Choosy Moms

When I was pregnant with Lamb,for whatever reason, Big D & I were at the grocery store to buy peanut butter. I looked at all the choices available to me and felt overwhelmed. "Big D, what brand should we buy?????"

Big D looked at me and said: "Well, you are about to be a mom and choosy moms choose Jif."

So that's what we bought. And, to this day, it's the only peanut butter I'll buy because of Big D's words (and Jif's ad slogan).

I will also buy only Sunbeam bread. Living in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, we would drive by this billboard for Sunbeam. It is huge with a girl swinging across the sign. Sunbeam reminds me of home, of my youth.

What about you? Are there any brands you'll buy because of their slogans or sentimental value?

We Survived!

A few days after the end of 5th grade, Bear came to me late one night and whispered that he'd miss me, too.

A few weeks into summer vacation, Bear was excited about "starting his new life" and couldn't wait for it to begin.

A few days before the start of his new life, he was upset that his teacher didn't retain him.

The night we got his schedule and locker combination, he didn't have the confidence in himself. He struggled with the locker at first. I could see the tension in his shoulders and eyes. I wanted So Badly to step in and help him. But, of course, I couldn't. He had to learn that he could do things on his own.

And then there's Lamb. When we got her schedule, we saw that she was put into journalism instead of dance 2. I filled out the required paperwork to correct it. I told Lamb that if it wasn't correct, she had to take care of it. She told me that she'd rather keep it the same than try to figure out what she needs to do. ARGH!!!!! She LOVES dance and has never expressed an interest in journalism. I told her then that I would not be taking care of it for her. If that's the stance she was going to take,then sobeit.

The morning of the 1st day of school was the hardest I've had in four years. Leaving Bear with tears in his eyes was difficult. Unfortunately, with his school hours, I was unable to take him to school. For the first time ever. Fortunately, I have a brother who is able to transport him for me. I gave Bear a kiss in his hand and left with Lamb.

After I dropped Lamb off, it was the loneliest morning for me. No children in the car. No children at the school. Well, none of MY children. There were plenty of other people's children.

Both of them had a fabulous first day! Whew. Bear realized he could do this. He had no problems with his locker. The one time he got lost, he got a teacher to direct him. And he saw some familiar faces. He goes to a different intermediate school than the one his elementary classmates go to.

And then there's Lamb. She is taking journalism 1, not dance 2. Lucky for her, there is a good reason. Dance 2 is only offered during the same period that Production 2 is offered. Acting is more important to her than dancing. Plus, she thinks journalism sounded interesting.

Oh yeah, and there's a friend in that class. That's huge for shy, reserved Lamb. She also has a circle of friends to eat lunch with. That doesn't matter to her as much as it matters to me.

Yes, fabulous first days!

Bad News, Good News

I always like to start off with the bad news. That makes the good news even sweeter. Yesterday morning, we woke up to find Lamb's hedgehog, Charlotte (Charlie), had passed away. We were in complete and utter shock. She wasn't even a year old. We aren't sure what exactly happened. Needless to say, it was a sad day in our house.

Now for the good news. The beast that has kept me away this summer is finished! I can now cross off "make Bear's blanket" on my list. I am so happy to be done with it. But, I'm at a loss as to what do with myself now. ;)