First day of School

Jacob and Layne seemed to resign themselves to the fact that Middle School was inevitable.  We didn't have a lot of drama this past week or weekend.  I think going to Catalyst at JCUMC (the 6th grade program on Sundays from 5:15 to 7:15 and then Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 7:30 really helped ease some anxiety from kids who had "been there done that").

Don't get me wrong - they were appropriately anxious, difficulty sleeping last night, Jacob had stomach ache last night, Layne had stomach ache this morning - but all normal for such a big transition.  It also helped a bit to point out that they at least have someone else who is sharing this while Joshua is going to school without  sibling this year.

This is getting ready this morning -

   Layne making sure she has her schedule and knows exactly where to go.  Matthew downloaded a map of the school and marked all their classes so they knew exactly where they were in the building. '

Jacob showing a bit of his nerves.

 Dad helping Joshua put on his tie with his button down collar shirt and camo pants for the first day of school.  He laid this outfit out last night very carefully and very thoughtfully so he had just the right look.  He also got home made pancakes on the first day (he better not count on that every day).

Joshua leaving for the bust stop with Mom and Dad.  His bus leaves right at 7:04 a.m.  I thought I got a better picture than this - but this is it -

This is the obligatory "waiting at the bus stop picture".  Still not a very good one.  Joshua started to worry that he didn't remember where his room was, or what his teacher's name is, and that Jacob and Layne were not there to get him to his classroom.  So, Matthew drew him a map that he could take with him.  Joshua insisted that Matthew put down his cell phone number in case he needed to call Matthew.  (NOT that Joshua has a phone - but we did it anyway - he should make a good Cub Scout - trying to be prepared at an early age).

Layne and Jacob leaving the house.  It was about 78 degrees at this time outside and they were freezing - tells you how hot the summer has been for them, huh?  They look much more confident not that it is "go time".

And the obligatory "waiting at the bus stop" picture for Layne and Jacob.  I threatened to cry and give them big smoochy kisses but they would have none of that so I behaved.  Matthew was very grateful that the SUV that eventually pulled around the bus at the stop before us while the bus had his red lights on - was pulled over the Johns Creek motorcycle officer.  Thank you Johns Creek for being out in force today.

It did hit Layne this morning that they would be going to the bus stop in rain and cold this year and that she might actually need to wear pants.  We shall see.

Layne and Jacob came in the house about 4:40 p.m.  They were both happy and talkative and sharing.  The Jacob noticed that he hadn't written anything in his agenda and Layne had notes for the whole week for most of her classes - he got a little quiet at that point. I tried to gently remind him that I was not going to be included this year from his teachers and I was not going to be able to remind him of assignments - that this was up to him.  He will get it - it will just be more than likely the most painful way.  Layne can't believe how much she had learned already on the first day of school.  She has already completed her assignment due on Wednesday and planning her study time for a test next week Friday.

Went to pick up Joshua from Prime Time.  Miss Pippin is there again and in charge of the K and 1st graders.  Just love her and so glad she is there!  Joshua seemed pretty excited about his day.  Sounds like the map helped, but that he was looking on the wrong side of the hall and had to ask someone for his actual room.  You know - it is hard to keep track of right and left still.  He has a really organized teacher this year - her organization so far is feeling very positive for my little ADHD kid.  He is still disappointed that Jack is not in his classroom.  He did tell Matthew that he met a really nice girl in his class, but couldn't remember her name.  He decided he needed to make sure he got her name tomorrow.

I went over with Joshua tonight his "identification tag" that they make all kids K through 2 have on their back packs.  It includes Name, Teacher, Grade, Address, Parents Names and parent work and cell phone.  He wanted to know if he needed to call our work number first or our cell phone number first if he needed us.  Hopefully he will get settled soon.

They all 3 went to bed pretty good. So this is 1 down 187 to go, right?

He's Home

I was so anxious.

Jacob called from the car on the way home about 10:45 a.m. to make sure we knew to be at the church at 11:00 a.m.  I could hear the conversation from upstairs.  He sounded good.  Matthew did get in the question "So did you have fun?" and Jacob did answer "Yes".

We got to church about 11:00 a.m.  They already had the trailers unloaded. 

Which means we got to watch this poor guy try and get the remaining trailer strategically parked between two others.  He had quite the audience and quite the vocal help.  We stayed out of it.

One of the major instructions was that parents were NOT to touch any luggage.  Getting the luggage to the car was the responsibility of the Boy Scout.   So, Jacob started out light.   Just the sleeping bag and sleeping mat.

Then he tried to carry his trunk by himself and couldn't quite do it alone.  So his plan was going to be take the trunk apart and carry it piece by piece.

And then this very nice, older Boy Scout, came over to help him carry.

This is all of his stuff in the back of the car - and the smiling faces of Joshua and Layne.  They wouldn't tell Jacob they missed him, but they sure gave awfully good hugs.

This is a very bad picture.  But wanted to put one out for the memory.  This is Mr. Dave Pfeifer, he is the Scout Master for Troop 3143.  His sons are in their 20s now and this is his last year.  We are very lucky to have him this year.  He kept a close eye on Jacob.  He helped him get through the week.  He told us when we were at church that Jacob had a great time at camp.  He also warned us, that Jacob would probably tell us he didn't like it - yeah, we did know that one already - but very nice of him to warn us. He went on the 5 mile hike around the lake and was able to earn his Mountain Man patch this past week.  This is the leader who came out to the car when Jacob went to his first Troop Meeting and got Jacob to come in from the car. 

Here is my happy camper - it was so good to get a hug from him - a wonderful Jacob hug - after a week away.

Just Busy

No pics, just some info on our day.  Layne had a good time at camp again, not as much fun as yesterday though.  Today she had to work a bit harder and is tired, so the excitement level wasn't quite there.  Layne did tell me about all the competitions she won, that did seem to perk her up.  Really glad she is doing so well and having a good time.

Josh is enjoying his time with Gramma and then he gets to come home and play with the neighbor Sammy.  Ah, those wonderful days when you didn't need to eat or bathe, just enjoy life with no worries.  Joshua is on the stinky side so there is a bath in his future.

We hope Jacob is having fun and surviving camp.  I'm sure there will be some struggles, but as long as the overall experience is positive it will be a good thing for him.

Jennifer and I are both busy with work, waiting for these next pay days to come around so we can rub two pennies together again.  I did get the dishes in the kitchen sink done after the long drought without water, that was a minor miracle.

Parties, Rainbows, and Camper of the Day

The Pinewalk neighborhood had their opening Pool Party this past Saturday.  Melanie came down with Marisa and Layne following GS Camp so they were able to be here again.

They had a caricature artist there for a couple of hours.  I didn't figure that out, but the girls did and they got their caricature completed.  Joshua really wanted his done, but the artist stopped at the person before him in line.  Joshua actually handled it really well.  I was prepared for tears, but I distracted him with "go get Daddy to play with you in the deep end".  (Sorry Matthew)

Here is a picture of Marisa and Layne getting their caricature completed:

They had The Varsity come and provide hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries and onion rings for dinner.  Here is Mitchell wearing his Varsity hat - "What'll ya' have?":

Tonight coming home from work I saw the most beautiful rainbow.  It was actually a double rainbow but you can't see it in the picture.  I took this in front of Publix this evening.  It was really bright at some points.  I haven't seen a rainbow since the last time Mom, Melanie and I went to the Container Store.  We went again yesterday, wonder if that is a coincidence or a sign?

Today was the first day of Chattahoochee Girls Basketball Camp for Layne.  Oh it was so painful this morning.  Wouldn't get out of bed, didn't want to go, started crying, was hugging her stuffed animals, wouldn't brush her teeth or do her hair - ended up being about 30 minutes late.  It was horrible (for me).  Sounds like the coach and the girls on the team really pulled together for Layne.  She ended up having a fun day.  Is excited about tomorrow.  And.....drum roll please.....She got The Camper of the Day Award today.

I am still worrying about Jacob.  I can't even begin to imagine the amount of gray hair I will have by the end of this week.  I am grateful for hair coloring - not so excited about the expense.

At least we haven't received a call from Boy Scout Camp....yet.  I will keep my fingers and toes crossed that we haven't scarred him for life (with this camp experience).

Camp Glisson 2012

This year JCUMC was not having Camp Glisson Day Camp as there is too much disruption with the construction of the new sanctuary.  The kids were pretty bummed at first.

Then I noticed that a church not too far from us was having a Camp Glisson Day - Birmingham UMC in Milton, Georgia.

Unfortunately, it was also the week of Girl Scout Camp for Layne and Marisa.

So we decided to have a Boy's Camp and a Girl's Camp week this year.  Layne went to Knoxville, TN to attend Girl Scout Day Camp with Marisa.  Mitchell camp to Atlanta to attend Glisson Day Camp with Jacob and Layne.

It was the first time that I had been to Milton.  It is a beautiful city.  Lots of green, horse farms, and some big estates.  There were also 2 quaint towns to drive through on the way to the church.

The church itself is absolutely beautiful.  Pictures will not do it justice.  But the new church building blends in with the landscape and the grounds are extensive and planned for walks and moments of solitude.  A wonderful place to retreat.

Here are some pictures from today's final day activities:

This is the outdoor area between the sanctuary and the classroom / multi-purpose center.  There is a huge outdoor fireplace and they have rocking chairs and stone seats.  The camp held a devotional at this spot each day with the kids.

In this picture you are able to see the double sided fireplace and the rocking chairs.

Here is Jacob with his counselor Brinkley.  She was really nice and hung out with all 3 of the boys quite a bit this week.   (she's also really cute)

I think Joshua became quite the Lady's Man this week, as evidenced below:

Exhibit A - strategically positioned in the back row of girls.

Exhibit B - but also likes the older ladies, too.  She isn't even his counselor.

Exhibit C - He also made close friends with Jacob's counselor Brinkley.

Exhibit D - Anna would hardly leave Joshua's side and begged for a picture before we could leave:

Exhibit E - I thought we were going to make it out - but nooooo, this girl ran up to us and also asked for a picture with Joshua.  Anna had to get in the picture again as she was following us down the sidwalk.   Joshua isn't even sure of the name of the other girl in the picture.

Here is Joshua with his counselors - Sara and Matt:

Now Mitchell thinks that "all girls are gross" and he didn't want anything to do with pictures.  But I think he had a few admirers also.  He insists he wasn't "dancing" in this picture, he was "just standing up with everyone".  The girls on either side of Mitchell seemed to make sure they were standing with him during the ending presentation.  Especially the girl with the cool pink / zebra outfit.  But, Mitchell still insisted whenever I said that I thought she liked him that I was "just being gross!".

Mitchell did let me take one picture with the counselor, but only if Joshua did it too.  It's a good picture, though.  Thank you Mitchell.

We are sad it is over again.  There were some tears for Jacob.  But a very successful week.  I might have even implied that we could look at going to Glisson Day Camp next summer at both churches.

Matthew can update about our water line later this weekend.

We will also update about Boy Scout Camp.  Jacob is trying to be so brave.  I am so hopeful for this upcoming week for him.  Say a little prayer for courage for Jacob this coming week.

Meanest Mom in the World?

Maybe.  I really just wasn't thinking.  The corn looked good in the grocery store.  But, when you are missing all of your front teeth it makes corn on the cob pretty much impossible.

And, of course, Joshua being Joshua he insists on doing it himself.  Wouldn't let me cut if off to eat. 

The Toothless Wonder

After what felt like months, that damn tooth is finally out.  I guess he just tugged on it today and out it came.  The tooth alone could have been part of a circus side show.  That thing could spin and rotate, lie flat forward or backward, quite the multi faceted tooth.  Josh now has that wonderful toothless grin, the bottom two and top two are all missing, doesn't even need to open his jaw to drink from a straw, it'll just slide right through.

Jacob and Layne came back from there fifth grade trip to Camp Eagle Rock.  Both had a great time.  Hard to believe there time at Ocee Elementary is almost over and they will be starting middle school.  Proud of them both.