First Day of Preschool

Look out pre-k, here comes Mills.  We're on our way to TCA!

All new routine this morning.  I've never had to fix Mills breakfast for Mills during the week.  That was just one of many of Mimi's perks.  This morning I woke extra early just so that I could make sure we would not be late.  I showered, preheated our oven for breakfast and managed to get our little guy up and out of bed, happy as a little lark.  A successful open house at school made things much easier for me, but I was still anxious.

For breakfast, Mills requested cinnamon rolls.  A-ha!  Something easy as pie!

 

Then we posed for a few first day of preschool pics

The kids were instructed to bring a "bear" or animal to school on the first day.  Mills chose his Velveteen Rabbit.

 

A lot of parents chose to walk their children in on the first day, I however, did not.  Mills doesn't "work" that way.  I was afraid of creating a bad habit on the first day of school, so I braved up and let them come and get him out of the car.  I encouraged him and he smiled, so I knew everything would be okay.  If I make too big of a deal out of something, it always ends up back-firing on me, and my intuition played in my favor.  He was such a big boy.  Yes, he was a little nervous, but went right in.  Believe it or not, I didn't even cry.  I think his smile kept my tears from flowing.  Go Mills! Go Mama!

He had a great first day!  When I picked him up at 12:00, he was telling me all about everything they had done with excitement.  I was thrilled.

TCA Open House

Our big boy starts Pre-K3 tomorrow.  He is finally getting to go and is so excited.  I have been looking forward to this all summer, but then reality hit.  A new place, new people, completely different schedule, and the reality that Mills is growing up fast, led me into an emotional frenzy.  Not to mention that we have way too many changes going on at once.  I'll explain later.

We had a fantastic afternoon.  I was nervous and excited all in the same, but so was Mills.  He really warmed up to "Miss" Joy and she new exactly what to do to get him going.  He loved his room and the scavenger hunt that she had planned for her "Little Lambs."  It was a perfect ending to our day.

"Miss" Joy showing Mills his classroom

 

Working on the scavenger hunt with daddy

 He found his place at the table!

Visiting Daddy

Plans for a fire truck themed birthday party in August for the little man, led us to the fire station one afternoon. I need a picture of Mills in his dad's turnout gear and now that E is in a safer part of town, we get to visit him a lot more.  Mills loves to go and see the fire trucks, but to be honest, he isn't too wild about getting inside.  Odd?  Yes, for a son of a fire fighter.  The size of them is a tad bit overwhelming for him and I think the idea of lights, sirens, and rescues are great for him....at a distance. 
We let him explore at his own will and try not to push him.  Well, okay maybe not so much.  Erik's cruel sense of humor does not do the child justice. (pics below)

 

and here we have it- Erik tries to put Mills on the firetruck.  Laughing father and screaming child!

 

He's over it and all is well.

Golf

Mills' interest in golf has picked up this year.  We took him out with his clubs several times and let him "play".  I'm keeping my finger's crossed that he'll be sporting a green blazer one day.  Ha!  The Masters???  In my dreams! Right? 

He's Come a Long Way

Within two weeks after swimming lessons, Mills has turned into a little fearless fish.  He started jumping off the steps, then off the side of pool, and next, the diving board.  He loves to be thrown through the air by his daddy, while pretending to fly like a bird.  He us such a hoot to watch!

 

Swimming Lessons

Mills took his very first swimming lessons this year, during the first week of June, with "Miss" April.  Erik took him the first four days, and I got to take him on the last day. 

He did very well, of course, but the old saying that when momma's not around  they always do better could not have been more accurate on Friday.  I did my best to stay "hidden."  Nonetheless, within a week after, you would have thought he had been swimming for years.  No kidding, complete turnaround from last year. 

 

 

Pom Pons, Fat, Crutches, and Cars....

I cannot believe its been nearly 3 weeks since I posted.  Well, yes, I can.  We've been so busy that the laptop has been last on the list.

We've had a LOT going on.  Believe it or not, this mama relived the glory days last Friday night, as our alma mater held an alumni football game, as a fundraiser for the football team.  I broke out my old purple and gold poms, along with 12 other alumni cheerleaders, and cheered on the track that I spent many Friday nights on.  Wow.  I had just turned 35, on April 24 (and yes, I posted nothing about my birthday), and never thought that I would ever cheer again.  I'm still a cheerleader at heart, so needless to say, I had a blast.  It was cold, but fun.  The best part:  Mills yelled and waved "Hey! Mommy!" the whole game with the biggest smile on his face.  It was joy to my soul.

I went to the doctor for yearly blood work, a few weeks ago,  just to make sure everything is good. All was great, but may I remind you, I just turned 35.  For the first time in my life, I have had to begin watching my weight.  Yes, this little-bitty, petite girl, who has always been able to eat whatever I want, and as much as I want, has finally lost that good ole' high metabolism.  I knew it.  My pants have become too small, and my scrub pants are tight around the hips.  What?  Yes, I knew before I even went in for my appointment, tat weight was going to be a topic, and sure enough, I was right.  In a year, I have gained quite a bit.  Don't get me wrong.  I am still very small, but petite is more of the word I am going for, I guess.  All of my weight, or should I say, "rolls" distribute themselves right at my stomach.  I am only 5' tall and am supposed to be less than 120lbs.  So, I was told that I needed to get a hold of it now, so that I won't have to fight it later.  You know what?  It didn't even hurt my feelings, because I already knew that it is the complete and absolute truth.  So, back to the gym and dieting eating better it is.  It has been my motivation.  I still get the "You are so tiny.  You don't need to lose weight!"  To be honest, it drives me a little crazy, almost as much as people asking, "When are you going to have another baby."  Answer to both of those is, "Yes even petite people get fat, and never."  I have been on a roll.  Today, I am sore after a 40 min. kettle bell workout at the gym.  Ouch and go me!  By the way, I've lost 5lbs, in 2 weeks and Erik has lost 19 in about 5 weeks.  All we've done is eat right and exercise.

So, between birthday parties, football, work, church, wedding showers, baby showers, the gym, and so on, Erik managed to injure his foot.  We have no idea how it happened, but he began to complain on soreness on Wednesday night, and by Thursday morning, he awoke with swelling, intense pain, and could not walk.  After an xray, no broken bones were found, and the diagnosis was sprain/tendinitis.  He is on crutches and has kept his foot elevated with ice.  It stinks!  Keeping him off of it stinks even worse.  I have to fuss at him.  The crutches definitely help.

And last but not least....

This is my mother's day present....

 

Nice huh?  After 8 years of driving a vehicle that I absolutely loved, we left the Volvo in Memphis yesterday, and came home with a newbie.   I absolutely loved my car and having no car payment, but she had racked up a lot of miles, and the gas mileage wasn't so grand.  The AWD feature ate tires, and realizing that there are only 3 of us in the family, we decided that we did not necessarily need the 3rd row that accompanied it.  I have become very practical in my middle age.  I want practicality.  I am to the point of not caring what things look like, but what is necessary.  When choosing a car this time, I wanted great gas mileage and a low payment.  I didn't care if the car was purple with pink stripes, I just wanted was necessary for us as a family.  I told Erik I'd drive a Fiat  or a smart car if I had too, but the thought of being crushed in either of those makes me cringe.  I just couldn't justify getting a large vehicle for a family of three and I refuse to buy the gas for one, much less pay for one.  I feel the same way about a house.  There are 3 of us.  All we need is a roof over our heads without the extra unnecessary frills.  When I was growing up, I didn't have a "playroom" or "media room" or any of those things, and you know what?  I didn't miss any of them or really know any better.  After all, these things are temporary, and as days go by, we could be gone in a split-second.  Only God knows.  But until then, I will be getting from point A to point B in our little CR-V.

  I love it.  My little CR-V!  She drives like a "caddy" and is just the perfect size for a mom of one.  I only thought I loved my Volvo.  This car fits me perfectly.

Go Lucy Go 5K

We are home after a busy day.  We started the day off at 9am, at the Go Lucy Go 5K.  We had a blast!  I am no runner, but enjoyed my walk/run this morning.  What a great thing to do to start off the morning, support an awesome cause, and get exercise while doing it.  I have even been to the gym and back.  Can we say pumped?

Erik and I walked/ran while Mills rode in his jogging stroller.  Thanks to Kelley Francis for keeping me company the whole way!!!  Our short legs couldn't keep up with Erik, but we weren't at all worried about winning, just supporting.

Mills participated in his very first race as well.  The kids fun run was held afterwards.  He did so good!  He ran the whole way, even after saying, "Oh I tired, but I gotta keep goin'!"  Motivation?  A popsicle at the finish line!

Dancing with excitement!

Over 1000 participants this year.  Wow!

Practicing in circles

I was off the track trying to take is picture, so he thought he should get off too! OOPS!

Much better!

Go Mills Go!!

Cliff and Reggie are ahead!!!

If I Could Bottle This Energy and Sell It...

we would be rich.  No doubt.