My Crazy Schedule

Girls,

One of the great things about my job is that I get to be home on some week days. This gives me a chance to take and pick you up from school and sometimes make school events and field trips. Today I was able to watch the fire safety presentation.

Maryn was picked as a volunteer by Jodi and Ricky. They are both firefighters in Round Rock where I used to work. I wasn't sure how it was going to go but Maryn, you stepped right up and did a great job. At one point in the middle of the show, Jodi stopped and said, "Hey Maryn, smile for your Daddy." I think you got a little embarrassed!

At the end of the show they played "Watch Me" and most of the kids danced.  Both of you didn't dance but I could tell you were right on the edge of letting loose. We've been working out our Whip and Nae Nae so I was really hoping you would go for it.  I want you both to be comfortable and confident to let loose and dance in front of people.  The world will be so much more fulfilling if get off the sidelines and get in the action! I understand completely that this is not in your nature but we will keep working. I will set a goal for 2 years that you will dance with your friends at this performance.

Kallie, it really hard to walk away from your sad face. I love you girls so incredibly much. I wish I had the words to explain my heart.
 

Maryn and Daddy Time

Maryn,

For the last two years we had the same routine when I was home on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. We would take Kallie to school and then we'd have about an hour before you had to go to school. Sometimes we would ride bikes, go to a park, or just snuggle on the couch. Usually though, your choice was be to play a board game. This was your favorite things to do and I really enjoyed it. Since Kallie was a way you opened up a lot more.

I miss our one on one time when we could talk and laugh together.

Everyone always says to enjoy your time with your kids because they grow up fast. The first few definitely went fast, but I feel like we made the most of our time together before kindergarten. I doubt you will remember these moments, but I will always hold them close.

Argument

Girls,

Y'all are currently at a stage in life where you want to argue about everything. This is how an argument went today which is very standard for you girls.

GiGi- "Hi Kallie I brought you some flash cards"

Kallie- "Thank you GiGi! I got flashcards. I got flashcards" (in a taunting voice)

Maryn- "Do I get anything?"

GiGi- "No, sorry honey these are just for Kallie"

Maryn- "That's okay I'll just use the box and make a house for my flamingo!"

Kallie- "That's not fair, I want a box"

                 

"See You Again"

Maryn,

On the way to College Station a song came on called "See You Again". As I was listening and thinking about these verses...

It's been a long day, without you my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again

...your Mom said that last time you heard this song you said, "this reminds me of Daddy." This breaks my heart to hear as I've been on a few trips lately. I home for a while now and ready to get some time back and hear all about what I missed.

FYI- I think the actual song is about someone dying so this may be a post I delete before you ever see it. You just concentrated on the verses above.

Kallie Loves... Maryn Loves...

This is a very old post that somehow got deleted.

A few years ago we were doing our sing along and your Mom recorded us through the baby monitor. She did this because she knew I would never let her video me singing.

These are really special moments and although my signing is terrible I'm glad she captured the sing along. I hope we continue this as you girls grow up, and that singing and playing together stays a part of our family.

Kallie's Performance

Kallie,

Today I am shift and I thought I was going to miss yet another event. Late in the day Shane Turner came in to work for me so I could surprise you at your school performance. Your shy smile when I walked in lit up my world.

I am so proud of you for the way you sang and danced. You even came up to the front to do a special dance with a few other kids.

Performing for an audience is not your thing right now. This may change, but you are very uncomfortable during these performances. I can see the stress on your face before and during, and I see the relief when it's over. When you were in kindergarten you refused to go on the stage and cried in the back corner for the entire performance.  It hurt me to know how uncomfortable you were but now I love to watch you work through. I am very proud of you for fighting your fears and pushing through.

Another Missed Event

Girls,

Right now I am missing yet another school event. Today happens to be Maryn's sock hop dance at school but it is always something. 

I am working overtime at station 32 with a sick stomach because I'm not there. I "chose" to put in for overtime but it is also neccesary. I would never expect you girls to understand but I know you are confused on why I'm at work a lot. Hopefully you know how important you girls are to me. I work a lot but it keeps your Mom at home with you. I will never know if we've made the right choice but right now it seems like the best we can do.

Once I get off tomorrow we'll make the most of our time together before I go back in for another round.

I love you girls more than you will ever know.

Your Mom sent some of these as I was writing this post.

UPDATE-

After working for two days I could not wait to pick y'all up from schools like I told you I would. I got stuck on a call for three extra hours and I couldn't make it to school on time.  

We made the most of our afternoon though and went out for a ride. I hope that somehow y'all remember the ride and the sun, not that I didn't make it to pick up.

Bracelets

Maryn,

Several months ago we were at swim team and I needed to put Kallie's hair up but didn't have a hair tie. So I had to borrow one from Naomi's mom. I guess you were embarrassed because ever since that day you have an arm full of bracelets just in case we need one. This has been your signature look all year in kindergarten.

I had to sneak this picture because you still get mad when the camera comes out.

Getting Out of the House

I've been out of town on two work trips for the past two weeks and this was my first full day home. You girls begged for a bike ride so we got out to enjoy the day. I love that you both would rather be active outside than inside with toys. I hope we can keep that up.

Later I went to grab lunch and came home to Kallie reading and Maryn on the swing.

Maryn Singing