It seems my little girl has acquired quite a few admirers on the bus this year.  I suppose that’s to be expected.  She is beautiful, if I say so myself.  Not bragging, just telling the truth.  My daughter is just plain beautiful.  Even when her allergies have her broken out from head to toe, her sweet smile just shines through and she shows that beauty.  Anyway, back to the admirers.

I didn’t find all this out until yesterday.  I picked Tyler and Abbey up and they were bickering.  I listened for a few minutes to figure out what was going on.  Then I heard Abbey begging Tyler not to tell me because I would tell Daddy.  I decided it was time to ask what was going on.  Tyler was way too eager to tell me the entire story while Abbey hid her face and interjected a few changes to the story.

This little boy is in kindergarten.  She is devastated that a “younger boy” likes her.   He peeps around the seat at Abbey.  He told the other little boy in his seat he wanted to marry Abbey.  Then he made “kissing lips” at her.  I almost fell out when Tyler said kissing lips.  Abbey turned every shade of red possible.  When she got on the bus yesterday he started singing, “Here comes my buddy, here comes my buddy.”  While singing he was doing a dance Tyler and Abbey call milking the cow.  My kids can come ups with some stuff!  Tyler gets a kick out of teasing her about boys.  She gets mad and then even.  She gives him a much harder time about his little crush.  Some day they won’t tease.  I hope they are there for each other to mend broken hearts along the way.  I’m sure there will be plenty.  I don’t know…. Abbey seems pretty content to keep boys far away.  Especially “younger boys”.

I can hardly wait to see what happened today on the bus.

Abbey is my little fashion diva.  She has to be cute.  Plain and simple.  She wants her earrings to match.  Her socks have to be turned down just right.  And, she will cut you to the core quick if you look bad. 

I decided this morning that I let Tyler and Abbey watch way too much Disney channel.  Why?  This morning I got a direct quote from one of the shows.  It was bad.  I wanted to run…. well, not really, but it was bad coming from my seven year old.

I had on a cute outfit.  Green shirt with black pants.  Nothing major stylish, just cute.  I put on my pink earrings and bracelet.  That is what the lady at the store said would look great… y’all know my fashion knowledge is in the lower numbers.  I wake Abbey up for school.  She takes one look at me and shakes her head.  I’m confused.  I thought maybe she couldn’t get her eyes to focus.  I had no idea what was about to take place.  She crawls out of the bed, stamps her little pink painted toes and says,  “MAMA!  You are NOT going to work like that.  You look like a giant preschooler!”  Giant preschooler?  Where on this earth did she hear that?    Disney channel!  Then she runs to wake Tyler so he can see me.  The whole time I’m contemplating what I can change into.  Tyler comes in my room and he laughs, too.  By now I’m just devastated.  If my kids think I look like a giant preschooler, imagine what adults will think.  Long story short, I march Abbey into my closet and let her pick my clothes.  Guess what I have on…. green shirt and black pants.  But some reason I don’t look like a giant preschooler because she picked out different jewelry!  Girls!   Need help picking out your clothes, just call me.  I’ll send Abbey right over!

Last night as I waited for sleep to take me over, I mentally ran through everything I had to do this morning.  It was a lot.  I fell asleep after wake kids went through my head. Needless to say that without my mental preparation last night, my morning was just complete chaos.  I like it that way.  I thrive on chaos.  Really I do.

First thing I slept late.  But, I didn’t let this bother me.  I already asked to be late for work so I could take Tyler and Abbey to school.  So, getting up late was not really that bad.  I enjoyed those few extra minutes of sleep.  After I was dressed I realized that I was supposed to make Abbey pancakes for breakfast.  I decided I’d feed her something better.  Chocolate cupcakes.  It’s good for her.  There is milk in there.  Plus, I gave her a cup of milk.  Tyler wanted to eat at school. Did y’all notice my eyes rolling?  I just don’t get what is so special about school breakfast.  In my school years, if you ate breakfast at school you were, how do I say it… I don’t know, but I’m sure y’all remember.  Seems like now everyone eats at school.  Saves me time, so I’m ok with that.

Abbey decided that she had to have her hair curled this morning.  We are talking about the kid that hasn’t brushed her hair one single morning this summer.  This is the same kid that begged for pony tails everyday last school year.  Is she growing up?  Ugh!  I don’t even want to think about that.  Then she had to pick out her earrings because this was the first time she could wear different ones to school.  Last year she was stuck with the original ones.  Next her shoes had to be the perfect ones.  After trying on at least three pair, she was dressed and ready to go.  During all that drama with little miss Abbey, Tyler threw on his t-shirt and shorts.  Yea… that’s how he does it. 

We got to school.  Tyler jumped out without even looking back.  Guess my Tyler is growing up too.  I walked Abbey to her class.  I had to give the teacher all her medicine.  Yeah, I thought that was a good excuse.  I need one kid to need me on the first day of school.  I left her sitting in the hall all excited and chit-chatting with some friends from last year. 

I sit here wondering how their day went.  I’m sure it was better than mine.  Just call me worry-wart.  That is what I did all day!

I think my heart will just explode with the love I feel for my Zack.  Well, all my kids, but today I’m talking about Zack. 

He has this new thing.  He likes to press his head or cheek just as close to yours as possible.  Then he will ohhhhh and ahhhhh.  His head will pop up and he just grins. Zack does it most when he gets sleepy or when you say love love.  I just love it!

At night I take him to bed with me so I can have a little time with just him.  I try to give each of my kids their own time.  It’s hard and some days it doesn’t happen.  I feel like Zack needs to have his time with me.  Oh OK, I need that time with Zack!  We giggle and play for a bit, then he starts the nightly ritual of going to sleep.  He plops from side to side.  Then he will kick the cover off.  Then he stands up and bangs on the headboard of the bed.  We go through this a few times until he just literally passes out. 

Last night was no different except he added something new that took me by surprise.  Me and the big kids have been singing 1-2-3-4—-5! and holding up our fingers.  He giggles every time.  Well, last night he did it.  I could catch the words one & two then it was all jumbled.  But, I knew that’s what he was doing.  When I joined in he clapped and grinned.  He knew what he was doing.  I just love to see his developments. 

He is getting brave.  He will stand holding on to the couch.  Then he will stick one leg out behind him.  Sometimes he even lets go with one hand.  We have caught him trying to climb in the playpen at home.  He does that at Mama’s too. 

I can hardly stand to see my baby boy, my last child, grow so fast.  I want to hold him and snuggle close forever.  I know that just like my other two, he will soon say, “Mama, can you not kiss me in front of all the kids!”  And I will respond the same as I did with Tyler and Abbey, “NOPE!”

Nine short years ago, yesterday, I was in the hospital anticipating the most amazing thing I had ever experienced.   My first child was born.  While the memories of the long hours of pushing and crying have faded to a dull blur, the memory of holding my bundle of joy for the first time will never fade.  My sweet little ten pound baby has grown into such a handsome little man.

Saturday afternoon we took the kids to the ever-dreaded Chuck E. Cheese.  We played for hours.  Then we took them to see the new Hannah Montana movie.  Of course, I should have listened to my mama and left Zack with her.  I didn’t even get to see the previews.  He started screaming from the time we sat down.  I had to walk him around the mall.  I guess I’ll have to see it when it comes out on DVD.  The kids loved it.  Jason even said it was OK. 

We started a new tradition at our house.  We are going to plant a tree every year for our birthdays. Tyler wants his to be apple.  Unfortunately, we didn’t find one this weekend.  So, we are having to order it online.  He can’t wait to plant his tree.

This morning my mom reminded him that this was the last year he’d have a single digit birthday.  Thanks mom…. I sure didn’t need to be reminded that my baby boy is growing up so fast!

Not sure why Abbey is standing like that!

Zack chilled in his stroller.

All those tickets for a sucker?!! Hmmm....

This was such a strange game. Tyler could not shoot the aliens.

His itty bitty cake. Since Abbey couldn't have it, I just got one for him. He ate all but the one bite he gave Zack!

I may dread you Chuck E. but I love to see my kids smile and have a good time!

Is bragging wrong? 

Good.  I was hoping not.  Because I have something to brag about!

My sweet (OK, not always) little girl got a letter from the school.  They want to evaluate her for the “gifted” class.  HA!  MY DAUGHTER IS SMART!  I am so excited.  I called Jason at work to tell him.  Of course he had to be a smarty pants and ask if this was the same “smart kid” class I was in.  He then tells me it didn’t really help me!  UGH.  He makes me mad being so dad-gum intelligent.  I promise he knows everything about everything.  Drives me insane!

Okay, back to Abbey.  She smiled all night.  She even teased Tyler about not getting a letter.  He didn’t seem to care too much.  I honestly don’t know who was more excited.  Me or Abbey. 

I remember UFO (Unlimited Future Opportunities) was a ton of fun.  We dissected frogs, sharks, worms, clams and a pig (which caused me to not eat hot dogs for a long long time). We built rockets, periscopes, and close friendships with each other.  I loved every minute of it.  I know if she passes the test she will enjoy it as much as I did. 

So, one more time I HAVE A SMART LITTLE GIRL!

Abbey had to see the allergist at 1:00.  When we left there, with a huge stack of prescriptions, we went to eat at the mall.  Abbey wanted pizza.  The only pizza place was Sbarro.  Do y’all know how big those pieces are?  No joke, they would cover her face if she held it up.  But, it was “girls only” so she had pizza.  My tiny little girl ate over half of that huge piece!  She drank an entire glass of sweet tea.  She was a little oinker!

After we ate, she rode the carousel.  While we ate she asked me which horse was my favorite.  I showed her.  That was the one she got on.  When I was younger, my U.F.O. class went to the mall.  We all rode the carousel and the man told me this particular horses name was Elvis.  From then on it was my favorite.  Now I think Abbey has a new favorite.  She usually likes the one with all the roses.  When the ride was over, she couldn’t find her way to the exit.  She was so funny walking around looking for a way out. 

Then we went into EVERY. SINGLE. SHOE. STORE. in the mall.  I do believe she tried on every shoe possible.  She tried my favorite pink Converse.  Her foot is long and skinny so nothing fit.  We left without any shoes.  She was mad, but hey…. it was girls day out and we had fun.  I even got a few pictures of her.  Imagine that.

See how big that pizza is!!

Abbey riding "Elvis"

My kids are crazy for all the infomercials!  I’m telling you, they could sit and watch those all day.  Who needs SpongeBob?  We have INFOMERCIALS!  They are constantly telling me I need to buy one of those thing-a-ma-jigs or these thing-a-ma-bobs.  It always looks like a good idea, but I just can’t see paying three low payments of $19.99 for something on TV!

Last Friday I wake my “big kids” up to dress for school.  The TV was on the Food Network.  Abbey was mesmerized.  I could not get her to get dressed.  She just stared at the TV.  Every time I’d tell her to get dressed she’d beg for a few more minutes. I let her watch a few more minutes.  Then this is what I heard.

Abbey:  “Mama, you neeeeed one of those.”

Me:  “What do I neeeeed that for?”

Abbey:  “It will lower your bill!”

Abbey:  “AND… it can be moved anywhere in the house.”

Me: “Okaaay?”

Abbey:  “AND…. it is safe to touch!”

Abbey: “AND…. it comes on with the touch of a button!!!”

Me:  laughing hysterically  “We do not neeeeed a heater made by the Amish.” 

She never gets this excited about toy commercials.  I wish I could get that much enthusiasm out of her when she cleans her room.

Yesterday I was forced to drive the Camaro once again.  So, needless to say, my afternoon was already going down the drain!  I packed all three kids in like sardines and headed for home.  On the way I was caught completely off guard by my little girl! 

“Mama, do you know how to french kiss?” she asked.  I looked in the rear view mirror to make sure that was my seven year old little girl.  I am so not prepared for that conversation yet.  Especially not while driving an old Camaro packed to the brim down the four-lane highway.  Nor, do I want to have that conversation with both my kids at once.  I muster up as much courage as possible, and say, “Abbey, what on this earth are you talking about.”  You know, got to play it cool and pretend she is crazy for thinking there is something like that happening.  Much to my surprise she says, “Mama, you know exactly what I am talking about.  You had to learn that at school.”  What are they teaching my kids!  I just do not approve of teaching my kids anything that involves lips unless it’s eating. 

Then she says, “Tyler let’s show her.”  By then I’m finished being all nice mom.  I yell “NO!”  Then I look up to see them do the friendly French kiss…first right cheek then the left cheek!  WHEW….

I predict grey hair really soon!

Do you ever wonder what a baby is thinking?  What is going through his little head when you get in their face and do silly stuff?  Yes, I wonder every single day what my little man is thinking.  Here is what I really think.

Mama,

For real, can you please stop trying to be all cutesy and cool.  It’s just NOT gonna work.  Sure I love to see you doing that strange thing with your face.  You know the one where you blow out your cheeks and stick out your tongue.  I only like it because I wonder how much more air those cheeks can take.  You really look silly!  Since we are talking about the silly stuff, it really is not necessary to say “FOOOO WEEEE “  every time I sneeze.  Again, I smile, but really, it’s a fake one.  Oh, and when you say “Freaky freaky fresh…. Word” you do not sound like the cool kid on Hannah Montana.  Don’t let Tyler and Abbey fool you. They may laugh and think it sounds like him, but you are soooo far off on that one. 

On to more important issues.  That stuff you force me to eat every day is just not working for me.  It has no taste.  The bananas are mushy.  The peas are bland.  I want the good stuff.  Why can I not have what you put on your pretty green plate?  Seriously, you feed me that mush, then start eating your good stuff.  Do you have to use a plate that is so pleasing to my eyes.  Then you wonder why I fuss when you sit down to eat.  Try a different color plate!

Now, Mama, I love you.  I don’t want to hurt your feelings.  So, I’ll tell you what I really love.  I love that you keep me in dry diapers.  I love that you  feed me (even if it is mush).  I love that you think you are cool.  But, most of all I just love that you love me!  I get so excited when you look at me with the love in your eyes.  Know what mama, I think you are pretty great too!

Love your loving son,

Zack

Poor baby.  I’m gonna keep right on “FOOOO WEEEEing” until he’s grown.  He might get some good food soon, but the other silliness is not stopping! 

Keep watching!  This was post 97!