Could He BE Any Cuter?

I think not. Here are the results of Andrew's latest fashion shoot...aka...Christmas photopalooza. Feel free to leave a plethora of comments regarding his spectacular cuteness, etc. Pardon the shot with me in it, it couldn't be avoided! There were lots more shots but the place where we took the pictures (which shall remain un-named but the initials are KK), are kinda stingy with photo rights and I haven't scanned in the VERY EXPENSIVE prints I bought yet.
Andrew is excited about the upcoming holiday, although threatening that Santa is watching is not getting me as much bang for the buck as it did last year...maybe I overused it? He wants a firetruck set he saw at the planetarium MONTHS ago-I swear this kid's memory is like a steel trap...what I wouldn't give to remember the things he does...

I am entering the holidays with mixed emotions as a single mom. I can't shop with wild abandon like I could a year ago, which isn't the end of the world but definitely something to get used to. Also, I am apprehensive about the visitation schedule for Christmas since we have mediation on the 17th and that is where such things are to be decided. Nervous! I will keep you posted but am looking at the definite possibility that I might be spending this Christmas...ALONE! Let's hope for the best, shall we?

Special Delivery!

Fall Makes Me Happy!

I have been meaning for awhile to post about the wonders of fall. It has always been my favorite season and not because of Halloween or Thanksgiving or any other specific date on the calendar. My favorite holiday is Christmas and I am not a fan of winter in general. Fall is beautiful! Beyond beautiful. Makes me feel serene and happy. Which as of late is saying something! Love watching the colors on the mountainside behind my house change, love watching bushes that were green last week turn red, not rust, not pink, RED! In the past I have loved taking lots of pictures in the fall, and just generally try to spend as much time outside as possible, enjoying the scenery. This year, with all the personal "turmoil" in my life, which for those of you who don't know includes my separation and impending divorce, I have not had the inclination to do much of it (or much of anything for that matter), and feel I have really missed out on something special. I took Andrew to the zoo this weekend, which is where I took the above picture, and I was much more taken with the falling leaves and amazing color changes than I was with the animals! It was nice to get out and do something that felt like the "old" me for awhile. So, although the season is drawing to a close, I hereby pledge to make the most of the last few days of the most picturesque time of the year. Heading outside to go roll in the leaves...maybe start a leaf fight!

NO TEARS!

My son got to have lunch with me today at school. We had chicken nuggets, fries, carrot sticks and chocolate milk. It was fantastic! One of the best lunches I have ever had-not because it was prepared by a gourmet chef. Not because I got to eat with my son, although that was very nice. The reason I loved my lunch so much today was because it marked the first day since kindergarten started that Andrew has made it through the entire school day without crying. Lunch with mom was the reward. Don't even think about telling me bribery is wrong. Bribery is the bomb. Wish me luck on tear-free day #2!

Rite of Passage

Andrew started kindergarten yesterday and nothing does a worried mom's heart more good than her son taking an instant liking to his sweet kindergarten teacher. The first thing he did when I introduced him to Mrs. Moffett was hug her, and although he is a friendly child, that is not his typical stranger greeting. Mrs. Moffett seems like such a loving, nurturing person, I just know she will be good for Andrew. And clap for me-I didn't cry! I had butterflies in my stomach and my heart was beating like crazy, but no tears from momma bear.

Andrew had a fun morning in Kindergarten but when I went to peek in on him during my recess (I know don't hover mom!), he was in tears over some kind of bathroom incident, which he is still refusing to talk about. From what I can gather it has something to do with not wanting to go to the bathroom by himself. I don't know...kids! Anyway, according to Andrew, Mrs. Moffett sang songs, read a book about a shark starting school and gave them a snack of goldfish and pretzels (he only ate the pretzels). His favorite part of the day? Typical boy...RECESS! So my boy is on his little way in the world...I'm just glad I'm only across the building in case he "needs" me!

What is the Meaning of This?

I lost 15 pounds this summer resisting all manner of goodies, treats and not so good for me food at home. Start back to school today and can't stop rummaging around for everything fattening! Currently scarfing down a multitude of mini kit-kats which I don't even like that much. What does this mean? Hello again 15 pounds!

Think maybe I'll start updating my blog again but don't dare say so because everytime I do, I lie. Will definitely be blogging about Bubba's first day of kindergarten today as soon as camera is home to upload pics. Come back soon! (ish)

Little Fish

So much for my twice a week blogging resolution eh? No sooner do I set a goal then I lose all motivation and follow through whatsoever. I am really making the most of the LAZY days of summer-emphasis on lazy! Well, here I am blogging about what I meant to blog about two weeks ago, but better late than never is my mantra!
Andrew has been a little fish this summer, showing off his skills at swimming lessons -where he was the smallest and oldest in his class and could barely touch the bottom of the pool, but that didn't slow him down one bit!-to the Plunge and slip n slide at Meemaw's, to Lagoona Beach-wasn't much into the slides but requested at one point to move to "deeper water!" Andrew has always been comfortable in the water and unlike some kids his age, it doesn't bother him to get his face wet. In fact at swimming lessons, he got in trouble (not from the teenage swimming teacher mind you-but his mother on the sidelines) for having his face in the water TOO MUCH. So much that he wasn't hearing anything the teacher had to say. Still having trouble differentiating between water "playtime" and water "learn time", but at least he is having fun, learning a few skills and most importantly becoming comfortable in the water. This is the third year I have enrolled him in swimming lessons and our first at Surf and Swim in Layton.

Last year he had private lessons from one of my student's sisters and one-on-one learning with her has been the most effective by far. His teacher recommended he take Level One again next year, mainly because of his size. We'll keep trying!

One thing he doesn't stand for when it comes to water is being splashed in the face as our friends Carter and Kathryn and our cousin Rylee can tell you. You don't see Andrew mad often, but if you want o see him throw a hissy fit, go ahead and splash him in the face. I wouldn't recommend it.