First Day of School 2009

Today was the first day of school. Seems early, but, then again, I always think it does! The kids were ready. For me, getting ready to go back to school doesn't seem as exciting as a parent as it did when I was a kid. I'm not sure why, and I really hope that my lack of excitement doesn't affect their excitement. (That's spaghetti talking - you hear it?)

Anyway, we dropped off supplies last Friday - A big "THANK YOU" to the Lafayette School Corporation. It was so nice not to have the hassle of getting all that stuff to school this morning. And I bet it was good for the teachers, too. Last night it was early to bed, and early to rise this morning. The kids were in a good mood, we made it to the bus stop on time, and off they went.

Last year, Mallory was Little Miss Drama almost every morning, with the kisses and the hugs and the frown face and fake tears about leaving mama's side. Today - she climbed right on the bus and never turned around! Do you think she's outgrowing me? Doesn't she still need her mama? (Uh-oh, here comes spaghetti again . . .) When I picked them up this afternoon, it was more of the same! She didn't run to greet me when I walked into the after-care program. I practically had to DRAG her away from her friends! Oh dear, it's all downhill from here.

Hayden, on the other hand, was ready to see me and also ready to go home when I got there. But, he barely kissed me this morning at the bus stop. Maybe we should start doing that before we leave the house . . . Hmmmm, something to consider, mom. I think this is going to be a good year with his new teacher. He has set the ground rules, offered incentives, and asked for their input about the school year. Three for three, Mr. Cole. Good job!

Don't they look awesome in their "1st Day of School" outfits?

(No, Mallory's hair is not permed - she slept in braids to get that look!)

I, for one, am really looking forward to it. There is just something about learning that satifies the soul. And watching my kids learn new concepts, conquer new skills and gain new accomplishments is very satisfying and rewarding. It's going to be an awesome year!

She F-I-N-A-L-L-Y did it!

What?! What did she do?! And who is SHE?!

Mallory FINALLY got her ears pierced! She has officially had permission to have her ears pierced since she was 5 years old. The Waffle wasn't too sure about his little girl having earrings before that, but at 5, he agreed. Well, at 5, she wasn't interested. (Even though she had been asking for quite some time.) When we were ready, she wasn't. Figures, huh?

Well, off and on it has been a topic of conversation. She has looked at earrings in the stores, she has been given earrings as gifts, and still, her decision has been "no."

Imagine my surprise when we were walking through the mall yesterday, and here comes the jewelry store.

Waffle: "Hey Mallory."

Mallory: "What?"

Waffle (Gesturing toward the jewelry store): "How about today?"

Mallory: "Ok, sure!"

Mom: "What?!?! Really???"

Mallory (sporting a huge grin): "Yes, today I want to get my ears pierced."

About twenty minutes and three tears later, we walked out with ears that look like this:

What I didn't know is that she and the Waffle have been secretly discussing this for quite some time now. He's been working on her, slowly, building up her confidence that she can do it! Good job, Dad!

I still can't believe that she didn't scream her head off. Mind over matter, I guess.

You're not going to believe this . . .

OK, so I've gotten a little behind. In my defense, you're about to see how busy I've been. While I was sitting in traffic on the highway Friday evening, I completely updated the blog. So, I hope you've got some time on your hands, because there's quite a bit of reading to do. Sit down, fasten your seat belt, and blog on!!!

Birthdays x 4

This year the Asaro family tried something a little different. The grandkids' birthdays fall at the beginning of each month, August through November. That's a lot of road time between here and Michigan - which is challenging for all of us. Additionally, the time we 'spend' together is also spent with all the other birthday guests, thus not allowing for much bonding and visiting for just us. So, we planned a birthday celebration for all the kids together!

So, this weekend, the last hooray for the summer, we drove up to Michigan for our Asaro Birthday Celebration. Unfortunately, for all good intentions to arrive at a decent hour on Friday, we got stuck on 65 due to a semi wreck. So, a 3 hour trip turned into almost 5. UGH!

Anyway, after arrival, we relaxed at Gramma and Grampa Asaro's house. The kids slept on cots, which they thought was awesome. Brett and I slept in the spare room on a king size bed. Equally awesome. The next day, the cousins arrived and it was fun for all.

Beautiful Cousins - Mallory and Chloe

(And, yes, they will both be locked up until at least age 25 . . . )

The kids enjoyed getting wet in the swimming pool and slip n slide.

Mallory and Hayden each got new games for their Nintendo DS.

Mallory has hardly put hers down since!

Heading to the playground down the street.

Hayden and Alayna checking the mail for Gramma.

Playing Ladder Ball in the backyard.

Good idea. Good company. Good times.

And we're planning an Asaro Family Camping Adventure for next summer. Stay Tuned . . . .

Back to School Time

School supplies, after school care, school clothes, book rental fees. Whew! I sure have spent a lot of money the past few weeks getting the kids ready to go back to school. Hayden will be in Mr. Cole’s 3rd grade class this year. I believe he is very excited. Mallory will have Mrs. Preston for 2nd grade this year. She, on the other hand, is not so excited. Regardless, they start tomorrow!

And the Monday after that, I will start, too. Yep, you read right, I’m starting school. Just one class, and not toward a degree, but I’m taking a class. Purdue is actually paying for it, which is nice. It’s called “Leadership through Teams” and it’s in the school of Organizational Leadership and Supervision. If I had college to do all over again, I’d probably choose this as my major. But, since I currently have no interest in going back to school (and also no time to take on such an adventure), expanding my horizons by taking just this one class is enough for me!

Early mornings, busy evenings, homework, projects, etc. While I know it is necessary, can I just say, I don't think I'm looking forward to it. Is that bad????

Pasta on Parenting #2

Growing, growing, growing. Do they ever stop growing? I’m not talking about buying new shoes every few months, or wearing high waters. What I mean is maturing – emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It’s a beautiful experience.

I recently had a wonderful time shopping with my little girl. Yes, she is picky (no relation to her mother!), but she’s also discerning. Yes, I said discerning. She knows how to look for clothing that is appropriate for a 7 year old little girl to wear. When she sees something that’s too short or too low cut, she just skips that rack. She looks for clothes that are comfortable and cute, but her style. I feel lucky. We’ll see if it lasts until she’s 16 – I’m sure hoping so!

A few weeks ago, the Waffle took Hayden to work with him one day. He was tearing a chimney down and knew that there would be bricks to haul. The perfect job for an eager eight year old. We feel that teaching a good work ethic is so important. Hayden didn’t disappoint. He worked hard all day alongside his dad. At the end of the day, he’d earned some money, but more importantly, he earned the privilege of working hard with his hands. He knows what it feels like to be hot, sweaty and tired – not because you played, but because you worked!

Considering others before yourself is also something we’re trying to instill. My favorite recent example happened just a few days ago. Hayden has started fall baseball and we took him to his first practice. Mallory met some new friends (other little sisters of the players on the team). One little girl wanted to go play somewhere else – a bit away from the ball field. Mallory asked if she could go along, and I told her that she could. However, there were two other little girls who were not allowed by their parents to go. The first little girl said to Mallory, “I guess it’s just you and me then!” And Mallory, out of consideration for others, said, “No, we can’t leave our new friends. Let’s stay and play together.” What pride, what joy, what love I had for her in that moment. She’s learning to be a good friend to others – thinking about how they would feel if the two of them were left behind. Way to go, sis!

I guess this all boils down to what a great experience I’m having right now. The kids are at a great age to really see the progress we’re making with them. Progress doesn’t come easily, and I’m still aggravated by some of their habits I haven’t been able to correct yet, but we’re getting there. I know it will come sooner or later, because I know they are listening.
Parenting is awesome!

Space Academy (Cub Scout style, that is!)

Cub Scout Day Camp 2009 was held from August 3 – 7 at Cary Camp in Lafayette. This was Hayden’s 2nd year to go to day camp. Our pack’s attendance really grew – last year there were 5 from our pack, and this year there were over 20! That’s awesome!

Monday morning flag raising.

HK starts the week.

The boys enjoyed 5 days full of space themed activities including rocket launching, Yoda’s friends, galaxy exploring, space grub, zero gravity training, space mining, alien egg blasting, missile launching and lots of other stuff! The Waffle went with Hayden on Monday to enjoy the fun. Then on Friday, all the parents are invited to see all the skits prepared by the different dens.

Hayden is a good shot with both archery and BB guns, and passed the swimmers test, too!

All those lessons last year really paid off!

Honoring the 5 Day Walkers

Cary Camp has the largest attendance of any camp in the whole Council this year!

The "Two suckers on a stick" skit!

Dirty and tired every evening, learning and growing every day, that’s what Scout camp is all about.