A Rite of Passage

Keith took Charley to his first Clemson football game this weekend, and I think we have created a monster. Of course, that is just what we need around here is someone else who is addicted to football. Oh well, I suppose Keith will have a little partner in crime now. As I was reviewing the pictures this morning and trying to decide which pictures to post on the blog, Charley was looking over my shoulder begging to go to another football game. Something tells me it won't take much to twist dad's arm...

My First Day of School

Today was my first day of volunteering in Morgan's class at Laurel Hill. Whew--boy did the time fly. I was assigned to work with 6 kids who needed some extra help learning about their letters and what sounds they make. Spending ONE hour with SIX kindergarteners was about all I could take. Don't get me wrong, it was fun, and I really enjoyed it, but I was at my limit! I have a whole new appreciation for her teachers who spend eight hours a day with 25 5 year olds. Nonetheless, I'll be returning on a weekly basis.

I am also happy to report that Morgan invited me to lunch, AND I got to sit right next to her at the lunch table with all of her friends. It was such a great time!

Buster's Sermon

Here's a link to Buster's sermon from Sunday on spiritual warfare. It was a good one, and I'm sure some of you will appreciate him referring to the Dallas Cowboys at "America's Team"! Have a great week!



http://www.ecbconline.com/clientimages/32443/sermons/defyingthedevil.mp3

Watch out Pre-School, Here Comes Charley

I hope his teachers are ready!

Charley had a great first day of pre-school. I did have to bribe him with lemonade from Sonic to get him out of the car, but after that we were home free. He is loving it!

That's My Boy!

Mmmmm....cupcakes taste GOOD! My friend Dana took this picture of Charley at her son Griffin's birthday party. He is eating that cupcake and licking every last bit of it! Is he his mother's son or what?!

"No, Mom, you don't get it"

Well, little Ms. Independent strikes again.

Ever since Morgan was 3 years old, and I found out I could meet her in the school cafeteria for lunch at her elementary school, I've been planning to meet her there. I mean, what mom doesn't want to figure out what kind of kids her child is hanging out with...and that can't start too early, right?

So I told Morgan my plan, and asked if she wanted to sit with me at the designated "Visitors Table" where you can eat with your mom and one other friend, or if she just wanted to invite her cool mom to sit right at the table with all her friends. To that she replied, "No mom, you don't get it. I want you to sit at the visitor's table, and I'll stay at the table with all my friends".

If this is 5, I'm not going to be able to handle 15!

Our Baby Girl Goes to Kindergarten

I always used to laugh when people told me that time goes by so fast with your kids. I remember when Morgan was six weeks old, I went to Target for a few things (you know, the important staples of diapers, wipes, and formula) and an older lady said "Oh, she is so precious. They grow up so fast!". The only response I could muster after 6 weeks of sleep deprivation was "Yeah, that's what the tell me"...it felt like the longest six weeks of my life!! But, this past Tuesday, when I walked her to the doorway of her kindergarten class (because that's as far as my daughter would allow me to go), it really DID feel like we just brought her home from the hospital not too long ago! After a full two minutes of waiting in the doorway for her to come back for her good-bye kiss, I finally had to resort to walking in the class and planting one on her cheek!

The first words out of her mouth after her first day were "Mom, I really like kindergarten, but I want to ride the bus and buy my lunch". Good news on one hand, because that saves me about an hour and a half of my time, but sad because she wants me to do less and less. I hate to think what first grade is going to be like, much less high school and (gasp) college!!

Gymnastics Recital

I asked Morgan what she wanted to do this summer, and offered up gymnastics, ballet, cooking camp, or a few other camps offered at the pre-school up the street. The only thing the child wanted to do this summer was gymnastics, and she loved it! This was her third summer with the same teacher, Miss. Jan. Morgan had so much fun, she decided she wanted to continue with the class for the school year, so we signed her up to go every Tuesday. Her teacher is allowing her to attend the 6-10 year old age group even though she is only 5, so we will see how that goes.

Here's a picture of Morgan with Miss. Jan at her end of summer recital.

OMG--She's Updated her Blog!!!

Yes, I set the very ambitious goal of updating my blog every 3 months...so here goes.

Way back on the 4th of July, we met at a friend of Morgan's (Tirzah) for a parade followed by popsicles. Here are some pics of the kids.

Incidentally, this was also the day we decided to join the new millenium and purchase an ipod. So if you know of a website where I can download music for free (and it's LEGAL), let me know. We're still using iTunes at the moment.

Laurel Hill Primary School

Morgan attended a summer enrichment camp at her new school last week. She had a GREAT time and really enjoyed herself. We found out the first day that her friend Tirzah from her pre-school and Sunday school had the same teacher, so she at least knew one person in her class.



She got to make a book about ladybugs, did math activities using dice, and got to have a popsicle for a snack the last day.

You'll have to check out the school's website: http://laurelhill.ccsdschools.com/home.aspx

I think it's top notch--even if it is in South Carolina and our schools are ranked 49th in the nation!

"Morgan, now that you've graduated from pre-school, what will you do?"

I'm going to Disney World!!

The Orlando Science Center

If you ever decide to visit Orlando and want to see something else besides Disney, this is a great place to go! They have several kid friendly exhibits for all ages from a dinosaur exhibit to the toddler zone. If we lived there, I'd definitely invest in an annual pass!

Morgan Graduates from Pre-School

Here are some pictures from Morgan's Pre-School Graduation. In order to get her out of her usual tank top, skirt, and flip flops, I had to bribe her with a cupcake and bring her a change of clothes to wear after the ceremony was over. I tell you, she drives a hard bargain.

Muffins with Mom

Morgan's pre-school class had an early Mother's Day celebration on Wednesday. As part of the festivities, the children each presented their mom with a page entitled "My Mom" on which the teachers asked each child a question and recorded their response. Here's Morgan's:

My Mom

My mom's name is: Alice.

That one was pretty good. A lot of the kids just responded with "Mommy" so I was glad she actually new my name.

My mom cooks the best: spaghetti.

I must say I feel a bit like a gourmet cook after reading this response, as I read "macaroni and cheese" on most of the others.

This is how she makes it: She starts boiling the water. Then she adds the noodles. Next is the meat.

See--that's way more difficult than mac & cheese.

My mom and I like to: play tag.

My mom's favorite clothes to wear are: dresses.

Not that I have many occasions to wear them.

My mom is beautiful because: she likes me.

Oh, how sweet is that.

And my personal favorite:

My mom always says: "Honey, go play with your brother."

Oh, out of the mouths of babes--that one is SO true!!

Happy Easter!

Hapy 5th Birthday, Morgan!

Here are some pictures from Morgan's birthday party. We had it at one of her favorite hang-outs "Ready, Set, Jump". Good thing, because 19 of her friends decided to come help her celebrate the big day, and there's no way we could have pulled that off at the house.

A Fig Leaf Will Not Do...

Here's a link to our pastor's sermon from today, based on 2 Peter 1.



http://www.ecbconline.com/clientimages/32443/sermons/thefoundationofperseveringjoy.mp3

WARNING: THERE'S A VIRUS ON THIS BLOG!!

Well, if bad things truly do happen in threes, our family should be safe for awhile. This weekend we replaced a water pipe that had a hole in it; paid an exhorbitant amount to have a creepy repairman come out and clean some lint out of our dryer vent on the side of the house; and then had to pay for additional "spyware" to remove a virus off our computer. So if you're wondering what the comment is on the day of the Oyster Roast post on here, DON'T look at it--you'll probably get the virus, too (unless of course you've already had your 3 bad occurences and you're willing to risk it!)

The Wedding of Q and U

Charley and I were invited to Morgan's Valentine Party at school on Friday. They had a wedding ceremony for the letters Q and U, because everytime you see the letter Q it's followed by U.

All the girls had veils (tissue paper) with the letter Q, and the boys wore top hats and bow ties with the letter U. They exchanged a candy ring, and then were invited to give a hug to their friends and family.

I would have taken pictures at the actual ceremony, but Charley thought that would be a great time to grab mom's camera and take some pictures of himself. I figured it was easier for him to keep the silly camera rather than try to take it back and cause a scene...I'm just thankful I was able to get the shots I got!!

Boone Hall Annual Oyster Roast

Here are some pictures from the Annual Boone Hall Oyster Roast they hold here in Mount Pleasant. Unfortunately, I was stuck at home with a stomach bug, and Keith had to take the kids...or maybe not so unfortunate, since I don't eat oysters, and I'm not one for crowds.

Keith ended up having to take the next day off from work to help me with the kids because I was so sick--that's the first time he's ever done that!! I think he actually enjoyed the pre-school carpool and spending time with the kids, though.

Charley's Official Birthday Pictures--TOUCHDOWN!

Charley's Birthday Party

Here are a few pictures from Charley's birthday party. We had about 20 kids over for cake, ice cream, and some Bob the Builder activities. They had tons of fun and we enjoyed getting them all sugared up and then sending them home!!

Pass the Carrot Souffle, Please

I've had a couple of requests for the carrot souffle recipe I used for our Thanksgiving dinner--you know, that holiday we had about 2 months ago. So at long last, here it is:

Carrot Souffle (serves 6)

1 16 oz package of baby carrots OR 1 1/2 lbs carrots, sliced (I used the regular carrots--there's just something I don't like about genetically engineered mini carrots)

3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups of sugar
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Cook carrots in boiling water to cover in a large saucepan 20 to 24 minutes, or until tender. Drain well; cool.

Process carrots and eggs in a food processor (if you're fortunate enough to have one, if you're like me and you don't have one, you'll have to resort to "mashing together with a fork"!!) until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Add sugar and remaining ingredients; process (i.e. mash with fork again--boy is your arm getting tired by this point) 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish.

Bake at 350 for 55 to 60 minutes, or until set.

You can make all of this the night before, and just toss it in the oven the morning of your feast!

Bon Apetite!