Our Little Artist

Yesterday Emily came home with a grouping of the art she has been doing at school.

I was shocked when I saw this tree picture. It is so good with great detail. It appears that they did it first in pencil and then went over it with pen.

Emily loves doing her "flowerscapes". I asked her if here at home she would take the time to finish coloring the flowers so that we can frame it and put it up.

Art is definitely an area we need to focus on with her.

Making Dinner

Tonight I made another new dish I found through the sight Pinterest. I love Pinterest in that it has become my virtual cookbook. One of the websites I've found with some great lower fat recipes for some classics is Skinnytaste.com. This is a picture of the Skinny Salisbury Steak I made for tonight's dinner. Everyone loved it so it will become part of my menu rotation. I must keep cooking when Dave goes back to work - it is my resolution!!! :)

Report Card Day

Today was report card day. Every few weeks we receive a folder of all the tests the kids have taken during the term so we knew there were a few tests that were a little low (C's) but not enough to make a huge dent in their overall grades. Emily was still nervous when she handed the envelope to me. We told her not to be concerned that we've seen the work and if she did her best that was all we expected.

Well.........both kids got A's in all subjects except Math which they got B's in. Wonderful grades!!!

The kids worked hard and we are very pleased with all the effort they put into these grades.

Emily has leveled off in all of her work. She is doing well in math and reading (her two toughest subjects) but she excels in Social Studies and Science. Matthew has been doing very well in all his subjects but recently he has been struggling in math....we are not quite sure why. His teacher says he knows the material in class even will help others but when it comes to test time he loses focus and looks like he has no clue on the material. We will be keeping an eye on him. He has made mention that it is getting harder and we have told him that it will but that he needs to focus.

It was a great 2nd term and now on to the 3rd. Great job Emily and Matt, we are so very proud of your accomplishments.

A Change of Venue

I've been thinking of different things to do with the kids during their upcoming summer break and one thing I decided is that we would visit our local library one day a week. I haven't taken the kids since they were little and Emily has been asking to go for a while now.

Yesterday on our way home from church, I told them of my idea and asked what day they would want to do this and they said Monday. A little further down the road, they said as if a light bulb went off in their heads at the same time that tomorrow is Monday so we get to go to the library. I took the time to explain that in order for us to do that we would need to do their homework first then look for books. I have to say I was a little nervous about this just hoping that the quiet of the library would get them to work quickly and quietly - this is not always the case at home. Dave still is home so he was able to come along too!

The kids sat down and started without any complaining, moaning or groaning. It was wonderful. Matt finished first and Dave helped him search out some fire related books. :) After a little longer, Emily finished her work and searched out some books.

Dave and I were so pleased with how well and quickly homework went we're thinking this may be the place to head to after school. Due to Emily having tutoring on Monday and Tuesday, we would get there a little later but it went so well I am willing to try this again.

Matthew got his first library card, Emily has had her card for a while now. The only "trick" now is going to be keeping the library books in one area so we don't loose them in the kids other books - mainly Matt's, he got 7 books. Emily will remember the 2 she got. We've made a little place on the bench in the living room where the books must go back to until I can figure something out. All in all a change of venue was a wonderful success. Thank you Lodi Library!!!

Fast Feet!!

Matt came out of his room yesterday afternoon with not wings on his feet but Hess trucks. Too funny!!! With a smile on my face, all I could think was please do not let those trucks come out from under his feet and send him into flight. He only made it - very slowly - from his doorway to the door of the basement. I think it was such a slow go that he just gave up. I don't think he will be relying on that mode of "transportation" any time soon and that pleases me because all I could see is a trip to the ER in our future. :)

Officer Rick

Matt has become a huge fan of SWAT - the original series. He just can't get enough and Dave is more than happy to oblige him in producing more episode for him to watch. The other morning he came out of his room with his hat, badge, night stick (it is stuck in the back of his pants) and plastic gun (in the back with the night stick). The first thing out of his mouth was "Call me Officer Rick". I said, "Officer Rick?" He told me "Yes" that when he is dressed like this he is not Matthew anymore he is Officer Rick. So now all of you know, when you see Matt dressed this way don't call him Matthew.....it is Officer Rick. You gotta love his commitment!!

Emily Hits the Slopes

Today was Emily's date with Dave and they went skiing. Dave has been wanting to get one of the kids skiing for a long time and it finally happened. He took her to Camp Gaw which is about 30 minutes from us. She was able to have a lesson first. Dave said there were just 3 in the lesson and the couple that was with Emily left about 15 mins. before it was over, so she got 15 mins. of private lesson. She was thrilled that her instructor's name was Matt. Dave said she did really well and they were able to make a few runs together. She had no poles....apparently you don't get them until you've mastered being able to balance on the skis first.

She had a really great time and says she wants to go back. I think Dave's got his ski partner. Way to go Emily!!!

My Day Date with Matt

Today, Dave and I split our time between the kids. My "date" was with Matt. We were suppose to go out to breakfast but I didn't get up early enough and he decided to eat breakfast here at home. After Dave & Emily left for their day together, Matt told me we were not going anywhere and that we would stay in our pajamas. After a little time playing with his toys, we played the games "Green Eggs and Ham" and "Guess Who". Then we put together his train puzzle - okay, I put 98% of it together. After that, we made cookies and had lunch. I was shocked when Matt said he wanted an egg.....I asked him if he meant a toad in the hole and he said no...just an egg. So, I did an over-easy egg and the kid ate the whole thing - WOW!!! Matt wanted to watch some SWAT but I was kind of watching "You've Got Mail" so we went our separate ways for a while. All in all we had a great day date!! I love that he is my homebody!!

Yummy!!!

On Thursday, Dave and I went out for a lunch date. It will probably be our last for a while as his new consulting assignment will be starting soon. We went to Englewood and ate at a restaurant named Hummus. It was so very yummy!!! Hummus, falafel, roasted eggplant and quoina/cucumber salad.

One of the BEST things about Englewood is that they have my absolute favorite cupcake store there - Cupcakes by Carousel. They have the BEST!! Yes, I said BEST! Red Velvet cupcake. This is the place where I get my birthday cupcake. Of course, I've learned to get two red velvet cupcakes because the last two times I've gotten one Emily has always asked for a bite....well, no more sharing!! She can have her very own.

It was a wonderful lunch date and I loved my cupcake treat!!!

Like Father Like Son

Dave definitely has had an influence on Matt's interests. Recently Dave "introduced" Matt to the original TV show "SWAT". I believe it started with minisodes that we get through a program on our television. Dave decided to take it a step further and has been getting the Season Episodes sent to us through Netflix to watch with Matt. Well, Matt is soooooo hooked. He is constantly asking Dave, "can we watch SWAT tonight?" It is so nice to see the boys bonding and enjoying things together. The funny thing is if you ask Matt about SWAT he could probably tell you some facts and repeat a whole episode to you......he is that "into it".

It Took Only One Day!

You do notice where Matt's football clock is right. The first night it was on his dresser. The next night, when we came to tuck him into bed, we found that he had placed it on his little stool next to his bed. Oh boy!!!! How soon will he figure out the snooze button?

Well, the next morning Matt was so anxious about the alarm going off he woke up before it went off. He was very concerned so we had to explain what time it was set for and that it would still go off.....which it did.

The clock's new home is right where you see it. Oh and the next morning he did sleep until it went off and he did figure out the snooze button because he wasn't "ready" to get up when it went off.

Last night we told him he didn't have to set the alarm because it Saturday and he gets to sleep in......Matt insisted that it be set to go off....so at 7:35 his alarm chimed.

I'm not so sure if this alarm clock is a good or bad thing......we'll have to live with it a little longer to figure that out.

Wow.....I am on a roll!!!!

It is the 25th of January and this is my 24th post on the blog for this month. What is happening? LOL!!!

I'm a little shocked that I have had enough material to get this many posts on here but then again why am I shocked? I have two kids that are constantly in motion so that should provide enough material in itself.

Maybe too it is that I've come to realize that this blog is becoming our family scrapbook. Oh how I want to scrapbook again but time always seems to be against me. I have to go with what comes easy and what that seems to be easy right now is this blog.

So, I hope you are enjoying the stories being told and the memories we are sharing. :)

Time to Wake Up

If you know Matt, you know he is our sleeper. Emily can go to bed late and still be up before 7 (very few times does she "sleep in"). Matt is the exact opposite. The later he goes to bed the harder it is for him to get up in the morning.

Matt loves to be able to play for a while before school and lately that hasn't been happening because he wants to continue sleeping even after we've gone in to wake him up. Granted we never let him sleep too late so that he is late for school.

Recently he told us he was upset because he gets no time to play in the morning and we told him you need to get up earlier. I told him if he went to bed earlier (he is usually in at 9) it would be easier for him to get up. He told me, "I need an alarm clock" - so much for the earlier to bed idea.

We wanted to get him the LEGO block clock but couldn't find it at any of the retail stores. Yesterday on the way home from school, Matt told Dave he needs the alarm clock. So, after homework and dinner, Dave took the kids to ToysRUs - the one place that does carry them. To my surprise, Matt didn't get the LEGO clock but this football clock. Matt has football on the brain - he loves the Giants and is in football craziness right now - hence, the football clock.

Last night before bed, he asked several times if his alarm was set.

This morning at 7:35 the alarm went off and Dave and I were peaking to see what Matt would do. After two stretches and a big sigh, Matt got out of his bed and turned off his alarm and surprise of all surprises he came out of his room. No going back into bed. He did tell us "my eyes still can't open all the way" so we told him to go sit on the couch and watch some TV with Emily (who had already been up since 7) until his French toast sticks were ready.

The best part was that after breakfast and getting ready for school Matt had time to play and that made going to school so much easier.

Who knew that a 6 year old would be so good at getting up with an alarm? Okay, we do have to see what tomorrow brings and if he learns about the snooze button or moving the clock closer to his bed so he can just hit the snooze and go back to sleep. But I am pretty happy with this small success.

Gone in One Night

As quickly as the snow Matt predicted came, it went. On the early evening of the 23rd, the rain started to come and by morning this is what was left - just a few very small patches. The weather yesterday was in the 50's so it is safe to say that snow is officially gone.

I have to say it has been a very mild winter so far. We had our freak snow storm at the end of October and this snow was the first we've seen this year. Complaining? I am not. Although snow is good for many fun things, I don't really enjoy driving in it and shoveling has lost its attraction. My main reason for liking snow is that Emily and Matt enjoy playing in it....other than that I can leave it. :)

I have to make sure I ask Matt if he is predicting any more snow. Maybe if we don't use our snow days for school the kids will get out earlier. Now that would be awesome!!!

Happy New Year!!!

We continued our Chinese New Year celebration appropriately by having steamed dumplings, crunchy noodles with duck sauce and Sushi (okay, more Japanese) for dinner. Matt suggested we eat this for dinner after all these are his "favorites". We also ate mini meatloaves - I prepped them for dinner on Saturday but it didn't work that night or yesterday so it made it to the table today.

The best part - Matt took up his post again after dinner washing the dishes. I didn't even have to ask.....he just said "I'm doing the dishes". LOVE that boy!!!

Happy New Year!!

So Proud!!!

This year Emily had to do her first "official" book report. Today we received her test folder and there inside was her book report.....we've been wondering how she did. Well let this proud mother have her moment and say "she did awesome". Emily got 24 out of 24 points that is a 100/A+.

Emily is most proud of the pictures she drew: the cover and the setting. She told us everyone loved the 54 dresses she drew.

Great job Emily!!! Keep up the good work!!

Oh and according to Emily report cards are coming on Friday. We'll have to see how she did, she says she is a little worried but we see all the test and all have been A's, B's and 1 C, so I think she had another good term. She is definitely adjusting to 3rd grade well!!

Technically Correct!

Today was the day that Matt predicted there would be snow. Well, technically he was correct because the snow that fell on Saturday was still here today. According to the weather forecast, we were to have rain which would melt the snow but the rain didn't start until much later this afternoon, so the snow was here for most of the day. We will see how much is left in the morning. I do think in the future we will be consulting Matt on his weather predictions.

Chinese New Year Decorations

This year we decided we would celebrate Chinese New Year so I pulled out my craft supplies and got busy. The paper lanterns were made on Friday and hung last night.

Another addition to our decorations was a LEGO Chinese dragon that Dave and Matthew made. Matt was so thrilled with it he even took it too school today.

We Got Our Snow

Earlier in the month Matt kept telling Dave and I that it was going to snow on the 23rd. We kept watching the forecast to see if he would be correct. Well, he was off by 2 days. Early Saturday morning (3 a.m.) it started to snow and it was a welcome "small" amount. Enough for the kids to play in but not too much to shovel or inconvenient. It also helped that the snow came over the weekend when life is a little less busy.

The day was cold. Matt is not fond of the cold so he wasn't out too long. I knew it was cold though when a short time after Matt came in Emily followed....she is our snow bunny.

The kids had fun though and Matt did get snow just not on the day he predicted.

What Dishwasher?

Yes, we have a dishwasher....but this week Matt has decided that he "needs" to wash dishes as his "job". I surely haven't stood in his way. I have made sure that certain items (like knives) are never a part of the "washing". To be honest, I believe his fascination with washing the dishes comes from the fact that he pretends that the water sprayer is his fire hose. Hey, anything that works, works or me. Now I will go ahead and rewash the dishes but not until after Matt goes to bed.....need to make sure that everything is truly clean. I don't want to dampen his spirit of helping by letting him think it isn't good enough....after all he is only 6 so I can't expect perfection when it comes to the job done. I am just pleased that he wants to help with keeping our house a home.

If you know Emily.....

If you know Emily then you know how much she loves cheesecake. Well she was thrilled on Monday when Dave got all the ingredients needed to make a Maple Cheesecake that we got a mix for while on our family vacation to Vermont. Dave had Emily read the recipe and confirm all the amounts on the ingredients. Matt came up for a brief moment to check on the progress but wasn't really into helping..... he is not a big fan of cheesecake.

Oh and I have to tell you they made their own graham cracker crust. Dave got a recipe off the Internet.....he told me the sight All Recipe "is a great sight" .....how cute!! Dave has become quite domestic during his time home.

They loved making the dessert and truly enjoyed sampling it!! :)

Ahh...the smell of cookies

The kids have really gotten into baking as of late. On this particular night, Dave and the kids made the best smelling and tasting Molasses cookies. I love watching and listening to them work together.

Crafting....Ahhhhhhh!!!

This week has been on the "quieter" side which is nice but I have to say I tend to lose motivation on these kinds of weeks.

I did however take some time today to make some additional Post It holders for around the house. I made a 7x5 one for my crafting desk. You'll notice it says KEEP CALM AND CRAFT. :) There was one (a 4x6) made for the fridge for those last minute grocery needs. Of course, I couldn't leave out the family phone area so I made a 6x4 one for there. Now I never have to look for a piece of paper to write on......I just have to find a pen! :)

BREAKFAST!!!

Most morning we do quick breakfasts. Emily usually has cereal and Matt a Poptart but every now and then I get up with a little extra time to cook their favorites.

Emily loves French toast sticks. No, I do not make them from scratch it is from a box but warmed in the oven, which takes time to preheat......the cooking not so long - 3 mins per side.

Matt has become a huge fan of Toad in the Hole. He first eats the cheese that I melt over the top, then pokes and eats the yolk and finally the bread and egg white. I never thought he would eat an egg let alone the yolk first.

You will notice the array of books around Matt's eating area. The boy comes out of his room with an armful of books each morning to read while having his morning meal. I hope as he get older his love of wanting to read continues.

Reading Night

We have been trying to promote more reading in our home especially now that Matt has become a true reader. The other night the kids had very light homework, so we told them that after dinner they would take showers and then it was "reading time" for 30 minutes. To be good examples, Dave and I both did our own reading. Here is a picture of our reading materials....I think you can tell who read what. :)

The kids are also reading for school in order to get tickets for Six Flags.....it is a good incentive.

After reading, we did some Bible trivia with Emily and Matt. The part they both loved most was the Bible jokes. Here is one for you, "Why on the ark did Noah not catch fish for dinner for his family? Because he only had two worms."

A Little Paint Makes a Big Change

I love how a little paint can make a big change for me. We had quite a bit of this brown paint left over from painting the walls that flank our fireplace and I just didn't want it to be wasted, so my brain went into overdrive.

The walls of the stairs heading down to the basement did not get painted when we did the remodel and remained the dingy white color they have been for years. Let me tell you I was tired of cleaning those walls from grubby hands touching them. Lightbulb moment!!! A darker paint would hide the mess and I could use the the extra paint.

Normally I would do the painting but seeing Dave is home.....I put it on his "honey do" list. He did an excellent job and the outcome is superb.

Kitchen "Art"

The one thing that I am being drawn to lately are quotes and subway art. On a recent trip to Hobby Lobby (the closest store is an hour+ from my house), I found this amazing piece entitled "Kitchen" which lists food related words. When I saw it, I knew exactly where it would go in the kitchen.....the best part is it cost only $20. As much as I love "art", I am not the one who hangs the "art". So, I placed that task on Dave's "Honey Do" list and it was completed. I think it adds a little bit of flavor to the kitchen!! :)

Where is Matt?

Lately we've had moments where we have been looking for Matt and couldn't find him. Well, we found his "perch". Do you see it? Do you see the feet at the bottom of the curtain. Yes, that is Matt. He has been spending moments on his perch looking outside. We all need a place of our own and I guess this is Matt's. The good thing is that his room is on the first floor or I think I would have had a heart attack the first time I found him in the window. Not that I really want him to fall out but if he insists on climbing into his perch at least it isn't a big drop.

It was funny because the day I took these pictures it reminded me of the time when I was little and climbed up on the radiator in our bedroom to look out the high window at the Monte's house. Well, that little climb cost me a trip to the ER and I believe my first stitches. I told that story to Matt and guess what......he still climbs into his perch.

A Hundred Dresses

This school term Emily was required to read the book "A Hundred Dresses" complete two study guides and a book report. One of the book report requirements was to make a picture cover for the report and draw a picture of the setting. Well, if you know Emily, you know this part was her favorite.

She loved making her cover of dresses.....yes, she drew each one. The setting picture is of the classroom where most of the story takes place.

When I see drawings like these, it makes me want to enroll Emily is some form of art class. After all she wants to live in Paris, France and what better career to have in Paris but that of an artist. :)