Friday, November 19, 2010

Happy Birthday J Aaron!








It's hard to be five. I'm little no more.
Good old days are gone. 'Bye one, two, three, four.

It's hard to be five. Just yelled at my brother.
My mind says do one thing, my mouth says another.
It's hard to be five. I've got to keep going.
My clothes can't keep up 'cause my body keeps growing.

At five I hear NO and DON'T - I can't win!
When balls bowl inside at my ten juice-box pins.
I'd rather hear TRY IT and SURE, I confess . . .
. . . and if dirt is involved, a very loud YES!

It's hard to be five. Parents want you all clean.
But washing my face makes me crabby and mean.

It's hard to be five. All I want is to play.
I'm starting at school, and I don't get a say.
School seems so scary. School seems so strange.
I'm only five. My whole world's going to change.

It's hard to be five and wanting to hit
When Scott cuts in line and says I did it.
At five I do things that I don't mean to do,
Like when I bit Jake 'cause he cut in line too.

It's hard to be five. It takes superman skill.
Sitting in circles. Sitting so still.
Sitting still. Still sitting still. Still sitting still.
Sit still!

And then there's the walking all by myself,
Only picked up to reach a high shelf.
I walk to the park. I walk to the school.
I walk to the bus. I walk to the pool.

I walk to karate. I walk with closed eyes.
I walk like a ninja, chopping bad guys.
It's fun to be five! Big changes are here!
My body's my car, and I'm licensed to steer.

At five I'm a worker - a bee among bees.
I build things and grow things, say thank you and please.

Some fun things are hard. And some hard things are fun.
I know when to walk. I know when to run.
I know when to stop. And I know when to go.
I know when to push. And I know when to tow.

At five I can lie down alone in my bed
And dream of my past and my future ahead.
And when I mess up or do right, it's a start.
'Cause I have my own mind and I have my own heart.

It's Hard to Be Five
by Jamie Lee Curtis & Laura Cornell

What a Miracle You Are!

What a miracle! . . . the love and joy and peace ONE little person brings into our home! We love you Braden!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

My Mommy Hung the Moon

I've blogged before about Mommy's Moon http://billandcarolstump.blogspot.com/2009/06/mommys-moon.html -- that magnificent orb lighting the sky, shedding beauty, and reflecting joy through the windows of our home! Now that the early evenings are darker, the first-spotting contest is regaining popularity with the boys. As we backed out of the garage, Jeremy exclaimed Moon! Moon! I praised his discovery Yes, there it is. Mommy’s moon is on Jeremy’s side of the car. And then, heart-breaking disaster! As we turned the corner out of the neighborhood, J taunted, It’s on my side now! Mommy’s moon is on my side! Jeremy kicked and hollered, kicked and hollered, kicked and hollered . . . an impressive tantrum for I don’t know how many miles . . . until we turned the corner. And with an abrupt stop Jeremy chided with satisfaction, My side. My side.

Ouch! I’ve been warned that brothers will argue. But over my moon?!

Anyway, I found consolation in a new story book My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story by Jamie Lee Curtis. What a find! How can I not confess being completely self-absorbed purchasing a book that begins: My mommy hung the moon. She tied it with a string. My mommy's good at EVERYTHING! But as I read it to my boys that night I tearfully realized the story isn't a celebration of their mom – it is a celebration of my mom! I love you Mom!!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Stumpers in Wonderland

It's The Weapons!

Not suprisingly the boys didn't quite appreciate the Wonderland costumes. J insisted on wearing the cowboy garb to school (no-brainer -- it was a hit during cowboy days), and was equally determined to be a pirate for trick-or-treating. Then I realized what they love about cowboys and pirates -- the WEAPONS! And I ponder my own hypocrisy -- for it wasn't long ago I found myself strongly disapproving weapon play. It's just that . . . they have so much fun.











































J's A Better Driver Than . . .

jk Amanda