Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Truck Day!
We went to a nearby city to attend their annual truck day event. The kids had a lot of fun.
ET loved meeting Curious George and Clifford the big red dog. Nate screamed at Curious George, but gave Clifford a high five. :)
Rocking out with the Teddy Bear Band. The boys were too cool to dance.
They got to pretend to sell ice cream! How fun!
Trying out the Marine hat and car... Their cousin Tyler would be so proud!
The boys yearly picture by their tree...
Jay's Birthday & Our Visit to the Apple Orchard!
On September 22 we celebrated Jay's 39th birthday! He chose to go to the apple orchard and out to dinner at Fuddrucker's. We enjoyed ourselves, and I made sure to remind him a lot that this is his last year being in his 30's (giggle).
Honey sticks! :)
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Thursday...
ET: "Mom I made a friend at school today and his name is Charlie!"
Me: "That is great honey!" (My heart was bursting!)
ET: "Yeah. I think I'll make another friend tomorrow."
*Such sweet simple words, but exactly what a Mom needs to hear!
Me: "That is great honey!" (My heart was bursting!)
ET: "Yeah. I think I'll make another friend tomorrow."
*Such sweet simple words, but exactly what a Mom needs to hear!
Wednesday - ET's first official day of Kindergarten!!!!
Yesterday was the big day, and it was full of BIG emotions! Here is how everything unfolded...
Tuesday night I chose a very special story to read to ET for his "20 minutes of required reading homework." The book was titled, The Kissing Hand.
For those of you who don't know, this story is about a boy going off to school for the first time. His Mommy teaches him that she can kiss the palm of his hand and the kiss will travel up his arm and warm his heart with love. The boy can touch his kissing hand to his cheek anytime of the day and the kiss will jump off his hand and onto his cheek, and he will be reminded that his Mom loves him unconditionally! At the end of the story the boy also gives his Mom a kissing hand, because God knows she needs it just as much as he does.
Well, ET totally ate this all up! He whole-heartly believed that there was real magical power in all of this. He said he could actually "feel" the kiss I gave him travel up his arm, and he said he could "feel" it on his cheek as well. The whole thing made my heart melt!
Jay bought a new alarm clock for ET that we set for 7 am, and we explained exactly what to expect. The morning came and I made him whole wheat chocoalte chip waffles, and Jay made him an egg (his favorite).
I packed him an extra special lunch that was themed around the book I read the night before. A whole wheat tortilla wrapped with turkey meat and a string cheese, a slice of cheese and a fruit leather heart that looked like the kissing hand, grape tomatoes skewered to look like hearts, apple slices, a fruit leather bar with the word love punched out of it, and an apple cookie!
I wrote a special note with illustrations that matched the book...
I took his picture out front...
Not happy....too many pictures!
Okay, so I took a quite a few pictures out front, but can you blame me!? I mean look at him! He is so handsome and adorable and it was the first day of Kindergarten! How could a Mother choose just one picture to post?! :)
I ask that Jay take pictures of ET in front of the school, and this was what I got...
Not the greatest pictures, but in his defense, Jay said the sun was very bright and shining directly on him.
They left and I broke out into tears! I could not believe that I would have no contact with him, no way of reaching him, NOTHING until later that day! This concept is VERY foreign to me, and it took a lot to pull myself together.
I did pull myself together though. I made sure to not bother his teacher with emails, and not to bother my husband at work with calls. I kept myself busy with the tasks of teaching the daycare and reassured myself that everything would be just fine. I thought of ET and wondered what he was doing, and I espcially wondered how his lunch was going at 11:10 am. Then at around 12:00 pm, I went upstairs to get lunch for the daycare kids and there in my fridge was ET's LUNCH BAG!!!!! I cried, and called Jay raw with emotion. He responded raw with emotions. We quickly forgave each other and realized it was an innocent mistake. Jay had thought I put his lunch bag in his backpack.
I called his teacher and left a message. Jay came and picked up his lunch bag and brought it to school. Even though lunch was over, we both felt the need to make the gesture. We were worried, sad, and scared for him. He didn't have any lunch money, he didn't know his code, I showed him his special lunch and got him all excited about it. I wondered how he felt and if he was okay.
Mrs. T reassured Jay that ET was GREAT and that he totally didn't care much at all. He got to eat mini corn dogs and go through the lunch line with all the other kids. She took his lunch bag and put it in her fridge for the next day.
When ET got home from school I met him out in the garage with our video camera recording him. I wanted to record what it is he said when I asked "How was your first day at school?!" He responded with, "Well first I have to tell you about gym!" He was most excited about gym. He shared a few small details, and then that was it. Just before heading inside I asked him what he did for lunch. He said, "You forgot my lunch so I ate mini corn dogs."
I was SO thankful that I called my Mom before ET got home from school. She helped me to see the blessing in diguise. She said that forgetting his lunch was the "best thing that could have happended for him." She reassured me that being "normal" on the first day of school is all that kids really want. He got to go through the lunch line with his friends and eat his favorite food! How great is that. When he got home, I got to praise him for being brave, resilient, and going with the flow. He was presented with a problem, and he didn't make a deal out of it. "When life hands us lemons, we make lemonade," and that is just what ET did. I was happy for the opportunity to praise him for coming up with a plan B for himself and going through the lunch line bravely having no idea what to expect!
It was a great thing for all of us. I got to realize that I can't always be in control! Most importantly I got to learn that ET can handle himself!
Last night the boys played in the backyard and ET said goodbye to his very last preschool friend. It was emotional for me to say goodbye to yet another great family. This time of year is always so tough to swallow.
Tuesday night I chose a very special story to read to ET for his "20 minutes of required reading homework." The book was titled, The Kissing Hand.
Well, ET totally ate this all up! He whole-heartly believed that there was real magical power in all of this. He said he could actually "feel" the kiss I gave him travel up his arm, and he said he could "feel" it on his cheek as well. The whole thing made my heart melt!
Jay bought a new alarm clock for ET that we set for 7 am, and we explained exactly what to expect. The morning came and I made him whole wheat chocoalte chip waffles, and Jay made him an egg (his favorite).
I packed him an extra special lunch that was themed around the book I read the night before. A whole wheat tortilla wrapped with turkey meat and a string cheese, a slice of cheese and a fruit leather heart that looked like the kissing hand, grape tomatoes skewered to look like hearts, apple slices, a fruit leather bar with the word love punched out of it, and an apple cookie!
I packed his milk, water, and strawberries for a snack...
Okay, so I took a quite a few pictures out front, but can you blame me!? I mean look at him! He is so handsome and adorable and it was the first day of Kindergarten! How could a Mother choose just one picture to post?! :)
I ask that Jay take pictures of ET in front of the school, and this was what I got...
They left and I broke out into tears! I could not believe that I would have no contact with him, no way of reaching him, NOTHING until later that day! This concept is VERY foreign to me, and it took a lot to pull myself together.
I did pull myself together though. I made sure to not bother his teacher with emails, and not to bother my husband at work with calls. I kept myself busy with the tasks of teaching the daycare and reassured myself that everything would be just fine. I thought of ET and wondered what he was doing, and I espcially wondered how his lunch was going at 11:10 am. Then at around 12:00 pm, I went upstairs to get lunch for the daycare kids and there in my fridge was ET's LUNCH BAG!!!!! I cried, and called Jay raw with emotion. He responded raw with emotions. We quickly forgave each other and realized it was an innocent mistake. Jay had thought I put his lunch bag in his backpack.
I called his teacher and left a message. Jay came and picked up his lunch bag and brought it to school. Even though lunch was over, we both felt the need to make the gesture. We were worried, sad, and scared for him. He didn't have any lunch money, he didn't know his code, I showed him his special lunch and got him all excited about it. I wondered how he felt and if he was okay.
Mrs. T reassured Jay that ET was GREAT and that he totally didn't care much at all. He got to eat mini corn dogs and go through the lunch line with all the other kids. She took his lunch bag and put it in her fridge for the next day.
When ET got home from school I met him out in the garage with our video camera recording him. I wanted to record what it is he said when I asked "How was your first day at school?!" He responded with, "Well first I have to tell you about gym!" He was most excited about gym. He shared a few small details, and then that was it. Just before heading inside I asked him what he did for lunch. He said, "You forgot my lunch so I ate mini corn dogs."
I was SO thankful that I called my Mom before ET got home from school. She helped me to see the blessing in diguise. She said that forgetting his lunch was the "best thing that could have happended for him." She reassured me that being "normal" on the first day of school is all that kids really want. He got to go through the lunch line with his friends and eat his favorite food! How great is that. When he got home, I got to praise him for being brave, resilient, and going with the flow. He was presented with a problem, and he didn't make a deal out of it. "When life hands us lemons, we make lemonade," and that is just what ET did. I was happy for the opportunity to praise him for coming up with a plan B for himself and going through the lunch line bravely having no idea what to expect!
It was a great thing for all of us. I got to realize that I can't always be in control! Most importantly I got to learn that ET can handle himself!
Last night the boys played in the backyard and ET said goodbye to his very last preschool friend. It was emotional for me to say goodbye to yet another great family. This time of year is always so tough to swallow.
Tuesday - First Hour of Kindergarten...
On Tuesday ET was expected to come to Kindergarten for one hour with a parent. I was so happy that Jay could sub for me a bit so that I could go with him.
When we arrived the kids were asked to find their assigned spot at their table. The parents were asked to pull up a grown up sized chair and sit next to them. Mrs. T. presented us with a folder full of paperwork. We were loaded up with all the important information we needed to know for the upcoming school year. While Mrs T. spoke, the kids were asked to color a picture and just sit quietly. Afterward, she called all the students over to their circle time area and she read them a story while the parents filled out the necessary forms. Lastly, we were given a scavenger hunt checklist and ET had to find the things listed in his classroom.
Of course I had to snap a picture of ET at his table spot with his new friends!
I tried my best to break the ice and make conversation for the kids. I pointed out Kyra's beautiful dress, and Evelyn's gorgeous bracelet. I mentioned that ET and Madi had met before, and also pointed out that Charlie had a baseball shirt on. ET plays baseball..."Do you play baseball Charlie?" By this time into the conversation ET looked at me and I swear if looks could kill. He totally gave me the evil eyes as if to say, "You are EMBARRASSING me Mom!!!" Seriously!?!? How can I possibly already embarrass my son. This is Kindergarten right? When did he go from 5 to 15?! Well, needless to say I closed my lips and let him take over from then on.
I chatted with a few familiar faces, and then with the teacher and ended up being the very last one to leave. I hope the teacher doesn't find me too annoying yet!
Before leaving I took a few more pictures of his classroom...
ET and I gave his teacher a "Back to School Survival Kit!" It was filled with all types of goodies for her. You got to love Pinterest for all these great ideas!
I made apple shaped sugar cookies! I planned on giving a few to ET's teacher, packing a couple in his lunch for the first week of school, and passing them out to the kids in the daycare for the last day of preschool with me. All the kids loved them!
When we arrived the kids were asked to find their assigned spot at their table. The parents were asked to pull up a grown up sized chair and sit next to them. Mrs. T. presented us with a folder full of paperwork. We were loaded up with all the important information we needed to know for the upcoming school year. While Mrs T. spoke, the kids were asked to color a picture and just sit quietly. Afterward, she called all the students over to their circle time area and she read them a story while the parents filled out the necessary forms. Lastly, we were given a scavenger hunt checklist and ET had to find the things listed in his classroom.
Of course I had to snap a picture of ET at his table spot with his new friends!
I tried my best to break the ice and make conversation for the kids. I pointed out Kyra's beautiful dress, and Evelyn's gorgeous bracelet. I mentioned that ET and Madi had met before, and also pointed out that Charlie had a baseball shirt on. ET plays baseball..."Do you play baseball Charlie?" By this time into the conversation ET looked at me and I swear if looks could kill. He totally gave me the evil eyes as if to say, "You are EMBARRASSING me Mom!!!" Seriously!?!? How can I possibly already embarrass my son. This is Kindergarten right? When did he go from 5 to 15?! Well, needless to say I closed my lips and let him take over from then on.
I chatted with a few familiar faces, and then with the teacher and ended up being the very last one to leave. I hope the teacher doesn't find me too annoying yet!
Before leaving I took a few more pictures of his classroom...
ET and I gave his teacher a "Back to School Survival Kit!" It was filled with all types of goodies for her. You got to love Pinterest for all these great ideas!
I made apple shaped sugar cookies! I planned on giving a few to ET's teacher, packing a couple in his lunch for the first week of school, and passing them out to the kids in the daycare for the last day of preschool with me. All the kids loved them!
Monday, September 3, 2012
ET's Open House Night
We toured ET's new school on Wednesday night of last week. The school exceeded our expectations! ET has separate teachers for Art, Gym, Music, and Spanish. Each teacher has his/her own classroom! Every corner of the building was impressive looking. I could tell all of ET's teachers took pride in their classroom. One thing that suprised me was that every classroom had a smart board. WOW - How times have changed!
I couldn't resist snapping a few pics while we were there. I could have taken more, but I didn't want people staring. :)
Here is ET in front of his own locker. I am very happy he does not have to share a locker!
Here is Mrs Theurer (Mrs. T), his Kindergarten teacher...
I have been told numerous times that she is one of the best! :)
This is one corner of his Kindergarten classroom...
To the right (not pictured) is a play area with a pretend kitchen, plus an art area with an easel, a sensory table, and their own personal sink, and bathroom. To the left is their reading nook, and circle time area.
The gym has a rock climbing wall! Of course, ET needed to try it out asap!
Here is his gym teacher, Mr. Jech (this guy seems so cool). ET is most excited about gym, and I am most excited that he has a male teacher!!!!
Here is his art teacher, Mr. Vang. Another fabulous male role model for ET!
Here is his music teacher, Mrs. Wallace...
Here is his Spanish teacher, Mrs. Lescas...
Of course, we needed to stop by the playground and check things out...
Afterwards, we stopped at Yo-Joe's to celebrate with frozen yogurt! :)
I couldn't resist snapping a few pics while we were there. I could have taken more, but I didn't want people staring. :)
Here is ET in front of his own locker. I am very happy he does not have to share a locker!
Here is Mrs Theurer (Mrs. T), his Kindergarten teacher...
I have been told numerous times that she is one of the best! :)
To the right (not pictured) is a play area with a pretend kitchen, plus an art area with an easel, a sensory table, and their own personal sink, and bathroom. To the left is their reading nook, and circle time area.
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