Picking a Pumpkin

The day after the pumpkin patch we went to pick apples, but when we got there the apples were gone. The pumpkins were the ones needing picking! We went with some of Hubby's family. It was also a big day for the Cardinals- I don't remember which game it was, but we were in the playoffs- being as though we are now in the World Series- it went well!

When we told the boys that we were going apple picking, JJ remembered going two years ago and picking apples from the tree and eating them right then and there. He began talking about it as soon as we told him we were going apple picking. Uncle Jacob took the boys to find apples just for them to pick off the trees! What a good uncle!

 JJ won't eat it with his front teeth. I think the next day is when he came out school telling me his tooth was super wiggly. I wonder if this had anything to do with it.

 I loved this bumpy pumpkin. Hubby didn't, but his mom did! She bought it, along with it's two bumpy siblings that were separated by many other pumpkins in the big field.

 Pumpkins picked and we're ready to go! Ty was very sad when it was time to get off when we got to the field b/c he wanted a longer ride. He was very happy that we were getting back on!

They had a little area full of fun things for the kids. So fun that they're old enough to want to ride it and not cry once it starts!

JJ Lost a Tooth!

One Monday JJ walked out of school and declared that his tooth was wiggly. I didn't believe him until I saw him reach in his mouth and begin wiggling it furiously. Seriously? How did that happen so fast? Better yet, didn't he just get that tooth two months ago on an evening at home in Arkansas? We could see the little hit of pokey white things. I know, I know- it's just a tooth, but suddenly my baby is losing his "baby" teeth.
Every day I'd pick him up and he would show me how much loser it was. Every night I thought we'd lose a tooth. I wondered what he would do because last Spring when he learned about losing teeth he was terrified. He didn't want his tooth to fall out. He didn't want the tooth fairy to bring him money. He didn't want a hole in his mouth. How would he eat food? I'm so glad that God held off till he was ready- it made having a wiggly tooth much more fun.
Oh. And. Let me clarify. It was wiggly. Not loose. He couldn't get the concept of loose. Don't know why, but he insisted it was wiggly. :)

He happened to be out of school that Friday. We did our errands to and JJ asked if we could then get a bagel from St. Louis Bread Co. (I remember when he used to describe bagels as a big donut- see? He's growing up!) We were coming out with a bag in our hands. Silly me didn't think about it being lunch time. The craziest time at that place, where people aren't so friendly b/c they are on a tight schedule. (especially at this location- I actually like the city one that was across from Hubby's old work place better!) It was a little chaotic so I didn't notice that JJ dropped behind until we were out from the crowd, which happened to be in front of outside seating. I turned around just in time to see his tooth flying around on his tongue. The look on his face was priceless. It took what seemed like hours for him to get the tooth out of his mouth. I'm sure the people eating their food thought he was getting ready to throw up since my hand was in hanging out in front of his mouth so he could spit the tooth out. He grabbed it out and turned to the people (yes, not his mom! :)

"I just lost my first tooth. I've never done that before!!" The nice couple who's table we had practically invaded began clapping for him. (Okay- she did. I think he did, but I'm pretty sure he may have been a little grossed out!) He ran away jumping around and pumping his fist "yes!!"

As we walked away I could hear the wife say, "how cute!" (Again, not sure the husband agreed) It made me realize once again that time flies. I don't know if they have kids but if they do, looking at their ages the kids may be in high school or college. I know that one day I will be sitting eating lunch not having to make sure everybody is settled and will truly miss these years. Sometimes in the middle of a chaotic moment, I'm ready for them to be done, but then I get a hug or an "I wuv you!" and frustration melts away. I don't want them to grow up. I love their sweet ages. I love that they forgive me easily. I love that I can fix anything with a kiss and a hug.

Congrats, Big Boy on losing your first tooth! I love your new smile!

(and the one right next two it is getting more "wiggly" by the day. Interesting considering it's the tooth that came in a few weeks after the one he just lost!)

Pumpkin Patch

A couple of weekends ago we went on the promised trip to the pumpkin patch. Since Ty had gotten to go we promised JJ he could go since he loved it so much last year. The pumpkin patch was so much fun for them last year. We knew they would love it again this year and were amazed at how long and easy our trip was! We stayed for three hours and some of that time we got to just sit and watch them go up in the crazy dark haystacks. (seriously, I could not see my hand in front of my face!) We did bring flashlights but even last year JJ would climb right up, while I had mini panic attacks trying to get to the top to see light.

These boys warm my heart! They truly love each other and look out for each other. Ty made sure we would get to the pumpkin patch since he knew that JJ loved it so much last year and he got to go with preschool. I love how they love each other. They are best friends!

Here's to another fun year at the pumpkin patch...and many, many more!

A Long God Story...

Yesterday was our first elementary field trip. The kids walked down the street to the fire house and the park. We ate lunch and the kids played at the playground. There were about 70 kindergarteners and 10 adults. There was no way to watch every child at each moment. The whistle was blown and the kids went running to line up. As they lined up one of the other moms on the trip turned to a little girl and asked where her glasses were. All we heard was "....p..." (a word beginning with P but we couldn't make it out)

"They are at the park?"
".....p..."
"Where are they?"
"They are in her pocket," said another little girl.
The mom looked at her, "Are they in your pocket?"
The little girl shook her head.

We began walking down the path- 1/4 of a mile. We got to the front and after a little dividing kids up the teacher's attention was brought to the little girl.

"Where are your glasses?"
"at the park." Clear as day. My heart sunk. The teacher asked if I could take the remainder of her class and she'd go back with the girl and look for the glasses. I asked her if I could just go back with her.

We walked back. The whole way there I was looking ahead at the two different playgrounds, the pavilion, the swings. A lot of ground to cover. A lot.

I can't go into details, but I knew that the little girl wouldn't be able to help me much. I began asking her where she had gone. All I knew was that, according to her she wasn't on the swings.

The cute story came when she informed me that somebody had taken them off her face.
"What did she look like?"
"She had long hair. She had a long tummy. She had long legs. She had long ears." I smiled. I didn't see any dogs around. :)

As we began looking I lost hope. I think I said a quick prayer, but to be honest if they weren't on the surface to where we saw it I didn't know where they were. They could be under mulch- somewhere in the grass. I didn't want to give up. I knew that it could be a financial burden on the family.

I gave up. I didn't want her to think she was in more trouble and miss the fire house tour. She needed to be able to see what the others were seeing. We walked back. Most of the time she held my hand and kept looking up to find her glasses. We talked a little. We had already talked at lunch and she had already had found her way into my heart.

I told the teacher we didn't find them. She told me that this was one of the first weeks she wore her glasses to school because her parents were afraid she'd lose them. However, it is school so she needed to see what was in front of her.

I told the teacher that I'd try to get back to the park that evening, but in the hustle and bustle of getting Ty picked up and getting to church, with Daddy out of town, I didn't make it over. I felt bad.

That evening during bedtime prayer I almost mentioned the glasses, but decided not to. I think I was worried we wouldn't find them. I should have. My kids need to know that God answers prayers in different ways. I just didn't want to. keyword: I!

Daddy promised JJ that he would let him do some Star Wars Legos the following day. After dinner they began working. Ty so badly wanted to go to the park. I so badly wanted to stay home and let my aching feet rest, after two days of field trips and getting stuff done around the house.

I gave in. We went on the swings. Then, as we were headed to the "big" playground I asked Ty if we could look for some glasses at the "little" playground. He was happy to go. As I walked over I again did one of those "oh Lord, let us find them" but deep down I didn't know if we'd find them.

As soon as we got there I glanced at a table. Ever have a feeling like there is light shining down on something? Well, there was that evening- in our park- on a simple little picnic table- on some blue framed glasses. The arms are a little uneven, but other than that- they are fine!

Amazing that God cared about these glasses. I don't know if this family knows the Lord, in fact, I don't think they do. However, God cares about this little girl. God cares about her glasses and that her family may not be able to just run out and get some new ones.

God decided to use this little girl's glasses to teach me that nothing is impossible. Everything is worth a prayer.

Ty Update

Ty had his first field trip...the day after JJ had his first Kindergarten field trip. I will admit that after JJ's walking field trip the park for a picnic and playtime plus the visit to the firehouse I was pooped. I wasn't sure how I would go the next day but then I remembered I would be focused on only one child and it was fun!

Last year I left Ty with my mom so that I could focus on JJ with some one-on-one time. This year JJ was in school so I got that time with Ty and his preschool friends. (and even saw a few friends from our church, too!) Ty and I are having some good quality time this year. He is my little buddy and he will often come to me with a request to "cuddle me." Can't pass that opportunity up!

My little guy is having fun during his first preschool experience. The first two days away from me he cried for a few minutes. Then, the petting zoo came- that morning he did great. From then on I am greeted during pick-up with "I no cry today, Mommy!" He's so proud of himself. I'm proud of him! He is trying to take on the big boy role but it doesn't always come natural for my cuddly, youngest of the family. He is still connected with a diaper. While it annoys me, I'm just going with it. He's pretty easy other than that and is actually terrified of the potty going into the toilet. Weird. JJ did the same thing but he was potty trained at three. He'll get there.

Last week we were told he will be getting speech lessons. They will call me in the next month to get it started. I can't tell you how excited I am. Excited? Yes. I know some people think it means there's something wrong. Some people think they'll learn to correct it. However, Ty has A LOT to say and when you can't even understand as his parent- it's frustrating. I knew it was getting bad when we would ask JJ to translate and he would guess, too.

We had his hearing checked and all but one were normal. The other was very slightly below normal. Something we can go back and have reevaluated but they think it's fine. He did well during this test. He did everything they said with ear buds in his ears.

We did the speech test. They had him saying words. My heart sunk. I suddenly understood what he was saying. At the end of the test the lady looked at me. I think she could see my concern. Her words, "Don't worry, Mom. He definitely qualifies for speech." Out of 77 sounds he got 63...wrong. (or just dropped a part of a word in the front, middle or end.) In fact, he qualifies for one of the "highest" forms of speech. I am relieved. I will understand him. Others will understand him. There won't be frustration. (though he doesn't show much right now. She was actually shocked at this and said she was surprised he hadn't slowed down his speech.)

This picture is just cute to the mommy- he was pooped after all of his evaluations...not even a camera was waking the boy up!

He is talking from the back of his mouth, instead of the middle. Most kids who need speech talk from the front of their mouth. She said that his, while uncommon, is the easier to correct. It also causes them to add "g" in words. For example, out of Ty's mouth a "banana" is a "bananga." I can't even begin to tell you what "Thomas" or "Transformers" is. It is the same every time, but sounds nothing like the actual words.

Other than that he's doing great! He scored well on his Dial-3 evaluation. (pretty much a skills test for three year olds that they had to have him do to see how he was doing overall for the state/district. From there they were able to send him on to the speech/hearing evaluation.)

As I used to say on our old blog- this may not be great reading, but these are my baby journals. I often look back at those and remember these times so I'm trying to get better about getting some more on the blogs. :)