The Tooth and Nothing But The Tooth!

Emeline has lost her first tooth and she is so excited!

It all started about a month ago when she complained about having a blister in her mouth. Upon investigating, we discovered that it wasn't a blister, but rather her six-year molars coming in on the bottom. She was thrilled about this amazing coincidence... six-years old, six-year molars! Later we found out that the emergence of these teeth was the prerequisite to losing baby teeth.

And right on cue... that first baby tooth came loose. An ever-so-slight shift that she first noticed last Saturday came a long way in just one week. By this Saturday it was downright wiggly! Breathing in made it wobble around. While showing off just how loose her loose tooth was it plopped right out into her palm.

So much for all her planning to tie string to it and yank it out with a slamming door. Or her plan to hang on to it... even if just by a thread... for school on Monday so she could get a tooth necklace from the school nurse.

She's placed it in her treasures box and it is her newest most prized possession. Funny how a lost tooth gets so much more attention and admiration than when they are doing their job in your mouth. In fact, Emeline is so impressed with this first lost tooth that she's already on the hunt for another one!

Back to School

I tried to post the summer in pictures. We did way more than got posted. Summer was really great this year!

My only complaint... and I do have one (as usual): Summer's not long enough!

Emeline and Holden went back to classes on Friday for a half day. Monday is teacher in service and Tuesday it's back to reality. Both of the kids had their reservations with back to school. Holden starts middle school (6th-8th grades). Emeline is in first grade this year; "real" school. And big brother's not there. Plus there's the bus. Holden's comes at 6:35 am... ouch! Emeline will be riding on her own this year.

But they both took day one like troopers.



Holden's bus almost passed up our stop. The bus came flying over the hill and past our driveway... only to stop short to get him. He walked on without looking back. And couldn't help but cry as he got on that big yellow box filled with teens and preteens. All on his own. I think I was just as scared as he was that day. When he got home his smile showed me how much he enjoyed it. Even though he doesn't really have any of his elementary school pals in any of his classes he seems to be eager to do back and experience this new part of growing up.


Emeline skipped the bus on the first day and I took her to class. I like to meet the person I am leaving her with rather than just ship her off to the unknown. It is total chaos at that school because I am not the only one who feels that way. In fact, more people bring their children that day than not. But we managed the parking lot... even though Emeline did suggest just going home since there was no where to park. I would have liked that myself... I am a fan of living in denial... even if I don't get to practice it often. Emeline decided by the end of the day that she really loves her new teacher, Mrs. Ferrell. She thinks her Kindergarten teacher has communicated with her new teacher so that she knows exactly what kind of girl Emeline is... hence, the PINK Playdoh on her desk. She can't wait to go back on Tuesday. Wonder if she remembered that she has to take the bus then. Probably not... she's a fan of denial too.

I still wish they were going to be home with me. August is proving to be the hottest month of the summer. Perfect for swimming at Gramma's! Guess Owen and I will get to work on our tans while they are stuck inside... learning. But I am happy they are happy with what life has handed them this 2009-2010 school year.

Let's get it started!

@ District Convention/Evansville, Indiana

Thursday night we start the weekend off right at our favorite place to dine while in Evansville... The Tin Fish. It's actually in Newburg, Indiana - an adorable little town just outside of Evansville - right on the river. The restaurant ships fresh fish and seafood in daily. The have everything... even Walleye... a rarity in these parts. Ben got oysters on the half shell and Holden was eager to try one. It wasn't his first oyster; that was in Alabama when he was about four years old. That one didn't go down as easily as this one. I guess his tastes have matured.


The kids... happy to have Granny. They'd all be on that lap at once if it was possible!


Cousin Pierce and Emeline. Best buds.


Emeline with Granny. I love her smile!


The whole gang... this doesn't happen that often. And when it does, we usually aren't all looking and smiling. But this one is pretty good... even if we aren't all looking, we all look happy. Guess 'cause we are.