Windy day

It's march ......It's still pretty cold.
Kyle got a kite yesterday just in time for today's wind.
How perfect.
we now call him the "kite Master"

Like it was yesterday

It has been 5 years now. It should seem like a long time.

it doesn't.

It seems like only yesterday.

Today I was trying to think of what I could be doing in your memory, being that has been 5 YEARS. - I thought about trudging through the snow at the cemetery since it was such a beautiful day, I thought about Blogging, and I thought about the kids...That was the hardest. It always is. So often (when I am by myself) usually driving to or from work, staying up late at night on the computer, or the aftermath of a holiday get together - I will fall apart wishing I could still hear you.

When report cards came out and Kyle didn't do so hot, I wanted to hear you say there was nothing to worry about, and then we could have complained about his teachers, and you would have assured me that "he'll come on to it, you'll see". I also wanted to hear you congratulate Greg on his outstanding report card and tell him he was " smart just like his old gramp".

Vivian turned 5 this year - one of the last babies you whispered to - she is growing into such a sweet girl and I want to hear you tell me how she reminds you of me. And the fact that you never got to hold Kerrigan at all makes me so sad - you would be getting a real kick out her these days. you'd say "she's a pisser". and get a chuckle.

I didn't go to the cemetery, But I think we were all right where you would have wanted us. Doing just what you would want us to. We were having cake and ice cream to celebrate Grammas 85th and your great great granddaughter's 3rd birthdays. I waited until now - 2:00 in the morning to finally fall apart about it, like I said, I was thinking I should have done something for just you. But Corin reminded me that while we were at the farm today it was nice that we listened to "your music" for a bit. Hopefully you could hear it too....

Snow Day

Its been long overdue - this mild winter we were having was bound to deliver a snowstorm worth talking about. I think we accumulated as much snow over the last 24 hours as we have since December.

I do not snowmobile, I do not ski, I do not enjoy the cold snowy commute to work and then the inevitable need to brush off the car and scrape the windshield before heading home. I normally do not care for snow. Today was different. the white blanket that fell from the sky over night and well into the day was beautiful, soft, quiet and abundant. we received a good foot of the white beauty - and it was thick, heavy, and PERFECT for snow fun.

Our snow business:

First looks of the morning revealed this....

Then late in the day, we frolicked with a sea monster and danced with our snowman.

Today I enjoyed the snow.

Later we topped off the evening with a warm bowl of homemade chili, and a craft project that hatched this beautiful "curly bird" we learned to do from this month's Family Fun magazine.

Good night snow day.

Winter break recap

As many of you know, this week was Winter break for the kids. A whole week off .... a whole week of finding something for them to do. I think we did a pretty good job of entertaining. everyone survived it, and I have a lot of pictures with smiles to prove they had a good time

Monday I was able to have a day with all three kids too. Since I am pretty reluctant to do anything by myself with all three kids alone for fear that one of them (or me) could have a melt down at any moment in public - I was glad that Meme came with us to the BONKERS FUN CENTER to enjoy day with us as well, although we got through it incident free.

While we were at Bonkers, Kyle wanted to get a snow cone. I was a little reluctant because we had already eaten a pizza and a pitcher of soda, and the girls had already returned to bouncing. I said "go find out how much they are". Kyle came back with "$2" - I only had a 10.....I handed it to him and said" bring me the change". (I like to give him the Independence to put his money skills he learns at school to some use). He came back with the change alright! - $4......I didn't specify that the girls were not interested in a snow cone. Apparently he chose then, to start thinking of his sisters. Aawww.....but look who ended up with all three

Plenty of Tickets were won in the arcade to later change in for lots of "junk"

Did I mention all the jumping, and Bouncing and (tiring the kids out) laughter?

And togetherness

the kids had a great time - as so did I. It was nice to get out and do something with the kids on my day off as well, instead of the usual laundry detail.

Wednesday was Daddy's turn for a fun day. Mommy was glad the camera was brought along for this event. Meme did a great job of capturing the fun and I am very happy to get to see it from the comfort of my WARM living room. The kids have no problem withstanding the cold - Gary said they had a fantastic time tubing at Tubby Tubes. Vivian had so much fun, she didn't even want to take a hot dog break.

Kerrigan thought it was fun AFTER Daddy bought a ticket to be her tubing buddy.......The first trip up the hill, Kyle was told to make sure he went down with his sister.....again, it wasn't specified WHICH sister he was supposed to go with. Pretty soon Gary sees Kyle and Vivian sliding down the hill and Kerrigan was now where to be seen. The next kids down, asked if the little girl at the top of the hill that was Crying was ours.....So gary got a ticket and joined in the fun.

YAHOOOO!!! DADDY!

It seems the kids aren't the only Winter Games lovers in the family - On Saturday, Our family gathered at the farm for a little Winter Olympics Party to build up to the suspense of watching our man Apalo Ohno break the world record for most Olympic medals won in speed skating.

What is a party without fun food? - to get into the spirit,

we had marshmallow skiers and snowboarders, "half pipe" chicken salad sandwiches, Olympic bread rings topped with cream cheese and corresponding colored toppings, a coconut cake that looked like snow, some American flag carrying shrimp cocktails, and quartered iceberg lettuce mountains topped with ranch dressing, And finally some Gold medal baked corn casserole.

Decorations were ice skate centerpieces, Gold medals for all to wear, and various pictures and newspaper clippings adorned the tables.

then it was off to the living room to cheer for Apolo. You may think that our family finds the littlest reason to get together for great food, fun and laughter - you are right!- remember this party? Don't worry, there will be plenty more.

Kyle also did a little ice fishing over Vacation. A passion he seems to share with his Dad.

he gave a good effort on Saturday with his poppy on at the Lake Luzerne annual ice fishing tournament, but came up empty. not even a bite.

Him and Gary gave it another try on Sunday morning. A different lake.

BINGO - caught a couple of bass and them put them back. Gary captures this proud picture with his cell phone. The rest of the night, Kyle was asking if they could mount their next trophy fish.....cute - and a nice ending to a nice vacation.
now Back to the grindstone.

Valentines down Memory Lane

Valentines day has never been one of my favorite holdays...Not for any particular reason. I have never been scorned badley and wished the day of love never existed - I guess I just never thought it was any big deal. Gary doesn't ever go out of his way to be romantic on February 14th, but nor do I .....I guess we just know we love eachother all year round - we don't need to pick out just one day to say it. So anyway, today is Valentines day - Gary worked last night, so had to sleep all day today, and.....we got eachother....nothing....for Valentines day. Actually, I didn't really think about it until my sister, who does as little as possible to be "mushy" to her husband, even got him a Valentine Card.....I still did nothing. This morning at coffee and Donuts at the farm, my mother told me that her and my father had come across our wedding video (on VHS). We talked about how cute my niece and nephew had been that day, and of some of the amusing moments captured on tape.....Got me thinking.....Awwww, it's Valentines day, Gary and I are approaching our 10th Wedding anniversary this summer,.....our life story together really began on Valentines day.....in 1992.

I had actually called up a friend of Gary's and invited him to come to a Valentines dance at my school. I was interested in him...I don't even remember if I knew who Gary was at that time...I think I just knew of him. If you knew who the friend was, you know that even entertaining the idea of a relationship with him makes me cringe and thank goodness for unfulfilled wishes....

That Friend showed up at the dance, and brought Gary with him. They were from the rival school, and it was always wise to come in pairs. The friend was the real outgoing one - too outgoing - So outgoing that he danced with just about every girl at the dance EXCEPT me.... but it was all good - Gary came to my rescue - he asked me to dance. he listened to me complain about the inconsiderate friend, and he became the guy I was glad came to the dance. After a week and a few phone calls later, Gary asked me to "Go out" ( go steady, be his girlfriend, - however you called it when you were 15) ......That was February 23rd.

Really long story short - Gary and I have been together ever since. It will be 18 years next week. At about 3:00 this afternoon, my Mom showed up with a DVD copy of our wedding for us. Our Valentine's Gift. I seriously thought the kids would just be so interested in watching it with us. NOPE. they really could have cared less. So we watched it from start to finish, remarking on how different we - and everyone else looks. It was hard to see the loved ones who have passed away since then, but in some respects it is great to be able to see them again. My sister's kids were just the cutest and I am aspiring to be back to that "pre-children" size again by the time we walk down the isle at Gary's sister's wedding (august).

And now it is 6:30 at night, Gary is back at work for another 12 hour shift........Happy Valentine's Day Hun.

Crazy for you

Crazy hat day at school for Kyle.

We had to improvize. - Kyle only owns 2 hats and they are NOT crazy.

So here is our version of a crazy hat. Iguess you could call it WILD and Crazy.

*No animals were perminently sewn on in the making of this hat*

Catch Up Time

Have you all given up on me? Have you stopped following me all together? I hope not, but wouldn't blame you if you did. It's not that I didn't think about blogging over the past month and 1/2... - I thought about it all the time. Just couldn't bring my tired butt out to the computer room to fight with our annoying dial-up connection long enough to get the stories out. checking facebook, and pushing the "like" button was about all I could muster.
So we have a lot to catch up on. I have great news - I am a born again blogger - I have the tools and equipment again to get caught up to speed and continue telling the stories of our chaotic life. I hope you are all thrilled........kidding
I am just going to list what has happened since my last blog. I won't try to cram all the details.

*Christmas of course came and went - My sister-in-law became engaged, and all 5 of us are now in the midst of wedding plans - I will be the Matron of Honor, Gary will be a groomsman, the girls will be flower girls and Kyle will be the handsome ring bearer....needless to say we are all very excited, and My diet is BACK ON! - six months to lose 30 more pounds.

*Shorty after new years, We had an accident in the van...not my fault...Stupid woman turned in front of me at a green light. She got the ticket, Van was totalled, it has been in the shop ever since......still waiting to hear when we can pick it up. (this would have been a major blog post) It has been 4 weeks......rental only covered 5 days. I want my van back......Does this always happen 2 months after you make the final payment?

* Vivian turned 5 in January.....5! I can't believe it. She is quite the little lady. Soon she will be off to kindergarten....then college.

* I have been battling with Kyles teachers ever since his conference. His progress just never seems to be good enough or fast enough for them. he increased his reading from 24 words per minute to 56 WPM - but the note that came home, says he should be at 85!....They want him to finish a math test of 100 math facts in 5 minutes and get 85 of them right. Kyle can only get through 53 of them in 5 minutes. He gets a 43% for a grade, even if all 53 of them are correct......Stop me if this is normal for second grade, but I am thinking they are off their rockers. Now I am worrying that come June, they are going to want him to repeat the grade - I don't feel he needs to ..........this should be it's own post I'm sure.

* we Filed and received income taxes already, and of course had umpteen things we had in mind to spend it on.....things we needed. The first thing we did, was order new - "urine free" couch and love seat....Our old furniture had seen better days - stuffing peeking out from the top, springs poking up through the base, the need to lay on it just right and careful so you didn't fell the wooden board right across your lower back......yeah - it was time. we found LEATHER! and I am in love.

*we also had to get a new vacuum cleaner. It seems like we go through a vacuum cleaner each year. we have tried all different kinds. let me count......yup I do believe that in the 9 1/2 years we have been married, we have owned 5 vacuum cleaners. I don't think that is normal. Well folks, we have bought our LAST vacuum cleaner! - we splurged on one called the GARRY. yup - we came across this infomercial one night about a vacuum cleaner with a lifetime - no questions asked- warranty, lifetime supply of bags, and a free steam mop......it also helped that we were giggling about the vacuum and my husband having the same name....and women raving about their garrys. "I just Love my Garry". (me too)
- other refund money is "earmarked" for Gary's Jeep repaires

* Kerrigan is officially the boss of the house.

ok - that is the last month in a nutshell. not my ideal way of easing back into blogging - but I just felt like we needed to catch up first.

I'll be back soon.....stay tuned - thanks

Amusing conversations

If you really listen to your children talk, you can hear some pretty funny conversations.

kyle: (to me)" Do you know *anna smtih* ?"
me: "No - is she in your class?"
Kyle: "yes and she" (try to hear this said in a very annoyed/embarrassed/whiny-head shaking voice) "she said she has a crush on me...."
Me: "oh yeah? did she tell you that? - what did you say to her?"
Kyle - "I couldn't say anything - she ran away"

Kyle: (after my reaction wasn't one of disgust) " I know - all the girls think I'm handsome"
Me: "Smart Girls! - don't let them get you into trouble in school." (he doesn't need help in that dept)

WE ARE IN FOR IT


Last night as the kids were raising h . e . double hockey sticks in the living room - running and wrestling.....My dainty / girlie Vivian turned to her brother real serious, put her legs into a steady stance, motioned real slow with her finger and said BRING IT!!!!

I could have peed my pants laughing



This Morning Kerrigan was listening to Kyle (the expert on everything ) tell her and show her on a 5 dollar bill that the man on it is Abraham Lincoln......He was a president....."and did you know? - he is on the Penny too!
Oh my gosh - you would have thought kyle just told her the most interesting thing in the world - her reaction was so cute......
Kerrigan: " oh WOW! I love it Kyle! COOL!

(was she just amusing him? how could a 2 year old think that was interesting? )


I love to listen to them interact with each other when they are not poking/hitting/pinching/teasing and trying to get the other one in trouble.........Doesn't happen all that often. I'm soaking it up.


* name changed to protect the innocent*

E is for Effort....

I had made a list of my concerns.

I was pumped and prepared.

I was "going it alone" without hubby - cause I was going to "handle it".

I was off to kyle's.............da da dunnnn........PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE!

Kyle comes home from school every day ."How was school today buddy?" - "Good" he says. Then sometimes he elaborates if he has a complaint. Some of his complaints are that this kid said this, or everyone distracts me in class so I couldn't finish my work. He even told me that one of his teacher yells at him if he doesn't use his reading "strategies" correctly. When it comes to homework time, Kyle tries everything he can think of to stall, or get out of it, but eventually finishes 4-6 workbook pages a night and then we read a story. Truth is, I hate it just as much as he does.

So I had it in my head moments before this parent teacher conference, that I was going to question a few of her teaching methods.....I was going to give her a little insight on what makes kyle tick....I was going to suggest that Kyle be given some special time for show and tell or something...anything that would make him look forward to going to school once in a while.

but about 30 seconds into the conference, right after our introductions.....to his main teacher, plus the extra teacher in the room that helps the reading groups, plus kyle's extra extra reading help teacher that he has to go to 3 times a week... I would have rather been having a root canal.


This is my third Parent teacher conference since his school carear started. At his Kindergarten conference, I was expecting to hear about some behavior issues. That wasn't the case. His biggest issue in Kindergarten was the teacher. She couldn't make up her mind weather she wanted him to color in the lines, which he started to do, or hurry up and get it done because there was a time limit! I was so happy when Kindergarten was over. First grade was a breeze, he loved his teacher, she thought he was such a pleasure, reveled in his imagination and his love for nature and science. Apparently every year is going to be different!....... I need a crystal ball - cause I was caught off guard this year- let me tell ya!


it's amazing the way we feel about our children. No matter how frustrating Kyle can be at home on a daily basis, or how infuriated I get when he doesn't listen,... I love him. I love him so much. As a mother, you can overlook these things and see the best in your children. not to say that I don't recognize that issues need to be taken care of and he needs to be taught lessons, but for me to know these things and have these thoughts in my head are one thing - to hear his teacher spout off her disappointments in my son and that her concerns for his reading level are dangerously high because he refuses to put forth effort....that they are just at a loss as to how to get through to kyle....That they weren't going to let him sit there and think his cuteness was going to cut it in her classroom!
well this kind of talk makes a mama bear want to protect her baby!

I first thought that I could combat her accusations of Kyle's laziness with my thoughts on how her classroom is run. I voiced my concerns about distractions and boring lessons and ......then it became no use. She described Kyles typical day, how much effort they put into trying to teach Kyle, and how much extra time they have put in one on one with him hoping that something will finally click, but that he has exhausted them. ...... I didn't have a leg to stand on. the behavior she described, is the same behavior that drives me nuts at home too... I had to put aside the feelings I had of defense. I had to sit and listen to 3, not just one , 3 teachers tell me that my son puts forth no effort at all when it comes to reading. He will simply not complete assignments or tests if he feels it is too much writing. He "pretends" he doesn't know the answers in hopes that he won't have to try. She even had charts to prove his "NON-progress".
It was really hard to listen to

So as we continued to discuss his problems, she assured me that she does not believe Kyle has a learning disability. She is sure he is smart enough to achieve the reading level he needs to strive towards. but she had the nerve to try and pin his absences (aka a Disney vacation) on me as contributing to his delay. I didn't let her get away with that. I agreed that we needed to have a discussion with Kyle. To come to an understanding that this attitude toward school was not going to make reading just go away, and we were going to set goals.

I think I heard some positive remarks come out of those women.....they were few and far between, but they did mention that he has a science vocabulary of no one they have ever heard at his age. they were very impressed with his use of the words translucent and transparent during a few science lessons...science has always been his interest, and therefore is definitely his strong subject......but to explain the 51% average he has in science right now? - he wouldn't complete the unit test because he had to read it and answer the questions with sentences..........UUUUUGGGGHHHH! I took the teacher's e-mail addresses and assured them that I would be in contact with them soon- I wanted to be more informed of Kyles progress so that come spring, I am not in the dark on weather my child will be moving on to 3rd grade, or if he has been sitting in class doing nothing for 9 months.

I barely left that classroom before I was in tears.......I cried the whole 6 miles home. I don't know if I was feeling that kyle's behavior is somehow a reflection of our parenting...I think that was part of why I was upset. But mostly I was worried that Kyle was so far below his grade level for reading that it was going to take a miracle for him to catch up. On top of that - I was just plain frustrated! - I couldn't go home like that. I couldn't let him see me crying about it. I had to pull myself together - so I stopped at my mom's.

I walked in her house and burst out crying again - I said "it is so hard to hear such negative comments about your kids". Of course my mom made me feel a little better about it as she reminded me of a few parent teacher conferences she attended on my behalf where she was informed that I spent too much time in the class bathroom checking my hair and playing with my earrings and talking too much. a few report cards were brought home with comments like "does not work to full potential". She assured me that "this too shall pass". Kyle is just seeing how far he can play the teachers. - well I pulled myself together and then headed home to have a talk with my little wise @$$. He was going to realize that I now know what has been going on....and his teacher and I have now opened the lines of communication.

I couldn't believe that I had to explain the importance of school....again!....but I did. He looked ashamed when I told him of what I had learned. I assured him that both his teachers and I KNOW that he is definitely smart enough to learn to read.....and that it was time to show them just how smart. We came up with some goals for him to reach. First goal being, to work hard enough at his reading to get out of ONE of the extra help classes. The next goal will to be out of all the extra help.
I have to tell you I am not above bribery. I told him that if he meets his goals, he could earn something special. But I also told him that he didn't show improvement, he would be losing privileges. ie: his DSi, his turn at spending the night at Meme's and the T.V. and those times will be made up with more time reading at home

I am happy (yet still shaking my head) to report that in the last 2 days of school, Kyle says his teachers told him he was "on fire" in reading class.....and his extra help teacher told him he might not have to come to her anymore very soon................don't worry, I will be e-mailing to confirm these reports. and if they are true, I may strangle him for putting on such a silly ACT at school. doesn't he know you are supposed to ACT smarter? - not dumber than you are? Yes ladies and gentlemen....our children are our pride and joy. no matter what.

They can't be fooled.

Last time I was at the Grocery store, I found a box of pierogies in the freezer section. not a big box, but I wanted to get it so the kids could try them ( cause I know I like them ). One problem.....Pierogies are like pasta "pockets" filled with mashed potatoes and cheese and such......Vivian hates potatoes. (so she says without giving them a real try).

Anyway, Last weekend it was just me and the girls. Kyle was having his overnight at meme's and Gary was working. I showed the girls the box of pierogies and explained that they were for dinner. I also "fibbed" and told Vivian they were filled with just cheese.

So I went about sauteing them in butter and veggies. When they made it to the girl's plates, Viv and Kerrigan took a BIG bite. VIVIAN looked right at me and said - "i don't like them!"

Miss Kerrigan took about 3 more bites and then also let me know she did not like them.....but she added " I taste POTATOES!" (normally Kerrigan likes potatoes, but she was following Vivian's lead of course)

So I learned I can't fool the girls into enjoying a pierogie. Next time I get them, I will try them out on Kyle. I saw a recipe for pierogies and shrimp that I think he would like. If not, More for me again!

OUR TRIP IN PICTURES

We are back! - I am sooo tired and sooooo busy at work - I don't have the time right now to give you the play by play.........So for now, I will just be posting our lovely pictures. believe it or not this is only a few - I took a ton! Hopefully soon I will be able to tell you some of the funny and memorable moments.

the anticipation of their first airplane ride.
everything was smooth as butter!

look at the troopers carrying their own luggage through the orlando airport

Kerrigan made herself at home on one of the bunkbeds in our Cabin.

we stayed at the Fort Wilderness Campground

First park we visited was Animal Kingdom

Safari Ride

Great Parade

The next day we were off to Magic Kingdom. Here we are on "it's a small World"

Tuesday we went to Epcot. That park turned out to be the most fun! We Loved Epcot!

Nemo was fantastic - great entertainment for Kyle

The light show around the countries at epcot was also a highlight

Meme, Gary And Viv

The princesses on their way down Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom - On our way to have Breakfast with Cinderella - in the Castle......a Definate Highlight for Kerrigan and Vivian

Dining with Sleeping Beauty

What a doll

Pony rides for the girls - Kerrigan's first

Hollywood studios was thursday's event - 90 degree day - fffeeewww

The kids really enjoyed Honey I shrunk the Kids play area

Hanging out at the Campground!

Halloween

Downtown Disney with the family made of Leggos

Great Lunch - very entertaining in the T-REX Cafe Trick Or Treat

And One last Disney photo op at the Orlando Airport before we board the plain back to home sweet home!