I am re-spons-able

Now time for Jacob.  He's been on my mind, bordering on weighing on it, lately.  Jacob is such a delightful firecracker.  He's interested, inquiring, excited, and active.  He's also homeschooling right now.  I don't think I've mentioned that here.  It's not something I wear on my sleeve, it's more just something that made sense with our move and his temperament.  Oh the moves.  Sigh.  I still have some transition fatigue. 

Anyway, while home schooling (we're doing K12 through the state) has had a lot of benefits, I think its useful life has ended.  I'm glad we listened to his concerns, I'm glad we tried it, and I'm glad we've had more time at home.  It's a great resource and philosophy that I really value.  And it is special to be with my boy more.  I wish it were more magical than it is as there are a lot of moments of nagging and frustration, but that's really motherhood in general, isn't it?  Isn't it?!?? 

I've decided that with schooling choices you are often choosing which positives and negatives you would prefer in your life.  There are some huge benefits to both home school and traditional school.  And some real problems with both.  But we're considering putting him into school here in a few weeks.  The little boys need me more.  And Jacob and I need to enjoy our time together and spend less time with "the curriculum" (said the way Major Monogram says "the academy"). 

That being said, we really loved Jacob's grade schools in Chicago and Little Rock.  I especially loved his teacher and the culture in Little Rock.  The PTA was amazing and the kids were really good kids. The principal was way way way larger than life.  She often seemed more like a caricature or an emcee.  But she'd go from singing a warbling solo at the Christmas concert to doling out suspensions to the unruly and unrepentant in a heartbeat. 

The school had an assembly every morning before school to satiate Ms. Carter's emcee-ness and each morning they sang a different hip hoppy, character building song.  Here is a video of my favorite (and the funniest) of the songs.  This is long and probably not interesting to many of you.  But at least go to minute 2:40 to hear the mantra they would scream every time they sang it.  I love it, man.  Ms. Carter's voice is the woman's voice on the micrphone.  Listen closely at 2:59.

Oh, and here's a short video from their Christmas concert.  Can anyone see Jacob and his happy hands?  (I'm sorry the filming is so shaky, but seriously, it was hard to keep it together.  You're pretty much done with the action after the first 10 seconds.)

Sweet Jacob.  I love you, baby.  I'm hoping and praying and working to do right by you. 

Oh Nico of spring 2008

I could eat you for breakfast.

A few notes:
1.  Nicholas was almost one year old at this time.
2.  He had already had one haircut by this time.
3.  Cheeks, cheeks, cheeks!!!
4.  These pictures bring back such (almost) painfully dear memories of our life in Atlanta.  Our funny little house with two little baby boys.  The old toys, activities and clothes honestly feel from a bygone era.  Oh oh oh, how simple and sweet it was (and how complex I'm sure it seemed). 
5.  Excuse another nostalgia post.  I just keep feelin' it. So much of our life has been put on this blog, but there are little moments and stories untold that I cherish and that I want to remember. 
6.  Jacob was also darling at this time, but Nick stole the show here.  Another post, man.  Another post.
7.  My favorite picture?  Hands down the one with him yawning in the green sweat suit. 

I feel this

City, City
by Marci Ridlon

I

City, city,
Wrong and bad,
Looms above me,
When I'm sad,
Throws its shadow
On my care,
Sheds its poison
In my air,
Pounds me with its
Noisy fist,
Sprays me with its
Sooty mist.
Till, with sadness
On my face,
I long to live
Another place.

II

City, city
Golden-clad,
Shines around me
When I'm glad,
Lifts me with its
Strength and height,
Fills me with its
Sound and sight,
Takes me to its
Crowded heart,
Holds me so I
Won't depart.
Till, with gladness
On my face,
I wouldn't live
Another place.

I'll love you forever Chicago.  Forever and ever. 

This post was brought on by seeing this picture of the view from Jacob's and Nico's room.  We would sit on J's bed and watch people and usually see lots of friends.  These are the people in your neighborhood...  Miss you Chicago world!