The New Normal.

Life has changed -- a lot -- since I was regularly blogging.

The gap years of our life -- with one child in big school and one in preschool -- were so busy. They were wonderful and special; it was great fun to experience big school with Fawn and to have the back-end one-on-one time with Small Fry. But there was lots of running here and there with two different school schedules, and in the time I had with the boys blogging was the last thing on my mind.

So here we are, fall of 2017 and we are to our new normal. A new normal of four years -- both boys in the same school and on the same schedule. I am so very excited for them and for us. We absolutely love BWF, and I can already feel our life pacing itself on a consistent rhythm.

So what are we up to?

Well, we finished our basement this summer. That space downstairs that has been unfinished and basically useless except for doggie-living since we moved in in 2006. It was a process -- and there were times it tried my patience. The dusty footprints ALL. OVER. MY. HOUSE. (Ha! When someone else messes it up, it's definitely MY house.) Scheduling days around the presence (or lack thereof) of subcontractors. Making decisions -- so not my strong suit. But it looks better than I could ever imagine. It makes our house feel not only bigger, but much more livable -- and I know the space will grow with us. And it makes me feel proud -- Buck and I have hours of sweat equity (mostly in the form of endless painting) in the house. I'm proud of us for the work we put in and for doing something so big together. We are not quite "moved in" down there yet -- we still have the conundrum of finishing the stairs leading to the main staircase and we are waiting on upstairs furniture so we can move older furniture downstairs.

We made a major church move this summer. After years of unrest at Covenant, we officially joined Cahaba Park Church this August. I think Buck and I both felt pinpricks of uncertainty at Covenant for years, which culminated in the last eighteen months and it became very clear to us that it was not where we were supposed to worship as a family. It is sad to close a chapter -- to leave wonderful friends. But most heartbreaking for me as a mom is not attending the church where my babies were baptized. God has graciously assured us that we are now where He wants us to be. It was a long journey, but He was faithful and we are looking forward to our new chapter with a new church body.

Buck is continuing to be the excellent provider and leader of our family that he has always been. He is busy at work and superb at what he does. He gets awards and honors all the time -- people tell me "congrats to Hughston" or "aren't you proud of him?" and I have no clue what they are talking about because he is so unassuming and humble. (And I live in a kid-centered bubble!) He's also busy with community commitments -- he's on the board of Mountain Brook Athletics, the commissioner of Small Fry's age group for baseball, and he coaches Fawn's grade. It's definitely his calling and his mission field. He's still a farm-loving fool, and their is no doubt in my mind that Pickens County is his favorite spot on this planet. I have to brag on him because he's doing a much better job of taking care of himself and setting a good example for the boys. He's always been thin and eaten decently well. But he's stepped up his exercise game since his latest shoulder surgery last November.

I am figuring out who I am now that I don't have a preschooler in the house. Honestly, it was so easy for my identity to get wrapped up in being Hughston's wife and Hughston and Jack's mom when the boys were little and time was at such a premium. It took every second of preschool time to keep the wheels on the bus of the Nichols family -- just the basics -- food, a clean house, clean clothes. And I loved that time -- I love being a caretaker. Now I have what looks on paper like a lot more time. It still goes so fast! The beginning of the school year has been so busy with doctor's and dentist's appointments, hours of PTO commitments (Ranger Run, grant writing for Ranger Park and all of my head room mom duties), and basement finishing tasks (more painting and furniture shopping). But I still have chunks of time that I've never had as a mom. I am actually tackling some of the house projects that I've been saving for the year (the attic, the preschool art, the kitchen cabinets, carpet cleaning). I have a pinterest board titled "Mom To Do" that I am working my way through. And my house is cleaner -- I've been able to clean it each week instead of every other week. I've started working out during school hours instead of trying to get several workouts in at the ungodly hour of 5:25 am. And I've even given myself the freedom to go on a walk instead of always running -- it takes so much longer that I would always choose to run for efficiency's sake. But the house is oh so quiet from 8-2:30 when I get in carpool line. I keep music, sports talk radio, or podcasts playing at all times. It's lonely -- thank goodness for my sidekick Gracie. I'm supposed to be integrating back into work at Bradley but having to be patient as projects open up for me and they find the right fit. I have been praying that God would only open the doors He wants me to walk through (see terrible decision making skills above). And I have to trust that He has a plan for what my work life will look like even if it's slower than I would like to get there. I think this slow work start to the year has been a little blessing to get my footing and our new normal at home before work has to fit in. My favorite podcast right now is Jen Hatmaker's For the Love. She always asks what is saving your life right now? Coffee (I do the early morning shift with the dogs and Buck handles the evening duties -- Gracie's yipping can start EARLY!). Exercise -- I feel the most alive when I am running, some might call that addiction but I can assure you there are worse things to be addicted to. I also love exercising with my friends at boot camp -- those days are a lot less lonely because I've started them with good friends. Community -- boy do I love the mamas I'm doing life with. I have found some like-minded women that make life so much sweeter. My boys -- the big one and the two littles. Their smiles and laughter light up my life like nothing else.

Fawn is almost NINE. Oh my word how did that happen? He is the coolest kid I know. He is thoughtful and considerate and so very kind. When he was really little I thought his "thing" was being smart. And it is -- the kid is brilliant. He's a great reader and a sponge. He started enrichment this year which he is loving. Then I thought his "thing" was sports. And he's great at baseball -- he's pitching and catching this year. And he loves to run with me. But you know what his "thing" really is? Music. Fawn seems most at peace and most confident and most himself when he's playing the guitar. Not only does he love it but he's good at it. It's comforting as a parent to see your child grow into their own and start to learn who they really are.

Small Fry, oh Small Fry. A spunky, fun-loving, joy-spreading FIVE year old that is the spark in our house. He's our glue in the cutest, funniest way. (And I just burst into tears typing because I miss him so much now that he's in kindergarten. But, I'm going to eat lunch with him today and I can't wait.) He's having a hard adjustment to kindergarten which makes me sad -- our mornings are tough because he's exhausted and just wants to stay home. Of course I wish I could let him, but he needs to soar. And he's ready to soar -- we're just going to have to work through the change to get there. He's a smart cookie, but he's so funny he hides his smarts well. He's reading amazingly well for his age. He's playing baseball this fall and loving it. He's got one foot in the big kid world and one still in the little kid world.

So that's us here and now. Thankful for all of God's provisions and blessings to our family, willing and waiting for the paths He chooses for us in the months and years to come.

(Now, I'm going to sneakily start backdating blog posts so my children have memories from childhood.)

Ranger Park.

BWF is getting a new playground and outdoor space. Buck was gracious enough to step up to the plate with a big donation. He did not want a huge picture of his face in the BWF directory -- this is the same guy who refuses to be on Christmas cards. So I begged the boys for cooperation and they did great.

Aren't they adorable Spartans?

Fawn really doesn't like putting his arm around his brother. He's sweet to his brother, he's just really into personal space. So I had to memorialize this sweet embrace.

We tried some action shots, but they weren't as successful.

Though I think this is adorable.

August.

Small Fry had a half birthday. Yep, I'm still doing the half-birthday thing. Buck rolls his eyes and makes a big fuss over how stupid it is EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Newsflash, he better get used to it. This year Small Fry got drums! And started drum lessons. Three words -- it is loud. Buck also got him a new bat for baseball (so while he poo poos the half birthday thing he participates!).

Brownies!

Gotta love a 1/2 birthday!

Speaking of loud, Fawn bought himself an electric guitar. He worked hard all summer for money (did jobs for Lulu, Aunt C, and Mr. Lance) not to mention some big, hard jobs at home. He bought the guitar used from Highland Music. They gave him a bit of a discount -- I think they felt sorry for him! Also, if I thought I was out of my league buying sports equipment at Dick's or Academy, that's got nothing on trying to figure out the world of music equipment. Thank goodness for Park at Mason Music who tries to educate me as much as possible.

Hey now, you're a rock star.

One final end of summer McWane trip. It's fun to explore McWane with bigger kids. We saw a show on combustion -- it was fascinating and very cool. And we got to go to lunch with Buck. Jimmy Johns of course -- Fawn's very favorite meal.

So funny that Small Fry looks as big as Fawn.

They played a game called Mindball where you had to think about absolutely nothing to win. Small Fry won every time. 

 Fawn has decided he's into golf. He's working hard to get better. I'm thankful for beautiful Pine Tree.

A truly beautiful view.

Class Of Pictures.

It's that time again. Small Fry's first year to participate. And wow does Fawn look big in his shirt.

First Day of School.

By the grace of God I survived the first day of school.

I am not a mom that likes the first day of school. In fact, I dread it. I love, love, love having my children home with me in the summer. While I'm excited for them for the first day of school, I am sad to have a quiet house when they are gone for the day. I also think the first day of school includes so much anxiety -- how will the new teacher be? how about the other kids in the class? will it be a good year or a not-so-good year for my babies? This year was extra, extra tough since Small Fry started kindergarten. I have to say it was a bit easier than expected (thanks to God's grace). I think because Small Fry was so very excited to be in big school with his hero -- his big brother.

The first day of school was a busy day for me -- I had a Kindergarten mom sip and sob or hooray. It was a nice way to start the morning. Then I exercised -- always good medicine and an emotional pick-me-up. And I went to Bottega for lunch with my IPC mama friends. Boy did I need that. And I am so thankful for those friendships and pray that they don't flicker out as our children go to different elementary schools. I got to pick Small Fry up at 2 so it was a quick day.

Without further ado, pictures of me not crying and of my precious children. (I did lose it not once but twice, though never in the presence of my children despite Small Fry's constant asking "Are you going to cry Mom?")

Aim high Small Fry -- he wants to be a "shark" on Shark Tank. Fawn has explained to him that that means he's going to have to make a lot of money first.

That's a proud face.

That is a tiny child with a backpack. Oh could I write a blog post about the backpack search. He ended up with a small Pottery Barn Kids backpack because he's just too much of a little guy for an Under Armor backpack. I promised him next year we'd try again.

Fawn wants to be either a lawyer with Buck or a MLB player.

Handsome child.

Guess which brother was excited about pictures with the other and which one wasn't?

How is he this big?

Oh I miss him so. The three years of one-on-one time on the back end of preschool were the biggest gift from God (as were the three years of one-on-one time with Fawn as an only child). Through God's perfect timing I feel like I truly got to know each of my children and bottle up precious memories of them as little ones. "But [she] treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19.

Here's to another great year at BWF! 

Kindergarten Orientation/Meet the Teacher.

Well, we got our class lists last Friday. And it rocked my world.

I assumed that Small Fry would have Mrs. Davis. I love her so much -- she is a kind, gentle, woman of God. And I trusted her completely with Fawn. I thought I had made it perfectly clear to the school that that's where Small Fry should be. I'm kind of joking, but I had said how much I loved her and would love for Small Fry to be with her. But, I looked down her list and there was no Nichols listed. My heart plummeted. I kept looking and looking through all the Kindergarten teachers -- I made it to the last one until I found Small Fry's name. Mrs. Perry Wright. While it was nothing less than a gut check to realize that Small Fry wouldn't be with Mrs. Davis, I have heard nothing but amazing things about Mrs. Wright from two of my dearest friends. Her husband is a pastor and she is bubbly and adored. So I am hopeful -- and Small Fry is with some sweet boys I know so that is great!

I did not request friends for Fawn -- and he's not thrilled. He absolutely lucked out with his teacher placement. He's with Mrs. Caroline Strange. He and I both love her. She will be perfect for him. While most of his best buddies are in another class together, I truly think he's where he needs to be to have the best year possible. I go back and forth on the requesting friends thing -- I want to foster sweet friendships and for Fawn to be happy and enjoy school. But, I want to prepare him for life and for him to get to know as many people as possible at BWF. And, I don't want to micromanage his life to his detriment. I have to trust that the school knows best.

So today, Small Fry and I went to Kindergarten orientation. I was a nervous mess. I was actively not listening -- yes, that's a thing -- so I wouldn't cry. I just couldn't listen to a read aloud of The Kissing Hand without crying. So I stood in the back of the classroom and completely tuned the teacher out. That's called self-preservation. But Mrs. Wright, she's perfect for Small Fry. I love her already and I want to be her friend. He will do great with her. There are sweet parents in that class too.

After his orientation, we went to California Pizza Kitchen with Fawn and Mimi (who hung out with Fawn all morning). Then it was Fawn's turn. He and I went to Meet the Teacher, while Mimi hung out with Small Fry. Mrs. Strange was just as wonderful as I knew she would be. She and Fawn already have an understanding of each other that will make for such a smooth transition. Her room is one of independence and choices -- Fawn will thrive. And she starts the day with science. So although Friday was one of uncertainty for the upcoming year, today smoothed all things over and he can't wait for tomorrow.

And we're off. T-minus one day until Kindergarten.

Meet the Teacher -- she's precious!

Mr. Pitner and Mrs. Christian love Small Fry.

Could Mrs. Strange be any cuter?

They think Fawn is a cool kid!

Never too big for a kiss.

3rd grade here he comes!

Small Fry is FOUR!

It is mind blowing that our baby is FOUR. That seems so old -- almost to Kindergarten, and well past the baby stage. Small Fry has been a delight since the day he was born. He brings so much joy, happiness and laughter to our home. Oh we love him so! He rounds out our family in the best way. The rest of us can be quite serious and stuffy -- Small Fry is our antidote. He is silly, funny, loud, and exuberant all the time. He is a people magnet -- people love him and are drawn to him. 

He's much smaller than Fawn was at this age. That coupled with the fact that he's our youngest, he still gets babied quite often. He likes to be carried and loves to cuddle. He still gives the best hugs. But as he's gotten stronger we've had to teach him not to squeeze too hard. That survival instinct that he was born with is still there -- and he's a strong little guy on top of that. Basically, don't mess with him. He really can be the sweetest, kindest, snuggliest little guy OR a force to be reckoned with. He will fight back (a mom on a play date learned this when Small Fry slugged her after telling her repeatedly to stop bouncing a ball on his head). He was a late bloomer in terms of temper tantrums -- just the easiest going fellow -- but he has quickly made up for lost time. He's learning to control his own world and while it can be frustrating, we know it's time for him to grow up and assert his independence.

His favorite color is green. He loves any farm clothes, camo clothes, or Under Armor. He does not dress how Fawn dressed at this age. He basically dresses like a miniature version of Fawn, whom he absolutely idolizes. He just had to get tie tennis shoes because Velcro is for babies. He loves to play and is so content entertaining himself. His imagination is vivid, and he loves being at home playing in the playroom. His favorite toys are Power Rangers and Transformer Rescue Bots. He also is very mechanical and loves anything he can put together or build. He likes art, books, and stuffed animals. And he loves to play sports outside like "Shushton". He does Soccer Shots and MB gymnastics, both of which he enjoys and excels at.

He really enjoys school, though he's a complete skeptic and sandbagger. He doesn't understand why he has to do certain things and he definitely questions why it would matter how much he knows. He walked away from his 3k teacher when she started assessing which letters he knew. He point blank told her that there was no reason anyone needed to know which letters he knew and which he didn't. She warned me that we would have our hands full when he got to big school -- not because he's not capable but because he's so skeptical. Surely Buck will know how to deal with it since he was the same way.

Small Fry thankfully appears to be growing out of his croup. We still have the occasional episode but they are not nearly as bad as they were. Otherwise he is thriving (and finally growing!). He does have a speech articulation issue, but has started speech therapy through BWF and we are hopeful that he will be caught up by Kindergarten. And, the speech therapist has been so encouraging and is so impressed by Small Fry's vocabulary and intellect. 

For Small Fry's birthday, he wanted a party at school. So we took Power Rangers napkins, masks and favors along with Krispy Kreme donuts and a craft to school. It was super cute and all the kids had fun, especially Small Fry. Then we had dinner with our family -- also with a Power Rangers theme. Small Fry requested deer burgers, cheese curls, fruit and a cookie cake bigger than Shushton's. Ha! He got his wish. He also got great gifts -- a Power Rangers Imaginext Dino from Fawn, Rescue Bots, Books, Constructable Dinos, and Legos from Buck and me (Fawn got Legos as well), Power Rangers toys from Mimi and Pops, Bass Pro toys from Lulu and Doc, a robot set from Aunt C, and a knight dress up costume from Aunt Allison and Uncle Ben. It was a fun day celebrating our special boy.

Happy Birthday angel baby! While it is bittersweet to watch you grow so quickly, the light you shine in our lives gets brighter with each year. God knew what he was doing when he placed your precious self in our family. We are changed for the better because of you. We smile more each day with you in it. We love you to outer space and back.