Life on Planet Caddick

Yesterday, as I was taking CG to gymnastics, we were having a conversation about the upcoming (April) birth of his newest cousin.  The boy is not lacking for cousins - the newest addition will be number 13, and he even has 3 second cousins!  But what he really wants is a brother or sister.   It took DH and I seven years (and several miscarriages) before we were blessed with CG.  We always wanted another, but it never happened.  At 36 I started going through "the change" and so, we have CG.   So, the conversation went something like this: "Why can't I have a baby brother or sister?" "Mommy can't have any more babies.  We could maybe adopt a brother or sister for you." Which led to the conversation about adoption.  With me saying "We could adopt a brother or sister who is maybe four or five." "I want a baby." Dang boy, do you realize that I'm the one who would have to get up in the middle of the night and change diapers?  Both...

Yesterday, we had park day with our homeschool group.  Since it was pouring rain (which we desperately need so I won't complain!) we opted for the indoor bowling 'park day'.  The boy likes to bowl, as long it's not on a team, for competition.  He had a blast and everyone gets a kick out of his unorthodox (but pretty darn accurate!) bowling style.  But I'm not here to bore you to death about the bowling phenom that the boy may or may not become... no, I'm here to bore you about the excessive talker that the boy has become.  Honestly, I really don't know where he gets that - seriously! He wanted a bottle of water.  I figured "hey, he's 8, I can clearly see the snack bar line, and I'm between there and the only exit", so I gave him a buck, reminded him about waiting patiently for his turn and to use his manners, and off he went.  There were two guys in front of him, both in uniform.  Trying not to be overly watchful (at least that he knew of!...

Today the boy turned 8.  I find it hard to believe eight years have passed so quickly.  So tell me, why am I suddenly being subjected to Bear in the Big Blue House and Blue's Clues DVD's again?  Imagine a huge  eye roll here.  I thought we were so past this mess - then he happened on some DVD's I had stashed to take to the Thrift Shop and now he's been watching these silly things all day.  UGH!  Now, don't get me wrong - if not for Bear, Blue, or Dora my son wouldn't know some spanish, and some very educational songs about the solar system, plus how to make magenta and aquamarine - but let's face it - we are not two or three anymore.  UGH again! We do have our curriculum set for next year - mostly.  I'm still struggling in finding a math program that works for us.  It's the hardest subject I've had to deal with this year and we're only in 2nd grade!  I can't imagine how bad it's going to be when he starts doing algebra (which I barely...

My dearest baby boy - who isn't really a baby anymore - is turning 8 this month.  Time really does zoom along much too quickly. CG was born on Daytona Weekend (yes, a typical southern reference!) or President's Day Weekend to the rest of the country.  He was our definite "miracle child".  After 4 miscarriages and almost 7 years of trying we finally had our bundle of joy.  As much as we wanted another, that was not destined to be - so of course he's pretty much my life! The time has moved quickly - too quickly.  Now he's in 2nd grade and it feels like I just brought him home.  He's doing so much on his own, which is of course what all parents want, but it still makes me feel a little sad.   Of course, 8 is not 18 - but honestly, when I see how quickly the time has gone by, I know that the next 10 years will probably zoom and then he will be gone.  Trying to raise him to be a productive, caring, well balanced person.  Will he turn out to be everything I hope...

I woke up this morning and it was snowing!  Please people - this is the SOUTH!  Thankfully it was the tiniest flurries and nothing stuck.  It is still pretty cold out there though. We had so much fun in Georgia.  I actually went shopping without CG and bought loads of stuff for my new niece!  Only about two more months and she will be here!  And believe me, shopping without the boy is something that I hardly ever get to do.  It was so fun. I learned today that a guy I was stationed with a long time ago just died.  He was only 39.  It makes you think about all the past times.  I'm not one for living in the past but great memories are awesome!    So, we have big plans for home renovations.  Of course everything is going to have to be done one project at a time. The first order of business isn't a renovation at all - my dear husband (ok, I'll call him the Grease Monkey (GM) - sticking with the monkey theme!)is going to turn one of our spare bedrooms into a classroom for me!  W...