Borders Obsession

I'm obsessed...with Borders Book store.  The good news is that my obsession is soon to be over since it is closing in seven days, bad news is that it is closing in seven days!  They have such great deals that I can't wait to go back and see what has been marked down even more.  A great example is that there was a cookbook I wanted and the first "sale" day we went it was $32, originally $40.  I didn't get it but went back a week later and it was $8, rang up as $4-now that's an awesome deal!  I'm not sure anyone I told understood my enthusiasm but at least I was entertained for a while.  I've gotten kids books, games, Christmas presents, fiction books, and some random other things.  I went yesterday but am already trying to decide if I should go back tomorrow or wait till Monday, surely by then they will just give you what you want-right?
The obvious problem is that they are running out of books.  Most of my "wish list" cook books are gone, all the kids stuff is gone, the good movies and cds are gone but I am always hopeful they find something else in the back or from another store to put out.
Hope everyone likes books, because most likely you will be getting one from me for Christmas!

Kindergarten

Jackson and Daddy
before heading to bus stop

waiting for the bus!

Wow, as much as I can't believe Lauren is 4 I really can't believe I have a kid in Kindergarten!  Today is his fourth day and so far he has loved it.  He says his favorite part is PE but he doesn't remember what they did there.  He also likes lunch because you can eat whatever you want first.  In preschool the teachers made you eat your sandwich before chips/treats.  I thought it was funny he was so amazed with his new-found freedom.

Getting off the bus on the first day-
Such a happy face to see!

On the second day he didn't get off the bus so I had to stop it as it was pulling away, and there he was, sitting on the first row.  After the clueless bus driver told me she didn't know who any of the kids were I told him to get off and asked why he had stayed on.  He said the kid sitting by him didn't move.  We had a little talk about asking people to move when its time for you to get off the school bus.  Other than that little issue everything has gone perfect.
He loves his teacher and a friend that we have know since he was a baby is in his class.  I think it always helps to have a familiar face in a new situation.
I went yesterday to help with lunch and it was cute seeing all the kids.  They aren't allowed to talk during lunch and there is classical music playing in the background.  Jackson was so cute, wanting to hold my hand and have me stand by him the whole time.  I know that before long he won't want me to come help his class so I appreciated the opportunity.

I told him I would make whatever he wanted for
dinner after the first day of school. He chose
Grilled Cheese, Corn on the cob and Watermelon.



Keep up the good work Jackson, we are so proud of you!

Birthday Girl

First off, to the one person who keeps checking my blog, thanks for not giving up on me during my recent hiatus.  Amanda has been sleeping in the office which greatly interferes with my computer time!

Last week my "baby" Lauren turned 4!  She was SO excited to be the "Birthday Girl."  It even coincided with her first day of preschool, so we were able to bring cupcakes in to share with her classmates. 

Class singing Happy Birthday

Lauren is developing so much personality and is becoming pretty funny.  She also loves playing with Jackson and Amanda.  She has been missing her brother since he started school a few days ago(that post to come next...).

Pink and Purple puppy dog cake at the pool.  She wouldn't
take the princess crown off all day!

I had planned a little pool party for Lauren on Friday with our neighbors Katie and Annie and two friends from her class last year.  She was incredibly excited to be having a party, and I was excited it was a low key gathering of pizza and cake at the pool:).  Well, the night before the party one mom called because her daughter was sick and then the following morning the other classmates mom called because that girl was sick too.  Of course, I put on a sympathetic, but straight face when telling Lauren about this.  She looked sad for a minute but recovered quickly.  Meanwhile, I cried.  not sure if I can still blame that on post-partum hormones.  I just felt sad for her, I think Jason thought I was crazy.
It ended up working out nicely.  I called another friend, telling her I was throwing together a last minute get together, and she met us at the pool, with Katie and Annie.  The kids all seemed to have a fun time.


We also went to Greensboro for the "family birthdays" and Lauren wouldn't leave my moms side for very long.  It was cute to see her so loving.  Mom gave her a book about leprechauns/pot of gold/rainbows which was just what Lauren had been asking for. 

Reading with grandma

Birthday Pancakes with chocolate chips
and a candle!  A great was to start the day.

Showing Daddy the "beautiful jewels"
on the princess dress she got. 

Happy Birthday to my fun loving, sometimes dramatic, fashionable little girl!