1st Day of School

My "baby" just started his 2nd year of Preschool (insert boo-hooing sound). I can't believe it. Fortunately, he didn't cry at all, which made it much easier on me. For some reason, the idea of him being at school for a few hours sounds so great in theory. But then once the actual day arrives, I have a really hard time letting go. The thought that I am entrusting someone else to care for my most precious earthly possession seems... wrong somehow. But, I'm sure as the year goes on, and I get more comfortable with his teachers, I'll be fine with it. It's just the first week or so that seems to "get me" every year. Of course I took a million pictures, but only one turned out good. The family photo would have been great, but I had already taken about 10 photos of him at this point and as you can see... he's over it. The third photo is from his classroom. Since his class didn't have any trains, we brought in a bag of trains that we got at a consignment shop. The teacher was thrilled! Until of course she had to take the trains away because all the boys in the class were fighting over them. Oh well... we tried.

No hurricane... or even a drop of rain

Well, once again, we dodged the "hurricane bullet." On Sunday we were thinking we were going to get a direct hit from "hurricane" Faye. Fortunately, it never did escalate into a hurricane and it remained a tropical storm. Even better, it didn't even come near us. We haven't even had a drop of rain today. Good thing too, because we have a roof leak in over our garage that isn't scheduled to be fixed until Monday. We were very nervous about the amount of damage a ton of rain could have caused on that. Thank you Lord for sparing us that storm!

So, things have been very busy around here. Payton had open house on Monday and he loves his new teacher. We are really looking forward to a great year. And even though Payton doesn't "know" anyone in the class, there are 3 boys (two of which are twins) that he used to play with when he was about 1 year old, and I really get along with the moms. So, I'm hoping they will re-kindle their friendship this year.

Last week we got to go visit our good friends' new house. They have 3 kids and invited us over for a swim playdate. Payton had an absolute ball! Of course he thinks they walk on water (pun intended) because they are all older than him. Which according to the "Laws of Payton" means that you are automatically cool in his book. Thanks again for having us over - you're new house is SO beautiful (so jealous of all that kitchen counter space!!!).

Tomorrow is the first day of school. I'll be sure to post some pictures of the big day. Say a little prayer for my big guy as he starts his second year of school (makes me want to cry!!!).

Memory like an elephant

This morning, Payton asked me to get down the decorative antique-inspired train that sits on a shelf in his room. It's high enough that he can't reach it, so he rarely gets to play with it. I purchased it when he was very little... maybe 1 year old at best. So, I hand him the train and he says, "Mommy... where did we get this train?" And I said, "Well, at a store that is no longer in business. It closed a long time ago." And he said, "You mean the store that is by the pet store?" And he was right! The store where I bought the train - Pier 1 Kids - was a couple stores down from the pet store. I could not believe he remembered that! It amazes me the things he remembers. I relayed the story to Brian and he was excited because he thinks this means that Payton will remember all the fun things we've done with him as a toddler (baseball games, family vacations, etc.). But I'm pretty sure it just means that he doesn't forget anything when it comes to trains. :)

Another weekend, another train

What is it with boys & trains? I know not all boys are obsessed with trains, but the ones who are... really are! As you can tell from my blog, Payton loves trains. We went to a new Marshalls this past weekend that just opened by our house. Of course Payton finds the one and only train in the toy section and somehow convinces me to purchase it. Of course when we get home and put in the 5 batteries that it requires, I find out that it makes the most obnoxiously loud train sounds you've ever heard! Fortunately, it also has a "silent" mode where it just blows bubbles (thank God!). But still... it's amazing to me that no matter where we are (grocery store, doctor's office, zoo) he'll find a train if there is one to be found.

Also, speaking of grocery stores... my sister-in-law is the Queen of getting good deals at her local grocery store (I think it's a Krogers??) especially because they have double coupon days. We don't have these and I am very envious. But recently I've noticed that our local Publix is running weekly buy-one-get-one-free deals. I've saved between $30-$60 on my bills just buying things that we use on a weekly - if not daily - basis because they were BOGO. Keep your eyes out for these deals folks as the price of groceries keeps going up - it's one way to keep your spending down. And plan your weekly dinner menus around these items that are on sale - even a better way to keep your grocery bill down. Okay... that's all the economic advice I'm giving out today.

Hi Cousin Joel!

We thought cousin Joel would like this new train track that Payton built this morning...

New looks...

Everything is getting a "facelift" around here this week. First off, you probably noticed our beautiful new blog format. My sister-in-law's good friend Amanda designed this for us (thank you SOOOO much Amanda!!!). She is so very talented and apparently a wizard at time management since she designs blogs, holds down a job, and has two small children! How she finds time for all of it is a mystery to me. But I am very grateful to her for this new design!



Secondly, our playroom got a much-needed "facelift" this week too (see picture to left). We finally decided on paint colors, after having random paint samples all over the walls for weeks. After the painting was completed, we got our new furniture in place. The nicest thing about it is that it hides all of Payton's toys when the doors are closed! For those of you who know what a neat-freak that I am, this is a very nice feature.



Lastly, our son decided he would try on a new look tonight (see picture below). Apparently wearing underwear on your lower body is "so last season!" He's decided it looks much better on his head. (Can't you just hear him laughing in this picture!?!?!)


Lots has been going on here this week (e.g. why I haven't blogged in a few days). But most importantly, we're just enjoying these last couple weeks before school starts. It's hot, but we're making the most of it! Hugs to everyone!

Christmas toys already??

Okay, so I admit it... I love shopping. But more than just shopping, I love finding a good deal. I'm pretty sure that I inherited this from my father, who is the king of rebates/coupons/close-outs and all things "half-priced." Of course he got this trait from his mother, who was the Queen of garage sales.

So, I had to go to Target today for just "a couple things" and when I get to the toy area, I see that it is in complete chaos. Apparently, they are already clearing things out for the new fall toys (e.g. they're preparing for Christmas shopping already!!!!). So, I was very pleased to find three rows of toys that were on clearance. I got some GOOD deals folks. So, if you like to shop early for Christmas, now is a good time to browse the aisles and see what you can find.

Oh, and I found the cutest pair of brown shoes for Payton for $10!! Hello bargain!!!

Beaches...

There are many things that are wonderful about living in Florida... Tampa specifically. One of which, is the fact that in 20 minutes we can get to a really beautiful beach.

This weekend, my mother came into town - Payton calls her Nana - and we all headed out to the beach Saturday evening for a picnic and to watch the sunset. We went with some good friends and had a great time enjoying the warm weather and nice breeze. It's hot here for the most part right now, but when you're sitting at the beach, it somehow doesn't seem like it's 90 degrees. All in all, it was a great afternoon.

Nostalgia

Yesterday evening I thought it would be fun to show Payton the video we took of him two years ago when we went to see Thomas the Train in person. As I searched through the various video tapes, I just happened to put one in from when Payton was just over a year old. He was wobbling around in the backyard, happy as can be throwing an empty sippy cup around on the patio. Looking back, I don't think I had ANY idea how easy I had it back then. Seriously the child was so interested looking at the tree, and then a blade of grass... for like 2 minutes! It practically takes me putting on a complete play with his trains now to keep him interested for more than 30 seconds. So... for any of you parents of "little toddlers" out there... enjoy this time. It goes by faster than you can ever believe. As you can imagine, I was crying by the end of the video just wishing I could have that time back somehow... and then realizing he'll never be a baby again. He'll only keep getting older. I'm not the most nostalgic person, but boy... that really hit me last night. Today I seem to have a new perspective on his life. I just don't want to rush through any of it. I don't want to "miss" a moment because I am stressing about whether or not the floor is clean, or some other insignificant detail. He's so amazing. What a complete blessing.