August already!

The beginning of a new school year would not be the same if we didn't buy new shoes. We headed down to Sandy's shoes (which is now located next to the Walmart that has sadly replaced Northcross mall.) We tried on a million pair of shoes and none of them were "just right." Finally they found the much marketed Sketcher's Bella Ballerina shoes and it was love it first sight. I really prefered for Meagan to get white shoes considering the fact that it is 105 outside, but these were the ones that she wanted. As long as they were happy, I was happy.
We found all of the school supplies, even though I made the terrible sin of buying college ruled Composition notebooks rather than Wide Ruled (we went back and replaced them, of course!) We went to supply drop off and Natalie was excited to see the ever wonderful Ms. Erickson. Meagan and I both liked her teacher, Ms. Caldwell, who seemed super nice.
The Uncles Brian were in town this weekend for a wedding, so it was great to see them. They even bought Matthew a Longhorn (it is good to see that Brian L hasn't forgetten his Austin time!) sweatshirt to wear when we visit in less than a month. Knowing my luck, there will be some sort of odd heat wave and San Fransisco will have record high temperatures (yes, Rick Perry, there is such a thing as Global Warming. It is not a theory anymore.) I am crossing my fingers that I am wrong and I can enjoy a few lovely days in the 70s!
One more day until the whirlwind that is the school year begins. I fear that many tears will be shed as I watch my second child, my sweet little Natalie, head into Kindergarten. I feel very blessed to have had the extra year (her birthday is next month, so she is almost six) at her sheltered little world at Faith Montessori. We know that she has been given a terrific base from which to start from, so now she just needs to grow into all that she can be. Meagan has already shown me that she has a good head on her shoulders, makes good choices, and has a fun sense of humor. This year may be a little bit more difficult when it comes to subject matter and complexity, but she will do well. Matthew, who still has a few more weeks before he starts his two days a week preschool, should be rather interesting to see. I have tried to get him to nap on his little nap mat (which, in my opinion, is very comfy with it's little built in blanket and pillow,) but he stands up and wanders off. I can only picture him doing this when the teachers try to get him to go to sleep at naptime. My little lovebug will be such a little ham at school. When we picked Natalie up at school back in June, he would park his little rear end in one of the tiny preschool chairs and just waited for someone to talk to him. Actually, it looked like he was waiting to be fed, which is very likely. His first day at school will surely be another tear-filled day. More milestones every day....

Life around here

It is so hard to believe that it is August already. We went to go get new backpacks and lunch boxes today. That was a very difficult decision, as there are a million choices to chose from at the store. I am not looking forward to the early morning craziness of running around getting the kids dressed, making lunches, etc. I am excited, though, for the kids to experience new things. Nat is super pumped up to start Kinder, Meagan is taking her job of guiding Natalie through her school very seriously, and Matthew starts Montessori school twice a week next month. My babies are getting so big....

The girls are done with art camp. This week they are doing camp at our gym. It is a large camp, way bigger than they are used to going to. Meagan and Natalie will be in the same group, so that should help.

What do you do when it is over 100 degrees for the millionth time this summer?

Andy and the girls headed off to Target with a very specific shopping list in mind. The girls love the game Little Big Planet for the Playstation 3, and there is now a second version. It is a super kidsafe game and a lot of fun too. It is Daddy/Daughter bonding time. The other item of interest: a Tonka dumptruck for Matthew. The child loves, loves, loves anything with wheels. Well, he will even take a block and act like it is a car, so maybe it doesn't need wheels all that much. He is napping right now, but I can't wait for him to see his big truck. It is funny how he has gone from a little baby to all boy in such a short time. It makes me believe that kids' attractions to certain toys is just natural, not learned. If Matthew was just playing what the girls taught him, he would spend hours playing with Barbie dolls. The girls do try to make him their student when they play school, but he isn't interested in cooperating with that game. He would rather rip the pages out of the book than read it. I will have to capture him on the camera when he wakes up. He recently got a haircut at KAOS and it is very cute.
I have been reading a lot lately. I can't say I have read any life changing literature, but fun stuff none the less. The Kindle is addictive for me; actually it might be a little bit TOO easy for me to just click "Buy Instantly" on Amazon! My newest purchase is the new Jennifer Weiner novel and I am very much looking forward to it.
We are going over to Uncle Brian G's house for swimming tomorrow. The only way to be outside right now is to be in a pool, especially a nice shaded one like Brian's pool.

So excited

As you may have noticed by my last few posts, my brother has been on my blog. Great thing too, because he fixed it. I don't really understand what was wrong with it, but it works now when I use Safari. I haven't taken any photos during the past few weeks (very un-Sharon like!) I will have to catch up and post some new ones of my little ones. The girls are attending an art camp and seem to like it. They are really creative. It is good for them to get to see new forms of art and get to make some things of their own. Matthew and I hang out together. He is so much fun! All three of my kids are at a good age, learning new things and enjoying their summer.

May Was Niiiiice in Green PolkaLand

The girls got together in matching dresses for a cute photo!

My Brother Brian is amazing!

My Brother Brian went to Stonehenge, and he is incredible. Here is a poem I wrote about him

Brian is cool

He doesn't drool

My dog Barni, on the hand

Went to Drool University and does it on command

No nap?!!?

Matthew is the world's best napper. He usually sleeps around 2 1/2 -3 hours every afternoon. Today I put him down late (mistake, obviously) and he was quiet for all of 30 min. I was shocked when I heard him jibberjabbering up there. I tried to get him to go back to sleep, but he took his paci (which he uses as a sleep cue, as he does not get one at any other time) and threw it at me. So much for the nap.