Alexander kind of day...

...could have been. But it wasn't. I was feeling really good after dinner as the kids were getting ready for bed. Unfortunately, I can't say that I usually feel that way after such long days and days David is working late. I really did! So I reflected on why this was so. Wow, it sounded like Alexander's no good, terrible, horrible, very bad day. Here is how it went:





Dropped kids off at school. Cohen insisted that he should wear his hat. I didn't bend.



Teague, Kennedy and I went to Super Walmart...the one I always get lost trying to get there.



Dropped the car off to get an oil change, was told it will be about an hour and forty-five minutes. Tires rotated too.



Slowly shopped, not intentionally. My first time to use competitor ads, phew!



Got home just in time to run the groceries in the house and fridge. Teague fell asleep an hour early for his nap.



Hustled to kids school to pick them up from half a day. There are too many of those and it throws the day off. They also tend to land on the days David is on call/working late, late.



Came home ate lunch. Found some coupons I could have used and saved at least 3 or 4 more dollars.



Since we were off our nap schedule, I devoted more time to get them tired. We went to our neighborhood grocery store to pick up the 15 items we had left that were cheaper there and I had better coupons for.



Kids cranky by this point.



Hurry them home, put two little ones to bed. Late nap.



Quiet time was observed.



Dinner was the kids favorite: chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, and grapes. Changed the brand and they were only fond of the grapes I got for 99 cents a pound!



I didn't have any cheese for my burrito. A leftover I have been eating for lunch or dinner for a week.



David doesn't get off tonight until 9PM at the earliest.





So how could I possibly feel like I didn't get run over by a steam roller and was ready to get the kids in bed two hours early, eat a tub of cookie dough and watch something outlandish? This is what I came to the conclusion: Number one...my kids had great attitudes today and my refereeing was limited. Number two...all the little things:



The kids were all ready on time and we got out the door with everything for our errands and got the kids to school before the first bell rang.



We saw a little airport while we were in search for the Wal-mart.



Service was great.



Kids were amazing. Teague stayed in the cart the whole time. Kennedy stayed close with only two wondering moments. No tantrums. 98cent Goldfish to endure the produce section.



The patient cashier with a first time competitive ad shopper.He even gave me milk for a cheaper price than I had an ad for. I got some awesome deals.



We were early to pick up Taylin and Cohen, so I got a good spot and didn't have to walk far in the September triple digits.



We got home and the kids emptied their backpacks and unloaded everything into the new filing system we started yesterday...before I had to remind them.



Everyone ate their lunch and stayed at their seats the entire lunch. I was able to eat my lunch with them.



Got a front parking spot next to a cart return that had a car cart in it.



Found out I made some good buys at Wal-mart, but still had some good buys at Fry's.



Spent more money, but saved more money.



The car part of the cart wasn't loaded with candy from the check out line. Whatever did get put in there only took a matter of seconds to return to its proper spot on the shelf.



A sweet lady, looked at me and said the infamous, "You have a full load." Then she smiled and gave me an endearing pat on the back.



While making sure no one fell out of the cart or darted into the parking lot, sweet drivers paused and let me cross the road.



Teague and Kennedy went to sleep without much of a fight.



Taylin and Cohen were working on their homework when I came back from putting little ones to sleep.



Cuddled with Taylin and Cohen to read a story, practice spelling words.



Played a fun game of spelling/pattern/letter, etc. baseball with Taylin and Cohen to practice some of their lessons. Lots of laughs, no disagreeing! Teague even rounded the bases a few times. He was able to advance a base if he gave high fives or pointed to a familiar object or repeated a word. We were all laughing by the end and nobody cared who won or how many points they had.



Kennedy woke up in a good mood and low maintenance.



Everyone was ready for bed by 7:15 without too much direction/redirection.



Read some books with more cuddling and no one fighting over their seating positions.



Had enough time to watch a little Nick Mega Music Event.



Said prayers without arguing who was going to say it and who was doing what during the prayer.



Lots of hugs, kisses and more cuddles and cooperation to bed!



We missed David! I am sure glad there was joy and smiles regardless of the events of the day. My kids really did make my day. They made it possible and all worth it! It was Amanda's great, spectacular, awesome, very good day. Now for some good reading, maybe some Dancing with the Stars as I await my hubby to cuddle!



Here's to Wednesday.



Have a great day!

Holding Hands

Cohen didn't take to kindergarten very well at first. Yes, he went to class without a fight. My favorite part of the day is dropping them off (minus the chaotic drop off traffic, there is no rhyme or reason). I love watching Cohen and Taylin walk each other to their lines to put their backpacks down and off to play for a bit before the bell rings. They are such buddies. They walk with a little bounce in their step, holding hands, waving good-bye with big grins (dimples and all) and off to meet their friends. They walk hand in hand on the way to the playground. So sweet!



When coming home he would do anything to avoid homework. I don't want him to hate school or homework, so I didn't force him. Yes, it took some coaxing and Daddy time to write his name a few times (Yep, that was all his homework was.). He did it. He just didn't want to write his name, especially C-o-h-e-n. He doesn't want to do it that way. He prefers: C-o-H-e-N. I am not worried about it. He has a whole year to figure it out. At least it doesn't have a silent four at the end anymore and he didn't change that to a silent five. He also came home a couple of times saying he didn't like school or he thought we had more fun at home.



He is enjoying himself much more. His big thing is buying his lunch (they offer at least chicken nuggets or pizza everyday). It is a break for me, but lacks in the best choice of food. Taylin was that way too, but she prefers to take it now. Another big thing for Cohen is his friend count. He has gone from four to five to ten to eleven to eighty and even being able to name some of them. Some of the top picks are Scott and John. I know they are young, but I am trying not to be too leery of his friends. John seems to be in trouble a lot. I just think, Cohen can be a good influence. So until the opposite effect takes place, I just go with it. We talk often about his day and choices. John is one of 80!



I just smiled and laughed to myself this afternoon. It can be quite a walk to the school to pick them up and back to the van. Sometimes it is quite a feat to get back to the van. Sooo many distractions. Today one of Cohen's school buddies was parked a couple of cars behind us. Cohen is usually hollering ahead to John to say good-bye. John was behind us and caught up to us. Cohen was so excited. I am sure John felt like a superstar. His dad was probably thinking so too or wow this kid is enthusiastic. Cohen quickly grabbed John's arm. I am not sure if he tried to hold his hand and John didn't return the gesture or Cohen just grabbed his wrist. John's dad was hiding behind sunglasses and a very long dark beard. I saw a smile perk through. After a few more steps they were holding hands. They were talking about the holes in the ground and what made them. Then it was time to go and they separated with their farewells and looking forward to tomorrow. Small gestures from big hearts. Love these tender moments. Makes 111 (plus) degrees a breeze to walk through!