as these milestones pass? Life as a mother is so bittersweet. I love seeing him learn new things and growing but I really do wish there was some way I could bottle up the littleness of him.

After the routine first day of school pictures, we were off to school. He was grinning from ear to ear. He definitely is not shy. He was roaring to go!  School started back a few days before his birthday. Typically it starts right after his birthday. He was super excited that for once he'd get to be the kid in class celebrating his birthday. That Friday he proudly wore his birthday boy shirt and we celebrated with cupcakes.

The school year is well underway now (I'm blogging in February 2012... so far behind). Carter is doing great and loving every minute. He reads like a champ!! They have an Accelerated Reading (A.R.) program at his school and I'm proud to say he's in the top five for his class!!  Way to go, Carter-bug!! He's in the walk-run club and will be running in the Gate River Run this Spring. Super exciting.

He also ran his first race back in the winter. It was just over a mile and he finished strong with Travis at his side.

Kindergarten egg hunt

Carter's class enjoyed a fun little egg hunt during school. It was so cute to watch them run around looking for the eggs with their name on it.

Necessities... Bear necessities

Carter's kindergarten class participated in the school talent show. They were the cutest group of bears I'd ever seen!  


Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
Old Mother Nature's recipes
That brings the bare necessities of life

Wherever I wander, wherever I roam
I couldn't be fonder of my big home
The bees are buzzin' in the tree
To make some honey just for me
When you look under the rocks and plants
And take a glance at the fancy ants
Then maybe try a few

The bare necessities of life will come to you
They'll come to you!

Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
That's why a bear can rest at ease
With just the bare necessities of life

Now when you pick a pawpaw
Or a prickly pear
And you prick a raw paw
Next time beware
Don't pick the prickly pear by the paw
When you pick a pear
Try to use the claw
But you don't need to use the claw
When you pick a pear of the big pawpaw
Have I given you a clue ?

The bare necessities of life will come to you
They'll come to you!

So just try and relax, yeah cool it
Fall apart in my backyard
'Cause let me tell you something little britches
If you act like that bee acts, uh uh
You're working too hard

And don't spend your time lookin' around
For something you want that can't be found
When you find out you can live without it
And go along not thinkin' about it
I'll tell you something true..........The bare necessities of life will come to you


Is the song stuck in your head now?!  Just wondering, because it was in mine for quite sometime! :)

Science Night

Carter was super excited about Science night at his school.  There were different stations set up all over the school.  His favorite was the fishing boat where he was able to cast his line.  He smiled and grinned from ear to ear.  He was even more happy when he found out he was getting his very own fishing pole, tackle box, and t-shirt.






I can't believe we are over half way through his first year of school. We had a great time spending the evening with this cool little guy!  Love you Cart-bug!

Watch out Kindergarten, HERE COMES CARTER!!!!

Twas the night before kindergarten and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. My Carter was ready, excited no doubt... tomorrow starts kindergarten, they'd better watch out!!!!



This morning came and went without any problems. Little man was awakened by his alarm clock, also known as, Tucker. When I made my way to his room Travis already had Tucker perched on Carter's bed watching Thomas the Train. Carter was lying there looking at me like are you kidding me, you want me to get up?!  He's certainly my child, no question about it!  He finally pulled himself out of bed. Just like his mother did when she was a child, he grumbled about breakfast, and said he'd just wait for lunch. I couldn't argue with him, I hated eating breakfast before school.  Just ask my mom, she fought many, many mornings!!! I'm not ready to fight him just yet, LOL!!



After a few minutes the chipper, talkative Carter we all know and love was coming alive. He was dressed so pretty (yes I just said pretty... I know he's a boy, but he's pretty to me!), I just smiled. My heart was so excited, nervous, anxious, and a few butterflies were swarming in my stomach but not for long. How can you be sad when you see a child that is so ready?!  I remember my first day of kindergarten, I walked up the ramp to my classroom opened the door, closed it and left my parents standing there. I knew deep down, given the opportunity Carter would leave me standing on the porch. He's ready, he's independent, and I can't argue with that because I'm pretty much looking at myself this morning, just 25 years later.



We spiked his hair, brushed his teeth, made sure his bag and lunch box were ready and we were off. Nana called as we were pulling out the driveway. He got his Nana pep talk, and we were off. I think she's more nervous than I am. As we came over the big hill before his school the excitement grew to a new level. We passed in front of the school looking for a parking space and he rolled down his window and said, "it's my school Momma, it's my school!!!"  I knew at that moment, I'd be standing on the steps of the classroom if I wasn't careful.



He walked up to that school as big as a giant. No fear, no worries, he was there and wanted everyone to know it! Honestly there wasn't a bit of hesitation whatsoever! The teachers that were meeting students had us go to the cafeteria to wait until the bell sounded. When we got there, he went to walk in but looked back to see that I had fallen behind a bit, it was at that moment I saw the hesitation. I told him to go on in, he said, "are you coming with me?" We walked in together. I must admit though, I needed that little bit of 'I need you momma' from him. He may be growing up, fearless of most things, but he still needs me even though he likes to play tough. As we waited he saw some old friends, and met some new ones. As he talked to his friend, Jacbo, I over heard Jacob talking about playing football. The conversation of ball dropped, and then I heard Carter say...."what do you think of those girls over there?!" Lord help me, I'm in so much trouble with this mini Casanova!  I told him we didn't need to be concerned with little girls. Be their friends, but pay attention to the teacher and our class work.  Secretly I was praying he would drop the girl situation, NOW!  A few more minutes we waited in the cafeteria and then his teacher arrived. From there we were off to class.

***The first signs of a school age child, "Shh! Don't say I love you!" and so it begins!***

There he sat in the classroom where he'd spend his first year. Dolphins lined the window, seashells lined the wall. It would be in this very room he'd learn so many new things, and I'd have to learn to let go and really watch him grow up before my eyes. Still no tears, but a heart flooding with joy and happiness. They finished watching the morning announcements, found a place on the rug for story time. I walked over, kissed him and told him to have a super day. Then I quietly stood at the back for another minute or two. Tucker and I then walked quietly out the door. As I looked back through the window, it was happening... I was the mom on the porch. My baby was spreading his wings and showing me how independent he was. I smiled big, and walked away. As I walked, I laughed to myself and thought... please Lord, don't let his little talkative, energetic self get into too much trouble today! I'm so very proud. It's 11:32, and I'm anxiously awaiting the moment I can go get him. I can't wait to hear all about his day and the stories he has for me!  

Carter, you made me very proud this morning! You looked handsome as ever, and it was a joy to see how excited you were to start kindergarten!  I hope that your year is filled with great memories. I look forward to all the new things you'll learn, and watching you spread your wings even more. I love you more and more with each passing day!  Thank you for being such a ray of sunshine in my life. Now take off, and enjoy!!!  

All my love, hugs, and kisses!

~xoxo~

Momma

Backpacks, pencils, crayons...

Backpack, CHECK!
Crayons, CHECK!
Glue, CHECK!
Tissues, CHECK!
Scissors, CHECK!
Mom ready for this.... UNCHECKED!

As the Summer draws to a screeching halt, the reality that I have a kindergartner on my hands is not feeling so real. I feel like I'm in a dream and that Carter should still be about 2!  I know, I know as my cousin Justin told me the other day, "get a tissue and get a grip Mom!" Yep, that's how he told it to me. Blunt, to the point, and a little cold hearted! ;)

All joking aside, I'm ready. I'm sure I'll shed a tear or two come Tuesday of next week but knowing that he is so excited and ready just blesses my soul. He's been talking about his friends, and the school, his teacher for weeks now. How could I dare let him know that I don't want him to grow up?!

Tuesday morning will be here much sooner than I'd like, but we'll deal with it. I'll suck it up, grab a tissue and get a grip. We have his meet and greet this coming up Friday, I hope his teacher Ms. Branson knows what she's in for. My Carter is sure to make it an interesting year!!! Shall I warn her, or let her figure it out on her own?!  :)

Kindergarten or Bust baby!!!!!!

The time has come

On April 19, we made our way to the local school where Carter will attend kindergarten in the fall. As we pulled in the parking lot he was so excited to get a sneak peek at his new school. I on the other hand a bit more anxious.  We pass by the school everyday heading to his preschool and he asks, "momma, is that where I will go to school soon?"  I assure him that he will and he talks about all the fun he will have when he gets there. It warms my heart, but breaks it at the same time.

As we walked up the ramp to the main entrance, he opened the door. I was still trying to push the stroller through, when I hear, "Hey Carter!" I was thinking, oh stars... they already know him, that can't be a good sign!  I shall not tell a lie. I have myself a very active little boy. He's typical, he doesn't like to sit still too long. He likes to run, jump, make loud noises, but what little boy doesn't?  I couldn't think of anyone that would be at the school that should know him. As I made it further in the door, I saw that it was Travis' cousin Jennifer who is a kindergarten teacher.  I was so relieved to see that it was her! :)  She will not be teaching K5 next year, she will be a guidance counselor.

I made my way to the registration table, and Carter was in awe of all the cool stuff in the room. His friend Cody was there also signing up for the fall classes.  As I sat there filling out all the paper work I made comment that I felt like I was signing him up for boot camp or something!  Paper after paper, name after name. I was signing him up in a way, for the next 13 years of his life.  Poor kid, he has no clue what he's in for! :)

As we left they gave him a goodie bag filled with school supplies to start the year off.  He was so excited, and then extremely bummed to find out that he would not be going to that school the next day. He still asks me every morning if that's where he is going to school that day and I reply, each morning, no son not today.  It makes me excited to see him start this next chapter, but it also makes the reality of him not being a little guy anymore. I love having him home with us, I love hearing his giggle down the hall, and now knowing that kindergarten starts in just 103 days, my heart longs to make him a baby again. Don't tell me how outrageously ridiculous I am, I know.  I just can't believe that he is signed up for kindergarten and there's no slowing him down.

As these 103 days pass by, you are all sure to hear me complain, grumble, and cry about him going to kindergarten. I keep teasing that I may need meds to get through this!

Carter's starts VPK

The summer is over, and school has started back.  My little guy is in k4 now.  That sounds so weird to say.  It doesn't seem like I should have a child old enough for k4.  He was so excited to be going back to school, he loves it!  However he was very disappointed when he found out I would be picking him up before lunch time.

Our morning started with several bumps.  I over slept.  School starts t 8:00, we have to be there at 7:50.  Well, I didn't wake up until 7:20!!!  Tucker had a really rough night on Sunday, so when we finally did doze off, I was out!  To say the least I jumped up and immediately started rushing. Carter was up and ready, talking about how excited he was to go.  I was making sure I remembered everything we needed to get out the door.  Forget makeup, or getting dressed, I just threw on a pair of yoga capris and tshirt and prayed I didn't have to get out for whatever reason. I walked back to the kitchen to get Carter some breakfast, hoping that things would just start falling into place, when I smelled something horrible.  I thought, we took the garbage out last night what is that smell?  I walked around the bar, passed Tucker and realized 'the smell' was him!  Yep, you guessed it.  He had me a nice little package!!  I thought, oh boy... then when I got to his room I really thought, OH BOY!!  It was one of those up the back packages.  I did not have time for this.... I HAD TO GET OUT THE DOOR!!!  I get him cleaned, and put him in the walker so that I could finish with Carter.  While Tucker was playing, I ran Carter out to the truck, buckled him in, and came back for Tucker and my coffee.  My mind racing, did I have everything?  Did I sign the paper Carter needed, did I put his extra clothes in the bag, did I give him his medicine?  Check, check, unchecked!  I forgot to give him his medicine, so I grab it along with Tucker, and my coffee and head out the door.  I reach for the door handle when Tucker decides he's going to start beating me like a drum with his hands.  My coffee, it was everywhere!  All down the front of my clothes, all over the floor, but luckily it missed him!  I just shrugged and thought I'll have to get that later, don't have time for it now.  So yes, I left coffee puddled on the floor and off we went.  

I was flying down the driveway.  Carter says, "Momma, these people (our neighbors) are going to think you are crazy driving so fast!"  He has heard my mom say that on numerous occasions when she is with us. I just chuckled and said son, I am crazy! :)  On the way to school I was reminding him that he needed to make sure he listened to Mrs. Cicero.  Raise his hand when he wanted to speak, and be nice and share with the other children.  He said, "I know momma, I know."  We arrived at the school, and waited in line for a teacher to come walk him to class.  As he got out of the truck he said, "Bye momma, love you!"  and off he went.  He was so excited, and ready.  Another very bitter sweet moment for me.

Tucker & I came back home, and just did what we normally do on a Monday.  Clean, laundry, and play. 10:50, we left to pick up Carter.  When we got there, we waited in the line, and then here he comes.  All smiles!!!  The teacher helped him in the truck, and as she shut the door I asked how his day was.  He said, "Momma... (sigh), Mrs. Cicero turned my name."  I just looked at him.  She what?  "She turned my name momma, I was talking to Cody and she told us to stop, but we were still talking!"  I just shook my head and told him, son, it's the first day of school and you got your name turned?!  Great!!!  He said, but we were talking!!  Yeah, I got that.  :) 

He then brought up that he was still upset with me that I didn't let him stay with his friends.  I tried to explain that k4 is only until 11:00.  He said, then take me to Burger King. He's not hard to please! ;)  I looked through his folder while waiting in line at BK, and found his bible verse for the week.  "In the beginning, God created the heaven & earth."  Genesis 1:1.  We started repeating it and by the end of the day, he had it!!  I'm so proud of him.

We picked up some lunch from BK, and then it was home for some down time, then nap time. His first day of k4, a success.  He's a pro at leaving momma!  So glad that he is not afraid to be with other kids, and away from me.  It makes it easier to leave him.  I thought today while he was gone, how much will this year change him?  What new things will he come home and tell me all about?  How much will he grow and mature?  Starting school, granted it's only pre-K, is a big step.  It's the end of baby, toddler days, and nothing but big boy days ahead.  Soccer, baseball, football and all that other 'boy' stuff that comes.  It's so amazing to me how our children grow up, change, their likes and dislikes change but at the end of the day they are still the 'little' person that makes our day.  They can teach us so much if we let them. I look forward to what God has in store for us throughout this school year.  I pray that He will bless the school year, the teachers, and the students.