Far More Good

I was with the kids and we had some things to get at Target. As we approached the entrance there was a man who was disheveled going through the garbage can. He started walking away from the store when I heard a woman from across the parking lot yell, "sir? sir?" She came over to him and asked if she could take him inside and buy him something to eat from the Target snack bar area. As she walked him in she asked how he was doing and chatted about the day. I pointed them out to the kids and talked about what she was doing. They have given people money before or donated in a box outside a store, but this was different. This man was talked to and asked how he was doing and treated like any other human being.

My theory proves right over and over again. No matter what we see in the media, FAR more good is happening in small, sincere moments all of the time. People are good. I loved that my kids got to see that.

Quite the Weekend

In chronological order:

Friday night- last minute met some friends at Santana Row for dinner. Kids ran around and enjoyed the live music. So fun. :)

Saturday- I worked at a training all morning. Such great energy from a group of 1st year teachers. I love working with new teachers. I constantly am around that fresh energy and they are so excited, exhausted, etc. While I was there Josh took the kids to Vasona to a picnic organized by some friends. From there we met at the soccer field for pictures and our game. Haley got some good kicks! From there we walked downtown for lemonade and chocolate milk. Then it was date night! Josh had a date with Haley and I had a date with Ryan. Chevrolet had contacted Josh through his Oakland A's blog and gave him 2 tix to the game and a Chevy Equinox to drive around for 4 days. Pretty fun! So they left for the game while Ry and I stayed back. My time with him was priceless. I was all his and he made the calls. Books, outside, doctor, puzzles, dinner, wrestling and train table. "Come on Mama! Let's go (fill in the blank)" and it was done. Followed by bath and bedtime not shared with anyone. It was fabulous. Josh had an equally great time. Haley LOVED the game. The last time she was at a ballgame she was 3 and they were in a box where she and Jack just played around. Josh sent me many texts throughout the game with quotes from Haley:
" I don't want to get any food. I don't want to miss the A's game."
" The Red Sox are out! They're mad!"
"Why is he number 2? I mean, 1 then 2. He should really have a better number."
Rolling her eyes after a player was announced, "Bill Hall...he's mean. He's on the Red Sox."
And on and on. She would rather have stayed the whole game but they left at the bottom of the 7th due to lateness.

Sunday- grocery store, book store then home. Then something amazing happened Sunday. I had had an eventful week with work and being a mom and life in general. It was a week of questioning myself in what I do both at work and at home. It was a time of just needing any sign that I am doing things right. And then I got it. I know that God and my angels work in mysterious ways but the message was loud and clear and I got the validation I needed. AMAZING!
Then Haley had her first visit to the ER. She's ok, I'll start with that. She was at Happy Hollow and ran on the carousel to get to the dragon she wanted to ride on. She tripped and fell and hit her head right on the beak of the eagle. Her eyebrow was hit and she was bleeding. A head wound bleeds so much and you can never tell the severity of it. The ranger came and cleaned her up and said she should be checked out. Her spirits were great. She bounced and hopped around the waiting room while she waited her turn. NO STITCHES! Just some glue to put it back together. I am glad our first trip was such a minor one.

An eventful weekend for sure!

Comedian

Although the Terrible Two's have been known to possess Ryan at times, the majority of his time is spent cracking us up. He is JUST LIKE JOSH in that once he gets a laugh, it's over with.

He has been entertaining the whole family (and strangers in public) by his random songs, outbursts of dancing and his versions of "funny stories" (anything he says, he just adds "poop" to the end and thinks it's hilarious). Of course we made the mistake of laughing out of surprise the first time, so now he thinks he can get the laugh every time. He does get it from Haley, which is all he needs. She is his biggest fan.
He has been busy. We thought he was fully in his big bed. We have always had a guest bed in his room and he asked to sleep in it. If it were up to me he would have stayed in his crib much longer. Well, now he knows if he gets out he has to get in his crib. It takes only minutes after we leave his room until you hear his little footsteps and hear him CRACK UP when you see him and put him in his crib. Oh brother...
He loves to wrestle and play trains on his train table. He still loves books and instruments and has started to play on the scooter and tricycle. The kid is a ball of energy. He has his moments, being two and all, but boy, this stage is really fun...for all of us!

The BIG Day

I did have to wake Haley up at 7:00 but it wasn't hard. Right when she heard my voice she shot straight up and started clapping her hands. I only cried twice. Once while I was doing her hair and telling her what a big day this is and how proud I am of her, and the other was when I left the campus.
We got to school and there was quite the buzz. I asked her to stand in front of this sign and she replied, "Mom, I don't want to be late for school!"
She walked in her room and found her name tag on the desk. Ry tried to sit next to her but she said, "Sorry little Buddy. This seat is for" (read the nametag), "Diego." This is her teacher for the year! Haley already asked to see her picture again because she forgot what she looked like. She gave a wonderful impression and it is clear she loves what she does. She was so patient, especially with the parents.
She and Taylor saw each other bright and early and were both excited to start! Thank goodness Trish, Tay's mom, is picking Haley up every day. Such a blessing!

She has been giving us bits and pieces of the day...what they read, a dance they did and songs they sang, how they line up, the new friends she made and how her teacher is so nice and taught her how to say "I love you" with her hands (sign language). She already explained that she will have school every day except the weekend and when it's Monday again it's school again (said with enthusiasm). She talked about how she was able to visit the treasure box and was a good listener.

We have a child in school. Let the new adventure begin!

I Missed It

I can't believe it, but I missed the first day of school. I have NEVER missed the first day of school, neither as a student or a teacher. I have taught while sick many times, but this one took me by storm and there was no escaping. My staff is awesome and so many people stepped in to help and get everything covered. I felt horrible all day, both physically and emotionally. I just know how nervous and anxious and excited these kids are as they make the transition to middle school. I missed being there and greeting them and meeting the parents and all that comes with the first day. Still can't believe it. Hope that was a first and a last.

He Knows the Rules...

Whether he follows them or not, he knows them. This morning when I went into his room Ry started the day off by simply listing some rules.

Me: Good morning Ryan!

Ryan: Moanin' (morning) Mama! Only throw balls, out bed one time then crib, no no wake up Sissy, share, no no poop bath.

Good list my boy!

A Sweet, Sweet Summer

This has been such an incredible summer break. The only other summer to compare it to was our wedding summer. The kids and I had so much fun together while Josh was working and we had so much fun as a family when he was home. We packed in camping, swim class (H), gym class (R), swimming,Tahoe, concerts in the park, bike rides, trips to Great America, Children's Discovery Museum, Happy Hollow, parks, painting, playing, a family reunion and some being lazy in there. I think about it and know that my absolute favorite parts have been tucking the kids in after their bath and reading books next to their sweet smelling, bathed skin. In those times we reflected on our day and the friends we got to play with.

It is now coming to a close as I am back to work on Wednesday and the students come the following Monday. I am getting ready to shift gears as we get back to reality (which will be a new reality with Haley starting kinder!). I have loved the summer and feel incredibly blessed to have the job that I do. It allows me to love my work and have time with my family.
Dreading starting back, but cherishing the summer we had!