Today Grammy sent you both individual packages. Grayson, you got a Halloween card with some "moola" and a new movie. Sophia, Grammy gave you a bunch of earrings that were her clip ons. You are in your room right now, talking to yourself and trying them all on at once. I can not wait until Christmas morning when you are opening each gift with "OHHH sooo pretty!" and "NICE!" Sooo cute!
You are both getting into the swing of the schedule, but sadly I am not. Some mornings are a breeze, and others you both fight me on clothes and breakfast choices. When you are parents, I will giggle to myself when you complain about this to me. The weather is changing, and out come the fall clothes. Hopefully I can get Grayson to not cut his own pants, and Sophia...to wear something other than PINK!

The past few weeks have been CRAZY!!! Sophia, you turned 2! Then the weekend of your birthday you caught some stomach bug. I was pretty sure you were coming down with something when you were not even willing to eat. Sure enough....I was on the money..you woke me up to vomit all in your crib. Mommy took care of you, and changed your bed. We sat on the couch together most of the night, and you even covered me in vomit too. Fun times!
Grayson you have had some great soccer games. Many of them have been cut due to rain. You love it though~ You do embarass your dad and I sometimes with this crazy movement you do with your arms like a helicopter when you are running after the ball. It is all in good fun though.
This weekend we spent in! Sophia has some flu like yucks...and Grayson we are trying to prevent it from spreading to you. Grayson you woke up and cried saying your head hurt, so mommy took you to the doctor's. No flu, but you still aren't 100%.
We have gotten some Christmas shopping done already. This year we are cutting our shopping to a minimum, but I don't think you will be sad once you open your gifts.
Mommy and Daddy watched a movie called Marley and Me. It is about a dog and the family that loved him. We were very sad, Hannah is getting older and sometimes she doesen't do that well with cold, or getting up on things. We do our best to take care of her...but we can't stop her from aging. I think I cried the hardest when I saw the little boy (about your age) saying goodbye. I think that will be one of the hardest parts, is your sadness and just not having her around.

Oh the interesting things that are said by a 5 year old. You have been learning a lot in Kinder, G-man. But, today you were very funny with the words you chose to use to describe a lesson Mrs. Barker did in class. You came to my class today to give me one of your famous hugs (Mrs. Barker is so sweet, she lets you come and give me a hug every now and then when you are near my room...it makes my day!). You came in and said, " Mommy it's fixin!" I was trying to listen to you and understand what it was that you were saying. Finally I figured it out, I was reading a story to my class, Tales of a 4th grade nothing...and you said "it's fixin"...which I gather now meant FICTION! Bless Mrs. Barker's heart...and all that she is doing with you wild and crazy 5 year olds~~ I have 4th graders that don't know what fiction and non fiction is!
Tomorrow is Sophia's 2nd birthday. We went to Target to pick up some cupcakes for her, Roy, Claudia, and the girls. In the evening when Daddy comes home we will have soft tacos and some more cupcakes too! Next week is the party, and it should be a lot of fun! I can't wait to see the look on your face when you open your gifts. Mommy and Daddy got you a tricycle. Grayson bought you Dora plates and cups for dinner time. He may not always act like it, but he does love you a bunch! Every weekend if you are still sleeping, he wants to wake you up. It is tough when you guys fight and don't get a long, but I know it is normal.
We are still working on potty training with you Sophia. We bought special princess pullups today, and we even picked out your first set of "undies" Dora The Explorer ones ofcourse~ Let's see how this works out.

Today was a day for the gals. Sophia...you and mommy went shopping today for clothes, and we ended up with another pair of shoes for you. Chica, you love shoes. I can't get you to not go into a store without taking a trip by the shoe area. You do have your grandmother in you! We were supposidly looking for rain coats and boots, as is has rained here the past three days. No such luck though. We went to three stores and they didn't even have any. Ofcourse we walked through the linen section of Dillards and you had to climb on every bed they had set up. "ohhh pretty mommy" "soft mommy"..."come sit mommy" "I go night night now mommy". You walked through the store pushing your stroller with a baby doll in it. Well, I am a sucker when it comes to you. We bought the cutest pair of Kenneth Cole sparkly sneakers. They cost more than most shoes I buy myself. You did look cute though. Your peace shirt, star leggings, and then these adorable pink sequined shoes. I couldn't resist. Now, if you would only let me put a bow in your hair!
Grayson, you had a lazy weekend! Your game got cancelled due to rain and we really just chilled most of the weekend. That is what you like to do most of the time. You are a home body most of the time. I wonder when you will grow out of this phase. I know if there were boys that lived next to us, or across the street you would be outside playing with them and getting into some serious trouble though. Daddy and I often talk about you living in a neighborhood like we both grew up in. I was able to ride around with several girls my age and hang out, play barbies, games...whatever. Daddy, and I are still good friends with these people that we were friends with when we were young. It is important to have these friendships. I am sorry that the people that live around us have either girls, or older kids. Maybe at some point we can move, or new people will move in. There is something fun about having other kids in the neighborhood to hang out with.

Sophia, your birthday is coming up. Wow! It really hit me today when I was talking about your party and what I needed to get that two years ago you were still in my belly. I was so excited to have a little girl. Amazing actually that I ended up with a boy, and a girl. You were such a wonderful baby! You slept all night and you never cried at night when you woke up. All I would hear is a little grunting sound. Never, did you just scream like some babies do. I hate to say it, but you are making up for it now.

Today at Tiger Tracks (Friday ritual at school) Coach O had us reflect on events that happened 8 years ago. Pretty amazing that our current 4th graders were only 2 at the time of those horrible events.
I think back at where I was, what I was doing and all the feelings our country was going through. Now, look 8 years later...we are still at war...and our contry is suffering in brand new ways. Employment rates are high, foreclosures are skyrocketing...and people are struggling.
Grayson and Sophia, there will be many hardships in your life. There are things that will be out of your control. What I hope I am able to do for you is prepare you for some of those times. Whether it be financial, or emotional...I hope to give you some of the tools so that you may work through them.
I have been very lucky to have had a work ethic that has guided me to do something I love. Right now, Grammie and I are discussing my going back to school to get my masters so that I can do more with my career. We both came to the realization that it just isn't the best time to do that. I have to take care of you both, and make sure you are ok before I can do that. Let's hope that when you are reading this, that I did get to do that though! (wink wink)
Grayson you had another great week of school! All stickers on your chart and no clip moves! WOW!! Your hair is growing in nicely from the lovely haircut you gave yourself. Yep...you tried your hand at being a hairstylist.....AGAIN.
Sophia, mommy watched you sleep last night. You called out for me and said "paci mommy, paci" when I went in..you were crying and I gave it to you. You fell right back to sleep. I don't think you were ever really up.
At night, we snuggle and you touch my face and say "hi momma..." it is so sweet and I cherish those times with you.

Grayson, you earned two awards today from your teacher, Mrs. Barker. One was for being a great line leader, and the other for being so well behaved in class. She told me you have been very good in class, and that you have not moved your clip for being naughty at all. Daddy and I are so very proud of you!
You are enjoying school a bit more now, and making very good friends. Yesterday, Hayden's mommy brought you and Hayden Taco Bell for lunch. What a nice treat! You gobbled it all up and really enjoyed that time together. What a special thing for her to do for you both. Daddy will have to repay the favor one day when he is off.
Today you and Connor watched some Scooby Doo in my room afterschool. You and he have been really enjoying your new friendship. Mrs. Barker tells me that you "whisper" during rest time to each other and tell secrets. It is really quite sweet.
Sophia, you are obsessed with Garrett and Gracie (Shiloh's babies) that are at Claudia's house. Every single morning you wake up with a beautiful smile, and say "hi mommy!" then I ask if you want to see Garrett and Gracie and you reply "Uhhh Ahhhh" in the cutest of voices then you do that little head nod thing you do that just melts your daddy and I.
Our days may be busy, but we always settle down at story time when daddy reads a book. Last night was Bad Kitty...which always gets you roaring. Sophia, once you really love story time I think you and Grayson will both be snuggled up to Daddy listening to him tell the most amazing stories in the craziest voices ever. I can't wait to start chapter books with you both!

Grayson it has been so long since I have written in this I don't even know what I have left out.
We are so proud of you and your accomplishments at school. You are always so well behaved in class, and your teacher says that you are a "good boy". Mommy and Daddy think that you have a lot to offer your friends at school, and hope that you show them that you can make good decisions.
I think that we may have a new Lance Armstrong here...you in one night, got your training wheels off and have not fallen off your bike since. You are riding all over the place. Heck, I think if we let you...you may even try to ride TO school!! Daddy and I both stand by and just grin ear to ear with your accomplishments with athletics. Soccer, which once was something you weren't too interested in has now become something you really enjoy. Your first game is coming up, and we are excited to see how your sportsmanship plays out.
This was a long weekend, which always is nice for us. Sophia, you and mommy snuggled a lot and we went swimming at a friend's pool. You, my dear can SWIM!!! With floaties ofcourse, but girl you were a paddling fool! Grayson, you petrify me with your daring attitude. You jumped off the side of the pool and even let strangers just toss you in!
I want you to both know, that everyday I am at school I approach my students as if it were you infront of me. I want them to become responsible young men and women and have a drive to do their best. I hope that you both have that as well!

Grayson begins kinder on Monday..and he is REALLY nervous. He won't claim to be, but he is. We bought him new sneaks today, and man was that a hassle. Mom and Steven are here still thank goodness for that. Without their help I think I would go mad.
Last night was meet the teacher night. Grayson wouldn't even speak to his wonderful kinder teacher. A tiny bit of an embarassment. CROSS FINGERS that he grows out of this phase.

I am amazed at how much a "mom" or "parent" gets done in a day. I was up at 4:30 went walking/running, came home, showered and dressed for work, got little ones up..made breakfast, then off to babysitters, off to work. During work I paid bills during my lunch time, emailed inlaws. The work didn't even begin until after...target, fixed a flat, then went to Sprouts. Now..I am off to do some laundry. All the while, my husband....please don't take this the wrong way, but he will come home and complain about his day when all he has to do is eat, and do bath time. I feel like I should be on Oprah. I remember so clearly that husband that left the child in the same diaper for like 36 hours. It was pretty eyeopening for him when he saw what we did in a day.
I salute those single moms I tell ya, like my own mom was, and hey...single dads like my close friend Sam. He is one of the only men I know that got custody of his daughter during a divorce. He has raised her, alone since she was a toddler. He knows about all nighters, parent conferences, homework, and trying to have a sense of self as well. I often talk to him and vent or get some pointers on what to do and how to do things as a parent.
Sorry for my going on and on..but I just am feeling a bit overwhelmed with being a parent, a teacher, friend, and a wife...but the biggest part is not being just mediocre.......but wanting to be the BEST mommy I can be.

Today was the first day back for teachers. I was fortunate to have my mother and stepfather here to keep the kids, however I did bring Sophia to Claudia's so she could have some play time with Roy and the girls. She loves her some CLAUDIA!!!
I felt so bad for the other new moms that had to drop their little ones off for the first time. I remember that feeling...I felt like throwing up when I dropped Grayson off the first time at daycare. I hope it gets better for them.

To me, today is the last day of summer. It is the last day alone with the kids before we have family come in to help with the adjustment to my returning to work. Grayson begins school this month, kinder and this is it. No more free summers and life of preschool or nannies.....he is growing up.
Sophia will need to adjust to not being with me 24 hours a day, as it has been. I will need to adjust to not having her in my arms or smiling at me whenever I want. Last night she fell asleep in my arms, and I just sat there for a tiny bit of time and smelled her sweet breath and looked at her. The time has gone by fast, and my little ones are growing up.

Last night was the first night Sophia has slept all night since June. By all night I mean 10-645am. There was no rhyme or reason to it at all. She was a terror to put to sleep...and cried for a "baba" over and over but I stuck to my guns (that and I had no more soy stage 2 left).
Keith ofcourse played his "killing lots of people game" while I dealt with her. Grayson was a perfect little on and went right to sleep. I am so proud of him. He has done really well with no naps and being less cranky every day. They don't nap in kinder anymore so I was concerned with how we would transition. I am sure the first few weeks of school he is gonna be a BEAR for me when he comes to the room. I will need to make sure I have a lot of snacks and goodies on hand.
We are planning on going to a water park today, thanks to our good friends The Wikels. Keith seems to be less interested in going for some reason. Not sure why. I have to also go to my classroom to get some things ready for the school year. Not sure how I will fit it all in today.
Grayson spent his morning outside and flirting with the "girls" behind our house. They were out in their pjs talking over the fence. Grayson enjoys the neighborhood kids so much, too bad there weren't more boys for him to interact with that were close by. He is surrounded by girls. I don't think he minds, but eventually he will. I still have to try and cut the cord a bit and let him "go" and ride his bike and have some feedome, but it is hard.
I am lamenting about not working at the neighborhood school as well. I think he will enjoy Tibbals a lot, it will just be an adjustment for him. Let's hope it is a great first year of school~

I can't believe that work is right around the corner. The summer has been filled with such activity and new experiences for the Dozier family.
We are going to try and end our summer on a high note by going to a water park tomorrow. I will be sure to post pics after.
Keith and I took the kids to Christina's in Murphy and enjoyed a nice lunch together. Sophia eats more veggies than most little girls I know...and Grayson is still inlove with carbohydrates.
I am most fortunate to have a new found friend help me with this blogging business. I can't wait to see how it turns out. I have been very envious of my friends and their cute pages...and newly bound books of their blogs to pass on to the children.
Bottles- Yes...I know she shouldn't still be having them but with her sleep issues that has been my saving grace. She doesn't drink milk, she won't...and I won't provide it for her. Kinda a personal issue. She won't touch soy...so the only thing she has had is Soy formula stage 2. No...sippy cup..just a "baba". We are trying...but it is either that or sleep for me.
Grayson has been requesting a bunkbed. This may be our saving grace for him to sleep the WHOLE night in his own room. Since an infant that child has had the WORST sleep habits. Now, at age 5 he still tells me he wants to "cuddle" and be with me in the morning. He normally sneaks in at about 3am...and under the covers he gets. I can't say no...it is the most precious thing. There is going to be a time..and not far off that he won't have anything to do with giving me a genuine hug. For now...I allow it...and drink it all in.

This summer has been one trip after another. Some trips were more relaxing than others, and some were about showing the kids things that are special to mommy.

The kids and I went to North Carolina and Virginia right after school got out for me. The weather was perfect here in Texas at that point, I always seem to screw up and get back to Texas during triple digits. But, then...we had our storms here which knocked down the entire fence. Which, ofcourse left Keith to repair.

Our first trip was NC. My mom and stepfather live there. They live on a private and quiet road, close to Chapel Hill. They have gardens and Grayson really enjoyed harvesting different fruits and vegetables while he was there. Grayson was such a big boy, putting on his deet, and sunscreen everytime he went out. He explained to me, "mommy...this is a berry..they are ok to eat...not poison", and showed me how to pick strawberries and lots of squash.
Sophia was totally engaged with the outside. I think I have a "tree hugger" here. She wanted to just RUN as fast as she could down those dirt roads....I am not quite sure where she was going, or what she thought she was going to.
We did our usual Southern Seasons shopping, and dinning at their restaurant. This meal was probably the worst I have ever had there. The Weathervane is usually one of the best places to eat..not this time.
We woke every morning to Grammy making some delicious breakfast, and Steven listening to some jazz. We went to bed each night relaxed and worn out...if we were lucky we even saw the deer come to get their drink of water from the pond before bedtime.
At night when Sophia would get me up, which was often at first. I would sit on the couch in their "big room" and see all the animals. I felt like Snow White. I would see deer, and coon, and ofcourse the cats. It always makes me relax a bit when I am there.