School Project x's 2

Wanted Poster

The end of February ushered us into the month of school projects for Emily and Matthew.

Both kid's projects were based on books they were reading. Matthew's 3rd grade class was collectively reading Charlotte's Web while Emily's 5th grade class was able to select a book of their choosing from the school library. Her book was "Asking for Trouble" written by Sandra Bryd. 

For Matthew's project, he was to choose a favorite scene from the book and depict it in a diorama. Emily was given a menu of project options. She needed to choose from the Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dessert menu - 3 creative projects and one style of class report. I have to say she was very excited about her choices - a wanted poster, brochure, game board and a paper bag oral report. Dave and I were very pleased that she chose items that would use her drawing abilities. Although I do have to say in the final week, I was panicking a bit about the board game selection. Of course, that was the item Emily was most excited to do. Thankfully being a crafter we had most of the supplies needed for both their projects on hand.

The completed "Wanted" poster

Okay, being a parent who loves crafting is helpful but is also a bit of a curse because I need to curb my desire to help. Now this is easy with Emily....she has the crafting gene. Matt on the other hand is not so much a man of ideas or detail. So, to keep myself sane during this two child school project "season" I let Dave help Matt with his diorama and I assisted Emily where needed. 

Matt chose as his favorite scene the time when the Zuckerman's cleaned Wilbur with buttermilk. The shoe box was painted a nice "barn" red with a black roof placed on top. Fences, felt ground, Timothy hay, plastic animals, small accessories and stick people completed his scene. As you can see, Matt was very pleased with his project. 

Even though Matt's project was completed quickly, Emily still had two more main projects to finish. One thing we've learned with both kids is the importance of having them do rough drafts of their ideas before even attempting a final copy. This also includes all the written information that will be on the project. Emily's brochure was for the academy that her main character attends.  I have to say this was my favorite project she did.

The front of her brochure

Front and inner flap

Full inner portion of brochure

Back flap

The most daunting, in my opinion, of the projects was saved for last - the board game. From day one, Emily knew she wanted it to be fashioned after the game Monopoly. After we mapped out the board and determined the amount of squares, Emily took her book and found positive and negative happenings that she would write in each square. Of course, Emily gave the extra detail of a small coordinating picture to most of the squares. What an amazing job she did and it was completed a day before it was due! 

Emily's game board

It was amazing to see the projects they produced but it was even more special to see them displayed along with all the students projects the night of the school's open house.

Emily's project display

Matt's diorama display

So pleased with all their dedication and hard work - it definitely showed in the final product! 

As always, thanks for stopping by!  

Easter and "The Jesus Story"

For the last 3 Easter seasons, our family has been involved in our church's production of "The Jesus Story" - a play showing the ministry, death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Although the involvement has been primarily on the part of Dave and myself, this year Emily decided to take a part in the ministry too. 

I'm not a forefront person when it comes to these type of productions. I prefer to be in the background. So, my "position" has been in the area of backstage small props. Of course, it only seemed natural to have Emily join us as a part of that crew. Although very willing to help in small props, after the second performance of the play, Emily told me that next year she did not want to be backstage but out on  stage as a part of the crowd. I was in no way disappointed with her desire to go from backstage to on stage but I admit I was surprised.

Other than school programs, where the kids practice during school time, Emily has shown no desire to be a part of any program. Her last "formal" program was a Christmas program at our church, and although she enjoyed being in it, she told me she wouldn't be doing it again because there are just too many practices. I've learned with Emily not to push her. When it comes to sports, programs, activities, we've always been of the thinking to have the kids try it once  and then let them make the decision regarding the next time. So, yes, I was suprised at her declaration of wanting to be "in" the play next year.  And, yes, I did inform her that it would involve practices she would need to attend. 

As the following week of performances occurred, Emily continued to tell me of her plans for next year. Our last two performance were going to be the next Thursday and Good Friday. When I was cleaning up from our perfomance the Sunday prior, Emily came running to me all excited saying she was going to be in the play. Of course, I said "next year" because I've only heard her tell me this now a thousand times. She replied "no, Good Friday". I was like "what?" Well, Emily expressed her desire to a dear friend who knowing Emily saw how much she wanted to be a part of the crowd and was going to see about making it happen this year. What was supposed to be a possible Friday performance turned into Thursday and Friday performances and let me tell you Emily was over the moon. 

Of course, she asked me a million questions about details before that first performance but once she was in that make-up chair she was no longer thinking about me. 

Thankfully she had friends who were already in the play that could guide her throughout the scenes she was invloved in. I can't tell you how much my heart swelled when I caught my first glimpse of her from the sidestage. This is my girl! She is a part of a huge ministry telling the Good News of Jesus. There is nothing like that moment when a parent sees their child serving their Savior. 

Well, Emily loved being a part of the onstage crowd and is making plans for next year and just so you know she is "okay" with all the practices she will have to be a part of. 

It is so amazing to be a part of a ministry for the furthering of the Kingdom of God but it is even more amazing when your children desire to be a part of it too. Matthew did his part selling DVD's of one of this season's early performances. 

Of course, the biggest "thank you" goes to Emily's Aunt Debbie (my sister friend) who saw the desire and excitement of a young lady and did what she could to make her desire a reality! 

Our little girl has come so far and nothing makes it more special than seeing her want to walk the path that God has for her. 

This Easter season has meant so much with the growing of our kid's in their faith. Our prayer is that God will continue to touch their hearts and move them in the direction He desires for them. 

As always, thanks for stopping by! 

2nd Quarter in the Books

It is hard to believe that the 2nd quarter of school has been completed and report cards have come home.

Once again,  Emily and Matthew's hard work has paid off resulting in both of them achieving the highest academic honor of Principal's List. 

I always find these posts a little hard to write because I don't want to come off as a bragging parent, but I also want to showcase the hard work the kid's have put into their academics. 

Emily has had to really learn to juggle academics and sports this quarter. Although she participated in soccer, those practices and games seemed to be done by 6. This was not the case for basketball. In addition to the sports factor, a few subjects have been focusing on developing new skills (especially in math) which has required more time and effort on her part. I have to say Emily found a real groove through the month of December but when Christmas break occurred followed by several weeks where there were scheduled days off and snow days, she lost her focus and the last two weeks of the quarter made that apparent. Thankfully her earlier commitment kept her overall grade average very high. 

Although the new academic quarter has started, Emily has a few weeks to get back into her "groove" before volleyball starts. Volleyball is the sport she has really wanted to play. However, she has been advised by us that she needs to prove her focus and ability to handle a full schedule are in place in order to be allowed to play. Yes, it may seem a little harsh but that is how we do it here in the Wessel home. 

Matthew also has had a great quarter. One subject we've learned that he truly loves is history. Math he has little trouble with and grasps new concepts very easily but he will tell you it is "not my favorite". The only issue we really had to deal with is his lack of wanting to do homework. Yes, this included much whining and complaining but the consequence of 15 minutes taken off his weekend Xbox play time for every time he is caught complaining has help changed that. He still doesn't "desire" to do it but he keeps those thoughts to himself. 

So here we go another quarter and half the school year is in the books. 

I would ask that you continue to pray for Emily and Matt as they continue in their studies and for Dave and I as we give them the support they need to do their personal best. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Cookies Anyone?

What do you do on a snowy day when the kids are home from school, besides stay in your pajamas all day? You bake cookies, lots and lots of cookies.

With Emily getting older and telling me so all the time, I want her to start participating regularly in domestic tasks around our home which will ultimately train her for her future home and family. When I told her we were going to bake cookies, but that I was only going to supervise and she was to do the  majority of the work, she was very excited. Now, I'm going to be completely honest and confess that all of the cookies were made with mixes from my good friend Betty Crocker. 

Matt, of course, did not want to be left out from the action and contributed in his own way. He did help pour in one of the ingredients needed for the first batch of cookies but found his "job" when we removed the mixer from its stand. Matt did clean up!

First cookies up, molasses. My personal favorites!

Next, peanut butter cookies with mini m&m's. Another yummy favorite!

Our final cookie was key lime with key lime frosting. We were trying to bring the taste of summer to this very cold, snowy, winter day.

One of the reasons I planned to bake cookies today is that I wanted to give some as a "thank you" to our neighbor. Last night, he came over around 10 p.m. and plowed our sidewalks and driveway.

This task became a good teaching lesson for Emily and Matt. You see I want them to learn that when someone does something for you, especially something unexpected and so very helpful that you can just say "thank you" but doing something as small as baking cookies makes the "thank you" even more special. 

Emily was very proud of the work she had done baking today and is already wondering when her next baking day will be. What made me even happier was that she was excited that the cookies were going to be given to our neighbor to say "thank you". Lesson learned.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Hard Work Pays Off

This is the second year Emily and Matt are attending Hackensack Christian School. 

Last year went well for their first year in a new school and we were very pleased with their academic performances. We did know going into this year it would be a whole new ball game.

Matthew is now in 3rd grade (hard to believe) where the work is getting harder and more detailed. This year he has started learning "true" American History. I was somewhat concerned on how he would take to it but let me tell you he LOVES it. Every day he tells me more and more facts he is learning about the characters from history - Squanto, Miles Standish, William Penn, George Washington, etc. He loves imparting his new knowledge on me even when he isn't studying. His easiest subject but not his most favorite is math. Clearly he has his dad's mathematical mind. Matt's report card showed he is doing extremely well earning him a place on the school's "Principal's List" (their highest academic achievement list). The funniest part is that his lowest grade was in PE. What can I say he is not a "gym" kid.

Emily has now started 5th grade. This year the 4th, 5th and 6th grade teachers are teaching their strength subjects for the 3 grades and the kids are changing classes accordingly. Emily surprised us from the onset taking very easily to this system and the teacher's different teaching styles. This year we are having her work more independently. Although we help her with questions she has on homework, we do not correct her work before it is turned in allowing her teachers to see the areas in which she struggles. Dave and I do help her with studying for quizzes and tests and have helped her develop a few systems, especially in history, that help her retain large chunks of material when it comes to the  comprehensive chapter tests. We also recognize the fact that because she does struggle on the larger comprehensive tests that that grade may not be as high as her quizzes and that is okay. Our feeling is that if we see and know that she has worked hard the grade she receives will truly reflects her knowledge.....we also know when she does not put effort or time into her work and for that she does have consequences. As parents of a child with learning issues, we find that each year we are learning more about how to help Emily by being involved in some area, staying out of others but always being firm and keeping her informed on her progress. This year we are really striving to get her to understand her need to study over the course of a few days and not just the day before. We also do not allow her needs to be an excuse for not trying or lack of effort. Being in tune with her abilities allows us to be able to work with her to be successful no matter what letter grade is earned. As parents, we know when a lower grade is hard earned and when it is a lack of effort.  

Now Emily did start school sports this year and because we knew this would help her socially, we decided to be a little more lenient on our overall "grade" expectations. When she started soccer, we told her we were looking for B's. Knowing the work of 5th grade, the time for practice and games and the time left over for school work we didn't think this was unreasonable. We also thought it would help her to not put too much pressure on herself and enjoy both the sports and academics of school.

Emily's work this first marking period was amazing considering the addition of sports. She also earned a place on the Principal's List for her academic achievements. Now, we do realize that this may be only a first period achievement but we will continue to help her strive to achieve her best work. 

I don't want to say we are proud of our kid's for their grades, we are proud of them for all the work they have put in achieving those grades. Hard work does truly pay off!
As always, thanks for stopping by!

Last Day of School, Last Day of School

Wow! It is hard to believe I'm actually saying those words, "last day of school". It feels like we were only just celebrating Christmas and attending the kid's Christmas program. Truly, time does pass quickly as you get older. 

This year was a year of change when it came to school. The kids had been attending public school since preschool. Then, God laid it on our hearts to send them to Christian school and we laid it in His hands to allow it to happen financially. We knew that if this was where God wanted them He would provide. Once again, God has proven that when our lives and decisions are placed in His hands "that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them" (Romans 8:28 NLT). In September 2012, the kids started attending Hackensack Christian Schools.

Now, please know that it has not been an easy year, we are not promised easy! We started the year by having to have Emily reevaluated for special education services which resulted in her official classification of "autistic". When it comes to Emily's learning challenges, I'm always very honest.  When this reevaluation was being done, I was "hoping" that with all the time, effort and early intervention done on Emily's behalf that the classification would have been different. It was a selfish moment on my part, wanting to take away the challenges that will always be there in regard to her having autism. BUT I also know that God made Emily exactly the way He wanted and that she has been and will be used mightily for His glory. Also, Emily's learning challenges has made my faith in God grow and also helped me become a true advocate for my children's needs. It has also given me the opportunity to support other parent's, especially mom's, of kids with similar learning issues. This is something I never would have thought of myself doing and of course I only am equipped because of the gift of Emily. 

I have to say this is the first year in quite a while where I have been very actively involved in Emily's progress and her day to day school assignments. This is mainly due to the fact that we are attempting to "teach" Emily how to structure her time and learning as she gets into the older grades, to be more self sufficient.  This is not because we do not want to help her, but our thinking has always been that we need to train her to be able to function in society and as much as possible without us as a safety net. After all, we will not be with her at college, job interviews, career, etc. 

Emily had a first year teacher, a wonderful man, who had not experienced dealing with a special needs student on a full time basis. Thankfully with his support, the special ed services and the school principal, Emily had an academically successful year. 

As a matter of fact, all Emily's hard work and our "monitoring" assisted in Emily being awarded a trophy for "Most Improved" in the school's 4th grade class. We are so very proud of all the effort she puts forth. Emily works hard for her grades and knowing her capabilities, strengths and weaknesses we come along side her to be the most "successful" she can be.

Emily really liked school this year too!! How do we know? She also was awarded a trophy for perfect attendance. This was a first for her. I guess she really liked being at school, with her teacher and classmates, that she didn't want to miss one day.

Matt had a few challenges this year too! Of course, if you know Matt personally, you know he has no trouble socially. Academically, Matt did very well - his biggest strength being in Math and he got to participate in the school's Spelling Bee. He also really enjoyed Bible class. We are always surprised how many details he knows when we start talking about certain Bible stories and he is constantly asking us to "Bible quiz" him during dinner. They are required to learn cursive and it is taught in 2nd grade.  Matt did struggle with this at first - we spent many nights erasing and rewriting words. Within the last month of the year, his cursive/penmanship has totally transformed. When I would review his spelling words, I would have to look twice because of how amazing they looked.
Matt did struggle a little this year with the personal habit of sucking his thumb. Thankfully, his teacher worked with us in trying to implement a plan that would help him to "refrain" from this during school time. We did get him to stop but recently he has regressed a little bit. Something to work on for next year.

Matt did receive a completion of work certificate and received an "A" average in all his subjects throughout the entire year. He did not have perfect attendance but did enjoying going to school, being with his teacher and classmates. He did tell us that he is going to try and get a trophy next year. We said, "it is a good goal to set".
Emily and Matt have been re enrolled to attend Hackensack Christian School next year. Over the summer, we would appreciate it if you would pray for Emily and Matt as we do some work to prep them for 5th and 3rd grade. Please pray for their teachers as they prepare for next year. Also, pray for Dave and I, especially me, as I continue to work on behalf of the kids, especially Emily as the workload and work get harder.

For now, their uniforms are in for their final washing of the 2012-2013 school year. We are looking forward to the summer filled with fun, friends and family vacations.
Oh and on a final note, thank you to all who have prayed our kids through this past school year and for the support you have given us in making this school year happen at HCS. We are truly  grateful!

Kid's Baptism

Here is a small video of the kid's baptism on Sunday, June 9, 2013

Choices, Choices, Choices

This year has been the "birthday of choices" for Emily and Matt. 

When the kids were younger, we would do birthday parties for each of them but in recent years we've been alternating who gets the birthday party based on the age they are turning. Emily being older has changed her style of birthday party to "girls only" get togethers or sleepovers; Matt is more into event parties: Monster Golf or a trip to Monster Jam with a friend. 

As kids get older, we can all attest to the fact that their birthday present requests get more expensive.  So, choices need to start being made.

One Christmas, we purchased a Kindle for the family. In the beginning, I was using it the most for reading. Then, the kids discovered the apps for the Kindle were different from their DS's which had been keeping them content. Slowly, my Kindle reading dwindled as the kids debated over whose turn it was to use it. 

This situation created the "birth" of the "birthday of choices". The kids are currently attending a private school where their classes consist of 10 children. Taking into account their classmates and a few church and neighborhood friends, we gave the kids the option of having a birthday party, which would be their present from us, or a Kindle. We felt this would be a fair choice as both would equal the same amount of money being spent. After several explanations of it is one or the other not both and yes, they could take cupcakes in to school to celebrate their birthday's with their classmates, both kids chose to receive the Kindle. 

Emily's birthday has passed and she was ecstatic to received her Kindle.  Now, Matt is just waiting for the end of the month to receive his. Then, finally, I will be able to go back to using the "family" Kindle for reading.  

As the kids are getting older, we are trying to teach them that life is full of choices and that they need to really think about the choices that they make whether they be regarding the small day to day things or the big issues of life. This birthday choice may seem like a simple lesson but it is a start. It teaches them the value of the gift they are choosing and shows them that  it cost them one thing to get another.  

Our goal is to raise kids who weigh the choices they need to make and choose wisely being good stewards not only of their money but other's too! 

Oh and in the end, I am positive they will be happy with this year's  "birthday of choices". I know Emily is.....Matt has a little more time before his happiness arrives.  

Choosing to Be a Reflection

The month of June is special to Dave and I in that its the month our children, Emily and Matt, were born. 

Today this month became even more special in that Emily & Matt were both baptized today. "Proud" is not really the word that I think of when I reflect on their decision to make their belief and salvation through Jesus Christ public. When I think of being "proud", I think of a contribution being made to result in an outcome. Dave and I have nothing to do with their belief in Jesus as their Savior, it is all a God thing. Yes, we believe in God and Jesus as our Lord and Savior and they know this, we take them to church, we do our best to be examples of God's love and show them how to live a life that brings glory to God but when it comes down to it it is only God who can touch their hearts and bring them to Him. 

So, the word that would better describe how we are feeling today is blessed. Blessed first that God gave them to us. Do they drive us crazy sometimes? Oh yes!! But we wouldn't have it any other way. Blessed that God has touched both their hearts and they have accepted Jesus as their Savior. I have been truly blessed that God gave me the opportunity to help Matt take the steps to accept Jesus. Now, today we are blessed to have been able to watch as our children chose to make their acceptance of Jesus as their Savior and their desire to follow Him public before our church family and friends. 

It is a blessing to not only have them as our children but to have them as our brother and sister in Christ. 

Oh my 11!!!

Today is a very happy and yet eye opening day for me. Today is Emily's 11th birthday. It seems like just yesterday I was in the hospital awaiting her arrival which came at 6:40 pm.

Its funny how in the day to day of life, you don't always "see" how quickly your children are growing. The rush of getting them off to school and to activities overshadows the passing of days. But then there are those moments when the reality of time hits you right in the face. 

Now am I all that surprised she is 11 today? No! She's been asking me for months if I can believe she is turning 11, to which I always replied "yes". However, when I think of the years and events approaching within those years, I sit back in astonishment of how little time she has left to be "little". In 2 years she'll be 13, in 5 years she'll be allowed to drive, in 8 years she'll be graduating high school, in 9 heading off to college and who knows when marriage will come into the picture. Now, I am not trying to rush these years, I'm just in the frame of mind that soon she will be a young woman "on her own" and my job as the day to day mom will have ended. Yes, I am well aware motherhood never ends but the season of being needed on a daily basis will have ended and my motherly role will change.  

Even now we are entering a new season together! Emily is no longer a little girl. She is definitely a preteen who is turning into a beautiful young lady. Oh, we have our times of butting heads but thankfully God has blessed her with a sweet spirit so these times rarely happen and I'm praying it stays that way through the teen years to come.

When I think of my life, I cannot imagine it without her. God truly blessed us with our little girl. He has also challenged us through her too! If someone told me before having her, that she would experience social and educational needs, I would have panicked and wondered "how in the world do we get through this". I believe God does not give us more than we can handle. I'm also grateful that He doesn't always reveal what is coming ahead of time, because in my human insecurity I would want to turn and run, not depending on His love and goodness and sadly miss out on amazing blessings. Emily's needs have been met beyond what we could have imagined. The teacher's she has had, the case worker's, Sunday School teacher's, family friends and friends have all been placed in her life at just the right time and I know that is all a God thing. 

This past year we've seen Emily grow in her belief and faith in God. I cannot tell you how much that means to us as believers. As a matter of fact, next Sunday she along with Matt will be being baptized.

This a quote I've been waiting to put up in Emily's room and I believe now is the time as she enters this preteen stage of her life. I want her to know that not only is she precious to us even more so she is precious to God. He has an amazing plan for her life and she need only to surrender it to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As she starts her 11th year, my prayer for her is that she grows in God and continues to become an amazing young lady.
We had an amazing day today celebrating the beginning of this new year. She was happy to get her birthday present and eat her moustache birthday cake. Tomorrow starts another year and a year God has intended for her.

Happy 11th birthday, Emily!!! We love you so very much!!

Emily's Mooostache

Now, most girls do not want a moustache but Emily, she loves them!! Not on her personally but on anything else it is "awesome".

To say she is obsessed with them would be an understatement. Earlier this week we went shopping at Claires and she decided she needed a new wallet. At first, she was all set on getting a wallet with owls and a cute little saying and that was quickly tossed aside when she found this moustache one. 

Now when you talk to Emily about her newest obsession you must pronunciate it the Emily way "mooostaches". 

Tomorrow is Emily's birthday and due to other planned activities and her gift choice she is not having a birthday party. Now usually for birthdays if there isn't a party we buy a small cake that serves 4 from the local food store. In Emily's case, it would be cheesecake, her other obsession. 

This year, however, I made a minor mistake by showing Emily a cake on Pinterest that was of course a moustache. What was I thinking? Of course, that is the cake she wants. So, after not having made a birthday cake for her last 10 birthday's and Matthew's 7, I attempted to make her a moustache birthday cake.

First, I baked 2 9-inch cakes. Emily chose to have red velvet cake. Now, I'm a persnickety person when it comes to red velvet anything. For my birthday, I get a red velvet cupcake from Cupcakes by Carousel which in my opinion is the best red velvet cupcake I have ever tasted. I also love PF Chang's red velvet dessert "shot". So, making a boxed red velvet cake, let alone a cake at all is a great task for me. I do have to say it did look very good when I brought it out of the over and after it cooled it looked very moist.  

Now, I did pull up the picture/instructions for the cake when I went to cut it just so I did it correctly.

I did make it a double layered cake. The one on Pinterest was a single layer. What concerned me most was with the amount of "loose" cake crumbs because the one side is flipped over and cutting in half exposed the inner part of the cake.  This made me a little concerned about the frosting stage.

Of course, a moustache needs to be a proper color and Emily was okay with the idea that I may only be able to make a brown one.  However, when I was on my Hobby Lobby endeavor yesterday, I made sure to peruse the baking section. There it was black food color. It is made by Americolor and it is a soft gel paste. I did make sure to transfer the frosting to a metal bowl to mix in the color....could you image what a plastic bowl would look like after this.  I didn't make it too dark, I would say it is more of a dark gray, mainly because I was unsure if I would need more frosting and I didn't want to not be able to make the same color a second time. If you are looking for unusual colors for frosting, definitely look at the baking section in the craft stores. 

When I was finished,  I was very pleased. I called up Emily to check it out and when she saw it she got the biggest smile on her face....that was enough to know I did good!! Tomorrow we get to eat it and I hope it tastes as good as it looks. 

The Kids in School Project Mode

The past two weeks both kids have been in school project mode. 

Emily submitted her report on the state of Hawaii Tuesday and is finishing the second part of the assignment which is a brochure or post for the state. Of course, Emily opted for doing a poster.

Matt's class had to do research on an animal that was assigned to them from reading the book "The Mitten". His animal is the snow shoe hare. Last night, we worked on creating his diorama. Dave had him cutting and "shaving" a styrofoam evergreen tree. The projects are complete and due next Monday.  It is nice that they got them done ahead of time as this weekend is going to be particularly hectic with the beginning of our church's performances of "The Jesus Story". Saturday, I have pratice from 9-12 and then the first performance is at 4pm. Then, Sunday there is a 4 pm performance after church in the morning. Dave will also be help at these too.  As you can see, it leaves little time for project work.  

Well done kids!!!

S-P-E-L-L spells "Spell"

On Friday when coming out of his classroom, Matt handed me a paper and said "here".  Most papers come in his Friday folder, so I was curious what he was handing me. I read the title on the page "2nd grade spelling bee practice word list". Matt was one of the 2nd grade students chosen to participate in the spelling bee their school hosts.

I spoke briefly with his teacher regarding his spelling ability. I have noticed that I don't need to go over his spelling words with him for his Friday tests. The weekly work he does copying them seems to saturate his brain on how the words are spelled. Recently I've noticed him trying to spell Emily's words as I review them with her for her weekly test. As a matter of fact, sometimes we will do "quiz offs" where I give them a word and if the one can't spell it, it goes to the other. Most of the time, I give Matt the "easier" words but what surprises me is for never having studied the words he tends to spell them correctly. 

During our car ride home from school, I told him what an honor it was to be asked to be in the spelling bee and explained how one works, as he has never participated in a spelling bee. Of course, being a 7 year old boy he intends to "win a trophy". I chose my words wisely as I explained that winning is not important but doing your best is what is expected. He still expects to win a trophy. Oh, the age of confidence!! 

Of course, Emily was in the car during this conversation. She had checked her folder to see if she had gotten a list or a letter regarding the spelling bee. She did not.  

This is one of the hard jobs as a mom - being excited for one child and encouraging them while another is feeling left out or dare I say inadequate. I noticed her quietness so I asked her if she was bothered by the fact she wasn't chosen. She said a quiet, "maybe". Another moment to choose my words wisely. I explained that each of us is made differently and we are sometimes better at one thing than another. I told her that where Matthew is good at spelling, she is good at art - which she quickly corrected me to "fashion designing". Yes, I agreed whole heartedly "you are an excellent fashion designer". I explained to both of them how they need to support each other in the things they do well and cheer each other on in doing their best.....that is what is important! Our conversation didn't last much longer as they changed the topic as usual to something silly.  

Although the moment was "uncomfortable", I found my ground in this mothering moment. I want to be able to express my excitement for each of my kid's individual abilities in the presence of the other child and for them to be excited for their siblings accomplishments without feeling inferior.  In order to include Emily in this, I will have her help Matt study some of his words. By helping him, I'm hoping she will feel she is assisting him in his accomplishment. So, if he does well she can be a part of the celebration and if he doesn't she can tell him how well he did in trying.

By the way, the spelling bee is on February 1st and we'll let you know how he does. In the meantime, we will be studying our w-o-r-d-s.

What's the Date?

We all have our own personal idiosyncrasies or "hang ups" as I like to call them. For me, I'm hyper organized, everything has a place and I like it in its place. What I find interesting is when I see one of the kid's start to develop a "hang up". Matthew I have determined is a bit of a hoarder. Whenever, I show him something in his room and ask "do you need this" he always says "yes".....it could be a candy wrapper. He has moments of "donating" unwanted items but it is all done when he is ready and on his terms, like he's decided a certain person he wants to give an item too.  

Emily is hyper organized like me......she is always de-cluttering and making "give away/garage sale" bags.

Recently one of Emily's "hang ups" has become very apparent. I believe it started in the spring or summer of last year when she became hyper vigilant about knowing the expiration date of food and other items. The strangest being the expiration date of her toothpaste. 

When Emily takes anything out of the fridge or cupboard, she looks for it's expiration date before eating it. If she can't find it she asks me if I can find it or if I know for a fact that it is "still good". Every morning, she looks on the milk carton to check "the date". You know she is checking a date when she asks "what's the day today?" 

Where this all started, I'm not quite sure but I do think it began when she was learning about good food, junk food and how food is used as energy in our bodies.  

The funny thing is if the date has passed or she cannot find a date to confirm she will actually choose not to partake of the item. Just this morning she asked me if I could find a date on a fruit roll-up wrapper. Of course, I just recently bought them and the date was on the box I took them out of and disposed of.  Dave and I were able to convince her that fruit roll ups are a long lasting item, just like Twinkies. 

Although its a little nerve wracking to be constantly asked "what's the day today?", this little "hang up" will keep her from ever eating something that could give an upset stomach or worse food poisoning. She'll never be eating spoiled bologna, like I did when I was a kid (didn't eat bologna for years) or moldy cheese (hmmm, brings back recent memories for my brother, Dennis). 

Its just so interesting as a parent to see how the kids are growing up and becoming their own little person.....idiosyncrasies and all.  Just more of them to LOVE!! 

Welcome Home Jingle

Oh my goodness, we are making another attempt at a pet. Many of you know we had a Guinea pig earlier this year. Sadly, Strawberry was with us for a very unexpected short time.

Dave and I haven't been quick to jump on the pet wagon again.  My biggest fear being that another pet would be with us for a short time and the kids would be devastated again. BUT we must overcome our fears especially when you have a 10 and 7 year old desiring a pet. 

For months now, Emily has been telling us and everyone she meets how much she wants a bunny. Several weeks ago Dave took the kids to a pet exposition and the talk of bunnies became constant. It seemed like everyone I talked to who knows Emily had heard of her deep desire for a bunny.  

This past Saturday Dave took the kids out to run some errands and during that time they went to a local pet store. The store sells fish of all kinds, many exotic animals along with household pets like.......you guessed it dwarf bunnies. Of course, Emily fell in love with a little black bunny. Later that same night we all went back to the store to see the bunny and the other animals (they sell pure bred English Bulldogs which are so cute). By the time we left the store, we paid for the little black bunny and scheduled to pick him up today - Christmas Eve. 

We had to tell Emily before going to church yesterday that although we know she is excited about the bunny she did not need to tell everyone at church that we got him. Trust me she would have announced it from the pulpit if she could have.  

For the last day and a half, we have been trying to determine a name and settled this morning on Jingle. A name appropriate for the time of year he came home. 

He is a little cutie.  His cage is in Emily's room and since we brought him home the only time Emily has left his side is to make a Gingerbread House.

We are very happy with our newest addition to our family. According to Emily, this is the BEST Christmas ever!!!

Sweet Tokens

For the past day and a half, I've been tormented by a migraine. Yesterday, it kicked in around 1 p.m. When I picked the kids up from school, I explained that I needed to go straight to my room and lay down. I left Emily in charge (we didn't tell Matt as he would have been upset that he couldn't be in charge). While I was resting, they both did their homework, set the table for dinner and cleaned their rooms, which included dusting. What wonderful surprises! After a quick dinner of pancakes, I went back to relaxing.  

I woke this morning feeling better but still felt in in my eyes, so I knew there was a possibility that the day may turn into another "bad" day and it did. After finishing the winter bulletin board at church, I came home to rest but sadly it did not take the pain away. I did the same thing today as yesterday in that once I got the kids I came home to rest. Today, my special surprise was get well cards from the kids. 

Matt's was simple but so him. That is him and me on both the front and inside the card. You have to love that he put his full name on the front of the card. Like I might not know who Matthew is. Then there is his simple message of "Feel Well!" He made me another card that looks the same inside saying "Get Well" but the front shows the sun, a cloud and a mountain. Apparently they are all items in a little song he knows. He also did come up at one time gave me an ice pack, sang "Silent Night" and gave me his two stuffed snakes to guard me while I rested....he so wanted to take care of me.

Emily also made a card. The cover saying "Feel Better Mom" and then "Read me" on the bottom. Hearts and stars were her decorative motif.

Inside was the real gem! She cut out a heart that she place in the middle. On it she wrote, "My Mom by Emily - You always warm my heart. I love you like a cute bunny. You're beautiful princess. You shine like a morning glory. Feel better." What was even more precious is that in the midst of comforting me, she still put in her request for a pet. In the bottom right corner, she drew a bunny and said "P.S. I want a bunny and name it Mistletoe".

It is these little mementos that make my "job" as a mom totally worthwhile. Seeing how much they want to care for me knows that we are raising these two kids right.