It's Official...I'm a Soccer Mom!

It's a Quiz!

Our sweet babysitter sent me a text on Wednesday as follows, "Who is quark? Benton talks about him all the time!"

Choice A - Lovely quartz crystal.

Choice B - Quacking duck.

Choice C - Uncle Clark!

Clark is a college basketball coach and I stole this picture from his team website. The one above was on the site last year during season. Benton LOVES basketball and asks to check the computer regularly to see the pictures. "See Uncle Quark! See Uncle Quark!" When this picture pops up, Benton responded, "No, Quark yelling. I want Quark not yelling."

So, Choice D - Quark not yelling.

Let the games begin! Go Eagles!

Generosity

Benton doesn't tell us much about preschool. The only friend he mentions on a regular basis is Spence. Excitement ran high this week when the mailman delivered an invitation to Spence's birthday party.

Unfortunately, the party is a few weeks away. The way Benton understands time, it might as well be in 2017. My patience was wearing a little thin in the wake of the many, many questions about this big event.

Benton let the topic drop for a little while. We were sitting at dinner when Benton hopped out of his chair and announced he needed to go in the backyard for something. He returned with his much loved (and almost new) baseball bat, tee and ball. He handed them to me and said, "Wrap these for Spence."

I responded, "Do you want to give Spence your new baseball stuff?"

Benton, "Yes, for Spence." He left the room and then brought his very dear Spiderman velcro wallet. "Wrap these for Spence."

I hope I never forget this brief look into his sweet, giving heart.

Benton Goes to Preschool

Benton started preschool at the same school where Audrey attends last week. In general, Benton sees people in two categories: 1) his mom, and 2) not his mom. Being away from mom is more often than not reason for fretting, tears and potential yelling. This appears to be pretty rough for him, but it is excruciating for mom. It's a "phase" he's been in for about two years now.

So, we started the new school year with many prayers, lots of coaching, and a little bribery. Benton has been getting candy for going places without crying for a while now. So, in addition to candy, I upped the ante with baked goods and other treats.

Benton had a great first week. I was so incredibly grateful. His Nana was so shocked she drove 90 miles just to congratulate him on his stellar performance.

Then came Tuesday, dreadful, awful, bad, horrible Tuesday. I'll spare the details and just say that it was everything you can imagine. So, I upped the ante a little more.

Guess who didn't cry at dropoff for preschool today?