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

The Luck of the Irish Continues

My mother is amazing.  Genuinely, undeniably, amazing.

She hosts the most magnificent parties of which her St. Patties Day celebration is one of the favorites.  Some years, in the true spirit of the Irish she serves Corned Beef and Cabbage.  Other years, the food is dyed green in honor.

Contests are also involved, they differ from year to year but the wearing of green is the standby.  Taylei has coveted this award and one year planned her attire for months, layer after layer of green.

My girls were not to happy with my clothing choice (embarrassed actually) but it was the most green I could find.  Grandma Lou always has extra accessories for those who want to add more green to their costume.  My father is the judge of the wearing of the green but his opinion can be skewed, just ask my little sister, Diane.  She has won after she whispered a little reminder to my father of some of her more prominent features.  Cheater!

Taylei and Zeak will forever be in competition with one another.  Taylei came more prepared but Zeak scraped up enough green to put him in the running.   Grandpa awarded them both a gold dollar (the modern version of a pot of gold) for their efforts.

Everyone ended up with a gold dollar or two.  Even those who didn't find green tights in the bottom of their drawers.  The kids loved performing for grandpa, money is a great motivator.

Uncle Paul did prove to all in attendance he has the largest mouth.  Years ago we had contests to see who could catch the most Cheetos balls in their mouth after tossing it to the ceiling.  Paul hasn't lost his skill and no matter how we tried to change it up he always pulled off the win.

Grandma Lou sent the parents home with baskets of green treasures.  The grandkids were all given butterfly nets filled with gold coins.  The best part though was being together -- my mom has blessed my children with some experiences they will always treasure.

My Boyfriend

For Valentine's Day I stayed up half the night attaching hearts with sweet poems to little gifts for my family.  I had planned ahead for once and even purchased a card for my husband.  (I hate paying for cards BUT sometimes they express perfectly the thoughts of my heart.  Thoughts I can't put into words).

I left the valentines in various places my family could find throughout their day -- nothing like a little surprise to boost your happiness.  I cut a deluge of extra hearts to use the next morning for the other valentines I wanted to give.  Andy woke up and in a matter of minutes had used my hearts and hid love notes for me all around our home.   No complaints -- if this is all it takes to get love note, I'ld cut hearts until my fingers were covered in blisters.

Later in the day, flowers arrived.  A dozen red roses to be exact.  The card was simple, "Happy Valentine's Day, Lyn."

Things that make you go hummmmmmmm.   A million thoughts ran through my mind, like, "Were the flowers delivered to the wrong location?" Or, "Did Lynn Bateman send Gail flowers and the cards were accidentally switched?"  Andy was home from work but on the phone.  When he was finished I let him know my conclusion, "I have a boyfriend."

He questioned, "Who?"

My simple response, "Lyn."

"Lyn who" was his reply.

With a hint of the unknown, I answered, "Just Lyn."

I proceeded to show him the flowers and the card.  The mystery was then solved.  He had asked them to write on the card, "Capital LYM."

M not N.  Funny.  It is amazing the difference a missing vertical line creates.

(Stealing a picture from Lisa, since no copyrights were found I believe I'm safe from going to jail).
Due to the fact that we DIDN'T follow the vanishing tradition of doorbell ditching valentine's this year,
Kaci wasn't the only Woodland with a valentine.

Event Occurred February 14, 2012

All Things Seuss

In honor of Theo LeSieg a.k.a Theodore Geisel a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, a birthday celebration was held at Mona Elementary School.

This is one of my children's favorite days.

They are allowed to dress up as characters from his books.  

Taylei coordinated with her friend, Darian to go to school as Thing 1 and Thing 2.

I was told how much they looked alike except Taylei is a brunette and Darian is Blonde.

I'm glad they are friends.

Keanna dressed as a Who.  A Who who was celebrating the arrival of spring. 

Lisa drove the kids to school today.  Zeak and Jake came in for a quick picture.  They all looked awesome.  Lisa used acrylic paint to color Zeak's hair and face a Grinchy shade of green.  I would have never thought to use acrylic paint in a million years.

I'm so glad our school has these extra-curricular activities.  100 years ago when I was in school, we also got to dress up and I still remember how much I loved it.

The Celebration of Love

Little Miss Kaci has a favorite holiday.  The day of love.  She has been asking for a girl party to celebrate and this is how we spent our Friday evening.

The menu of Kaci's choice: Hawaiian Haystacks.  She let everyone know the best possible recipe.  Kaci only likes to top her rice and sauce with peas, cheese and chinese noodles.

Lisa made Oreo balls for dessert.  I believe I will refrain to comment on the number I ate.  I loved them.  I love everything sweet at this moment.  Andy has nicknamed me JFJ at the moment.  Not quite nice but all too true.  I will gain control of this mortal body one of these days.

Taylei and Keanna were the oldest friends invited.

None of us followed Kaci's recipe for the most delicious meal.  We all seemed to have our own ideas for the best blend of foods.

Grandma Lou brought a gift of truffles for the hostess'.  I'm once again going to refrain from comment.  I did eat more than one but less than five.  Who is counting anyways?

While the food and dishes were being taken care of Miss Kaci and friends decided to help Taylei and Keanna get a little more fancy (we came straight from Taylei's basketball practice and didn't have time to accessorize our outfits). 

Kaci chose for us to make crafts instead of play games.  We made the cutest hair bows with the fabric of our choice.  Taylei gave me instructions of what fabrics to cut for her.  True to form, Keanna wasted no time taking care of business herself.  She folded her own fabric, drew her own circles and did her own cutting.  We had a little discussion for next time.  I'm hoping she caught on to maybe cut all of her circles out of one area instead of random holes everywhere.

The evening was super nice.  Lisa and Kaci were awesome hosts.  Dinner was delicious and my girls can't wait to model their new accessories.

Mystery Animal

Can anyone guess what this dear animal happens to be?

A baby buffalo has joined the farm of Jakerman Woodland. 

I'm so glad my children can live out their animal fantasies with the help of our dear friends and neighbors.  I guess the mama buffalo wanted nothing to do with this baby and so the Woodlands' adopted it.  Lisa is currently having quite the battle with said buffalo - who will win?  She wants to keep it alive, it keeps trying to end its life short.