My Soon-To-Be Kindergartner

The other day was Mason's Kindergarten Round-Up at the school. That morning he woke me up and said very matter-of-factly, "Mom, today is my Kindergarten Round-Up because I'm starting school in the Fall!!" To which Josh says, "Mason, do you even know what Kindergarten Round-Up means?" Mason replies, "Yes, it's where you round-up all the kindergartners." Duh! So later that afternoon we get to the school and he goes off and takes a little test, which he did very well, while I filled out all the paperwork. We planned on attending the round-up right around Katelyn and Emma's lunch time so we could then go and each lunch with them. So Mason and Riley were so excited to bring their lunch boxes and eat lunch with the girls in the cafeteria. That was a real treat for them, and the girls.

Then yesterday we went to get Mason's last set of shots. Or as Mason says his "Kindergarten shots." He also had his 5-year check up. Mason has been preparing and gearing up for this day for awhile now. He was so ready to be brave and not cry. He was actually smiling as we entered the doctor's office. The time had come and he laid back on the table and proceeded to get 4 shots in his legs. I held his hands and told him it was okay to cry. But he didn't shed one tear. He was so brave and wanted so badly to be able to show me how tough he was. I just hugged him so tight and told him how proud of him I was and what a big boy he was. As we left the doctor's office he couldn't wait to call Josh and tell him that he didn't cry. I just love my little boy and am so proud of him. But I would have been just as proud even if he had cried. He has such a big heart and such a strong desire to be a good boy. He is really such a smart, loving, and for the most part well-behaved kid. He is going to be a great Kindergartner and will no doubt continue to make his parents so proud.

My Little Baker

Yesterday Emma asked if she could please help Josh make some brownines. Josh agreed, and we soon see Emma running to her bedroom. She quickly came running back up the stairs with her apron and an impromtu chef's hat she quickly made out of paper and stapeled together. (She's our creative one.) She then ran to a kitchen drawer and pulled out some hot pads, one on each hand, and exclaimed she was ready to get started. Wow! I hope her enthusiasm for baking lasts...

Potty Training

So I've been a little stressed about the fact that there is a really good chance Riley won't be potty-trained before the new baby comes. I've never had 2 kids in diapers at the same time. The other kids were pretty easy to train--compared to Riley. Up until last week she wouldn't even sit on the toilet. She even would start to speak another language when we would bring it up, or she would change the subject. And she can be bribed with nothing. But after church this last Sunday, she suddenly said she had to go potty. So we raced her to the toilet, Sunday dress and all. But nothing. Then yesterday during a scout meeting at my house, with 5 other women here, Riley came running through the living room stark naked yelling she had to go #2. She really never does this, and I love how she chooses to do this while I have a room full of company--great. So I run her to the bathroom--but nothing...again. But I just remind myself that this is progress. She is at least trying. And maybe, just maybe, she'll have it down in 2 months before her little brother comes. Wishful thinking??