No Fear

Matt is really loving his Little Gym class. The thing he loves best is the balance beam. On this particular day, they added an extension to the top of the beam so it is a little wider. Matt was fearless - he got up walked it without help and as he jumped off to do his dismount he yelled "cannonball". It is great seeing him progress on his skills.

Definitely a Food Critic

So, yesterday when I mentioned Matt's love of dumplings, my sister, Lori made an observation that in his future career Matt would be either a chef or a food critic. We joked about how both would have great benefits - a good cook to cook for his family or a critic who would take you (okay, his mom) out to many restaurants. Well, I think the food critic is shining through.

Today we took the kids for lunch to Charlie Browns one of their favorite places. I had plain sliced beets on my salad plate from the salad bar. I had them cut into smaller pieces. Emily asked me it they were meat and I told her no beets - a vegetable. I asked her if she wanted to try it and she immediately said "no thank you". Well, Matt without a beat says, "I'll try it" - not really a surprise, he'll try just about anything. He was sitting across from me so I fed it to him off my fork. As soon as it got in his mouth, he closed his one eye, tilted his head and started chewing the beet on the side of his mouth that he had the eye shut....it looked as if he was savoring and thinking in the moment. He finished chewing open his eye and said "that is fantastic". I had to laugh because it was like watching a food critic compiling his thoughts regarding the food he is eating. So, Lori, it looks like you might be right about his future career. Although he may become a chef in a fire house too. He can fight fires, cook for the crew and then be a critic on his days off.

Turkey Time

I love that Emily's teacher does a theme based Show and Tell and asks the kids be creative with their presentation. This past week's theme was 'Your favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner'. Emily chose turkey - I don't recall her eating all that much turkey in her short lifetime, but that was her choice. I explained to Emily that we wouldn't be able to "create" a cooked turkey version but we could do a precooked version. She felt it necessary to confirm with her teacher that this was okay before we even started the project. So, the turkey is made of two Styrofoam balls and a Styrofoam circle that Emily painted brown. Then, she glued feathers on the tail. The wings are colored foam along with the beak and gobbler, googly eyes and pipe cleaners for feet. The hat is stiff black felt with foam pieces making the band and buckle. The base is Styrofoam covered in colored foam with foam stickers. All the pieces are pinned together with bamboo skewers and hot glue. This was a fun project.

Now, originally Emily named the turkey Sophia but by the time Dave came home at 8:00 p.m. the name changed to Sonic and then on the way into school it changed to Jolly Rancher. So, I guess the name is Sophia Sonic Jolly Rancher Wessel. Her teacher loved the turkey and asked to keep it for the next week leading up to Thanksgiving. Next week's theme is 'What am I thankful for..'. Oh, and next week I think we get report cards, so we'll see how Emily is progressing across the board.

Inspired by my Niece

One thing I admire most about my niece Shellie is her level of commitment to a task. She is one of those people who evaluates things, commits to them and follows through. I don't know how long she has been doing this but each year Shellie pick something to "give up" for the year in the way of food. One year it was chips, another french fries and I believe this year it is pizza - sorry about the Giordano's trip. My brother Dennis being the great dad he is joins Shellie in her task. A few months ago, I was reading a book and wanted to give up my use of artificial sweetener (equal, truvia, aspartame, etc.) but I wasn't ready to commit to the task. About a month ago, I joined our local Gold's Gym and met with one of their trainers (Ishmael Parez - Ish for short) who is also a nutritionist. I signed up for a training program and part of that included doing a 5 day food journal. After one week, I was put on a nutrition plan to accomplish my fitness goals. The kicker is that it starts with an 8 week cleanse/re balancing of my body - ready for this it is a gluten and dairy free program and no artificial sweetener is allowed. I got my push. The first week was hard but I kept thinking if Shellie can do this so can I...she became my focal point for staying on task. Now, I am seeing the results of my eating and workout plans and I am thrilled. After the 8 weeks, we will reintroduce certain foods back into the program to determine how my body reacts to the food. As of Thursday, I started my fourth week on the program and am doing really well. Dave and the kids have been very supportive of this too - even have them eating a little healthier. I've found some great alternatives to wheat/gluten and dairy items (even found a bakery that caters to this style of eating - YUM) and have even gone a little organic. So, Shellie "thank you" for being my inspiration to stick to my goals and reap the benefits of the outcome.

I'm a City Girl

Emily loves going into NYC. She feels that she is a "city girl" and dresses accordingly. Emily is still very much into wearing skirts, so we made the November 1st tights rule - must wear tights or knee socks with all skirts. I love how with Emily every picture turns into a pose. Emily's teacher loves telling me the comments she makes regarding peoples, including the teacher's, outfits - "I love the colors of that scarf" "Your outfit matches perfectly", etc. Ms. Palummierri is sure that Emily's future career will be somewhere in the field of design. She even commented jokingly to Emily that if she becomes a fashion designer to always remember her 1st grade teacher. Emily is our little fashionista - not always matching but that is her style.

I LOVE Dumplings

Matthew is definitely our child with a diverse palate. Last Saturday we headed into New York City to the lower East side which consists of both Chinatown and Little Italy. The kids actually like Chinese so we headed in that direction. Matthew is always so willing to try new food items and will ask "can I have some of that?" when he sees you have something he wants to sample. Dave got some steamed dumplings and Matt was instantly intrigued. So, after his first bite of dumpling dipped in soy sauce his exact words were, "that is amazing". Needless to say he had another one during the meal. Matt also loves any of the satay styled chicken. It was a great meal - even Emily ate well, although she was disappointed that they didn't have any sushi. Yes, she loves sushi. I know it is crazy, for her it is either chicken nuggets or sushi - what a range.

Revisiting the Past - Halloween 2006

I chose this picture of the kids as a tribute of revisiting the past because Emily is the same age here as Matt currently is - okay she is 25 days older than him but you get the idea. When I look at this picture, I am amazed at how quickly they have grown. At that time, Matt barely knew what candy was now he is very familiar with the sweet treat. Sadly, tonight is suppose to be rainy so it looks like we will be doing an afternoon Trick or Treat session. All in all is should be fun! Happy Halloween!

Dorothy and Toto

Emily's choice of costume this year is Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. She was so excited to be able to dress up for her school parade and party. Of course, in her collection of stuffed animals, she had a dog that looked exactly like Toto. A Dorothy outfit would not be complete without ruby slippers and of course pigtails with bows. After her parade on the school grounds, Emily went back into school and had her party which was filled with many treats and many crafts per her teacher. Emily's class is a very crafty/artistic class so they were anxious to do as many projects as they could in the short period of time. Thankfully, she didn't come home with a ton of candy. She did come home with a very big bag filled with projects from the month. Ruby the spider has come home again too. It was a great day at school - very busy for Dave and I driving back and forth to school for all these events but fun.

Pumpkin Carving

Monday night Dave did his annual pumpkin carving time with the kids. The kids spent their time taking the "guts" out of their pumpkins which got a lot of "YUK" responses. Then, they each got to choose what image they wanted on their pumpkin. Matt picked a scarecrow that Dave cared out for him and Emily decided to do the "bejeweled" kit - no surprise there. After a short time, the kids lost interest so Dave got to finish them up for the kids. The bejeweled pumpkin has a strobe light that goes inside and makes the jewels glow- very cool. Unfortunately, the scarecrow is already starting to go bad, so I think it may have to be tossed before the Halloween event tonight. In the end, the most important part was the time they spent doing the project with their dad.

Our Chick Magnet

Yesterday, Matt had his school Halloween parade and party. I am a class mom for his class so I was able to stay for his party. While there, I learned that Matt has a few girl classmates that are his "girlfriends" - Julianna and Melanie. They are both very cute girls but we aren't ready for that stage of life yet. Now the funniest part was when the older kids had their parade at 1:00. Dave, Matt and I stayed for the entire parade, of course, in part to see Emily march in the parade but actually stayed until the end because Matt was getting a kick out of all the costumes. Well, our time their was enlightening. It appears that our little boy has become quite a charmer with the older girls - about 10 girls (from grades 3, 4 & 5) all took the time to say "hi Matt". At one point, there were 3 girls who said "hi" to him and he said "one at a time"....I just had to laugh. Of course most of these girls are safety patrol for the preK classes so that is how they have met him. There is one girl in particular, I think she's in 4th grade, that really dotes on him and he always hugs her when he sees her. I've seen glimpses of this little "Casanova" but it was funny seeing Dave react to all the girls doting on him. Of course, we are taking it as just a cute circumstance and not making much of it. The older boys by the way loved Matt being a SWAT officer (he was still in his costume) so he got a lot of high fives from them too.

Trunk or Treat

The church we attend has an annual Trunk or Treat event which is open to both the church and community. People, families and church groups decorate cars and pass out candy from their "trunks". Emily and Matt always enjoy this event - they get candy after all. This year Emily's costume was popular with the younger girls too. Here she is with our friends daughter, Gianna. Matt looks like he is barking out orders - it seems to come naturally to him, barking out orders. Even I was part of the event. Our MOPS group did a car with the Scooby Doo theme.....yes, somehow I got to be Fred, don't ask. We did win a trophy and certificate for Best Car for a Ministry group. Let me be honest and say it was nice to win. We all had fun.

Halloween Party - Take 1

Thursday night was the beginning of Halloween events for the kids. My MOPS meeting was that night and the kids attend the MOPPETS group during that time. They decided to have a Halloween party for the kids, so they were able to dress up in their costumes. This year Emily decided to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and Matt veered from his normal firefighter format to a SWAT officer - no gun included with the costume. It does have a whistle which can get a wee bit annoying but it is only a week and a half of activities that it has to "available" for. I'm not sure where it will find a home after the festivities. The kids costume schedule consists of Trunk or Treat on Sunday 10/25, school parades on 10/30 and Halloween 10/31. At least, these costumes are being worn more than once .... it is the multiple accumulation periods of candy that is not so good. We've already had to make a candy eating rule in the house for the season. They are cute though. TRICK OR TREAT!

A Plethora of Pumpkins

Normally our fall decorations consist of just 4 "real" pumpkins - 2 for outside on the front stoop and one for each of the kids to carve. Well this year has been a totally different circumstance. Emily's class walked to the corner nursery where she got to pick out a pumpkin last Tuesday. Then Thursday, Matt and I went on his field trip to the pumpkin farm where we both were able to get a pumpkin. To top it all off, the kids went to their Moppets group on Thursday night while I was at my MOPS meeting and they each got a pumpkin there. This brings our grand total of pumpkins this season to 9 (counting the ones outside). Those are the real ones, we have three decorative pumpkins on the hearth too. I guess it proves the old saying "when it rains it pours" this time in pumpkins.

Look How Much They've Grown

This past summer we went back to Williamsburg, VA for a short family vacation. The last time we went there was is June 2006. At that time, Emily was our little fish in the water and Matt was about to turn 1. This past summer both of them were like fishes and they couldn't even be bothered for me to get a picture of them together in the water. Matt has changed so much in 3+ years and Emily is exactly the same just a bigger version. Here is to good times growing up.

Heaven Hills Pumpkin Farm

On Thursday, October 22, Matt had his first official school field trip to a pumpkin farm in Vernon, NJ. Being a class mom, I was able to go as a chaperon for the trip. We all loaded on to a tour bus (no yellow bus here a bathroom is necessary for preschoolers) in the morning and headed out on the long drive. When we got to the farm, we first went on a hayride through their "haunted" tour area - most kids weren't scared by it. Then, we saw all their farm animals which was followed by pig races. Matt was a little upset after that because he didn't win at the races. They chose kids to represent the pigs that were racing in each race and he didn't get chosen, so he had a small crying meltdown. After that we picked our pumpkins, ate lunch and then let them play in the different hay and cornstalk structures they have for the kids. The teacher bought apple cider donuts and cider that the kids had as a snack just before getting on the bus to head back to school. Now you would think that after all that he would have been sleeping on the way back, but no he was too bust watching Nemo on the bus TV. We made it back just in time for Emily to be dismissed from school. It was a great day. The weather was absolutely gorgeous which we were hoping for after our rain and cold spells we've had the last few weeks. It was so much fun being able to go with him too. Thank you Matt for our special day together.

This is Ruby

Meet the newest addition to our "craft" family, Ruby the Spider. Emily's teacher, Miss Palummierri wants the kids to use their imaginations for Show & Tell not just bring in their favorite toy to show. She gives them a theme the Friday before the following week - Show & Tell is on Friday's - so they have a whole week to "create". This past week's theme was to show something that means the season fall to them and they needed to use 3 materials to create it. So, I asked Emily what reminds her of fall...well, after talking it somehow came down to a spider - Halloween related. Off to the craft store we went. This is the final product. Ruby is made of a Styrofoam ball, black felt strips hot glued to the body, green pipe cleaners for the legs and smile and of course googly eyes. I know that is 4 things but I did ask the teacher if googly eyes would count as a fourth item and she said "no"....just the main part needed to be 3 items. I have to tell you this was one of my favorite projects she has done so far. Emily even made a chart showing the materials you need so the other kids could make one too. Her teacher loved it and said it was unusual because when it was her turn to present "Ruby" she froze at first - not normal for her. Emily's projects are quite a hit at school. The kids want to make them and there are several teachers that come in just to see what she has made. I guess the creative streak of the family lives on in Emily. So, say welcome to our newest friend.

Look What I Built

Matt has been perfecting his building skills as of late. He got a small link and log set quite some time ago and has brought it out on occasion to play with either Dave or I - we usually ended up building and he would knock it down. On this day, he was proud to show us what he was able to do all by himself. Great job Matt!!! It was another moment where I was jolted into realizing just how old Matt is and his capabilities. He is growing up way to fast.

Fall Just Isn't the Same

This is our first fall without the Japanese maple tree in front of our house. Unfortunately, it had to be cut down and removed when we had our oil tank removed last winter. I've missed seeing it throughout the year but this is the time I miss it most. It always displayed such brilliant red leaves during the fall season. Its removal also took away our annual activity of playing in the leaves when they started to fall. It seems silly, it was just a tree but it was a beautiful part of our home. We've decided not to plant a new tree. As the kids have gotten bigger they have required more "space" to play and seeing our front and side yard are the main yard, we thought we would keep it a wide open space for them. So long tree, we miss seeing your vibrant leaves. Can you believe how young the kids were in this picture?

Pumpkin Time

Last Saturday we headed out as a family to get pumpkins for the harvest season. We decided this time to head to a different "farm" than we usually do. Because Matthew is going pumpkin picking with his preschool class this coming week, we decided we would just go buy them. Both Emily and Matt were able to pick a pumpkin that they will be able to carve. Then, we got two big pumpkins to put on our front stoop. We had a very nice lunch there and then headed to a nursery nearby where we got our "traditional" fall mums that also go on our front stoop. Harvest season we are ready for you.

Out of the Mouth of Matt

So, Matthew had another hilarious interaction with a Lodi police officer who was patrolling their school for afternoon dismissal. As soon as he saw the patrol car in the parking lot across from the school, Matthew quickly ran to the window of the car. I was a little further back from where Matt was when the officer rolled his window down to say hello. The words that came out of his mouth, made my mouth drop....."Did you shoot any bad guys last night?" Fortunately, it was an officer with a sense of humor who laughed as he said "no". Matt didn't even pause to think, he immediately asked "did you shoot any bad guys this morning?" Thankfully, the officer laughed again as I explained to Matt that the police don't shoot the bad guys, they take them to jail. All I could think is that this officer must think we have a child obsessed with shooting people. Of course, he is 4 so a lot of remarks are "forgiven". Anyone I told this story to thought it was hilarious and knowing Matt, they were like "that is so Matt". So, now when we go for afternoon dismissal I am never quite sure if I want Matt to see the police officer there...who knows what he'll say next....then too it could merit another blog entry.

Student of the Month

We were thrilled when we received a postcard last Saturday notifying us that Emily was chosen as student of the month for her 1st grade class. She has been working so very hard and this is true recognition of all of that work. Emily has noticed how much work there is to be done and how long the school day is. Last year in her special ed class, I know that there was more "down" time throughout the day...now there is very little if at any down time. Emily is adjusting well though...however, by Thursday morning, she is itching for the weekend to come. We have been in touch with her previous teacher, Miss Lisa, letting her know how well she is doing. They are all so proud of her accomplishments. Emily holds a special place in Miss Lisa's heart. So, congratulations Emily at all your hard work. We are all very proud of you!

100% Confident

So, after the ups and downs of the school week, I wasn't quite sure what would be in store for the year to come. Yes, I know it is only 3 weeks into school and that Emily is still in adjustment mode but as a mom you are always concerned for your child's well being and happiness. Well, the time had come to see how the last two weeks have gone in regard to Emily's performance in her actual school work. We were advised at the beginning of school that every 2 weeks the kids would bring home a folder known as the "test folder". The folder contains all the test materials that have occurred in the 2 week period. The tests are to be looked at and returned with a signature on the folder. If a test is a 69 or less, an incomplete, unsatisfactory, etc. the parent has to sign the actual test. When we got home, I pulled all the work from her backpack including the folder. Emily informed me that I can look inside but can't keep anything, it has to go back to the teacher - I was happy to hear that not only Emily heard the directions but also could relay them to me...another area where she is progressing. So, I waited for a while to open the folder. Prior to opening, I told myself not to have unrealistic expectations - even though she did 1st grade material last year it is being introduced in a whole new approach and that has to be taken into consideration. I knew that anything I had to sign I would assure her that all we are looking for is that she does her best and we would go over what she didn't know so she would know it for the next time. So, I opened the folder and was shocked...I looked at every test including the spelling test she did that day which had to include the vowel control next to the word. By the time, I looked at the last test the smile on my face was hurting my face. Every test was 100% and two tests actually had extra point credits of 2 and 5. My questioning from this week was quickly laid to rest. I was so excited at how she did and I knew Dave wouldn't be home until late so I called him at work and told him...he was very happy too! It wasn't until later that night that I reviewed her tests with her and showed her that everything she did was correct....she wasn't as thrilled as her dad and I were, she was more matter of fact "okay". Her performance is definitely an encouragement to both Dave and I. Earlier in the week her teacher did express to me that if she didn't have an IEP in hand for Emily she never would have thought she needed one - she also relayed this to her Child Study Team case worker. Her tests are proof to us that the direction we have chosen for her to proceed in her educational experience was the right decision. Do we expect all 100's the rest of the year? NO...only her best. But we are encouraged that she is grasping what and how she is being taught. Way to go Emily...keep doing your best!

No Worries Tiger!

One family outing we have started doing this year is playing miniature golf. While on vacation in Williamsburg, we decided to go to a local mini golf course. We took our friends daughter, Kailey, with us and the girls had a lot of fun together. The most amusing part of golfing however, is how our little Matt "plays" the game. He takes the first shot, may hit the ball a second time but will usually pick it up and move it closer to the hole, if not put it directly into the hole. His shots close to the hole are more like watching a hockey game than a golf event. Matt holds his iron tight and drags the ball to the hole. So, Tiger Woods you don't have to worry about any of your records being broken by our son. However, all hockey pros watch out....this boy has pure determination. Although once Matt sees a Zamboni, he may decide he just wants to drive around the ice arena.

A Little Adjusting

This week was the first full week of school for Emily. She has been doing really well in transitioning to the new school, teacher and class...or, so I thought. On Wednesday morning while walking down to school, Emily said she was wanting to see her teacher. I asked her if she liked Ms. Palummerie and she said "she's okay". I said I thought she really liked her because she talks about her a lot. Emily told me that she yells. I knew that what Emily considered as yelling was the teacher calling out kids on their behavior when they were not doing what they were suppose to be (I heard her talking to several kids parents after school regarding focus issues). I asked Emily if she ever "yelled" at her and she said "No, she yells at Christopher". I told Emily she needs to encourage him to do his work. As we kept walking, she asked if I could get her before I get Matt and I said that she goes to school till 3 and that I would pick her up then. She got in her class line and seemed okay. I talked to the teacher after school and she said Emily was perfectly fine that day. I explained the conversation we had on the way to school. I mentioned the yelling and we clarified to Emily that the "yelling" is only directed at the kids not doing their work. The teacher also mentioned that several kids in the class were sent home sick so they were leaving early from class, she thought that may be why Emily wanted to leave early. Ms. Palumerie also told me that did she not have an IEP in hand for Emily she wouldn't even know that she needed one based on what she has seen so far - that was encouraging to hear. All seemed well with the world until the next morning. We were walking from the car to school and Emily asked again if I could get her early and I asked her why to which she told me she didn't want to go to school today. I asked her again why, she said something to the effect that she didn't want to work. I told her going to school was important so she can learn. She told me she missed me and I told her maybe we could put a picture in her backpack so she could look at it when she missed me. She said okay but as we kept walking her face got poutier. As we got in the gate, I asked for a kiss and saw a tear in her eye, I asked why she was crying and she didn't really answer. I reassured her again that school would be fun and that I would be there to pick her up. I watched her go into school and the look on her face was not a happy one. After school, I asked how she was and the teacher said she noticed Emily was "off" in the morning. She usually comes in very happy and ready to work. The teacher told me though that at lunch she was crying "hysterically" per another worker. Ms. Palummerie took Emily aside and asked her why she was crying and Emily told her that the student patrol girl wasn't there. Her teacher explained that the girl was out sick. Emily then told her she missed me. Her teacher told me that she told Emily we can miss our moms in first grade but we don't need to cry. She told her that mom and dad send her to school to learn and that I'll be there to pick her up at the end of the day. According to her teacher, after their talk, Emily was her old self the rest of the day. We spoke to Emily together and her teacher agreed to let her put a picture of us in her folder that she could look at if she was missing me but it was their little secret that it is in there. At home, Emily and I had a good talk about what happened and she was ready to go to school the next day. Her day today was excellent and she was back to her old self...even telling me on the walk to school - there is no reason for crying. I really like how her teacher handled the situation. She is firm and factual but kind......something Emily needs. This is the exact reason we wanted Emily to repeat 1st grade in general ed. So, she can adjust to the true dynamics and situations that arise in the classroom and at the same time adjust to the "true" workload of general ed 1st grade curriculum. We are really proud of how well she has done so far and only one real "meltdown" so far is great considering all the changes she has encountered. Keep up the good work Emily!

The Police by Matt Wessel

This week Matt has had many encounters with the local police - not in the way you think - he is only 4! The kids school usually has a local police officer stationed with the crossing guard when school is dismissed. Each day has led to some interesting "conversations" he has had with the policeman on duty. So, the first day he saw one Matt went up, extended his hand for a shake (mind you he shakes with the same hand that he sucks his thumb) and said hello. Day two - as we were walking to the school to get Emily, I pointed out the police car and the policeman talking to another man. Matt walked up to the policeman extended his hand (wet thumb included) and as he was shaking his hand said "nice police hat". I think the policeman was thrown off by the comment....how many kids acknowledge a hat. As the policeman turned to look at his hat in hand, Matt said "that's a big gun". The policeman, the other gentleman and myself chuckled at the comment. Before we could make any verbal comments, Matt said a matter of fact "goodbye" and started walking toward the school. Day three - while walking in the crosswalk toward the school, Matt walked to the policeman, who was directing the children, his hand extended said "hello" and then "you've got a gun". Yes, that was the end of Matt's conversation with him. Does anyone else notice a theme developing of Matt checking out the policeman's guns. Day four - while walking with Emily back to the car, Matt notices a police car and points at it. As we near the car, the policeman puts his window down, Emily goes to the window and asks the policeman, "did you catch any bad guys today?" The policeman chuckled and said "I actually did this morning". Matt was listening in and then said "cool back seat". I laughed and told Matt that is not the seat you want to be in, that is where the bad guys go - he said "oh" and walked on toward our car. Today, we didn't see any police officers at school but we did see one assisting a utility truck. When the officer got out of the car I heard Matt in the backseat say, "its a grandpa policeman". Why a grandpa you ask? The police officer had grey hair. Matt fascination with the police has led to some pretty funny comments. He did tell me the other day that he is going to be a policeman when he grows up so I guess he is doing his "research" early.

Is that Our Emily

When I take pictures of the kids, I'm always thinking of how I can use them for a future scrapbook page - thinking about but not necessarily "seeing" the picture. This is from our vacation to Williamsburg. It wasn't until I "saw" the picture that I was hit by the fact of how "grown-up" Emily is. Yes, I know she is only 7 years old but where did my baby/toddler/preschooler go - this can't be her. But it is her - reality has struck and Emily has already started with the "attitude" (sometimes good, sometimes not) of an older child proving to me she is growing up. So many times I get caught up in our day to day activities that I don't realize the time that has gone by - example Christmas is in just 3 months. Didn't we just start summer? I hear the comment made by parents so often that time goes by fast so enjoy your kids and I agree with them without really thinking about it. Then, pictures like these come along and prove that fact to me like a slap in the face.....my kids are no longer babies, no longer toddlers and Matthew, the youngest, is on the cusp of "leaving" his preschool years. I can't stop time and don't really want to but I think I'll "look" and really "see" some more pictures as I take them in the future and enjoy my kids. Emily you are such a sweet girl and I enjoy watching you grown. Love You!

Climbing the wall...literally

I've told you that Matt has recently made real strides in overcoming fears and doing the daring. Well, here we are again. The one local park has a small climbing wall. Matt took a little time before he decided to even venture over to the wall but once he did he was all over it. He had a few "slips" with his feet but that was due to wearing crocs - not a "good" shoe for the task - while climbing. Matt was so proud of his accomplishment he made me take photos of him climbing every section of the wall and getting to the top....I spared you with just 2 pictures. Great job Matt....keep being adventurous.

Down The Fire Pole

Matt was thrilled on our recent trip to Pehle Park in Saddle Brook when he realized that the playground has its very own "fire pole". He didn't notice the pole until Emily went down it first while playing with another girl at the park. Once he saw it though, it was over......"fire pole here I come." I'm always amazed by the changes that occur in the kids when it comes to new tasks and accomplishments, I don't think last year Matt would have had the "nerve" to lean out onto that pole all by himself. The "fire pole" kept him occupied for a while, until he realized he could climb the rock wall. Great job, firefighter Matt.

First Day of School

It is hard to believe that the kids have started school. This is the first year our school district has started school prior to the Labor Day holiday. It was little unusual getting ready for school in that we just returned home from our last family vacation in Williamsburg, VA the evening before school started. So, we had no days of "hype" leading up to it. Emily was still a little unsure about the school because of not having been there in 2 years and not having met her teacher (she lnew her name only). Matt was ready to go....what a change in attitude from going to his preschool. Dave was off from work their first day so we both took them to school. Emily met her teacher, Ms. Palummieri, who I must say is absolutely gorgeous - model material. Emily already gave her a Littlest Pet Shop frog on the first day. We went up to Matt's classroom with him but he was ready to go without us. He was picked up at 10:45. He is already charming his teacher, who he knew from Emily at PreK 4. He told her when she said she would put his thermos in his lunch bag, "you are such a good teacher". Emily we picked up at 1:05. She was not so forthcoming on her day. I asked her if she had a good day she said "it was okay" and when I asked if she liked her teacher she said "she's okay". We took the kids to their favorite restaurant, Charlie Browns, for a celebratory lunch. All in all it was a great first 1/2 day of school. Here is to a great school year!

Cooking with the "Best Cooker"

Prior to our trip to Chicago, Matt's interest in cooking was peaking. We were spending a lot of nights baking cookies thanks to the assistance of Betty Crocker. Well, the first night in Chicago, Aunt Lori let Matt help her make dinner. He was in his glory. He was more than willing to help and of course it didn't hurt that broccoli was part of the menu...his favorite veggie. Matt helped Aunt Lori cook several times during our visit (another story to follow) and bake cookies too. When we got home, he was helping me make something and in the middle of our work he said "Aunt Lori is the best cooker". My ego took a small beating but I was happy that he remembered his special cooking time Aunt Lori......I got beat out by great company.....good thing I love her and she is my best friend, otherwise I'd have to have a little corrective talk with my boy. So, here is to you Aunt Lori...the best cooker!