Dumb?

After going over my very smart man's fourth grade math homework one too many times with him, as he was walking away, I asked him if he needed a math tutor; to which he replied "You think I'm dumb? Geez!" in his I'm about to burst into full on tears in two seconds squeal. He is now crying his eyes out in his room and I am sitting here wondering how math tutor equals dumb. Seriously. The mind of a nine year old.
Moments after the tears, caught off guard

Roman wondering if he needs an English tutor because he doesn't understand English

Earlier today, as I was loading up the car with kids to drop Cullen and Aiden off at school, I asked Aiden if he wanted me to walk him in to school (on his third day), hoping he'd say YES. His reply, "No, I want to be dropped off like Cullen, by car. I know my way there (to class)." He has no problem with independence:(

It's a new day

I woke up this morning ready to try a new-to-us church. We had been attending church at another location (with a different religion) and I was not getting my full dose of God. Jude and I, when we met, were interested in different religions. I tried to take Jude to my church with me when we were dating, and he did attend once or twice, but he made it clear he was not interested in converting AT ALL. I loved him so that I made a promise to the (fill-in-the-blank) church to convert to (blank) religion and raise my children that way. We married there, and I (with Jude by my side) completed the (a-long-fill-in-the-blank) program. In March of 2005, I was baptised, along with Cullen, and Aiden, at a beautiful candle light Easter service. It has been almost seven years now and I have given it many many attempts. We have tried a few different (blank) churches over the years and it just isn't doing it for me. I'm starving for more! I just feel like I need lots more! More than what I am receiving each Sunday, when we actually attend.
Now, I am not one who likes to discuss politics or religion because it is a rare moment that everyone shares the same exact views, so you won't usually see me blog about it. But today I must slightly, and ever so lightly, mention it. I left the church this morning so emotionally overwhelmed. I shed lots of tears. I took a look at my life and have decided to make some changes. Yes, a little over an hour or two and it was some of the best therapy I have had in a LONG time. Guess what the topic was...depression, anxiety, and so forth. It was about Hurricane Katrina, now the fourth year anniversary, and the way we handle things in our life. Life truly is what you make of it and I am happy to have been shaken this morning. I can't wait to go back again. I haven't felt that way in YEARS.
As far as Jude and I, I told him that I would attend church at ten in the morning on Sundays where I feel I/we belong and will attend church again at five in the evenings with him and the kids, if need be. We can still attend (blank) church as a family. I can make this work. I hope he gives a lot of thought to all of this. I am sure he will. He is always so supportive of me, but religion is bigger than the both of us. A little divine intervention couldn't hurt, either.
After church, we headed to the park together and then to get ice cream.
I absolutely L-O-V-E family days! They always seem to fall on Sundays.

Friendship

SIMPLE AND REAL FRIENDSHIP
A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend knows that it's not a friendship until after you've had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!
~Author unknown

Watching Aiden make new friends these past few months...myself with maintaining old ones...and watching Cullen do both...well, I thought this was great.

I live...

in the carpool lane. Yes, this morning I found a way to beat Roman's thunder stealing ways. I parked on the side of the school, left Cullen and Roman in the car while I walked Aiden into class, got back in the car and circled the block to drop Cullen off in front. Aiden needs to be at school by 8:30 and Cullen by 8:50 at the latest. Same school. Aiden needs to be picked up at 3:00 and Cullen at 3:45. See where my problem comes in? There is always a car line! In the afternoon, I end up in the car with Roman for an hour straight, trying to be sweet picking Aiden up early, so he doesn't have to chill in class until Cullen gets out. Eventually though, that will be the plan. Aiden walks in class in the mornings and doesn't look back. He is loving being a big boy. I volunteered at the school today and it was hot in the shed. I invited my mother in law to come and they had a pretty good turnout of volunteers. I got to meet a few moms and plan to do this "Friday Snack Shack" event every other week. I got to see the boys throughout the day also. We were there for four hours. It feels good doing something for the public school. I always felt like the previous private school Cullen attended took a large amount of tuition, and kept on wanting more money. More money, more money, more money! So similar to the past few Sunday church experiences we have had but that is a totally other topic! I understand the needs and all, but there is something about this new school that makes me want to give, give, give. Maybe it is because it is public/tuition free, I really don't know. I just want to be involved.
When evening came, we ate at our favorite Mexican restaurant with Nanny and Paw Paw. The place is always so loud, it drowns out my angelic children's voices and our table of seven fits right in:)
I am not feeling too upbeat these past few days and I am sure it has a lot to do with the latest medical issues I have previously discussed in my blogs. I am hoping that things start to turn around soon. I do not want to get on another med. I am just feeling, overwhelmed, I guess you could say. I need a routine. Granny is not doing so well and I am worried for her. I guess the upcoming week will consist of me driving across the lake a few extra days to stay with her. Please keep my Granny in your prayers.
Oh, and Roman has been super duper sweet. He is loving that we are hanging alone during the day. He is full of kisses, "lub lou's" and all that good stuff. I think we will do just fine on our own for the next two years!

My Pre-Kindergartener's first day of school

Yesterday was Aiden's orientation at school. His first half/half day. It was two hours and forty five minutes of half the children (ten) and their parents sitting in their classroom, reviewing what is expected from everyone. It was all very exciting. Seriously. Aiden met some new friends. I really liked his teacher and the assistant teacher. We did a little touring and met with the principal. As the big tour of the school began, I grabbed the head of the Parents Organization and signed up to volunteer and be on the org. I am so eager to get involved in their school. Well, apparently, I am also a sucker, as I signed up to work in the Friday Snack Shack in two days. That is a little shed with a very very tiny a/c and NO insulation, popping popcorn and selling snacks in the heat. Fun! We all ended up back in the classroom and as I sat there looking at the other parents, I realized majority of these people will be in my life, maybe, for the next 14 years. Since Aiden is in a Spanish Immersion program, the same twenty kids progress to the next grade, together, each year. They do not have different classes with different students each year like normally. Thank goodness everyone appeared nice (and decent). I also found out I can walk him to class all next week so that does comfort me.



In the evening we hung out with the Castillo's and ate my leftover homemade lasagna for dinner. The boys let out a ton of energy and I got to hang with my friend:)



Today he went a full day and he really likes it. As I was dressing him, he said "Momma, I am going to miss you today while I am at school." Melted my heart. I walked him into his class this morning and I had Roman with me. Roman didn't want to walk in the classroom door and started throwing himself to the ground. I picked him up, but not before he knocked some papers off the wall. I was in a tizzy and eager to get out. Ro pretty much stole Aiden's thunder this morning. When I picked Aiden up in the afternoon, he was all smiles. I asked him if he missed me, to which he replied, "No, I had my friends, I didn't miss you." I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Broke my heart.
When Aiden came home, he pooped on the potty twice. I was doing a dance that he is FINALLY interested in the toilet for more than just number one. Anyone who knows me, knows this is an issue I have been fighting for the past two years. Aiden had said that once school started, he would poop on the potty, and THAT HE DID. I realize this boy has worked me for two years and he COULD HAVE used the potty all this time if HE really wanted to, but it is what it is. I had known it was a control issue from very early on and had tried EVERYTHING under the sun to train him. HE WON! I finally told him that he was not going to be able to go to school if he didn't learn to do it right. I also said that I no longer cared if he did it, but he should do it for the right to go to school. He is four years five months, and forty five pounds. Do you know what it is like changing a child that size/age? The grossest thing imaginable! Anywho, I hope we are FINALLY on the right track. School is going wonderfully!

I lub lou, mama

The sweetest words from the sweetest boy.

(No picture, just sound.)

Weigh in Wednesday

Finally moving in the right direction. After dieting and working out daily this past week, I have lost three pounds. Only thirty seven pounds to go. Woohoo!

For my dear sister, Heidi

(An addition to our family room.)

Tuesday's Test

This morning Jude and I woke to take Aiden for his Pre-K testing. He was so adorable in his little uniform. I will have to post a pic tomorrow. He did great at school and we left to take care of a million errands after. Tomorrow is his orientation and the parents stay in class with them for two and a half hours. The next day...he goes alone. Literally. I kick him out the car in the carpool lane and have to watch him walk away. No walking him to class, the building, nothing. I am not sure how I am going to make out with this transition. Makes me sad thinking about it. I hate that they all have to grow up.
I could bore you with all the details of the rest of the day but I will skip it. I did go to the mall to get his name embroidered on his blanket and back pack and when I went back thirty minutes later to pick it up, it said "ARDEN". I went from "Oooh, look how cute!" to "That's not cute." The lady did fix it and when I returned to the mall in five o'clock traffic, I was excited to see it right. Precious stuff!
Looney showing his bag

Aiden's blanket

One of the things the boy needs for school is a blanket for nap time. I thought I would be crafty and make him one. Oh yeah. I brought him to the fabric store a few weeks ago and let him pick out the colors. Oh, what a terrible decision that was. He picked out hunter's bright orange fleece with a blue ribbon trim and a black, yellow, and red car to sew on it.

He also stated he wanted his name on it in green.

Amy helped me out after the gym and we got it done. It's not sellable, but it is complete. lol I hope he treasures it for years to come, or at least through the school year.

Sunday at our house

Jude had to work today and the weather was gorgeous outside. I packed up the car and was going to head to the other side of the lake when I realized hell was going on at the I-10. Traffic was being blocked for road construction so I turned my happy ass right back around and went home. I sat in the freakin' house all day. I always have a fear of going anywhere child friendly on the weekends because of kids birthday parties. Places are always so much busier on the weekend. Jude got off at five and we met him for church. The kids let us stay for a whole service, for once. They did drive us nuts, but we got to stay. After, when we pulled in our driveway, I noticed some gardening needed to take place

and Jude finally gave in and said he would help.

Yay! It was a pretty boring Sunday at home with the boys.
(After photos are pending! We finished in the dark.)

Happy birthday, Shannon's Dave!

This evening we dropped the kids off at Jude's parents for a second time today (Thanks, Nanny and Paw Paw!) and headed to a local fun place to hang with friends for Dave's 31st birthday. We couldn't stay long because Jude had work in the morning, but it was fun the hour we were there.
Two of my girls

Dave and Jude

A few of the guys

Me and my Judey booty

RIP Mrs. Savoie

This morning we went to a very sad service to show love and support to our friends, Andie and Scott. Scott's mom passed away and I can't even begin to imagine the pain they must be going through. My heart aches for them. I could not imagine my life without my mom. I know it is inevitable, but I can't even begin to fathom how painful it must be. Mrs. Savoie was too young. I didn't know her but Jude grew up with her in his life because he and Scott were great friends growing up. Jude said she helped him after plenty of bad drinking nights, and just for that, I like her. I cried the entire service, as did all friends seated around me. I hope in time, the pain for her family gets easier to bear. Scott and Andie are in my prayers.

Jennel Woringen Savoie passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. She was 60 years old. A native of New Orleans, LA and a lifelong resident of Metairie, LA. Beloved wife of Brandt Savoie for 38 years. Mother of Kimberly, Scott and Brandi. Mother-in-law of Andrea and Gerald. Grandmother of Victoria, Geoffrey, Brice and Catherine. Daughter of the late Arthur and Catherine Woringen. Sister of Glen Woringen. Mrs. Savoie was a teacher's assistant at Ella Dolhonde School...In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Susan G. Komen for the Cure , P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309 (phone number 1-877-465-6636). The online guestbook is available at www.legacy.com.

A visit from a favorite friend

Floridian Dawn came down this weekend for some events and fit us into her schedule. We had so much fun playing with her and her children (and niece). Dawn and I go way back and I wish she lived closer. At least we get to see each other a few times a year. I love her and her family!
When we left, it was storming outside. I was scared to death driving home and had a million errands to run this Friday afternoon that will get postponed until next week:( At least we had fun.
Lightning struck our huge pine tree in the front yard while I was out. Jude was outside and the poor baby got scared; though I totally do not blame him. He went and took photos of the tree. That's TWICE that this tree has been struck. Hmmmmm!

Click here for pictures!

We love to play

Thursday was a day to get out the house and play. We went to our favorite monkey hangout and had a blast with the million other children there today. The place was packed, though you can't really tell from the pictures.




Aiden took this picture of the place

Busy being fabulous

HA! Okay, not really. That song was just on by the Eagles. I have been busy though. With school starting this Monday for my big boy, I have been doing a new routine (and loving it). The little ones haven't been playing as much and are having a built up energy crisis. I am so looking forward to Aiden starting school next week. It will be his first time ever in a school (structured environment, daycare, etc). He has ALWAYS been by my side. I cherish all the time we have had together and I know when he grows up, he will appreciate it. I do look forward to one on one time with the Ro-man next week.
Cullen says he likes his new school and looks so handsome in his new uniform. I know he misses his friends and it breaks my heart, but I hope he will make new ones soon. He starts football on Monday and I hope some of his classmates are on the neighborhood team so he can get to know some people better. The studies seem to be on the same page as private school so that does make it a little easier. He likes his teacher. He hates public school lunches. My first baby isn't a baby anymore.
As for the new routine, the little bittys wake up at seven something every morning and wake me up. I get up around 7:45 with Cullen and fix breakfast, dress two monkeys and myself, grab a cup of coffee and leave the house for 8:45. I drop Cullen off at school a few blocks away and go to the gym. I work out with my besty for some time and go home to clean, run errands, fit some form of entertainment in for the kids, do lunch, nap time, and in the car pool line at 3:30 to get Cullen. There is no bus service for him because, quote, we "are within walking distance to the school." Sheesh! Have they felt how hot it is outside? Pushing a double stroller? No thank you! lol I don't mind the four and a half block trip in the car, anyway. Maybe we'll walk/wagon it in the fall.
Grandma is doing swell and has had cousin Mary Jane staying with her from Texas. That has been a huge relief and I will have to buy her something nice.
My desktop computer malfunctioned this past weekend (thanks to mwah) and I have been spending hours of free time reprogramming it with all of my software, settings, downloads, etc. I always seem to f something up every year or two on every computer I own. I hope to have my photo software for editing back on it soon (if I can find it) or otherwise I am going to have to LEARN Photoshop, which I have been putting off since Christmas, when I received it. Wish me luck.
Okay, so that is the past few days in a nutshell and will have more jibber jabber tomorrow. I just needed to blog. Goodnight.
Ooops, I almost forgot weigh in Wednesday. Nothing. Zero. Nadda. Next week I hope to have better news for myself. I am officially doing the gym now.

Cullen's first day of school

My brave boy headed out to a new school today to start fourth grade. He was so cute in his uniform!
Here he is...

His little i.d. card...

A day with Jude

Today was a lovely family day. We decided to head down to the river and have lunch at the mall. We ate yummy food, watched boats pass by,

and played near the waterfall.



The kids enjoyed themselves, and so did Jude and I. I took lots of photos, of course.
After, we went to a wedding for one of Jude's employees

and then had dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant.
Later, we watched a movie at home and picked the kids up from Jude's parents. I love fun days!

Aiden's hat modeling

Friday at the park

These days, I feel like the kids are under privileged. I have had so much going on that I haven't really been able to focus on them. So today, we took a trip out to the park to burn some energy and snap some photos.





Take a look here for more pics!