Ethan's First Day of Kindergarten--a father's perspective

From my husband's Facebok post today:

Excuse the reflective note…I just dropped Ethan off for his first day of Kindergarten…

I was born in 1961 and started school in the mid-sixtys so some of this may be unkown to you. Do you remember the old TV show “Father Knows Best”?  Well, I have inadvertently become Robert Young’s character all the way down to the names of our children…Let me explain…  I realized two days ago that I usually call Ethan by the name “Bud” and Kate by the name Kit Kat.  If you ever watched the show, you know that the boys name is Bud and the youngest girl is Kathy or Kit Kat.  Now, Robert Young also often referred to the oldest girl as “Princess” and I often call Kate that as well….so here I am in a sitcom re-run living the life.  So as a “super” father  to be, here are some things I learned as I watched Ethan stand in line with the other boys and girls today before they went into class …

1. Ethan is NOT the tallest child in his class( a little disappointed about this).  Though he is tall, there are some GIANT kindergartners out there!  Maybe they’re 6 and not 5?
2. You must have a back pack now and most of them are larger than the child who is wearing them.  When we were kids , there were no backpacks, right?  I don’t remember any.  In fact, I remember always having to carry my books wrapped in paper book covers and my lunch in a brown paper bag (you can’t do that anymore either, it has to be a Star Wars lunch box).
3. Kids don’t tie their shoes anymore (all Velcro) and their teachers don’t teach them to tie shoes anymore.
4. Parents are MUCH more involved in their kids day to day life than when we were kids…there were moms AND dads there to see off their kids off and parents are allowed to eat with their children at lunch every day (and do).

We must have done something right…Ethan has been excited about school for weeks.  He stood in line today happily and even knew several of the boys and girls from other activities in town.  I vividly remember my first day in Kindergarten in New Jersey (we had just moved there in the middle of the year).  I cried the entire time!  I don’t think I talked or interacted with another child until the end of the year (the beginning of my shy period).  Fortunately, I eventually got over it, but I’m so glad that Ethan wont have to deal with all of that…one small victory in parenthood…

Hot Air Balloon Festival

Coinciding with a visit from Grandma Cuesta this week was the Chillicothe Hot Air Balloon Festival. These are so neat to see in person! We went last year, but due to weather issues we never saw any take off. We were so glad that THIS year we got to see them launch. Here are some highlights!
 

Fathers' Day in Minneapolis

We have several friends who in the past few years have relocated to Minneapolis, so we decided to spend a long weekend up there visiting with them!

Highlights included, of course, the Mall of America. However, instead of shopping we visited the aquarium and Nickelodeon Universe and the Lego store. Then on Sunday, we visited the Minneapolis Zoo for Father's Day.

The shark exhibit!

Several underwater walkways...

...made for GREAT shark viewing!

Kate was pretty tuckered out 

Relaxing with baby William at the Hucks' House

We were lucky enough to have a FANTASTIC road trip with the kids. It couldn't have gotten better! They were happy, easily entertained and even were able to take naps. We made sure, however, to stretch our legs now and then, like here at Mill Bluff State Park.

20 minutes to hike all the way up the bluff. Look at those steep stairs!

But the view was worth all the effort!

Happy Trails for these happy kids :)

Graduation

It's been several weeks now, but much to the chagrin of my no-nonsense hubby, Ethan's preschool had a big "to-do" for his graduation day (May 24). It was an end of the year program complete with a class performance, procession, slide show, receiving diplomas, and REAL cap and gown complete with tassel!

But, hey, it's our son. We were there. And yes, I choked up a bit.

Here he is receiving his diploma (click here to view video). Kindergarten, here we come!

The Popsicle Challenge

I think we might have created a monster.

I was pulling into the garage after picking Ethan up from preschool the other day when he said to me, "Mom, you know what we had for snack at school today? Popsicles."

"Wow," I replied, thinking how yummy that must have been on a hot, sunny day. "Popsicles, huh?"

"Yeah," he said. "But I didn't have one."

"Why not?" I asked.

"Because that's junk food," he replied. My eyes opened up in surprise. After a loaded pause, he ventured, "But I really wanted one."

A brief moment of pride came over me (what five year old could demonstrate such self discipline and self denial?). But I noticed a slight tremble in the words he said. As I looked in the rear view mirror, I soon discovered that my son's eyes had welled up with tears, though he was working hard to fight them back.

Honestly, I was confused and torn. On the one hand I felt proud that our lessons on healthy eating were sinking in, and that my son had learned to say "no" (think peer pressure in high school). On the other hand, I was heartbroken that he had missed out on what must have been a real treat on the playground that morning. I imagined all those happy little faces savoring the icy cool fruit flavors. But Ethan? What was he doing? Did he distract himself with the sand box? Or did he sit amongst his friends, watch them eat, wishing in his heart he could have one too? From the tears in his eyes, I concluded it was the latter. I got out of the car and quickly told Ethan to come to me, and I stood there just embracing him. (Poor Kate was still buckled up, wondering what was going on :) And I promised him popsicles after dinner that night.

This wasn't the first time he refused something sweet. On many days we have the same conversation: "Mom, do you know what we had for snack today?" And he'll tell me it was cookies, or fruit loops, cupcakes or sugared graham crackers, all of which he refuses. But today, for some reason, I wish that he hadn't.

I suppose it's our fault. It began about a year ago when Ethan was then four years old and promoted to move up to the next Sunday school class at church. That first day we picked him up, he had a large tootsie roll in his hand. A "welcome-to-your-new-Sunday-school-class" treat, we assumed. The next week, he received another piece of candy. Since we had worked really hard the first few years of his life to limit sugar and candy, we didn't want all our efforts to be thwarted. Having a terrible sweet tooth myself, I know how hard it can be to keep from over-indulging. While we soon learned that this candy was used as a reward for good (quiet) behavior, we still felt that candy should be reserved for special occasions or special rewards. Church is not a special occasion. It is a way of life for us. After a couple of weeks, we told Ethan that if his Sunday school teacher offers him candy he should politely say "no thank you". Our reasons? Candy is junk food, and junk food isn't good for you (Ha...believe me, we eat our fair share of happy meals and ice cream).

Fast forward a year and he denies himself all sweets unless it comes from us or we say it's okay. I'm mostly glad about this, because I'm really adamant about my kids eating healthy snacks and well balanced meals (don't worry...we DO get our sweets in).. But to see THIS kind of self-denial turn into a sort of blind legalism made me sad. He had denied himself some fun.

We have since told Ethan that if it is snack time at school, and it happens to be a sweet snack, it's okay to have it. After all, there are five hours between when he has breakfast and lunch, and we don't want him to get hungry (don't get me started on what schools feed our children. That's a whole other post). While for now this practical approach works, I wonder how I will teach him the more subtle lesson of seeing the big picture. When do we follow the rules, and when do we make exceptions in order to fulfill the intent of those rules? How do I teach him not only the letter of the law, but the spirit of the law? How do I teach discernment?

Kate and her tricycle

Getting ready for summertime and biking on the trail (or just around the neighborhood). For those of you who get posts emailed to you, you'll need to click here to see the video (or copy and paste this link: http://youtu.be/-qxi50fX23I)

Easter Photos

Click here to view these pictures larger

Where have I been?

BUSY.

March, which has long come and gone, is quickly becoming the busiest month of the year. Below you'll find a photo recap of my hubby's 50th birthday, a quick trip to NY with just me and the kids, and Ethan's 5th birthday.

Click here to view these pictures larger

Click here to view these pictures larger

Click here to view these pictures larger

Don't Wake Me Up!

This morning I was doing my usual online activities in between refereeing my two kids...ears on them, eyes on my laptop. A few moments passed and I realized that I didn't hear the usual kid banter in the living room. What is going on? I wondered...

I stepped away from my desk and craned my head around to see into the living room. My DARLING ANGELS were sitting side by side...looking at books! Please! Don't ever wake me up from this dream! Sibling harmony and education to boot! I had to take a picture :)

If a Picture Paints a Thousand Words

Mommy with a few of her favorite things

Mom, what is your favorite thing to do?

I love to sing.

What else do you like?

I like to dance.

I don't know how to draw that. What else is your favorite thing to do?

I like to eat.

What else do you like?

Hmmm... Hmmm...

Me? You like me?

Yes, I do like you.

You Are What You Eat

Yesterday during the kids' nap time I watched a documentary I had meaning to see for a while called "Food Matters". This film presents the idea that food can be your medicine (to quote Hippocrates), and that the staggering number of people suffering from chronic pain and heart disease, even cancer, can be attributed to the nutrient deficient diet of most Americans today.

I have never considered myself a big proponent of vitamin supplements or eating organic. However, the simple message of the film was easy to understand and digest, and quite frankly, spurred me on to think about what changes I can make in our diet. After all, I'm the one feeding my family! I know, I know...more fruits and vegetables. Fresh food, not processed food. Whole wheat and whole grain products. Here's the kicker: RAW food, since cooking food breaks down its many nutrients and natural enzymes. And by raw food, I'm referring to raw fruits and veggies. Obviously, we're not going to be eating raw meat! (Sushi, anyone?)

Sigh. What's a mom to do? My kids don't like vegetables much, my hubby can't stand the "cardboard taste" of whole wheat products. And I'm sorry...organic products are PRICEY!

In any case...it's all food for thought (No pun intended).

When?

Normally I don't have time to sit down and just type. But this morning, with my son at preschool and my daughter sick on the couch, I have plenty of time to just sit and think. And worry. When will this little girl get better? When will she be able to get a good night's rest, uninterrupted by bouts of coughing and fever-induced delirium? When will my back recover from 5 days of carrying 30lbs of toddler from one room to another because she just needs to feel comforted?

I'm tired, folks.

God has done the miraculous, though, as is His custom. I've been housebound for a week and haven't lost my marbles. My normally restless son has been very content to color a picture, imagine spaceships out of legos, role-play flying superheroes running back and forth through the living room. Not once has he complained of my unavailable arms and attention. That can only be a God thing, because let me tell you, that is NOT like him at all!

So, I'm tired. But I'm grateful, too.

A day in the life of mom

Homemade chicken and rice soup on the stove...

Means sick little girl on the couch.

My Year in Status

Summarizing my year according to Facebook...

Happy New Year

The new year brought a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Cuesta. They got to see first hand what kind of imagination is at work in our little boy. Here he is flying in a home made Buzz Lightyear jetpack/wings (I have no idea what you call it)

Kate, as usual, can't stop sucking her thumb. New Year's resolution, anyone?

Grandpa Cuesta was unfortunately quite jet lagged after spending 5 months in the Philippines. Business as usual! But despite his off sleep schedule he got to hang out with the Snyder gang. Thanks for visiting, Grandma and Grandpa!

Christmas in Texas

This year we took another road trip down to Texas. We drove straight!!!! We were surprised to find that though we were on the road for a total of 14 hours, it was actually much easier (and less expensive). With the exception of two meltdowns (one of which was mine), the kids did great and were in good spirits by the time we arrived.

Some of you who are my friends on Facebook have seen this already, but I've posted a link to the photo album here.Snyder Christmas 2010

Family Portraits 2010

Every year we try to take a good family photo. Rather than going with a photographer, we went with our local Portrait Innovations to take them along with a two year photo of Kate. I think next year we'll go with a real photographer, ha ha ha! Ethan's solo shots were done by his school, which I think turned out really well.

Ethan, 4 and a half years

Doesn't he look like a little man?

Kate, 2 years

The season's first snow...

It came so fast I didn't have snow pants for the kids yet! We're lucky Kate had some boots and one of Ethan's old hats. 

Look at the pretty snowflakes! I was the only one who stayed inside. They threw snowballs at the window to tease me.

The next morning brought sledding down the driveway

Add a new, homemade fleece hat for Kate.

I finally got my snow gear on and built a snow man! David helped with the finishing touches :)