I finally get it

Today I did a horrible thing, I forgot that it was show and tell day at Ryan's school so he didn't have anything to show or tell - bummer. I knew Thursdays were the show and tell day, but for some reason, it just slipped my mind this morning until we were walking into school and one of the dads asked his little girl if she remembered that her show and tell item was in her backpack - oh crap, Ryan is going to be the only kid without something - I'm such a bad mom. Anyway, there was nothing I could do at that point so I just dropped him off as usual and drove home wondering how I could have forgotten? That's when I remembered a similar situation that happened to me when I was in college - sorry Mom, this one is about you. So, it was getting close to Christmas and our RA (resident assistant) decides to surprise everyone on our floor by sending home letters to our parents stating that we will be having a big shin-dig one evening that will start with all the girls getting a present at the door to their dorm rooms. Well, this present is supposed to be a care package from our parents who got the RA's letter and carefully put together a thoughtful care package for their lovely daughter. One problem, Mom gets the letter and tosses it in the garbage before she actually reads it because she assumes it is junk mail. So there I am walking back to my dorm after a long day filled with classes and basketball practice and to my surprise, I see beautifully decorated packages sitting at everyone's door - I can hardly wait to get to my door and see what is waiting for me. I walk past my friend's room where she is quickly ripping the paper off her package, I'm so excited, I can hardly wait. There's my room, only a few steps ahead, but wait, it doesn't appear as though there is any package there - I must be mistaken, it must be there. So I get closer and closer, and there I am at my door . . . one package with "Penny" on the name tag, not "Angie" - how could this be? There must be some mistake. My friend next door comes over to show me all of her goodies and asked what I got, my response, "nothing." I guess whoever left the packages didn't want me to get one. That is when she says, "the packages are from our parents, you have to have one." I guess that seems logical as I did, and still do have two parents, but I'm sure there is nothing waiting for me. After a short chat, my friend leaves, and I get on the phone to call my dear parents to clear up this mistake - it is clearly a mistake, right? I do some quick chit-chatting with mom until I can't take it anymore so I simply ask here about the care packages and the letter she received from the RA. That is when the truth comes out and I realize that she either didn't really read the letter, or she completely forgot about it, either way, I'm devastated. My only option at that point is to go over to my friend's dorm and help eat all of her homemade Christmas cookies - thanks Mrs. Sperling.

So the whole point of telling that story is to say that now I finally get it, and forgive my mom for not sending that care package. It seemed so simple to me back then - I was her kid, number 1 (or 2 or 3) in her universe, she did everything for me and never, ever screwed up - it was her job to be perfect. Now that I'm a mom and screwed up today (which Ryan probably didn't even notice), and many other times in the past, and many more to come in the future, I realize what a hard job it really is. Remembering every little detail about school, schedules, doctor appointments, and endless other things is not as easy as it seems. So I'm putting it out there right now to my own kids that they should absolutely not expect perfection from me - this way they won't be so disappointed when I fail them (hopefully not too many times). Although, when they are in college and it is getting close to Christmas time, I will certainly be on high alert for any mail sent to me from the college so Ryan and Lauren will never have to experience the pain I felt on that cold, cold night in Brookings, South Dakota.

New team member

Welcome to Target, "can I help you find something?" It is official, mama got herself a new job! To think that only 9 short months ago, I was trying to convince Travis that I should quit my job, and this past week, I've been convincing him that I should get a job again - funny how times have changed. Not that this job is even close to my old job as a bank manager, but it is something to earn a little extra cash, get me out of the house for a couple of hours, and give us a little extra discount at Target (a good thing considering I shop there at least once a week). I'm only working 15 hours a week so it is not a huge time commitment, and the scheduling is very flexible so it shouldn't interfere with any family time. Plus, it gives Trav a little more time with the kids on the nights I work - it seems like a good thing for everyone. So, if you are ever in the area, feel free to stop by and harass me as I'm diligently restocking shelves, or running through the aisles at blazing speed to get a product for a customer - fast, friendly, and fun, that is our motto!

Onto more important things . . . Lauren discovered the joys of the laundry basket yesterday as we spent a good portion of the morning having basket rides down the hallway. I know she looks like a boy in these pictures, but she insisted on wearing her "My Mom Rocks" onsie (which was Ryan's when he was younger) so who was I to discourage it - I put on a pair of flared girls jeans with decorative pockets to help make her look more girly, but I don't really think it worked though.

She is having a Travis moment here - the tongue hanging out of the mouth is a common sight whenever he is concentrating, Lauren appears to have picked up the trait. Their one -on-one time is already paying off I guess.

Just your basic day

Not a whole lot going on lately so we've had to make our own fun around the house. Ryan continues to love dressing up - his latest favorite is being a pirate.

He has also taken a liking to some of my undergarments - not so sure about that, but I banking on the fact that it is just a stage and will pass in time - let's hope so.

Ryan has been to three days of school so far and seems to really enjoy it. Whenever I pick him up, I always ask what he did and he always responds with, "learned my ABC's." However, school always seems to get brought up later in the day when he starts having a conversation about some random thing and gets mad when I have no idea what he is talking about. For instance today, he said this is my sad face (showing me his pouty lip) than he says, this is my happy face and smiles. I thought that was sort out of the blue, until I remembered his project he brought home, which was a paper plate made into a face with a mouth that can be turned up (smile), or down (frown/sad) - now his conversation makes sense, he learned about happy faces and sad faces, how could I have not known.

Lauren continues to grow like crazy and is doing way too many things that I'm not really ready for. She has mastered climbing up the stairs and loves to sit on the bottom step, and look at you until she gets your attention, and then she takes off squealing with anticipation that someone will come gt her before she tumbles off the steps - what a fun little game. She is also pulling herself up with anything and everything she sees whether it is the couch, or the rocking horse (which usually ends up on top of her). She babbles non-stop, grinds her 8 teeth like crazy (very annoying), and grows out of clothes she has no business being in (12 month outfits are already too small, 18 month is pushing it). Other than that, she is just hanging out, watching her big brother and learning all the cool stuff he "teaches" her on a daily basis. Here are a couple of pictures of Ryan taking Lauren for a ride in his tractor (the helmet is strictly for fashion purposes) and some other random pictures.

Big happenings tomorrow . . . the first day of my new job! I'll be sure to take some pictures.

Our preppy little girl

Auntie was watching the kids the other day for a couple of hours and by the time I came home, this is what Lauren looked like . . . (which by the way, is not what she looked like when I left)Auntie spends WAY too much time dressing her up and judging by her faces, Lauren is not impressed with the look! Maybe that will be an Ivy league college sweater some day?

Children's Museum

We had a fun day on Saturday when Auntie, Grandma Loken, Ryan, Lauren, and myself ventured to the Children's Museum. Our original plan for the day was to visit a horse stable and let Ryan do some riding, but due to the rainy weather, we had to change plans at the last minute, and it worked out great! I had heard lots of good things about the museum from other people and had always wanted to visit, and I'm glad we finally did as all the talk was true and the place was great. Since none of us had been there before, we just went floor by floor and tried to check out pretty much everything we could. Some of the highlights are below . . .

Making paper

Moving blocks on a conveyor belt

Waiting to drive the crane

Splashing in the bubble tub
Racing boats in the waterChecking Grandma out of the grocery store

Rocking out on stageDoc Ryan helping an injured AuntieClimbing through tree tunnelsFun with face paints
One last picture before we leave

Ryan was a big fan of "Our Town" which was basically a real town made for little kids. There was a post office, grocery store, doctor's office, restaurant, art gallery, and too many other places to remember - Ryan loved it all. His favorite had to be the music store where he got to rock out on a stage and watch himself on tv - does it really get any better than that? Lauren also got to join in on some of the fun as she splashed around in some of the water exhibits, danced in the music store, and hung out while Ryan served us all lunch at the little restaurant - not a bad day for a 9-month old. We spent a little over two hours at the museum and were exhausted by the time we left. Besides one minor crying fit, the kids were great. It would have been very difficult to really get into all the exhibits by myself with two kids so it was great to have Auntie and Grandma along to help with Lauren, or explore with Ryan - the museum is definitely a two adults per visit kind of place - good to know for future visits. After the fun of the museum, we all packed back into the minivan and headed home for some pizza and rest - well at least for the kids. Once the kids were napping and Trav had things under control, the ladies did some shopping. Not the shopping I'm used to though, during this shopping trip, we actually took our time and just looked - no screaming kids pulling at your arm, no time constraints to stay within so we get back in time for lunch - what a treat! After the shopping trip it was back home to chat a while and then Auntie and Grandma left. Once they were gone, it was time for a quick meal, baths, and bed - just like that the day was gone. I'm glad it's over as I'm exhausted myself and can't wait to crawl into bed and read my book.

Another fun day to remember.

Lazy day

Not a whole lot going on in the Quast household today. Both of the kids were up during the night - not too sure what that is all about, but it better stop - so they both slept in until almost 8am! On a normal day the extra hour and a half of sleep would have been appreciated, but today Trav had to get to work early and not waking up until close to 8am was not a good thing. Needless to say, he was in and out the shower and out the door in a hurry. If I thought this was going to be a normal thing, I would start setting the alarm clock again, but I'm sure it was just a one time deal. Once the kids finally got up and about, it was well after 9am so we gathered up some stuff and were out the door for some fun at the library. After the library we headed home as Lauren was in need of a nap. Once at home, she sucked down a bottle and was out for the next couple of hours. Ryan and I sat down for a quick lunch, chatted about our afternoon plans, and he went down for a nap as well. The highlight of the day came when we got to visit our newest little neighbor, Cameron, who just came home from the hospital today. Ryan saw pictures of him yesterday so he was very excited to see the new baby. Holding a newborn again almost made me want another kid, but I quickly remembered that I will be sleeping tonight while Emily and Scott will be up with countless feedings and diaper changes - thought gone. After our visit, it was back home for a quick meal, baths, and then off to bed - another day has come and gone.

First day of school

The day is finally here, school starts! Ryan has been waiting for this day since we first toured the school last May so it has been a long time coming. When I put him to bed last night, I told him when he wakes up he gets to go to school. Looking back, that was a mistake as he came into our room this morning at 6:00am saying he is ready to go. I had to tell him that school doesn't open until later and that he should climb into bed and try to sleep again. That didn't convince him so I told him the teacher still had her pajamas on so he should stay in his as well - this he agreed to and crawled into bed with us for a few extra minutes of sleep. Once we finally got up and started getting ready, things moved pretty fast. Ryan ate a big breakfast (he had to if he wanted to be able to think in school), picked out an outfit (from the two I had laid out from him), and did his morning grooming (cut nails, brush teeth, wet his hair down because that is what daddy does). By the time he was dressed and ready, I still had to get Lauren ready and me as well so it was close to 8:30 by the time we were ready. Luckily we still had plenty of time to snap some pictures from the big morning - check it out.

The drop off went great. Ryan could hardly wait to get going so I basically walked him up to the building, helped him put his backpack away, got him into the classroom and left - piece of cake. The pick-up was the best part as all the parents were waiting in the hallway and once the classroom door opened, it was just kid after kid running to their parents with a huge smile on their faces - I of course enjoyed Ryan's smile the most! He came right over to Lauren and I and hugged my leg and gave Lauren a kiss on the check. The ride home was filled with conversation about all the new things he learned - apparently he has his ABC's down already - that must be some kind of super teacher he has! It sounds like (Ryan's version) that they also worked on numbers, learned to march, talked about neighbors, and did some coloring - what a day. Once we got home, all he wanted to do was eat and sleep. Who was I to disagree so I fed him lunch and off to bed he went - that two and a half hours of learning really did him in. One day done, many more to come. I can't wait to see what the school year brings.

I'll leave with a poem I found about the first day of school - enjoy.

A Loving Parent

Dear Teacher,

I am sending you my most precious possession today,
Trusting in your care what to do and say,
Be gentle and loving and encourage him too,
I'm trusting in you to know what to do,
Show him things and let him draw,
So he'll remember the things he saw,
Let him jump and run and play,
He'll tell us all about his day,
Let him do things on his own too,
But please help him when he looks to you,
Give him a hug and smile a lot,
Memories of you will never be forgot.