Where has the time gone...and I have a first grader!

My last posting was December 22nd, and my how things have changed in the past almost 8 month. I will highlight 10 things to catch up here on my blog, although most everyone who reads this I talk to on a regular basis, but hey! why not share anyway

1. Josh and I have found our way back to each other to reconcile our marriage and our family. Anyone who knows me, knows this was my prayer for a year and a half. It's one of those things where you just don't know why it all happened, but I learned a lot about myself and became a stronger person. Maybe I'll blog about my discoveries of myself in another post. It's a constant work in progress, but we love each other and want to be together to and are working toward the same goals. Again...a whole blog in itself

2. Made the move to Grove City! Bought a sweet little house in old Grove City, just a quick walk to downtown GC. We love it here! There were hesitations- mostly Josh's drive to work and my drive to work (in Marysville still), but now that we are here, it's really no big deal. We are close to family and that's nice for visiting and hanging out...and sharing babysitting. Moving in mid April made me have concerns about switching schools for Nat at the end of the year, but everything just fell in to place. In fact that would be my motto for making the move to GC. Everything just fell into place. This is where we are meant to be.

3. Natalie finshed Kindergarten at JC Sommers with her cousin and best bud Gracie. She played soccer in late spring and LOVED every second of it.

4. Summer arrived and we took our annual Boyd/Smith/Foltz vacation to Duck, NC. This year we added the Waugh and Reale families! We saw the wild horses on the beach, expereienced karoke Stryker style thanks to Andy Reale, and discovered Duck Donuts. I never thought a donut could be so devine. We had a beautiful house and private pool just steps away from the beach. Great vacation!

5. We had to find a new home for Charlie. He was not adjusting well to the move and needing more time than we had available to give him. He went to live with Aunt Kathy and uncle Chuck in Dayton. We can visit him whenever we choose and get updates frequently. He's adjusted well...finally

6. Although I am kinda at a standstill, I have lost 30 pounds! I have started to get myself back in gear, so I can continue. We joined the Ymca for the pool in the summer, but I have taken a liking to using the gym there too. Erin, Josh, sometimes Nic and Jeremy and myself had our booties kicked at bootcamp with Jodi. What a workout!

7. Yard work is hard work and never ending. We had a lot to do in the new yard and have alot to do still. We will tackle a couple new projects next spring. I am now working on decorating the inside and doing a few minor things, changing my style a bit. I'm going for the vintage and ecletic feel. It's coming along


8. Natalie starts first grade! She loves it and does so well! She's making friends and really enjoying herself, while discovering such a unique and cool style and personality. This kid is hilarious too! She has started Hip Hop dance class, after realizing her serious interest and love for dancing. She's pretty good! She also started Tae Kwon Do. We just have one class in but so far, so good! She has also taken an interest in basketball, so maybe we will dip into that this winter. I think we have a little athlete on our hands! I love it!



9. We celebrated Natalie's 6th birthday with her girls, pirate style. We began the weekend with a sleepover at our house with MiMi and the gals. Shopping on Saturday and party on Sunday. Her Bday is August 30th, which was a Tuesday, so we took her to her request of HOJ, the to graeter's for ice cream with Mimi, Poppie, Uncle Nic, aunt ne ne, gracie shiloh and coop. I love celebrating her birthday!

10. It's been a busy summer and start of school year. We are taking a trip to Florida next week for a few days. We plan on going to the OSU/Miami game on the 17th. Hoping for a few days of relaxation. I need it. Maybe there will be news when we return?!

So that's it, a brief run down of the past 8 months! I love to blog. I must make more time for it. Now that things seem to be slowing down, I will get back to it.

By the way, I just completed the book, The Help. Great read! Ready to see the movie.

Reality check

Last night, I had a bad attitude and slightly fell into what some might call scrooge. I don't know what came over me. It could have been the fact the my sweet baby girl was so very demanding last night. It couldve been that I felt like my house was so cluttered and seems to be shrinking daily. I am running out of spaces to "be creative" in organzing. It could've been I was so very tired. Whatever it was, I found myself making the comment to my sister (who quickly put me in check), "I can't wait to take down this Christmas tree and re-organize everything!"
What? Did I say that? That is totally out of character for me. I was losing my patience with Natalie, all she wanted was to play kerplunk, when I told her I had too much to do. She helped me stuff Christmas cards when it hit me. As she was stuffing away, she said "I wish everything was done and we could just cuddle on the couch" (Heart melting) What was I doing? Someday she won't want to cuddle on the couch. So I calmed myself down in a hot bubble bath and we cozied on the couch. I feel much better this morning! I'm ready to enjoy life again! We are going to meet my friend Nicole for coffee this morning and tomorrow, Melissa arrives! We always have a great time! I'm ready to enjoy this winter break with Natalie and celebrate the season!

*SOMETHING FUNNY FROM THE MOUTH OF NAT* when I put her to bed last night, she says "Can you shut my door all the way?" I said sure, why? "well Charlie is a bed hog". I had to laugh. This girl begged and pleaded with Charlie to sleep with her the first few days. Not to mention, she is the biggest bed hog. I just smiled and said "ok, now you know how mama feels when you sleep with me." She just laughed! 

 

The Middle Finger?

Who made the middle finger, a part of our beautifully, God created bodies, such a bad thing? I mean, just by holding it up alone and directing at someone can send such a horrible message. To me it is so unclassy and really kinda stupid to use your finger to show your frustration or in most case anger towards another person. This isn't something I think about often, until Wednesday when Natalie said to me "mama, this your middle finger...and it the bad finger" My response to her triggered the thoughts I am writing about today. I said "Yes, it is sweetie. And now that you know that, don't ever use it as a way to show someone you are upset with them". Under my breath I said,"why at 5 years old are you learning such a hateful, ignorant expression?" Why on earth does a 5 year old know about something such as the middle finger, enough to teach it to my "baby"? I have positive thoughts about her public school education so far, and I know I can't shelter her from evil and hatred forever, but does it have to begin so early? All I can do is pray that my influence and what I teach her is stronger than what comes to her at school. I pray over her every morning  that God will keep his hands on her and his angels around her. That she is a positive influence on her friends and teachers and that she makes the right choices.

"Train up a child in the way he should go,Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 

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The real truth

Sunday was a "sick day" for us girls.

 Before bed on Saturday, Natalie told me that her throat was hurting. I kinda felt a little less than well myself, but gave her some water, said a prayer over her and told her she would feel better in the morning. The middle of night, i was awakened by more painful throat complaints. Again, a drink of cold water and tucked back into bed.

Sunday morning, I woke early to shower and get ready for church. I wanted to attend a new church. They have 2 services, so I was opting for the early because I intended on taking nat to Boo at the zoo.

When Nat woke up, she was still saying her throat hurt and thought she needed to take medicine. I don't like to give medicine as the first option, so I gave her a popsicle and fixed her breakfast. She told me she was still feeling yucky even after the popsicle. I explained that I really wanted to go to this church and thought we could go to boo at the zoo. She said she only felt like laying around and resting.

This went on all day. She would get up and play then go lay back down. As she always does when sick. She even talked me into giving her medicine.

I tucked her in bed Sunday evening and settled myself to watch a little t.v. She calls for me to come back to her room. I went in to check on her. The conversation goes like this

N: "I need to tell you the real truth, please turn on the light".

ME: What is it baby?

N: Well, I lied. I wasn't really sick all day.

Silence (trying not to crack a smile at the guilt oozing out of her)

N: When you asked me if the popsicle helped, I said no but it really did. You didn't really need to give me medicine. We could have gone to church this morning.

Me: I'm very glad you told me the truth, but why did you lie?

N: I just wanted to stay home in my jammies all day. Do you forgive me?

Me: YES! I forgive you. I love you! Thank you for telling me. Now I think you need to ask Jesus to forgive you.

N: Well, I know this is really the real truth... God says if you do whatever you want to do, you will live happily ever after.

The rest of the discussion is just me trying to straighten out that little myth and re-tucking her into bed.

I suppose tonight I will read her the story of the boy who cried wolf...

Funny story

I was reminded of this story that I forgot to blog about. I will set it up by saying that Natalie is so into boyfriends and crushes at the moment. I know she's 5 right?

We returned home from the grocery store one Friday evening (exciting, right?), when I saw this guy standing in the middle of the road. I slowed down, he moved and on my way I went. I saw him stop a couple people for a second and then they would both keep walking. We parked and I began carrying in the groceries. He approached me to tell me he had rented the clubhouse and seemed to have left his resident key card inside the building. You can't get in without it. I was skeptical, but I said just one minute, let me grab my daughter and I will walk over with you to let you in. (He was rather attractive, so I thought I could be nice) I ran in to get Nat and had to answer 50 questions about the situation. She runs out looks at him and runs back to me as I was locking the door and says "Is it that handsome guy mama?" GASP! I didn't answer, but anyone with a 5 year old knows, that doesn't help your situation. She kept asking. Yes, he heard her and it made for an awkward moment.

I have a feeling this is only the begining of theses moments .

Apple picking, pumpkin picking...

...and a day with 26 kindergartners. It was perfect weather for a day in the fields and a lovely time was had by all. Natalie was beyond excited about riding the bus. In fact, that was the highlight of her field trip. I had 5 children I was responsible for, one being my very own. These were very well behaved kiddos (thank Jesus), however we had a couple wanderers...one being my own :) I did not lose any of the children byut I think I said all their names in my sleep that night. We picked Rome apples. These are pretty tasty apples to eat and also to use for baking . (Just made an apple crisp with a few) We tasted cider and learned a little about the farm and the process of producing apples. Every one ate lunch together so I was able to watch Natalie interact with her friends. That was pretty cool! We moved on for a lesson on pumpkins, indian corn and gourds. At the end of our hayride, we could pick a selection of the above.

It was a great day and I am so thankful I get to be a part of things like this with my girl!

Headed out to the orchard

Picking apples

They were permitted to pick one to eat in the orchard...big stuff for these little people

Lunch with friends

In the pumpkin patch

Our group

 

Kissing Hands

From the book, Kissing Hands comes this picture. Natalie and I love this book, as we find a small similarity with it. Its about a child raccoon named Chester. Chester must go to school and leave his mother, toys, books, friends and all the comforts of home for a child's life before school. Mama raccoon, comforts him by kissing the palm of his hand and assuring him that whenever he misses her, all he has to do is hold that hand against his cheek and he will feel the warnth and love of his mama. He finds happiness and strength in her idea. As he leaves for school, he returns the love by kissing her hand. As he runs off, she immediately holds her hand to her cheek.  

We first read this book in preschool, but it sure plays a part in many things we go through.

Who knew??!!

Natalie had her 5 year old check-up scheduled on Wednesday. We had to mentally prepare for this day for about 2 weeks as vaccines were to be administered during this visit.

Last year for her flu shot, it took myself holding her restrain style and a nurse holding her arms down. The child freaks out over this. During the physical part of the exam, Dr. Kirkby discovered that Natalie has strep throat. I never would have known...she never acted sick or complained! The difference in this child when she found out she wouldn't be getting shots was amazing. Now I must go prepare for 10 days from now, when indeed she will get the shots.

Its the weekend!!

Never in my life have I ever been more excited for a weekend, than last week.

Oh. My. Word.

 The only person more excited was Natalie. It was her second week of school...yes I said second. And Kindergarten at that.

It all began Monday night , which happen to be labor day, no school and a swimming party at Aunt Pammy's. Nat fell and skinned up her little leg pretty bad. This was after we discovered her recently pierced ears had become infected. She immediately opted that not going to school Tuesday would be the best option.

And. so , it. begins......
Tuesday morning after complaints of her leg, ears and now belly, a little crying and begging, I dropped her off at school. She came home with bug bites from school that day, that she scratched so hard they resembled poison ivy. Wednesday morning, I doctored her up dismissed all the reasons why she should not be present at school and dropped her off. Wednesday evening, after bath, it was time to do the dreadful removal of the 6 bandaids. Not sure if any other child acts like you are cutting off each limb during this process, but mine does. I would not have been surprised if the police had shown up at my door, because of the shrilling screams. Thursday I felt like the most unsympathetic mom in the world as I dropped her off at school. This leaves us with one more day of school...FRIDAY!!!

This photo sums it up! It was Friday and it was the weekend and we couldn't be more happy! We had a great weekend and a fabulous week. Thank. you. God!!

Bandaids are no longer an option for Natalie :)



Soccer kinda girl

Nat has been asking to play soccer for about 5 months or so. Actually since the day we watched little Grant play while visiting one of my very best friends in San Diego. We went to American Girl Place on that trip and she just had to get her doll the soccer outfit. One of her Christmas gifts was a soccer ball and goal set. I wanted to be sure this wasn't a fly by night choice she was making, so I held her off and had her continue gymnastics through the spring. When it came time to sign up for the next gymnastics session, I gave her the choice. Gymnastics? Soccer? There was about a three week gap between the end of one and beginning of the other, so we have been playing at the park to prepare her. We bought shin guards and soccer socks, running shoes (they don't wear cleats this young at Soccer First), soccer shorts and last but not least, we went last week to enroll in soccer class. The next day, I mean the very next day after signing her up and paying her fees, she tells aunt Ne Ne, "I'm just not a soocer kinda girl". GASP!!! WHAAAATT!? She talked of wearing a "cute outfit", but not really playing. My sister had a talk with her as did I, about how she talked about this and made a choice to do it...blah blah blah...

I was very nervous how this would all go down on the first day of class, but my worries have been put to rest! She did awesome! She looks like a natural at this sport. She ran hard and played the game. She had a blast!

...and she does have on a cute outfit. 

A Jewel

All your sons will be taught be the Lord, and great will be your children's peace. Isaiah 54:13

After my divorce (ugh, I hate saying that word), I had two choices to make. I could either be hateful, bitter and miserable, allowing others to take care of my daughter and let everything I had worked for drift away, OR I could ask God to heal me emotionally, restore me and guide me to make the right decisions for my daughter and myself. When many times I wanted to choose the easy way, I chose the best way. I have always known that Natalie is a blessing, but this period in her life and mine is where this little jewel shined. I wanted my daughter to remember a fun, loving, childhood with me there (physically,mentally and emotionally) every step of the way. I wanted her to see me as a strong, peaceful, loving, determined and reliable mother. Most of the choices I have made have been for the sake of her and what she needs. Some might find it odd, that her dad and I can be a part of her life together. We can take her to the zoo, go to dinner or just play a game all together. I find it odd to deprive her of her family unit. She is happiest when we are all three together.  I believe one of the reasons God placed this child with me to help me make the right choices and see the differences between what I could've chosen and what I did choose. I believe there are awesome things to come of our lives because of the calling on Natalie's life.

Sweet Day with my sweet girl

Yesterday afternoon, Natalie and I enjoyed an afternoon of "sweets". First stop, Our cupcakery, a unique little bakery in old Dublin. It's tiny coziness, and girly flair, made this a fun little spot. The concept of this boutique of treats, is really cool.

Step One: Cleanse with provided hand sanitizer

Step Two: Choose a bowl to place your creation

Step Three: Pick out the flavor of cupcake (or in a 4yr old mind, pick a color of cupcake)

Step Four: Select a flavor of icing from 8 different choices (again...pick a color)

Step Five: Top it or decorate the cupcake with as little or as many goodies you'd like

*hint* you do pay by weight

Nat's creation was Strawberry Cake, Bubblegum Icing, Gumball Toppings

My creation was Chocolate cake, Raspberry Icing, Chocolate Sprinkles

Our next stop was MJ Candy Bar. It was cool in the way they offered old school candy and the current sweet treats. They offer ice cream as well, but we passed. Nat tends to shy away from candies that she isn't sure of because of her peanut allergy. I built it up in my head to be way cooler than it was. I tend to do that.

We had a great day despite the gloomy rain, but I could sit in a closet with my girl and have a great time!

Kickin' the habit [day 2]

Just a quick update- Natalie did not suck her thumb on the way to school! This is usually something that occurs, since it takes us 30 minutes to get to school, we are both tired, and not much conversation is exchanged. She was with Aunt Ne Ne and Mi Mi after school and in the evening. The report from them wasjust a few little slips, but she would catch herself. I layed with Natalie last night as she fell asleep, not one urge to put that little thumb in. So proud of her! 

Kickin' the habit

Sunday afternoon, we ran to the red dot boutique to pick up this old time remedy for the awful habit of thumb sucking. I was a thumb sucker as a child and I remember this being used on me.

You simply paint this cayenne pepper concoction on the chosen thumb nail as though it were a pretty polish.

It.is.not.

The second that thumb goes into the mouth, you quickly remember to take it out. I tried to use this on Natalie before, but the child sucked right through it. I also felt horrible putting this liquid fire on my child's nail, knowing it was simply not working for her. She was determined to suck her thumb.

Well the big 5 year mark is around the corner as well as summer and kindergarten.

 We mutually agreed that it is time to break this habit. So Sunday we began the fire polish (before we even left the parking lot). She's slipped a few times when I have caught her and a couple where she caught herself and told me about it. So day one down and we are making progress. Her goal is to be done when her daddy gets back from his work trip on Friday.
UPDATES TO COME...

A little catching up

Wow! My last post April 15th...I was doing so well keeping up on my blogging. It's been a busy couple of weeks. Here's the run down...

April 18th: Melissa, my long time and one of my BFFs arrived with her daughter, Maddie. We had a fabulous time hanging out. She was here until the 28th. We caught up on a lot of things with each other, you tend to fall behind when you live across the country from each other. We laughed a lot! We shopped, we ate out almost every meal, ate at JENI'S ICE CREAM 3 times, got a tattoo, went on a hike to see the bald eagle's nest which we never saw, went to the movies, and just enjoyed each others company with our girls! I miss her and the fun we had!

Celebrated some birthdays! My little neice Shiloh turned 3 on Aprill 22nd! She and I have devloped this bond lately. She is such a neat little girl. The child was more than anything to be as old as her big sister and her cousin, Nat. She is so sweet and helpful. Just this week, she spent the morning with Natalie and I. While we were waiting for Nat to wake up, she helped me gather and start laundry, fold laundry and do dishes. I didn't put her to work, she said "I help you do that, Jackie?" I really wish the booger would call me aunt Jackie! We also celebrated my cousin, Ashley's 27th birthday! Natalie and I, Ashley and Andy went to a local mexican joint (that tends to be our choice of cusine), and ended our evening at yet again JENI'S ICE CREAM! Love that girl! She is so talented, kind and giving and so much fun to be around...

Last week, Natalie came down with strep throat. She was out of commission for about three days, but bounced right back, with lots of energy. I guess she had to make up for laying on the couch for three days.

This week, I along with my AMAZING staff prepared and hosted an open house event at the salon! It was a great success! Lots of stress leading up to it, but it was so worth it! Thanks to all the girls @ Studio 31 Salons!

Natalie has learned to ride her bike without training wheels!!! YAY!!! She gets better daily!

Yesterday, was a fantastic day! Started out not feeling to great, but opted for a massage since Nat was at school. A massage was so needed, as I felt so much better. Josh and I surprised Nat by picking her up from school together! She was so excited, she told me about three times during the day,"that was a wonderful surprise that you and daddy picked me up from school". We had a nice lunch and headed to the opening day of the polar bear exhibit at the zoo. It is a really nice, very cool addition to the zoo. I do love the zoo!

So here we are today. My car being repaired, no transportation at the moment, a storm blowing in, things to do no way to do them, Natalie resting, maybe I'll read one of the two books waiting for me.

I love bananas

Ok, not really. I hate them actually. I don't like the smell, the texture or the taste! I thought naming this story "I love bananas" would bring more humor to it. When Nat was a baby one of the first foods she ate was bananas. I bought them organic

and smashed them up for her and she tore. them. up. Loved them! I suffered through my disgust for my baby to have something she liked. When she was about 3 she suddenly didn't like bananas any longer. I kept buying them thinking it was just a phase. After wasting dozens and about a year later, I realized she really didn't like them anymore. To save face here, I am NOT the cause of this, I tried!

On with the story...

She and I were at the supermarket a few days ago, starting in the produce area. The conversation goes like this...

N: mama can I get some bananas?

Me: why do you want to get bananas? You don't even like them.

N: I do now

Me: no honey, I am not getting bananas, you won't eat them.

N: please oh please, I eat them with daddy

Me: ( thinking, maybe she has been eating them again) Ok you can pick out 2.

N: yay! can I carry them

Me: Yes, but in a bag.

N: I want to eat one now

Me: lets just wait until we get home (knowing deep down she hates them, and not wanting to have a situation at a later time)

N: please oh please!

Me: ok, but you have to eat the whole thing. No spitting it out.

N: Yay! Ok!

We continued making our way around the store, as I kept watching her with this banana. I saw her trying to swallow it, but it just wouldn't go down. However she didn't say a word. She just kept putting more in her mouth, as if it would be easier to swallow. Then she gave me the look and just shook her head, as if she were telling me "I can't do it".

I am cracking up now as I write about it, but at that very moment,

 I. was. irritated.

I knew that if I didn't intervene, she was going to puke right there in the store. I pulled the other banana out of the bag, and made her spit the mush out. I made her take the other banana back to where she got it. It was very obvious I was not happy about it and I might have lost my "mother of the year" award, but not another word was spoken about it.

I had every intention to pay for that one banana, but I totally forgot to tell the cashier to put it on my bill.  I put it on my grocery list to pay for it next time.

And that my friends, will be the last time I ever buy a banana!

What she leaves behind

This, my friends is what I found after the hustle and bustle of the day, cooking and cleaning up dinner, bathtime and bedtime. I sat down to catch up on some of my recorded t.v. and thought what in the world is laying in front of the t.v.? Yes, you guessed it-

shrimp tails!

And they were left by my little shrimp. This child loves to eat shrimp cocktail and that was part of our dinner that evening. There are 9 tails here, and I found another 3 outside of this picture! That is on top of what she ate before and during dinner! I just smiled and chuckled.