I was going to post a Christmas picture and realized I never posted about their first day of school! So I am a little behind! Kindergarten has been a huge adjustment for our family. The kids love school but its nothing like preschool. They catch the bus at 7:10 and get off at 2:40. Next thing I know its time for dinner and baths, then bedtime at 7:30. Each day goes by so fast. I thought that I would have more time during the day but I seem to be busier than ever! The orientation and Christmas parties were overwhelming. It was so hard to split our time equally in each class. I think we were in a groove by the time Christmas rolled around. Is it summertime yet?

I went with my friend Ann to San Juan in June. She had a business meeting so I was her date for 3 nights. Jamie took the kids to his parents house while I was gone. Then they picked me up from the airport. Maddie saw me first and ran to me with a big smile. Then I picked up Ben for a hug. He buried his head and next thing I knew he was crying. I didn't understand why he was crying at first and asked him what's wrong. He wouldn't look at me or say anything, he just clung to me and cried. Finally, I realized he was so emotional just from seeing me. After some hugs and kisses and a reminder that I had a present for him, he was fine.

This week they are in Charleston with their Aunt Tina. She offered to keep them for week for no reason other than she wanted to spend time with them! They LOVE Aunt Tina. She always plays with them and gives them lots of TLC. So they were really excited to go to her house and do all the fun things she had planned. But when got ready to leave I felt like Ben was acting kinda weird. As we pulled away I told Jamie I thought Ben was about to cry. Sure enough, we saw him running by with big tears in his eyes. Of course, we stopped and hugged him some more. Aunt Tina took him inside and they made brownies, so he was fine. That boy loves chocolate! I think its actually harder to leave them now that they are older and they have a better concept of time! What will I do when we go to London and Dublin for 8 long days?

The kids graduated from pre-K! Peeples Elementary here we come! They have been handfuls over the past few weeks and I can't figure out why. They aggravate each other more than usual. Everything has to be fair because they are overly concerned with who gets what and who went first and last, blah, blah, blah. It is making me crazy and I wonder if I will pull all my hair out over the summer. Madeline has an argument for everything. If I say no I hear,"but Mooommm"! I guess this is some kind of independence thing. They are growing into more of their own person which will be important for kindergarten. At least that is what I am telling myself!
Their graduation was short and sweet with light blue cap and gowns. The teachers asked the kids what was their favorite thing about pre-K. Maddie's was "lunch" which is the truth cause anyone who knows her knows she loves to eat! I went by her class one day and found her sitting at the table eating lunch while all the other kids were outside playing. Her teacher said she wouldn't get up until she ate everything I packed for her. I started packing her lunch a little lighter after that!
Ben's favorite thing about school is centers. The teachers each have a "center" in their room. The kids are allowed to pick a center or activity to go to each day. I always ask which center they went to and who went with them. There were so many days that Ben or Maddie told me they went to centers with Carleigh. Carleigh was in the class across the hall from Ben and Maddie. What I love most is that Ben would say he "picked up Carleigh". Meaning, that he would go to the doorway of her classroom and get her to walk to their center together. Maybe one day he will pick her up for a date?!

I know its been awhile! I have two things I need to post about the kids. First we went to church Sunday only to find it wasn't a regular service, but a musical put on by 5th graders. We gave the kids the option of going to "big church" to watch. Maddie wanted to go socialize of course. But Ben wanted to stay with Jamie and me. He did great! He sat very still and watched the hour long musical. At one point he whispered to me, "how come you don't let us come in here every time we come to church?" I know he thought we must be going to musicals every week while he's in Sunday school! So I explained that church was usually Preacher Warren talking and that he would be bored.

Secondly, Ben was mad at Madeline the other day and came to tattle on her. He ran in the room and said, "Mommy, Maddie thinks she's awesome, don't you Maddie?" He said "awesome" like it was something terrible. Maddie didn't really answer. But I told them I think they're both awesome!

Have you ever seen a cuter soccer player? I haven't!!!!

Sweet Madeline is a heavy sleeper. I found her like this before I went to bed last night. Maybe she had to go to the bathroom and didn't feel like going back to bed. Or she's practicing for late nights in college!

The other day she said, "Mommy, do you know what's better than watching TV?"
I said, "No, what?".
She said, "watching TV with YOU!"

I had to post this so I wouldn't forget all the sweet things she says to me.

I took this Christmas morning, before they got to see their presents.

The past month has been so busy. Christmas and New Year's came and went faster than ever. Jamie and I just got back from his annual business trip to the Caymans. The kids spent the week with Grandma and Grandpa. They got lots of TLC and spent quality time with cousins, Aunts and Uncles. I know they had a great time! But I was so glad to get home and get them back home with me!

When we reminded them that they go back to school after being out of school for a week, my little priss pot's very serious reply was, " I don't even know what I will wear!" She really loves dresses and tights, that she puts on herself. She changes several times a day. The dressier the better. Luckily, we have some fancy hand- me- downs, so I just let wear chiffon, velvet and lace everyday to school.

On the other hand my son refuses to dress himself. On a rare occasion, with the right motivation he will dress himself. Usually he just sits and ignores me until we are going to be late and I just help him. While with the grandparents, he told me his Aunt Tina "taught" him how to get dressed. Little stinker also told me he doesn't want to dress himself even though he knows how, cause its too hard! Men, they will always let a woman do it.