Zoey's second catch of the day.

 

 

I missed the first fish of the evening.  I did "catch" the second one.  Enjoy!

 

 

Dinner at Singing Frog Farm

Over the weekend we visited some very good friends of ours...  they live on a beautiful farm.  Singing Frog Farm.  They do actually farm the land.  In a big way...  organic and non-GMO veggies and herbs and corn galore!  and FLOWERS... oh, the flowers.  You could say Caroline is a florist, but that would be like calling Julia Child a cook or VanGogh a painter...  all true, but not give you the feeling or style. 

Dinner was fantastic!  We ate and talked and laughed as family.  Seating arraignments around the table changed over and over again at the whims of children.  I ate my body weight in tomatoes.  (As any good WV girl would!)

We were having such a good time, I didn't even think to pull out my phone/camera to document the gorgeous scene.  That is until after dinner... as Caroline and I were cleaning up, (as best I could with a bum back - on the road to fast recovery now, thanks to more friends... chiropractic friends!), the husbands and kids had retreated to the beauty of the pond.  Joe came running inside... in all of his first grade grown-upness... "Zoey caught a FISH!"

Holy Cow!  WHAT?!?

Sure enough, my little wonder had caught her first fish!  A blue gill, I think they called it.  It was pretty cool to say the least.

I don't think I've ever been fishing.  I remember casting at Maple Lake.  No hooks.  No bait.  No idea what I was doing. 

So I began to take camera pictures.  As I have said many times before - I'm not a photographer nor do I claim to be one...  But I am happy to catch life's little moments. 

As we stood there and talked and took pictures, Zoey caught ANOTHER fish!  Two fish in less than 10 minutes.  Aaaaand, Caroline brought out fresh peaches and cream to enjoy by the lake!

Brian with Zoey's second fish.

Heaven... 

I have been blessed to have great friends in my life.  As I grow up, I am ever more grateful.  Truly grateful. 



Evan is full of spunk!

Joe is a pro fisherman.
He gave his life vest to Zoey for the night.

What a HAM!  :)

Swinging under the giant tree.

The blondies after dessert!

kindergarten.

9:43 a.m.  :44

 

Time is going.  The day is here.  Today is Zoey's first day of Kindergarten.

  

To say I have mixed emotions is the lamest thing ever.  And totally an understatement.  "Mixed" "Bittersweet" "Conflicted" none capture this twisting in my heart.  This scattering in my brain.  This pit in my stomach.  And, now, piercing pain in my lower back... (however that could simply be my bad desk chair.) ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know I'm not the first or last mother to have an only child that I send off to school.  Right or wrong, I'm not the first or last to have stayed at home and "helicopter" parented for 5 years.  And I know I'm not the first to have considered homeschooling.  But I am me.  This is my blog and my feelings. 

 

I am the first and only me...with the first and only Zoey, a tall child with bright blonde hair and beaming blue eyes.  A child with an impeccable memory.  An empathic being with razor sharp wit.  Zoey is a little girl with an old soul.  She is outgoing and shy all wrapped into one.  She's a five year old with comedic timing and a temper. 

 

Now she's off to school.  A rite of passage in this community.  Smiles all around as we walked to school this morning.

 

Walked.  Down the hill and around the corner.  All of ten minutes at most.  She assured me that as she got older, and as her legs got longer, she will walk faster.  I'm sure she heard me mention that to someone over the summer as we did a trial run of our soon-to-be ritual morning.  I said it only as a cute aside to another adult... How her little legs only go so fast. Precious to me.  I fear she thought that she just didn't have it - wasn't right in some way.  Wasn't big enough or fast enough.  I certainly hope not. 

 

These days she's constantly standing on chairs and things asking how long til she will be "this tall" or "that tall."  We try to guess...  "I think you'll be 8 when you are this tall."  "You might be 14 when you are this tall."  All the while reassuring her (and myself) that the height she is now is perfect.  That she is already TALL.  That she is growing everyday and to enjoy being "this tall" right now.

 

The flowers on our way to school. 
"Look Zoey, purple flowers just for you!"

My sweet tall girl walked confidently to school today.  We passed by a lot of people stopping to say Hi and good luck.  Most thought today was her second day...  they did a staggered start for the Kindergarten classes and she is the second half of the alphabet.  I don't know whether it took the pressure off or not?!  She didn't really know the difference, but I got a buffer from the massive onslaught of kids returning to school.  That and being off of Facebook recently has kept me away from others retellings...  good or bad?!  I don't know.

 

John and I met with her teacher briefly on Tuesday night.  She seems like a very nice lady.  Been teaching for 10 years or so.  Has kids of her own at the school. 

 

The side entrance to school.

Her coat hook and her cubby off to the left behind her.

 

 

The school itself is old and hot and muggy.  John went to the same school 30 years ago.  The lady Zoey will have next year will be the same one John had for first grade (her last year before retirement).  I think everyone is doing the best with what they have, but I can't help think there has to be a better way.  This thought, alongside the idea of having time for myself while she is at school, is what makes my stomach knot up.  Why can I not be able to achieve both: 1. a quality education in an environment where students are comfortable and taught valuable lessons in more than reading and basic math and the ever thrown around "socialization" 2. a time/schedule where I can pursue avenues to keep my mind and heart thriving...?! 

 

I suppose that is what keeps parents moving forward...  actively seeking the best for all involved. 

 

I know Zoey will love school.  I know she will learn.  I know John and I will encourage her and supplement her education/life long learning.  I know that she will develop into her own little person - in a good way.  I know I will find a path of my own that includes all aspects of the massive spinning thoughts in my head.  I know this...  simply because I have to.  That and I have faith. 

 

"Faith," said my friend Christine, "that you've given her the best start you could have and that she'll flourish with the skills and love that have been her foundation."

 



The familiar nervous, but ok, look on her sweet little face. 



 Back at home:

We told Zoey that she couldn't take Bunny to Kindergarten.  We have told her this from the beginning.  She understands, but wanted to make sure Bunny was well set at home.  At HIS school.... So yesterday we made Bunny a school in her room.

 

She added the toys in the window sill just before we left the house....

 

 When she woke up I heard her explaining to her animals that they couldn't go with her to school.  "Because toys aren't allowed at school."  But she reassured them they would be fine and had jobs to do here.  Cat in the Hat is the teacher today. 

 

The light in the middle is to help tell spooky ghost stories at school.
The Pink hippo in the back is to help talk about animals.
There is also a chalkboard and a playground. 

*As always, Bunny is dressed in his day clothes and shoes.  (Aunt Tracy, the orange sweater is only for pajamas these days.)  ;) 

First Day of Preschool

 

The day has finally come.  Preschool.  Sweet Zoey is four years old and currently at her first day of preschool. 

 

She woke up early and was dressed and ready to go (complete with backpack on) before 8 a.m.  She was none too pleased that she had to wait four and a half hours!!  :)  We ate breakfast.  Watched a little TV.  Then daddy came back home to surprise her with a little gift.

 

A Princess balloon that says "Daring to Dream" and a little Boots.

John had to take his Dad to Columbus for an appointment and I think he was feeling a bit upset that he'd miss this big milestone. 

 

In order to take up some time, Zoey and I ran a few errands in town (pay the cell bill, grab a smoothie).  When we came home it was time for PBSkids' newest cartoon.  Daniel Tiger's neighborhood.  Yep, Mr. Roger is back in a bit of a different way.... Between phone calls and whatnot, I missed parts of it.  :(  But what I did see...  "Daniel goes to School"  made me well up inside.  Daniel and his friends...  Did you know Lady Elaine grew up and had a daughter named Miss Alaina (sp?)?!  the King is back... and owl too...  The trolley takes the characters around.  The song is what hit home.  ... a bit different...  but Daniel does take off his shoes.....  ::sniff, sniff::

 

We've been looking at Daniel on the internet for some time now, but I never let it sink in how much the story is the same.  Times change, but things basically remain the same....  I'm pretty sure the real Mr. McFeely does the voice at the end....  :)

 

But back to reality...  current reality.  

 

Grandma Joyce stopped by after lunch to say hi and wish Zoey well.  I tried to take some pictures - knowing I wouldn't be able to force myself into the classroom (yes, the teachers allowed parents in... but I didn't want to be 'that' parent... even though I probably should have.  Zoey wouldn't even have noticed and I would have had better pictures.)  I would have liked to have seen where her backpack is hung. ;)

 

The pictures I did get...  well, they are very much Zoey!

 

She said the sun was too bright...  that and she's just not interested in photos.  ;)

The cat looking on....

Hello Kitty and some puffy paint (found in a cabinet somehwere) do just the trick.



Waiting.  This preschool has a very elaborate system of pick up and drop off.  I'm told it streamlines everything once people get used to it.  That and the parking lot is TINY.  :)  Zoey's room is in the basement of the church - off to the right.  See...  Zoey is my lucky number 7!  :)



My sweet girl.  In the car as we waited. 

Zoey was so excited!  She had that calm sense about her, however.  She was determined to show her teacher the Boots toy - I told her she could show it, but leave him in the car...  no toys at school (until show and tell).  "Your school has its own toys - special school toys."  But... Bunny Bun Bun still played stowaway in her backpack...  I'm hoping the teachers leave him in there!  :)  **I'll have to remember to check and make sure he gets home tonight!!

Zoey was so ready.  She got out of the car so fast that I had to remind her to take her backpack... 

:::Now, my nose starts to crinkle/itch... my eyes turn a bit foggy.... as I think, I didn't get to give her a hug.  :(  She was out the door and running...  I had to drive around the corner and across the way to find a damn parking space - in the grass....  by the time I made it back to her classroom, she was seated and playing....


 She's my big girl now. 

 There were many parents and even a Grandma taking pictures - crying.  I tried to grab some shots as she hung her name up on the door...  but everything was blurry.  Her little body hidden around doors, other people.  I never did get to see her name, her backpack...  I don't even know if the teachers found her family photo in her folder.  (Her first "assignment" was to bring a family picture to class...  In true family tradition, we waited until last night to take a picture... in bad light...  with no thought to makeup on Mama, or fancy clothes on any of us...  perfect none the less!  Just us.)

She was so ready.  I know John and I have done a good job preparing her for this next step... 

But, selfishly, I haven't done a thing to prepare myself...  Case in point...  I've been craving TIME.  Time for myself.  Time to get things "done."  Time to be a person - not just a mom or wife.  And what have I done on this my first hours away....  carpel tunnel's got nothing on my computered arms and crooked back!  HA! 

I have about one hour until pick up now...  and still so many options.... I haven't a clue where to start looking for ME.  Perhaps I'll tackle that tomorrow.

Preschool Preview

This afternoon Zoey and I had our first taste of what preschool looks like.  We were invited to attend a scavenger hunt and storytime date.  This was a nice opportunity to meet some of the parents and kids in her class. 

Zoey was super excited.  She picked out her own outfit and couldn't wait to go.  At first I told her we'd go after lunch... well, the appointed time was 2:00-2:45 p.m., so after we ate our lunch she put her shoes on, grabbed some of her toys and told me it was time to go.  "You said 'after lunch'!"  This kid notices it all, I tell ya!

We read some of the Dora books she got for her birthday in the hour we still had to wait.  She yawned during points...  as did I.  Not because the books were bed...  just because it was nearing 2 p.m. - the time she normally takes a nap.  Yep, her preschool class overlaps her nap.  We have been dragging out play times to 3p.m. or so on different days just to see how it'll all go down.  Some days skipping naps altogether.  We have good days and bad doing both.  So, I think she'll adjust just fine. 

When we finally got to the church, I showed her which door to go in...  and she was ready.  She didn't run off like a kid that had been "freed" from mom's overbearing rule.  Nope, she just walked along with me eager to see the next adventure.  I felt pretty good about that.

Once inside, she didn't hesitate to say Hello and scope out the room.  She found the corner with the toys and started taking them off the shelves to play.  My first instinct was to make her stop and stand with me... but I figured the teachers would tell her if she wasn't allowed to play.  And I was also scoping out my own things...  how these ladies talk to the kids, how they react, etc.  That and I didn't want to be "that" mom...which of course, I end up being a weirdo no matter what... explained in a moment.

We all waited around for more kids to show up, but alas, only four kids participated today.  It wasn't required or anything, so I suppose many parents didn't think it was a big deal... especially if the kid had been in the 3 year old class last year. 

There were two other girls and a boy.  The two girls knew each other and were good huggy friends.  The poor little boy was so nervous and scared; he never left Mom's side (until later). 

Her teacher leading the song.  Her class aid/co-teacher is the brunette on the green circle in front.

 The kids were asked to take a seat on the fancy shape carpet.  The teacher read a book about "I'm going bear hunting" (not sure of the title exactly, but think of the ol' camp song and there you have it).  There were more red shirts (aka staff) than kids.  We, Moms, hung back and watched.  They all clapped and repeated the words.  Very cute.   Zoey got into it.  She didn't really get the exact clapping actions (legs, legs, hands, hands), but she did have the beat at times (legs, hands, legs, hands).  She was interactive and expressive, as always. 

After the story, the kids were introduced to the scavenger hunt list.  The list was done well as each item was pictured and written out.  I thought it was a cute attention to detail that the items were arranged in rainbow color order.  The teacher went over each item and asked the kids about them.

While they were doing that, one of the other staff members came over to me and asked if Zoey was mine.  She remarked how smart she was, how mature she was, and asked her age and if she had any siblings.  I said she turned four on Friday and as for the siblings thing, "Just us, " I said.  That made me proud.  I know Zoey is amazing, but I always kept in the back of my head that perhaps everyone feels like that about her own child...  hearing a stranger say those things within 15 minutes of meeting her was awesome.  :) 

The kids each got a paper bag and the extra teachers took them outside while the moms talked with the ladies who would be our class teacher and aid and the director.  I put Zoey's hat on her head and away she went to get in line.  The little boy was so scared he didn't want to go.  I asked Zoey if she would go over and ask him to come out with her.  She was very happy to do so...  he didn't take the bait however.  But the teachers noticed that she asked and thanked her for doing so.

The adults discussed a bit about the upcoming water day and August parent orientation.  A few minutes into that the little boy's mom came back in alone.  (Small victories, right.)  :) 

During our talk, the snack was being prepped.  My gut flipped when I saw they were going to hand out Oreos.  And she's going to nap after this?! I thought.  I said nothing.  But when the girl poured some toxic green "juice" out into the little plastic cups, I politely asked if Zoey could just have water.  They didn't care, of course, even mentioning some kids always prefer water and that they have a bottled water dispenser in the room.  Sweet!  I talked to her teacher about Zoey and "staying hydrated" - she seemed to be cool about it.  I know a few nasty cookies now and then is totally cool for my kid.  I just will have to find out a bit more about what snacks are usually given out.  The parents are responsible for snacks usually... so we could have a myriad of things.  I just hope a majority of the other parents think apples and even crackers are better than Oreos on most days.  And I know she can always have water!  :)   (btw, the school is peanut free...  hmmm...  apples and... string cheese?  yogurt?!  hummus! veggies and dip.  crackers and cheese.  even goldfish for crikey sake!) 

Yes, I did let her eat the two Oreos she was given.  I'm not a mean mother.  I just hope more parents and teachers think about stuff like this.  (I'm also hoping that this was a "treat" or special food because it wasn't a "real" class.... I hope!) 

Oh, and it didn't help that as we were leaving they handed out GIANT boxes of Nerds candy...directly to the kids.  The director must have felt my spirit fall at that one, because she joked that they had so many boxes left over (from the carnival in May, I guess) they "had to do something with them"....grrrreat.  But then I just had Zoey read the box to figure out what candy was inside...  everything is a learning/teaching moment. 

That, and I like Nerds....  ;)

Zoey's First Haircut!

Today marked a milestone in the Miller household.  Just shy of turning four years old, Miss Zoey got her first haircut.  (I can't say it's the first time scissors have touched her hair anymore... not since she fell in love with bubblegum and have trimmed out a piece or two.)  ;)

Before

 


In the chair!  Look at those curls flowing over!

Carefully cutting curls...

 I made sure to cut and keep many locks of beautiful curls!  I know family members will want one.  Jenna was nice enough to have thought ahead and had many small bags on hand.  I brought a large baggie and some tape, but this way not all of the pieces will have tape on them or we won't have to figure out how to work around it. 

Scared, but calm.

For those of you that really know Zoey, this is obviously her "freaked out, but I'm not going to tell you" face.  She was a total angel in the salon, but I could tell that she wasn't so sure of what she was really doing.  (We have discussed the haircut for months... so she knew the basics.)  She didn't talk much at all, which is another big sign of her uncomfortableness...  that and this face...  I knew she was being a trooper! 

Cut, cut, cut...  Jenna's a perfectionist!  :)

I knew Grandma Joyce would want to be there to watch...

And I scheduled the appointment for around lunchtime - just in case Daddy wanted to see...  He could swing by on his break...  He didn't disappoint!  :)  He showed up right as she sat in the chair, gave us both kisses and smiles and ran back to work.  I don't think his heart could've taken the actual cutting phase. 

Daddy couldn't miss this moment, but couldn't stay to watch either.  "What can I say?!" he says.   I know he's the best Daddy ever!

Zoey's constant companions - Mama and BUNNY!! 

Before cut at the rock fountain across the street from the salon.

After cut.

Jena also convinced Zoey to have a wee braid in the front - to hold the hair out of her eyes.  Hopefully, this means she'll let me do something more than just look at her hair in the future!  Oh, and I know the curls will bounce back after we wash it!  (Proven by bubblegum removal cut!)  :) The humidity had already started to curl the ends... We'll see for sure tomorrow.

I think she likes it! :)

Graham Cracker as Gingerbread Housing!



Today, yes, today!!!  Zoey and I finally made our gingerbread house!  (Our first ever.)  We had a blast!!  

With an egg...  waiting for the eggs to reach "room temp" was the hardest part.  ;)

Loading up Grandma Joyce's sa-weet mixer!

My girl with the sensative ears.  This time she not only stayed in the room with the mixer but right there next to it! (small steps)  :)

Piping the walls.  Zoey really did a lot of the work!  She's quite the little baker/maker!

Our base house (and little snowmen that turned into trees!)

Concentration.  She really did work!  :)

Our stash of candy and things (all "found" items in the pantry)!

Candy on the roof.  (Yes, I piped it.)

Making our bushes and trees.  (Marshmallows covered in icing - pretty cool, IMHO.)

Presenting our very first Miller Manor Gingerbread House!!!



Our chimney is an out-of-date Kashi bar that I found in the back of the pantry.  ;)  Really, it is on straight - it just looks crooked. 

A close up.  One icing/marshmallow tree and a window.  She decorated the windows all by herself and then put the icing on the backs for me to put them on the wall.  :)

This is my first time making royal icing.  I learned quite a bit.  For one, it doesn't take a doubled recipe to ice a tiny house.  2) add vanilla for a better taste... As in, it IS really edible at all!!  and C) I'm interested to find out what happens with the massive amount left over in the fridge....  still usable/tasty?  And this recipe is easy!!  (Would it work on the upcoming wedding cookies?!?  Hmmmm.....) 

Hope you enjoy a timely look!  xo