There's Some New Kids in Town

 

I have been taking care of my grand-kitties this week, while movers have been packing my son's house for the move south. Twice each day Jonathan and I have been going to my son's corporate apartment to feed and pet the cats, and scoop out the litter boxes! Rusty (top) has been with them for their entire marriage, I used to kitty-sit him when they lived in the area before their move north.

As of last night, there's a couple of new kids in town! My son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren have officially arrived! They will be living in a condo while they search for the perfect home for their family.

Next Friday, both of the kids will be spending the night with me! I am so happy to have them close by once again.

Grandparents' Day at School

Today was Grandparents' Day at Jonathan's school. Grandparents were invited to an ice cream social and the bulletin board in each classroom featured pictures of grandparents with their grandchildren.
Jonathan has no living grandparents, so we invited dear family friends to attend as surrogate grandparents. They truly love Jonathan and treat him like a grandson. They attend all of his sports games and were there for his end of year preschool programs.
I am so thankful that Jonathan has these wonderful people in his life. We are blessed.

Bobby with Jonathan in his classroom

Having ice cream with Edie

Pictures of the three of them on the bulletin board at school

Finding a New Daily Rhythm

Summer is winding down and school has begun, so Jonathan and I are having to adjust to a new daily routine. Long summer days have meant later bedtimes and waking later. Meals have been at various times each day, depending on where we were and what we were doing. We could take off for an adventure on a moment's notice.
Jonathan is attending afternoon kindergarten, but I am setting the alarm clock and getting both of us up early. He gets on the school bus at 11:30, so he has to have breakfast as well as lunch by then. If he doesn't have breakfast early, he won't be hungry for lunch! Last week he had a light breakfast and a more substantial lunch at 11:00 and that seemed to work well. I made dinner earlier last week. He came home hungry and we need to have an earlier bath and bedtime, so dinner needs to be ready by 5:00 or 5:30.
Tomorrow he will begin having homework. He will bring home a packet of papers on Monday which need to be completed and returned to school on Friday. We'll have to make time for that, and I am very glad he had some minimal homework in preschool. He is familiar with homework and knows it must be done!
Soccer season has started and our games are on Sunday afternoons, first one today! Practices are on Wednesday's from 6:00 to 7:00, so that's a busy evening. Dinner must be over by 5:30 and we come directly home to a bath and then bed!
It will take a couple of weeks to get in the groove of a new daily schedule. I will make necessary adjustments until we figure out what works best for our family. What is most important is making sure Jonathan gets what he needs to maximize his potential: healthy food, fresh air & exercise and a good night's sleep.

38 Years Ago Today.....

....I was a brand new, very young, very happy Mommy! My first child was born, in the wee morning hours, following about 36 hours of labor. Tiny (6 pounds) and perfect. I knew, even then, what a blessing he was.
He was such a sweet child, smart and serious, he approached everything with such intensity! He'd look at you with those big dark brown eyes and you were compelled to listen to what he had to say. He was always a friend to the underdog, a natural leader. All of these qualities combine to make him very successful in his adult life.

It was a different world I brought him up in, compared to now. We lived in the country, surrounded by family. There were no computers, no DS's, no bicycle helmets. He rode in the back of his father's pick-up truck. He played freely with his friends and I didn't worry so much about predators, everyone knew everyone else and most were family. I remember when MTV came on the scene, a brand new concept, and trying to decide whether or not it was appropriate viewing for him. Times starting changing about then, the world expanded with lightening speed, requiring this mama to be more in tune to the relationship between outside influences and my son. There were some conflicts, of course, but we made it through the teen years relatively unscathed.

It was amazing to watch him grow, to navigate himself through those early adult years as he struggled to find himself and figure it all out. He matured very quickly and seemed to know what he wanted. At 26, he married the girl that's exactly right for him, they will celebrate 12 years of marriage in Oct. At 29, he became a father, and a more involved dad I've never seen! One of the things I most admire about him is his dedication to the welfare of his family.

Even though I mostly blog about Jonathan, because bringing him up is my day to day life right now, my older son is just as loved and just as special. I protect his privacy a little more, because he wants me to and because I should.

Today I am remembering my firstborn as a little boy, and how thankful I am to be his mother. I'll tell him that when I phone him later today. And I'll tell him how much I love him.

The First Day of Kindergarten

(Warning: lots of proud mommy photos in this post!)

My little guy is now officially a kindergarten student! He had a wonderful first day! His class is in the afternoon, so we left for school right after lunch, which has to be earlier than we are accustomed to. So he got dressed, got the backpack, and away we went!

Of course, we had to take his teacher a small first day of school gift. This is her very first year teaching. I looked on my gift shelf and found this cute little notebook with an apple on the front and thought that would be appropriate. A matching sticker on a manila shipping tag and we had a small surprise for Miss Schoborg.

Here's my boy walking toward the day that will forever change his life--and mine! No more being home with Mommy all day, no more preschool. This is the real deal, the first of many years of continual learning, challenges and growth.

He was excited to find his name and where he will be sitting and to see all of his new classmates and potential friends.

(Why was I the only parent who walked with their child all the way to the classroom to take a picture or two of the big day?? I thought the place would be crawling with parents!)

I left him to begin his day and came home to do this:

I baked his favorite cookies, oatmeal, for a special after school surprise. I had the plate on the table, waiting for him when we walked in.

Then it was back to school to the uncharted territory of the after school car pick-up line, which took about 30 minutes or so. Remind me to always have reading material in the car!

He was excited and chattered all the way home, telling me all about his day. He was ready for his cookies and milk when we arrived home.

He proudly showed me his first paper and a "Jonathan's Rules for School" book they made today. Of course this took pride of place on the refrigerator.

The rest of the evening was just as busy. I made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner--his request-- and then it was off to 6 P.M. soccer practice in preparation for his first game this week-end. Home for a bath, snuggle time and in bed by 8:30. A memorable day, for sure, but the best part? An after bath hug from my son as he said he wished every boy and girl had a "good Mommy like you". Now that's priceless!!

School Starts Wednesday, and I Am Thankful!

....And not for the reason you are probably thinking! While I admit it will be nice to be able to do the grocery shopping all by myself, I will miss my little boy as he heads off to kindergarten. He is a great companion, and we have lots of fun together.

As I look at my 5 year old son, I am filled with gratitude. I am so very thankful he is healthy. He is able to go to school, to run and play. He isn't likely to get behind in his schoolwork because he is sick so often he misses a lot of school. He can see and hear what is being taught.

I am thankful he is confident. He knows he is loved. He is quick to make friends and is kind and considerate. He's mischievous, but in a good, little boy way.

I am thankful he has a good mind. He's a bright little boy with a love of learning. He is interested in everything! He asks lots of questions and he listens to the answers. I think he will truly enjoy learning new things, and I will do everything I can to make learning a joy for him.

I am thankful for his two years at an exceptional preschool. It was worth every dollar spent and every mile we drove to get there. I am thankful he will begin kindergarten armed with all he needs to know to be successful, both socially and academically.

I am thankful that I am able to provide some extra-curricular activities for him. Soccer and t-ball. Passes to the fun and educational Cincinnati Museum Center , the zoo and aquarium. Occasional visits to interesting places where he can have enriching experiences. Going to parks and places to be outdoors to soak up the sun. While these things may not be absolutely necessary, they can contribute to a well-rounded, well-educated child. Not all education is done in the classroom.

I am thankful he has a stable and secure life at home. While we certainly do not fit the mold of a typical family, I feel he gets what he needs to flourish as he grows. We have routines, we have proper discipline, and we certainly have an abundance of love. Some things may be missing, things I can't provide, but what matters most is love. I try to fill our home with a sense of calm and security, we are safe here. We can be ourselves with no fear.

I am thankful his tummy is full. My heart breaks when I think of children going without the food they need. I am thankful I can provide a nutritious breakfast and lunch for him before he's out the door for school. I won't have to worry he can't concentrate on learning because his stomach is growling. I can put dinner on the table when he returns from school. For this I am thankful, it is something I don't take for granted. How desperate a mother must feel when there is not enough food to feed her children!

I often give Jonathan a hug while telling him "I am the luckiest Mommy in the world!". I am, for I have two handsome, intelligent sons, both of whom are doing quite well in their respective stages of life. For all of this, and for so many additional reasons, I am thankful.

So, even though I may look forward to a little "me" time while Jonathan is off at kindergarten, what I am truly thankful for is a healthy, happy, well-adjusted little boy who only needs to be concerned with learning what is being taught.

Family Ties

This has been quite a busy week, but a good one. I have spent lots of time with family this week. I rarely see any of my family, everyone except Jonathan is hours away (for now, see my previous post!).
Last Sunday I took a trip back home to Eastern Ky. to visit with my sisters, nieces and nephews. It was a short trip but we got to see several family members, and Jonathan gets to know his family a little better.

Above is Jonathan riding a Mule on country roads with my niece. She and Jonathan are my parents' first and last grandchildren. This niece is 5 years older than me, the daughter of my oldest sister. My dad was 50 when I was born so Jonathan was born 100 years after his grandfather. My mother and my sister-in-law were pregnant at the same time, so my 2nd niece is two months younger than me. We had a quick visit with her, too.

We visited my sister and Jonathan had some playtime with her granddaughter, my great-niece Elizabeth. They will both start kindergarten this year.

We stayed overnight with another niece, Michelle, and her family. We spent some time at Jenny Wiley State Park, but mostly just hanging out and catching up. Jonathan is especially close to her boys, Johnson & Jonah.

I had hoped to spend a little longer with my family there, but my grandmother services were needed! My son had the children in town with him this week as my daughter-in-law was preparing to get their house on the market and he is transitioning into his new position at work. Wed. & Thurs. I had all three of my "babies". The top photo is Jonathan and my two grandchildren at the zoo. We also spent some time at a local play area and a lot of time playing and crafting here.

It was so nice to see many family members this week. I am reminded of the connection we have that isn't broken by time or distance. It's a very special tie that binds us all together!

We Have A Winner! (and One Happy Grandma!)

Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by my blog and entered my give-away! I so appreciate your comments and hope that you will all stop by again. The winner was determined the old-fashioned way. I put all of the names in a bowl, one time for each way you qualified, and gave the bowl to my 5 year old. He took out one folded paper, and the winner is.....Gina from Home Joys! Congratulations, Gina, I will contact you via your blog!

A couple of weeks ago, my older son phoned. "Mom, are you sitting down?" My first thought was that another grandchild was on the way, but that wasn't the case. What is the case: my son and his family are moving back to this area! They moved about 7 hours away from us when my granddaughter was 7 months old, 8 years ago now. You have no idea how hard it was when that moving van pulled away! Now, he has accepted an offer within the same company and will return with his family sometime in the next few weeks. Needless to say, I am one happy grandma!! My two precious grandchildren will be back in town for me to spoil!

Happy Birthday Jonathan!

Someone woke up this morning very excited to be five years old! Happy Birthday to my sweet little boy!

A Day With My Grandchildren

Those three little children in the picture? They mean the world to me. The little girl is my 8 year old granddaughter. The little boy in the center is my 4 year old son, and the 6 year old boy on the right is my grandson. My grandchildren live about 7 hours away from me (8 if I am driving!), so I don't get to see them nearly as often as I like.
My son came to town this week-end to attend a meeting to plan his 20 year high school reunion this fall. He was class president his senior year, so he is in charge of the reunion committee. Can you believe one of my sons is having his 20 year high school reunion, and one is preparing to start kindergarten? Neither can I!! Anyway, my daughter-in-law stayed home to work on an auction for the kids' school, so I had all day Saturday with my babies!!
We had fun! We planted seeds and prepared some beds for flowers--finally we got a break from the rainy weather. We did crafts. I baked my son's favorite childhood cookies, Rice Krispie treats for my granddaughter and brownies for my grandson, and sent them home with goodies. I delighted in making lunch for the three kids and spoiling them a little.
And while the boys were off playing Legos, my granddaughter and I shared some girly time. I gave her a manicure, making it as close to a salon manicure as I could. It was lots of fun!

I so wish my son and his family lived closer! I cherish the time I get to spend with my grandchildren and I love that all three young ones get along so well when we are together. They are such a joy!

It ain't always a walk in the park....

If you look at the "about me" on my blog home page, you will see I invited you to join me in my joys, and also my challenges.
This has been a challenging morning. It's 11 a.m. We've had two time outs already. Someone is whiny and clingy and just plain grumpy. I know that's how kids operate, but it is hard sometimes.
I've noticed that Jonathan goes through "stages" where he is extra clingy, or extra naughty, or tries to test the limits and assert his independence. Usually not all of these stages at the same time. Usually. Today seems to be the exception!
I try to distract him when possible, or find a project for him to do. Today he is watching too much TV (at least it's PBS Kids!).
One of the most difficult aspects of single parenthood (at any age) is that you are the only one to deal with days like this. I can't take a little break and run out for milk while dad keeps him entertained, or ask grandma to stop by for an hour or two. And none of the "just wait until your dad gets home!" stuff for me.
Fortunately, days like this are, if not rare, at least infrequent. I'm still right where I want to be.

Do You Buy Kid's Clothing a Season Ahead?

Last week's springlike weather has me thinking about Jonathan's spring/summer wardrobe. Twice a year, I usually go to the outlet mall and hour or so away to buy some of the season's clothing. I also buy his shoes at the Stride Rite store there, he has very wide feet and is hard to fit!
We will probably go there in March, so this afternoon I looked through what I already have, so I can make a list of what he needs. He doesn't need many shirts or pajamas, he does need shorts. He won't need swim trunks, he will need sandals and Crocs. He will need new underwear and socks before school starts at the end of summer.

Do you buy things a season ahead for your children? I try to look for shirts and pj's, but seldom buy pants because I never know how much taller he will get in a season. I bought fewer items than usual at the end of last summer, and didn't buy one single item at this winter's end of season sales. I will probably regret that in the fall!

Not For (Our) Profit Recycling

I admit that sometimes I get tired of saving newspapers and catalogs. I'd rather put them in the trash. Saving aluminum cans is a pain in the patootie, too, but at least Jon gets a little money from this recycling.

Why do I bother with the paper recycling? I want Jonathan to be aware of his responsibility as a citizen of the earth. Reduce our carbon footprint, even if it's only by a tiny little bit. There is so much more we can, and should, be doing, but this is a little something.

Twice Blessed

My doorbell rang late this afternoon, and the florist delivery person handed me this lovely bouquet from my sweet niece! It is simply gorgeous! Jonathan received a balloon bouquet and he was so excited!

I also received some flowers from my neighbor, Michelle. Four bouquets in one day! I'm thinking maybe I died and someone forgot to tell me!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I am so blessed to have two wonderful sons! I received beautiful flowers today from each of my sons: beautiful red roses from my oldest and his family, and pretty delphiniums from my youngest, who shyly asked our florist friend for some flowers for Mommy. I'm a very lucky lady!

Happy Valentine's Day to each of you, cherish those you love!

Taking a Chance

This morning I took a tour of the newer, closer school. I must say there is quite a difference in the two schools. Not so much in the staff I met, they were very nice and well informed at both schools. The truth is, the facility itself is so much nicer. Bigger, better equipped classrooms. Nicer cafeteria, library and gym. I know these things do not necessarily equal a better education, but it does make it seem easier to learn with new computers, interactive white boards and such. The school also offers a few extracurricular activities not available at the other school, like academic team (looks like they took first and second place in regional meets most years, judging by their trophy case!) .

So...I have decided to submit the open enrollment form to this school. Their enrollment date for kindergarten is March 3. I will also enroll him in our assigned school, then I will play the waiting game to see if he is accepted. Although I realize schools can't be replaced to match the rapid rate of progress, I find myself wishing all children could attend school in newer, more up-to-date buildings. Everything just seemed more cheerful in the newer school.

After school today, we were invited by a classmate (also named Jonathan) and his mom to go to Color Me Mine and paint a plate. So much fun! It was our first time there. Jonathan really enjoyed being creative with the paint, but he didn't want to have to wait a week to bring his masterpiece home! When the little artists were finished, we went to Cold Stone Creamery for some yummy ice cream!

I didn't get very much done at home today, but it still feels like a productive day. The housework will be waiting tomorrow, right?

Do You Recycle?

Last spring, Jonathan began asking for a "real" basketball goal. By real, he meant a full size goal like the "big guys" have. They don't come cheap, especially when you are paying not only for the goal itself, but to have someone pick it up and install it for you. That about doubles the cost.

We reached an agreement, my son & I. And trust me, for a 4 year old , he drives a hard bargain! In May, we started saving all of our aluminum soda cans. I bought a special garbage can for the garage, as well as a supply of lawn and leaf bags to fit it. We religiously save every can. Two of our neighbors pitch in with theirs, too.

Today we made the trek to our nearest recycling center with a few bags of cans. We walked away with $9.60. The price of aluminum is up! The guys at the center are always so nice to Jon, and they let him sign the receipt all by himself today. He was so proud!

He now has over $200 toward his goal of a goal! He also gets to keep the money from any toys he sells when we have a yard sale, and trust me, he keeps tabs on what is his!

In this culture of ours, so geared toward instant gratification, I want him to realize some things are worth working and waiting for. I want him to know the sense of accomplishment that comes from meeting a goal. He is already dicussing what he wants to save for next (a computer of his own). It is also good for him to know he is helping the earth at the same time. It's a win/win situation!

Hello!

Hello, and welcome to my little corner of the world, here on Hartland Blvd!

Creating this blog crosses one more item off my "55 Things To Do Before I Am 55" list. Here is where I hope to share some of my everyday struggles and triumphs with you. As an older mom to a 4 1/2 year old son, they are many! I am finding parenting a child in today's world is quite different from parenting my older son, born in 1973. That's right, my only other child is nearly 33 years older than his little brother! I was blessed with my little surprise at the age of 50, and trust me, the word "surprise" does not begin to capture what I felt when I learned of his impending arrival. On Feb. 1, 2006, I found out I was pregnant: he arrived on June 18. I was widowed in Dec. of the same year, so to say I experienced many life changes in 2006 is an understatement.

I hope you will return and follow along as I relate some of the challenges and joys of bringing up a child alone at a time in my life when I should be blogging about an empty nest instead of my little baby bird! The joy and fun far outweigh the challenges, but they do present themselves from time to time, mostly in the form of an exhausted mommy with limited resourses. Stay tuned!!