The days are long but the years just fly by

So much time has passed and I haven't written anything.  So many events of our lives have passed and I haven't written anything.  How come sometimes the days go by in a blur.  Thomas graduated from Kindergarten after an amazing first year of school with Miz D.   It was so much fun and he learned a lot of new things, made some new friends and thoroughly enjoyed himself all year long.  I have photos but they are still on my parent's camera so someday I'll get them and post them.  He is not a baby anymore, he'll be starting first grade soon and it goes so fast.

The other huge event was Morgan graduating with her AA from Porterville College at the tender age of 18.  She is such an amazing, wonderful, young woman and we could not be prouder of her and her accomplishments.  I have photos of her graduation as well but again they are on my parents camera.

Morgan left to attend school at Cal State Long Beach in the middle of July.  She is hoping to find a job before school starts and to get herself settled.  She is so independent that I really thought it wouldn't be hard to let her go off to school.  After all, it's what we have worked towards most of her life and I think she is ready. No, I know she is ready.  When the day finally came, I sent her off with her dad.  He drove a truckload of her things and she drove her own car loaded down of course.  I stayed home with the littles and slowly found myself sinking into the abyss.   No one told me I would feel like one huge part of my heart had left home.  No one mentioned the feeling of worthlessness as a mom that would sweep over me in waves just missing her.  I knew it was time, I knew she was ready, I knew (theoretically) that she could handle it.  I think she has good judgement and makes good decisions.  But in my heart, I wanted just a little more time.  Time to do the things I didn't get done.  Time to give her one more hug.  Time to talk about real life stuff once more.  Time to teach her more about handling money.  Time to just hang out with her.  Her childhood has sped on by and although I spent more of it with my children than most (I stayed home with my kids and home schooled them), the time has gone far too quickly and they are grown and gone.  Just as I'm getting them old enough to really enjoy them, they leave home.  So I said a prayer, okay I said lots of prayers.  I continue to pray for her often.  She'll be okay and so will I.  I just love her so much and I wonder if she really knows.

T

Cinderella-St. Anne's First Musical

 Andrew played the part of the king in St. Anne's first musical-Cinderella.  Grandpa and Grandma found this great jacket while traveling in Colorado and brought it home just in time for the play.  My friend, Shelly, altered it a bit for size and it worked out great.  He looks very much like a king that day complete with glittered Burger King crown.

 Timothy, the Grand Duke, and Andrew, the King.

 Coming is singing the opening song.

 Grandpa and Grandma came from Bakersfield for the special performance. 

 G and G brought up Christin

 and Grace

And of course, the littlest brother had to share in the glory too.  James, Gary and I also attended but we just didn't make it into the photos.
One highlight was the special gift Grandma and Grandma made for Andrew.  Since last October, Andrew has been collecting small rubber ducks in various costumes.  Grandpa hand painted one for Andrew to look like a King!

Fresno Chaffee Zoo Kindergarten Field Trip 2013

 Hanging out with friends before going into the zoo.

 Getting briefed by zoo personnel.

 He has always wanted to learn about bones.

 Getting the facts on reptiles.

 Checking out the seals and sea lions.

 Feeding the giraffes.

The classic photo we take every zoo visit.  So funny to watch them grow over the years against this backdrop.

Jog-A-Thon 2013

 The kiddos participated in their very first Jog A Thon.  Each lap was about 1/3 of a mile. 

 Thomas ran seven laps in about 30 minutes.  He walked some but kept a pretty good pace throughout.

Andrew churned it out with 9 laps before they stopped him.  He loves to run.

Both boys were among the top runners/fundraisers in their respective classes so they were treated to a pizza party.  Andrew also received a gift card from Target for running the most laps in his class.

Cub Scout Bowling

Here is where I really wish I had some photography skill but alas I just don't.  The Wolf Cub Scouts went bowling tonight and the boys all had a great time.  Andrew, Thomas, Elijah, Juanito and Caden all showed up for the big game and the competition was on.

 Elijah was on his second game of bowling and had some crazy moves with the ball.  He could ricochet that ball off the bumper guards and power it down the lanes.

 Juanito had bowled once before and was able to show off his game with one strike before it was all said and done.

 Thomas used the bowl between your legs method and added his own twist to the game.

 Andrew nearly died from excitement every time his ball got anywhere near a bowling pin and he even managed to knock a few down as well.

Caden was there but somehow I missed the photo op as he showed his crazy mad skill with a ball.

Gotta love 7 and 8 year old boys.  All bluster and blather with not much skill but I think everyone had a great time.  I know I did.  Definitely have to do this again sometime with these guys.

Heirloom Tomatoes

I can hardly contain the excitement I had today.  I was gifted with five little tomato plants.  These are photos I found on the internet that matched the names in the little tomato pots.  These are going to be the most babied plants I've ever had and I'm hoping they produce like crazy!  I just want to wiggle with joy over these beautiful tomatoes.  Wish me luck and I'll update you when they produce tomatoes later this summer.

 Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes-wonder if they taste like chocolate.  They are very small and beautiful.

 Indigo Blue or Indigo Rose-the tag reads Indigo blue but the closest I could find on the internet was Indigo Rose so I'm making an educated guess that this is it.

 Orange King Tomatoes-lovely little beauties!    Orange tomato goodness. . .

 Persimmon Tomatoes-these look just like the persimmons that ripen on the trees in the fall. 

Black Zebra-stripey and gorgeous. 

I just cannot wait to see what these little jewels will do this summer.  Each one is absolutely beautiful so here's to hoping for a bumper crop this summer.

George Washington's Hat

So I needed to make a quick trip to the grocery.  As I was leaving Thomas asked to ride along.  Of course, I said "Yes, but put some shoes on very quickly".  He complied and also donned his special George Washington hat from school which he proudly proceeded to wear to the grocery store paper hair curls, cockade and all.  Several of the grocery clerks commented on his hat with one being a history buff.  He proceeded to ask him what he knew about dear old George and Thomas would have made his kindergarten teacher proud with his recitation of facts about our founding father.  Five year olds are amazing!