Another Pre-School Graduate

Turner graduated Pre-School!  I understand this is no big feat.  Every 5 year old, well most, transition through this same milestone, many without much praise.  But, still, my baby is done with pre-school and on to the big public school.  He could not be more excited.

For someone who can't remember what she did earlier in the day (you think I am kidding?) you may find it hard to believe that I remember the day Turner started pre-school.  It was just before his 2nd birthday and up to that point he wasn't ready.  Ok, maybe I wasn't ready.  But, then, he was ready.   And, he showed it everyday.  And, I had to give up 6 hours a week with my favorite little side kick.  He loved school right from the very first day.    He was shy, at first, and didn't speak for most of that year, yet he communicated with a smile that gave answers and eyes that told stories.

And, now, 3 years have passed.  My shy baby boy who quietly blushed and batted his eyelashes is a big(ger) boy who is, somehow, kindergarten ready.  He still has his shy side, his insecurities creep out, yet he has blossomed into a charming and delightful boy.  He is a friend, he is a brother, a leader, and an example.  He is caring, and thoughtful, and empathetic in ways that make me proud but I am unable to take responsibility for.

He had the best teachers, beginning with Miss Barbara and Miss Jodi, then Miss Kathryn and Miss Ilene, then Miss Robin and and Miss Beth, and finally, with Miss Randi and Miss Joyce.  I owe each of them a huge THANK YOU!

With his graduation came my departure from Ohev Shalom's Pre-School.  I am sad to be leaving the community, the experience has been wonderful.  I leave with many friends, lots of memories, and nothing but fond experiences and memories for all of my boys.

Turner is excited to be a bulldog.  He wants to go to school with his brothers.  He leaves Ohev with a smile and a tear.  He made his very best friends within those walls, friendships that will last a life time.   He learned his colors, his letters, his numbers, and how to write his name.  He learned jewish history, jewish songs, prayers, and the holidays.  He learned about dinosaurs, and body parts, and metamorphosis. But, mostly, he learned to be confident in who he is.  He learned he is special and wonderful and kind.  He learned that he is Turner and he should be proud of that. I  know I am.

I wish my baby boy all the luck in the world as he strips away the "baby" leading his name and becomes the wonderful big kid that he is.

http://tovskytwins.blogspot.com/2011/06/graduation.html

Happy Birthday to Me!

For a while I had a post every birthday.  Every birthday of mine and each of my children.  Then, as many things have in the last few years, they stopped.  So, here I am, at the very stroke of my 39th birthday, a little over 2 hours before I arrived in the backseat of a police car nearly 4 decades ago, I write myself a birthday post.

This was my last one, two years ago.

Life hasn't been all I dreamed of the last few years which may or may not be related to my lack of writing.  There is no real way to tell.  But, it is still life, my life, and documenting it, for better or worse, seems important.

I went back to work 15 months ago and truly enjoy my job everyday.   Mike is an awesome boss, my co-workers are pleasant, my commute is short, and I enjoy the work.  For these reasons I am very lucky, and I know it.  If I could just make some more money, I am all set.

The boys keep me as busy as ever and the hustle and bustle is actually something I enjoy.  Sure, I miss sitting on the couch here and there, and even more so, I miss writing on a regular basis, but I know that time is fleeting, that what seems long, is passing me so fast that I better embrace it before this period of my life is gone forever.  So, I do.  I love watching Chase play his many sports.  I love watching Ryder embrace his creativity and his passions. I love watching Turner turn everything into a happy, good time.   I really do.

The first half of this decade were some of the best years of my life and the second half have been some of, well, not my best.  And, that sure puts things into perspective, doesn't it?  Every rose has its thorn. Ying/Yang?  What goes up must come down.   Such is life and it's important that we all remember that.

With all the things I would change if I could, there are just as many, if not more, that I wouldn't.  It may be tough at times but it seems like a fair sacrifice to have the many blessings that I do.

If I could make one wish (and, well, since it is my birthday, I guess I can) I wish to get back to the core of who I am.  I have compromised my own beliefs and that is my biggest regret.  Mistakes will be made, learning from them is a must, but staying true to yourself should be a requirement.  A requirement I may have not followed through on.  So, that is my wish for myself as I begin this last year in my 30's.   Before I start a whole new decade this time next year I wish that I can do so as the truest version of Wendy, the essence of myself, as a 40 year old woman.

It's weird being 39.  I am not sure where time went nor how I got here.   I feel my age in that my hips hurt, I am tired, and I have spotted a few gray hairs.  But, in so many more ways I still think of myself as a kid at times, and many times I feel like ten years were just skipped over.

I try not to think about what 39 is supposed to be or even how I imagined it would be and just focus on what it actually is....which is not so different than 38.  Or, even 37.  At least not yet.

But, today is my birthday, I will celebrate it as we do, with my boys and my husband and I will look around, contented, knowing that this is my life.

We traded Ryder in for a ten year old version of himself.

Poconos

Colorful cousins

Best buds forever

My Hero. By Ryder.

Thanks, Joey, for showing him things he could never do before. 

Am I back?

It's been so long since I have written that followers of this blog, and, sadly, even my life, may have thought I just  disappeared.  I suppose in many ways I did. I have.  I am not the same person who started this blog 7 years ago.  I am hardly the same person who wrote the last post of 2010.  But, in spite of all that, and in spite of the lack of journaling, life has gone on, daily.  Much of this "life" I wish I was documenting.  The kids are continuing to grow and to change, and to not to change, and to mature and, mostly, to simply amaze me.  And, so much of it has gone unrecorded, other than as tattoos as on my mind.  But, even permanent tattoos fade.  I won't always remember the details, nor the ages that these things happened.  But, I will try.

And, truth be told, there is so much that I am glad is not documented.  Things I hope I can forget as time forges on.  Life has been a bit tough. I won't complain here, everyone has their shit.  I am no different than you.  It's not what you get, but how you handle it that defines you.  I haven't been handling it as well as I as I would like to be defined.  So, I am trying to make better choices, adjust my attitude, think positive, be positive.  With that, comes writing more.  I love it.  I need it.  I deserve it.


So, here I am. I hope it is more than just for a quick visit.