Don't Go

2008

2009

2010

2011

My kids don't know I keep this blog for them, so there's no chance they will read it....at this time.  But someday, they will each have their own bound copies that are full of their memories.  And one day, when I don't have to be brave any longer, I want Layla to know I cry about her going to school too.  I cry about not having my days with her.  I miss her.  Just like she misses us.  In a few days we'll begin our second year of full time school and it feels even harder than last year.  I think it's because I know what's coming... 35 hours a week without Layla.  So, Miss Layla Faye, Mommy isn't always strong and brave either.  Sometimes, when I'm alone, I'm a big mess too!  This year, more than ever, I want time to stop (and then I wouldn't have to turn 40 either)! 

Deep Thoughts...

Apparently, when he's not running full speed ahead, my simple child has deep thoughts and questions.

While eating lunch, Cooper asked, "What are dontletthebedbugsbite?"

"Uhm, do you mean 'don't let the bed bugs bite'?  It means if you have bed bugs, don't let them bite you."

"Yeah...." he responds, "What are Pixars?"

"A company that makes movies."

"So, they're not those little things that are in the corner of my eyes when I wake up?"

"No, totally not those things."

"And do I call them hay bales or nails?"

"Bales"

"Thanks Mom."

Alrighty then.

It's Time for a Talk

If you follow me on facebook, you're aware that Cooper has been commenting on the girls lately.  I know this is all natural and innocent, yet it's taken me a bit by surprise.  It started with McKayla Maroney last night.  He told us, "I like her face.  I like her legs.  I REALLY like her."  And then today, when we were at the gym he told a little girl at the pool, "I like your face."

The little girl looked at him strangely and walked away.  Can you blame her?  It was a little...awkward.  Cooper was completely unaware.

Tonight Coop and I had a little talk over supper.

I said, "Buddy, last night when we were watching McKayla I heard you say you liked her face.  That was very sweet of you.  When you see a girl whose face you like, you could also say she's pretty or cute or beautiful." 

He thought for a moment, looked me square in the face, and said, "That's a great idea!"

As the evening has worn on, he's asked a couple of times, "What are those words again?  The ones I say when I like a girl's face?"

I tried.

:Sweet Summer:

We've had many adventures in the last month, including a trip to Lake Geneva, where I took NO pictures!  One of the highlights of the last few weeks is that my mom is now an official Ames resident!  Here's the best part of this whole thing...when the kids and I head to Des Moines for a movie, she can meet us!  Just like that, in 30 minutes, we're together, eating popcorn and watching Madagascar at Jordan Creek.  My kids have never known such wonderfulness!

This summer has been my best summer as a mom (not necessarily in my ability, but definitely in my emotions).  Last year was our first year of having a child in school full time and it was a bit shocking.  I felt that my communication with Layla consisted only of commands....time to get up, eat your breakfast, get your bag, get in the car, get changed, time for supper, get a shower, time for homework, time for bed.  The best part of the summer is slowing down, touching her whenever I want to, inhaling the smell of her hair as she's snuggled in under my arm and looking into her eyes and having conversations about how to predict the weather by looking at the sky and feeling the wind.  Or why some people wear boots with shorts and why we pack brown sugar when we bake, but not flour.  It's these little, glorious things that make me dread the start of school in just 4 weeks. 

But, I know there is a season for everything!  So I'm going to enjoy this last bit of summer and embrace whatever season comes next!

A lesson in leadership...

Layla and Cooper were playing in the other room and I heard Cooper say, "Layla, I want to be in charge, OK?"

Layla didn't answer.

"Lol, I want to be in charge in 3 minutes...OK?"

Still no response.

"Lolly.  Is it OK if maybe I can be in charge soon?"

More silence.

"OK Lolly, I don't have to be in charge.  Not now, but maybe later can I be the boss?"

A pause....

"Lol, I have a great idea!  You be the boss for a little while longer.  I don't need to be in charge."

Good grief!  I guess I just need to ignore the boy more often.  Apparently, that's the key to getting him to do what I want!

The sign of a good day...

The Cousin Gang (almost all of them)

As a parent, I feel most accomplished when my kids have run around, playing, sweating, squealing, laughing, and are dirty and tired at the end of a summer day.  Seriously, isn't that what summer is all about at this age?  We spent the 4th of July at home hosting family and friends.  It was so stinkin' hot, the grown ups found inside games to play, but the kids spent most of the day outside.  And today, they've barely stepped foot out there!  It was a wonderful day and we've all officially recovered.

Sweet Boy

Beautiful Girl

Cutie cousin Lucas

Handsome cousin Louis

A little mountain getaway

Colorado is a wonderful place!  It's been an annual destination of mine for the past 15 years with my dear college friends.  It was fun to take the kids and see them experience the mountains for the first time.  All the years of hauling Layla and Cooper on all of our trips has finally paid off.  They love to go, they pack their own stuff and they understand that, although the travel part may take some time, the final destination is always worth it...this means very little complaining or asking "are we there yet?"

We stayed here and enjoyed it so much.  It was in the mountains in Breckenridge and we were never bored!  We spent the week swimming, hiking, riding the gondolas, shopping and playing here, where we rode the alpine slide and roller coaster.

Layla fell in love with rock climbing and surprised us all when she chose an intermediate climb as her first.  I'm not sure how to further nurture this new found love in Iowa!  Layla also lost her first tooth on the trip and set out to meet new friends every day, which she did.  Cooper was our comic relief...enough said.

It was so lovely to get away....together.