The Lime - Tally Mark 132

Dear Freddy,

Angel number 11!!!!  Holy cow, still shocked we're already to this moment.  We spent last night talking about the moments leading to your birth.  Your biggest concern was how your head came through such a small hole.  I love that you're comfortable enough to ask such a thing.

You came home this week, after playing with some friends at the park.  You told me one of the boys is in middle school and his voice sounded funny.  You openly asked him, "Are you going through puberty?"  He said yes.  That time is just around the corner for you, so I'm treasuring the time where your face is still silky smooth, and your little voice doesn't crack.

This is your last year in elementary school and, while it's not what we envisioned (still dealing with Coronavirus), you love it.  Mrs. Lara (Ms. Coulter) is your teacher, and as previous years, she was your number one pick.  You have meshed well with her and you're thriving!  We just got your progress report for semester two and you have all As and one B.  Going out with a bang!  You're learning that studying pays off, and you're so proud of yourself when you come home to tell me you got an A on your test/quiz/story/project.  I'm super proud of you, too.  You also dressed up for every day of Kindness Week, which has never happened.  I was thinking about it earlier this week.  Every year you have asked for a yearbook and every year we tell you you can get one when you're in 5th grade.  I'm so sorry you're getting a yearbook for a school year where nothing has happened!  I promise to get you a yearbook from now on.

You love playing with friends (Cohen, Logan, Jackson, Wyatt) and count down the minutes after you get home from school where you can knock on someone's' door.  Riding bikes or scooters is your activity of choice.  You've started going to the library park with Cohen and I think you love that bit of independence.  You also play Fortnite and your friends' houses because we don't let you play it at home.  You get excited to tell me about all of the kills you've made but I really don't understand what it means.  Thank you for telling me anyway!

Many people have commented about your style.  You take much pride in your outfits and ensuring they match.  You've started rolling up the cuffs on your pants and don't care if they're rolled extremely high.  You would wear everything Vans if you could, and you hope to work there when you're 16 so you can get an employee discount.  And so you can smell the shoes and new clothes.  That's your favorite smell!  

It's been a struggle for a while to get you to push yourself, try a little harder, and see your potential.  We were doing sit-ups and push-ups the other night, and you couldn't do either.  With a lot of encouragement, you've seen your potential and we now do a round of push-ups, sit-ups, and planks every night.  Sometimes we throw in a wall sit for fun.  You've already improved so much!  And it's exciting to see you get past the negative thoughts in your mind, telling you you can't do something.  

While you still watch plenty of Dude Perfect and Fortnite videos on YouTube, you've started watching videos linked to law enforcement.  Live PD was one of your favorite shows before they stopped making it.  You've mentioned a carrier in this field might be something you'd like to pursue.  But you think it might be scary.  And you get scared really easily, so that gives us something else to push through.  It would be neat if that's what pans out.  You've played and pretended to be a police officer for so long, it really might be your calling.

You still have Lucifer and sleep with it every night.  Its full of holes and the stuffing can be found all over our house.  It's been your pal and comforted you for so long, I can't imagine it not being by your side every night in bed, or on the couch with you while you're watching tv.  Daddy still threatens to throw it away, but I promise I won't let that happen.

We sat down this week and you decided you didn't want to play baseball this year.  Part of me is sad, but you want to try something new and I support you 100%.  You're thinking football or basketball.  Here's to hoping the world will settle down and resolve itself soon so you can get out and explore new adventures.

I love you so much, dude!  Your attitude and talking back stink sometimes but I suppose that comes with the age.  You try really hard to do good.  You watch our for others, always making sure they're safe.  You remember to say thank you after we buy you something.  You still want me to carry you to bed, but I have a feeling you'll be carrying me before long.  You eat all your dinner, even if it's gross and you don't want to.  You're simply the best and I'm so glad you're mine.

Love,

Mommy

The Lime - Tally Mark 120

Dear Freddy,

10 years ago at this time, I was getting a wee bit nervous, realizing that you were going to make your appearance very soon.  And I was nervous until the second the doctor delivered you.  And then I was in love!  You were the cutest baby, for having just been born, and you're the cutest 10 year old!  Every time Grammy sees you, she comments on how handsome you are.  I would have to agree.

Grammy and Papa were just here for Christmas and you had so much fun with them!  You and Grammy played football outside, she recorded you on your bike while you tried (and succeeded!) making trick shots into the basketball hoop, you played lots of games and read lots of books.  You begged them to stay, hoping their flight would be delayed longer than it already was.  You have such a great time with them and I know you're anxious for our next visit.

You've been anxious this year to try other sports; basketball and football.  While we didn't sign you up for them, you've been playing plenty of both at school and with friends after school.  In fact, I think all of your white shirts are grayish brown from all the mud you roll around in.  Last year was your first year not playing baseball in the fall, in hopes of being able to play basketball.  We weren't able to make it happen but we'll see if we can work something out this year.

After four years of having girl teachers, you were initially excited to be put in the class of the only male teacher in the whole school.  It's been a different dynamic, and it's taken you a while to get used to it, but it's been nice for you to have something that's out of your comfort zone.  You did, though, tell me Thursday night (as we were studying for your DLI test) that Ms. Swithenbank and Mrs. Lee are still your favorite teachers so far.  And I'd have to agree!  Especially Ms. Swithenbank.  She still says hi to you every time we see her at school.  She was so good for you!

This year at church, you're not participating in scouts.  They've implemented a new program for the youth where you work on goals in four areas; physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social.  You'd like to read the Book of Mormon, include people at school who don't have someone to play with, get better at division, and get better at baseball/football/basketball.  You told me last night that you think you aced your multiplication/division test this week.  I know when you put your mind to something, and really try, you're able to knock it out of the park!

A couple of months ago, you were struggling with that; not really believing in yourself.  It stemmed from us receiving an email from your teacher, letting us know that you were extremely disruptive in class one day.  I came across a book from Cost Plus where you write, each day, why you're amazing.  I got a Five Minute Journal for Christmas and we've set aside time each night to both write in our books.  We then share with each other what we wrote.  I love that you're able to find even the smallest reason as to why you're amazing (you bought pizza for the family one night).  It was super cool when, after you initially weren't feeling so hot about yourself, you were able to write about being the only one to clip up in your entire class (that's a good thing!).  Or how you got a perfect score on your math test.  Always look for the positive!

You started riding your bike/walking home from school this year.  Daddy has been encouraging it for years but neither you, nor I, felt comfortable with it.  Something changed this year and you were eager to start.  The only thing, when you see the unruly neighbors down the street outside, you choose to go the long way just to avoid them.  You are so my child and I love that you're aware of your surroundings!  You're willing to go the extra mile (literally) to ensure you're safe.  You got walkie talkies for Christmas and you've been bringing one to school with you while I keep the other.  While I know you wish it was a cell phone, I can tell you think it's pretty cool to be able to chat while you're riding home.  With all of this said, though, there are some days where you do opt for me to pick you up.  And I am more than happy to!

You have also started staying home by yourself (or with Doodlebug) for short periods of time.  I know it makes you feel old and responsible.  When Daddy and I left you two home alone one Saturday while we went Christmas shopping, you called Daddy's phone about 6 times in almost two hours, wondering when we'd be home.  So while I know you love feeling like a super big kid, you have moments like that where you're still young.  I'll take it because I know those times are winding down.

Keep up the good work, my love!  I love seeing you progress, learn, grow, and I can't wait to see where you end up.

I love you so much!

Mommy

The Lime - Tally Mark 108 - Part 2

-Is growing his hair out. We'll see how long it gets, and how crazy is makes everyone, before we breakdown and cut it.
-Says "Let's go!" every time he gets excited about something.
-After eating salami nearly every day for lunch since kindergarten, he's now willing to take ham.
-Has also been known to take a Caesar salad.
-Still has Lucifer; sleeps with it, takes it on trips, sniffs its back when he's sitting on the couch.
-Likes to read (so unlike his parents).
-Wants to play basketball next fall instead of baseball.
-Wears a 5.5 shoe, medium shirt, and size 10 pants.
-Has to coordinate his clothes/shoes/hats. If he wears a Nike shirt, everything else (down to his socks) have to be Nike. Same goes for Under Armour.
-Still has a REALLY hard time saving money.
-Would play with our neighbor, Logan, all day/every day if he could.
-Hates breakfast but tolerates an apple sauce pouch each morning.
-Is slowly but surely learning how to tie a necktie.
-No longer watches regular TV, just YouTube.
-Is definitely my child. A classmate touched the cap of his water bottle and he insisted I take it home and wash it before he used it again.
-Still likes to pretend and can often be heard making race car sounds.
-Even though he's almost bigger than me, he still asks if I can carry him to bed every once in a while.
-Has a bit of an attitude and likes to tell us to "hold on."
-I'd like to tell him to "hold on" when it comes to growing up and stay my little Lime forever!

The Lime - Tally Mark 108 - Part 1

Dear Freddy,

I love that you still let me call you Freddy. In fact, you insist I call you Freddy. The other day, Tyler (the boy we babysit) asked who Freddy was and you quickly replied with, "ME!"

While this time is always so exciting for you, mainly because you can't wait to find out what your presents will be, it's a little hard for me. I always go back to the first January 17th and I think about all the work my body went through to prepare for your arrival. Now I just think about how it's my last day to savor you at a particular age. Like how when I kissed you goodnight last night, it was the last time I'd be doing it with you as an 8 year old.

But this letter isn't about me. It's about you!

A few months into 2018, we weren't sure where we'd end up. More than anything, Daddy and I wanted to keep our lives (your life) as close to the way its been as possible. We were worried you wouldn't be at the same school, with the same baseball league, or near your friends like you've been the last 5 years. Thankfully, we were able to move down the street and you gained a great friend next door.

We knew about Logan, just from seeing him at school or in the neighborhood, but you hadn't built a relationship with him. That quickly changed this summer and you two hit it off immediately. You both go back and forth between our houses, you play in the court across the street, and all I can think about is how grateful I am you have someone right next door you can call a good friend.

All of the first-fifth graders at your school participate in the Morning Walk (where we walk around the perimeter of the playground until the bell rings). The teachers help with the yard duty during this time and all the way back in first grade, you noticed a particular teacher on the basketball courts. From that point on, you hoped and wished she would be your third grade teacher. Imagine your excitement when you saw the class lists posted for third grade and you saw you were in her class. She thinks just as highly of you and I'm so glad everything worked out in your favor.

You got your first taste of AA baseball last fall to help you for the upcoming spring season. Every season, you come to the conclusion that your favorite position is _________ (it changes every year). This time, you tried your hand at pitching and decided you really like it. I'm anxious to see you work hard in the next few months and magnify your talents. Every time someone asks you what you want to be when you grow up, you tell them a professional baseball player. If that ends up happening, I can't wait to share all of your little league stories and photos!

The other night, I forget exactly what we were doing but I pretended to cry and, without hesitation, you got a concerned look on your face and knelt down to get a better look at my face. "She's joking," said Daddy. But I was taken back because you did the EXACT same this as a toddler. If anyone fake (or really) cried, you were the first one to see what was wrong and try to console them. I love that even though you're growing out of the little kid phase, you still harbor the same wonderful qualities.

Like pretending. When Auntie Amy and her family were over on Christmas, you, your brother, and your cousins dressed up and were playing some game. Auntie Amy looked at me and said, "I love that he still pretends!" We were getting ready to leave for the Pinewood Derby tonight and I could hear you making car sounds in your bedroom as you were getting your shoes on. You beg the boys we babysit to play Cops & Robbers with you. Please be a pretender forever! It's quite possibly my favorite thing about you.

Thank you for trying, most of the time, to do the right thing. Thank you for doing your homework every night. Thank you for still wanting to snuggle with us and for ensuring we give you a kiss goodnight. Thank you for watching our for your little brother. You two are going to have so much fun at the same school in the next two years. Thank you for coming to our family and being the best Lime we could have ever asked for.

I hope this year is simply amazing for you.

Love you tons!

Mommy

2nd Grade in the Bag

Seriously, folks! How has another school year gone by?! This has been a little bit of a dramatic 10 months (who knew 8 year old boys could be so catty?) but also a fun one.

I had the opportunity to be the Music Docent for The Lime's class this year. Even though I had no clue what I was doing most of the time, I ended up having fun and I think the kids learned a thing or two. Also, I felt like it gave me a chance to get to know The Lime's teacher a little bit better and vice versa.

I also got to be the Classroom Photographer, even though there were parents who are professional photographers, so I got to attend all the parties and special events at school.

It was neat to see The Lime's report card on the last day of school and the improvement he's made in all his subjects. He still prefers recess over everything else but he's really taken a liking to reading this year, even more than last. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is his favorite and he begs for a new copy every time we go to Costco.

Although we were grateful he got Mrs. Lee (actually, more grateful he didn't get a certain teacher), I was a little unsure about her after being in the classroom for the first time. She seemed a little rough with the kids and was quick to reprimand. But after being around her more, I realized she's a lot like me and we ended up building a neat relationship. She even came up to me on the last day of school and made a note to tell me how much she appreciated all my help throughout the year and said I was her favorite parent volunteer. Bless her heart! It brought a tear to my eye and made me sad to have to leave her (I always get sad on the last day of school).

The Lime was more than ready for summer to begin and kiss 2nd grade goodbye.  He's known who he wants his 3rd grade teacher to be since 1st grade (I think because he thinks she's cute) so we'll see what happens.

Great to be 8

For a while, The Lime was hesitant about being baptized. He said it wasn't the dunking in the water that made him nervous. In fact, he didn't really know what it was that he was worried about. But he was certain he didn't want to be baptized. And we reminded him that he's the one that gets to make that choice, nobody else.

We talked a lot about the joy and blessings that come from being baptized, and about Christ's example. Slowly but surely, he warmed up to the idea and finally, about a month before the scheduled stake baptism, he decided he did want to be baptized.

I'll be the first to admit I am NOT a fan of stake baptisms. The thought of sharing your special day with 8 other kids, most of which you don't know, was dumb to me. We even asked the bishop in our Tithing Settlement how we could get around it. He said if people were coming into town for his birthday, 10 days earlier, then we could pull the "we can't have all these people come twice in 10 days" card. But nobody was planning on being in town for his birthday because they were all planning on the baptism :P

So we bit the bullet and decided to join the rest of the stake on this special day.

And boy, it was a special day!

LaVor's parents flew in from Colorado, my parents drove in from Idaho, my sisters came up from the Bay Area, John & Becky surprised The Lime from Utah, Jared, his girls, and dad drove up from Livermore, my aunt and uncle (who aren't members) came, LaVor's great grandparents got in from their month long cruise the day before and we still there bright and early, LaVor's local aunt and uncle joined us, and our dear friend (sans husband) brought her six kids to celebrate The Lime.

Since LaVor was performing the baptism, and both our dads were the witnesses, we asked Great Papa if he would give The Lime the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Since The Lime's middle name is after Great Papa, and we aren't sure how many more wonderful opportunities we'll have with him, we thought it'd be the perfect scenario. And it was! So many people commented on how wonderful it was. I wish I had thought to record it, as I did The Lime's baby blessing.

Two other kids from our ward were baptized with The Lime and each of their families had a part in our ward's program. The other moms graciously asked if I wanted someone from my family to offer the talk on the Holy Ghost. My mom is such a good speaker, I knew she'd do an excellent job. And, of course, she did! She spoke directly to the kids and made them feel like a million bucks.

My sister, Amy, offered to conduct the closing song (despite being really nervous) and did a superb job.

Not once, during the whole service and day, did I feel like The Lime was looked over or unloved. Clearly, with all of these people there just for HIM, he was SO loved!

Our original plan was to have everyone come back to our house for lunch. Then we realized we'd have about 40 people and quickly thought of plan B; the church building. It was just our luck that our building's cultural hall was free so we booked it ASAP. Best.idea.EVER!

Bless his heart, The Lime wanted pizza for lunch and root beer floats & root beer float cookies for dessert. With the help of friends grabbing the pizzas and family members prepping the salads and dessert, it couldn't have been any easier! The adults sat around and chatted while the kids ran amuck throughout the building. I think and hope everyone had a good time.

I asked The Lime if he felt any different now that he's baptized. Not to my surprise, his response was no. But we both know he made the right decision, and he's taken his first step in following Christ's example and making his way back to our Heavenly Father.

His Special Day

As soon as I finished with work, I headed to the doughnut shop and got there two minutes after it opened.  I asked the man if they get many customers at 4:30 and he said, "Only you..."  :)

We've carried on LaVor's family tradition of not opening presents until after dinner.  But I wanted The Lime to be able to wear his new shirt to school yesterday so I let him open just one while we FaceTimed with LaVor.

This kid is a HUGE fan of Dude Perfect as is, apparently, the rest of the world. This was the only shirt on their website that wasn't sold out! He was super excited to wear it and I was super excited it wasn't anything Warriors related :)

The Lime originally wanted to bring cupcakes to school as his treat but changed his mind when he realized he'd be getting cake after dinner. We ran through some ideas and when I suggested root beer float cookies, he nearly jumped out of his seat. "Yes!" he exclaimed. He couldn't have picked an easier treat!

Doodlebug and I swung by Togo's to grab The Lime his favorite pastrami/salami sandwich and zipped over to his school where we met his class just in time for lunch. Those kids sure have to eat fast before they're kicked out for the next group. But we still had fun spending some time with The Lime and his buddies, and everyone (except for one girl) loved the cookies.

I needed to finish up The Lime's birthday cake before we headed to dinner with friends. He wanted another basketball themed cake and, since he's on an even bigger Curry kick this year than he was last, this is what I came up with.

There was no way I was making an edible hoop and Curry so those are just pictures taped to skewers. The Lime was happy with how it turned out which is all that mattered.

While I was finishing up his cake, The Lime was painting his Pinewood Derby car. The race was the following day but we had to turn it in that night. LaVor raced home with the weights for it, he strategically slapped them on, and we were the second participant at the leader's house.

Just like the day The Lime was born, it was pouring rain as we drove to a pizza dinner with friends. We were running a little behind and came up with the brilliant idea to order the pizza on the way there. That way, it was ready when we arrived and the kids wouldn't be starving. It worked! Our friends got there just before we did, we walked in, found a spot to sit, and were given our pizzas within minutes.

Since we don't have family close enough to celebrate fun moments like this, it's such a treat to have friends that can fill that void. We love the Swyers and I shouldn't be surprised The Lime begged me to invite them to dinner.

We sang happy birthday, played some arcade games, and called it a night so we could head home and open the rest of The Lime's presents.

The Lime said he didn't know what to ask for since he got everything he wanted for Christmas.  Thankfully he was able to come up with a few ideas and seemed to be pleased as punch with the outcome.

Before we knew it, the day was over. But the festivities were really just beginning! More to come in about a week...

Pinewood Derby

If I'm being completely honest, I have been dreading The Lime turning 8 because then he'd be old enough to start Cub Scouts. It's one more thing for me to keep tabs on and the uniforms are too expensive, in my opinion. And he hasn't shown a huge interest either. So I feel like it's something I have to do because everyone else is doing it. Blah!

The first "event" as a Cub Scout was the Pinewood Derby. We waited until the last feasible moment to start working on his car. LaVor did some research and got everything ready to go so all The Lime had to do was paint it. Apparently Warriors colors are also the scout colors, which I did not realize. The Lime's infatuation with Steph Curry ended up getting him an award for Most Scout Spirit :P

Before we could start racing, a long overdue pack meeting had to take place. We had two boys moving up to Boy Scouts so we got to see several traditions that may be in The Lime's future. Maybe...

Soon enough, we were ready to go. There were lots of fast looking cars and I was a little nervous we'd end up in last place. But I was proven wrong.

The Lime had a great time taking this new experience in with his friends and was so proud of how his car performed.

They had nachos, doughnuts, and Hawaiian punch for us to enjoy and everyone was having a grand time.

I must not have been paying that close of attention to what was going on because before I knew it, The Lime was in the final race with one of the older boys. We weren't surprised that the outgoing scout won but we were THRILLED that The Lime came in 2nd!

Nevertheless, he ended up having a blast and we have a goal to shoot for next year.

The Lime - Tally Mark 96 - Part 2

-Thinks Dominos has the best pizza and ranks Little Caesars #2
-Wears something Warriors related every.single.day
-Has to ride his bike to get the mail with me (even though it's directly across the street from our house)
-Is a huge "Dude Perfect" fan
-Loves to attempt tricks like the DP guys
-Attempts to do his homework in front of the TV but gets way too distracted
-Has to try and reach the net on any basketball hoop he sees in public
-Will probably be taller than me by the end of the year
-Has to put deodorant on every day (not because he needs it, just because he wants to)
-Is trying to learn how to tie a necktie
-Worries if he forgets to wear a hat to school
-Is our official garbage taker outer
-Loves to have dance parties
-Still has and loves Luficer, the pink cat, even though her back is covered in patches
-Wears shorts 90% of the time, no matter the weather.  If it's cold, he wears long socks
-Races to be the first kid in Primary each week
-Has won the hearts of our family for the last 8 fabulous years

The Lime - Tally Mark 96 - Part 1

Dear Freddy,

What in the world is happening?! I was looking through old pictures a few nights ago and it seems like you were just born, and just went potty on the toilet for the first time, and just started baseball, and just started school, and now we're here. You're officially 8 years old and I'm in shock!

We were driving to Target the other day and I said, "Just think...in 8 years, you'll be driving!" To which you replied, "I could drive now. I'm really good at my video games." Time is zipping by on its own, no need to rush it :)

You try hard, most of the time, to be a tough kid who appears to be older than 8. You adjust your voice so it sounds a little deeper. You attempt to act rough, tough, and "cool". You don't seem to be into things kids your age are into. But then you ask me to carry you to bed at night. Or you ask to snuggle with everyone on the couch. Or you get nervous doing something on your own. And I realize you do still need me and I love it! You aren't afraid or embarrassed to hold my hand in public, you still believe 110% in the magic of Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny. In fact, Daddy and I let some things slip after Christmas and you questioned us. Particularly why the box for Doodlebug's present was in our closet. When I told you Santa left the gift in the package and I thought it'd be too hard for Doodlebug to open it so I took it out and hid the box in my closet, you were totally satisfied with that answer. And it filled my heart with gratitude that I hadn't ruined the magic for you and you are still so innocent to believe.

Speaking of your brother, it's becoming harder and harder for you two to get along. Christmas vacation was brutal for everyone and the bruises on both your bodies, from wrestling and hitting each other, are proof :P Yet you were his biggest cheerleader the first week he started potty training. And you love teaching him how to play basketball and baseball. I love when I overhear you talking sweet and gentle to him, as I know that's your true character. You're a teacher, leader, and protector, especially when it comes to Doodlebug.

This past year was a fun one for you! Disneyland, trips to San Francisco, teeth falling out of your head like it's going out of style, visits with grandparents, the mud run, lots of baseball, tons of laughter, and so many afternoons spent playing with friends. You're one lucky kid that one of your best friends lives down the street AND is in your class at school. You've always treasured your friendships and this one with Cohen is no different. You're a great example to him and share your story of praying in front of him often (Cohen stayed for dinner one night and The Lime said the prayer). Santi is also one of your good friends, which I find funny because the last two years of school you guys haven't always gotten along. I think you realized you're very similar, have a lot of the same interests, and are able to put that first born mentality behind you guys (most of the time).

You've taken a greater interest in cooking this last year, beyond your "concoctions".  I'll catch you sneaking into the kitchen while I'm making dinner and stirring something on the stove.  Or trying to chop or measure something.

Speaking of food, you are your father's son.  You beg to go to La Piñata when we visit the Bay Area.  And if I'm being honest, you wish for it often when we're at home.

You are not the picky eater you once were and you're willing to try at least one bite of most things.  You usually end up liking it and have done a great job expanding your pallet.  Now if we could just convince you to order the spread on your In N Out burgers :)

You've continued your perfect score on spelling tests streak, even when you started the week out struggling with the words. You get excited when you answer your math problems correctly. You even know how to make slideshows on Google (which I didn't even know how to do). You're gathering new information constantly and sometimes think you know more than me and Daddy. We have to remind you we've been around just a smidge longer than you and know just a smidge more. Nevertheless, you are a smart cookie!

Use that knowledge for good! Especially since you'll be baptized in a week and Satan is going to work extra hard to get you to make naughty choices. You've always strived to do what's right and I hope you can rely on what Daddy and I have taught you, what you've learned at church, and the good examples of those around you. Continue doing what you're doing and you'll be one successful dude in all aspects of your life.

I love you to pieces!

Mommy

Expressing Gratitude - Day 10

I woke up this morning and checked the weather before leaving for work. The weather app on the iTouch said no rain. Hallelujah! I feel horrible saying that but rain + newspapers = no Bueno.

Except, I got to work and the rain alert sign was lit and people were bagging their papers. What?!?! The girl next to me suggested to bag but not tie because it wasn't supposed to rain very much.

Well, it didn't pour but it definitely rained more than I anticipated.

I got a text from The Lime's baseball coach asking if we'd make it to the game. Uhhhh...if it stops raining.

And thankfully, it did stop.

Tonight was The Lime's last game and we were worried it was going to be cancelled. But it wasn't and we were thrilled to spend one last Friday night at the ballpark.

Sometimes I wonder who this kid is! He has such a talent and it's a joy to watch him play. I'm grateful we had the opportunity to cheer him on during Fall Ball. We register for Spring this weekend and I'm anxious to see what another season brings.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 7

My sister directly above me is 21 months older than I am. That meant we spent two years at each school together. While I found comfort in just knowing she was there, it wasn't until high school that we got to have (at least) lunch together.

I wanted that same thing for our kids which is why we started trying for a second baby when The Lime was 2. But Heavenly Father had other plans for us (because he's way smarter than we are) and we didn't get Doodlebug until The Lime was 4.

I was really nervous that with a 4 year gap between the boys, The Lime would be "too old" to play with his little brother. But Doodlebug has proved he can hang with the big boys. In fact, sometimes he seems like the big brother as The Lime yelps for someone to help him because Doodlebug is beating him up.

These two boys fight like it's going out of style but boy, do they also sure love each other.

My heart nearly explodes when they're sweet to each other and play nicely. I especially love hearing The Lime teach Doodlebug how to do something or helping him out. Like tonight, Doodlebug was having a hard time getting the toothpaste out and The Lime showed him how to squeeze everything down to the opening.

Or when The Lime finished his dinner first tonight and Doodlebug said, "Good job, Dieta!"

I see how much fun they have together now and can only imagine what it'll be like when The Lime is 18 and Doodlebug 14. Oh, the trouble they'll get into!

Expressing Gratitude - Day 5

The Lime has a mouth full of loose teeth.  On 10/26, he showed me how loose tooth F was and I was certain it would be out within the next 24 hours so I snapped one last picture with his two front baby teeth.

Of course, it didn't come out that day or the next or the next. He's been wiggling that sucker nonstop and we could even see the permanent tooth poking its way through the gum.

We Skyped with LaVor's parents tonight and The Lime was eager to show them how loose it was. Papa warned that if it still wasn't out by the time they get here, he'd yank it out with pliers.

So as soon as we finished chatting with them, I told The Lime we were getting it out TONIGHT.

Thanks to my mom's technique (as much as I hated it when it was being done to me), I grabbed a long string of dental floss, wrapped it around his tooth and pulled both ends until it snapped the tooth out.

The Lime hardly flinched and was more distraught over how weird it felt once it was out. I'm thankful for that brave boy who lets me inflict pain on him for his benefit.

I'm also thankful I snapped that one last photo of his cute little smile before his chompers come in. Because if his x-rays are any indication, he's going to inherit my huge teeth.

OMGoodness

Seriously, Kimberly? No posting for the last 6 weeks? Yikes!

If I'm being honest, there really isn't much going on in our lives that I feel needs to be documented (or that anyone would want to read about). Also, life is steadily crazy that I haven't had time to catch up on my recorded shows, let alone blogging.

But Doodlebug is sleeping, my baking is done for the day (but I just remembered I need to buy candy for our ward's Trunk-or-Treat tonight), and I don't need to pick The Lime up for another hour. So how about an update?

I'm six months late in announcing I am back in the workforce, if you can really call it that. I wake up in the 2 o'clock hour every morning to go fold and deliver newspapers. I'm crazy, I know. But I needed something that would allow me to stay home with Doodlebug, volunteer in The Lime's classroom, attend mutual every week, etc. It's definitely a different world in the middle of the night but I'm grateful for the opportunity to help my family financially while still being a full-time mom.

The Lime is winding down his season of Fall Ball. Although he's on a Farm team, I don't think there are any T-ball teams so he has some kiddos playing with him that have never played before. It's been really fun to see all the progress the team has made but I'm especially fond of cheering The Lime on. He's been on fire and would love to move up to AA in the spring but we're still talking about it.

LaVor works his tail off at work and then comes home and does the exact same thing. He ripped out our summer garden and has all the fall/winter product planted. We're going to have endless amounts of broccoli, kale, lettuce, beets, carrots, herbs, and more. We can hardly wait!

Doodlebug is a little firecracker, that kid. He cries a lot, just like he has his whole life, because he knows nobody wants to listen to that sound so we give in. But the kid is almost three and a half. This crap has gotta stop. Throwing large rocks at his brother's head is not okay and it will result in consequences. But then he does stuff like slaps my bum while singing, "Spanky spanky spank your butt, doo daa, doo daa" and I have to just eat him up. He's so funny! Soooo funny! He had all three of us laughing hysterically in the car last weekend with his creative facial expressions.

He loves riding his scooter to The Lime's school every morning and usually eats it at least once. He and The Lime race and he gets a little too wobbly, ends up flying through the air (or rolling) and crashes to the ground. But he's a tough cookie and gets up and continues on. Big, brave, tough boys is what we like to call them.

I suppose I should write down how amazing the Coldplay concert was! I drove to my sister's on 10/4, ran inside to brush my teeth, and then we got back in the car to drive to the concert. Someone recommended to her that we take public transportation rather than forking out $50 to park at the stadium. It was a brilliant idea so we followed his directions only to find that the trains weren't running as frequently at 8:00 at night. After debating on whether or not we should wait for the train or start walking, we decided to start walking. It ended up being over 3 miles but we did it because we wanted to see Coldplay, gosh darnit.

I should back up and inform you that when I bought our tickets a year prior, I purchased two sets. When we went to the concert last year, the gentleman sitting behind us told us he paid double what we did for tickets because he waited until the last minute. So when I bought this year's tickets, I thought I could make a buck or two. Nope, I didn't. In fact, I was out hundreds of dollars. I ended up not being able to sell the extra tickets which, financially, sucked BUT it meant my sister and I got to sit on the field! Good golly, was that a neat experience.

We arrived to the stadium during their second song and it was a magical two hours of singing, dancing, laughing, and crying. They put on an electric show. So much so, you can just feel the love and joy everyone around you is experiencing. I'm certain the band is tired from touring but I can't wait until they come back.

The most current news is that we have a mouse somewhere in this house and it's literally driving my crazy. I'm a paranoid wreck that can't keep my eyes off the ground, looking for evidence of where the little bugger might be. In the 11+ years we've been married, this is the first mouse we've dealt with. And while I know it won't be the last, I can hope.

And just like that, I've come to the end of my free time.

I certainly hope the next two months are a little more blog worthy than the last two.

End of the Year Activities

For weeks, The Lime was coming home from school singing little songs about a spider and the jungle. I cleaned his backpack out one afternoon and found a strip of paper on it with what appeared to be a part to a play.

The Lime's class and two other first grade classes had been practicing Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock. Even though he landed a speaking part in the play about America, he somehow landed another speaking part (and just like Doodlebug's birthday video, I thought I uploaded it but can't find it anywhere).

We went over his lines a few times at home but must have worked his tail off at school because he knew them like the back of his hand.

The classes were divided into different characters; The Lime was an explorer.

He's the cute kid in the back row with glasses

The little girl who played Anansi did an excellent job. She also happened to be the girl The Lime had a little crush on last year.

All of the time and effort that was put into the play paid off because it was cute, entertaining, and everyone did superb!

The Lime with his cute little friends

That same week, The Lime brought another paper home letting us know he'd be getting an award for the third trimester! He didn't receive anything last year and was bummed he didn't get anything for the first two trimesters of this year. So you can imagine how excited he was that he was finally going to be recognized for all his hard work.

Looking at his work from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, there's a HUGE difference. His writing is smaller and more legible, his context is more detailed, his ability to sound out words and not rely on us just telling him has improved leaps and bounds. He definitely earned his Super Star award and we couldn't have been more proud of him.

Later that afternoon, The Lime had his last class party which appropriately was a water party. They played different water games and relays and everyone was soaked by the end of the day.

The Lime was so excited, he couldn't stay seated (he's in the white/orange shirt)

Once again, really excited that his friend got the water poured on him

There's a little girl across the street who happened to be in The Lime's class this year. They became quick friends and The Lime wanted to spend every minute with her (at school and at home). Unfortunately, she also had a really good girl friend who wanted the same amount of attention from her. It wasn't a surprise that the other friend poured her cup of water on The Lime's head and he got to chase her.

Doodlebug wanted nothing to do with the games but had a grand time playing by himself.

The Lime and his friend won one of the relays (even though the girls next to them said they won...I saw the buckets, the boys won). The cups had holes in them and they had to try and take the cup of water from one bucket to another. They worked great together and were feelin' the love!

For the last relay, the team members sat in a line. The person in the front filled their cup with water, poured it over their head into the next person's cup and so on. By the time the water got to The Lime, there wasn't much left and the boys behind him were getting frustrated (as noted in the picture below). I reminded them it was just a game and to have fun! The Lime was clearly having a blast.

Before we knew it, it was the last day of school. The night before, I was in the middle of writing The Lime's teacher a note when he walked into my room and asked if I could follow him into his. As soon as he got in bed, he started to cry and said he didn't want first grade to end because he'd miss his teacher too much. I started to cry and told him I was sad, too.

In the note I was writing, I told his teacher that one of the reasons we didn't send The Lime to preschool was because I wanted to spend as much time with him before he really had to go to school. I told her it still made me a little sad to lose 6+ hours a day with him but it made things easier knowing he was going to be with her all day.

I gathered myself and told The Lime we needed to think of all the good things about this year and remember we can always say hi to his teacher next year. He calmed down and was able to get some sleep before the big day. He said he was feeling better when he woke up and ended up having a great last day. I was the one that lost it when we said goodbye to his teacher (super embarrassing!). We just loved her so much, as she was the perfect match for The Lime, and we were going to miss her.

The Lime took some photos with his friends and classmates and we officially said "adios" to the first grade!