Isn't It Ironic

For those of you who don't know, we recently decided to not enroll Sam in this great private school because we realized we couldn't soon afford three private school tuitions. I think it was one of the more difficult decisions we've made as a family, but it could've been worse.

We were lucky that when we withdrew we were never contacted about paying the first year's tuition - even though we were warned that we would have to if another student wasn't available to take Sam's place.

So I cringed yesterday when I saw a letter from the school. I was relieved to read that they were just expressing their disappointment that Sam wouldn't be attending for the 2006-2007 school year and letting us know that the non-refundable application, processing and tuition fees we'd paid (some $1000) would be donated to a scholarship fund for students in financial need.

So, the money we paid before realizing we couldn't afford the tuition will now help pay someone else's. The world works in mysterious ways ...

Family Vacation

So we just got back from our first family vacation. We decided now was a good time to get the kids to a beach since it may be awhile before we have the opportunity again. Although it was beautiful and time away is always good, it made me wonder ... Did our parents ever enjoy family vacations? The kids seemed to have a good time but I'm not sure Bryon and I have ever gotten along worse.

Sure, there were perfect moments. But for every time I found myself sitting in the pristine blue ocean with Jake as angel fish swam around our legs, there were the 3 a.m. fits where you find yourself asking the desk clerk for leche and he's offering you a bottle of coffee creamer. For every sand castle there's the moment during your lovely walk on the beach when someone's telling you he's going to poop his pants if you don't find a bathroom (and no, I'm not talking about Bryon).


I'm still not sure what I learned from the trip. Could be Jake's too young. Or maybe we should've stayed closer to home. Or maybe Bryon and I had high expectations when we should've just relaxed more. Ask me again in 10 years when we're brave enough to try it again.

Bittersweet

I don't think Sam realizes there are some moms who stay at home. Why should he really? All he's known are day care kids with working moms.

But recently Bryon's office moved downtown, a stone's throw from the kids' day care at our church, and although the transition was fairly smooth, it has Sam's mental wheels spinning. He doesn't quite understand that I still make the same drive, just without them, for example.

Today he asked when I was moving offices. "Probably not for awhile," I told him.

"In a year?" he asked.

"Maybe." (Maybe not.) "Why do you ask?"

"Because everyday I miss your beautiful face."

Priorities

We strive to teach our kids table manners.

And we lead by example.

Little Man

When Jake is sleeping poorly he sleeps late in the morning, at least I consider anything past 7 late. When he is sleeping through the night, which he is doing now since we gave up and moved him back into his crib, he's somewhat of an early riser. Not like Sam used to be, getting up at 4:30 so we could sit in the dark and watch the morning's financial reports, but 6-ish is typical. Today was such a morning. He now yells "Mommy. Out!" which is my cue to get him. This morning I set him up in the big bed with Mama, Mama, Oggy and Clancy and a bottle to watch Teletubbies while I showered.

I was a few minutes into my shower when I heard water running. I pulled back the curtain to see him standing on his tiptoes, brushing his teeth. I half expected him to say "Mornin' honey" as he scratched himself. (Not that I've ever seen a man in our household do that.)