An Interesting Year...

We had "Meet the Teacher" last night at Ryder's pre-school. It should be an interesting year. He went to the same school last year, one day a week. This year, he will be required to attend two days a week because of his age. I fully know, that I am probably more nervous than him. Honestly, it is likely that I am blowing the whole thing out proportion. I'm so scared though. He cried his eyes out last night when we showed him his room. He was a LOT better once he realized we (Matt and I) weren't leaving and two of the little girls from his Thursday class last year were there. Tuesday is going to pull my heartstrings though.

Do you know what a "Mean Mom" it makes me feel like to leave my child in a strange room screaming, while I just walk away? Heck, I already feel guilty enough that in less than 2-weeks (thats right folks.. September 8 is the big day if it doesn't happen before) we are going to turn his world upside down with the introduction of "Plus One" who will be stealing some of the limelight he has bathed in the last 2 years.

Everybody tells me it is good for him to get out and socialize. Better for him to learn to be away from me now, then to experience it for the first time in kindergarten. And, I know, I will be grateful that he is able to spend a few hours a week in a place where he is getting to play outside, go to music and learn new things...all while I am learning all the ins and outs of "Plus One".

On the plus side, we did find out that he will be required to start throwing his lunch away when he is finished. He has to sit at the table to eat his lunch, not in a booster or highchair. (We were practicing this in the picture..he sits there, but then tends to want to graze i.e. get down and play..then come take a bite.)

He will also have to start picking up toys. I initially worried about these things. I don't want him to be in trouble because he obviously hasn't mastered all of these objectives yet. Then, I decided to look at it from a new perspective: Maybe some of these good habits will follow him home!

He also loved the class fish "Prince Erick". We discovered that Hermit Crabs make him laugh..they make me a little nervous. Don't those things pinch your fingers? There is a slide in his classroom which he went up and down a zillion times. And, it sounds like they are going to get to do lots of sensory and craft activities.

Think of me next week...think of Matt next week. Between sending Ryder off and knowing that there is less than a week left of my life as I know it being a Parent of One...I am sure to be driving him crazy!

Recipe Tuesday

It has been my goal, to make Tuesday's, the day I share a recipe with you. I'll be the first to admit that I haven't been very consistent, but September is a new month and I promise to "try" and post a new recipe every Tuesday! In celebration of "Recipe Tuesday", I am trying Mary's Lasagna recipe out for our dinner tonight! Go check out it's yumminess here!

The Recipe I am sharing is one I actually made this morning. It is a Chocolate Quick Bread that I had never tried before. I had two ripe bananas and I decided to mash them in as well. It turned out really good and I have unnecessarily snacked on it throughout the day! Hope you Enjoy!

Chocolate Banana Bread
In a large bowl sift together:

2 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 cup cocoa

1 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

In a smaller bowl combine:
1 egg, beaten

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 1/4 cups sour milk*

*Sour milk: add 1 tbsp. vinegar to 1 cup milk at room temp. Allow to sit 5 minutes.

Combine mixtures until just blended.

Fold in:
2 Ripe Mashed Bananas

Pour into sprayed 9 x 5 loaf pan. Bake at 350° F for one hour.

Maybe....

Just maybe....if you didn't wake up at 6:30 a.m., every single day, you wouldn't be so sleepy at 8:00 a.m. I have to admit though, you have blessed me....most Mom's don't get to do housework while their child lays back and watches Sesame Street. I love you, Ryder!

Diapers, Diapers, Diapers!!!

When we moved to our Neighborhood five years ago, I never knew what a blessing it would be. We have the absolute best neighbors, who have in turn become some of the best friends a girl could ever ask for.

We have "Game Night" at one of our homes, once a month. Tonight was "Game Night" at my very good friend Vicky's house. The girls all got together behind my back and planned a Diaper Shower in lieu of our usual game. It was such an awesome, awesome surprise!! I always have so much fun with these girls, even though we sit around and do a bunch of nothing. I think that is the Best Part! Thank you so much, all of you!!! You are the BEST and I am so happy to have you all within walking distance!

Random...

While getting ready for bed, a decent parent always offers their child a good brainwashing activity. Ryder almost has "Gig'em Aggies!" down...we'll probably need a few more evenings of vigorous language mimicking before perfection is reached. Of course, appropriate attire is required for the activity at hand.

Great Sadness

I was in the middle of preparing a post about what we've been up to when I received a devastating email. I have requested prayers many times for my friend Lisa and her family. Your prayers are needed more now than ever. Sadly, the Bank's baby passed away just moments ago. Please pray that the Lord be with this sweet family and the Angel that he has taken to be with him. You can read more about the journey through their Blog. I keep listening to the lyrics of the song "I Can Only Imagine" as it plays on their blog. I guess that is really the only way to describe how I feel right now. Words really can't describe the heartache they must be feeling right now. I know Lisa, her husband Jason, and all of us praying for her were waiting for a miracle. This baby was obviously meant for a much higher purpose than anything that could have been acted out here on Earth. I feel comfort in knowing that Baby Banks will never experience the pain and sin that are present in this fallen world, but rather will only know the joy and love of those in heaven.

Lisa...I don't know what to say to you sweet friend....that is the hardest part. I would never want to be where you are today...but that is why God put you there. So many of us would not have the strength to handle what he has handed you. You should be so, so proud. You have been so resilient. All of our love is with you and tears are streaming down my face as I type these words to you. Always know we are here when you are ready...Joy

Plus One

We had our final sonogram appointment for "Plus One" today. I would post the prints, but they are kind of fuzzy and I don't think they will scan very clear. He was moving all around and letting everyone know that he can't wait to meet us!

To clarify, I had two appointments today, a regular Doctors visit and then the sono this afternoon. I told Matt go to work this morning because he had a major audit on his job that I felt was very important for him to be at. He met me this afternoon and we went to the Sono together.

I actually got big crocodile tears in my eyes as the reality of having two kids began to sort of settle in. It was one of those instances where I was by myself, except for the Doctors in the exam room, and a wave of tears came over me. I had no idea why...they weren't sad tears...they were more like tears of shock and then great joy. I have an amazing Doctor and she just stood there and stroked my arm. I couldn't have asked for anything better at the moment.

Ryder and I had lunch after my first appointment at McAllister's. We love, love, love that place! I know there are only a few opportunities left for us to have time with just the two of us, so I am eating up as much as I can. I watched him eating his grilled cheese and drinking his tea (yes I give him tea because he loves it) and realized that he has no idea how his life is about to change. Crocodile Tears well up in my eyes again. In my head, I tell myself it is just the hormones. I remember right after Ryder was born I would cry and cry. Matt would ask me what was wrong and I'd say nothing...I just can't quit crying for some reason. This has got to be the same sort of cry...just happening before the baby gets here this time. Anyway, I am sending up my prayers tonight, that this transition will be an easy one for him. I can't believe the time is drawing so near...now I am just excited to meet the little man who is jabbing my insides and keeping me up all the hours of the night!