Visit to the Pumpkin Ranch

Oh, how we look forward to our yearly trip to the Pumpkin Ranch!  This Saturday, it was cloudy, a bit chilly, and really kind of "blah".  Mid-afternoon, we loaded up for the pumpkin haven.

On the way, Eric stated that it was supposed to rain.  I said, "It won't rain today... it's not supposed to rain until tomorrow."   Within three minutes of my weather notations, raindrops appeared on the wind shield.  Meh.

After we arrived, I grabbed my umbrella and we got out to start the family fun.   In the drizzle, Ramsey ran to the horses first.

Due to the precipitation, we opted not to go on the hayride.  Unknowingly at the time, that was the smart choice.  After a few minutes, we saw that the tractor and hay rack had gotten stuck in mud in the field.

We trudged along a bit, in the rain and chill, checking out others returning from their excursions to find The Great Pumpkin, noticing the embedded tractor wheels and muck, then reassessed.  Um... nope.  We're not going to search endlessly for or pick our pumpkin this year; we'll just see what they have inside for sale!

Of course, we had to get our photo opp in with the Fall decor (can't see the rain in the pic!) before venturing into the barn to take a peek.

There weren't many pumpkins inside.  Oddly, others weren't asking if the display pumpkins were for sale, just assuming they were there only to look nice.  But... I asked!  (...didn't want to leave there empty-handed!)  "Everything is for sale!" the lady said.  So, we grabbed a large perfect pumpkin (right behind Ramsey's left leg in the pic), another smaller cute white pumpkin.... and that was that!

Ramsey reminded us that we could not leave without having our usual cup of hot cocoa!

Now... time to conjure ideas for what to carve on the perfect pumpkin.   Ramsey thinks something Minecraft.  Daddy thinks Darth Mal. 
(The next day, I went and purchased another pumpkin at Walmart, so we can do both. *wink*)

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Have you ever heard that phrase "Take it all in, Momma!"?   I used to breathe, smile, and say it to myself frequently.   I am starting to repeat those poignant words even more lately, as if to remind myself to make small things memories.   While Ramsey leaves for school each morning, I wait until I can't see him anymore and ingrain the vision.   It's just all so bittersweet.

Time passes by swiftly.  Our kids grow up right before our eyes.  One minute they're just born and we're doting over them in their first hours.  Then, you blink and they're 5 and leaving for Kindergarten... and another blink and they're Seniors in high school.

These moments.... these are the moments that are forever deeply-embedded in my memory.  They are precious, though they seem mundane and ordinary.

Love every minute.  

Don't blink too fast.

Love, you, Ramsey Doodlebug.

Love you, Connor.

Should We Be Disturbed?

Each day, when Ramsey gets off the bus, I greet him and we excitedly run into the house to talk about his day and look through his school papers.   We typically have quite a few colorful stories from the day's happenings.  Some, I sigh and shake my head (and then discuss, of course).  Others, I laugh and give hugs in appreciation for a good tale. 

One particular day, we were sorting through his school folder, I found a drawing.  I... uh.... wasn't entirely sure what to make of it.

You can come up with your conclusion first, though I'm sure it is similar to my original inclination.  When I asked Ramsey what he drew a picture of, he told me it was a knight, holding a sword in one hand... and a "mask" in the other.    Momma's eyebrow raised.   We had a little chit chat about drawing appropriate things. 

"He's learning," I keep telling myself.    This parenting thing is already getting harder!

Cub Scouting Kiddo

 We officially have a Cub Scout in the household! 

Following in the footprints of his Daddy (Eagle Scout), Grandpa Orin (Eagle Scout), and Grandpa Mike (Boy Scout), Ramsey has joined the scouts as a Lion, in a den of similar-aged little boys.

They had two meetings this week; one at the rural fire department and another at the den leader's home.   

And, popcorn sales have begun.  Eric and I have already done some pre-selling.  Then, one of us will take Ramsey door to door in the neighborhood to learn the art of salesmanship.

In order to succeed into being a "Bobcat", among other things, Ramsey needs to learn the Cub Scout Oath:

"On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight."

During the Wednesday den meeting, the kids were challenged with an obstacle course.  Good thing the oath doesn't speak of "walking straight".

That evening, when we were saying our nightly prayers, Ramsey gave thanks for Cub Scouts.  He's having a great time, meeting new children, and will learn so much in the upcoming years.  Yes, thank you God for Cub-Scouting.  :-)

First Homework & Letter From the Teacher

Aaaaah, a bittersweet day at school.    Day 2 with the entire class and learning the swing of things.

Mid-afternoon, we received an instant message from Ramsey's teacher, Mrs. Vearrier.  It had stated that he had some issues today, that they had a little chit chat about listening, and also that she had sent home a note for us to review and sign.   The clock moved slowly as I waited for Ramsey to arrive home.

When Ramsey got off the bus, he rushed to give me a hug and pet his puppy.  When I asked him how his day was, he said "good".  :-)    Specifically looking for the anticipated critique, I opened his school folder.  And, there it was: "the note", complete with Ramsey's offense.

 Oh, what a mix of emotions I had (regarding the last line of her note).  I was shocked, upset,... then, rather.... impressed, and.... finally, I almost died laughing!   First, I thought, "OMG, we do NOT say 'stupid'!"  Then, I thought, "Wow, he can spell the word 'stupid' correctly!"    (He can read like a 6th grader - didn't know he was a great speller.)   Trying to hold back the laughter (SO HARD to keep that inside!), and not sure what to say first, I just looked at him and said, "Oh Ramsey!" with a shocked look.   As he sat on the counter top facing me, he put his head down and howled, turning red from the tears that started to pour down his cheeks. 

We had a little chat (again) how "we don't say 'stupid'" (plus the other choice words that are not allowed), and then another about listening to the teacher and following directions.   Then, we came up with a nice little reward system for having good days in school that includes getting stickers for good behavior which can be used for Kindle time (or better things with a longer "good streak").
Sidenote: I had to call Eric to give him a heads-up, so that he, after initially reading the note, wouldn't lose his composure (laughing) in front of Ramsey.  ...good choice, in retrospect.  He would later also have the conversations with Ramsey to be a good boy.

After he settled down from his crying fit, we worked on his first piece of classroom homework!  Ironically enough, it was all about how the children are learning to sit in school, pay attention, and follow directions.  How apropos.  He drew a picture of himself sitting nicely at his desk.

On Wednesday, he received gold star for being a good listener and another sticker for completing his homework.   He was overjoyed!

And, Daddy brought him a present for being a good student; a SWAT guy (which we are now looking for additional mates for!), which he thinks is the best thing since sliced bread.

Sizzlin Summer Nights

Sizzlin' Summer Nights comes along once per year, in August.  Lining Main Street are vintage cars and new cars of all makes, models, and years.  

We walked up and down the streets, checking each of them out, admiring many, but shaking our heads at others (1980s van with dents, etc). 

 The boys needed food.  The monkey balls stand (from the county fair) happened to be there, so Ramsey suggested Dad buy a big bag of 'em to share.   (Ramsey's new favorite food.  Connor liked 'em, but wasn't as wild for them.)

 We had ulterior motives for being there:  I had won an entry into a contest (put on by the local radio station and a local grocer) to win $5000 in free groceries for a year.  The drawing was at 5 PM.
So, after chow time, we met up with some friends and waited for the drawing.

I regret to say that I was NOT the winner of the contest and will not be able to purchase 1000 tubs of ice cream (Ramsey's idea for the money).   Wuh wuh wuhhhhhh.  Oh well, it was a nice outing for the fam.

First Days of School

How can this be?  How did the summer FLY BY so quickly?!?!  How is it that have a SENIOR in high school and a KINDERGARTENER!?!?  ...Nuts, it's really really nuts.

Connor was at his Mom's and he'd already checked in at high school a few weeks prior.  He was set to go.

But, for Ramsey, we were invited to the school's open house and another morning session to fill out paperwork and get a handle on things.

Eric took this picture of us at the open house, knowing full well I'd be a hot garbage mess the morning Ramsey would leave for school.

As a photo opp for this year (and years to come), I ordered a custom T-shirt for Ramsey.   Before I ordered the shirt, I had never figured out that he would be graduating in 2032!  That number seems ridiculous to me!

FIRST OFFICIAL PICS for the first day of school:

Yup, he wants to be a miner (he's still crazy for Minecraft).

And, that evening, we got to see Connor after his first day of school!

He didn't seem to think that being a senior was any big deal.

I, however, seriously beg to differ.  ;-)