Wednesday, February 6, 2013
My Time
Maura and I recently went to the funeral mass of her friend Sophia's grandfather. On the way home Maura says, "You know mom, going to that mass today made me think about what is going to happen when my time comes." It did the same for me. Who knew I was on the same wave length of an 8 year old.
Yes, we are still here.
When I take so long in between posts, it sometimes seems overwhelming to try to catch up with all that I missed, so I just need to jump right back in...
Here it goes.
Christmas shows went great. Kerri was a master of all her motions and had no problem being up in front of the class. B actually sang her songs... not loud, but I did manage to hear a word or two.
Kerri just loves going to school every day. She loves her friends and can tell me what each child in her class did that day, probably what they wore too. Right now Kerri wears a tutu pretty much every day. Various outfits, tights, pants, leggings, jeans, go under it, but a tutu is still on top.
B is still weary of school. Most days she goes reluctantly, some days willingly and somedays, only with a bribe. It is getting a little old for this mama, but this too shall pass.
Our Christmas may have been the best one yet (will I say that every year from now on?). The girls were fully excited. Everyone believes. And we can still hold the "I will tell Santa..." threat over them. Sometimes it even works.
We had a special treat this year. Sean's parents rented a 15 passenger van and took the whole family to NYC to see the Rockettes on the 26th. Every seat was full, and it was great. We had fun at FAO Schwartz. Surprisingly no one aksed for anything at FAO. I was prepared for some tears, but we were spared. We went to Rockefeller Center, lunch, walked around a bit, saw the show (perfect for all ages in our group) then headed to the Starlite Diner for an early dinner. Girls were fascinated by the singers. We had great seats and were able to unwind before our long drive home.
We did lots of hosting over the break. In fact I think we had people for dinner 6 out of 8 nights. Very fun though, and very relaxed. Dave and Colleen (and the twins in utero) were here for a while. It was nice to see them and the girls loved it. We saw our cousins. New Years was spent at the LeComte's House, an impromptu party because the Stagnaros got sick last minute. Loads of fun. All the girls, except B, stayed up past midnight! B came up to me at 11:30 and said she just could not stay awake another minute. She then quickly fell asleep on my lap. We had planned to leave around 9:00, but I should have known better. We always have fun with this group of friends, and this night was no different.
Back to school was welcomed, but I will be honest, I enjoyed the sleeping in and, not so lazy, but less scheduled days.
We had a shotgun babyshower for Colleen. It was a great time. So nice to see all her friends and celebrate a very special person. I am so excited to see Colleen and Dave be parents. I still look at Colleen as the little sister I never had (but always wanted). Can't wait to see her in this new role.
2013 has been great so far. Sean and I took a little weekend trip... to Pittsburgh. I tagged along on a business trip. Maura made her first penance. B registered for kindergarten... again. I got a job (at Trinity, teaching a nature explorers class). All is good and getting better by the minute (to loosely quote my father in law). Looking forward to the Trinity Auction coming up and a trip to Disney and Naples! Very fun.
So there it is. My first attempt to catch up.
Here it goes.
Christmas shows went great. Kerri was a master of all her motions and had no problem being up in front of the class. B actually sang her songs... not loud, but I did manage to hear a word or two.
Kerri just loves going to school every day. She loves her friends and can tell me what each child in her class did that day, probably what they wore too. Right now Kerri wears a tutu pretty much every day. Various outfits, tights, pants, leggings, jeans, go under it, but a tutu is still on top.
B is still weary of school. Most days she goes reluctantly, some days willingly and somedays, only with a bribe. It is getting a little old for this mama, but this too shall pass.
Our Christmas may have been the best one yet (will I say that every year from now on?). The girls were fully excited. Everyone believes. And we can still hold the "I will tell Santa..." threat over them. Sometimes it even works.
We had a special treat this year. Sean's parents rented a 15 passenger van and took the whole family to NYC to see the Rockettes on the 26th. Every seat was full, and it was great. We had fun at FAO Schwartz. Surprisingly no one aksed for anything at FAO. I was prepared for some tears, but we were spared. We went to Rockefeller Center, lunch, walked around a bit, saw the show (perfect for all ages in our group) then headed to the Starlite Diner for an early dinner. Girls were fascinated by the singers. We had great seats and were able to unwind before our long drive home.
We did lots of hosting over the break. In fact I think we had people for dinner 6 out of 8 nights. Very fun though, and very relaxed. Dave and Colleen (and the twins in utero) were here for a while. It was nice to see them and the girls loved it. We saw our cousins. New Years was spent at the LeComte's House, an impromptu party because the Stagnaros got sick last minute. Loads of fun. All the girls, except B, stayed up past midnight! B came up to me at 11:30 and said she just could not stay awake another minute. She then quickly fell asleep on my lap. We had planned to leave around 9:00, but I should have known better. We always have fun with this group of friends, and this night was no different.
Back to school was welcomed, but I will be honest, I enjoyed the sleeping in and, not so lazy, but less scheduled days.
We had a shotgun babyshower for Colleen. It was a great time. So nice to see all her friends and celebrate a very special person. I am so excited to see Colleen and Dave be parents. I still look at Colleen as the little sister I never had (but always wanted). Can't wait to see her in this new role.
2013 has been great so far. Sean and I took a little weekend trip... to Pittsburgh. I tagged along on a business trip. Maura made her first penance. B registered for kindergarten... again. I got a job (at Trinity, teaching a nature explorers class). All is good and getting better by the minute (to loosely quote my father in law). Looking forward to the Trinity Auction coming up and a trip to Disney and Naples! Very fun.
So there it is. My first attempt to catch up.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Trying
Today I am trying. Trying to appreciate my 8,7, 5 and 4 year olds. Trying to remember how precious they are (even when they are not acting so precious). Trying to deal with the fact that any minute truly could be our last minute. I am trying not to cry as I pull into the parking lot at school and see a police car parked there. I am trying to smile as I let me girls run off to school, happy as can be to spend time with their friends and their teachers. I am trying to take every moment in and cherish it all. I am trying to do all that, and still go about business as normal. Christmas is in a few days, family is arriving, parties are being hosted. These are all important things. Things still need to get done. And yet, the most important thing are those girls. I need to keep reminding myself that. Stop. Enjoy. Cherish. I am never sure why it is so hard. But I am sure that I need to try.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Hanukah vs. Christmas
Maura has always been intrigued by Hanukah. When she was little she used to asked people if they celebrated Hanukah or Christmas. If they said Christmas, she would shake her head and say, "I celebrate Hanukah."
Well, she has learned more about it as the years have gone on. This year she was blown away (and confused) that Jesus was indeed jewish. But as she was weighing the positives of both Hanukah and Christmas, she was playing the "would you rather" game she loves to play. She came to a realization. I am paraphrasing but this is basically what she said:
So mom, you mean to tell me the Jewish miracle is that there was a lantern that stayed lit longer than they thought it would. Our miracle is that Jesus died and ROSE FROM THE DEAD? Hmm, let me think about that one. I'm thinking our miracle wins.
She then continued to reason about how there was probably some oil in the corner of the lantern or something. I did try to explain the there is more to the Jewish culture than just Hanukah. But this was a typical Maura thought process I wanted to remember.
Well, she has learned more about it as the years have gone on. This year she was blown away (and confused) that Jesus was indeed jewish. But as she was weighing the positives of both Hanukah and Christmas, she was playing the "would you rather" game she loves to play. She came to a realization. I am paraphrasing but this is basically what she said:
So mom, you mean to tell me the Jewish miracle is that there was a lantern that stayed lit longer than they thought it would. Our miracle is that Jesus died and ROSE FROM THE DEAD? Hmm, let me think about that one. I'm thinking our miracle wins.
She then continued to reason about how there was probably some oil in the corner of the lantern or something. I did try to explain the there is more to the Jewish culture than just Hanukah. But this was a typical Maura thought process I wanted to remember.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
We are growing up...
Yes we are growing up around here. All of us. 5 out of the six of us have birthdays between September 3 and December 1st. Little B is the lucky one who has her own month to celebrate, and her celebration usually lasts all summer long.
I am 37.
Maura is 8.
Sean is 38.
Mags is 7.
and the baby, KJ, is 4.
Yes, we are growing up. (and of course, B is 5, but her birthday was a while ago)
Everyone seems to be thriving at this time. Some at the cost of other's (mainly mine) sanity, but thriving none the less. B's teacher called one day to explain what great growth is happening in her. She is making great progress, she says. For example, one day she was in the class library and threw a book on the floor. When the teacher asked her to pick it up she said "no."
Hmmm... if that is progress, well then we are progressing immensely at home. She throws things (sometimes punches) all the time. And she can say no with the best of them! She has also learned the art of apologizing. Thank goodness. If it weren't for those sweet, unprompted, "I am sorrys" she would be, well, I am not sure, but it would be worse.
Mags is just loving everything. She really does. She loves her teachers. Her friends. Her school. Math. Reading. Gymnastics. Soccer. Movies. Crafts. Really, everything. She is a real helper at home and her teacher says in school too. She cleans her teacher's desk for her all the time! She is a pleasure to be around and a pleasure to watch grow. For her Birthday Party we went to Pancotts Gymnastics with 17 of her closest girlfriends, as would be expected... she loved it. She is taking a class there, and, again, loves it. We swear she is missing a joint or two. She is very flexible.
KJ is a feisty one. She still makes me laugh. all.the.time. Even when she is being stubborn. Which is a lot. She is so self sufficient and "street" smart it is sometimes scary. She really is so aware of what is going on around her. She also likes to hit. Mostly me. If she does not like what is happening, whether I have anything to do with it or not, she will run over to me and hit me! At Thanksgiving dinner she was mad about something. She grabbed a chair. I asked her if she planned to throw it. She shook her head, very emphatically, YES! At least she is honest!?!?! She refuses to sleep alone and is genuinely afraid of the dark. She has adopted a new blankey which she loves. Never really had one before. Kerri is also a great artist still. She spends hours in the classroom coloring, painting, gluing, etc. It is nice to have a child that will sit for a while. Mags sometimes joins her, but Maura and B have little interest in art. For Kerri's birthday we went downtown on the train. Saw the Nutcracker. Light Show. Dinner at Belmont. She was in her glory. Her sisters treated her very well. We even let her "pick" the tree (with the input of the rest of us) the next day.
We are gearing up for the holidays. So much to do. I am trying to revel in the little things, but it can be crazy. Trying to not let crazy take over.
I am 37.
Maura is 8.
Sean is 38.
Mags is 7.
and the baby, KJ, is 4.
Yes, we are growing up. (and of course, B is 5, but her birthday was a while ago)
Everyone seems to be thriving at this time. Some at the cost of other's (mainly mine) sanity, but thriving none the less. B's teacher called one day to explain what great growth is happening in her. She is making great progress, she says. For example, one day she was in the class library and threw a book on the floor. When the teacher asked her to pick it up she said "no."
Hmmm... if that is progress, well then we are progressing immensely at home. She throws things (sometimes punches) all the time. And she can say no with the best of them! She has also learned the art of apologizing. Thank goodness. If it weren't for those sweet, unprompted, "I am sorrys" she would be, well, I am not sure, but it would be worse.
Mags is just loving everything. She really does. She loves her teachers. Her friends. Her school. Math. Reading. Gymnastics. Soccer. Movies. Crafts. Really, everything. She is a real helper at home and her teacher says in school too. She cleans her teacher's desk for her all the time! She is a pleasure to be around and a pleasure to watch grow. For her Birthday Party we went to Pancotts Gymnastics with 17 of her closest girlfriends, as would be expected... she loved it. She is taking a class there, and, again, loves it. We swear she is missing a joint or two. She is very flexible.
KJ is a feisty one. She still makes me laugh. all.the.time. Even when she is being stubborn. Which is a lot. She is so self sufficient and "street" smart it is sometimes scary. She really is so aware of what is going on around her. She also likes to hit. Mostly me. If she does not like what is happening, whether I have anything to do with it or not, she will run over to me and hit me! At Thanksgiving dinner she was mad about something. She grabbed a chair. I asked her if she planned to throw it. She shook her head, very emphatically, YES! At least she is honest!?!?! She refuses to sleep alone and is genuinely afraid of the dark. She has adopted a new blankey which she loves. Never really had one before. Kerri is also a great artist still. She spends hours in the classroom coloring, painting, gluing, etc. It is nice to have a child that will sit for a while. Mags sometimes joins her, but Maura and B have little interest in art. For Kerri's birthday we went downtown on the train. Saw the Nutcracker. Light Show. Dinner at Belmont. She was in her glory. Her sisters treated her very well. We even let her "pick" the tree (with the input of the rest of us) the next day.
We are gearing up for the holidays. So much to do. I am trying to revel in the little things, but it can be crazy. Trying to not let crazy take over.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Some funny Maura lines I don't want to forget...
Me: Maura, do you want to go for a bike ride with me to the store?
Maura: You had me at bike ride, you lost me at store. (she does not like shopping)
Maura walks over to Aunt Colleen and me and puts her hands on each of our shoulders....
"Sooo, which one of you lucky ladies is going to get to carry me to the beach?"
Maura asked for a 9 and a half year old sister for her birthday. She would prefer long hair, but is flexible. When she came home from school the first day I was talking to Mimi. Maura asked if I was able to find one yet. I said no and asked Mimi. I told Maura that Mimi had not yet either. She said, don't worry I will look it up on the internet. When I came in, my computer was opened to a Liberian Orphanage for girls. She is 7 people!
Maura: You had me at bike ride, you lost me at store. (she does not like shopping)
Maura walks over to Aunt Colleen and me and puts her hands on each of our shoulders....
"Sooo, which one of you lucky ladies is going to get to carry me to the beach?"
Maura asked for a 9 and a half year old sister for her birthday. She would prefer long hair, but is flexible. When she came home from school the first day I was talking to Mimi. Maura asked if I was able to find one yet. I said no and asked Mimi. I told Maura that Mimi had not yet either. She said, don't worry I will look it up on the internet. When I came in, my computer was opened to a Liberian Orphanage for girls. She is 7 people!
Playing Catch Up
Well, so much has happened in the last months, it is almost overwhelming to try to catch up. So I won't. I will just kind of pick up from where we are now and fill in a little as necessary.
We have two girls in elementary school this year. Maura is in 2nd (how did that happen??) and Mags is in first. We decided, last minute, to hold Bridget back a year. She is doing PreK again this year. It was a very hard decision, and I had all kinds of anxiety dreams, while awake and asleep, about it. But I am sure at this moment that we made the right decision for her. B is now a momma's girl if there ever was one. I love being loved, but I feel like she is being hindered by her attachment. It is preventing her from doing some pretty cool things and going some pretty cool places. I keep telling myself that this too shall pass. I know it will, but it is kind of painful while it is here. For right now she seems happy when I pick her up from preschool (not necessarily when I drop her off).
Maura seems to be loving her second grade teacher, Mr. Parrotta. I love him so far too. His Back to School speech made me want to teach again, although I am fully aware I would not be as cool as him. She is still not a huge lover of school and hard work, but she does it. She is turning 8 next week, and is having a "good old fashion backyard soccer party." According to her. I begged for her to have it somewhere else, but she wanted it here. To me that is not simple at all.
Mags is loving 1st grade. Her teacher, Miss Simmington, is a doll. Maggie was not with her two best friends this year, and I thought that would upset her, but it really has not. I am proud of her for that. She is starting gymnastics tomorrow. She is taking it with Chloe, but was willing to take it all by herself if she had to. I was proud of her for that too. I think she will do really well, as she has self-taught herself more than most people can do after months of classes!
Kerri is in young fours this year. She has Ms. M and Mrs Fischer. So far, so good. She is as stubborn as always and does things when she is ready, but darn if she is not the funniest thing around. She is so self sufficient and is following in Maggie's footsteps of loving to decorate, change her clothes and do crazy gymnastic moves.
As I said, B is in 4 day Pre K with Mrs. Fine and Mrs. Patel. Mrs. Fine was the aide in her class last year and she loved her, so this was great. She has class with Jimmy and Brady and seems pretty happy there. I hear she is a big helper and doing amazing, but her teacher is so sweet, I can't imagine her saying anything else. She is doing soccer this year. It has been a bit of a roller coaster, she is very unsure about participating. She through a major fit on Saturday at home before the game (I was headed to Maura's game instead of hers), but apparently played great when she was there... even almost scoring a goal!
We had a wonderful summer with trips to Ohio, Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland, the Shore, and Lake Huron. Lots of driving, but relatively easy. Girls loved it all. Summer camp at EA went well too. Looking forward to that again next year!
I am 37 now. That is all I have to say about that.
We have two girls in elementary school this year. Maura is in 2nd (how did that happen??) and Mags is in first. We decided, last minute, to hold Bridget back a year. She is doing PreK again this year. It was a very hard decision, and I had all kinds of anxiety dreams, while awake and asleep, about it. But I am sure at this moment that we made the right decision for her. B is now a momma's girl if there ever was one. I love being loved, but I feel like she is being hindered by her attachment. It is preventing her from doing some pretty cool things and going some pretty cool places. I keep telling myself that this too shall pass. I know it will, but it is kind of painful while it is here. For right now she seems happy when I pick her up from preschool (not necessarily when I drop her off).
Maura seems to be loving her second grade teacher, Mr. Parrotta. I love him so far too. His Back to School speech made me want to teach again, although I am fully aware I would not be as cool as him. She is still not a huge lover of school and hard work, but she does it. She is turning 8 next week, and is having a "good old fashion backyard soccer party." According to her. I begged for her to have it somewhere else, but she wanted it here. To me that is not simple at all.
Mags is loving 1st grade. Her teacher, Miss Simmington, is a doll. Maggie was not with her two best friends this year, and I thought that would upset her, but it really has not. I am proud of her for that. She is starting gymnastics tomorrow. She is taking it with Chloe, but was willing to take it all by herself if she had to. I was proud of her for that too. I think she will do really well, as she has self-taught herself more than most people can do after months of classes!
Kerri is in young fours this year. She has Ms. M and Mrs Fischer. So far, so good. She is as stubborn as always and does things when she is ready, but darn if she is not the funniest thing around. She is so self sufficient and is following in Maggie's footsteps of loving to decorate, change her clothes and do crazy gymnastic moves.
As I said, B is in 4 day Pre K with Mrs. Fine and Mrs. Patel. Mrs. Fine was the aide in her class last year and she loved her, so this was great. She has class with Jimmy and Brady and seems pretty happy there. I hear she is a big helper and doing amazing, but her teacher is so sweet, I can't imagine her saying anything else. She is doing soccer this year. It has been a bit of a roller coaster, she is very unsure about participating. She through a major fit on Saturday at home before the game (I was headed to Maura's game instead of hers), but apparently played great when she was there... even almost scoring a goal!
We had a wonderful summer with trips to Ohio, Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland, the Shore, and Lake Huron. Lots of driving, but relatively easy. Girls loved it all. Summer camp at EA went well too. Looking forward to that again next year!
I am 37 now. That is all I have to say about that.
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