First Days 2009/2010 School Year

Jonathan started school on August 24th this year. My first day was also that day, but mine was a work day. My kids came Tuesday. Drew started on Thursday the 27th. We all had a fabulous first week, although I am exhausted!

Both the boys seem happy with their teachers and are learning the ins and outs of their new classes.

I have around a million students but I am loving it! OK, maybe just around 135 but still...

My days go super fast and I haven't had a whole lot of discipline problems. My only complaint is that by the end of the day my feet kill and I am exhausted.

Going to bed early is the new cool thing to do at the King home. When the alarm goes off at 5am I just keep telling myself that the early bird gets the worm.

I am so grateful that I have a job. I'm also grateful that the boys have GREAT teachers!

Awesome new backpacks ready for school!

Jonathan's First Day of First Grade...What a Stud!
Headed to Rockhill Elementary

Drew's First Day of Kindergarten
Alliance Early Learning School...Eat Your Heart Out!

Happy School Year!


p.s. Julie...the author's name is Chris Rice and the title of the song is Billy Joe McGuffrey. Yep, I just Googled it. I really didn't know the chorus words were 'first aide.' Sooooo thought they were 'first day.' Nice to know...

Which reminds me of a conversation Chris and I had not that long ago...Chris King not Chris Rice...about a song from the 80's I think. Chris thought the chorus went like this:
'tonight you'll call my breast love's nest...' when it really went like this:
'tonight you'll calm my restlessness...' That's from 'Hands to Heaven' by Breathe.

If anyone in my blog community cares, here are the lyrics from Chris Rice's song...

Now Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the first day of first grade, I'll tell you what he did
He tripped over a pencil box, flew up in the air
Landed on a kangaroo who pulled out all his hair

First aid in the first grade
First aid in the first grade
First aid in the first grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid

Now Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the second day of second grade, I'll tell you what he did
He slipped on a banana peel, flew up in the sky
Landed on a chimpanzee who poked him in the eye

First aid in the second grade
First aid in the second grade
First aid in the second grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid

Now Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the third day of third grade, I'll tell you what he did
He fell out of a fishing boat, splashed into the sea
Landed on a moray eel who bit him on the knee

First aid in the third grade
First aid in the third grade
First aid in the third grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid

Now Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the fourth day of fourth grade, I'll tell you what he did
He went out on a tadpole hunt, slipped into the creek
Landed on a large-mouth bass who bit him on the cheek

First aid in the fourth grade
First aid in the fourth grade
First aid in the fourth grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid

Now Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the fifth day of fifth grade, I'll tell you what he did
He went into the garden shop looking for a rose
Sniffed a baby's breath and got a bee caught up his nose

First aid in the fifth grade
First aid in the fifth grade
First aid in the fifth grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid

Now Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the sixth day of sixth grade, I'll tell you what he did
He went out on a field trip, the first one of the year
Backed into a sabertooth and pierced both of his ears

First aid in the sixth grade
First aid in the sixth grade
First aid in the sixth grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid

Now Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the seventh day of seventh grade, I'll tell you what he did
He tried out for the talent show to show how well he sung
Cracked a grin, a wasp flew in, and stung him on the tongue

First aid in the seventh grade
First aid in the seventh grade
First aid in the seventh grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid

Now Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the eighth day of eighth grade, I'll tell you what he did
He tried to play some basketball went up for a dunk
Landed in the bushes and got squirted by a skunk

First aid in the eighth grade
First aid in the eighth grade
First aid in the eighth grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid

Now Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the ninth day of ninth grade, I'll tell you what he did
He fed the pigs on grandma's farm, two piglets and a sow
Slipped on their slop and then got stepped on by a cow

First aid in the ninth grade
First aid in the ninth grade
First aid in the ninth grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid

Now Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the tenth day of tenth grade, I'll tell you what he did
He went out on some water skis and hit a sunken log
Wiped out all the lily pads, got spit on by a frog

First aid in the tenth grade
First aid in the tenth grade
First aid in the tenth grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid

Now Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the eleventh day of eleventh grade, I'll tell you what he did
He swept and missed an alley cat while taking driver's ed
Ran into a tree and bumped the dashboard with his head

First aid in the eleventh grade
First aid in the eleventh grade
First aid in the eleventh grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid

Now... Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the twelfth day of twelfth grade, I'll tell you what he did
He walked into financial aid, fell and broke a bone
Showed them all his bills and got a great big college loan

First aid in the twelfth grade
First aid in the twelfth grade
First aid in the twelfth grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid!


Here are the lyrics to Breathe's song:

As I watch you move,
Across the moonlit room.
There's so much tenderness in your loving.
Tomorrow I must leave,
The dawn knows no reprieve.
God give me strength when I am leaving.

So raise your hands to heaven and pray,
That we'll be back together someday, hey.

Tonight, I need your sweet caress.
Hold me in the darkness.
Tonight, you calm my restlessness.
You relieve my sadness.

As we move to embrace,
Tears run down your face.
I whisper words of love, so softly.
I can't believe this pain,
It's driving me insane.
Without your touch life will be lonely.

So raise your hands to heaven and pray, (And pray.)
That we'll be back together someday, hey.

Tonight, I need your sweet caress.
Hold me in the darkness.
Tonight, you calm my restlessness.
You relieve my sadness.
Tonight, I need your sweet caress.
Hold me in the darkness.
Tonight, you calm my restlessness.
You relieve my sadness.

Morning has come, another day,
I must pack my bags and say,
Goodbye.
Goodbye.

Tonight, I need your sweet caress.
Hold me in the darkness. (Darkness.)
Tonight, you calm my restlessness.
You relieve my sadness. (Sadness.)
Tonight, I need your sweet caress.
Hold me in the darkness. (Hold me in the darkness.)
Tonight, you calm my restlessness. (You calm my restlessness.)
You relieve my sadness.

NICE!

Family Style Corn

This post is purely for Chris's enjoyment. OK, I guess you'll find it humorous as well. We have been getting lots of veggies from his mom and step dad's garden lately. The newest batch included yummy sweet corn.

Chris was kind enough to cook the dinner when we had the corn. Grilled chicken sandwiches, corn on the cob, and chips. Mmm. What a great meal! I wasn't home when he shucked the corn, but he saved me this amusing find...

Nice!

The Last Day of Summer Vacation

Today marks the last day of summer vacation. We went to church, ate at Friendly's, came home, I went to Wal-mart, then we had Papa John's for dinner. I know what you're thinking...does the girl
EVER cook? Well...yes...just not today...

ANYWAY

I think the boys enjoyed themselves today. They partook in some trampoline action, Lego action, and other awesome adventures.

Here's the parts of our day that I captured on film:

FRIENDLY'S

What a smile!

Drew is not happy because we just told him he was not allowed to go to my parents' house.

Chris told us that if he were ever on Death Row (...OK...) he would request the meal he ate. Some sort of cheeseburger and fries. And a sundae. And a vanilla Coke.

Still pouting...


BACKPACKS

I told them to smile for real this time. Notice Drew's glasses? Check it out...he's been wearing them all day. Actually all week. Maybe longer. They are his Cyclops something something goggles. I can't remember exactly what he calls them but I'll come back and update when I ask him. Notice the color.

Chris and I decided to spend a little more on backpacks this year in hopes that they will last longer than any previous backpacks we've purchased. The boys chose their own colors and have matching lunch sacks too. Nice! Drew's color of choice was orange...his favorite color as of late. Notice the flip flops? Jonathan chose blue. I'm not sure if this is his current favorite color or if it just called to him.


BEDTIME

Andrea and I un-bunked the boys' beds a few weeks ago. The change was a direct result of Drew not sleeping well for a few nights in a row. He complained of being scared and hot. It was our hope that un-bunking the beds would kill two birds with one stone.
The boys love the new look of their bedroom, and I think they like being side by side. Drew no longer complaines about being hot but he still struggles with being scared. Poor kid! Breaks my heart.

Just a few minutes ago I had to go up and tell them to go to sleep AGAIN! Jonathan said he was trying but just couldn't. He then asked if I would sing him 'the song' that I sang to Drew a few nights ago when he was scared. Melt my heart! How could I not? After Jonathan's turn was over, Drew requested 'the song' as well. They both held me tight as I sang and had genuine smiles on their faces. I think I hope it will become a nightly routine. The song is from the movie The Sound of Music...see if you recognize it...

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.
Brown paper packages tied up with string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the dog bites,when the bee stings,
When I'm feeling sad...
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad.

Might have to watch the movie soon.

Introspection

Well, today marks the last Friday night before school. We had a picnic in our backyard, the boys jumped on the trampoline, and then we roasted marshmallows. Once inside the boys read books and we enjoyed one another's company. It was an awesome way to end the summer. Tomorrow we're going to look at houses and Sunday we'll head to church.

Monday morning both Jonathan and I start school. I'll be teaching full time (high school math) and Jonathan will be attending first grade. Drew's kindergarten orientation is Monday afternoon and he will start school (full days) on Thursday. Chris starts his master's program after Labor Day.

I'm feeling extremely grateful this evening. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and incredible boys. God has continually provided for us, and I am excited to see what He has in store for us this year. Because of our schedules it might be a bit crazy, and we have a lot of work ahead of us with the imminent move, but God knows what we can handle.

Dear friends, be thankful for what you have. Don't waste your days complaining and fighting. Be slow to speak and quick to listen. Life is too short. Hug and kiss your kids one more time today, they'll be grown and gone before you know it.

***My next post will be all about back-to-school stuff. I want to take pictures of the boys' snazzy back packs and anything else I feel is picture worthy at the time.***

But for now, I just wanted to post what was on my heart.

Although I am feeling warm and fuzzy right now, I know that there is pain and suffering all around. My heart breaks for friends and loved ones whose worlds seem to be falling apart. I am praying for you. I wish I could make it all go away. I serve a big God and trust that He will carry you through. May you find peace in the One who loves you more than you can imagine.

Dog Friendly Friends

We had some friends come over and visit us the day after we returned home from the birthday road trip. Good times!

It was especially fun because they love our dogs. Can you believe it???

It's a Lego Birthday Jonathan King!

Jonathan really enjoys building Legos. Because of this, we decided to have a Lego themed birthday for him this year.

Andrea made two AWESOME Lego men cakes (Jonathan's request: Darth Maul and Obi-Wan Kenobi.)


We had a small family party for Jonathan the Saturday before his birthday. Cake, ice cream, and presents. Nice.


Jonathan's birthday wish list consisted of only Legos, which gave Chris the idea that our family needed to travel to the nearest Lego Store (which happens to be in Cincinnati) to purchase our presents for him. We loaded up the afternoon before his birthday (last Sunday) and set out. We stayed the night in Blue Ash and headed to Kenwood Place the next morning.


Kenwood Towne Centre is an incredible mall. Lots of high end stores, including The Cheesecake Factory (yum!) The mall opened at 10am but we arrived a bit early. Once we found the Lego Store the boys were drooling over the window displays. Although the store was not as big as I thought it could be, when the doors opened we were all drooling. We had so much fun shopping and in the end, all ended up getting something.


With a successful trip to the Lego Store under our belts we headed to Dayton to visit the Air Force Museum. Chris conned us into stopping at Skyline Chili for lunch (Um Hello???!!! What about the Cheesecake Factory???) He even made me use my GPS. We drove two miles out of our way...Unbelievable!


The Air Force Museum is amazing. So much history. I highly recommend making the trip.

I'm pretty sure these are actual pieces from the Berlin Wall.

We were all pretty pooped after the museum and the trek home was prolonged by our stop at Tuttle Crossing to eat dinner at McDonald's (Jonathan's request...how could we deny him on his birthday???)



Happy birthday Buddy! I love you so much!!!

Hall of Fame Parade take 1,000,000

OK, so I've been a pretty good sport about the Hall of Fame parade in past years but a girl can only handle so much. I've been to the Hall of Fame parade for many years now and I can pretty much tell you what we are going to see. I can also tell you the environment we'll experience while watching the parade.

Chris loves the parade. He took the boys at 5:30am this year to save us seats. I'm not slighting his efforts and I love him oodles but I'm pretty sure I've sat through my last parade.

Sorry Dear!

On to the parade...

Papa Bobby and Diego ended up watching the parade with us.

Goofing off before the parade started.

Military helicopters flew over the parade route to signify commencement.

I took this picture because Jonathan told me that tigers are his favorite animal. Chris jumped in with a big cheesy smile.

Drew enjoyed watching Sid the Science Kid before preschool last year.

Frank and Beans or something like that. I captured this gem because Drew loves hot dogs. Wonderful.

Captured this beauty because of its sheer crappiness. I'm pretty sure McDonald's is a multi-gazillion dollar company. One would think Corporate would be able to afford a snazzier ride.

Chris's sister normally watches the parade with us but this year she was able to walk with a balloon team. Her employer's pinata balloon was definitely the coolest one there (we'd never seen one like that before.)



The boys love these 'Big Heads' but I'm not sure what they're all about. They were in the parade last year too. Hmm...

Blake Robert

Chris's youngest sister had her first baby last week. He is AWESOME! He weighed 5lbs 14 ozs. He was 18.5 inches long. I can't imagine having such a small baby.

I am told that Megan did fabulous and they are all home and doing very well. I've been able to visit them a few times and love every minute of holding that tiny baby.

Maybe around 45 minutes old...

Proud Momma!

Aunt Beth

Love holding the baby!

Her third grandson. WE NEED A GIRL!!!

The boys weren't allowed to visit Megan in the hospital so they were super excited to see everyone at home. I'm not sure which they liked better...playing with the toys in the attic or holding their new baby cousin.

Picnic in the Fort

After the boys helped Chris with the Explorer they decided they wanted to have a picnic in their fort. They looked so cute that I had to snap some pictures.

Tune-Up Time

Chris was kind enough to work on my car a couple of weeks ago and the boys desperately wanted to 'help.' My car is running great and the boys felt super special.

Re-Creating Star Wars

One of the boys' favorite movies right now is Star Wars Episode II. They love to re-create the arena battle scenes with their toys. I find it amazing that they pause the movie and bring down every character depicted on film in order to adequately portray the scene.

I decided to document their latest creations on film. I've included a video at the end that was supposed to be Jonathan re-creating the scenes as they play out on screen but as you will see the lighting was bad. Maybe next time.

Mace Windu confronting Dooku and Jango Fett on the platform.

"Mom, not yet!"

The Jedi fighting in the arena.


Clone trooper ship that rescues the Jedi in the arena.

Yes, in some of the pictures you DO see the couch bed mattress exposed. Another favorite past-time of the boys is to 'pull the couch bed out' and watch movies on it (or play...) I don't normally cover the mattress when we do this except for a blanket...Clearly that doesn't work very well. Maybe I should start putting a sheet on the bed. Hmm...

Happy Birthday Jade!

This past weekend, Jonathan and Drew were invited to a friend's birthday party. Jade is Jonathan's best buddy from kindergarten and was kind enough to invite Drew to his party as well. The boys had a great time, and Jade's family and friends made us all feel very welcome.

Jade with Jonathan and Drew

All but one of these kids were either in Jonathan's class or 'volunteered' there. Listed in order from left to right:
Brooklyn (preschool volunteer), Jonathan, Kevin's sister (in another class,) Makenzie,
Kevin, Jade, Drew (preschool volunteer)