Here We Go.....

Tomorrow is the day, the begininng of the school year!  Carson will be walking to his second grade class and Mason to his 4K class.  I can hardly wrap my head around it!!  Honestly, I have been dreading it. We have enjoyed every minute of our Summer vacation(already planning several trips in August & September) and it is hard to say good bye to the wonderful relaxation that Summer brings with it.  But, yesterday I realize it is time.....time for more structured days, time for a little distance between my two precious boys, and time for learning some new stuff!

Mason is very excited, almost thrilled to begin 4K.  He like saying that he is going in 4K, I think it makes him feel "big."  Carson is not as thrilled, and I think it is because he is nervous.  He has asked lots of questions and I can see by his expressions that he needs the first day to come and go.  After the first day, all nerves will probably settle and all be be okay....fingers crossed :)

As a teacher, I look forward to a new year.  I will see some new faces and some familiar faces.  I hope and pray that all the children that cross my path will feel as special as they truly are....I hope my every action will be felt as genuinely as I intend it.  I try and remember that not all children have ate breakfast and that some children need a extra hug.  Ultimately, I want to treat these kiddos like they are my own.  I recently visited my elementary school(which happens to be the first school where I taught...WONDERFUL experience) and everyone there made me feel so good, so special!  Before I could get to the door, I heard my name and a huge hug came next.  As I walked through the door, teacher after teacher came to me and hugged me...really hugged me.  Lots of questions about me and my family came next.  A few special friends told me I MUST stop back by their room before leaving.  All of them made me feel loved!  A humbling, warm and fuzzy feeling came over me.  I miss each one of their faces!  So thankful to have worked there and very blessed to have made many more new friends too!!

So tomorrow and each day after, I hope that I can have a part in making everyone feel truly special ;)

HAPPY School Year!!

Surfing the Waves

Another week of fun in the sun has passed, and I am in denial that I have to return to work in the morning.  Mason has tried his best to surf, to "real surf" he says not pretend.  Both boys have enjoyed some new adventures this week.  Carson had a blast riding a tube yesterday...very thankful for patience while a seven year old boy gets comfortable on a tube.  I have more than enjoyed this Summer, I have tried my best to savor each moment.....this weekend was spent with family and friends.  There was no real agenda, a just "go with the flow" kind of a weekend and we all had a wonderful time.

As I stay very busy today, I remind myself that returning to work tomorrow will happen.  I am ready to see my co-workers, just not quite ready to give up the freedom that we experience in the Summertime.  The type of freedom that we can swim, read, fish, bike, and swim some more whenever we feel like it.  Tony tells me that there is a relaxation that comes with Summer that can not be felt at any other time.  I have to agree.  For our little unit, it is the best time of the year!!!

So, as I think about my guys surfing the waves I will think of returning to the school in a "riding the waves" kinda style.  There are new adventures to face each day and let's face it...I am gonna smile and go with it :)





Sweet Little Sayings

For as long as I can remember, Tony & I have used words buddy, little man, or guys when calling our boys.  When loading the car, leaving a restuarant, or just getting their attention in general.  I never realized how much I say "come on buddy, get in the car guys, let's go little man."  But I must say it frequently because I have noticed that the boys are using it with each other, and with family & friends. Numerous times I have heard Carson refer to Mason as "buddy." He uses it in such a sweet way that will melt a heart.  Recently, Carson scraped his leg in a bike accident and I heard Mason say "It will be alright, let me get ya a band aid buddy."  He retrieved the band aid and sat with Carson untill all was better.  They are really so sweet to each other, so kind(not all the time but most of the time).  They love each other in such an unconditional way.

I also say "let's roll" when it is time to get in the car.  So, a few days ago we were headed out to meet friends and before I could say a word Mason said "let's ROCK!" And we all knew what he meant and we giggled and just walked out the door.

A few days ago, all four of us were in the truck hauling the boat to get fuel.  Mason says "let's always have this boat called a SeaFox.  Beacuse if we do, I can get the little barge"(small boat that Tony has used for years).
Carson immediately says "Mason, I am the older son and I will get the barge." I will grow up some and get married and I will get the barge to go fishing in."
Tony says "Married? Why you think you want to get married?"
Carson "DADDY, it is what you do....grow up, fall in love, and get married! It is what you did!"
Tony says "yea buddy, you are right.  I sure did!"

Enjoying my guys and the sweet things they say......

We still get ice cream

A few weeks ago we fished in the Roy Martin Jr. Angler's Tournament.  My guys were very excited & anxious about this day.  Carson is very familiar with the fishing tournaments and he really likes it!!  Mason has come to learn this whole process....try your best to catch a big fish to win a prize. Of course we try our best to remind them that we are here to enjoy the day and have a good time as a family.   Both boys enjoy the fishing, and the competition too!!  So, on this day we are off to catch a big one!!  Some nasty storm clouds are lurking in the distance so we stay close to the shore for a while.  Mason was the first to catch a fish, a catfish and he was a "keeper!"  Yay!  Mason asks every single time he catches a fish "Is this one a keeper?"  (Of course, EVERY fish he catches is a keeper because HE caught it).  Not much longer and we move spots until we are at the West End of Dauphin Island.  The storm clouds have dissappeared, and the sun is shining brightly above us.  We fish for a little longer and then Tony pulls the boat to the beach for a swim.
A good time so far and then we realized we have to head in to the marina.  We pile back in the boat and Tony tells Carson to reel in the line he left out while swimming.  Carson begins to scream & shout that he caught something.  He can hardly reel it in because of the tugging and the fish jumps out of the water several times.  He gets it to the boat, and it is a good size speckle trout.  Carson does not contain his excitement...this is one happy boy!! 
We dock at the weighing station and the boys hop out with their fish in buckets.  Mason insists on carrying his fish in his Buzz Lightyear bucket.  They weigh the fish, and that is when it happened......both of the boys had fish that were only a few tenths from placing on the board.  They get their fish and walk away.  Mason is hanging his head with a puckered lip(no tears), but Carson is doing well.
Mason says "moma, my fish did not make it. He was not big enough. But, I am not gonna cry because it is not right to cry just because you lost."
Me:  "Mason that happens sometimes, but we still had fun.And, yes I am proud of you not crying because you lost."  And before he responds, Carson has to interject
Carson says" Ya win some and ya lose some buddy, but we still get ice cream!"

Nothing else needed to be said...fun, fun day with my unit and we still got ice cream!



Carson and his trout



Mason working hard to reel his fish to the boat