Labor Day

Doug and I labor differently as I suspected before, but confirmed today.

Labor Day: a national holiday in the United States in which most businesses don't require their employees to work

Labor Day for Doug: sleep late; east Sonic for breakfast; labor for 4 hours on the golf course to score a record low (though no where near Tiger) 87

Labor Day for Sarah: get up early; work on school work at home; eat Sonic for breakfast; take Caden to school for 3 hours to work on the very long to do list; go grocery shopping; clean kitchen; work another hour on school to do list

Happy Labor Day to you! Here's hoping you got to labor more like Doug than like me!! :)

Labor Day weekend

We've enjoyed our extended holiday weekend for the most part. I have worked for several hours on school stuff, but it feels good to cross at least a few things off my school to do list. Doug watched the opening weekend of college football. Unfortunately, his beloved Sooners were not televised so he missed their crushing defeat of Chatanooga, 57-2. We've napped. Doug and Caden have played golf. I've been out to dinner with a friend and laughed a lot at the Looney Bin (comedy club in Wichita; not a mental health facility for all of you out there wondering if I need one). And, now it's Monday morning, I'm the only one awake. My boys are snoring and we don't have to be anywhere today, except the grocery store. I for one am thrilled to have this bonus day off to spend lounging, reading, and yes, probably working to cross some more items off that very long to do list from school. Hope everyone enjoys their Labor Day. And for some mommies today will be a true Labor Day.

a bit behind

Miss Celeste, one of Caden's preschool teachers, casually mentioned to me yesterday that he might be a bit behind in his self-help skills, specifically getting dressed. He let the cat out of the bag as he shared that mommy still puts his shoes and socks on for him every day. She reminded me that he has to learn those skills so he's developmentally ready for other, new, bigger skills. So, this morning, I dutifully made Caden get dressed all by himself. He can do it. I knew he could, I just liked the routine of still helping him. My baby's not really a baby any more and mommy's not sure about it. I'm ready for him to be independent, but not too quickly!

great neighbors!!

Doug and I have the greatest west side neighbors. Joel and Kerri are friendly and kind. Kerri has rescued me many times when I've been baking and realized I was an egg short or needed more oil. They brought us dinner when they found out Doug's mom was sick and we'd been at the hospital a lot. They say nice things to us about Caden and are always up for a little neighborly chit chat. A little while ago our doorbell rang unexpectedly. It was Kerri with a plate of cookies and a note telling me to a have brighter day today. All that just because I mentioned I had a stinky day at work yesterday. THANKS HURDS!! You're the best!!

I hate my job

Today, it (my job) cost me more than I make because I lost a good friend whom I was just starting to get close to. Nothing can change it or fix it. And it just plain sucks for me personally and professionally. I fear that not only did I lose this realtionship but that there will be additional fall out and damage will be done to other relationships at work. I hate it! I hate it! I hate it!

Caden says

Caden says some of the funniest things. Here are a few . . .

"Mommy, I'm hiding from you under the kitchen table." He's very into playing "hiding". He thinks he's hidden if his eyes are closed or he's under a blanket or the kitchen table.

"My belly hurts. It needs a drink of water so it can go to sleep." I don't get this one, but as soon as we get him a drink of water he calms right down and goes to sleep.

"I tired. I need clean pajamas so I can go to sleep." Like his mommy, this boy likes to be clean, though most days he's filthier than I could have ever thought possible before having him, but he REALLY loves to wash his hands and brush his teeth.

"I gotta check my cherries; see if they're good." Referring to the now empty cherry tree in our front yard.

"You stank!" Not very nice, but something about the way he says it makes us laugh.

" I want the door just a little bit." For you non-native Cadenese speakers, this means that he wants his bedroom door open just a crack at night.

back to the grind

School is back in session and going full speed ahead. Today was the 5th day of school and I already feel behind with my "TO DO" list. I work hard all day long; I really do, but at the end of the day it seems I have even more to do than when the day started. At least it's never dull.

Caden is really enjoying preschool at Newton Medical. He's learning a lot. Last week he learned several nursery rhymes: Hey, Diddle Diddle; Little Jack Horner; and Hickory Dickory Dock. He was quite proud to recite them for both set of grandparents. This week the theme is ABCs and they've been working on name recognition. Caden can identify all the letters in his name (plus many more), though he still sometimes calls the "N" M. Today he brought home a baggie of milk jug lids each with a letter of his name is glitter on the top so we can practice "spelling" his name. His teachers say he's well-behaved, affectionate, and easy going, so so far so good!

Doug has been busy working and enjoying the Olympics. He's really into beach volleyball, but that's only because golf is not an Olympic sport. He lives tomorrow for Raleigh, North Carolina for 4 days of training. He's most excited about the fact that on one leg of his trip he got a free upgrade to first class. I told him not to get used to it.

That's what we've been up to. Nothing too exciting, but our school routine is definitely back in full swing now.