School Days, School Days, all the Golden Rule Days

While attending Back to School night with Keanna and Kyler we had a conflict.  Aysen searched all over Kyler's classroom for his desk.  Explanation and reason couldn't convince him he wasn't old enough to attend school like his brother and sisters.

He was unhappy.

This posed a serious problem.  His 3rd birthday is quickly approaching and he will no longer be invited to attend playgroup through the Early Intervention program.  He has been going for over a year and this is "his school."

Keanna auditioned for Nutcracker a few days after back to school night.   While I was watching her I was visiting with Kyler's old preschool teacher, Ms. Shauna.  She was wondering how Kyler liked his new teacher.  My response included the fact that the teacher was great but Aysen couldn't figure out why she didn't have a desk set-up for him.  I finished by asking her if she didn't want to start a class for 2 year olds and before the conversation was over, Aysen was enrolled to be the eighth student in her 3 year old class.

Today was his first day of school.  He dressed himself.

Aysen, Age 2, First day of School

The shirt is on backwards, his legs only use one hole, and except for the incessant choking caused by the shirt facing the wrong direction he was dressed to perfection in his "baseball outfit."

Grandma Linda dropped him off for me (I was attending a funeral) and reported he went with no hesitation.  I picked him up and he had a gigantic smile, carrying the treat bucket that was almost his same size.  If he was potty-trained all complications would be resolved.

My older children also had their first day of school and I did pause my anti-photography strike.  The traditional pictures were taken and each child even added in their own pose or two.

I love to see what outfits are chosen for this most important occasion.

Taylei, 8th Grade, 13

I took each of the children shopping SEPARATELY this year.  Brilliant, every once in a while I surprise myself that I can be so smart.  Except for the fact that I spent most of two days in dressing rooms, everything else went so much smoother than normal.

The mother-daughter date included lunch, haircuts and treats.  The shopping trips even concluded before their money ran out, though it is still burning holes in their pockets.  Taylei finished with 7 pairs of new shoes and is online seeking out the eighth.  She also purchased her first four pairs of colored skinny jeans.  How long do you think this trend will last?

Keanna, 5th Grade, 10

Keanna informed me she didn't want any shirts with pictures or words.  It must either be a sign of growing up or maybe she has discovered she doesn't want to advertise for a company without being paid. 

As we were driving to the stores Keanna pulled out a list of what she hoped to buy.  Hilarious.  She had itemized her needs and budgeted the funds she anticipated spending in each category.  A shawl was her greatest priority but we didn't find one.  Taylei was mindful of this.  She kept an eye out and found a white one to do the trick.  When we brought it home to give it to her Taylei thought Keanna would be so excited she wanted to video her reaction which did not disappoint.  If awards could have been offered I would have held the title of "Best Mom Ever."

Kyler, 1st Grade, 7

Boys are much easier to shop for.  I have been purchasing t-shirts for Kyler as I found them throughout the summer and he didn't need much more.  Finding some shoes though were a giant problem, nothing he liked was available in his size.  Our search area kept expanding and we were finally successful just when I was on the verge of giving up all hope.

I did strip Kyler of his agency as he chose what to wear for the day.  He only likes basketball shorts.  I instructed him he had to wear denim for the first day (since the camera was coming out of the closet I wanted to document he does have more options than he chooses).  Maybe not nice, but I am the mother and I do need to ruin their lives on occasion, isn't that part of the job description?

The Woodland's met at our house for our annual back to school group shot.  (I'm pretty sure Keanna is still taller than Jake.  He was always standing on the high side of the ground.  I may need to investigate further).

Back to School pictures taken August 22, 2012

A Court for Aysen

Our home is full of basketball arenas.  Each with its own unique characteristics, dimensions and obstacles.  The hoop is found in our bedrooms, the office, kitchen and even moves outdoors when others are using the basketball standard on our driveway.  Today Aysen discovered a new arena, my queen-sized bed.

I'm unsure who created this new court (would O.S.H.A. approve, the pillow does seem to be regulation plus?) but he is in love with his new found talent.  Dunking.

Aysen always wants to change up his game.  He shoots for distance.  He requests the basket to be raised to its limit and then becomes bored and needs the hoop lowered.  Dunking adds an element I'm sure he's only dreamed about.

He has also began to practice his own version of dribbling, complete with imaginary defenders.  His mouth is shaped into an O and he makes the cutest little who-who-who noises while working on his offense.  Andy has tried to capture this on film but any time the camera comes out his serious, conquer-the-world-game vanishes, replaced with his I'm-showing-off-for-the-camera game.

Andy has tried to teach Aysen the correct form when shooting a basket -- he shoots baskets the same way a soccer player inbounds the ball -- from back behind his head.  My father's theory is he learned this watching Keanna and Kyler play soccer.  Soccer was clear back in September.  He became passionate about basketball in January.  I'm not willing to put any money on my dad's theory correct or incorrect, but . . . the fact of the matter is . . . he is content with his shot.  He can score eight feet back from the hoop - five shots in a row.  It works for him.  He is 2, the serious training can wait until 3.

If a hoop is not available for his shooting pleasure he asks for human assistance.  He uses both verbal and non-verbal communication until the lucky participant realizes they are to make a hoop with their arms and let him use their face and chest as his backboard.  Most family and friends have been willing to participate, it takes a shot or two before they become aware of the forthcoming bodily injury.

And in true NBA fashion, he celebrates when he makes a shot -- proud

as punch of his accomplishments.  

Cravings gone South

On March first we had our ward relief society birthday party.  The menu: spaghetti, salad, breadsticks, and cupcakes.  One of the sisters brought cheese filled breadsticks.  While the sisters were serving themselves, I tried one.  There was a entire pan waiting in the kitchen that had just come out of the oven.  In hindsight, I wish I had snuck this pan to my car.  The breadstick was a piece of heaven.

I have been craving them ever since.  I finally remembered  to call the sister and get the recipe (I seem to have great intentions to make phone calls but never remember when the person would be home).

I learned that these divine creations were an all day affair -- You make them with frozen bread loaves which need a great deal of defrosting.  Monday was the day.  A meal of breadsticks with spaghetti on the side.

Because of the great amount of time involved I chose to defrost five loaves at a time.  Each loaf makes eight breadsticks.  40 breadsticks in the making.

My excitement kept building.  I planned on eating ten.  Maybe I could gorge myself, was I capable of having ingesting twenty?

My mind was busy deliberating the different possibilities.  Our family could deliver plates of breadsticks as part of our family home evening activities.  How many would we be willing to give away?  How many would I need to share per person?  Should I invite over my parents?  Paul and Ari?  Diane and Garrett?

The good angel won the internal battle and invites were made.  All invites were declined.  Were these people crazy?  Did they not understand the offer?

Taylei had helped me stuff them with cheese.  She was given an opportunity to eat at One Man Band with my parents but declined.  She wanted to have our dinner.  She hadn't ever tasted of their goodness but she felt great anticipation.

To my utter horror and disappointment, they were TERRIBLE.  Terrible, I say.  My first breadstick was doughy.  The bottom uncooked and even though I love cheese it had way too much.  Nothing like what I had tasted less than two weeks earlier.

I left the next batch in the oven five minutes longer, yearning for more favorable results.  Negative.  If I was one who shed tears, the bucket would be overflowing.

They looked delicious -- they were not.

Two days have passed and the breadsticks are still sitting on my oven.  Staring at me.  Mocking me.

On a positive note, I found the silver lining -- my pants still fit.

Moments I Miss

While I was reading, reading and reading with Kyler (kindergarten homework is strenuous on occasion) I missed out on the adventure going on in my own back yard.

Andy, Keanna and Aysen were outside enjoying the marvelous spring weather.  Andy and Keanna spent some time throwing a softball.  Aysen had his own activity in mind.

He wanted to wear his rain boots but when we could only find one,
snow boots were an exceptionally pleasing option.

On Saturday, Kyler had given Aysen a brief ride in his jeep.  They ventured into the field for a jaunt but the battery wasn't in the mood to play along.  Kyler pushed the jeep back to the barn and plugged it in.  Aysen was watching.

Today, Aysen was ready to command the vehicle without big brother's help.  Andy said it was the funniest thing.  He would push on the gas, become afraid that it moved and release his foot almost instantly.  Repeated again and again and again.  He drove in jerky circles, never realizing he could release the wheel from its cranked position.

The best part of the adventure?  He was giggling hysterically the entire time.  I wish I would have been a witness -- Kyler and I will have to relocate our homework dates to the back patio.

Mr. Pockets

This little boy made a discovery today, he has pockets.  Not just one, but two.  Two places to put his treasures -- fruit snacks, cars, balls and candy.

This is one of my favorite pictures of him ever.

He is becoming a little man, baby status no longer.  In his mind, he is as big as his brother and believes they have the same abilities.  When they wrestle Aysen doesn't play the 'I'm half your size card.'  He grits his teeth and takes after Kyler with all the fury his 24 pounds can muster.  It truly is amusing to witness.  That is until Kyler forgets he is battling a two year old . . . In 20 years when they are both full grown I will be the official referee of the arm and leg wrestle.  Not sure which one I'd put my money on.

Aysen was tested again for his development by the Early Intervention Program.  I'm happy to report his Language is now considered to be at a moderate delay instead of a severe delay.  He says 20 to 30 words and does an amazing job telling us when he is happy, sad, mad or in need of a snack.  He will only sign the words please and thank you and has never once tried to vocalize them.  Sign is still part of his routine but is gradually being replaced with words.

On the down side, his Fine Motor levels dropped from normal to severe.  He wasn't able to stack blocks or imitate a circle with a pencil.  His scores in Gross Motor, Cognitive, and Self Help continue to stay in the normal range.  The area he does best in is Social/Emotional.  In his test at 20 months he was at a developmental age of 34 months and this time was still well above.

I have some doubts on the complete accuracy of their testing but it is good to have a basis of where he is at.  In the near future all levels will be normal, I believe this with my entire soul.

He has also made some very good friends at playgroup and any time I tell him he gets to spend time with Miss Emily he puts his arms up in the air and cheers, "Yes."

Picture Taken January 17, 2012,  Testing Occurred January 31, 2012

Firsts . . .

This little boy fell asleep on his very own today.  So amazing.  He is growing up.
I did cover him with a blanket after the picture was taken.  Too bad I didn't have one under him. . .