1st Day of Kindergarten Photos!

Monumental Day

Peanut started kindergarten today. What a great feeling. She was so beautiful and bright eyed. She embraced her first day with courage. I am so proud to be her mom. Pictures to follow.

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Picked Peanut up from school yesterday. While I was driving her home I asked her to help me out by not making a huge mess in the living room b/c someone was coming for a second showing of the house (yes, I said SECOND SHOWING!). Looked in the rear view mirror at her and she just sat there with this blank look on her face. I said, "Did you hear me?" Then I said, "Are you going to help me out when we get home?"...nothing...so I said, "Are you going to answer my questions?"...she gets wide eyed (in a very defiant teenager way) and says, "Nobody's home, leave a message". Fit of giggles after that from both of us. Guess you just had to be there, but there was something in the way she said it that made her sound so grown up (and bratty). She said she made that up, but I'm holding onto the hope that she just heard it on a show!

I'm not going to try it, you try it

Trying to step outside of my comfort zone and look at my future differently. Keeps reminding me about the Life Cereal commercial from the 70's...and in this instance I may actually be Mikey...only I'm not drinking cola and eating Pop Rocks.

A stone's throw away

Peanut and I sat on a bench just outside her new school yesterday. We talked about what going to school means and all the new experiences she's going to have...and all the things she can be when she gets older as a result of doing well in school. Then we walked around the perimeter of the school grounds for a bit. Took a walk over that bridge that leads to the apartments...bubbling brook below and trees that canopy over it. It was just beautiful. Paints a nice picture. I am pretty frustrated right now because my house hasn't sold. If it doesn't sell, then we won't be able to move to the apartments in September, and I'll have to forfeit the unit they're holding available for me. Felt pretty desperate yesterday afternoon...and that special moment I had with my daughter is what I'm clinging to right now.

I'm tired of things just being/feeling slightly out of reach all the time.

Bedtime Chatter

Peanut had a hard time winding herself down last night and didn't fall asleep until about 10:30pm. When she came out of the room at 10pm to tell me she couldn't sleep I crawled into bed with her for some cuddle and talk time. She started talking about never wanting to leave my house or her dad's house...even when she grows up she said she wants to still live with us. Not the first time she has brought this up and it's so cute and sweet. She even said that she doesn't want to go away to college because then she'd have to move out of her houses. Funny kid and I'm sure that will all change. She also mentioned wanting me to move in with her daddy when she grows up. Was sensitive but firm about there never being a possibility of my moving back in with her dad. Also told her that I definitely could not live with her dad if he got married again...and vice versa. This brought on a case of the giggles which I just love! We got slightly off topic and started talking about all my brothers and sisters. "Mom, how is it that you have so many brothers and sisters?", she said. So I told her about my parents divorcing and remarrying and having more kids. She got kind of serious and said that she wanted a stepdad who was handsome. That works for me too!

August 10th, My Favorite Day of the Year

Papa Sam and Grandma Ann were married almost 59 years when my Grandma passed away in July 2000. Their anniversary date was August 10th. Always thought it would be neat to get married on this day (yes, I said "neat") 59 years is just amazing...they stuck it out and in the end loved each other more than in the beginning. So on this day their life started together which is why I am here today.

Upper 80th Percentile

My 5-year old Peanut had her annual check-up today. Poor thing, she missed out on Splash Day at school because of it. No way to reschedule as we already had to do that in May and it took over 2 months to get another appointment. I met her and Robert at the Dr's office. True to form she showed up nappy headed...I am not sure if there's even a hair brush at Robert's house sometimes. Aaaak. Both the nurse and the pediatrician mentioned the crazy nest that she had at the back of her head. Yipes. They took her weight (43lbs) and height (3'8.5"). She's in the upper 80th percentile for height and 70th percentile for weight...cool!

As usual, Barkley accompanied us to the appointment. That dog got weighed, took an eye exam and was her voice during her hearing screening. Every time the pitch got higher, Barkley's "Beep" matched it...kind of funny.

Worst part about the appointment was when she got her 2nd and final chicken pox vaccination. Poor baby, she was crying before they even gave her the shot. The Scooby Snacks that I brought for her helped.

Hugged my little one good-bye in the parking lot and will have her back on Saturday.

I've missed her (summer schedule is a total bummer IMO).

We are going shopping for her first day of school outfit on Saturday with her Mimi. Very special occasion indeed.

Changing Topics

We have herons in our neighborhood. They make the most ridiculous noises. Kind of reminds me of those Jibba Jabba's from the 1990's. It was a doll that you could grab by the neck and shake...it would make this strange glottal kind of noise...supposed to relieve tension, etc...were actually pretty funny in a warped sort of way.

Back to the birds. They have these huge nests all over the neighborhood and are making quite a mess. Thank goodness they are not setting up camp in the trees that hang over my driveway!

Somebody told me these are blue herons, but I have not looked it up yet. We have one white egret as well...such strange little creatures...but fun to have around.

Race you to the bridge!

The house will officially be back on the market tomorrow. I have to say, it is starting to look really good. Link to the listing forthcoming. The apartment complex that I put a deposit down in May will have a vacancy September 10th. I hope my house sells fast b/c the unit that is available is about 100 yards away from the gate that leads to the park that leads to the bridge that leads to Peanut's school! I went ahead and let them process my application b/c they said if I can't move in on the 10th I have the option of remaining on the waiting list or losing my deposit. It's a gamble I'm going to take b/c there's not a thing for sale anywhere close by, nor anything else to rent that will be suitable...and the thought of walking my daughter to school makes me very happy.

Spring Recital

Peanut had her dance recital on Saturday. They did a tap number to "Mickey Mouse's Birthday Party". It was cute. I was too far away from the stage to take photos during the actual performance but was able to get these beauties just before. Oh! Birthday party photos are coming soon!

The Gift

Today is Peanut's 5th Birthday. I was lucky enough to have her last night at the last minute b/c her dad had an early morning meeting. It was hard not waking up with her on her birthday last year and I thought I'd have to do the same this year. We worked it all out and he'll join us for her birthday dinner at Souper Salad. Nice that we can do that.

At about 3:25am this morning I was woken up when she rolled over and socked me in the face by mistake (she didn't even wake up)...kind of perfect timing as she was born at 3:02am. So I got to have a special moment to remember 5 years ago today.

I woke her up at around 7:30 to wish her a happy birthday. She said to me "Happy Mother's Day!". I told her that Mother's Day wasn't until Sunday and that this was her special day. The she told me about the special thing they had planned at school for all the mom's today. When I told her that she'd be staying home with Nana she looked at me and told me the poem. I will post the actual poem later, but it was the most precious moment ever! What a gift to not only have her as a daughter but to be thanked for being her mother.

We opened a couple of her presents and I had to leave for work...at least she'll have a fun day with Nana Rose...and then I can meet them at the house for lunch.

I arrived at work this morning and received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my "Special Brian". They were for Mother's Day and totally unexpected. Wow is a word I use to describe him often!

Amazing how your child's birthday is perhaps the best gift you can ever receive!

Mimi Cheese's

We decided better to play it safe and moved Peanut's party to Mimi and PawPaw's house instead of Chuck E Cheese. Told Peanut that the Chuck E Cheese had to close down to be cleaned and for repairs and that we couldn't have the party there. You better believe I'm thinkin', "Whew! Now I don't have to wear a Velma costume to Chuck E Cheese!!!!". So Peanut said in the car the other day, "Instead of having the party at Chuck E Cheese's we're having it at Mimi Cheese's. Love how she thinks! And we're surprising her with a visit from a Clown! IMO- much better than that silly ole' mouse and a bunch of screaming kids running around.

As Good as It Gets

It's ironic that now that I've got my home on the market, it looks great and I wish I could stay. It's clutter free (except in the closets), clean, tidy. So I gave as much as I could to my townhouse, but I'm throwing in the trowel...I mean towel. It's not sold yet, but wanted to share the photos. This is as good as it gets...for this home anyway.

More Jinkies!

We may have to cancel Peanut's party at Chuck E Cheese. Swine Flu added to several school districts in Texas completely shutting down. Getting a bit scary and (1) I wouldn't want any of the kids to catch something there and (2) have a feeling most parents will want to stay away as it is. Looking into moving the party to Mimi and Paw Paw's house and just doing a dress-up party.

Poor Peanut! She's been talking about a C.E.C. party for a year!

Jinkies! Zoiks! @#!*

My creative Peanut decided that we couldn't have the normal Chuck E Cheese party for her birthday this year...we all have to wear costumes. She's been really into Scooby Doo so I got her a Daphne costume. I found a used Velma costume for me on eBay...Well, it said "one size fits most adults"...I'm a size 6 and the skirt did not fit...the person who sent it to me washed it first. Zoiks! Now I need to find a red skirt b/c there is no way I'm going out in public in that skirt! I don't normally even do skirts. Jinkies! I'm going to look like a total dork.

It is also apparent that you need a button nose to make the glasses work. I am so not a Velma!

We got her stuffed dog, Barkley (she fondly refers to him as a "stuffed dog that's alive"), a Scooby mask to wear.

Normally I'm up for being silly and wearing ridiculous costumes...so not in the mood right now.

THE LITTLE HOUSE THAT ALMOST COULD

I am putting my house on the market this month. Have mixed feelings about this but there's just no way I can stay. I haven't blogged in a while, but thought I'd start back up with this little ditty that I wrote this morning:

Here lies a home that had dreams
It’s owner tried with all her means
Brick by brick and pier by pier
She had those fixed and gave a cheer

A makeover for the house was in store
New flooring and paint, but the house wanted more

She made it a home where magic took place
A princess play closet for some unused space
There’s a sweet dinosaur bedroom filled with stuffed friends
And a special play area where the laughter never ends
The new stairs are majestic
The style was eclectic

The house seemed happy, it was all coming together
Until the roof was hit by some really bad weather
An insurance adjustor arrived when the owner made a claim
A new roof, yes, that would leave the house feeling the same

She didn’t stop there,
She showed the house more care
And gave it new gutters and downspouts
Now when the rain comes, no worries, no doubts

She didn’t want to leave this lovely little house
But she was told “I’m moving north” by her ex spouse
With kindergarten looming and a child to share
She’d have to move, it was time to prepare

The house did not take this news very well
It did not want its owner to sell
It made its disdain very clear
And that’s when more problems started to appear

Spores started growing under the sink
They grew and grew and started to stink
She said “in with the new cabinet and out with the mold!”
It’s going to be fine after that was what she was told

But the house wasn’t done, a sewer leak was detected
And that left the owner feeling quite dejected

So on the market the house goes
Even with all its aches and woes

The chimney still leans and the windows are a pane!
It’s labeled a “fixer upper” with so much to gain.

This might be the little house that could
Please take a look if you would


How’s that for disclosure! My realtor will probably think I'm nuts, which I am.

"We don't have to go to the mall then"

First off...I have many posts to make from Thanksgiving and my 40th Birthday...coming soon...promise.

So this morning I was driving Peanut to school. She keeps using potty words for everything and she uses them in the strangest way...If you tell her something she'll say, "Okay, stink!" or call you "stinky biscuits", "poopie pants", etc...Well, she was doing that the whole way to school. We are going to see Santa at the mall tonight, so I told her, "You know, Santa is gonna know that you are saying these words when mommy asks you to stop"...and something about how he wouldn't be happy...She asked me how he would know and, of course, I said "he just knows"...

She thinks for a minute and says, "We don't have to go to the mall then".

We are going...can't wait to hear what she says to Santa!

Cuddles and Kids Eat Free Night

Happiness!

She was squeezing me so tight I thought my cheeks would break!

Tuesdays are our eat out night. We usually go to either Denny's or Souper Salad. Kids eat free at both of those places...and I don't have to cook! Denny's has the best Kids menu of any restaurant we've been to. Every kind of "kid" food you can imagine, including grapes or goldfish crackers! We had an especially fun time at Denny's last night. Peanut was all hugs and cuddles...so much so that I almost couldn't eat! She was a complete ham for the waitress who took our picture. I've got one beautiful, sweet, snuggly daughter!

Sparkley Barkley

Tuesday night Peanut decided that Barkley was going to be a girl, so she attached all of her hair clips (I now realize she has too many of those...pretty much like everything else) to his ears. She was having a grand old time doing this. Suspicious that she chose to do this right before bed time...hmmmm.

We snapped some photos of the now girlie Barks and then spared him from the painful hairclips (yes, I realize that he's a stuffy) by removing them before bed.

He's a very patient pup.

I think you can see where his nose is starting to wear away right in the middle. She keeps biting him there. He's gonna look even funnier when I have to put a patch on his nose.

On another note, I am trying to get back to my original plan for this blog which is to show the real me and not just to show all things "Peanut",... but I've been in a bit of a funk for a variety of reasons...so I'm turning to humor a bit...my way of hiding sadness. Some days I wish hugging Barkley would give me the same kind of comfort it gives my sweet, sweet Peanut.