How does that saying go - "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Indeed, I have found this to be true with my two "apples." Their sharp minds and quick wit never cease to amaze me. And, it typically tends to amuse me.
Apparently there is no such thing as aging gracefully - not in this house.
Sidney: "Mommy, what are those lines by Daddy's eyes when he laughs?"
Me: The lines by his eyes?
Sidney: "Yea, you know...when he smiles or laughs they show up here." (she points to the outside of her eyes as she squints and smiles in the mirror to demonstrate.)
Me: Ahh, those. We call those crow's feet, Sidney.
Sidney: "Daddy sure has a lot of 'the' crow's feet on his face. And you have a few too."
Me: Top of the morning to you too, Sidney.
My words are used against my by my little man...say it ain't so!
Ashton: "Mommy, will you get me some peanut butter?"
Me: No. I'm busy doing your laundry. Would you like to do your laundry while I get your peanut butter?
Ashton: "No, Mommy."
With a twinkle in his eye and a smirk on his face he says, "I'm just a baby, Mommy. We don't do laundry."
Me: Touche. But, you're getting your own peanut butter.
Funny how these kids have become such smart asses at such a young age. I'll take it though. My spirited children.
Showing posts with label Ashton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ashton. Show all posts
Monday, May 21, 2012
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Preschool Graduation
Graduations are such a momentous occasion. Especially when they involve your children. And, certainly when it means your baby takes another step toward greater independence. These moments are bittersweet...as a parent you are thankful for your child's abilities and capabilities, but letting go is difficult. Certainly for me.
I had prepared myself that I would likely be tethered to a pack of tissues as I drank in the happiness and emotion that would come along with this final preschool graduation. And, some tears came both during and after the graduation. But, I will say that during the graduation program there were far more laughs than there were tears.
We were presented with an array of talents that these little ones had mastered during the school year. Everything from Spanish to American Sign Language to showcasing their sharp minds and sponge-like abilities by sharing their knowledge of government and civics. Yes, these are four and five year olds. Very smart four and five year olds. I just wish Ashton would have done less smiling and more performing. And, while he is a monkey he is not a performing monkey.
The second that Ashton saw his family's eyes on him he would shout from the stage "Stop! Stop looking at me." At first I was asking myself if he was talking to us. Indeed he was! The thought that ran through my mind and eventually came out of my mouth several times was "Are you kidding me? We're here to see you...not your friends! Of course I am going to be fixated on you - this is our last pre-school event!" I would catch him signing or singing in Spanish out of the corner of my eye! But, I was not permitted to ever focus solely on Ashton. This was probably for the best. It certainly kept my tears in check.
I am happy that he walked down the aisle.
Thrilled he remained on the stage throughout the entire program. Glad that he went forward to receive his diploma (although his teacher had to take him by the hand to get him there). Ecstatic that he kept his mortar board on (most of the time!).
And in the end, he had his cake and ate it too. Quite literally.
My little man has left behind his preschool days and now enters the next phase...Kindergarten! ...I prefer to cross that bridge when we get to it. August!
I had prepared myself that I would likely be tethered to a pack of tissues as I drank in the happiness and emotion that would come along with this final preschool graduation. And, some tears came both during and after the graduation. But, I will say that during the graduation program there were far more laughs than there were tears.
We were presented with an array of talents that these little ones had mastered during the school year. Everything from Spanish to American Sign Language to showcasing their sharp minds and sponge-like abilities by sharing their knowledge of government and civics. Yes, these are four and five year olds. Very smart four and five year olds. I just wish Ashton would have done less smiling and more performing. And, while he is a monkey he is not a performing monkey.
The second that Ashton saw his family's eyes on him he would shout from the stage "Stop! Stop looking at me." At first I was asking myself if he was talking to us. Indeed he was! The thought that ran through my mind and eventually came out of my mouth several times was "Are you kidding me? We're here to see you...not your friends! Of course I am going to be fixated on you - this is our last pre-school event!" I would catch him signing or singing in Spanish out of the corner of my eye! But, I was not permitted to ever focus solely on Ashton. This was probably for the best. It certainly kept my tears in check.
I am happy that he walked down the aisle.
Thrilled he remained on the stage throughout the entire program. Glad that he went forward to receive his diploma (although his teacher had to take him by the hand to get him there). Ecstatic that he kept his mortar board on (most of the time!).
And in the end, he had his cake and ate it too. Quite literally.
My little man has left behind his preschool days and now enters the next phase...Kindergarten! ...I prefer to cross that bridge when we get to it. August!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Marry Me
"Ashton's Mom! Ashton's Mom! Ashton's Mom!" These are the words that rang out as Ashton & I entered his preschool classroom at daycare this morning. Each time the beckon for attention became louder.
"Yes, Alyssa?"
"I'm going to MARRY Ashton! I love him!"
For a split second my mind rushed back to Father of the Bride. You know, the part where Steve Martin visualizes his grown daughter as a young child informing him that she is getting married? This scene at daycare would have fit like a glove into that movie!
"Yes, Alyssa?"
"I'm going to MARRY Ashton! I love him!"
For a split second my mind rushed back to Father of the Bride. You know, the part where Steve Martin visualizes his grown daughter as a young child informing him that she is getting married? This scene at daycare would have fit like a glove into that movie!
"Wow, really? You're going to marry, Ashton, huh?" Alyssa's face lit up and her smile took over the room. "Yep, and I can't wait!" "Well that's good, Alyssa. See you tomorrow."
Little Alyssa...I can definitely wait for that day. Hopefully I won't be like Steve Martin, though, when the day comes!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Fun & Games
My kids were so excited to go to a school carnival with their cousins Aiden & Paige. Junk food. Face painting. Hair color. Games. What kid wouldn't want to go to the carnival? The focal point of this carnival was winning goldfish.
Aiden had lobbied to go to his school carnival for one purpose and one purpose only. To win a goldfish. He had brought his cousins up to speed on the possibility of bringing home a fish in a cup and how wonderful that would be. They were stoked. They each tried several times to get that quarter through the water and into the very tiny cup (a shot glass, really). The first lucky contestant to score a fish was Ashton.
Soon each of them secured their prize and they were on their way. Four goldfish each in their own McDonald's cup. A very exciting day for all.
We're (Aaron & I) not fish people. We have a cat, that's enough. Saying we were unprepared for these fish was an understatement. I headed into Pet Supplies Plus wandering the aquatic isle aimlessly. My mission was to find a cheap fish bowl, a net to transport them from cup to bowl and some food. Mission accomplished! I walked out having spent $15 for these two fish that cost twenty cents. We were officially ready for fish.
We've done a great job of keeping these new additions alive. At least until tonight. One minute Ashton's fish was eating, the next it was arched and floating.
"Aaron, the fish is dead." Ashton comes running over to the counter. "Can we flush it?!" No child should be that excited to dispose of a pet. "Yes, buddy, you can flush it." After Aaron & Ashton had the burial at sea, Ashton came bouncing back into the kitchen to check on the other fish. "Can we flush Sidney's fish too?" "No, Ashton, Sidney's fish is still alive." "I can't wait until it dies...then I can flush it!"
I guess it's all fun and games until your fish dies. ...then it's more fun!
Aiden had lobbied to go to his school carnival for one purpose and one purpose only. To win a goldfish. He had brought his cousins up to speed on the possibility of bringing home a fish in a cup and how wonderful that would be. They were stoked. They each tried several times to get that quarter through the water and into the very tiny cup (a shot glass, really). The first lucky contestant to score a fish was Ashton.
Soon each of them secured their prize and they were on their way. Four goldfish each in their own McDonald's cup. A very exciting day for all.
We're (Aaron & I) not fish people. We have a cat, that's enough. Saying we were unprepared for these fish was an understatement. I headed into Pet Supplies Plus wandering the aquatic isle aimlessly. My mission was to find a cheap fish bowl, a net to transport them from cup to bowl and some food. Mission accomplished! I walked out having spent $15 for these two fish that cost twenty cents. We were officially ready for fish.
We've done a great job of keeping these new additions alive. At least until tonight. One minute Ashton's fish was eating, the next it was arched and floating.
"Aaron, the fish is dead." Ashton comes running over to the counter. "Can we flush it?!" No child should be that excited to dispose of a pet. "Yes, buddy, you can flush it." After Aaron & Ashton had the burial at sea, Ashton came bouncing back into the kitchen to check on the other fish. "Can we flush Sidney's fish too?" "No, Ashton, Sidney's fish is still alive." "I can't wait until it dies...then I can flush it!"
I guess it's all fun and games until your fish dies. ...then it's more fun!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
My Baby
Some of you may have already ejected from this post after seeing the title, "My Baby." Yea, yea, you've heard me say it a thousand times..."my Baby." Ashton is my baby. He's the youngest, he's the baby. But, how he's growing up.
This weekend marks the very first sleep-over "my Baby" had. He went to his best friend, Anuj's house and had an absolutely incredible time. Pizza. Pop. Cake. Cookies. Grand Slam. Went to bed late. Got up early. A perfect time was had by all.
I have to admit, I was a little teary after I dropped him off.
This four year old of mine is ready to go hang out with his friend without his Momma. I barely got a "goodbye" at the door, and had to chase him down to get a hug and a kiss! "Buddy, get back here and tell Mommy goodbye!" ...did I really just have to say that??? Where did my Baby go?!
He had a grand time. In fact, he wasn't ready to leave this morning. He told me all about his adventure start to finish. But, what is funny about Ashton is he only tells a story once...if you aren't there to hear it while he's telling, don't expect to hear a first-hand account. I took everything in. All I could think to myself is, "He's getting to be so grown up."
Later in the day, I went into his room to put some things away. I just sat on the bed and looked around. My kid lives in a time-warp of a room! White shelves. Pictures and memorabilia on the walls of Ashton as a baby. A new born picture. Baby dedication. Ashton in one of his monogrammed onesies. Yikes! This poor kid probably just spent the night in a big boy room with super heroes and he came home to a baby picture room with a touch of Buzz Light Year for good measure.
I guess it's time for me to let go of the baby and embrace the little boy.
This weekend marks the very first sleep-over "my Baby" had. He went to his best friend, Anuj's house and had an absolutely incredible time. Pizza. Pop. Cake. Cookies. Grand Slam. Went to bed late. Got up early. A perfect time was had by all.
I have to admit, I was a little teary after I dropped him off.
This four year old of mine is ready to go hang out with his friend without his Momma. I barely got a "goodbye" at the door, and had to chase him down to get a hug and a kiss! "Buddy, get back here and tell Mommy goodbye!" ...did I really just have to say that??? Where did my Baby go?!
He had a grand time. In fact, he wasn't ready to leave this morning. He told me all about his adventure start to finish. But, what is funny about Ashton is he only tells a story once...if you aren't there to hear it while he's telling, don't expect to hear a first-hand account. I took everything in. All I could think to myself is, "He's getting to be so grown up."
Later in the day, I went into his room to put some things away. I just sat on the bed and looked around. My kid lives in a time-warp of a room! White shelves. Pictures and memorabilia on the walls of Ashton as a baby. A new born picture. Baby dedication. Ashton in one of his monogrammed onesies. Yikes! This poor kid probably just spent the night in a big boy room with super heroes and he came home to a baby picture room with a touch of Buzz Light Year for good measure.
I guess it's time for me to let go of the baby and embrace the little boy.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Stay at Home Day
Ashton has declared Saturdays "Stay at Home Day." This is his favorite day of the week. There is Stay at Home Day, Church Day, and every other day to Ashton.
Saturday is the day that Ashton knows he can lounge in his superhero PJ's all day. Brush his teeth around noon. And, he may or may not get his hair combed until bath time in the evening. It's the one carefree day he has come to count on and look forward to.
With all of the chaos and uncertainty that has surrounded us for a few months, Ashton's tranquil oasis of cartoons, toys & PJ's has been rocked by shuffling from one house to another and scurrying around to get things done. He's just along for the ride.
I'm sure that life will slow down at some point and Ashton can return to his easy-come, easy-go Saturday. In the meantime, he is learning a few things. How we work together as a family and why.
Saturday is the day that Ashton knows he can lounge in his superhero PJ's all day. Brush his teeth around noon. And, he may or may not get his hair combed until bath time in the evening. It's the one carefree day he has come to count on and look forward to.
With all of the chaos and uncertainty that has surrounded us for a few months, Ashton's tranquil oasis of cartoons, toys & PJ's has been rocked by shuffling from one house to another and scurrying around to get things done. He's just along for the ride.
I'm sure that life will slow down at some point and Ashton can return to his easy-come, easy-go Saturday. In the meantime, he is learning a few things. How we work together as a family and why.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Bath Time Conversation
As I was bathing Ashton this evening he looked at me and asked me a very profound question for a four year old. "Mommy are you sad because Granddad died?" I nearly fell off the edge of the bath tub. I wasn't expecting that. This little man of mine was asking me how I felt with the greatest sincerity. His concerned eyes were locked into mine. He was waiting for an answer. Perhaps a reaction. "Yes, Buddy, I'm sad because Granddad died. I love him a lot and I miss him." "I loved him too, Mommy." "Ashton, he thought you were greater than the stars in the sky. He thought you were the best!" "I know, Momma...he loved me too." And the tears started to flow.
Ashton doesn't do well with tears. He likes everyone happy all of the time. He immediately changed the subject by wrapping up his army men in his wash cloth and handing them to me. "Here Mommy I have a gift for you."
That conversation broke my heart for many reasons. Because he could see my pain. Because he misses Granddad. Because he knows that Granddad thought he was the best thing since sliced bread. Because he just wants his Momma to be happy.
Oh, how blessed I am to have such wonderful men in my life.
Ashton doesn't do well with tears. He likes everyone happy all of the time. He immediately changed the subject by wrapping up his army men in his wash cloth and handing them to me. "Here Mommy I have a gift for you."
That conversation broke my heart for many reasons. Because he could see my pain. Because he misses Granddad. Because he knows that Granddad thought he was the best thing since sliced bread. Because he just wants his Momma to be happy.
Oh, how blessed I am to have such wonderful men in my life.
 |
| Sidney, Ashton & Granddad: Father's Day 2010 |
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Sending My Little Man to "Kindergarten"
Notice how "Kindergarten" is in quotes. That's because we are sending Ashton to practice Kindergarten in the Fall.
But, please, don't tell Ashton or the school. The teacher would serve my head up on a platter if she knew that I am thinking this way.
Ashton's birthday is at the end of August, so he misses the cut-off for entrance to attend public school. I wish I could say that I was upset about this. But, the truth be told, I'm not. I am not ready to put my little blonde bombshell on a school bus and bid him farewell as he enters the school-age era.
He's my baby and certainly kindergarten cannot be a reality for him already.
The wrestling match of "what to do with him" next year came to an end this week. We are enrolling Ashton in private school. He needs to be challenged, but isn't ready for the public school experience...yet. So, come August, my baby will be putting on a uniform and heading to the classroom as a big boy...as a Kindergartener.
It's likely he will repeat kindergarten in 2012 (real kindergarten), so for now, I am referring to this experience as practice kindergarten.
It will be great practice for both of us!
But, please, don't tell Ashton or the school. The teacher would serve my head up on a platter if she knew that I am thinking this way.
Ashton's birthday is at the end of August, so he misses the cut-off for entrance to attend public school. I wish I could say that I was upset about this. But, the truth be told, I'm not. I am not ready to put my little blonde bombshell on a school bus and bid him farewell as he enters the school-age era.
He's my baby and certainly kindergarten cannot be a reality for him already.
The wrestling match of "what to do with him" next year came to an end this week. We are enrolling Ashton in private school. He needs to be challenged, but isn't ready for the public school experience...yet. So, come August, my baby will be putting on a uniform and heading to the classroom as a big boy...as a Kindergartener.
It's likely he will repeat kindergarten in 2012 (real kindergarten), so for now, I am referring to this experience as practice kindergarten.
It will be great practice for both of us!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Pink Eye
A watery, pastel pink, semi-gooey eye all points to one thing. Pink eye.
Pink eye is something that is not unfamiliar to this house. We have been through it many times. The first time Sidney contracted it I was immediately on the phone to the doctor describing the horror of the goop that had taken over my daughter's eye. The remedy is a tiny bottle of magic liquid that makes the contagious plague go away. 4 drops, 3 times a day keeps the ooze away!
This week Ashton fell victim to itchy eyes. The daycare "bylaws" state that the child needs to stay out of daycare for 24 hours after the onset of any contagious health issue.
That whole 24 hour thing has to be a suggestion, right? Not really a rule. I mean, he probably got it from the pink eye pool in the first place so what's the harm in sending him? It's not the Bubonic Plague.
So I sent him. I had a bottle of miracle drops, plopped four in each eye and sent him on his way.
Who's nominating me for mother of the year?
Pink eye is something that is not unfamiliar to this house. We have been through it many times. The first time Sidney contracted it I was immediately on the phone to the doctor describing the horror of the goop that had taken over my daughter's eye. The remedy is a tiny bottle of magic liquid that makes the contagious plague go away. 4 drops, 3 times a day keeps the ooze away!
This week Ashton fell victim to itchy eyes. The daycare "bylaws" state that the child needs to stay out of daycare for 24 hours after the onset of any contagious health issue.
That whole 24 hour thing has to be a suggestion, right? Not really a rule. I mean, he probably got it from the pink eye pool in the first place so what's the harm in sending him? It's not the Bubonic Plague.
So I sent him. I had a bottle of miracle drops, plopped four in each eye and sent him on his way.
Who's nominating me for mother of the year?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)