When I decided I was ready to become a parent, I thought about all of the wonderful memories I was about to create, the adventures on which I'd embark, and how much more interesting the journey of life was going to get. And then, one magical day, the doctor plopped that little blob of goo onto my chest and I thought..."OH CRAP."
Then that blob of goo goes to Kindergarten.
Now, I always thought I was a pretty "chill" mom. Read that as you will, but basically it means I just thought whenever life threw
this mom a curveball, I'd be able to react with discernment, grace and dignity. That is, until I watched Dane walk away from me on his first day of Kindergarten. It didn't hit me when we were at the open house, when we were walking to school together that first day, or even when I took his picture by the school sign before the bell rang. It hit me when he marched into the classroom without so much as a tear drop on his cheek or hesitation in his step. He turned around, waved big, flashed that beautiful Danish smile and headed into Mrs. Henken's class like he owned the place.
And that's where my meltdown began.
I cried all the way home (amidst Ryan asking, "Mommy wasss wroooong?") not caring what I looked like. I just couldn't believe that this hit me so hard. I'm the CHILL mom, I don't get like this! And then God laughed and said, "Welcome to parenthood!"
I'm not as naive as I used to be. I am aware that my life holds many moments like this in the future, only the moments will be more gut-wrenching (hopefully mostly in GOOD ways). Kindergarten isn't just the beginning for our kids, though. In a way, it's for the parents as well. A sort of ABC's of learning how to be a parent...to let go. I only hope I become better and better at letting go as the years roll by, otherwise there's no telling what state you all may find me in. "1980-2012: Here lies Kristy Roblee, beloved wife and mother of 2 and a half, who loved her children so much she imploded." Ha! Only time will tell...
Once the drama of Dane's first day of Kindergarten had passed (and let me say, it really hasn't gotten much easier to watch him walk away from me every day), we had a great time with my parents at the beach! Gamma and Gampa came down for a day trip and the Crandalls joined us as well. The kids are so happy at the beach, and I think you can tell from the pics that it was a wonderful day. Thanks (again) to dad for all of the wonderful photos!
I included some other miscellaneous pics at the end of the blog, including some pictures from our neighbors' tragic house fire. In case you hadn't heard, the Nymon family safely escaped the fire, but the house did not survive. They have relocated to a home nearby and have received SO many donations (many from you!), so they've been able to slowly rebuild their lives. It is an incredible story and please continue to keep them in your prayers.
Enjoy the pics and please keep drop us an email to let us know what you're up to! XOXO
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| Madeline and Dane are showing off Dane's finds in Yosemite. |
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| Dane's open house at Magnolia Elementary on 8/28! |
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| Ryan liked the sea shell station. |
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| Making new friends already! |
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| Hey, where's the "puputer?" I need to watch "Curious George!" |
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| Classroom #2, Mrs. Henken! |
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| I love the Magnolia logo! |
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| Daddy made Dane a special sign for his first day of Kindergarten. |
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| Dane's first day of Kindergarten breakfast...dippy eggs! |
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| And just to finish off the early morning routine Daney style, we have an awesome stack job! |
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| On our way to school! |
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| Daddy surprised us on our walk and intercepted for a huge hug! |
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| I love those socks:) |
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| Makin' new friends, looking at a cockroach. |
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| Time to go in! I wonder which one Dane is? |
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| Sneaking a pic through the window...he looks like a pro already! |
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| Picking him up from school...great day:) |
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| Blizzy had a big first day, too! |
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| Gamma Gampa are here and we're showing them the tree house! |
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| Lucky kid! |
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| On our way to the beach! |
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| First order of business, dig a hole... |
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| Dane and Madeline having a grand day... |
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| Beach stud:) |
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| I love this shot... |
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| Makin' friends. |
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| Dad's caption says it all. |
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| Mr. Fat Lip |
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| Gamma and Ry Ry |
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| This MAY be a tad big for you, Dane. |
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| Beach babe:) |
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| Dad was so excited that we parked in spot #29 at the restaurant:) |
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| Saying goodbye to Gamma Gampa after a yummy Mexican dinner! |
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| My boy... |
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| And the sun sets after a glorious day. |
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| That police car is in front of our house, which is next door to the burning house. |
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| Our entire street was filled with engines. I've never seen so many before! |
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| The aftermath:( |
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| Dane decided he wanted a basket for his bike. I, being resourceful (or cheap), made one out of zip ties and a box. Thankfully since then, auntie Kim has gotten him a proper one:) |
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| I had to throw in this picture of our turtle Bowser. He's been sneaking inside our house every day to snatch a piece of Blizzard's food. Not sure how he's gonna eat that, but his tricky smile says he knows what he's doing. |
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| This is a picture of my Mom's Night Out on a budget...Laura, Sarah and I enjoyed a beautiful sunset while munching on some snacks. It was fantastic. |
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| I can't think of a better way to end this blog... |
