Hubby and I were in conversation when suddenly we heard Little Dude M exclaim "I can see my name." I briefly contemplated that his noodles just randomly ended up in this fashion, but he quickly claimed responsibility. This is one way to amuse oneself when dining on leftovers!
This fish tank rocks!
Got to love these Little Dudes. They have spent endless hours in the snazzy Blue Rocket BOB stroller for over 4+ years. We have weathered raind, wind, sun, and humidity in Hawaii, Okinawa, and Viriginia. But, today was a first...running in snow flurries. We headed out a little later this AM, as I wanted to be sure the temps were in the upper 30's and the wind minimal. As I was bundling them up and bribing them with fruit treats, we looked out the window and much to our amazement were HUGE snow flurries. I was about to abort the mission, but, Little Dude M was jazzed. He said "Mom, let's run in the snow!" That is all I needed, so we headed out. I snatched the camera and I am so glad I did. They were SO excited, but, our adventure of running in the snow was short lived. Ten minutes after the snow started falling, it stopped, melted and evaporated. However, those few moments brought such unadultered joy!
Little Dude M...the snow adventurer!
Little Dude B and his precious frog, Mint.
Tasting the snow!
Check this stuff out!Tuesday was a miserable day! Dreary, wet, rainy, gray, and downright cold. So, the Little Dudes scurried off and returned to the kitchen table with their *new* crafty presents. Little Dude B selected his clay assortment and Little Dude M picked a Playdough activity. They entertained themselves for over 2 hours making shapes and creating all kinds of wondrous things.
Little Dude B started out simple with star shapes.
He quickly moved onto bigger things. He seems quite pleased with his replica of Larry Boy!
His finished Playdough bordered picture frame. Too Cool!
In their pj's having a blast!On Monday morning, Big Sister woke and her first comment was "TODAY IS MY BIG DAY!" I had to smile, but, I was bursting at the seams as much as she was. She was heading back to school after the Holiday break to join the 2nd grade! Big Sister has wowed us with her academic achievements over the years and managed to do the same to the teachers and administration at St. William of York.
In early November, at the suggestion of her 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Fahland, we began discussions on transitioning Big Sister to the 2nd grade. Mrs. Fahland, had noted Big Sister's strengths early on in the School year and immediately demanded more from Big Sister. She was being sent to 2nd grade for Reading, assigned additional Spelling words, and given extra assignments. Hubby and I solicited Big Sister's input and from our initial conversation until our last, she never waivered and looked forward to the move. Discussions regarding the move were to be kept secret from her classmates. I am so proud of Big Sister . Not once did she tell a classmate or indicate a move was on the horizon.
At the onset of the Holiday Break, a packet of assignments covering all subjects was sent home from the 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Elliott. She indicated that it was Big Sister's decision as to how much of the materials she wanted to complete. Big Sister indicated she wanted to complete everything and my hats off to her! She weathered hours at the kitchen table with Mom trying to play the role of teacher (not my forte) while completing all the materials. Big Sister was such a trooper. Note the picture below...
Yes, this is Christmas afternoon. The Little Dudes were taking a nap, so, I seized the opportunity to have her tackle some math. Do you think she will hold this against me in her teenage years?
This smile has been on her face for the past three days. At least this time. ..
In late October, a flyer arrived home from school offering a Hearing & Eye screening to all new students. We had Big Sister's hearing and vision tested during her annual school physical, but, I figured why not? So, the testing day came and went and when I asked Big Sister she said, "I missed two letters." I thought nothing of it until, two weeks later, a test form comes back from the school nurse indicating we ought to have her vision tested. It took three weeks for the referral to come through and with the closest Optometrist accepting our insurance was 20 miles from home. Aggh!
I scheduled the appointment and last Saturday, we headed down for an extensive eye exam. I personally have never had such an exam and was fascinated by all the machines, tools, and gadgets. Big Sister was having fun identifying colors, letters, and numbers. She enjoyed the experience as did I. Having her eyes dilated was a hoot...I swear, it was as if chugged a RedBull. The Optometrists office was adjacent to the Mall, so we walked through a few stores waiting for the dilation drops to take effect. She could not focus and was cracking me up as she zipped all around Wacky Bear and Gymboree. Fortunately, we had to head back to the Dr.'s office for the rest of the exam, I was exhausted.
At present, Big Sister's eyes are just fine. According to the results, she is a bit far-sighted in her right eye, but, nothing requiring a prescription at this point. However, the Dr. predicted by her early teens, she will probably need glasses. Big Sister quickly picked up on this and responded with "Hey Mom, you said by the time I was a teenager, you would consider contacts!" This was when I thought she needed glasses at the age of six and mentioned that by the time she was teenager she would be responsible enough to handle contacts. I think she was a bit disappointed that glasses were not in her immediate future as she had picked out a Rose Quartz pair a couple of weeks ago that were flattering. However, the temporary sunglasses provided by the Optometrist was enough to make her smile!
Laundry, one of those chores that is never ending. I do not mind the sorting and washing, it is the folding I despise. Probably, because so much of my time is turning every item inside right. I suppose I should not complain as the laundry at this point in the Moloko kids life actually ends up in the laundry room rather than a bedroom floor. So, I have decided to become proactive as of late, and turn all items inside right before washing. This has aided in emptying pockets of pants and jackets prior to hearing the odd racket once the dryer starts. Little Dude M is responsible for the assortment below...
When I brought the handful of goodies downstairs, Little Dude M was ecstatic. He had been looking "forever" for the beloved "Orange M"! SuperMom to the rescue!
