A summary

Well, here it is. Rian's last day. Yesterday did not go so well. She was obviously upset at saying goodbyes, and consequently didn't say very many. I hope it doesn't make her too sad in the long run; it's a hard lesson she will learn later in life: say your goodbyes, and express your affection when you have the opportunity. All in all, she wasn't bad, just a bit overwhelmed.

On the way from school to her special dinner she got very quiet. I asked if she was ok, and she said,

"I am just sad for growing up."

*choke back tears*

"Well, honey, Daddy is a little sad too, but we all have to grow up. And just think of all the super cool things you get to do when you are older; like drive, go to college, get married..."

"NO! You just get soap in your eyes and get big sore bones!"

*Ouch* How do you argue that though? I mean, it felt like I had soap in my eyes at that moment, and I was still trying to drive. I can only imagine the second part of her declaration had to do with a discussion regarding growing and how it sometimes hurts, but that was months ago. I guess another reminder of be careful what you say.

Next week, Rian gets a break and Daddy gets Rian  and Bay at home. Hope the weather is nice or it could be a long one. Then, school starts up and we move on...and wait for calls from the Headmaster.

I would like to post a poem, written by one of Rian's wonderful teachers, a super lady who is always full of energy and joy and really keeps the kids going. No idea how she does it, but she is tremendous. Thank you KJW!

       We'll Miss You
                            
The time has come to say goodbye,

We'll try so hard not to cry,

We'll miss your funny little ways,
And all our fun and crazy days.

Getting messy, paint and glue,
Sticking, colouring and collage too.

Making friends, time together,
Memories that will last forever.

We've watched you grow, and come so far,
You'll always be a shining star.

Learning together each new day,
A brand new skill that will always stay.

Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring,
A brand new season, what will it bring?

Time outside, rain and sun,
So much fun for everyone.

Riding bikes, climbing and sliding,
Running, jumping or a game of hiding.

So now we have to be apart,
But you'll always be inside our heart.

Everyone will miss you so,
And always remember wherever you go,

That you are special and quite unique,
In the way you move and the words you speak.

A last goodbye and last squeeze,
Never ever forget us please.

Poem by Katie Whitnell
 
Thanks so much to all the Busy Bees Staff, especially Emma, Katie, & Carly and the others who fill in at Starburst since this is about Rian. Trusting someone with your children is not always easy, but you ALL do an amazing job, and we "transplants" are lucky to have found you!

A quickie

Well, due to the way things work here, I have one less year of having a "little girl." Rian graduates from Pre-school today and starts Reception, a.k.a. kindergarten on the 6th. I am torn. She is a smart girl and I have no doubts mentally she is ready, but if you've met her, you prolly know she is a handful, and I am not sure they are ready for a school takeover. I am concerned for her attitude and stubborn ways and sarcastic mouth. Granted, she comes by those things honestly as mine and Lace's child, but it isn't a great combo for a 4 year old starting school sooner than we thought she would.
Ah well, we shall see. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers, and more importantly, keep myself and Lace there as well. Kid #2 Pre-school graduation here I come! Ugh...am I really old enough to have been to two kids PS graduations??

Rian-isms

Here is a re-post from Facebook of all the Rian-isms from the first 9 months or so of England life. In chronological order as well, so for your viewing/reading enjoyment, I present Rian. And remember, laughter is the best medicine!

"Ohhh Dad this (vanilla) ice cream tastes like 3 million strawberries." Ummm, ok, Rian




2 new Rian gems while coloring today:

"I colored outside the lines to remind me not to, it's not an accident." &

"When I grow up to be a mommy, I'll play in a poker tournament with you, I will."



"Daddy, you're so nice, I just wanna send you to Heaven." Thanks, Rian, I don't know what to say.



Rian just started screaming at the top of her lungs in the back seat, I asked her what she was doing and the response was, "I'm not screaming, I'm singing like Fiona and trying to explode that bird over there." Might be time to stop watching Shrek



Me: "Rian, Daddy spent all day cleaning, why are you tearing stuff up?"

Rian, with a grin even: "it's just what I do, Dad."



Rian, upon seeing my new tattoo for the first time. "WHY YOU HAVE MY NAME?? YOU 'POSED TO HAVE YOUR NAME, NOT MINE!!" the put her face down in her arms, and huffed and puffed and pouted



While walking through Sherwood Forest, both girls with walking sticks:

Rian: "I have a big stick."

Baylie: "Rian, they are basically the same size."

Rian: "Well, potentially mine is bigger."

Potentially, really? Sure you're three?



Rian: "Here Dad, rub my new head bump (from meeting a door @school)"

Me: "No honey, Daddy doesn't want to hurt you"

Rian: "Then why do you spank me, huh?"

And walks away. I feel like I've been set up



Rian wailing in church because she only got a blessing and "nothing in her hand and no drinks!" (cracker and wine for Communion)



What an age we live in.

Me: "Rian, apologize to Kels." (she accidentally knocked her over)

Rian (walking away): "I will sent her a text message"



Latest Rian Red-bottom Retort:

Me: "Rian get your clothes on."

Rian: "I not like those pants!"

Me: "You can't always wear dresses, I think those are pretty."

Rian: "You wear them Daddy"



Me: "Rian, go to your room and sit in bed!"

Rian: "I sending me to bed first, not you!"



Upon hearing coughing from the bathroom; Me: "Don't drink your bath water Rian!" Rian "I not! I choking on it!"



Me: "Don't drink your bath water Rian!"

Rian: "I not! I choking on it!"



Rian's bones are bigger than last night, she has to grow up to go to work. Her words, not mine obviously.



Rian, in the bathtub with Kelsie: "Arggh, Kelsie. You're making me cross. Ahh its ok, even though you have a bad 'attitune,' I still love you."



"My body ate all of my ‘sunscream’ up cuz it wants me to get a tan."

Sigh, whatever, Rian.

And finally a prayer from the beginning of our journey over here:

After reading Franklin's Vowels: The Letter O, Short Sounds

"God and Jesus, welcome for my family, welcome we have a great day. So much fun. Please let no fox or hog or dog in my yard. Only a dog if its Maya. Please we can have a log and an otter to come over in my yard. Not a fire, for its hot, can burn my Kels. Welcome for only getting one scratch on my nose when I fell down the stairs. I want a top for Christmas or tomorrow. I had one yesterday."

Long pause.

Me: "Are you done? Say Amen."
Rian, "No, I listening."
Big Sigh.
Longer pause.
Rian, "Ok. Amen. Daddy, leave all the lights on for Maya to come visit, good night."