Lopsided Lunch Notes

181

2010-05-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

That's it, you're done with Kindergarten. Despite the fact that you started the school-year in one district and ended it in another, there were still only 181 days in your school-year.

Words cannot describe how wonderfully proud I am of you. Not only did you grow academically and physically, but you grew emotionally as well. My shy little boy now has a gaggle of neighborhood friends that are constantly ringing the doorbell and you even warm up to adults more quickly than you did before. I can no longer *spell* things out when I don't want you to know what I'm talking about and you are now at least four-feet tall (probably closer to 4 ft 2 in).

I thought I would have more to say on the close of the school-year, but the truth is it's all right here and I don't need to make this long. You are pretty bummed that I don't plan on drawing you a picture every day next school-year, but this was a monumental task that I enjoyed doing for you and want to keep it as something special I did for you during your very first year of school. I am honored that you love the pictures so much and when I presented you with the final "book" of pictures, you went through every single one of them with me. That made it all worthwhile. I love you, baby boy; and congratulations on completing Kindergarten and becoming a big first-grader! (Because, you know, I always considered myself part of the next grade the day school got out.)

Celebrate

2010-05-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

You had your Kindergarten Celebration today and man that was cute. Since you guys didn't get to have your winter program (due to misbehavior - not on your part), you had lot's of time to practice those songs. My favorite was the Jelly Bean song when you all bee-bopped up and down like jumping beans. Man, that was cute. You, being one of the tallest, got stuck in the back and I was in the back too, so the pictures I got are grainy at best. That's ok, I have it etched in my memory.

I could see you looking around, trying not to be disappointed if you didn't see me there, but you spotted me and remembered that I'm a mom of my word. I wouldn't have missed that for the world, kiddo.

Super Mario Galaxy 2

2010-05-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

You got the new Super Mario Galaxy 2 this weekend. These games never get old and you enjoy letting me win all of the levels and then you can go back through and have fun.

This week is a fun week filled with books, games, blankets and pizza parties and I'm getting that same sense of nostalgia that I did when I first step foot in your classroom last July. It's easy for adults to tell you to enjoy it, but we secretly know that it's impossible to enjoy any age for at least ten years after you've actually been it.

Summer Fun 3

2010-05-24T17:40:00.001-07:00

You love these pictures because they make you think of all the fun you are having right now.

We found out that your best bud, X, is not leaving right after the school year ends, but that you have a couple of weeks to enjoy summer break together. I even let you go with X and his mom to a movie - without me. That was a big step, you know. I don't know her all that well, but she is a neighbor and I knew the time is rapidly approaching where I am not automatically included in invitations to birthday parties and outings, because you are no longer a baby; and an outing without me with someone I somewhat know is better than someone I don't know at all. You are officially a kid. A big, little boy.

Summer Fun 2

2010-05-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

The temperatures are rising, but the fun is just beginning. You've got summer fever something fierce and so do the rest of the neighborhood kids. The last couple of weeks have been filled with snow cones, ice cream, Popsicles, bike and scooter rides, and sun. As much as I loathe the heat here in the desert, I have to admit this time of year has a certain nostalgic charm and watching you enjoy it makes it worthwhile. 'Tis the end of the school-year after all!

Summer Fun

2010-05-20T17:36:00.000-07:00

Snow Cone

2010-05-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

You got a snow cone machine this week and you've already made yourself sick off the syrup.

Big Chickens x 3

2010-05-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

I think this is the third (maybe fourth?) time I've drawn pictures from this book for you this year; but I've read it to you many, many times. You still love the book and I love reading it to you. Your giggles are worth a thousand words (actually, more).

De Blob

2010-05-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ah, I spent hours playing this game with you on the Wii last summer; but I set it down for too long and never regained interest. You, however, seem to be rediscovering it. It's quite a fun game once you get going.

This is your last full week of school before summer. I can't believe we are already here, even though it's been a long school year. I still don't have summer care completely worked out for you because I am unsure of my decision, but I guess I better get my rear in gear. Ha! Did you know I could be a poet and not even know it?

BenGwenTen

2010-05-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

You and X sat and watched the newest Ben 10 episode tonight together and that was a really cool thing to see -two best friends watching their favorite show together. Yes, I think it's safe to say that X is your very best friend. I wanted to color this picture in, but I ran out of time and figured you could have fun doing it yourself.

The Sun Did Not Shine

2010-05-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

This picture has nothing to do with our current weather situation. We are teetering on the edge of summer, which means that it will hit 100 any day and it only gets hotter from there. You are an Arizona Native though, and you love the hot weather; much like your Daddy.

Mr. Moody

2010-05-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

You love this Shel Silverstein poem. Actually, there aren't too many S.S. Poems you don't like. You totally get his humor.

Orange Star

2010-05-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

You got me a beautiful flowering plant for Mother's Day, that looks very much like this picture. It's sitting in front of a big window that gets lots of light and every time I look at it, I think about how much thought went into picking it out for me. You are one thoughtful little dude and you knew just what I would want.

Tony Stark

2010-05-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

I had a really wonderful Mother's Day. Without prompting, you came out of your room in the morning and the first thing you said was "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy". I melted, seriously melted; because you remembered and you are only six.

We went to see an early showing of Iron Man 2 and then that night I made dinner for all of us and a couple of friends, even yours, who you invited to dinner without permission first; but it was so stinking cute and innocent, I couldn't say no.

You and X had a ton of fun this weekend and you were even invited over to his house for a sleep over. I wasn't quite ready for that, but made a point of meeting his parents that night so that the next time you are asked, I may say yes.

Have I mentioned this is the kid who is going away for the entire summer? You admitted to me tonight that you are sad he is leaving. Me too, two and a half months is a long time in kid world.

The Worst

2010-05-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

You only have two full weeks left of school and come to think of it, I don't think I got a May homework sheet for you, which must mean they are cutting you some slack for the last month of the year.

Butterfly

2010-05-06T18:19:00.000-07:00

When you were in my tummy, I worked at a mall customer service counter. It was a temporary job I took to get by between jobs and when I found out I was going to have you, I decided to wait it out until I was ready to go back to work full-time again.

It was the most boring job I've ever had and there were days I did not get to go to the bathroom for hours on end (which, to a pregnant lady, is no small feat). I stood (yes, STOOD, no sitting allowed) there for hours doodling and perfecting butterflies. I can't quite remember how to draw them in the detail I did back then, but just drawing this one reminded me of the anticipation, the excitement, the utter joy I felt at the prospect of meeting you.

Coconut Lime Verbena lotion from Bath & Body Works has the same effect.

Apple Tree

2010-05-05T17:43:00.001-07:00

You have been doing a lot of drawing of your own recently. On Monday, you and X sat outside on our doorstep and drew pictures of Ben 10; including some never before seen creative aliens of your own. Last night, you felt like drawing a tree for me to take to work. It had flowers, grass, dirt, sky, sun and two floating hearts and it is the sweetest tree I've ever seen.

In school news, you've been coming home with a lot of "extra" homework, aka: work you don't complete at school. So when I asked the air why your teacher is not communicating any issues to me, you came clean because you are one honest little dude. You told me you talk to much. I, of course, did the motherly thing and gave you a speech about it, but I'm secretly glad that you are comfortable enough to talk too much.

Red Flower

2010-05-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

You came upstairs yesterday and handed me a beautiful red flower; and as I gushed, you told me it was from your friend, Xavier.

Your friends are OK in my book.

I Told You so

2010-05-03T20:21:00.001-07:00

Today you found out why I make rules. When I tell you not to bring toys out when a certain child is around, I'm not being mean, I'm being protective. I loosened up those rules a bit after you pleaded to me with those big sweet eyes. I gave you motherly warning, but you persisted and then you came home with a broken Light Saber; the most expensive double sided one you have. Your little eyes were so sad and so defeated and to add insult to injury, I did something I should have never done; I said (in so many words) "I told you so".

Yeah, sorry about that, dude. I probably could have been a bit more sensitive in reminding you of why I made the rule in the first place.

The good news is that I think you learned a lesson: Mom isn't a big bad rule maker because she wants to make your life miserable. Mom is a rule maker to protect you.

But I also understand that sometimes you learn by breaking the rules. Today, I think you learned.

Lazy Mom

2010-04-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

You totally called me out on this one:

"Mommy, were you tired so you just drew me something quick?"

Yep. You are 100% correct.

ispider

2010-04-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

You bought this with money you got for your fourth birthday; time certainly does fly.

Don the Dragon

2010-04-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

I used to beat myself up about over the fact that I taught you very little before you started Kindergarten. I used to wonder what other mother's had in them that I didn't. It's true that some women and men are gifted with the ability to teach and some are not, but I don't think that's what happened here; because I tried, but I always failed.

I stopped and thought about it recently and I think I've figured it out. Mom is not a teacher. Mom has never been a teacher. Mom has never been anything but Mom to you. You were six months old when I first handed you over to someone else so I could work. Those people that came after were all teachers to you and when you got home, it was play time and fun time and dinner time and bed time. That's the way it has always been and when I've tried to veer off that route, you've been resistant because I am not your teacher, I am your Mom.

I Think I'll Move to Australia

2010-04-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

The days are getting longer and the end of the school year is near. I know I've said that before, but today I printed out May's lunch menu and the last day of the menu said "Goodbye, see you next year!" and it hit me all over again. You are almost finished with your first year of public school.

There are people who think Kindergarten is a glorified, government funded daycare; that there is no value to it whatsoever. To those people, I say PSHAW! They haven't watched you grow this year. They have no idea.

Grandpa Max

2010-04-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

Parents tend to think they know what their children will enjoy, and when you are very young(too young to really make up your minds on such matters), we tend to steer you toward Buzz Lightyear and other Disney-esque favs. You had a fabulous Buzz Lightyear costume that we recently gave to another little boy and a pretty cool dancing Buzz that's sitting in your closet; but truth be told, you never much cared for the Toy Story Scene. No, it was Power Rangers that first caught your attention and then Ben 10. Ben 10 is your first, full blown obsession and you are completely enamored. So enamored that you want to have ANOTHER Ben 10 birthday party this year. It's cute, really, and I love that you know the dates of the premiers and all of the characters (and there are a LOT of Ben 10 characters). I know I've said this before; but I think Ben 10 is a pretty cool show and totally get why you love it.

Gwen Tennyson

2010-04-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's hard to believe that there is only about a month left of school; even though your school-year started way back in July. When I was in school, I always started the day after Labor Day and it went through mid-June. It's hard to believe, but it's not; it seems to have gone by quickly, but when I look at all you've learned - well, the proof is in the pudding.

Pegasus

2010-04-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

I figured better late than never with the Pegasus; you know, since we saw Clash of the Titans a couple of weeks ago.

Goop II

2010-04-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

I grounded you for the first time today and though it was a necessary step to curtail problems I could see coming; I still find it hard to believe my little rule follower required it.

I'm not sure if that's the kind of thing I should put in your kindergarten notes, but I think I'm almost proud of you (maybe proud isn't exactly the right word); like you are finally stretching the boundaries and that may be a good thing. Just as long as you don't go too far. Or do that too much. Because I'm likely to go bald if you do.

Ice Cream Cone

2010-04-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

I found out yesterday that you like Lasagna. I had no idea. When I asked you what you had for lunch, I fully expected to hear "Yogurt Pack", but you said you had the "Italian Meal"; so I stopped you and felt your forehead because that was something NEW and I didn't bribe you or prompt you to try it. You didn't much care for it because it wasn't what you expected: the Lasagna you had tried in preschool.

Well, now I'm going to have to make Lasagna.

Like a Rock

2010-04-19T21:43:00.001-07:00

I am glad you have an overall positive impression of the weekend, because it could have gone the other way. It should have gone the other way, and the only reason it didn't is because you are such a phenomenal, positive minded child. You are the bees knees, kiddo. I mean that.

What'shisname

2010-04-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been pretty warm here, huh? When I came home tonight, your friend X caught me on the drive up to our house and informed me that you were playing in his "Clubhouse" at our place. The "Clubhouse" was a large box that fit a six year old or two inside quite comfortably. Now you can't wait to buy your very own "Clubhouse" with your next allowance allotment.

Seriously, I LOVE that you are chillin' with kids your own age now.

Tiger

2010-04-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

Until recently, your neighborhood social group has consisted of boys that were, on average, twice your age. This is not shocking to me, because as an only child, I remember always migrating toward the older groups - notably, adults. However, I also noticed a little change in your attitude and this concerned me. Not enough for me to lay down the law on who you get to associate with (because most of those older boys are good kids), but enough that I thought about laying down the law.

About two weeks ago, you started allowing a girl and a boy close in age into your inner circle. The boy is in your class; the girl, a bit younger. You had previously told me that kids your age act too much like babies. I am trying to be extremely sensitive to your six year-old boy sensibilities; meaning: I try not to make a HUGE deal out of the fact that you are friends with a (OH GRODY!) girl. However, I can't help but be thrilled that I came home today to find you playing in a "clubhouse" (a large box) while the girl and boy close to your age played with you and the older kids were nowhere to be found; because this scenario is close to becoming habit. In fact, you are friendly enough with these children that the girl came to our screen one day to inform us of your whereabouts. You have lackey's, and I am glad they are your age.

Zoo Day!

2010-04-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

I am so happy I took the time to chaperon your field trip; I did end up getting you in my group of three wild ~~beasts~~ boys. I absolutely loved walking you into class, watching you start a typical day and standing up with my hand on my heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Yep, it's been a while since I've done The Pledge! But guess what? That's like riding a bike. I could pick out the morning kids from the non-morning kids (I am one of the latter) by the way Mrs. S did role call. "Good morning, J!" she would say. And J (our example student in this case) would reply "Good morning!"; but the kids who scoff at mornings would merely grumble something that sounded like "meh" and Mrs. S would have to do a double take. You are a total morning person and tend to pop out of bed with a smile on your face, a laugh in your heart and a bounce in your step. You are like a little ray of sunshine.

The zoo was at it's best. Most of the premium animals were out and about, unlike previous trips that left me feeling like I wasted a lot of money (and this trip was free!). The two other boys were not really your friends because apparently, they are a little bit evil (your words). I thought it interesting that Mrs. S would put them with me, perhaps believing that since I already turned out one really well-behaved small person, I might be better equipped to handle two more not so well-behaved small people.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

The first hour and a half was great and fantastic with three well-behaved little boys; but then we had lunch and that should have concluded the field trip. The additional hour and a half resulted in a lot of stern motherly type statements to the two other boys regarding hitting each other with water bottles and staying with the group; which eventually turned into a stern motherly warning to you because you just couldn't help yourself with all that fun misbehavior going on!

We eventually met up with a couple of other groups and the mom's in those groups were so at ease and TOTALLY not worried about losing their charges; so I thought, man, I must look like such an amateur; because me? I kept a hawk-eye on those boys who were not you (I trust you to stay near). I just assumed they were professional chaperons or mothers of more than one.

It was a lot of fun though, and I very much enjoyed riding the bus with you and getting to know the other kids and their (mostly) mothers (there was, one dad?). Since I plan on keeping you in this school for the duration of elementary, it is important that I get to know our surroundings and now I can't wait for the next chaperoned field trip!

Goop XLR8 III

2010-04-13T22:36:00.001-07:00

When we gave up your tortoise (to a better home), I promised you a hamster; because they are much more manageable pets and I had a few growing up (Fluffy, Buffy, Muffy and Duffy - yes, your old mom was soooo creative). I know how to take care of hamsters and I felt confident promising you one of your own, but wasn't prepared to immediately buy you one so I waited a few months for you to call my bluff.

You've been doing that a lot these last few weeks (calling my bluff), so Saturday night I took you to the pet store to "look" and we were enamored with a super cute Robo Dwarf. I looked at the price and balked, "pfft! $15 for a hamster, where are the run of the mill breeds?" Nowhere to be found, that's where. And then I saw the price of habitats and balked even more knowing full-well that it was just a ruse; you were getting a hamster within 24 hours, but not that night. No, I had to cash in my super cool mom points, you see.

You went to your dad's Saturday night and Sunday I went back to that pet store and bought that very hamster as a surprise for when you got home (see reference to Super Cool Mom points).

You were and still are, tickled pink with your new pet. You just enjoy watching him and are terrified of losing him. He's like the Energizer Hamster, quick as lightning; this guy and his little legs move so fast that you can't even see them: like a ceiling fan set on high speed.

Goop is your favorite Ben 10 character, but you thought XLR8 fit his speediness better, so Goop XLR8 it is, with the "III" added on to make it sound official.

Dragon III

2010-04-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

This was a big weekend, we were busy. You got a new pet, we went to a farmer's market, and we went to see Clash of the Titans and still managed to fit a 24 hour visit with your dad in there. Amazing, huh?

Big Chickens II

2010-04-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

You had to take another sick day yesterday, so I recycled the picture. The book it comes from makes you laugh exuberantly every time.

It's official, I'm chaperoning your field trip this week and I'm really not sure what all it entails other than watching out for a few kids that aren't you.

Dragon II

2010-04-07T22:47:00.000-07:00

Here's another dragon because the first one wasn't good enough (and this one's not good enough either). I sense a recurring theme. I love to draw whimsical, magical things.

It seems as if you may be anxious for summer now; you are slightly [completely] restless and somewhat [totally] bored with schoolwork. While part of that is still a remnant of The Great School Switch of '09, a lot of it is just the ants in the pants feelings kids get as the school year draws to a close.

I'm debating letting you spend the summer with your dad, in a sort of role reversal where I would get you on the weekends. You are okay with this, I'm not sure I am just yet.

Dragons

2010-04-06T21:10:00.000-07:00

On Easter we saw "How to Train Your Dragon" and it was the first movie in a long time that you absolutely fell in love with. I thought it was a super cute DVD purchase worthy movie and it gave me an excuse to draw you whimsical creatures.

We went to a local farm on Saturday for their annual Easter Egg hunt (cost: $25) and I was absolutely appalled at the manners the majority of parents and children had. You are not an aggressive little boy, if you see someone picking something up, you aren't going to swoop in and steal it from them; but unfortunately, 90% of the participants at the hunt were that type of person. The parents were even worse. You walked away with five empty plastic eggs while the greedy children and their parents had baskets filled to the brim with loot. Ever the optimist, you looked up at me and said "well, at least we have some plastic eggs to put things in now!". THAT is what made it all worthwhile. I may have paid $25 for a hot dog and some empty plastic eggs, but I also got to see my baby show off what a wonderful person he is.

Tooth Fairy

2010-04-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

That stubborn tooth finally gave in! It just popped right out Saturday morning and I'm pretty sure I was just as excited as you. The Tooth Fairy gave you an extra $1 because you worked so hard for it.

Easter Basket

2010-04-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hippity, hoppity, Easter's on its way!

Ladybug

2010-03-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

It's been nothing short of amazing to watch you soak up knowledge this year. Last night, you brought home a book and some homework papers to complete. One of the papers contained ten or so math problems. I went off to do something for maybe two minutes, and when I came back, you had completed the math worksheet and had moved on to the next task. All but two were right, and when I pointed them out, you said "Oh, I thought that was ADDITION!" and corrected it immediately. You read the book like it was nothing new, and it contained words like "could" and "would"; stuff that's not all that easy to learn if you are used to phonics. Even your drawings, once consisting of little more than a few lines, now look like funky chickens:

You are learning about ladybug's in school right now and actually have some in your classroom. When I asked if you had held any, you told me no and you have absolutely no intention of doing so.

Turtwig

2010-03-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a sick day

You brought home a field trip permission slip today for the zoo and since I promised you I would chaperon a field trip this school year, I'm going to make good on that promise by volunteering. It's not set in stone yet, but I'm making the effort. I haven't been involved in much this school year, I admit; and I'm still working on getting my gold star in parental involvement.

That tooth of yours - the one that was pretty loose on February 2nd - is still holding on by a few threads. You were such a brave kid tonight; you took an apple and bit into it about fifty times trying to get that stubborn thing out of your mouth. I am particularly impressed because you won't even let me put peroxide on a tiny scrape. You bled, you winced, and you kept on going, but eventually the tooth won and you fell asleep on your bed with the apple in your hand. Really, after all this effort, I think an extra Tooth Fairy reward is in order, don't you?

Peter Cottontail

2010-03-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist drawing you another Easter Bunny. Last year, you asked why the one in the mall had speakers on top of his head. This year, you know why.

You got another report this week and you are doing so well! Of course, math is still your best subject, but you are still doing awesome in every other subject. I am so proud of you!

Easter Egg

2010-03-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

After 138 pictures, for the 138 days you have attended school, the inevitable happened: I forgot to make you a picture last night.

And then I lied about it and told you I accidentally put it in my work stuff.

My reasons were honest: you have come to depend on these pictures, to cherish them and even though they rarely make it into your lunch box because you usually buy lunch now; you relish getting to look at them before or right after school. Sometimes I place them in your shirt drawer, sometimes in your backpack; I imagine it's like looking for Easter Eggs. You know this is my special gift to you, that no other mother in your school does this for her son and the thought of admitting to you that I just plum forgot hurts my heart and I knew it would hurt yours; so I did what a mother is supposed to do and I protected my baby. True, there is more to it than that, and I could wax on about WHY it is so important that I don't forget these things, but my guilt and your knowledge are quite enough of a statement, I think.

I Call this the "Oh crud, I didn't make your picture yet!" version of the Easter Bunny

2010-03-24T17:40:00.003-07:00

I did this after I had turned off the lights to go to bed. I have every intention of doing a better one before the big day; even if you know the truth about all that stuff now.

The good news is that I picked up brown paper bags after work yesterday, so you got to take your Show and Tell stuff in today (two Ben 10 figures and a kaleidoscope). Now we have 99 brown bags that I'm not sure what to do with. You were a bit nervous about talking in front of the class, so I gave you some totally immature pointers about how to handle your nerves. When you called me after school today and I asked you if Show and Tell was as bad as you thought it would be, you replied, "No, it was badder" and it would have been better if the whole class had to do it.

Upchuck

2010-03-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

You know why I think Ben 10 is such a big hit? Because it is something most adults enjoy, too. When you can get me to sit down and watch one, I actually enjoy it and find the episodes quite funny. For instance, one episode was named the Con of Wrath (haha, hello Star Trek reference) and in another, Kevin delivers one of the most famous lines from The Princess Bride "Hello, my name is Kevin Levin..." Grown ups, at least most of the parents of your generation, can totally relate to that stuff. And who doesn't enjoy a little potty humor, such as an alien named "Upchuck".

Glameow

2010-03-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

You thought you weren't ready for Spring Break to end, but I knew you were ready by the way you clung onto my every move. You were bored. You missed your friends and today ended up being a marvelous day because you got a "BRAVO!" which meant a trip to the prize box. You picked out a small Slinky, but when I got home, you walked up to my car with a forlorn look on your face and showed me your formerly slinky SLINKY that had, in the space of two hours, become a rather warped slinky. Of course I promised to buy you another, you worked hard for that.

You are Student of the Week this week and I got the notice on Friday, March 12th on what we needed to do to prepare. It was simple - get a brown paper bag, put three things that fit in there for "Show and Tell" and make a poster with pictures and interests. We had plenty of time to do that stuff over Spring Break, so I tucked the note back in your folder.

You know what that means; I found the note this last Sunday afternoon and rushed out to the store for poster board, forgetting all about the paper bags and made a half-rate version of the story of your life. I'm not sure how I'm going to teach you about time-management if I am a horrible example of it myself.

Toby

2010-03-12T23:23:00.000-08:00

You did not bring home a writing journal this week. I admit, I was somewhat disappointed. Nothing brings a smile to my face like that peek I get inside your head on a (usually) weekly basis.

I'm sure it has something to do with the half day and the spring break that you get next week, but still...those writing journals are treasures.

This weekend, we are spending some time together. Just you and me, kid. I gave you more than one choice, one of which included a great deal of candy, but you chose breakfast at Einstein Bros and a hike up your favorite *mountain*. That's what kind of a kid you are. You would rather spend time doing something special than eating candy. Seriously, you are awesome.

Sprite

2010-03-11T20:40:00.000-08:00

There seems to be a bout of pink eye going around. Grandma suspects she might have it, so she told you to steer clear of her eye. You looked at her and asked: "Well isn't pink eye better than black eye?"

Oh child, where do you come up with these things? Bill Cosby could make a show just for you. "Alex Says the Darnedest Things."

Digit

2010-03-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

You are dealing with some new, unexpected things right now that are, in a sense, turning your little world upside down. As your mother, I know that it is my duty to make these things seem (in hindsight) less profound; but it seems I'm watching myself fail more than I succeed. For that, I am truly sorry. I'm still new at this. You are still my first child. You are still my only child. And you didn't come with a manual. Each challenge is new to me and since I haven't practiced for any of these tests, I do better on some than on others.

Just know this: Nothing will change the fact that I love you more than anything.

Your DS

2010-03-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

This was a special request. Draw your DS, so there you go!

One of your friends has moved from the community and one of your friends is moving soon and it's really too bad, because those friends were my favorites of all of your friends.

Birthday Party

2010-03-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

I guess we could call D your all time best friend; you've known him since you were about a year old, and if I so much as hint that we may visit him, your face instantaneously brightens. He's your best pal, even if he is a year and a half older than you.

We volunteered to make his birthday cake this weekend and his mom said he likes chocolate and peanut butter, so we made him a chocolate fudge cake with chocolate buttercream frosting and peanut butter fudge filling. It was an eight inch round cake, there were about fifteen people, and not very many could actually finish their small slice. It was incredibly rich, even for my tastes. A little too decadent for a child's birthday party, methinks.

Wocket

2010-03-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

I guess we can declare Dr. Seuss week officially over; hopefully we'll be a little more prepared next year. At least we had the books, right?

I think I've mentioned this before, but out of all the trees you bring home, my favorite are your Focused Writing Journals. It's hard to throw any of it away, but I have to (when you aren't looking) because there is not enough storage space in the world to keep it all. But those writing journals are like treasure, not only are the incredibly cute, but they give me insight as to where you are at in your comprehension of words.

This week's was centered around Dr. Seuss, naturally. On one page of the journal, you drew a picture of me reading to you before bed (I love that you included the ceiling fan in your room) with the sentence: "I lik dr. soos bookx. His brth biy wus yestrday."

(Hey, you got the two sentence thing right!)

And on another: "My favrrt book is by Dr Seuss. It is The Cat in the Hat Comes Back." You admitted that you looked at the book to spell the author's name, but you did REALLY good on that, regardless.

I can't mention your journals without also taking notice of the pictures. You have progressed in the picture drawing department immensely, and as far as the big picture goes, you are already leaps and bounds ahead of ye ol' Mom. Let's go back to that picture of me reading to you before bed. In it, you included your train table (which is actually in the garage now), the ceiling fan, your door, and of course, your bed. The bed was waaay tall, because it is waaaay tall and I love that you've got the perception to put that down on paper. If I had drawn that same picture, the only thing I would have drawn is a picture from that book, not the entire room.

Also, your people now have eyebrows.

Ice Cream

2010-03-04T19:43:00.000-08:00

Dessert for the last two nights. With all the fixings we could get our hands on.

Findow

2010-03-03T19:37:00.000-08:00

It's Dr. Seuss week at school, so you've asked me to read a different Seuss book every night with you. Every day has had a theme, today was "wear your funniest hat" day. You don't have a funny hat; in fact, you don't have any hats that fit you. Tomorrow is Green Eggs and Ham day and you are supposed to wear green. Unfortunately, your wardrobe has no green. Since your favorite action hero (Ben 10) wears a lot of green, I find this quite surprising. Dr. Seuss week is quite a bust in this regard, isn't it?

Kewl Breeze

2010-03-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

You called me at work as you were getting ready to leave for school this morning and told me "I like the picture so much that I don't know how to explain it!" This picture comes from the comic book that came with your last pair of mostly unused-now-almost-too-small Skechers.

We finally finished February's homework (shameful mother, partially redeemed) and it gave me a great opportunity to see where you are at academically. I look at everything you bring home, but seeing the bigger picture is nothing short of amazing. My little boy who could barely write the shortened version of his first letter in block letters (shameful, lazy mother), now writes his full first and last name in a snap. You can add and subtract and make up sentences that make sense, mostly - which really impresses me. I love the writing journals you bring home. I love to see you work out the sounds of words from your head to the paper. And your pictures? Stinking adorable.

A Horse is a Horse, of Course

2010-03-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

I think this is the second time I've drawn you a horse in recent weeks, but I spent a little bit more time on this one. Actually, this is really the only thing (and the rose) that I can say is all mine. An original. There are very few drawings that have actually come from my head, so I hope you like it.

So I have to tell you what you did this weekend, it was the cutest thing: We were standing on the patio and one of your friends was riding around the area on his bike. You walked up to the gate, put your little hand up and said "Whatup, Sergio?" WHATUP? Oh my gosh, it was so stinking cute because you said it like whatup like it has been part of your dialogue for years. Seriously. Cute.

We had visitors over the weekend; it was my friend and her two girls (and girls are just ICKY!). When they showed up, your friend Tristan was still outside and as soon as they saw them he said, "dude, they are staying with you? Awww man, good luck." and you gave him this little "dude, I know" eye roll.

When you came inside you asked for your book of pictures and I can't tell you how much that melted my heart because that was validation that this thing I've been doing since your first day of kindergarten is special to you. I don't think the girls ever saw it (as was certainly your intention), but I saw it. I noticed. And as it turns out, you and those icky girls had a fabulous time together and you can't wait for them to come back again. I am not surprised at all.

Scooby 2

2010-02-26T22:29:00.000-08:00

I am a shameful mother - we have yet to do your February homework. It's a good thing your teacher doesn't really take it seriously. I bet we won't get away with this next year.

Rose

2010-02-25T20:20:00.000-08:00

It's probably a little girlie for you, but at least I didn't make it pink.

Long Haired Boy

2010-02-24T19:57:00.001-08:00

You got to go to the treasure box again today, and you picked out a Matchbox Airplane; of which you proclaimed: "It must have cost a fortune!".

Green Eggs and Ham Revisited

2010-02-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

You took a sick day yesterday and spent the day at home with your dad. You were actually sick, but I know you also needed that extra day with him. It was nice to see you excited to be with him again, you haven't seen as much of him as you are used to in recent months and there have been times where he's come over to pick you up, only to go home without you because you changed your mind at the last minute.

And every day I remind myself how incredibly lucky we are that your dad is in your life. So many single mom's/dad's don't get to say that.

I'm Going to Sneeze

2010-02-19T22:00:00.001-08:00

This is from another book that survived childhood (Patricia Thomas, Wallace Tripp), multiple moves across multiple states and the great childhood "stuff" clean-out of '06. I was 31 when your grandma finally handed me all of this stuff and I got to say: "oh mom, really, you didn't need to keep this" about a hundred times. I hope you'll do the same to me some day; because you will relive some of the most whimsical days of your life through those memories.

I don't remember actually reading this book, I just remember having it and when I decided what was going and what was staying four years ago, this felt nostalgic in a big way, so I kept it.

When I read it to you last night, it was like I was reading it for the first time and lo and behold, it's quite a charming little book, with rhyme and lots of silliness - like a subtle Dr. Seuss. You absolutely loved it.

"Stand back," said the elephant,

"I'm going to sneeze!

I hate to alarm you,

But I don't wish to harm you.

My friends, I fear

It's clear....

Oh, dear,

You'd better stand back, I'm going to sneeze."

Cat Again

2010-02-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

You don't like your substitute today because she wouldn't let you wash the teensy bit of paint off of your little finger and you had to walk around all day long with a painted finger. You crack me up, kiddo.

The Cat Comes Back

2010-02-18T18:03:00.001-08:00

This is one of those weeks that just feels washed out. Your teacher is gone for most of the week and it seems like my mind has gone on vacation. I can't really say what's going on at school, because the mound of papers I've come to expect has turned into one or two half or not-at-all completed worksheets. You've got a lot of homework to catch up on, but I'm having trouble finding the right paper for you to use. You still use the skyline, airplane line, grass line, worm line stuff. Shame on me for not making a bigger effort.

Hot Dog Day

2010-02-16T20:39:00.000-08:00

You liked hot dog day at school, but were of the opinion that tater tots would have been better than beans. Most boys LOVE beans and I try to tell you this, but you want nothing to do with those salty, mushy things.

Dog

2010-02-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

You brought home a lot of sugar (Valentine's Party) and that's all I can really say about today. :)

Silly Guy

2010-02-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days where I hope upon hope that when you grow up you remember the smiles and laughter, and not the frowns and my raised voice. I feel like an awful mom today. Absolutely awful and I spent my entire jog trying to figure out a ways to make you smile more. I love you, my sweet boy. More than the universe, more than anything.

Horse

2010-02-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

This is going to be one of those weeks where the pictures get (seriously) progressively worse. It's been a busy week for me and my time at home has been limited. Right now, you are in bed trying to squeeze out information on tomorrow's picture, doing your very best to avoid closing your eyes and drifting off to la la land. You brought home another spelling test today, still a perfect score. You are spelling words like "shin" with ease now. Your first reading quiz was also included in your daily bundle of trees and it was, of course, a 100 percent. I know I can't expect you to keep doing this, but it's hard not to be incredibly proud of you. You are so attentive, so diligent and even when you complain that you don't like school, I know you are just saying that because it's against some rule of childhood to admit you actually like it.

Penguin

2010-02-09T20:32:00.001-08:00

Your reading is really progressing now. You are at the point where you can figure out a word, even if you sound it out wrong the first time. For instance, you may pronounce "fall" with the wrong sound in the "a", but you are able to figure out the RIGHT sound after you say it out loud. That's leaps and bounds from where you started, when hen might be sounded out like: "h..a..m...DOG!" (though, I must admit, I loved when you would sound out a word correctly, like "d o g" and then shout out something random, like "HOUSE!" with total enthusiasm).

Football

2010-02-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

We had a busy weekend, and busy weekends are good and fun but leave very little time for drawing extravagant copies. Today, you wrote "I like my. nana" in your writing journal at school. You were pretty miffed that you were told that doesn't really count as two sentences and you told me when you bring it home you are going to erase it and make it right. I told you I want you to leave it just like it is. It is absolutely perfect as far as I'm concerned.

My Noses, They Growses

2010-02-05T19:50:00.000-08:00

You were finally rewarded for your good behavior with a trip to the treasure box today. I really don't think I've ever seen you so excited over a Happy Meal toy, but that's because you worked so hard for it.

Jester

2010-02-04T21:04:00.001-08:00

Nana's here! You still have to go to school, but boy oh boy do you love your Nana. You love your Papa too, but you rarely get to see him. When you were about two years old, they came to visit us and Nana suggested that we go get lunch while you guys waited for us in the food court at the mall. I had no idea how that would turn out, as you were shy and Papa is a big, intimidating guy. We came back and you two were getting along fabulously. It reminded me of how I felt about my own grandpa, your Papa's dad. He was a big, intimidating guy, but he looked like a teddy bear to me. Man, I adored that guy.

I'm glad to see you feel the same way about your Papa.

Tight Hat

2010-02-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

I don't let on that I notice, because I know you notice, but you are not the golden child at this school like you were your last. I don't think it has anything to do with you, but more to do with the fact that this teacher bonded with the other children at the start of the school year. I know you are a good student at school; I've asked your teacher numerous times how you are doing and she's never sent home any negative remarks. I can't tell you WHY you haven't received a bravo sticker toward the prize box, I can just tell you that you shouldn't be good just for the prize, but you should be good because it's the right thing to do. You already know this, I know, but I'm trying to soften this a little for you, because it's hard for me not to be hurt for you. How dare this woman not treat you like every other teacher has? Can't she see what a treasure you are? What a wonderful, kind, sweet, and occasionally mouthy (at home, only) little boy you are?

I am realistic, I know you have your moments (and so do I!) and I want to give her the benefit of the doubt, but this is the school that cancelled the Kindergarten Winter Program because five year olds were stepping out of line.

Before the school year started, I was pretty resistant to your first school because it had failed AYP the year before; but I think because of that the climate was more nurturing and encouraging and you learned more. You are too young for me to have a real opinion on standardized testing, but I wasn't impressed when your principal said "I know there are differing opinions on standardized testing, but we must realize it is here and it is here to stay." He's just going with the grain and this school has been VERY successful at going with the grain. I'm not sure that's really the best way to gauge a school's success.

Still, I'm not giving up on this school. The transition was rough. I have no plans to move and I really think that having a full year in one place will make all the difference in the world.

And maybe I'll join the PTA and let that principal know just what I think about his standardized thinking.

The Family Minus

2010-02-02T19:44:00.001-08:00

This is from a book from my childhood, one that makes me nostalgic, and one that you now love.

The day you've been waiting for finally arrived. Today, we discovered your very first loose tooth. You were very excited about it until I told you (so that you wouldn't be surprised) that the tooth will probably have a little blood on it when it comes out.

You asked me to glue it back into your mouth.

Conversation

2010-02-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

Conversation Hearts are hard to find this year. Sweethearts are everywhere, but we've only been able to find the traditional kind at one store, so there must be a boycott everywhere else. They certainly aren't the highest quality of candy, but just like candy corn, it's the kind of thing you love to hate and can't get enough of at certain times of the year.

Oh little Conversation Hearts, where are you?

Kirby

2010-01-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

100 percent on your first spelling test! You remembered "b, bat at ball" and didn't get the b's and the d's mixed up. Of course I'm proud of you!

Pikachu

2010-01-28T16:06:00.001-08:00

Your foot is a little better today, but you are still a little limpy. Poor guy. It's not stopping you from playing outside with your light sabers though. You *almost* have enough to provide each neighborhood kid with their own every time you play.

A Cross Between Robots and Star Wars

2010-01-27T16:01:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what to say about this one, sorry.

You hurt your foot today doing something I've advised you not to do before, but I can't muster up an "I told you so" because a. that would probably be pretty immature and b. if you do that trick again I have REAL reason to advise you not to do it.

Rex

2010-01-26T20:28:00.001-08:00

I'm feeling like one of those really out of touch parents today. You had your 100 day party at school and it seems every child brought a treat but you. Maybe I was supposed to DEDUCE that you were to bring something, or the note went home on Thursday or Friday when you weren't there. No matter, the was plenty of sugar to go around. PLENTY. I couldn't believe the list of goods you named off.

Since this is your 104th picture it means that the school year is evening out for you. It's the 104th day of school you've attended (sick days counted), but the 100th day of school for your class. It won't be long before this school actually has more school days than your old school; since your old school took more breaks and had a longer overall school year. I don't know if that's important or not, but I wanted to note it. This district has a much more reasonable school year as far as I'm concerned.

Clone Wars

2010-01-25T17:58:00.000-08:00

Grandma took you to Walgreen's after school today and you spotted Ahsoka in the toy aisle. She tattled on you and told me you took out this picture and compared. So, how did I do?

You had your spelling test today and even though I don't know the results yet, you said that you didn't think too many of your peers did as well as you did. It's good to have that kind of confidence, keep it up.

You also had your molars sealed on the dentists recommendation, and apparently, that's the worst thing you've ever tasted.

Cactus People

2010-01-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

I kept you home from school again today and for some inexplicable reason, I felt like the truancy police were going to come and get me. I was worried that my message on the attendance line wouldn't be clear enough and I'd get a call asking WHY you weren't in school today and WHY I didn't call to excuse you.

I think it's fairly obvious where your tendency to be a strict rule follower comes from.

Sick Day

2010-01-21T20:44:00.001-08:00

You went 100 days without missing a single day of school and even got an award for perfect attendance before you left your last school; but today when you called me all sniffly, snuffly and sneezy at work, I knew your perfect attendance streak had come to its conclusion. So I came home early and you got back in your comfy jammies and we sat in your bedroom and played Super Mario 64 for most of the day. I made you a grilled cheese sammich with tomato soup for lunch and a super cheesy pizza for dinner and sent you to bed with a massive dose of store brand Vapor Rub.

You didn't want to go to bed tonight because the weather was making you nervous and you kept asking me if we were going to have a tornado. We are experiencing some pretty extreme middle of winter weather here in the desert and my guess is that you were watching The Weather Channel this morning with Grandma and heard mention of tornado somewhere; so it was pretty ironic that we did get a tornado warning for our exact location tonight. It might also explain why our cat, Digit the Storm Chaser, was going nuts at the windows shortly before the worst of it hit us.

Doctor Who

2010-01-20T17:19:00.000-08:00

My love for Doctor Who has officially rubbed off on you. We are both counting the days until the next season begins, even though we'll miss David Tennant in the role. I grew up watching The Doctor, so it's fun to be able to share this with you.

You had a self-admitted bad day today, but I couldn't quite tell why. Something to do with puzzles and smashing that you weren't involved in it but the teacher forgot to mention that and you REALLY JUST DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT, MOM! So that's all I've got. I'm not quite sure what it is, but hopefully by tomorrow it will be yesterday's news.

Wheelies and the DS

2010-01-19T19:36:00.001-08:00

It was a three day weekend and as per usual, Tuesday was here before I was ready; so I hurriedly scribbled something for you. You love these fly by the seat of my pants pictures because they always represent something very current, even if the artistry is lacking. You've learned how to "pop a wheelie" due to the influence of the older neighborhood kids and as much as I want to cringe, hold you close and tell you to never ever do that again, I won't. Boys will be boys, even when their mother's tend toward the frilly and their father's are hairstylists. That could explain your recent infatuation with football too, which I think is totally cool!

The teacher sent home a note today informing the parental units that you are to have your very first spelling test next week. The words she will be testing you on are as follows:

flat

last

blast

van

tan

bat

ask

fat

man

plan

I tested you tonight and you got them all right. I am so very impressed! It's hard to believe that in six short months you have come so far; you absorb knowledge like Kevin Levin absorbs metal. It only takes one time to explain that the 'wh' sound is 'w' and you get it. It's amazing watching you grow and mature. It's bittersweet for sure, but more sweet than bitter.

Chromostone

2010-01-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

You aren't the only one who looks forward to seeing what picture I've packed for you each day anymore; apparently, Mrs. C is quite enamored and some people have referred to me as an *artist*. An artist I will never be, but it's flattering nonetheless.

Ben 10 has grown on me, and the new Friday night Ben 10 episodes are something I now look forward to watching with you. The cartoon can be pretty funny. Ben's most recent new character, that tiger looking critter, had us both in stitches. LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHIN' KEVIN LEVIN!

Cupcake

2010-01-14T19:13:00.000-08:00

In an effort to make it less girlie, I'm pretty sure I made it even more girlie. But everybody likes cupcakes and since you've decided (as of ten minutes ago) that your number one career choice is to be a chef, what better place to start than utterly delightful, overly colorful, super sweet cupcakes.

Beary

2010-01-13T19:46:00.001-08:00

You have two favorite stuffed animals, both of the floppy, beanie baby type variety that you got when you were a baby. You never had a security blanket, and you didn't have security "animals" until about a year ago, at which point you attached yourself to Monkey (who I drew earlier this year in his Spiderman getup). This is Beary and Beary was originally a stand-in for Monkey when you left him at your dad's one time. He was stored with your baby stuff, but he was the best substitute for Monkey that I could think of and you were delighted when I showed him to you. I thought I was being creative when you asked what you should name him and I suggested "Blueberry!" but you stuck with Beary. I can't remember who bought it for you, but it was brought to you in the hospital right after you were born. Maybe it was Becky.

In other news, I bribed you into trying a pistachio tonight by offering you an M & M and lo and behold! You loved 'em. A year ago, you would have turned your nose up and no amount of bribery would have made you try that nut that is green and reminds you of the color of grass. Just another example of how much you are growing! Oh, and you stepped on the scale the other day (granted you had your clothes on, but no shoes) and you are pushing sixty pounds! No wonder I almost broke my back carrying your sleeping noodle self up the stairs the other night. I measured you yesterday and you are about a centimeter shy of 48 inches. That's FOUR FEET TALL, which means you are only a foot and a half shorter than me. You still look so little to me, but when I see it in the measurements perspective, I realize that you are really so much bigger than I see. Suddenly, I appreciate that I can still see the top of your head without stretching. Of course I want you to grow, but I appreciate what you still are.

Love,

Your Mom who is feeling rather short tonight

ROOOAAARRR!!

2010-01-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

This is, apparently, the 95th picture I've drawn for you. I think that's pretty amazing (tooting my own horn here); it means that I've drawn you a picture every day for more than half of the school year. One thing you need to know about me (and this applies to New Year's resolutions as well) is that setting my mind on something takes a little effort (motivation wise), but once I'm focused, I get tunnel vision and feel that I cannot quit. You tell me quite often that it's okay if I skip a day, and technically on the days you buy lunch, I don't HAVE to draw you a picture, but I enjoy sending something with you every day and it makes me feel like I'm showing you that I'm invested in your education; that even though I'm not with you during the school day, I still care what's going on. Does a picture really prove this? Maybe not, but the motivation behind it is genuine.

And, it's a goal for me. I like to accomplish things because I can be the world's biggest giver upper. I liked to cross-stitch when I was younger, but ask me to show you a completed project and I will come back empty handed. So, this is probably a good lesson in motivation for you too. Just don't ask me to show you how to cross-stitch.

Love,

Your Incomplete Mom

Adjust

2010-01-11T17:59:00.000-08:00

I know you like your new school now, even though you would never actually admit to it. When I ask you if you like your teacher, Mrs. S, you say simply say "yes" instead of "Yeah, but I still like my old teacher better".

A Mother Knows

2010-01-08T22:26:00.000-08:00

You asked me to make you a drawing that you could color, so there you are. I won't deny that it was EASIER, but it felt like I was cheating.

You got your first report card today, and you know, not to toot my own horn or anything, but apparently you don't need to have a degree in early childhood education to understand your child's strengths. I don't know how many times I've mentioned that you are doing well in reading and writing, but even better (as in, ADVANCED) in math concepts. Today, my educated guesses were validated. Not that I needed it, but it was still nice to see that truly am tuned into your education:

Why yes, those 3's mean you are excelling, my dear. They mean that you are probably a little bit bored with what you are learning in class (as evidenced by the lack of new information you are bringing home) because you already know it. I'm trying not to be one of those parents who brags about your accomplishments, but I am so flipping proud of you kid that I simply can't help it.

(And don't worry, I don't think brain surgeons really need to be concerned about excelling at geometry.)

P.S.S. Geometry sucks.

New Kid

2010-01-07T18:23:00.001-08:00

You are no longer the newest kid in your class, you are now the second newest kid in the class. I thought this deserved a high five, but you told me it wasn't so bad being the new kid, because only the first day is scary.

I think this class may be a little bit behind your other school, probably because this school doesn't have to worry about test scores like the old school did and inundating you with reading, writing and 'rithmatic from the get go is not as important. My first clue was when I asked your new teacher when you should turn in your homework and she told me something to the effect of "oh, whenever". Your old school was very serious about homework and getting it turned in on time. Also, you are just learning to sound out words (again), something you were doing in October at the other school. I'm not sure which way I prefer it, because part of me thinks Kindergarten should just be about fun and getting used to the classroom environment. But the other part of me saw how much fun it was for you to learn something new every day. I guess that's what first grade is for.

These Days

2010-01-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

These days, our doorbell rings non-stop and it is rarely for any of the adults in the house. You've managed to fit right in and make yourself some bona fide neighborly friends; something previously difficult to do given the wandering nature of apartment types. It makes me want to stay forever. I should talk to the landlord about signing a forever and ever lease.

These days, you know the real story about Santa. Because you asked me. In a grocery store. On Christmas Eve. And because I think you are a lot like me in that respect, I gave you the whole truth and nothing but the truth and you were totally okay with it. Just as I suspected you would be. Now you belong to a special club of big boys who know.

These days, you ask me when you can have your next sleepover, because you slept in another house without me or dad for the first time ever. The mom is a friend of mine and this was planned long ago. We made a deal, see, and you kept your end of the bargain, so I kept mine and for one night you slept on an air mattress and played Wii far away from home.

These days, your dad takes you to movies. He doesn't like movies, but I couldn't stomach a round of Alvin and the Chipmunks, so I put your dad on the spot and he took you to see it. I am pretty sure that's the first movie theater he's ever taken you to. I took you to Avatar, your dad took you to Alvin. Somehow I think Alvin was more special.

These days, you always remember to be thankful. It's your new thing. Thanking everyone for everything. It's sweet and I know it won't last forever. Plus, you've got the cutest way of saying it.

Rudolph's First Flight

2009-12-18T20:19:00.000-08:00

This marks the end of your first semester at school and my, have you grown. My timid little boy has blossomed into an assertive child who makes friends with the neighborhood kids even if they might think you're a little young for their crowd (most are 8 or 9 and one, who is particularly awesome to you, is a SIXTH GRADER). You don't know it, but I saw you follow those boys the other day and demand that they acknowledge you. I observe a lot more than you realize, it's a parents job, and when you ask if I really have eyes in the back of my head, the answer is no, but I might as well have them.

Academically, I don't know what to say except WOW! You can actually write clearly now, and you are sounding out things to write in the cutest way. Your teacher asked what you did on Thanksgiving and your response was "we eetid"; so I know you are grasping the sounds of words (if not the grammar). I don't envy you, I can now see why the English language is one of the hardest to learn. Just look at the word "learn"; it's amazing that any of us every learn to read and write at all. The only words in that last sentence that made any sense, sound wise, is "at" and "and".

No longer am I "mommy" or even "mom". I am now, simply: M-O-M. "M-O-M, can you help me? M-O-M, can I have some lunch?" etc...

You definitely get math and numbers and it may be a little early to say this, but I think you are already fitting into the stereotypical ideal that boys do better in math. Not only do you grasp it easily, but you like it. You are constantly performing addition and subtraction in your head, telling time and counting. You love to quote prices for me. For instance: "MOMMY! That's two dollars and thirty-nine cents!", or, when looking at a can of beans "OH MY GOSH MOMMY, that can of beans is NINETY-NINE dollars!" (99 cents)

You know by now that I tend to beat myself up over the fact that I taught you very little before kindergarten started, but I do want to point out that I at least taught you silly bulls (syllables) before you learned it in school! I was really pleased with myself the day you came home and told me that your teacher taught you syllables and you were all "yeah, I know this already, my MOMMY taught me". I don't think that's what you actually said, but that's what you said in my head.

You are adjusting well to your new school. You even have a "job" that you perform with your new best friend. The two of you are tasked with carrying the lunch bucket - which I assume means the bucket that contains your classmates lunch boxes, sacks, etc... It's a little bit of responsibility and you love it. It means you break away from the class to walk to and from your classroom unsupervised and freedom like that is bliss to a six year old.

So when you came home on Wednesday and announced that you had "quit your job", I was taken aback. Apparently, you and your fellow bucket carrier were laughing on your way back from the lunch room and the other Kindergarten teacher came out and told you to be quiet. You get really b-u-t hurt (that's how you spell it) over stuff like that, so you quit your job.

I seized the opportunity to teach you a life lesson right then and there and I told you that everybody has bad days at work and if I "quit" every time I had a bad day, well, we wouldn't be living as pretty as we live now.

The next day you told me you decided to keep your job.

It's nice to know you sometimes wear your listening ears outside of school too ;)

Gingerbread House

2009-12-17T20:16:00.000-08:00

You came home with a milk carton graham cracker gingerbread house concoction today and I sat it proudly on the table for you. I learned something new too: apparently I'm supposed to actually let you eat it. I've made a ton of gingerbread houses, but I like to display them and by the time the day after Christmas comes around, that crud is pretty stale. So please forgive me for throwing it out instead.

Love,

Your awful Mommy

Father Christmas - Do not let small children read!

2009-12-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure how it happened, but you believe in Santa Clause, pretty much wholeheartedly. I've never encouraged the legend with total enthusiasm like a lot of parents, but apparently I've done enough. It's not like I have a problem with it and feel like I'm lying to you, really, and I don't have a problem with the actual encouragement of by other parents; it's just, I dunno, maybe I'm projecting onto you. See, I was NEVER a believer. I can remember being a small tyke and going along with the myth, but secretly feeling like I was doing it for my parents benefit. And that wasn't a bad thing, it was fun and it meant even more! presents! But when I finally asked my mom if Santa was real and she asked if I "really wanted to know", it was a relief. Sometimes I think you are a lot like me, sometimes I realize you are a lot like your dad and sometimes I realize you are your own little wonderful person; and your own little wonderful person wants to believe Santa is real. I think that means you are much more "cup half full" than I am.

My favorite Santa picture is the one from last year; we were at Disneyland and they had real reindeer and an awesome looking Santa dude. You were too busy, you wanted to go on rides and visiting Santa was not on your agenda. I made you go anyway and when you sat on the bench you turned away, crossed your arms and totally snubbed the old fella. But the funniest part of the picture is the fact that Santa followed suit and what resulted was a picture of Santa on one side of the bench, you on the other, and total looks of snubbery on both of your faces.

Needless to say, I didn't make you take a picture with Santa this year, because when it comes right down to it you like Santa, but you don't want to actually have to share space him.

Frosty

2009-12-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

This is the closest you'll get to a snowman in this part of Arizona; in the twelve years I've lived here, I've seen it snow exactly twice: The first time was in 98 where it actually stuck for all of ten minutes, and the second time was a few years ago where the fat flakes were water by the time they hit the ground. So, there you go, an Arizona snowman, and just like unicorns and dragons, they are mythical creatures.

Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

(picture includes bonus: lunch crumbs)

I haven't been able to write, but I've been able to complete the picture end of this deal. The days are getting shorter and before I know it, it's time for you to go to bed and it's almost time for me to go to bed and what has resulted is a mess of hastily scribbled pictures with little to no words to go along with them.

I'm not sure where time is getting off to these days, but I'm sure it has nothing to do with the holidays! the baking! the shopping! And your mother's inability to let a little playground sand sit on the tile floor for one more day (I never thought I would miss the wood chips from your last school). I didn't used to be a neat freak, did you know that? If you were to ask your grandma about my cleaning habits as a teenager, she would tell you that there were days we couldn't open my bathroom door because the clothes were piled up so high behind it. Oh, I was a messy little thing. Now I'm a tidy, not-so-little thing. Trade-offs.

(I'm not calling myself fat. Promise. You've been worried about my perceived self-image lately and though I find it incredibly endearing [you're not fat mommy, so don't even think about saying it!], it says a lot about what I'm teaching you about self esteem. So I'm working on that, k?)

You've done wonderfully at your new school, but were pretty bummed when they postponed the holiday program until spring so that some of the younger kinders have more time to practice their listening and direction following skills. That's what your principal said, but I think your music teacher must have a low tolerance for five and six year olds because I have never heard of the cancellation of a holiday program for bad behavior, ESPECIALLY at this age. You are such a good little listener and rule follower and you just got your first lesson on bad apples and bunches. It's too bad it happened while you were still adjusting and looking for a way to bond with your class.

On the same day that we got the cancellation notice, they tucked a field trip form into your folder; maybe it was a consolation prize. You are going across the street to the high school this week to decorate cookies with the culinary class, but you are NOT looking forward to this because there will be too many girls at the high school (your words). I told you those girls won't chase you, they are more likely to pinch your cute little cheeks, but you aren't buying it.

The Grinch

2009-12-11T18:00:00.000-08:00

Present

2009-12-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

Sprite

2009-12-09T17:59:00.000-08:00

Pure lazy on my part.

I do not like them Sam-I-Am

2009-12-08T17:57:00.000-08:00