I've been slacking with my posts lately. I have pictures to share and they are becoming pretty old already. I'll have to get them up soon some time.
I thought I would share my excitement for my 6th child that should be arriving soon! As with all my other kids, the excitement of meeting a new little one is just so joyous.
I am in the midst of the end of my third trimester and I tell ya, it seems to get tougher with each pregnancy. I don't know, if I recall my past pregnancies, I think I am always complaining and whining towards the end that I don't think anyone really can tell the difference - but me.
I've had all different types of delivery stories and each one there is always something a little different. With each pregnancy, there is something new I've learned or experience that I haven't before. Thank God for Babycenter.com, a resource I use when I want answers.
Let's see, with Anne, she was early. She came around 35 weeks - premature, but not my much. She was perfectly healthy when she came out. I had the epidural with Anne and thought giving birth was a cinch! I almost felt cheated because it was so simple. Tommy came out early, too and I had another similar experience as I did with Anne's birth, easy. Patrick, I got gestational diabetes and had to watch my diet and check my sugar intake. That was difficult for me - I love sweets! I ended up eating so many sugar free snacks that I didn't realize that the fat was still in the food I was eating. I gained a lot of weight! Patrick made it to term. I went in to get induced but this time ended up having a placental abruption (50%) and had to have an emergency c-section. Patrick was out in 10 minutes. Everything went so fast that I didn't even realize how threatning that abruption was, for both me and Patrick, till after he was out. Praise God. With Eddie, I was planning on having a VBAC because I don't like the recovery at all from c-sections. Just the thought of being sliced open doesn't make me happy at all. With Eddie, my water broke for the first time. The night before my water broke, I had a trickle of fluid come out as I was in bed and I thought I had broken my water, but it turned out (confirmed by doctor) that I must have just peed on myself. Hmph! The next night, my water broke and it was definitely the real deal. No peeing on myself that time. Eddie didn't cooperate and we decided to just have another c-section. That was it - no more vaginal births for me. Bernadette was a scheduled c-section, she made it to term and the surgery went so smoothly.
So, Baby #6 is on it's way. I am currently 38 weeks and will be delivering this little guy on December 3rd at 9:30 am. So, please keep us in your prayers as I always get a little nervous right before the births.
My babies are usually really tiny - Joe & I are small people, I guess! However, when I've gone in for my sonograms they said this baby is measuring large. Wow, really? Perhaps, it's my huge appetite? I seem to become an eating machine towards the end of my pregnancy. I swear I can eat so much if you let me. I also passed my glucose test which meant I didn't really hold back when it came to sweets - yes, that must be the reason Baby is going to be big. Bernadette was my biggest baby, she's also my tiniest child, too. Bernadette was born at 7 lb.15 oz - I'm predicting an 8 lb. 6 oz baby.
With this pregnancy, I've gained 40 lbs! I don't think that is all bad, but I feel like an elephant. I recently saw a picture of myself and I looked like I had a basketball under my shirt. I'm definitely more curvy with extra padding every where, but this baby really just sticks out. A OBGYN randomly came up to me recently in a restaurant and just wanted to tell me how well I was carrying this baby. Wow - thanks!
With most of my pregnancies, I've noticed how your hip joints get more relaxed because of that hormone relaxin (or something like that) which prepares your body for delivery. This pregnancy, my hips are so relaxed that it hurts so much to just sit, put on socks, to lift my legs, to lay down in bed and get comfortable. It feels like someone is stabbing me with a knife between my legs everytime! Ouch! I have to get Joe to manually position myself at nights. This is a first for me, but not uncommon to pregnant women.
I wonder if I'll make it to December 3rd or not. I keep wondering as I waddle around doing my thing. Most probably, I will. I am already contracting, but they are never regular. With Bernadette, I always thought I was in labor, but wasn't. I hate to go and call in for false labor!
Clothing is an issue right now, too. My large maternity clothes are now too small and I'm looking ridiculous with my tummy hanging out! Wish it was summer and not winter! I could stylishly get away with it. I refuse to buy more clothes this close to the end. I am now wearing my husband's sweats. It's also sad to think that I weigh more than my husband by a lot!
The kids are so excited about Baby #6! I love when the kids come around and hug my belly. When we pray at night, they always pray for Baby and it makes me so warm and fuzzy inside because their prayers mean so much more! I love when they get excited when Baby moves around and they want to feel their brother. Eddie, my 5 year old, is the most excited I think. I am amazed.
December 3rd really cannot get here soon enough. The days just slow down when you are so close to the end, but then they speed up right after. I really can't believe that I have 5 beautiful children already. Each such a blessing and a joy. God is really so good.
There are some viruses going on in our house right now. This time of year with all the sickness going around, it's hard to keep track of them all. The kids are all about done with the colds, but Joe just recently got strep and even though I have no symptoms right now, I'm hoping that doesn't develop between now and birth. I've called the doctor already!
So, even though I really don't want to post any full pictures of me pregnant with Baby, I will post a top view of my belly! Well, it seems I ran out of storage for my pics. Oh well, will have to fix that somehow before Baby comes!
Till then, keep us in your prayers!
Thanks!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Halloween After "Frankenstorm"
Once I heard about the impending "Frankenstorm", aka hurricane Sandy, everything seemed focused on her...or him. With all the business of school and costumes, etc... it took my Dad's text asking me about Sandy to see what he was talking about. There's a hurricane coming this way? Yup. I took a look on the computer and started paying attention to the hype. All I knew was that it was going to make landfall north of us and give us a lot of rain and wind. That meant, I needed to be prepared for trees falling around us and for a possible loss of power for a few days.
On our weekly trip to the grocery, which falls on a Sunday after Mass, the shelves were empty. Hardly any water or bread left. Wow! It only made it inconvenient for me since I needed to get 24 mini water bottles for the Halloween party at my kids' school. None were to be found, darn.
The rain started coming Sunday, the wind picked up on Monday morning, and Sandy made her appearance early evening Monday. We slept in our basement in case of trees falling on our house. The kids had so much fun down there! The kids had no school for Monday and Tuesday. I did all the laundry in case the power went out, but that never happened. We stayed warm and comfortable through it all.
Joe took some of the kids for a little walk in the wind and rain to see what it was all about. Monday night when the kids went to sleep and at the peak of the storm, Joe and I sat on our porch with some drinks and snacks to watch Frankenstorm pass by. Lots of wind, but that was about it for us - Thank you God.
With all the hype of Sandy, I sort of got distracted and forgot about Halloween. The kids had school on Wednesday and everything sort of rolled from there. We always carve pumpkins the day before Halloween. It was nice to have the time to do it during the storm.
Anne decided to try a level two pattern to carve into her pumpkin. Some where in the middle of carving she says, "I'm pretty good at carving pumpkins!"
Bernadette was just poking around and decided TV was a better option.
Eddie stuck around and dug out all the seeds and goop.
Patrick decided he wanted to carve his own pumpkin this year. He wanted a simple pumpkin face with triangles and a few teeth and a smile. "Nothing fancy, Mom." He did a fantastic job until the squirrel distorted the pumpkin's left eye later that day. Gotta watch out for those hungry squirrels!
Tommy got excited about carving this year. He picked out a simple pattern to use for his pumpkin. Once he started he seemed to have a hard time. His pattern fell off the pumpkin and then he decided to just do a simple face instead of the pattern. And then, he broke two of the carving knives. What was going on? Then with a sigh, he just decided to take a break! Hmph. It turns out, after I finished carving two pumpkins, I went to finish off his. His pumpkin was like a piece of wood! I had to get my steak knives out! That poor guy was struggling with one tough pumpkin. No wonder he was discouraged and gave up. I also broke another carving knife, but got the job done.
The next day, was such a whirl wind of chaos in the morning. I obviously wasn't getting ready the night before. I prefer to save the details for the morning of. I work well under pressure! Since I am waddling around, 34 weeks pregnant, I didn't volunteer to do much this year when it came to physically going to a school event, but signed up for the things I could do at home and send in with the kids. I baked 24 cupcakes and decorated them. I finished up Tommy's homemade costume while watching Conan the Destroyer with my hubby!
The next morning, I waddled around frantically getting costumes into bags with all their accessories. Getting Halloween party items to the right kids. Making 4 lunches and making sure they made it into their backpacks. Got them fed and ready to go. Before I left, I screamed a litany of items out and made sure they had them all - "Yes, Mom - got it!" Ok, let's go.
Sure enough, someone forgot the huge bag of popcorn at home. Ughh....Still had to make up for the 24 mini bottled waters that I couldn't get because of the storm. So, after a quick trip to the local grocery, got the bottled waters (all stocked up again, yeh!), dropped off Eddie and went home to get the popcorn and made it back in time to drop off every body's party stuff! It certainly felt like a frantic morning, but it all turned out just fine.
Halloween was my day off, so I dropped Bernadette off at my mother-in-law's house and enjoyed an nice quiet breakfast at Panera's.
I did some shopping and then headed home to rest for an hour. I went to Eddie's preschool to watch his Halloween parade. It was his first one ever, so I told the older kids I might not make it to theirs. School parades are a lot of fun! I loved them as a kid and as a mom it's even better!
I asked Eddie what he wanted to be this Halloween and he immediately said, with no hesitation, a skeleton. So, there is my little skeleton between the ninja and the cowgirl in pink! He looks like a depressed skeleton because the mask was hanging low. If you looked closely, his mouth is where his left eye is! LOL! I was assuming he had a big smile under there! I gave my skeleton a big kiss, took a few pictures of him parading and then rushed off to see if I could catch my older three kids' parade.
I made it in time to see their last rotation around the school.
I had told the kids that I didn't want to buy any costumes this year. Try to be creative. I ended up buying just one costume - Eddie's skeleton. Anne decided to go as a St. John's cheerleader. I couldn't find any small costumes that were red, but had to make do with some athletic SJC gear we found at the school. It worked out and she was cute and proud! Go SJC!!
Tommy decided he wanted to be Steve from Mindcraft. You either know Steve really well or you have no idea who or what Steve is. Mindcraft is a really popular computer game kids play. My kids play it every day. Steve is a pixilated boy who goes into these worlds you can create with your imagination. His costume was rather easy to make. I found a box, found a website with a file that helps you print out what you need to paste onto the box and there you have it. It was really creative and original - way to go Tommy. Daddy and Mommy did all the work and research for this, however.
Patrick wanted to be a Zombie. He could actually wear anything and add some make-up to his face to make him look like a zombie would. I spent $2 for the make-up. He ended up going as an alligator to school so parents didn't have to mess with putting make-up on. He was an alligator last year.
This is right before trick-or-treating.
This year, perhaps because of the lingering clouds from Sandy, it was way dark at 6 pm! I couldn't get any good pictures of my kids. The ones at school were better. Oh well. Once we started getting dressed for trick-or-treating, Bernadette seemed to get excited too. She seemed a bit oblivious up to now. She was all smiles the rest of the night.
She seemed to start remembering what was coming up next. Bernadette's costume was one of Anne's old costumes.
There's my crew! Grabbed my stroller just in case I had someone who got tired, lit my pumpkins and left out a bucket of candy for our trick-o-treaters!
Our pumpkins turned out well:
I also love carving pumpkins. I chose a level three pattern - I'm on the far left, the kitten and jack-o-lantern. I also carved the SJC pumpkin - a bit too wide, but that's ok. Anne's pumpkin is on the right. She did it all by herself with absolutely no help. She did a great job!
Tommy's hard-as-wood pumpkin is on the left. Patrick's squirrel-eaten pumpkin on the right.
We usually just go around the block and the kids get tired, but this year they were able to go a little further! Bernadette was having so much fun! I took all five out by myself and it was actually easy this year because I put Anne in charge of watching Bernadette go up and down the steps and making sure she said her thank yous. Bernadette got the hang of it and was overly gracious, "Thank you! Thank you SOOO much! Happy Halloween!" She was in the spirit of it all!
All of a sudden, they all pooped out at once and the stroller came in handy and I brought my kids home. They were all allowed three pieces each and then it was time for bed.
It seems, the pixie sticks were the favorite candy this year.
My little guy, you could just tell he is beginning to get sick. He did fine, but he is currently home with the bug that has gotten to everyone. Hopefully, it'll be gentle on this sweet boy.
As I'm writing this, I'm eating some of the candy I don't think Bernadette will like. I don't think she'll miss it! I'm still hungry - I'm always hungry.
Halloween night was actually perfect weather! Chilly, but not too cold and the streets were full of bustling children excited about trick-or-treating.
I had a good time and waddling up and down the streets wasn't so bad at all.
Some bonus pictures:
Pumpkin goop! So much of it!
Wanted to put some SJC spirit out there since the big rivalry game against Gonzaga is this weekend! Go SJC!!
On our weekly trip to the grocery, which falls on a Sunday after Mass, the shelves were empty. Hardly any water or bread left. Wow! It only made it inconvenient for me since I needed to get 24 mini water bottles for the Halloween party at my kids' school. None were to be found, darn.
The rain started coming Sunday, the wind picked up on Monday morning, and Sandy made her appearance early evening Monday. We slept in our basement in case of trees falling on our house. The kids had so much fun down there! The kids had no school for Monday and Tuesday. I did all the laundry in case the power went out, but that never happened. We stayed warm and comfortable through it all.
Joe took some of the kids for a little walk in the wind and rain to see what it was all about. Monday night when the kids went to sleep and at the peak of the storm, Joe and I sat on our porch with some drinks and snacks to watch Frankenstorm pass by. Lots of wind, but that was about it for us - Thank you God.
With all the hype of Sandy, I sort of got distracted and forgot about Halloween. The kids had school on Wednesday and everything sort of rolled from there. We always carve pumpkins the day before Halloween. It was nice to have the time to do it during the storm.
Anne decided to try a level two pattern to carve into her pumpkin. Some where in the middle of carving she says, "I'm pretty good at carving pumpkins!"
Bernadette was just poking around and decided TV was a better option.
Eddie stuck around and dug out all the seeds and goop.
Patrick decided he wanted to carve his own pumpkin this year. He wanted a simple pumpkin face with triangles and a few teeth and a smile. "Nothing fancy, Mom." He did a fantastic job until the squirrel distorted the pumpkin's left eye later that day. Gotta watch out for those hungry squirrels!
Tommy got excited about carving this year. He picked out a simple pattern to use for his pumpkin. Once he started he seemed to have a hard time. His pattern fell off the pumpkin and then he decided to just do a simple face instead of the pattern. And then, he broke two of the carving knives. What was going on? Then with a sigh, he just decided to take a break! Hmph. It turns out, after I finished carving two pumpkins, I went to finish off his. His pumpkin was like a piece of wood! I had to get my steak knives out! That poor guy was struggling with one tough pumpkin. No wonder he was discouraged and gave up. I also broke another carving knife, but got the job done.
The next day, was such a whirl wind of chaos in the morning. I obviously wasn't getting ready the night before. I prefer to save the details for the morning of. I work well under pressure! Since I am waddling around, 34 weeks pregnant, I didn't volunteer to do much this year when it came to physically going to a school event, but signed up for the things I could do at home and send in with the kids. I baked 24 cupcakes and decorated them. I finished up Tommy's homemade costume while watching Conan the Destroyer with my hubby!
The next morning, I waddled around frantically getting costumes into bags with all their accessories. Getting Halloween party items to the right kids. Making 4 lunches and making sure they made it into their backpacks. Got them fed and ready to go. Before I left, I screamed a litany of items out and made sure they had them all - "Yes, Mom - got it!" Ok, let's go.
Sure enough, someone forgot the huge bag of popcorn at home. Ughh....Still had to make up for the 24 mini bottled waters that I couldn't get because of the storm. So, after a quick trip to the local grocery, got the bottled waters (all stocked up again, yeh!), dropped off Eddie and went home to get the popcorn and made it back in time to drop off every body's party stuff! It certainly felt like a frantic morning, but it all turned out just fine.
Halloween was my day off, so I dropped Bernadette off at my mother-in-law's house and enjoyed an nice quiet breakfast at Panera's.
I did some shopping and then headed home to rest for an hour. I went to Eddie's preschool to watch his Halloween parade. It was his first one ever, so I told the older kids I might not make it to theirs. School parades are a lot of fun! I loved them as a kid and as a mom it's even better!
I asked Eddie what he wanted to be this Halloween and he immediately said, with no hesitation, a skeleton. So, there is my little skeleton between the ninja and the cowgirl in pink! He looks like a depressed skeleton because the mask was hanging low. If you looked closely, his mouth is where his left eye is! LOL! I was assuming he had a big smile under there! I gave my skeleton a big kiss, took a few pictures of him parading and then rushed off to see if I could catch my older three kids' parade.
I made it in time to see their last rotation around the school.
I had told the kids that I didn't want to buy any costumes this year. Try to be creative. I ended up buying just one costume - Eddie's skeleton. Anne decided to go as a St. John's cheerleader. I couldn't find any small costumes that were red, but had to make do with some athletic SJC gear we found at the school. It worked out and she was cute and proud! Go SJC!!
Tommy decided he wanted to be Steve from Mindcraft. You either know Steve really well or you have no idea who or what Steve is. Mindcraft is a really popular computer game kids play. My kids play it every day. Steve is a pixilated boy who goes into these worlds you can create with your imagination. His costume was rather easy to make. I found a box, found a website with a file that helps you print out what you need to paste onto the box and there you have it. It was really creative and original - way to go Tommy. Daddy and Mommy did all the work and research for this, however.
Patrick wanted to be a Zombie. He could actually wear anything and add some make-up to his face to make him look like a zombie would. I spent $2 for the make-up. He ended up going as an alligator to school so parents didn't have to mess with putting make-up on. He was an alligator last year.
This is right before trick-or-treating.
This year, perhaps because of the lingering clouds from Sandy, it was way dark at 6 pm! I couldn't get any good pictures of my kids. The ones at school were better. Oh well. Once we started getting dressed for trick-or-treating, Bernadette seemed to get excited too. She seemed a bit oblivious up to now. She was all smiles the rest of the night.
She seemed to start remembering what was coming up next. Bernadette's costume was one of Anne's old costumes.
There's my crew! Grabbed my stroller just in case I had someone who got tired, lit my pumpkins and left out a bucket of candy for our trick-o-treaters!
Our pumpkins turned out well:
I also love carving pumpkins. I chose a level three pattern - I'm on the far left, the kitten and jack-o-lantern. I also carved the SJC pumpkin - a bit too wide, but that's ok. Anne's pumpkin is on the right. She did it all by herself with absolutely no help. She did a great job!
Tommy's hard-as-wood pumpkin is on the left. Patrick's squirrel-eaten pumpkin on the right.
We usually just go around the block and the kids get tired, but this year they were able to go a little further! Bernadette was having so much fun! I took all five out by myself and it was actually easy this year because I put Anne in charge of watching Bernadette go up and down the steps and making sure she said her thank yous. Bernadette got the hang of it and was overly gracious, "Thank you! Thank you SOOO much! Happy Halloween!" She was in the spirit of it all!
All of a sudden, they all pooped out at once and the stroller came in handy and I brought my kids home. They were all allowed three pieces each and then it was time for bed.
It seems, the pixie sticks were the favorite candy this year.
My little guy, you could just tell he is beginning to get sick. He did fine, but he is currently home with the bug that has gotten to everyone. Hopefully, it'll be gentle on this sweet boy.
As I'm writing this, I'm eating some of the candy I don't think Bernadette will like. I don't think she'll miss it! I'm still hungry - I'm always hungry.
Halloween night was actually perfect weather! Chilly, but not too cold and the streets were full of bustling children excited about trick-or-treating.
I had a good time and waddling up and down the streets wasn't so bad at all.
Some bonus pictures:
Pumpkin goop! So much of it!
Wanted to put some SJC spirit out there since the big rivalry game against Gonzaga is this weekend! Go SJC!!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Love the Pumpkin Patch!
I love this time of year and hate the fact I haven't gone out and taken some nice pictures of Autumn. It's been so great entering this season! The air is crisp, the colors are vibrant, the leaves are falling gracefully and my hot drinks really hit the spot!
I love going to the Pumpkin Patch as much as my kids. This year I looked at my calendar to see when a good time would be. The weekends are not an option just because it's just not as great as it is during the week - less crowds and less expensive. The only time the kids would be able to go as a family (minus Joe) was a Friday afternoon after a half-day of school. The weather called for rain in the morning and clear for the rest of the day. Yeh!
We made a McDonalds run first to fill our stomachs (and to see if we would get any new Monopoly pieces - no luck), and then raced to the Pumpkin Patch. As we drove up, it seemed crowded with so many little kids on field trips! I wasn't too excited about the crowds and me being alone to steer my kids amongst them by myself. Yikes.
We made our way to the long line for the hayride to the pumpkin patch. In the line, we enjoyed apples that came with our admission! They look like Golden Delicious to me. My kids eat the apples in the most interesting ways. I took a look at Eddie and he had eaten the whole top off the apple. I guess he had eaten the stem, too! More fiber ;-)
.
The other interesting thing I noticed is that they have no problem eating the skin of the apple when we're at the Patch! At home, they make me peel it off!
I forgot my camera, do you believe that? Unbelievable. I'm walking around the place with my iPhone using the Instagram application. It takes too long - however, the pictures were cute.
I don't know if Bernadette remembers her time here at Butler's Orchard last year, but I know she seemed to enjoy it as if it was the first time! She was really enjoying the hayride.
We made it to the pumpkin patch and quickly picked our pumpkins. Didn't take long at all!
Then we went to the slides, their favorite part! This year, I didn't have to follow the kids to the slides, I could just let them loose and watch from the bottom of the hill! Again, pictures aren't available :-(
I took the to the hayloft afterwards. That place can be dangerous, especially if there are big boys that are not chaperoned jumping and wrestling around all the little ones.
I left that place with hay in my shoes and in my pockets. Now the hay is on my living room floor.
The place had become less crowded due to all the schools having to get the kids home to their parents. The crowds were perfect now that it was after 2pm. It's actually the perfect time to go. So, we continued to all the other attractions easily and then we called it a day!
Before we left, I went by their store where you can buy all sorts of stuff from their farm. I ended buying some Mums for my porch and 3 carving pumpkins for Halloween. Oh, and some of their delicious baked goods. Anne and I love carving pumpkins!
The weather had called for no rain for the rest of the day, but it started to rain as soon as we left. We saw a full rainbow on the way home. It was the first time for my kids ;-) It was the topic of conversation all the way home. I'm just thankful that we didn't get rained on.
Overall, a good day. This mama was tired!
I love going to the Pumpkin Patch as much as my kids. This year I looked at my calendar to see when a good time would be. The weekends are not an option just because it's just not as great as it is during the week - less crowds and less expensive. The only time the kids would be able to go as a family (minus Joe) was a Friday afternoon after a half-day of school. The weather called for rain in the morning and clear for the rest of the day. Yeh!
We made a McDonalds run first to fill our stomachs (and to see if we would get any new Monopoly pieces - no luck), and then raced to the Pumpkin Patch. As we drove up, it seemed crowded with so many little kids on field trips! I wasn't too excited about the crowds and me being alone to steer my kids amongst them by myself. Yikes.
We made our way to the long line for the hayride to the pumpkin patch. In the line, we enjoyed apples that came with our admission! They look like Golden Delicious to me. My kids eat the apples in the most interesting ways. I took a look at Eddie and he had eaten the whole top off the apple. I guess he had eaten the stem, too! More fiber ;-)
The other interesting thing I noticed is that they have no problem eating the skin of the apple when we're at the Patch! At home, they make me peel it off!
I forgot my camera, do you believe that? Unbelievable. I'm walking around the place with my iPhone using the Instagram application. It takes too long - however, the pictures were cute.
I don't know if Bernadette remembers her time here at Butler's Orchard last year, but I know she seemed to enjoy it as if it was the first time! She was really enjoying the hayride.
We made it to the pumpkin patch and quickly picked our pumpkins. Didn't take long at all!
Then we went to the slides, their favorite part! This year, I didn't have to follow the kids to the slides, I could just let them loose and watch from the bottom of the hill! Again, pictures aren't available :-(
I took the to the hayloft afterwards. That place can be dangerous, especially if there are big boys that are not chaperoned jumping and wrestling around all the little ones.
I left that place with hay in my shoes and in my pockets. Now the hay is on my living room floor.
The place had become less crowded due to all the schools having to get the kids home to their parents. The crowds were perfect now that it was after 2pm. It's actually the perfect time to go. So, we continued to all the other attractions easily and then we called it a day!
Before we left, I went by their store where you can buy all sorts of stuff from their farm. I ended buying some Mums for my porch and 3 carving pumpkins for Halloween. Oh, and some of their delicious baked goods. Anne and I love carving pumpkins!
The weather had called for no rain for the rest of the day, but it started to rain as soon as we left. We saw a full rainbow on the way home. It was the first time for my kids ;-) It was the topic of conversation all the way home. I'm just thankful that we didn't get rained on.
Overall, a good day. This mama was tired!
Monday, October 15, 2012
My Little Scientist
Anne is now in 4th grade and I'm learning how smart she is. She blows me away at how much information she can take in and how her logic is so advanced, in my opinion and compared to myself at her age, of course. I don't worry about her when it comes to school work and grades.
She's very interested in a lot of things. She wants to try it all. She's more into stuff that are crafty, music based, fact finding, animals, etc... However, once she tries it, she doesn't finish it. She's got a lot of unfinished art projects. She dives into something and then the interest sort of tapers off. She's got a lot of unfinished projects. I am beginning to tell her she needs to finish something before I give into her next fetish.
In the past year, she has received a bunch of gift cards and money. She hasn't really spent it or should I say, hasn't found anything interesting enough to buy. Her siblings, on the other hand, are always running out of money buying things they want. Perhaps, she just forgets she has money to spend or she's naturally thrifty? I'm not complaining.
We were in a Toys R' Us one day buying a birthday gift and we had time to walk up and down the isles and I reminded Anne that she had money to spend if she wanted to buy anything. She ended up spotting a chemistry set that she thought would be so much fun to play with. It was around $50 or so. She bought it.
Once we got home, I sent her to the outside back porch to do her thing.
She really loves those goggles ;-) I thought it was so cute how they were on crooked and were fogging up on the inside. She was having so much fun.
She is pacing herself through all the experiments. I am not helping her at all. I'm not too sure what sort of experiments she is doing, but it all seems pretty safe. No disasters or explosions. I'm just on her to clean up after herself, because I don't want to do it.
I hear smart people are messy. True? If that is the case, we have 7 very smart people living in this house!
Love my little scientist!
She's very interested in a lot of things. She wants to try it all. She's more into stuff that are crafty, music based, fact finding, animals, etc... However, once she tries it, she doesn't finish it. She's got a lot of unfinished art projects. She dives into something and then the interest sort of tapers off. She's got a lot of unfinished projects. I am beginning to tell her she needs to finish something before I give into her next fetish.
In the past year, she has received a bunch of gift cards and money. She hasn't really spent it or should I say, hasn't found anything interesting enough to buy. Her siblings, on the other hand, are always running out of money buying things they want. Perhaps, she just forgets she has money to spend or she's naturally thrifty? I'm not complaining.
We were in a Toys R' Us one day buying a birthday gift and we had time to walk up and down the isles and I reminded Anne that she had money to spend if she wanted to buy anything. She ended up spotting a chemistry set that she thought would be so much fun to play with. It was around $50 or so. She bought it.
Once we got home, I sent her to the outside back porch to do her thing.
She really loves those goggles ;-) I thought it was so cute how they were on crooked and were fogging up on the inside. She was having so much fun.
She is pacing herself through all the experiments. I am not helping her at all. I'm not too sure what sort of experiments she is doing, but it all seems pretty safe. No disasters or explosions. I'm just on her to clean up after herself, because I don't want to do it.
I hear smart people are messy. True? If that is the case, we have 7 very smart people living in this house!
Love my little scientist!
Monday, October 8, 2012
My 20th Reunion
I loved high school. I don't know how many people can really say that. I attended Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, VA - class of 1992. I loved being part of the MV music program which included chorus, symphonic band and marching band (I mainly spun rifles). I loved the friends I made and the memories we created together. The academics, I really don't remember too much. Blocked it out of my memory, I guess!
It was an exciting time for me and I feel blessed to have had a positive experience. Looking back, I remember looking forward to all the neat things that teenagers get to experience and how curious I was to do them. I kept a diary when I was in high school (I actually started in 7th grade) and I religiously wrote in it every night. This diary took form of a spiral notebook that fit into a blue durable plastic notebook cover. I wrote only on the right side of the notebook and in only black ball point pen. I had other rules too, just don't remember right now. Point is, I always had something to write about. I still have my 45+ notebooks tucked away in my storage space downstairs. The ramblings of teenage kid - precious!
So, I missed my 10th reunion. I remember being so excited to attend that reunion. I am the kind of person who just loves people and curious as to why they are the way they are. I love keeping up with people and where they end up in life. They don't even have to be a close friend! In high school, I remember finding so many people intriguing. These people weren't necessarily my close friends, but perhaps someone who caught my attention from afar - totally random. Not everyone is like me and ponder people the way I do. In college I realized that Psychology was definitely the way to go! I enjoyed studying it so much and also found a group of friends who delighted in people like I did!
I missed my 10th reunion mainly because that was the time in my life I got married and was pregnant with my first baby, Anne. I suddenly had more important things to focus on and my 10th reunion didn't seem to be as exciting as it initially was.
Funny how time flies and my 20th reunion sort of creeped up on me. Time has changed so much from when I was a teenager. I wonder how my class of '92 would have operated in the year 2012? I love Facebook! It seems so obvious to me why. Today, I am "friends" on Facebook with people from HS that I wasn't necessarily good friends with - simply because I'm on Facebook. I love reading what people are up to and the things they experience and share. LOVE IT. For some people, it doesn't appeal to them at all. My husband being one of them, my sister another. But just wanted to let you people out there know - someone finds you interesting no matter who you are! Even more, I love blogs. Specially if it showcases who you are and your experiences. If you write one - let me know!
So, I decided to go to my 20th reunion. It's surreal just to think that I am attending one of these things - 20 years has past, really?? In the age of Facebook, I can keep in touch with most everyone anyway. I was telling my husband how it was weird to attend a function when you know every one's business, but never really have "hung" out before. I was pondering that for a while as the days passed by toward the big day.
The big day also fell on my husband's football game with Bishop O'Connell High School. The game was changed from 2 to 3 pm and that would mean I would have to bring our change of clothes to the game, trade my car and my kids for my in-law's car so we could go straight to my reunion. As we were sitting at the game watching the first half, I was happy because we were ahead 2 touch downs. That would also mean my husband would be in better mood that evening. However, by the second half of the game we were neck and neck till the very last play of the game...into OT! Unbelievable! I can't stand such intense games like that! I was happy when it was over with an SJC win! Go Cadets!!
So, I gather my stuff and change in O'Connell's student bathrooms getting ready for my HS reunion - funny! I would have much preferred the comforts of my own house to get ready to see people I haven't seen in 20 years. I also was going 31 weeks pregnant! Not that it's horrible, it's just you don't want to feel fat and swollen on your reunion!
We arrived at the reunion and immediately were greeted by so many old friends! Everyone looked really wonderful. I'd have to say that the class of 92 aged pretty well. Some people didn't even seem to have aged at all. I saw my friend Carla! We were great friends and shared so many precious memories together.
She's one of one's I was talking about that hasn't aged a bit! Both of us were missing our two other buddies, Renee and Theresa. If I had the time and a scanner, I would of contributed the many pictures I had of the four of us on the MV slide show they had. Good times!
I believe we had almost 350 in our graduating class and about only 70 came. There was also a happy hour on the Friday night that I didn't attend. Apparently, some more Majors showed up.
As I was catching up with people, I had all these images and facts pop up into my head from Facebook. I kept saying, "On Facebook..." all night long and I was almost embarrassed at how much I take in from my daily news feed.
This is a picture of all the band members that showed up.
I wish I took more pictures!
Not everyone took their spouses/significant others with them to reunion. I definitely wanted my husband there since I did really enjoy this time in my life and wanted him to get a little glimpse of the people in my life before him. I was definitely proud of him being by my side and wish people knew what a great guy he is. He was a trooper while I went around and got caught up with friends.
It was a lot of fun to visit the past and see how your old friends have grown up and see and hear about the lives they've lived since graduation. I was so happy to see friends doing well. It was nice to talk to some "friends" on Facebook in person that I didn't really know well in HS. I even met someone who lives right around the corner from me!
To all of the MVHS class of 1992, God bless you all and your families. See you in at the 30th reunion. Or...until then, on Facebook!!
It was an exciting time for me and I feel blessed to have had a positive experience. Looking back, I remember looking forward to all the neat things that teenagers get to experience and how curious I was to do them. I kept a diary when I was in high school (I actually started in 7th grade) and I religiously wrote in it every night. This diary took form of a spiral notebook that fit into a blue durable plastic notebook cover. I wrote only on the right side of the notebook and in only black ball point pen. I had other rules too, just don't remember right now. Point is, I always had something to write about. I still have my 45+ notebooks tucked away in my storage space downstairs. The ramblings of teenage kid - precious!
So, I missed my 10th reunion. I remember being so excited to attend that reunion. I am the kind of person who just loves people and curious as to why they are the way they are. I love keeping up with people and where they end up in life. They don't even have to be a close friend! In high school, I remember finding so many people intriguing. These people weren't necessarily my close friends, but perhaps someone who caught my attention from afar - totally random. Not everyone is like me and ponder people the way I do. In college I realized that Psychology was definitely the way to go! I enjoyed studying it so much and also found a group of friends who delighted in people like I did!
I missed my 10th reunion mainly because that was the time in my life I got married and was pregnant with my first baby, Anne. I suddenly had more important things to focus on and my 10th reunion didn't seem to be as exciting as it initially was.
Funny how time flies and my 20th reunion sort of creeped up on me. Time has changed so much from when I was a teenager. I wonder how my class of '92 would have operated in the year 2012? I love Facebook! It seems so obvious to me why. Today, I am "friends" on Facebook with people from HS that I wasn't necessarily good friends with - simply because I'm on Facebook. I love reading what people are up to and the things they experience and share. LOVE IT. For some people, it doesn't appeal to them at all. My husband being one of them, my sister another. But just wanted to let you people out there know - someone finds you interesting no matter who you are! Even more, I love blogs. Specially if it showcases who you are and your experiences. If you write one - let me know!
So, I decided to go to my 20th reunion. It's surreal just to think that I am attending one of these things - 20 years has past, really?? In the age of Facebook, I can keep in touch with most everyone anyway. I was telling my husband how it was weird to attend a function when you know every one's business, but never really have "hung" out before. I was pondering that for a while as the days passed by toward the big day.
The big day also fell on my husband's football game with Bishop O'Connell High School. The game was changed from 2 to 3 pm and that would mean I would have to bring our change of clothes to the game, trade my car and my kids for my in-law's car so we could go straight to my reunion. As we were sitting at the game watching the first half, I was happy because we were ahead 2 touch downs. That would also mean my husband would be in better mood that evening. However, by the second half of the game we were neck and neck till the very last play of the game...into OT! Unbelievable! I can't stand such intense games like that! I was happy when it was over with an SJC win! Go Cadets!!
So, I gather my stuff and change in O'Connell's student bathrooms getting ready for my HS reunion - funny! I would have much preferred the comforts of my own house to get ready to see people I haven't seen in 20 years. I also was going 31 weeks pregnant! Not that it's horrible, it's just you don't want to feel fat and swollen on your reunion!
We arrived at the reunion and immediately were greeted by so many old friends! Everyone looked really wonderful. I'd have to say that the class of 92 aged pretty well. Some people didn't even seem to have aged at all. I saw my friend Carla! We were great friends and shared so many precious memories together.
She's one of one's I was talking about that hasn't aged a bit! Both of us were missing our two other buddies, Renee and Theresa. If I had the time and a scanner, I would of contributed the many pictures I had of the four of us on the MV slide show they had. Good times!
I believe we had almost 350 in our graduating class and about only 70 came. There was also a happy hour on the Friday night that I didn't attend. Apparently, some more Majors showed up.
As I was catching up with people, I had all these images and facts pop up into my head from Facebook. I kept saying, "On Facebook..." all night long and I was almost embarrassed at how much I take in from my daily news feed.
This is a picture of all the band members that showed up.
I wish I took more pictures!
Not everyone took their spouses/significant others with them to reunion. I definitely wanted my husband there since I did really enjoy this time in my life and wanted him to get a little glimpse of the people in my life before him. I was definitely proud of him being by my side and wish people knew what a great guy he is. He was a trooper while I went around and got caught up with friends.
It was a lot of fun to visit the past and see how your old friends have grown up and see and hear about the lives they've lived since graduation. I was so happy to see friends doing well. It was nice to talk to some "friends" on Facebook in person that I didn't really know well in HS. I even met someone who lives right around the corner from me!
To all of the MVHS class of 1992, God bless you all and your families. See you in at the 30th reunion. Or...until then, on Facebook!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
11 Years Ago Today
Where were you?
I was driving to work, listening to 107.3 FM on the radio when they abruptly interrupted the broadcast to tell us a plane had crashed into the one of the Twin Towers. I could hardly believe my ears. I arrived at work and I ran inside and turned on my boss' television in the kitchen without even asking, to share what was going on. I knew her grown kids worked in New York. The phone lines were overloaded with calls - phone lines weren't working. The world's focus was on what was unfolding before us. I went home and just sat on my couch and watched the news all day.
I live in DC and I have not ever visited the Pentagon Memorial. However, once Eddie started speech therapy, I would drive by the Pentagon weekly and always remember what happened. I decided to visit the memorial when I had the chance. I took these shots earlier this year but never posted.
I was driving to work, listening to 107.3 FM on the radio when they abruptly interrupted the broadcast to tell us a plane had crashed into the one of the Twin Towers. I could hardly believe my ears. I arrived at work and I ran inside and turned on my boss' television in the kitchen without even asking, to share what was going on. I knew her grown kids worked in New York. The phone lines were overloaded with calls - phone lines weren't working. The world's focus was on what was unfolding before us. I went home and just sat on my couch and watched the news all day.
I live in DC and I have not ever visited the Pentagon Memorial. However, once Eddie started speech therapy, I would drive by the Pentagon weekly and always remember what happened. I decided to visit the memorial when I had the chance. I took these shots earlier this year but never posted.
I will never forget!
God bless our country!
Friday, September 7, 2012
Nightly Routine
Since Joe comes home after bedtime during football season, I usually do the nightly routine with the kids. I try to get the kids upstairs around 8 pm so they can shower (depends how tired I am), brush their teeth, change, say prayers and sleep!
As they were getting ready, I took some shots of them.
This night, I got all the kids showered. First the boys and then the girls. Bernadette loves to brush her teeth! I think it's really the non-fluoride, fruit flavored toothpaste she really likes.
I think it's neat how kids get attached to certain things when they are younger. Things that give them comfort and security. For two of my kids, it's blankies!
Anne, at 9 years old, still sleeps with her pink blankie from Target. When she was a baby and we were on a road trip she would start to cry in her car seat! We endured it for a while, but with Joe's suggestion that we give her a blanket to perhaps cease the crying - I was willing to try, but didn't think it would do anything. Boy, was I wrong! She instantly stopped crying and drew her blankie to her mouth and started rooting to it. You know, that reflex babies have when they want to nurse? Well, she did that way past her baby years and into her toddler years. Anne's blankie has been that comfort for her till today. I think I got this blanket as a gift from my mother-in-law.
Tommy is the same way. I bought him a blankie, but he had several blankies to become attached to. You get a lot of gifts when you have a baby. I think I chose a big blue fluffy fleece blankie, but he seemed to get attached to this blankie. It wasn't as durable as Anne's blanket and it had all the pastel baby colors in it. I wondered why he liked this one, because I prefer fluffy fleece! To each his own! My husband doesn't really care for fleece, either. What's not like to like?
As you can see, Tommy's blankie hasn't really done too well in the years and is already falling apart. You can see pieces of it all over the place! I don't mind my kids being attached to their blankie, but I do tell them they need to keep them in their beds and not drag them all over the house. I can't stand dirty blankies. They are old enough now to not bring them on trips and leave them at home. For a while, Tommy would ask me to sew his blankie back together, but it's beyond repair now. I wonder how long his will last?
If I think back to my early years, I remember loving my pillow. I loved how it smelled. I remember saying that if my house were to catch on fire and I could only save one thing, it would be my pillow. I still am sort of possessive of my pillow nowadays, a bit of a pillow snob too. I don't like to share it and I am weary of other pillows. It's funny, because I remember my mother also being attached to hers. She was a grown up! She had a favorite pillow case, too. My husband? I think it was his stuffed animals. He had many of them he slept with - he still has them, but he has now passed them onto our kids who keep them in the spare bunk in the boys room.
My other kids don't have blankie fetishes. One liked to bring a special toy into bed with him every night. One likes to be tucked in regularly. It's all so fascinating, I think.
After the showers, brushing of teeth and getting dressed we say a decade of the rosary and go around and take turns to give thanksgiving and prayer intentions.
This little one was so pooped, she fell asleep on a down blanket I had folded on the floor to put away later (I have a lot of things to put away and say I will do it later). Who wouldn't fall asleep on something so fluffy? She fell asleep clutching her rosary and the meditation book she flips through. Too cute.
The kids are so used to this routine (it really works, routine) they know to just go to sleep afterwards. Perhaps, they read or talk for a while, but they all quietly go to sleep soon after.
I go downstairs and enjoy the quiet and unwind.
Bonus picture:
Joe has moved on from stuffed animals. We bought a piece of furniture to store all the shoes he gets from football. I don't own this many pairs. Not even close.
As they were getting ready, I took some shots of them.
This night, I got all the kids showered. First the boys and then the girls. Bernadette loves to brush her teeth! I think it's really the non-fluoride, fruit flavored toothpaste she really likes.
I think it's neat how kids get attached to certain things when they are younger. Things that give them comfort and security. For two of my kids, it's blankies!
Anne, at 9 years old, still sleeps with her pink blankie from Target. When she was a baby and we were on a road trip she would start to cry in her car seat! We endured it for a while, but with Joe's suggestion that we give her a blanket to perhaps cease the crying - I was willing to try, but didn't think it would do anything. Boy, was I wrong! She instantly stopped crying and drew her blankie to her mouth and started rooting to it. You know, that reflex babies have when they want to nurse? Well, she did that way past her baby years and into her toddler years. Anne's blankie has been that comfort for her till today. I think I got this blanket as a gift from my mother-in-law.
Tommy is the same way. I bought him a blankie, but he had several blankies to become attached to. You get a lot of gifts when you have a baby. I think I chose a big blue fluffy fleece blankie, but he seemed to get attached to this blankie. It wasn't as durable as Anne's blanket and it had all the pastel baby colors in it. I wondered why he liked this one, because I prefer fluffy fleece! To each his own! My husband doesn't really care for fleece, either. What's not like to like?
As you can see, Tommy's blankie hasn't really done too well in the years and is already falling apart. You can see pieces of it all over the place! I don't mind my kids being attached to their blankie, but I do tell them they need to keep them in their beds and not drag them all over the house. I can't stand dirty blankies. They are old enough now to not bring them on trips and leave them at home. For a while, Tommy would ask me to sew his blankie back together, but it's beyond repair now. I wonder how long his will last?
If I think back to my early years, I remember loving my pillow. I loved how it smelled. I remember saying that if my house were to catch on fire and I could only save one thing, it would be my pillow. I still am sort of possessive of my pillow nowadays, a bit of a pillow snob too. I don't like to share it and I am weary of other pillows. It's funny, because I remember my mother also being attached to hers. She was a grown up! She had a favorite pillow case, too. My husband? I think it was his stuffed animals. He had many of them he slept with - he still has them, but he has now passed them onto our kids who keep them in the spare bunk in the boys room.
My other kids don't have blankie fetishes. One liked to bring a special toy into bed with him every night. One likes to be tucked in regularly. It's all so fascinating, I think.
After the showers, brushing of teeth and getting dressed we say a decade of the rosary and go around and take turns to give thanksgiving and prayer intentions.
This little one was so pooped, she fell asleep on a down blanket I had folded on the floor to put away later (I have a lot of things to put away and say I will do it later). Who wouldn't fall asleep on something so fluffy? She fell asleep clutching her rosary and the meditation book she flips through. Too cute.
The kids are so used to this routine (it really works, routine) they know to just go to sleep afterwards. Perhaps, they read or talk for a while, but they all quietly go to sleep soon after.
I go downstairs and enjoy the quiet and unwind.
Bonus picture:
Joe has moved on from stuffed animals. We bought a piece of furniture to store all the shoes he gets from football. I don't own this many pairs. Not even close.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
The Ruckus 2012
Have you ever heard of The Ruckus? I haven't until the beginning of this year when one of Joe's brothers, who had competed last year, was competing again. It was decided that Joe and two of his brother's would compete together!
Joe and his brothers participated in the 4 mile Challenge course. It's a timed race with a bunch of obstacles and running. It kind of reminded me of an adult version of an organized playground style race course with a lot of mud. It sounded like a lot of fun!
The Ruckus sets up races in many locations. We chose to do one outside Pittsburgh at the end of July because his brother's live in PA. It was another road trip for the Pattersons. We had some family from California visiting for the Summer so The Ruckus provided for a good gathering of all families.
When we arrived, it was very crowded. A lot of people compete in many waves. You could see the race course and some of the obstacles. People were already competing and it was very fun to watch them. You can feel the excitement of competition in the air not to mention how entertaining it was to just watch it all happen. You just wanted to suit up and join them. Perhaps, that was just me.
Once we got there, Joe registered and put his race tag, number thingy on. Anne was there to help.
Patterson brothers ready to compete! Joe has 3 older brothers. One brother did not compete. There were a whole bunch of us Pattersons scattered around getting a good spot to watch as much of the race as we could. I parked myself with my 5 kids near a good spot just waiting to get glimpses of they guys.
If I wasn't pregnant, I think I would be racing with them. I didn't realize that there were women competing too! Why not? People of all shapes and sizes were competing and having fun. Even to just race for the experience. Perhaps, next year? In the meantime, we just got ready to cheer them on!
The race started and we saw them take off running, but then they disappeared on and off. Eventually, they hit one obstacle (I forget the name of it) that created a line behind it. It just took so much time for people to get across.
Although it was entertaining to watch these people get through the obstacle, the line took about half an hour to get through. This really puts a damper on what a race is supposed to be. It prevents you from getting an accurate race time and gives people behind you a chance to catch up to you. There really wasn't any order at this part of the race. Other than that, it was fine.
Here are the guys after the race - happy and muddy! They all did very well.
I didn't know there are so many types of events like this. Joe's brothers (the one's pictured) are going to be participating in a harder event later this year. I think it's 8 miles long with obstacles and uphill - ughh. Joe, has football and the arrival of his newborn around that time and will not be able to attend.
Overall, it was so much fun for our family. We, especially the kids, were so proud of Daddy!
Joe and his brothers participated in the 4 mile Challenge course. It's a timed race with a bunch of obstacles and running. It kind of reminded me of an adult version of an organized playground style race course with a lot of mud. It sounded like a lot of fun!
The Ruckus sets up races in many locations. We chose to do one outside Pittsburgh at the end of July because his brother's live in PA. It was another road trip for the Pattersons. We had some family from California visiting for the Summer so The Ruckus provided for a good gathering of all families.
When we arrived, it was very crowded. A lot of people compete in many waves. You could see the race course and some of the obstacles. People were already competing and it was very fun to watch them. You can feel the excitement of competition in the air not to mention how entertaining it was to just watch it all happen. You just wanted to suit up and join them. Perhaps, that was just me.
Once we got there, Joe registered and put his race tag, number thingy on. Anne was there to help.
Patterson brothers ready to compete! Joe has 3 older brothers. One brother did not compete. There were a whole bunch of us Pattersons scattered around getting a good spot to watch as much of the race as we could. I parked myself with my 5 kids near a good spot just waiting to get glimpses of they guys.
If I wasn't pregnant, I think I would be racing with them. I didn't realize that there were women competing too! Why not? People of all shapes and sizes were competing and having fun. Even to just race for the experience. Perhaps, next year? In the meantime, we just got ready to cheer them on!
The race started and we saw them take off running, but then they disappeared on and off. Eventually, they hit one obstacle (I forget the name of it) that created a line behind it. It just took so much time for people to get across.
Although it was entertaining to watch these people get through the obstacle, the line took about half an hour to get through. This really puts a damper on what a race is supposed to be. It prevents you from getting an accurate race time and gives people behind you a chance to catch up to you. There really wasn't any order at this part of the race. Other than that, it was fine.
Here are the guys after the race - happy and muddy! They all did very well.
I didn't know there are so many types of events like this. Joe's brothers (the one's pictured) are going to be participating in a harder event later this year. I think it's 8 miles long with obstacles and uphill - ughh. Joe, has football and the arrival of his newborn around that time and will not be able to attend.
Overall, it was so much fun for our family. We, especially the kids, were so proud of Daddy!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Back to School 2012
My kids had a wonderful Summer! At the same time, they were all looking forward to the first day of school, especially Anne. She was counting down the days. Once she got hold of the supplies list for school she kept asking me when we could go shopping.
We drove to Target with Anne reminding me that she would like to gather all her supplies off the list herself! With each item in the basket, she got more excited! It was like Christmas time for her!
The amount of supplies to get for four children was amazing! I kept wondering if some of the stuff on the list was even necessary. Anne needed to get 96 sharpened Ticonderoga pencils. I understand that these pencils will be used by the whole class, but isn't that a lot of pencils per student? Perhaps, if pencils are treated the way they are in the Patterson house, we should have bought 120 of them. By the way, I can't get that word, Ticonderoga, out of my mouth no matter how hard I practice it. Oh, and I didn't get the sharpened ones - pashaw!
This year, I have four out of five kids going to school!
I see a lot of parents posting their back-to-school pics of their kids with little signs for them to hold telling which grade each is going into. Hmph, didn't follow suit - didn't have time!
Anne - 4th grade
Tommy - 2nd grade
Patrick - 1st grade
Eddie - Pre K
Every year is a little different on the getting-ready-for-school routine. In some ways, it's easier because most of them can find their uniforms, dress themselves, brush their own teeth/hair, find their socks (if I did laundry on time, of course), and maybe get their own breakfast (still working on that one). I only have to get one or two ready for the day.
In some ways, it's harder. Making lunches is something I'm dreading. I've got four picky eaters who don't care for sandwiches too much. While the kids are getting ready, I'm trying to get a variety of lunches ready to accommodate each kid. My heart wants them to have a lunch that caters to them, but after one day of trying it out - not sure I have it in me.
Making sure that all the kids stay on track in the mornings is another challenge. And once we get the homework, projects and schedules in the mix - will probably add another 10 minutes to the morning.
None of my kids went to Pre-K. They all went straight to Kindergarten. We decided it would be good for Eddie to go to Pre-K because of his Apraxia. He needs the routine and guidance of the classroom to better prepare him for elementary school. Like any mother, you wonder how your child will handle school. I felt pretty positive. He seemed ready to me. I still worried since he does have a speech challenge to deal with, but I know he has to move forward. After dropping the oldest three to their school, we went to his Pre-K and dropped him off. He didn't cry and waived goodbye. Yeh!
After dropping off Eddie, Bernadette was wondering where everyone went! All by herself!
Joe, Bernadette and I went out to a nice brunch in Rockville after running an errand! I look forward to hanging out with just Bernadette until Baby #6 arrives this Winter.
The kids had a great first day of school and I am happy to report that Eddie did just fine! However, this morning he was a little surprised when I told him he was going back to school. He was a little apprehensive about going back today. I don't know if he gets that it will be everyday for the next 13 to 18 years!
Here's to a good school year!
We drove to Target with Anne reminding me that she would like to gather all her supplies off the list herself! With each item in the basket, she got more excited! It was like Christmas time for her!
The amount of supplies to get for four children was amazing! I kept wondering if some of the stuff on the list was even necessary. Anne needed to get 96 sharpened Ticonderoga pencils. I understand that these pencils will be used by the whole class, but isn't that a lot of pencils per student? Perhaps, if pencils are treated the way they are in the Patterson house, we should have bought 120 of them. By the way, I can't get that word, Ticonderoga, out of my mouth no matter how hard I practice it. Oh, and I didn't get the sharpened ones - pashaw!
This year, I have four out of five kids going to school!
I see a lot of parents posting their back-to-school pics of their kids with little signs for them to hold telling which grade each is going into. Hmph, didn't follow suit - didn't have time!
Anne - 4th grade
Tommy - 2nd grade
Patrick - 1st grade
Eddie - Pre K
Every year is a little different on the getting-ready-for-school routine. In some ways, it's easier because most of them can find their uniforms, dress themselves, brush their own teeth/hair, find their socks (if I did laundry on time, of course), and maybe get their own breakfast (still working on that one). I only have to get one or two ready for the day.
In some ways, it's harder. Making lunches is something I'm dreading. I've got four picky eaters who don't care for sandwiches too much. While the kids are getting ready, I'm trying to get a variety of lunches ready to accommodate each kid. My heart wants them to have a lunch that caters to them, but after one day of trying it out - not sure I have it in me.
Making sure that all the kids stay on track in the mornings is another challenge. And once we get the homework, projects and schedules in the mix - will probably add another 10 minutes to the morning.
None of my kids went to Pre-K. They all went straight to Kindergarten. We decided it would be good for Eddie to go to Pre-K because of his Apraxia. He needs the routine and guidance of the classroom to better prepare him for elementary school. Like any mother, you wonder how your child will handle school. I felt pretty positive. He seemed ready to me. I still worried since he does have a speech challenge to deal with, but I know he has to move forward. After dropping the oldest three to their school, we went to his Pre-K and dropped him off. He didn't cry and waived goodbye. Yeh!
After dropping off Eddie, Bernadette was wondering where everyone went! All by herself!
Joe, Bernadette and I went out to a nice brunch in Rockville after running an errand! I look forward to hanging out with just Bernadette until Baby #6 arrives this Winter.
The kids had a great first day of school and I am happy to report that Eddie did just fine! However, this morning he was a little surprised when I told him he was going back to school. He was a little apprehensive about going back today. I don't know if he gets that it will be everyday for the next 13 to 18 years!
Here's to a good school year!
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