Josh's Turn

Finally it is Josh's turn to play a sport! He has been waiting so long for the family to watch him play. He has really enjoyed playing coach pitch. He plays the position between the first and second base in the infield. He has caught a pop fly and made a few "Outs!"

His goal is to get a home run sometime this season. He usually just motors around the bases until his coach can stop him. I think one of these days he will make it around all the bases, that will be the best! Here are some pictures of the Lil' Slugger.







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Lego City

My living room is no longer mine. It has been taken over by a Lego City. I never actually had any furniture in that room before, becuase I just couldn't bring myself to buy a nice dining room table. I had dreams of my boys playing tag around it and jumping over the table to get to their room while chairs were being throw down. So, instead, it is filled with legos.

Apparently, there is a method to the madness, it is quite a layout. There is a Lego City, with battle ships ready to go to war. There is a Cantina and a Cafeteria, Training Center and Rocket Station. We have a number of lego builders in the neighborhood that have helped contribute to the creation. The boys even have each other labeled as "Master's" or "Beginner's". "Master's" have successfully built a lego ship that has won a battle.

It has been fun to listen and watch them interact with each other and be proud of what they have built. I wonder where we are going to put the Christmas tree?

Halloween

This year I decided to MAKE a costume. I am not sure what got over me. I was talking to a friend about how I USED to sew. After all, I did get a College degree in Clothing and Textiles and that did include sewing classes. My Mom taught me how to sew when I was 12. During the summers we would always pick a pattern of a dress or skirt and pick out fabrics at the store. We would also have typing lessons and math sheets to do as well, we thought she was the task master..but I am sooo glad I know how to type!!

After my conversation with my friend I had a gnawing feeling that I needed to get my sewing machine out and do something. Of course I don't have time, you just have to make time. Brett wanted a Jedi Robe, just like Obi One. As I searched the pattern books, I never found one that matched what I had in my mind. So I picked one that was kind of close and just improvised.

I started laying out the fabric and I was transported back to when I was a kid with my Mom. I could hear her voice telling me how to pin and cut my fabric. I knew right then I could do this! Well I did finish the costume the morning of Halloween, but it was done. Here are some Halloween pictures. We started off at the Neighborhood Chili Bake to show off our costumes, then off to Grandma's to get some special Halloween treats. Oh yeah, I was Princess Leah. I didn't get dressed until it was dark, so the pictures aren't that great of the braided buns. But trust me they were awesome!!

Friends

Today one of Mike's best friends passed away. He leaves behind a wife and 4 children. He has a 17 year old son, a 9 year old son and twin daughters who are 1 1/2 years old. We are truly saddened by the sudden loss and my heart goes out to their family and friends.

As I am writing this, it has been about 11 hours since we received the news and I have talked to my husband about 15 minutes today. His focus is on the sweet family that has been left behind. As he begins his process of grieving, he cannot sit around and feel sad, Mike is making sure that his kids know that their Daddy loved them. Mike is holding the twins and playing ball with the 9 year old. He is trying to give advice if it is asked for and doing what his friend would do for him.

As Mike sat here in the kitchen before he headed out, he looked at his last text from Doug. He looked at me and said, "Who am I going to talk to now?" I told him he had lots of friends, but his dear friend needs a favor today, and that is to look after his kids. He flipped his phone down and said, "I know, I need to go."

I am not sure when Mike will be home tonight, but I know Doug's children will feel loved by Mike and know they can count on him always. As do I.

Responsible

This past week, Josh was recognized as the Good Citizen of the month in his class. Two kids receive the nomination from their teacher and they get to be recognized in front of the school and have a special donut breakfast with their teachers.

This month's virtue is "Responsibility." The kindergarten teacher has asked the parents to write special "Love Notes" so she can see who is demonstrating the virtue at home. In the video he is receiving his Good Citizen sticker with Lilly his friend and fellow classmate. In his Love Note, I told the teacher that he cleans his room and takes out the trash without being asked. He has enjoyed the "Title" of a Responsible boy.

The other day as everyone was off to bed, I snuck a few minutes to read on the couch in the living room, which is my favorite spot to read. It was about 10 o'clock and Josh was moving from bed to couch to bed, a little restless and not able to fall asleep. He wandered into the kitchen and I heard the water in the sink come on. I didn't pay much attention and kept on reading. Then I heard some dishes being clanked around. I had started the dishwasher at 8 and it had finished, but I had some dishes in the sink that were put there after the dishwasher started. Pretty soon, Josh came up to me and said.

"I did the dishes."
"Thanks, Josh that helps me so much."
"I almost did it perfect, but the powder spilled on the floor."
"Ok, lets go see if we can clean it up."

So as we walked to the sink, all the dishes were indeed put in the dishwasher, he also managed to start it as well. I figured dishes washed twice wasn't such a bad idea. I also noticed powder leading from the pantry to the dishwasher.

"It kind of spilled everywhere" He said. Then he got out a broom and I helped him sweep up his spill.

"Mom, am I responsible?"
"You sure are!" I replied.
"Can you write a Love note to my teacher?"

Well, whatever the motivation is I like it!

Josh and his teacher Mrs. Cenzano

 

 

Lilly and Josh - Good citizens

 

 

All three together = uber adorable

Change of Plans

This morning after Brett left for school, Josh emerged from his bedroom dressed for school including shoes and his backpack. So of course I told him it was too early for school (he has afternoon Kindergarten) and he slumped his backpack off with a sigh and asked if he could go play at the neighbors house. I of course told him it was too early and that he needed to come in and have breakfast and I could turn on the TV.

I was planning on jumping on my treadmill which I do MOST (uh-hum) mornings when he paused and looked at the floor and said, "This floor is dirty..we need to clean it!" So I replied that I would get to that after my workout. He said, "Okay Mom, I will get the mop out and start while you are exercising."

Darn Kid...

I don't know if he was using secret reverse psychology or was really planning on doing it, either way..I decided I needed to mop my floor. I hurried and vacuumed the floor while he followed me with the mop and we got the floor done lickity split!

After we were done, he said, "Aren't you so proud of me Mom?"
"Well of course I am!" I replied.
"Can you go to your wallet and find some gold for me?"
"Even better," I said "there is gold on the floor for your reward."
I led him to the corner of the hall where a dime and penney had been left unclaimed.
"Ohh..I love finding gold!" shouted Josh.

Me too....

Things That Are Occupying My Brain

It seems that I am extra busy these days. I am trying to get a handle on the new school year and I feel like I am tackling one day at a time. I know that is what most everyone else is doing, but it would be nice to plan the next days activities prior to that actual day :)

Here is a few things on my mind right now.

Bear Cub Scouts - Every week, we get together and pound out as many requirements as we can in one hour...We have Scouts on Thursday and I am usually thinking about it on Wed, then gathering the materials on Thursday..



Love and Logic - Mike and I are attending this class learning new parenting skills and trying to incorporate them in our lives. I listen to the CD's on my ITouch in the evening when I am going to bed and in the morning when I am on the treadmill...



Library - We are putting a Library together for my kid's school. This process started in March of last year and we wanted to be done by the beginning of school. I am spending all of my available time down at the school seeing this process to completion. With the help of some volunteers we can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!



Work - Oh yeah, my Part-Time job. I am lucky in that I can schedule my work when it is most convenient for me..but I actually do have some deadlines..I know, crazy!! So just when I think I have a few hours to myself when Josh is in Kindergarten, I remember I have some work to do!



Decisions - I recently received my Substitute Teaching certificate and have decided to try it out. I know next year, it will be easier for me to do this when both my kids are in school Full-Time. I need to fill out my application for Mesa Public Schools and pick a few days that can work for me and my family. Just trying to decide when that will be...That's my decision!!



Kiddos- These guys are the reason I try so hard each day. I love spending time with them and they make me smile. I am proud of the boys they are becoming.



Well, Off I go..I need to get a lesson together on Birds for my Bear Scouts! How can life get any better??