After Aidan's swim lessons at Peddie, we went to Freehold Mall on a quest to find Rob new shoes. We decided to treat the kids to Cheesecake Factory, an early family lunch for Valentine's. Too bad we didn't have room in our stomach for the red velvet cheesecake I was eyeing the whole time.
We were sat in a corner booth with mirrors. Delaney was the first to notice and she was in heaven. The song Vogue by Madonna kept popping in my head. Ya know, "Strike A Pose"
Of course, the boys were making goofy faces, sticking out their tongues, acting like...boys.
Logan, Mr Curious, was being himself. Not eating though. The mirrors were more interesting than his usual grilled cheese dipped in ketchup.
We kept asking him to eat...again. For the millionth time.
He turned around, with a serious look (something we never ever see from The Entertainer) with his lips stretched out covering his teeth. "I can't eat, I have no teeth"
The table burst out in laughter. No food was eaten by the threesome, they all had to practice this new face in the mirrors. Check please, time to shop.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Another Snow Day
For the Three Bears snow means
1.Climbing
2.Snow angels
3.Snowballs
4.Sledding
5.Snowmen
5.Hot chocolate
For Mom snow means
1.Constant cleaning the hardwood floors from the salt being brought in (how I wish for a mud room!)
2.Fighting to put snow pants and boots on, piles of wet and often mismatched gloves
3.Shoveling out my car (how I wish for a garage that can actually fit a mini van).
It also means: alot of smiles and giggles
The more I think about it, forget my "Mom list" - it's not so bad to deal with these things, afterall.
1.Climbing
2.Snow angels
3.Snowballs
4.Sledding
5.Snowmen
5.Hot chocolate
For Mom snow means
1.Constant cleaning the hardwood floors from the salt being brought in (how I wish for a mud room!)
2.Fighting to put snow pants and boots on, piles of wet and often mismatched gloves
3.Shoveling out my car (how I wish for a garage that can actually fit a mini van).
It also means: alot of smiles and giggles
The more I think about it, forget my "Mom list" - it's not so bad to deal with these things, afterall.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Us
Just a very quick update on Rob and I. We had another crazy year. The last time I wrote about Rob, he was working at Wed MD. That contract ended and he started to work for Cannon Technology Solutions in PA. It was going great but then they were victims of the times and went out of business. Now Rob is working for United Health Group in PA.
I am still home. Juggling. When you become a mom for the first time, you think it's the challenge of a lifetime. And it is in some ways. Looking back, I giggle to myself. The older the kids get, the more crazy it gets. I wish for those days where the challenge was to get three kids dressed and out the door by ten for a class at Jumpstart or the Y. The older they get, the more ways you need to clone yourself into 5 people. Of course, it doesn't help when your husband works late hours. But that is the norm in NJ anyway. I am not alone.
There really isn't enough time in the day to get everyone where they need to go but you manage. Sometimes I feel like I have it under control and then other times I feel like a rubber band being pulled every which way...ready to snap.
But I wouldn't want it any other way, honestly.
This year was a year of new jobs, changes, and challenges. At one point we just decided to forget it all and we made last minute plans to head to Dutch Wonderland for the weekend. It was Memorial Day Weekend. What a great place. Truly a magical weekend. The kids loved it and we hope to go back this year too!
We celebrated our 12th year of marriage. I can't recall what we did. I believe we all went out, as a family, for dinner.
This year was also a year of sadness. Our dear friend, Jen, passed away on August 27. I can't even put into words how much I miss her and how much I think of her. There is nothing more that I want for her to walk in our front door, behind Bill and the girls, with her big smile and her giant hug. I wish for that, just one more time. She is missed and through all my sadness, I can say that I feel lucky. I was Jen's friend. I was blessed to be a part of her life.
Through the good, the bad, and the ugly..another year has passed and we are about to turn 40. There will be more adventures, more challenges and hopefully alot of smiles.
I am still home. Juggling. When you become a mom for the first time, you think it's the challenge of a lifetime. And it is in some ways. Looking back, I giggle to myself. The older the kids get, the more crazy it gets. I wish for those days where the challenge was to get three kids dressed and out the door by ten for a class at Jumpstart or the Y. The older they get, the more ways you need to clone yourself into 5 people. Of course, it doesn't help when your husband works late hours. But that is the norm in NJ anyway. I am not alone.
There really isn't enough time in the day to get everyone where they need to go but you manage. Sometimes I feel like I have it under control and then other times I feel like a rubber band being pulled every which way...ready to snap.
But I wouldn't want it any other way, honestly.
This year was a year of new jobs, changes, and challenges. At one point we just decided to forget it all and we made last minute plans to head to Dutch Wonderland for the weekend. It was Memorial Day Weekend. What a great place. Truly a magical weekend. The kids loved it and we hope to go back this year too!
We celebrated our 12th year of marriage. I can't recall what we did. I believe we all went out, as a family, for dinner.
This year was also a year of sadness. Our dear friend, Jen, passed away on August 27. I can't even put into words how much I miss her and how much I think of her. There is nothing more that I want for her to walk in our front door, behind Bill and the girls, with her big smile and her giant hug. I wish for that, just one more time. She is missed and through all my sadness, I can say that I feel lucky. I was Jen's friend. I was blessed to be a part of her life.
Through the good, the bad, and the ugly..another year has passed and we are about to turn 40. There will be more adventures, more challenges and hopefully alot of smiles.
That little superhero named Logan
Logan, my little silly man. Logan truly believes that every one of us was put onto this earth for HIS entertainment. He is NOT my shy child. My other two suffer from some serious shyness, at times. Logan, nope. The Entertainer.
Logan is also my daredevil. He is no longer scared of his shadow. He now has to be reminded that broken bones hurt. Which he knows first hand.
For his 4th birthday, on a Friday, he got a big boy bike. Delaney did too. They rode them around the kitchen floor that night. The next day, Rob went outside to tighten up bolts, pump tires, etc.
He turned around and in a second, CRASH!!! Logan sat on his bike and tumbled down the paver stairs in the back. Two to be exact, onto the stone driveway.
His arm swollen, his hand limp and screams that would not stop..off to RWJ in Hamilton. Which led to a long ambulance ride to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. They wanted to heli-vac him. Umm, no!
On Sunday he had surgery. He broke the long bone in his arm and crushed his elbow. He needed three pins put in. Logan, being very dramatic anyway, was not the ideal patient but the pain must have been horrendous. Especially when we realized he is a Willan - meaning no meds worked as they should. He had a reaction to them, he reacted to anestesia. We got through it. McDonalds IN the hospital helped.
In the end, he still managed smiles, he still made me laugh. He was still The Entertainer.
We spent August in a cast (batman to be exact). We spent September limiting his activities since he needed to regain strength. It is hard to stop a 4 year old boy from rough housing.
Of course, though all this, with cast in arm, we had to remind him that couch diving is not a smart idea. Jumping off the 4th stair is probably a bad idea. Trying to jump from bed to bed is not a good activity. You get the idea.
I learned something new about Logan. Logan never sang to kiddie songs and I thought - CAPD, here we go! Who knew Logan was such a rockstar. He loves Nickelback and all kinds of rock. Rush, VanHalen, The Who! He sings in his kareoke machine, often, every day. Its hysterical. So he may never sing Twinkle Twinkle but give him some radio music and he can sing. Whew, we can check that off the CAPD list. Singing Fire Burning is my favorite though. He has this teeny high pitched voice. It makes it more charming.
This fall Logan started his second year at CPNS. He is very controlled in school. I must say it again, why can't we see some of this calm controlled behavior at home? He is a dream child, the teacher says. OK, I agree with that. He is my dream too.
Last winter Laney and Logan took a tumbling program at the Y and I considered putting him in gymnastics or karate this year. That broken arm got in the way and well, we have some attention span issues. Maybe later this year he will start an activity. He needs something for this energy of his!
For Halloween he was spiderman. He is the only kid I know who did not care about buying a new costume. I kept trying to get him to choose one and finally quit. He said he would be something in our dress up box..and he was..spiderman. He loved it and I loved the fact it was free. Even though, it just meant Aidan got the more expensive Darth Vader costume. LOL Logan loved Halloween, he is my sweet tooth..the more candy the better!
When I ask Logan about the future, he always says that when he grows up, he wants to marry mommy. We will live together in red house, eat chicken nuggets, and hold hands. What is not to love about that vision?
Logan is also my daredevil. He is no longer scared of his shadow. He now has to be reminded that broken bones hurt. Which he knows first hand.
For his 4th birthday, on a Friday, he got a big boy bike. Delaney did too. They rode them around the kitchen floor that night. The next day, Rob went outside to tighten up bolts, pump tires, etc.
He turned around and in a second, CRASH!!! Logan sat on his bike and tumbled down the paver stairs in the back. Two to be exact, onto the stone driveway.
His arm swollen, his hand limp and screams that would not stop..off to RWJ in Hamilton. Which led to a long ambulance ride to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. They wanted to heli-vac him. Umm, no!
On Sunday he had surgery. He broke the long bone in his arm and crushed his elbow. He needed three pins put in. Logan, being very dramatic anyway, was not the ideal patient but the pain must have been horrendous. Especially when we realized he is a Willan - meaning no meds worked as they should. He had a reaction to them, he reacted to anestesia. We got through it. McDonalds IN the hospital helped.
In the end, he still managed smiles, he still made me laugh. He was still The Entertainer.
We spent August in a cast (batman to be exact). We spent September limiting his activities since he needed to regain strength. It is hard to stop a 4 year old boy from rough housing.
Of course, though all this, with cast in arm, we had to remind him that couch diving is not a smart idea. Jumping off the 4th stair is probably a bad idea. Trying to jump from bed to bed is not a good activity. You get the idea.
I learned something new about Logan. Logan never sang to kiddie songs and I thought - CAPD, here we go! Who knew Logan was such a rockstar. He loves Nickelback and all kinds of rock. Rush, VanHalen, The Who! He sings in his kareoke machine, often, every day. Its hysterical. So he may never sing Twinkle Twinkle but give him some radio music and he can sing. Whew, we can check that off the CAPD list. Singing Fire Burning is my favorite though. He has this teeny high pitched voice. It makes it more charming.
This fall Logan started his second year at CPNS. He is very controlled in school. I must say it again, why can't we see some of this calm controlled behavior at home? He is a dream child, the teacher says. OK, I agree with that. He is my dream too.
Last winter Laney and Logan took a tumbling program at the Y and I considered putting him in gymnastics or karate this year. That broken arm got in the way and well, we have some attention span issues. Maybe later this year he will start an activity. He needs something for this energy of his!
For Halloween he was spiderman. He is the only kid I know who did not care about buying a new costume. I kept trying to get him to choose one and finally quit. He said he would be something in our dress up box..and he was..spiderman. He loved it and I loved the fact it was free. Even though, it just meant Aidan got the more expensive Darth Vader costume. LOL Logan loved Halloween, he is my sweet tooth..the more candy the better!
When I ask Logan about the future, he always says that when he grows up, he wants to marry mommy. We will live together in red house, eat chicken nuggets, and hold hands. What is not to love about that vision?
Delaney, my little princess
Oh, Laney, she is little Ms Thang. She has grown so much this year. Her language amazes us most. She can tell stories with greater detail than most of my former first graders. Heck, she outshines some of my former second grade students too! She is dramatic, emotional, mature and smart. Really smart. Her teachers from last year as well as from this year use words like "leader and exceptional" No, she is not a gifted child, I am not one of those parents. But, she has some great talents.
She loves to write, pretend read. In fact, Aidan gets upset. As he is doing the written part of his spelling homework, she wants to do it too. The big brother doesn't like this. It's pretty upsetting, which I understand.
Delaney can spend hours each day coloring and drawing. She is very creative and loves projects. My future teacher, perhaps?
This summer, the twins celebrated their 4th birthday. They got some big kid bikes, more about that when you read Logan's update. We spent some time at the beach, which Laney loved. I was determined to bring the kids, alone, to the beach. I did and it was awesome! Delaney loved collecting shells. I think some of them are still in the corner of our patio, covered in ice and snow. OOPS.
Delaney is in her second year at Cranbury Presbyterian Nursery School. She loves school.
This fall she enjoyed watching the cheerleaders in Allentown. She also liked getting dessert from the concession stand every night at practice. For Halloween, Delaney was Belle. She believes she is Belle. She was the prettiest Belle around. Not because I am her mom. Nope, she really was :)
I wish I kept a journal of Laneyisms. This girl comes out with hysterical phrases.
She is going on 15 most days, door slams, rolling eyes..the works. I had to break the phrase "crap" this year. Mommy is working on saying "hoochie" less so that Delaney stops saying it. She thinks it means sparkly and glittery and pretty, though. Innocent enough. She is my "mini me" and unfortunately I hear it in words and phrases, like "Logan, go sit on your bed until you stop crying"
Right now she is all about pink and purple. She still loves all things sparkly. She loves dance music. She sings along with all kinds of music. We are all about Kid Bopz in this house. She loves Taylor Swift. I wish I could capture her hip shaking on video. She won't let me (she is shy too).
Delaney is a ballerina. She goes to All For Dance, right in Robbinsville. She loves it and has made many friends. Her best neighborhood friend, Allyson, is in her class. That makes it extra special. We got our recital dress, which will be in May.
Right now we are in a stage of dressing ourselves. Over and over and over. She probably creates at least 5 different get ups a day. Modern Day Molly Ringwald. I will hear her drawers open and close and then she appears before me, with a proud smile. Oh, and she wears a tu tu all day, every day. She even cries to wear it out of the house, but there are limits. Bus stop (yes), preschool (no).
When she grows up she wants to be a rockette, a ballerina teacher, and a mommy.
The most exciting event this year was that she went into New York City in Dec. We saw the Christmas Spectacular, saw the Tree, and went to dinner in Little Italy. She went on her first train ride and subway rides. She was a natural in the city. I thought she would be overwhelmed (which means clingy) but she wasn't. She was a trooper. To see New York in the snow during Christmas time, through the eyes of a 4 year old, was perfect.
As perfect as my little girl.
She loves to write, pretend read. In fact, Aidan gets upset. As he is doing the written part of his spelling homework, she wants to do it too. The big brother doesn't like this. It's pretty upsetting, which I understand.
Delaney can spend hours each day coloring and drawing. She is very creative and loves projects. My future teacher, perhaps?
This summer, the twins celebrated their 4th birthday. They got some big kid bikes, more about that when you read Logan's update. We spent some time at the beach, which Laney loved. I was determined to bring the kids, alone, to the beach. I did and it was awesome! Delaney loved collecting shells. I think some of them are still in the corner of our patio, covered in ice and snow. OOPS.
Delaney is in her second year at Cranbury Presbyterian Nursery School. She loves school.
This fall she enjoyed watching the cheerleaders in Allentown. She also liked getting dessert from the concession stand every night at practice. For Halloween, Delaney was Belle. She believes she is Belle. She was the prettiest Belle around. Not because I am her mom. Nope, she really was :)
I wish I kept a journal of Laneyisms. This girl comes out with hysterical phrases.
She is going on 15 most days, door slams, rolling eyes..the works. I had to break the phrase "crap" this year. Mommy is working on saying "hoochie" less so that Delaney stops saying it. She thinks it means sparkly and glittery and pretty, though. Innocent enough. She is my "mini me" and unfortunately I hear it in words and phrases, like "Logan, go sit on your bed until you stop crying"
Right now she is all about pink and purple. She still loves all things sparkly. She loves dance music. She sings along with all kinds of music. We are all about Kid Bopz in this house. She loves Taylor Swift. I wish I could capture her hip shaking on video. She won't let me (she is shy too).
Delaney is a ballerina. She goes to All For Dance, right in Robbinsville. She loves it and has made many friends. Her best neighborhood friend, Allyson, is in her class. That makes it extra special. We got our recital dress, which will be in May.
Right now we are in a stage of dressing ourselves. Over and over and over. She probably creates at least 5 different get ups a day. Modern Day Molly Ringwald. I will hear her drawers open and close and then she appears before me, with a proud smile. Oh, and she wears a tu tu all day, every day. She even cries to wear it out of the house, but there are limits. Bus stop (yes), preschool (no).
When she grows up she wants to be a rockette, a ballerina teacher, and a mommy.
The most exciting event this year was that she went into New York City in Dec. We saw the Christmas Spectacular, saw the Tree, and went to dinner in Little Italy. She went on her first train ride and subway rides. She was a natural in the city. I thought she would be overwhelmed (which means clingy) but she wasn't. She was a trooper. To see New York in the snow during Christmas time, through the eyes of a 4 year old, was perfect.
As perfect as my little girl.
Let's start with Aidan.
What has Aidan been up to?
He had a great year at Windsor, his teacher was perfect for him. Mrs. Borsuk and I worked closely to help him with some needs and succeeded in getting him on the right path. A good teacher makes all the difference.
Aidan was adorable in the Patriotic Show, he proudly recited his line in the Three Piggy Opera and he had a blast at Field Day. He had a great K experience and we were thrilled he ended up at Windsor and wouldn't mind if Delaney and Logan became Windsor kids. What a great, safe, friendly little school house.
To keep him active with kids his age, Aidan went to the SAFE program for three weeks in the summertime. He did three programs. Fun and Game, Magic, and Art. He loved the magic. They even put on a Magic Show on the last day. This summer he started fishing with daddy. He caught a bunch of fish, mostly sunnies and bass.
Some other memories...
Aidan had his birthday party at Pump It Up. This past year, he lost 6 teeth. The first one came out when he was brushing his teeth. He wasn't so sure this was a good thing, in fact, it really bothered him, but the Tooth Fairy changed his mind with her loot and the second one wasn't so scary. :)
In the Spring, Aidan played Tball for the Robbinsville Little League. Unlike soccer he LIKED it! He was on DeLorenzos team. It was nice to find a sport he liked.
In the fall (well starting in August), he played Flag Football for the Allentown Redbirds. What a great experience. Time consuming and costly but worth it. The confidence football gave him was more than I ever could have expected. He can't wait to go back. They groomed him for Center. He got some flags and was even tackled (wasn't this flag?) in a game. He loved every minute of it. He can't wait to go back. The coaches "have plans" for him since he will be the biggest kid on the team. This excites him. I can't wait to see what the 2010 season brings for #99.
Aidan continued his love for Star Wars and was Darth Vader for Halloween. It was a rainy Halloween but we went out, even when it started to pour.
Aidan is now a Tiger Cub in the Cub Scouts. We had the Pinewood Derby recently. Aidan's car was by far the coolest and the Tiger Cubs agreed - he won a trophy for the Tiger Favorite!!!! Any guesses on what kind of car he made...Darth Vader, of course. He has plans for next year. More on that later.
This winter Aidan is taking swimming lessons at Peddie. He is getting more comfortable in the water.
Aidan is in first grade now. This year he is in Sharon Elementary. As a former first grade teacher, I must admit, this fact freaks me out a little. How can he be old enough to be MY student. Isn't he just a little baby still? Reality hit hard this year, he is now a big boy, spreading his wings and really wanting to be independent from me. He is in the inclusion class this year. His teacher is Mrs Diefes and Mrs Fallet is a teacher who is there half the day helping a few of the children. They team teach, which is wonderful for Aidan. He loves his teachers and is eager to learn and do well. He is very serious in school, which is hysterical since at home he is a total goof and loud. I guess it is better to be that way at home. I used to say that to my student's parents, but now I wonder if it is better. Really, why should the parents always get the craziness? I think the calm, quiet child should come visit home once in a while and the school should get to know the "other side" to Aidan. :) He likes recess and plays kickball. He also likes computers and has a natural knack for science and math. Yea, I am not surprised either.
Aidan is now entering the world of Pokemon. It was bound to happen. He collects cards now. Which brings me to next year's Pinewood Derby car - Aidan's goal is to make a Pikachu car.
What has Aidan been up to?
He had a great year at Windsor, his teacher was perfect for him. Mrs. Borsuk and I worked closely to help him with some needs and succeeded in getting him on the right path. A good teacher makes all the difference.
Aidan was adorable in the Patriotic Show, he proudly recited his line in the Three Piggy Opera and he had a blast at Field Day. He had a great K experience and we were thrilled he ended up at Windsor and wouldn't mind if Delaney and Logan became Windsor kids. What a great, safe, friendly little school house.
To keep him active with kids his age, Aidan went to the SAFE program for three weeks in the summertime. He did three programs. Fun and Game, Magic, and Art. He loved the magic. They even put on a Magic Show on the last day. This summer he started fishing with daddy. He caught a bunch of fish, mostly sunnies and bass.
Some other memories...
Aidan had his birthday party at Pump It Up. This past year, he lost 6 teeth. The first one came out when he was brushing his teeth. He wasn't so sure this was a good thing, in fact, it really bothered him, but the Tooth Fairy changed his mind with her loot and the second one wasn't so scary. :)
In the Spring, Aidan played Tball for the Robbinsville Little League. Unlike soccer he LIKED it! He was on DeLorenzos team. It was nice to find a sport he liked.
In the fall (well starting in August), he played Flag Football for the Allentown Redbirds. What a great experience. Time consuming and costly but worth it. The confidence football gave him was more than I ever could have expected. He can't wait to go back. They groomed him for Center. He got some flags and was even tackled (wasn't this flag?) in a game. He loved every minute of it. He can't wait to go back. The coaches "have plans" for him since he will be the biggest kid on the team. This excites him. I can't wait to see what the 2010 season brings for #99.
Aidan continued his love for Star Wars and was Darth Vader for Halloween. It was a rainy Halloween but we went out, even when it started to pour.
Aidan is now a Tiger Cub in the Cub Scouts. We had the Pinewood Derby recently. Aidan's car was by far the coolest and the Tiger Cubs agreed - he won a trophy for the Tiger Favorite!!!! Any guesses on what kind of car he made...Darth Vader, of course. He has plans for next year. More on that later.
This winter Aidan is taking swimming lessons at Peddie. He is getting more comfortable in the water.
Aidan is in first grade now. This year he is in Sharon Elementary. As a former first grade teacher, I must admit, this fact freaks me out a little. How can he be old enough to be MY student. Isn't he just a little baby still? Reality hit hard this year, he is now a big boy, spreading his wings and really wanting to be independent from me. He is in the inclusion class this year. His teacher is Mrs Diefes and Mrs Fallet is a teacher who is there half the day helping a few of the children. They team teach, which is wonderful for Aidan. He loves his teachers and is eager to learn and do well. He is very serious in school, which is hysterical since at home he is a total goof and loud. I guess it is better to be that way at home. I used to say that to my student's parents, but now I wonder if it is better. Really, why should the parents always get the craziness? I think the calm, quiet child should come visit home once in a while and the school should get to know the "other side" to Aidan. :) He likes recess and plays kickball. He also likes computers and has a natural knack for science and math. Yea, I am not surprised either.
Aidan is now entering the world of Pokemon. It was bound to happen. He collects cards now. Which brings me to next year's Pinewood Derby car - Aidan's goal is to make a Pikachu car.
Aidan's has climbed some hills and I know he wishes he didn't have to. But, "it is what it is" There will be more hills ahead. He has so many talents and I can't wait to see how they unfold this next year.
What happened. I lost a year+. OOPS. I guess life got away from me. Really, it did.
Ok, here is the truth... our computer had a virus, we lost it. Then when we finally got a new computer, I could not recall where I started this blog. So I forgot about it. Recently two friends from HS started blogs to share their world of cancer and having a special needs child. When I went to post a comment, I saw this.
So yes, my lack of memory stopped me from continuing. My lack of memory causes alot of havoc. Pregnancy brain never went away. It is what it is..which by the way has become my motto about parenting. "It is what it is"
It is snowing, our breakfast is still sitting out, and my sink is piled high. A year long update will have to wait.
Ok, here is the truth... our computer had a virus, we lost it. Then when we finally got a new computer, I could not recall where I started this blog. So I forgot about it. Recently two friends from HS started blogs to share their world of cancer and having a special needs child. When I went to post a comment, I saw this.
So yes, my lack of memory stopped me from continuing. My lack of memory causes alot of havoc. Pregnancy brain never went away. It is what it is..which by the way has become my motto about parenting. "It is what it is"
It is snowing, our breakfast is still sitting out, and my sink is piled high. A year long update will have to wait.
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