Beautiful Day

August 27, 2006: My first born was baptized.

It was one of those days that is almost too precious to describe. . . one of those days you anticipate for years. . . one of those days that is gone in an instant.

Colin was radiant and joyful. It was beautiful.

I suppose it is time to play catch up on the goings on around here for all you who are interested (a very select few, I'm sure).

The first day of school went very well. Colin couldn't go to sleep the night before because of excitement, but a small piece of cheese seemed to put him out. Spencer, in his usual form, woke up quite early. At 6:50 a.m. I felt a little tap on my shoulder and Spencer whispered, "Mommy, I'm going to wake you up at Seven-dot-dot-oh-oh. I said okay and pretended to sleep while waiting. He climbed up on the bed and sat next to me with his hand on my shoulder while he watched the clock. After a few minutes, he said, "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. . . . nothing happened. Okay, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Hmmm." He got down off the bed to play with his airplane and I waited. Suddenly he gave me a good plunk on the arm and said, "MOMMY! It is seven -dot-dot-oh-two!!"

Anyway, we made it to school early and took the traditional first day of school pictures. The boys were anxious to get rid of us and get on with their day, so we took the hint and left. I ended up working 7 hours that day, which did wonders to keep me from crying my eyes out!

Colin was still too excited to sleep the next night, so he came into the living room and suggested he might need Lunesta. Some children ask for sugary cereals and trendy toys. Colin: medication.

Despite cheeky remarks from my readers, I have been quite busy around here. I'm not one to stay home eating bon bons whilst my children are at school! I spent Thursday and Friday AT work. Saturday we went to a safety fair at our church and I spent the afternoon running errands. The big day was Sunday, though.


Sunday, we became the "adoptive" parents of a twenty-year-old college student who is starting his freshman year at a local university. He has just arrived from Rwanda! We have been anticipating his arrival for months and couldn't be more pleased to finally meet him. He is gentle, sweet and enthusiastic. Our time with him Sunday was just beautiful. We brought small gifts for him and he was as excited as a young child to open them. Our hearts are full of joy and gratitude for this newest member of our family - so much so that I can hardly talk about it.

So now begins a new phase in our lives. Kindergarten, 2nd Grade and now College Freshman. And we thought we were busy before!

Our cup runneth over.

We're getting ready for school tomorrow. We've met the teachers and mingled with friends. The new shoes and backpacks are by the door. All the forms have been turned in, all the supplies purchased. The tissues are prepared for the crying mother.

As we picked out our clothes for tomorrow (we wear uniforms), I asked which color shirt each would like to wear. Colin made his choice and Spencer said, "Well, I'd like to wear the same as you, Colin...or did you want to be rare?"

Colin wants to be rare.

Would that I could take a class on Web design. This blog would look so much the better AND it would be fun, too. In fact, if I could take such a class from the talented Sean Gleeson, well...it would be worth it just for the entertainment value. The guy is hilarious!

Well, I'm busy working and leading scouts and raising children and all kinds of other crazy ventures, but for some of you out there I present to you the perfect opportunity to stretch your brain and laugh all the while: a class on Web Design taught by Sean Gleeson. (Who could have seen that coming?)

But don't dilly dally. Time's a wastin'!

What, you're tired of seeing those metal dishes every day? Oh, come now. They're pretty. Pretty to look at and lovely to hold. And refreshing, too.

Anyway, if I were to type anything it would just be about starting our vacation with a flat tire, cheap mexican tire fixers, lollygagging around the Ozarks and my incredibly brown skin and blonde hair. Boring, really.

I'll get back to you when school starts and I'm home alone and in tears because my baby boy is going to school all day long. For now, I've got children to hold.

I'm thinking about getting one of these ultra-modern pitchers. I mean, think of the possibilities!! They keep your beverages chilled and all you have to do is add ice!
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FIVE

When you're five, it makes sense that downstairs is Earth and upstairs is outer space.

When you're five, it is a good idea to wear the cape on your pajamas.

When you're five, every day should include some time on mommy's lap.

When you're five, you should definitely have race cars on your underwear.

When you're five, a kitty cat makes a good pillow.

When you're five, you can make a space ship out of anything.

When you're five.

So, yesterday we went to Enid for the annual visit with my long lost friend Meg. We found the perfect place to keep cool and entertain our children so we could actually talk to each other from time to time: Splash Zone! Four out of five children preferred the Kiddie Zone, which was never more than 2 feet deep (if that) and featured two little slides. Colin thrilled to the excitement of the Zinger slide. We ate nachos (if you can call them that) and enjoyed our best visit in years.

Spencer wore his "babe-ing" suit, which he has aptly named: he did, afterall, attract a cute set of twins!