1st grade, PPK

The boys are back in school. I wanted to walk Jack to his classroom so told Oliver that Daddy would be bringing him today but that I'd pick him up. In typical Oliver fashion, he said, "that's OK. I didn't want you to bring me this day." Hah!

Anyway, my big first grader and I headed off, and as we approached school, he started to seem a bit nervous. It took me a bit by surprise because he loves school so much, but we just held hands tightly as we made our way to his room. His face was flushed, and he kept holding me close. I remembered how nervous I was on my first day of first grade- so nervous in fact that I threw up all over Mrs. Ford, a very cool third grade teacher who just couldn't have handled things better. I'd had pizza the night before, and the black olives were still recognizable on her long, flowy, maroon skirt. I think it goes without saying that I was beyond mortified, and puking in front of everyone (we were at the opening assembly) didn't calm my nerves.

So, I understood little Jack's anxiousness. He told me this morning that first grade wasn't as much about play: "you only get recesses, mom, but otherwise it's a lot more work than kindergarten." I said this was true but that he loved learning and there would still be plenty of time for play. Ultimately, he bravely scurried out to the playground, and I walked away feeling full of pride for how much courage it takes to grow up.

Salmon, lentils and leeks

A delicious yet somewhat repentant dinner. Actually, it didn't feel chaste at all but it wasn't over the top either, so I feel good. Slow-roasted salmon, beluga lentils, leeks, dijon and some Gruyère (the lentil dish is similar to the one I've posted under sides). Like I said, delicious. Friends, summer is over. We made it. Everyone in our home is psyched about tomorrow, and really, that's the only way I'd want it. The kids love school, and who could ask for more. They are curious, bright, happy little boys, and I've come to realize that we are the type of family who just functions better on a schedule. Some folks would rue that, others avoid it like the plague, but for us, it's the plain, unvarnished truth, and for now, that's cool. Yay school!

Eating and Drinking, Then Spanx, Oh My!

Oh dear, I just got caught up in a Spanx during my maiden voyage of trying one on. Everything about the situation was horrid though I managed to laugh at points which shows just how terribly evolved I am.

How did a few pounds bring me from this:

to this?

Y'all remember in Steel Magnolias when Dolly Parton and Olympia Dukakis are watching a high-society lady dance at a wedding, and they were talking about the disgrace of her not wearing a girdle: "looks like two pigs fightin' under a blanket." It felt something a bit like that.

This really puts a crimp in my style for the love. I've got just three weeks, THREE WEEKS, until I must wear the dress in question (why did I ever believe a cream colored, fitted, silk bodice was a great idea?) to my gorgeous sister's wedding in Italy. I am so not in the mood to diet, but lightly diet I suppose I must. Drat. The lady at the store was certain I could succeed. In trying to spin this in some sort of positive fashion, I decree that the next few weeks I will focus on lighter fare options and avoid the dessert-every-night bandwagon I've been on. Boo!!