I got ya.

As we were snuggling in bed this morning, Samantha wondered if today was "choo choo" class. Can't believe she someone put two and two together and sensed that after spending lots of time together and sleeping in for two days, the next morning (AKA Monday) it's choo choo time. Either that or a lucky guess :-) She just loves this kindermusic class, and it's such a treat to have this time together.

After dropping off big sis and before heading to class, we popped into Michael's to get a few things and waited outside in the cold. I asked for a hug to keep me warm, as Sam had her puffy winter pink coat and as usual, I had not coat. As we were walking out of the store a bit later, commenting on the cold again, Sam wrapped her sweet arms around me and said, "I got ya." Man, those are the moments you just soak up for a cold day.

Fun times in Florida 2012

Samantha being a cutie pie

Samantha running around a field looking as cute as can be.

Synnove swinging at the park we've gone to for years.

Fun dinner together.

Spring Break 2012

Pledge to the Earth

At Addison's new school, they had a simple outdoor peace celebration on Wednesday. We started off with the Pledge to the Earth by Aline Wolf. Thought you would enjoy.

"I pledge allegiance to the Earth
And to all life that it nourishes--
All growing things,
All species of animals
And all races of people.

I promise to protect all life on our planet,
To live in harmony with nature
And to share our resources justly,
So that all people can live with dignity,
In good health and in peace."

Just imagine hearing 200 little voices saying this :-)

Jess

"Make New Friends But Keep the Old, One is Silver and the Other Gold"

Well, I was reminded of one of my favorite Girls Scouts songs this morning as I was snuggling with Addison, and she started in with her "do I have to go to school?" morning question/comment. She seems very happy when we pick her up, is talking about things she has learned, and we see a new level of independence in her-- all of this is good stuff. The not fun part is she tears up as she is being dropped off. It's not complaining tears but the stoic, I don't want to do this tears--- the hardest kind!

When you think about it, it really does take bravery. She doesn't know anyone there and it's this whole new way of doing things after being at Lynnie's for three years, where there is a whole culture to play and how you expect the world to be. The other day Addie explained the sandbox at school doesn't have gems hidden in it! Geez, people, get with the program! :-)

This morning Addie explained the reason she doesn't like school is that she doesn't want to make new friends because she wants to keep her old friends. This felt like we were getting to the core of what's going on in her newly-four head. We had a nice little chat. I hope it helps.

I think this is all part of learning, stretching, growing and expanding, but it's not always fun for kiddo, mommy, or daddy. However, it is super fun to have her explain that her teacher is nice because "she knows what kids are capable of" and that the rain makes things grow and this is connected to why she has snot in her nose :-) and "Buenos Noches" means good night in Spanish and the girl she was playing with has curly hair like her but it's a different kind of hair.

XOXO
Jessie

Irene update #1

The winds are pretty strong but doing well so far. We had a major limb come down that blocked our entire street and knocked down part of our fence but the city has already been on it! Street cleared with fire truck assistance.

We have girls sleeping in hallway and we are right near them on floor.

Power has gone off five times but so far coming back on. Heard sme transformer electrical fires which were reall loud and a bit scary but all is well so far.

We R good. Had yummy healthy meal and watching Lost :-)

I love Lynnie

Whew. Already cried four times in 24 hours. What am I going to be like when my children get married. Geez.

Anyway, Addison had her graduation from LDC (Lynnie's Day Care) today :-)

She starts at Montessori International Children's House (MICH) on Monday. JC and I attended the parent meeting at the school last night. It's so crazy to me that we are at this point. She is still our baby.

Addie's graduation poster (including some of the pictures in this blog) from Lynnie read:

Off you go
to Montessori
Head held high
in all your glory

All those thoughts
to figure out
Now unfold without a doubt

All love and caring
from the start,
You're bound to touch
so many hearts.

Just know that we
will miss you so,
But moving on
means you shall grow.

Love you Addison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I started crying tonight when I had a chance to read what Lynnie had written and Addie was huggin' me asking why my eyes were red. The first thing that came to mind to say was because... "I love Lynnie." That was the true answer. I love who she is and has been to my children. I love that her care of our children allows me to do work that supports our family and provides me such meaning. I also love that I feel like while at Lynnie's, Addie and Sam are having experiences I could not provide them.

The other part of the true answer was because... "you are my baby and I can't believe it it time for you to leave Lynnie's mulch, and swingseat, and backporch, and your Lynnie family. And because you are my baby and I want you to grow and do what you are supposed to do, and I also want to hold you forever."

Love you forever and always,
Mama