THE NAME GAME

Me: "Tell me all about your day!" 
Mags: "Well, I made a new friend. She has brown hair, like me. Green eyes, LIKE ME! AND GUESS WHAT ELSE?"
Me: "What?"
Mags: "She has the very same Hello Kitty shoes I have! I HAVE to wear them tomorrow so we match.  My new friend is so funny. She makes me laugh. A. LOT." 
Me: "That is GREAT. I'm so happy for you that you made a new friend."
Mags: "I really, really like her."
Me: "Cool. What's her name?"
Mags: "Hmmm...that's a good question, Mama. 

DRAW TWO

Mags: "I am a magnet. A magnet for winning UNO."

It's her favorite game. And I lose almost every time we play. Legitimately. Lose. To my five-year-old. She's really good. And really ruthless. I love it. 

Go on with your bad self, Mags! 

A Whole New World

A conversation I overheard after tucking them in for the night: 

Mags: "I don't know if I wanna go to school tomorrow."

Tuck: "Close your eyes and think of all the good things about school. You know, like the riding the bus, eating lunch and going out to recess."

In comparison, Mags looks SO much smaller than Tuck did on HIS first day of Kindergarten. I know it's because I had no one to compare him to, and Mags was two-years-old at the time. He was my big boy...the big brother. Now my little girl...the little sister is getting on the GINORMOUS yellow bus today. 

And I'm weepy. And I'm so ecstatic. And I'm a little lost. And I'm...well...like Mags last night...all over the place. 

So, I'll leave you all with some of our favorite "Back-to-School" stories and songs that have become staples in our house. 

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Bus Stop Bravery from Night Light Stories

A Place for Everyone from Night Light Stories

Giant Sized Butterflies by Justin Roberts

Yellow Bus by Justin Roberts

Recess by Justin Roberts

First Day of School by the Imagination Movers

Hot for Teacher by Van Halen  <----(Just making sure you're paying attention.)

Welcome to a whole new world, Baby. 

You're gonna fill up that space with 

your HUGE smile. 

The Grand Entrance

Me: "You're the best boy that ever happened to me."
Tuck: "And you're the best Mama that ever happened to me."
Me: "Gimme a kiss goodnight before you make me cry."
Tuck: "How about I toot? That will REALLY make you cry."
Me: "What a precious moment."

You can never imagine the power he'll have over you. Every part of your being belongs to him forever. A place in your heart so deep that no one could find it. It's unfathomable. The love that begins with a plus sign on a plastic stick. It grows with each passing day. So much so, you feel almost hesitant to dive in head first. That is...until you hear his heartbeat. See his fuzzy little being on a screen. Hold your belly tight as he wiggles, kicks and hiccups inside of you. Then, you meet him. Hold him close. Kiss his face. Count his fingers and toes. There's a lifetime of memories to be made at your fingertips. 

And when you turn around for just a moment...he's eight. 

Happy Birthday to our sweet, charming, fun-loving, cautious, 

intelligent, funny boy! 

To read about Tuck's exciting entrance into the world, 

click the links below: 

Tuck's Birth Story: Part 1

Tuck's Birth Story: Part 2

Hazardous Occupations

Chris and I were looking through the pictures I took at Niagara Falls today.

Me: "This is kind of a cool one. Look at the boat captain driving right up to the Class 6 rapids."
Chris: "You know who that is in 15 years, don't you?"
Me and Chris: (in unison) "Mags."

BRAVE

Me: "I'm a little nervous."
Mags: "Don't be nervous, Mama. You got this."
Me: "But I've never been on water skis before. What if I fall?"
Mags: "Then you get right back up."
Me: "Thanks for the pep talk."
Mags: "You got it. Oh! And remember, this is a lake, so there aren't any sharks here. Just big fish. But they won't bite you. Well, they might bite you a little, but not like a shark. Have fun!"

We were at a lake house for a week with our friends. The first morning there, all the adults called a meeting. We sat the kids down and made a list of rules. My son started us off with the first rule of "No Boomerangs in the house." It went on from there in a hilarious manner. After we reached 15 important guidelines to keeping the peace in the house with 24 people...the ADULTS made some rules. They were:

1. Have fun.
2. Try something new.
3. Make memories.

Everyone took these rules seriously. Having fun was natural. Making memories was constant. Trying something new...well...that took some bravery. But that specific rule is the one I took to heart. One of our friends brought his boat and was taking everyone on tube rides. It was a BLAST! But then, he pulled out the water skis. I'd never tried that before, so I went along on the boat and watched. But I didn't ask to try. I wanted to, but I was too nervous to look foolish...to fail.

Throughout the day, I watched a lot of our friends get up on those water skis flawlessly. And then, after lunch, I walked out on the dock to see my husband in the distance pulling himself up and WATER SKIING! I was so proud. And then, I was determined. The "try something new" rule rang louder in my head. I confessed that I really wanted to try it to a friend of mine who sealed the deal by telling me,

"You can totally do it. It may take a bunch of tries, but who better to do it with than this group of people."

She was right. I was with a group of people that have known me for quite some time. A supportive group...a patient group...an accepting group. As soon as I saw the boat pull up to the dock, I jumped on and told my buddy I wanted to try to water ski.  The reaction was what I expected.

"Alright! Let's go!" 

Others joined us, including Mags. We took off on the lake until we came around to a deeper spot. My nerves started to build. Mags was holding my hand.

"Who's going first?"

And with a deep breath, I took the plunge. Literally. A quick tutorial was given. I was shaking as I fit the first ski to my foot. The second went on a little too quickly. I pushed myself in, questioning my sanity the whole time. What if I broke a leg? What if I face plant? What if the rope gets stuck on something?  Before I knew it, I had cleared myself from the boat and motor. My friend tossed me the tow line and reminded me to keep it between my legs. 

Suddenly, the motor roared to life and I almost bailed. I almost let go of the rope. But, I looked up and saw my friends on the boat cheering for me. I looked to my side and saw that Chris and Tuck had paddled out in the kayaks to give me a boost of support. And then, I heard it. From both my kids at almost the same time,

"Go Mama! You can do it!"

My friend made sure I was ready and before I could think...I was being pulled. My legs felt like they were caught in quick sand and my arms were being pulled forward at an alarming speed. The part of my brain that's in charge of coordination was shouting profanities at me. Right as I was about to react, I was down. The nerves were replaced by determination. I got those skis on again. And again. Until my arms gave way and I needed a break.

"You're SO close! Great job!"

I pulled myself up on the boat and rested while someone else took a turn. As I sat next to Mags, she patted me on the back and remarked,

"You were so brave. I'm so proud of you. You almost did it! Did you bring me a snack?"

The first three sentences warmed my heart and got me back out there moments later for one last try. I just wanted to get up without losing balance. Just once. Alas, I finally did get my butt out of the water, but that's as close as I came.  It was worth it and Mags was right. It felt good to try. Next year...I'm all over it.

Now, we're hungry. Who brought a snack?

The Approval

Mags: "How long has Daddy known his friends again?"
Me: "Since he was in THIRD grade! Isn't that incredible?"
Mags: "Wow. That means they're like...eighty-five years old!"

The Approval

I was nervous, even though I'd experienced this before. All the "what ifs" neared the surface. My stomach quaked as we began to close in on the destination. I gazed over at his face as I attempted to keep my overflowing emotions in check. He was worth it, there wasn't a doubt in my mind. But this...this was the ultimate test. No, scratch that. The final approval.

Before I could think any further, the venue came into view. The car came to a rest. A warm, assuring hand grabbed mine and squeezed in three quick spurts. A smile spread across my face as I whispered,

"I love you, too."

"Here we go." he spoke with great ardor.

Displaying his chivalrous nature, he walked around the car, tapped on the hood and flashed me a smile as he approached my door. He opened it as I pushed myself out of the seat exhaling the breath I never even realized I was holding. 

"You look beautiful." 

Hesitant, I accepted the compliment. Walking toward the restaurant, I rehearsed my possible greeting options. All seemed full of weak content. 

"Nice to meet you." 
"I've heard so much about you."
"I'm so sorry I just puked on your shoes."

The last choice was the most probable at that moment. Before I knew it, we were in the entry way. Up the stairs we tromped, our hands intertwined. I heard the friendly voices before I met their eyes. His hand slid out of mine as he  was swept to the side into a crowd of hugs and bright smiles. He turned, pointed at me and motioned me forward. Captivated, I was accepted into a circle of his lifelong confidants drenched in his history. And instantly I was part of that.

For the past 14 years, I have been very lucky to be a part of something my husband holds so close to his heart. A circle of men that he has known since he was in third grade. They've grown-up together, shared huge milestones in each other's lives, cheered on each other's accomplishments and have all married some seriously fabulous women. 

Today, I sit on a porch by a lake, listening to the laughter of these friends' and their beautiful families. We hang out, we laugh, we share stories, we support, we love, we eat and eat and eat some more. I admire these men for keeping these incredible relationships alive and full of joy.  It brought our families together. And for that, I am forever grateful! 

This post is in response to the weekly Trifecta Writing Challenge.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Me: "Hey, want to get your swim suit on and go in the lake?"

Mags: "No, thanks. Just leave me to my swinging, please."

It's all about taking time to enjoy the simple things in life. 

I love it when she reminds me of that. 

A TWISTED MIXED TAPE

This post is in response to the fabulous, Jen at Skew the Mold. She hosts the Twisted Mixed Tape link-up. She asks that we choose five songs from the 2000’s. Since the most important and memorable things in my life happened in 2004 (marriage), 2005 (birth of son) and 2007 (birth of daughter), I’m going to make the tape for my husband and munchkins.

Hang on a second. Anybody have a pencil? Mags was messing around with the cassette. I need to rewind the excess tape. Alright. That’s better. And away we go!

Shania Twain’s 'I Feel Like a Woman'

While sitting at a stop light with my new (I’m talking weeks) boyfriend, this song came on the radio. He was and still is NOT a fan of country music. But, he listened to Shania because he was that nice AND Shania Twain’s a hot woman.  He turned to me during the refrain, made a microphone from his hand and BELTED OUT, “Cause I feel like a woman.” We both laughed uncontrollably. I knew I was in for some serious fun with him at that point.

U2’s 'Everlasting Love'

Chris used this song for a video he made me to begin our engagement. Haven’t heard that story? Read it here. He proposed to me through an entire summer.

Cake’s 'Love You Madly'

We got married at a lighthouse in North Carolina with 10 members of our family and friends by our side. This was our “wedding song.” He introduced me to Cake (so he wouldn’t have to listen to my country music as much) and I fell head over heels…for the band. Cake is a staple in our house.

Jack Johnson's 'Upside Down'

This song reminds me of our baby boy.  Curious George has been a constant in our house pretty much since he was born. The shows, the movies, the books, the plush doll. We love that little monkey.

Justin Robert’s 'Giant Sized Butterflies'

Justin is an adorable children's songwriter and singer. Chris downloaded this song for me when Tuck was heading to kindergarten and getting on the bus for the first time. Now, in a few weeks, our baby girl is getting on the bus for her first day.  I can’t think of a better song to sum up how we both will feel. The quality of the video isn't that spectacular...but it gets the point across. 

PICTURE THIS

"I gotta tell you. These S'mores are 

pret-ty darn good!"