Day by Day

This week has been a great experience of spending time with the kids and Bob.  I watch Katie and realize she is growing into this beautiful young lady.  She has long pretty hair and she has a cute figure, as we used to say, (who knows what they call it today).  She has a fun personality...easy going and content.  Not to mention her athletic ability and her intelligence.  There is something about a mother watching her little girl grow into a beautiful woman.  As appreciative as I am, I am also a little sad that my mother did not have the joy of putting in all the hard work of the younger years and not being able to watch her two girls grow into women with off springs representing all those  generations from the past.  I look forward to the days of the future when the teenage rebellion passes and she and I will share a friendship that will last for years to come.

What is Christmas vacation for........I had to wake Brendan up at 12:00 p.m. yesterday, Tuesday....he emerged in his plaid, fluffy, blue robe, which he received for Christmas.  (He looks like the Great Gatsby)He then proceeded to play his Wii games he received for Xmas for the remainder of the day.  He did get out of the robe to go to New Haven to help his father with the TV...then he once again returned to the robe.  As I sit here on Wednesday morning at 11:30 a.m., typing my blog, Brendan remains in his robe, playing his Wii games.  I think the robe is now growing on him-literally.  Thank goodness he has to go to work today at 2:00.  Although he did wear his "sleekers" or "shlews" to work last week by mistake....his barepaw fluffy slippers (he named them sleekers because they are comfortable like slippers but look like shoes and he named them shlews for the same reason).  Apparently his feet hurt when he came home because they have a soft sole...

It didn't even take him a day to fix that TV.....he's a genius...I'm eating my words of yesterday.....

The boys arrived home and came running in to tell me this TV is HUGE!  Of course now I think that it is basically a little like 29 inch (or whatever size they are) TV or like a 1950's version of "Big Screen" TV.  But when all three of them insist that I go look at it.....I had to....from the inside that is because it was way too cold to go outside (like below 0 with wind chill).  They opened up the back of the van for me and it was huge.  Then the story started to unravel......it was so HUGE that they couldn't maneuver it around the corners of the stairwells in the apartment building (with the bars on the windows, if you remember from yesterday), so they had to bring it down the fire escape.  (WHAT???)  My boys were bringing this HUGE TV down a fire escape in below 0 temperatures (and  you know kids today-no coats, just sweatshirts with hoods)?  Connor tells all-good source for info.  A part of the wood fell off of the TV base (it's at...

Bob has diligently been studying Craig's list while he has been home.  Don't get me wrong....I'm all for a deal, but this one is a little scarey.  On Monday night he discovered a flat screen TV in New Haven for free. First of all, my opinion-nothing in life is free.  No matter how you look at it, there is always a price for everything.  Secondly, when he announced he was going tonight (one of the coldest nights of the seasons-which could be good, actually) with both boys to help him carry it down three flights of stairs....I became more than a little nervous.  I tried to talk him out of it...why night in New Haven???  I told him he better bring both boys back alive.  I also told Connor to call me when they arrived at the house (??).  When Connor called, I asked if it looked safe and Connor's reply was that "it is a great neighborhood, decorated lovely, with most houses having bars on their windows."  Great....I have asked him to ca...

I was running today on a path I don't usually run on.  I was trying to get up to 16 miles, but only reached 12.  The path is actually a trail, which was a bit uninhabited at points.  As I was running, I decided I truly wanted to be home (sometimes the 40 year old parts can't quite get in the swing of a long run).  I was thinking about my four beautiful kids (although not perfect by far) and that I was so lucky that they are all basically healthy.  It made my heart feel warm.  I observed the other runners/walkers as I ran by them.  Each of them has their own story - an elderly man by himself, maybe he is a widower?? or a divorcee??.  A young couple with an infant on the mother's chest and a dog in toe - just beginning their lives together as a family.  And so on..... My only thought was despite the trials and tribulations, my life is perfect and I can only hope it remains that way for as long as possible. 

Last Monday Connor had his state wide competition, Mock Trial.  His teacher kept telling us that he was the best lawyer he ever coached.  Seeing it was believing it!  Wow, was he good.....he didn't even have to look at his closing arguments on his paper as he lively recited to the judge his argument for the defendant.  When it was his turn to examine the witness, I felt pretty bad for her.  Many a time I have been on the other side of his arguments; I was feeling her pain. Katie had her mock trial today.  She is also an excellent lawyer.  As the teacher says, "She has the same killer instinct that Connor has."  I live that too when they are wanting to kill each other.  She was very clear and concise; I could follow her arguments and mindset, while the other 7th grade lawyers seemed to have preset conversations that didn't follow the reactions of their live witnesses. Connor will go on to the next level in the State championship next month...

Brendan called me from home, while he was babysitting Keera and asked if I could pick up posterboard on the way home.  I asked why and he said he had a project he had to do.  I asked, "For tomorrow"? (as in December 15th?)  His response was, "No, it's due January 11th." My response - "Who are you and what did you do with my son, Brendan"?

Connor asked to have a party at our house for his 14th birthday.  Sounds simple enough, but when Connor does things, he does them up big and before you know it you are involved in something you didn't even know could happen......hence Connor's 14th birthday party. It started out small - "Mom, can I invite like 20-30 people for a birthday party above the garage?"  "Connor, what about a simple little get together with the kids that mean the most to you?"  "Mom, can I please have a party above the garage with 20-30 people.....you won't have to buy me a gift, just pay for the party." Now, as a parent, how can you say no to that simple request? The party planning began...of which Bob and I were not a part.  As the days passed and the business of the season, work, etc continued, Bob and I slightly lost track of how the planning was going.  But, no fear-Connor had it all under control.  After the rush of the Cheshire Thanksgiving game was over,...

Music - Brendan listens to heavy metal (yuch to me) and oldies (contradiction there).  Katie listens to new wave??? and new pop Connor listens to rock and the Beatles.  Keera listens to anything.  At times we have two radios/CD players going at once in the house.  We have the computer playing music off itunes library.  We have kids listening to ipods.  We have kids singing...Keera sings everything....even responses to me.  We have music in the car.  Music - a necessity in life!

The sermon at mass yesterday was pretty good.  I think the part I was most taken with was a story the priest told.  A family from the depression era with five children, had lost everything.  In order to receive money from the government, they had to have someone come into their home and go through their cupboards to make sure they really didn't have food.  That is when I felt very fortunate to be in the position we are in, even though Bob is not working.  We have our health, we have our kids, we have our family and from there things work out one way or another.

I  have told the kids that "Santa" cannot provide as big a Christmas as usual this year, given that we are not sure when Bob will be employed again.  They have been really good about their lists.  Connor put a lot of used books from Amazon on his list (he LOVES books).  Katie put used video games on her list.  Brendan is still working on his list.  But here is the best part.....Connor and Katie feel that since Keera does not understand a dollar sum, that her amount can be cut in half and split three ways for them and Brendan.  So.......basically......Connor and Katie are Christmas "giving"-------their sister's share to themselves!  We'll have to work on this concept of giving. 

While Bob has been out of work, he has worked on the last room we needed to work on in the house.  Most of the contemporary house was fine (except our bedroom carpet and adding a wall in the boys room.  Of course now there is a leak in our bathroom roof - they put pipes in the attic. So that will be Bob's next project.  It is not a full attic; therefore, Bob had to crawl up in it to find the problem-don't have a clue as to how that will get fixed.) Anyway-this room in the front was where she had her hair dresser sinks. Her salon was in the front four rooms (was originally a cape before she bought it and converted it.) Bob had to take down a 3/4 wall, on the other side of which, was a little kitchenette with shelves and a sink.  He also had to two take to partial walls.  Then all the dry wall had to be taken off the front wall.  We had a friend put in a window (which used to be there when it was just a cape).  Bob had to ...

I have put in around six posts tonight.  It is funny how I have not written a post since November 10th, 14 days later, I can't stop writing.  Sometimes I sit down and am just not in the mood to write....other times I can't remember the specifics I want to write about and sometimes the words flow out faster than I can type....writing is a funny thing.......

Brendan came home from school, went to the Powder Puff game and then stopped back home for a ride to work.  He had to work from 5-9, so he would need lunch. I have suggested bringing food to his job, but he was astounded that I would think such an embarassing thought and Kelly, who also works there, laughed at me when I suggested Brendan bring his own little dinner to eat. At any rate...since the lunchbox thing is out...and Brendan gave me 100.00 from his last check to put in the bank (that's a change for the better), he asked Bob for money to buy a dinner at the store where he works. Bob says in a teasing manner, "We are paying for you to work-how does that work....I'm out of work and I'm giving you money."  Now that was a funny one liner.....

Katie had Emily and Nicki sleep over last night. They decided to do a "bake off", as they had done at Emily's one night.  Nicki was partnered with Keera, a little bit of a hindrance, yet she still managed to win. Each set of partners began a timed baking of cakes.  Connor was the judge.  His decision was apparently based on time, appearance, taste and presentation.  (Sound a bit like the cake show on TV these days??) I decided not to watch because I knew my kitchen was undergoing a change that I did not want to be a part of.  I made the stipulation that they would clean up...of course their perception of cleaning up and my perception of cleaning up are slightly skewed, so to speak. The cakes were pretty cool, I have to admit.  And the outcome is how I would expect...Nicki won (Connor being the judge, I truly felt that Katie didn't have a chance in Hades of winning.  Those two are way too competetive with each other to hand over a victory to the o...

You know those moments when your kids do something you never thought they would?  Well, Connor had one of those moments last weekend.  We won't get into that much; however, with 3 siblings, word seeps out as to what they do. When Brendan came home from work last Saturday, he says to Connor, "I heard what you did last night." Connor responds, rather defensively, expecting to get criticism, "You couldn't have pulled it off." Much to my dismay, Brendan then returns with, "I know...I'm impressed...exactly how did you do that?" Of course before Connor could go into details, I expressed my chagrin about the acceptance and actual compliment that had just gone before me for an unfortunate deed that had been committed.  The conversation ended.  I do believe I sensed some brotherly bonding going on, under the guise of pulling the wool over mom's eyes.  Not sure whether to be happy about that or not.  Live and Learn.....

Our house is certainly big enough to house a lot of people to eat, and I cook for my family anyway, so why not invite more.  Tracey's family and DAd will be coming over tomorrow to enjoy some food and company.  The great part is that the kids have taken over cooking things...last year Jeffrey wanted to do the stuffing and I know Nicki and Kelly help with the vegetable and sweets. Katie and Connor were working hard on this side.  Katie made three different dishes-potato casserole, pumpkin trifle and pumpkin whoopie pies.  She worked from 2:00-7:00 today making and baking away.  Connor went the way of the chocolate-chocolate covered marshmellows, pretzels, and oreos, not to mention the shirley temples. Keera did her part by helping to set the table and put the candle pilgrims out.  Holidays are the best and my kids-who will be reading this-better ALWAYS come home for them!!!!!! lol

Movies at the Wallingford theater are 5.00 all day/night on Tuesdays. Bob and I tried all weekend to have a date, but kids wanting to go here and there prevented us getting time in.  Tuesday came, of a short week, so I headed home from work determined to take advantage of the 5.00 movie night for a date. Bob was more than willing and at 4:00, we headed off to the movie.  I can't even remember the last time that Bob and I were able to go to a movie on a Tuesday afternoon.  We may not have as much money coming in right now, but having him home sure is fun!!!  It is so enjoyable to just do something differently than the way you have done it forever.... and especially to do that thing together!  What a great movie too-The blind side-must see movie!!! (and we had fun talking about some of the characters in the theater too.  Although the house didn't fall down, apparently there was some sibling stuff going on while we were gone, but they all survived!)

As most people know, Bob has many, many baseball cards.  When we moved into the house, he made sure the good ones (all in notebooks) came right into the house.  He allowed the other boxes of duplicates to be put in the garage.  Recently we have had a mouse try to occupy the garage, so he was concerned his cards would be chewed up.  I was surprised that he allowed 8 months to go by before getting them in the house (that in itself is progress).  For the past week or so he has been bringing boxes in two at a time and storing them in our walk in closet (it is a BIG closet-but I told him if his cards get worms in my clothes, we're going to have an issue!). Given that history...... I fall asleep by 9-9:30 every night.  Bob tends to stay up until 12 or 1.  Two nights ago I woke up to the phone ringing (I am a light sleeper).  By the second ring, I wondered why he didn't answer, so I ran downstairs only to pick up the phone as it stopped ringing....

Brendan came home from working at Shaw's supermarket on Sunday and said, "I hate working during this time of year."  I asked why and he responded, "If I have to lift one more turkey into a cart.....my arm hurt after working the other day."  My response was.....that's a good reason to continue education into college-you don't want to be hoisting turkeys in a supermarket for the rest of your life. (Parents love those moments when what they have always said is proven......

I was "family day" inspired on Saturday.  I announced at 10:00 (after running 8 miles on this gorgeous day) that we were going to have a family day hiking up sleeping giant with the dog(sleeping giant is about 10 minutes away-a mountain that has a castle at the top and a beautiful view of Long Island sound, etc.).    Of course we had some objections (mainly Katie-surprise), but Connor jumped right out of bed and showered, Brendan teased Katie and then proceeded to get ready and pack his own little lunch box (will come up later in the story), Keera was ready within seconds and Bob just goes with the flow.  A little enticement of Duncan Donuts goes a long way. Off we went.  Everyone was so excited.  We decided to go off the beaten path because what fun is it to go up a mountain on a gravel trail?  Well, mom miscalculated the first path, nevertheless, we did end up on the regular path again.  Unfortunately, I lost everyone's confidence in me w...

It was a strange Halloween for me.  Halloween tends to be "strange" anyway, but this one was strange in another way.  At 5:30, Katie headed off to a friends to meet up with a bunch of kids and go off trick or treating.  At 6:30 Connor headed in a different direction to meet up with some friends and go on his way trick or treating.  Brendan left the house around 3:00 to help his friend set up their strobe light dance party on our "old street". His plans included sleeping over that night. Around 7:00, Bob and I took Keera to Grandpa's to trick or treat on his road and our old road-one road away.  I said to Bob, "Is this the beginning of our kids not being home for holidays?  I think I liked it better when I was exhausted chasing three, who were with me from the moment we left the house to the minute they went to bed."  Keera was so excited in her clown outfit.  She said she had fun, which was good because she had told me the day ...

Brendan received his first paycheck on Thursday.  On Friday he asked Bob for 6.00.  I asked Bob if Brendan already spent his first paycheck and Bob said, "No, he wanted to borrow 6.00 to go out because he is saving his paychecks to buy a car."  Saving part - good, borrowing money when he has a job - missing the point of working.

I just ran my third 1/2 marathon today....this was by far the worse weather I have run in...but as I said to the women I was running with - anyone who trains can run on a sunny beautiful day...it takes character to run in 40 degree weather and rain/winds.  We ran in Asbury Park New Jersey.  At least a mile of the run (each lap) was along the water.  On a stormy, cold day, the waves were so high, dark and ominous, that it kept my full attention during that mile of each lap I did.  It is amazing to run in a 1/2 marathon, especially if you go down with a group of women and laugh harder than you have in months, support each other through the run and spend time getting to know people better than you thought you knew them. The other amazing part of running in a 1/2 marathon is studying the people who are also running-they come in all shapes, sizes and ages.  For the most part (other than the first few who run the whole marathon route in two hours), the...

Depends on how you want to view it.......yesterday was the first sighting of a slight snow, mixed with rain, so really the snow was barely visible.....here are some reactions: Adults around school - "Can you believe it....snow and it's only October-this is too early." Kids around school - "Look at the snow...do you think we'll have school tomorrow?" Kids at home - The bus door opens, Keera walks out with her tongue sticking out to catch the "snow" from the air and two older boys hanging out the bus door are yelling, "snow...look at the snow...it's snowing." Again - the snow was mixed with rain and barely visible as snow (basic fact)........no wonder there can't be total peace in the world-everyone has a different perspective and usually, everyone wants to be right!

My blogs tend to be more positive than negative, but sometimes you truly hit a day where you can't stand it anymore and if I truly want to use my blog someday for a bigger writing project, then I must share all, not just the good............ Here's what I can't stand - don't use leadership development as a disguise for passing the buck, sharing the burden, using people as resources to get your philosophies accepted and creating a team mentality so that you don't look bad by the end of the year. And don't use kids (especially just the leaders-senate) to put your image out there (reach out for the level 3's, the attention getters, the sped kids and the quiet ones who slip through the cracks-heck the  leaders are the ones who put themselves in bad situations and try to rationalize it with the school.) Don't drop the "housework", so to speak just because you want to go to "the movies", so to speak.....and be born a white, male-it helps....

I don't talk about work much because I don't want to be liable for what I put up on line, but I think I need to start blogging about work because it is such a big part of my life. This year with the new federal standards of RTI (right to intervention) and CT's take on that SRBI (something researched based intervention), every student needs to be accounted for. If a student scored in the first or second band of five bands of the yearly state test, when they get to high school, they must be monitored weekly (yes, my job for freshmen).  If they do not improve within four weeks, action must be taken and continue to be taken until the student improves.  It sounds like a great way to make sure students do not fall between the cracks, but - SRBI is based on test data-it has no room for the maturity level of a student or the family situations of a student, or that some students do not find their nitch until they are out of high school, or the fact that some students will never do...

This made me laugh when I thought about it, even though it was two years ago, so I am posting it, so I forever remember it.  I wish I can remember the exact way he phrased it at the time: When Brendan was a freshmen he had wood shop and he had a splinter in his hand.  He went to the school nurse.  She was busy with another student, so she gave Brendan the rubbing alcohol and a pair of tweezers.  She came back a few minutes later to Brendan, who was in great pain at that point, and she said "I meant put the rubbing alcohol on the tweezers".  He was in great pain because he had poured the rubbing alcohol on his cut. 

Brendan is now a bag boy for Shaw supermarket.  He hasn't officially started, but he is not looking forward to the fact that we want him to put 1/2 his check in the bank each week.  (Brendan goes through money as often as some of us drink water.) Kelly has been working at Shaws as a cashier for about a month or so.  Last week, she said that they sent a spy shopper through her line and then told her she wasn't being friendly enough (are you kidding me?).  Kelly's reaction was, "I said hello and have a nice day...what do they want me to give therapy to the customers?"  I laughed really hard at that.....I can't wait for Brendan stories.....anyway........ Do you remember your first job?  I started thinking back.  Besides cleaning the house next door for 10.00 a week, my first official job was answering phones at the Church rectory in the evenings (BOORRRIIINGGG).  Then my next job was working for a supermarket as a cashier.  I don't re...

My cousin Brett. Although I have not spent a lot of time with my cousin Brett, the time I have spent with him makes me wonder what it would have been like to have an older brother like Brett. He is kind, caring, family oriented, intelligent, personable and humorous.  When I needed a helping hand in Lake George with a 2,3 and 5 year old, Brett was there to lend emotional support (he probably doesn't even remember). When I was sitting with a tantrum screaming 2 year old in an international airport, Brett was there, not willing to go ahead in the airport because he didn't think I should be by myself in an international airport,  given the situation. When I've tried to figure  out where I come from, he has filled in some information for me that has helped me see the whole family picture.  It was a down-to-earth, honest conversation. When I was frustrated with my career choice of being in managment (so to speak), he was there to share his frustration and experiences....

"Katie is a vigilant person," said Keera.......they learn a lot in kindergarten these days. "Dad I have two things to tell you..  YOu are going on the field trip with me and.....Mommy!!!", as I drive into the driveway...."Dad, as I was saying, ......"

Dad has gone to ride a 120 mile bike trip with Brett this week. As the trip approached I realized what a big deal that is for a 73 year old guy. It takes a lot of courage and stamina to do that. I sent him a card saying I hope that I can be doing things like that at his age. Then I started to think about all the ways Dad has been a role model...he is generous, not just to his family, but to others who need or deserve the generosity. He did not make millions in his life time, but his humble way of putting out over eight books (no claim to fame)over a lifetime are inspirational because he wrote about what was important to him, while holding down a job that wasn't always the best place to be (even 3 jobs at one time). His interest and concern about his grandchildren, even if he doesn't make every game, event, etc. in their seven lives, is genuine and real. They will always remember times like Grandpa dancing at the weddings (that their cousins so graciously invited them to), ...

When Bob and I have tried to make a date a few weeks in a row, but every time we do, the kids are having someone over to hang out above the garage; therefore, we cannot go out.....that would be knowing that we made the right move into this house. Having them at home is so much better than not knowing where they are...and dates in the living room aren't bad either.

How do you know when everyone has been in school for a few weeks.....Katie falls asleep by 9:30 on a Friday night, Brendan naps for two hours on a Saturday and still lookes tired.....Connor falls asleep for an hour on a Saturday evening and Keera falls asleep standing up on the couch leaning over the back......it is definitely the end of September!

Bob did pursue the electrical outlet project. There is one room in our house (the one with the three hair washing sinks in it), that we tore apart and is still in the process of construction. Bob has torn down 1/2 walls and pulled apart the front wall, which faces the road, to the point of wood-no (stuffing as I call it)insulation or anything. We had planned on putting two windows in, where they were in the original house, built in 50's). Hopefully we can still do that at a low cost right now because, the wall needs to be finished..... Anyway.....Bob decided to reinstall three electrical outlets to their original positions from the 50's; there were only like two in the whole room due to the nature of the room-hair washing sinks. (This room used to be a kitchen, apparently-amazing to pull a house apart and see the changes through many years.) So....as I was getting to.....the amazing part - I love to watch Bob work on building because he was never trained to do it. He tra...

I just listed a new book in my book section, Handle with Care , by Jodi Picoult. It was a long read, and it took me awhile to get into it, but that was more me than the book. It is very well written and the story is incredible. The reason I am blogging about it - I realized yesterday, as I went through like at least 200 pages, every minute I could pick the book up, that a good book is like a friend....once you get into it, you feel like you are a part of it and you have to know the outcome of what is going to happen to those characters who have grown on you. The power of a good book is amazing-when you can't put it down for anything.....unless your four year old says, "Mommy, I want attention." (Even then, guilt ridden, Irish CAtholic that I am....I thought..."I already gave you attention today in many ways....this is my time." Wow-a good book almost succeeding at overcoming the power of my guilt-amazing.)

About a week ago I received a package in the mail....that in itself was exciting. It was a book from an aunt who had read my blueberry blog and bought the book Blueberries for Sal for me to read to Keera. Keera and I have read it a few times since then. It's a really cute story about a little girl and her mom picking blueberries at the same time as a mama bear and her little cub and how they end up intersecting paths. Keera came home from school yesterday and announced that in school that day they had read the book that we had, Blueberries for Sal . Of course to most people this would just be the facts of what happened...but I started thinking....had I not blogged about blueberry picking, my aunt would not have sent the book, Keera and I would not have read the book, Keera would not have recognized the story in school, Keera would not have shared with her teachers that she had the book at home and Keera would not have been able to share with me what happened....it's all abo...

Wow-home from work...10 minutes later Keera home...Bob talking to me about number of electrical live outlets in room he is working on....Brendan telling me about 2 teachers absent today and workload.....Keera has homework....Connor telling me about how he is not going to do his mock trial this year....discussion...(me-why say no to an opportunity"...him..."because the nerds are doing it"...me-"don't let what others think stop you from an opportunity")....Katie helping Keera with her homework...Brendan asking about vocabulary words....Katie deciding she needs help with her Language Arts homework...Keera coloring....Connor coming down to help Katie with her homework and talk...Connor wanting to email his teacher because he has decided to do the mock trial (which he kicked butt in last year - gifted program)...Brendan done and upstairs on computer....Bob coming in and telling me we have 3 dead outlets in the front of the house (oh boy an electrical project for...

Finally...summer is over and we can rest again...they are all at school. (ignore the date on the picture....trust me...this was the feeling of the animals on 9/1/09).

Who doesn't love playing in the mud? When we let the water out of the pool today for the winter, Keera and Katie found something to do with the mud it made....MUD PIES!

While I was at work today, I saw an email pop up.....from Bob Reed. Bob was home and here is what the email said: "Can we sign Keera up for morning kindergarten. She has no sense of time. She was walking around with her backpack on at 9:20, asking when she was going to school. I told her at 12:00 she goes to school....which is like watching 6 spongebob shows. At 10:00 we went outside and Keera heard a truck. She asked if that was her bus." I laughed and shared with some colleagues.....I don't know what is funnier - Keera being so excited about the bus and school or Bob trying to deal with being Mr. Mom.

Bob and I brought Keera to school, although she will be taking the bus from home after today. We said our goodbyes, filled out a form with all the other parents and watched as she immediately started laughing at the boy at her table who was knocking blocks over....she likes the wild ones. At this point it is important to share that as all the parents filed into watch their children take their seats, a little Indian girl was behind everyone, crying.....some parents (not hers) helped her in and we all became engaged with our children, figuring this girl's parents could not be there and she was sad to be at school. This will come up later on..... Before we left the kindergarten room, we noticed that Keera did not have a bus number; we were concerned and asked the teacher what to do. She suggested going to the office to straighten that out so that they would know what bus to put Keera on after school. Upon entering the office, we first encountered the crying Indian girl again. She was ...

Well, blessings in disguise is the phrase and it applies to us right now, I guess. Bob will be home with Keera during the morning; she has afternoon kindergarten. The original plan was to put her in daycare, but things changed and she is fortunate to have Bob with her. Keera was very excited her first day of school. I took half the day off to see her go to Kindergarten. I left my school around 11:30 and called home. The phone picked up, but no one answered. I said, "Hello"....Keera" Then this little voice answered me back, "Mommy!!!" "Keera, where is Daddy?" "He is in the shower and I knew I had to wait to hear the voice to make sure I knew it before I talked." I said, "Keera - Did Daddy tell you to do that?" "No, I just knew I had to know the voice before I answered." Kindergarten....here she comes...

Connor and Katie, respectively number 2 and 3, headed off to school at approximately 7:50 on Tuesday, September 1, 2009. Now I do slightly remember Connor and Katie's first day of kindergarten, but it is more of a blur because they were one year apart and it wasn't our first. When I came home at 11:30, the first thing Bob did was show me the pictures he had of Katie and Connor getting on the bus right outside our door (we live on a main road, so the bus comes to us)....the funny thing was neither of them looked back, so it was the back of their heads. I said to Bob, "They let you take this picture?" He didn't really say much. Katie and Connor arrived home at approximtely 2:50. The first thing out of both of their mouths, as Bob and I greeted them inside the front door, was, "Mom, you would not believe how embarassing it was this morning. Dad came out the door and took pictures of us getting on the bus. All the other kids saw them." Connor added, "An...

I can still picture Brendan's first day of Kindergarten - 9 years ago.....I remember he just went with the flow with his scooby doo shirt on and his huge backpack on his little back. Since he was first in the family, he did not have the innate aggresssion that only number 2,3, and 4 can have. He had a sweet, little, freckled, innocent face. He was extremely active with his number one activity being chased in a game of tag. He was always happy, playing with his younger brother, Connor, 2.5 and sister, Katie, 1. Off we went to our first day of school....Brendan, Mom, Dad, Connor and Katie. He very easily took his place in line and walked into the room without even looking back, while my stomach turned in knots. Last Thursday that same freckled, handsome, sweet, innocent faced boy headed off to his Junior year of high school. For some reason it seems to me to be a milestone year for him. He is not graduating, but this year will be filled with opportunities - a job, a driving permit, a...

Who in their right mind would put themselves, much less desire to put themselves, in a place where 1600 13-18 year olds roam the building? The students come back to school tomorrow and I can't wait!! They make everything else (all of the politics, meetings, conflicts with adults, red tape, rules and regulation disgust) worthwhile. If it wasn't for kids, I wouldn't want my job! They have so much hope, promise and very little fear, and to a degree that's a good thing!

I was driving in the car and looked back in the rearview mirror. Keera saw me and pointed her two fingers at her eyes and then at me. "I have my eyes on you," she said. Later that night she was telling a story to me and Grandpa and she used her two fingers to signify a quote of a word. Two days ago Katie and Keera were sunbathing and I made the mistake of moving Keera's towel a bit. Apparently she told Katie that, "mom just crossed the line and that is not allowed in this house." Keep in mind that though I have said many things to my kids, the above has never been one of them, so I do not know where that came from. Keera picked up a coin and put it in her pocket. She said, "I'm putting this in my pocket for safe keeping." She sounds like a grandmother or something. Lastly, she opened her hamburger bun and said, "Pickles, I know you're hiding from me in there," because she doesn't like pickles. I wish I had this blog back wh...

There is a song that came on the car radio. As Keera and I rode around I turned the song up and sang it....not realizing how big - little ears can be. The song has a cool beat, but the words are not quite appropriate "I hope it gives you hell." Later that night Connor reported to me that Keera was singing a song and saying the word "hell". So began the strange conversation. I said, "Keera the word was bell." "No, mom. It goes hell." "Ok Keera...it's a bad word..so we can't say that." "But mom, that's how the song goes." "Keera you can't say that word." "But mom, on "Malcolm" (a tv show we have been watching lately) the Dad's name is Hal and they say it." "Keera that is Hal, not hell." "No it's Hell....so I want to sing Hell." "Ok Keera - you can sing Hal, but not Hell." "Mom...it is Hal." I give up.......if I get a call from Kinde...

We work for money, we work for feeling productive, we work for social reasons, we work to feel purposeful, we work because we enjoy what we do. How often do we need to enjoy what we do? Daily? Weekly? by the minute? At what point do you stop doing what you are doing because it does not satisfy you? At what point do you stop trying to move ahead and just change courses? Is it really practical to think we are in control of it all, or is that a dream because practically we all need to work to survive and provide? I don't have the answers.....but I wonder what they are........

The time on the past four posts is wrong....it's actually 3 a.m.. The question now becomes what the heck am I doing up on the computer at 3 a.m.? Here's the answer.....feeling motivated. I havent' felt this motivated in a few weeks. Yeah baby.....I'm back (and going to be tired).

Katie is bored....it's been a summer of hanging out at home since about the middle of July, so I get that. However, I believe overall she has enjoyed just doing nothing. But, lately she has taken up a cause....she wants a laptop....her own laptop. Now she is willing to pay for this laptop with her hard earned money (watching Keera, doing chores, etc.). Bob and I have been holding out with, "No, we don't want you to spend your own money on that, and we are not buying you a laptop right now." Those are the objective facts of the situation.....here's the inside scoop....can you believe that she has been talking about this for about two weeks....everytime she can get the idea in a conversation-boom-it's there....everytime she senses weakness on our parts, or she thinks we are feeling slightly guilty about anything dealing with her, or anytime her brothers have picked on her and she knows I feel like I owe her for that-boom-up comes the topic of the laptop. Ka...

So about a week ago Bob injured his arm playing softball. Before he could get in to see the doctor there were at least three more games, because it was playoff week, so he continued to play injured. In one game he actually dove for a grounder, rolling over his injured shoulder, at second base and then threw the ball underhand to attempt to get the out. As it turns out, he probably has a torn rotator cuff; he went for an MRI today and will find out results soon at the next doctor's appointment. Now, here's my point of view on this.....have you ever seen a husband,with a torn rotator cuff, jump the couch to get to the bathroom to clean the toilet, then roll through the livingn room to get to the kitchen to do the dishes, run outside to mow the lawn, etc....to win one for the gipper? Me neither....what is it about men and their sports, hobbies, whatever? Maybe if society made it a competition to do chores we would have more success in this area.........hmmmm

Keera has become more rational in the last month-if it is possible for a 4.5 year old to be rational......yesterday she was really upset about something, so the tears started to flow.....a full blown tantrum was in the works when out of the blue she said, through crocodile tears, "I'll be in my room", (which she doesn't even sleep in, let alone retire to when she is upset.) A few minutes later she came out of her room to say, again through crocodile tears, "Can I please have my soda in my room?" (A month ago that would have been a demand, not a question.) How can anyone stay mad at that cuteness????

I've had some sort of writers block....not sure what that is about. Where should I start? The opposum or possum (spelled differently depending on the hemisphere you live in) who decided to inhabit our room above the garage (affectionately known as "the fort" by our kids). The devilish possum managed to grab part of a tuna grinder out of the store bought trap and then walk out again. We brought that trap back the next day! We purchased a better trap and kept trying to trap it, but no go. A few days later, the noises stopped, so either the possum hit the road (maybe even road kill) or it has made a home somewhere in there and is giving birth to babies.....I guess we'll find out. We purchased a couch set for the upstairs open room. We went to Bob's furniture store - the "pit section". All furniture in this section is floor models or discontinued; therefore, it is discounted. Of course the salesmen attack you the minute you walk into the store then ...

We did our traditional blueberry picking today, only Connor was not with us this year; he went to Ohio with Bob. Every year I hold my breath that everyone will still want to go-blueberry picking and pumpkin picking on Columbus Day-it's our tradition. Brendan, the big tough 16 year old, was so proud he had picked a whole quart of blueberries, which he won't eat plain, but will put into pancakes (and he will cook them himself too.) I guess he hasn't out grown blueberry picking. Then there's 12 year old Katie, the beauty queen who is so obsessed with style, etc, anymore, and yet she couldn't wait to go pick blueberries because she loves them plain. She didn't have a whole quart full, but she picked the biggest and best blueberries in the field. They were almost all gone by the time we got home. She has not out grown blueberry picking either Being four, everything is an adventure, so Keera was so excited to go. She even wanted to pick the big green apple, whic...

I'm actually headed to work on time today (summer schedule is a bit lax) because I have a meeting with the new principal. When I close my car door, I hear a noise and immediately think....there's an animal in my car. I turn around expecting to see small little beady eyes, but find a missing window instead. The vibration of closing the door caused the last few little specks of glass to fall out. We call the police just in case there are other reports in the neighborhood; however, it is apparent that it was not vandalism...especially with Bob's car right next to it, untouched with a visable laptop in the back seat. The police arrive - nice officer - his explanation is that the window self-combusted due to extreme heat inside....I'll buy it. Insurance covers it, but it won't be fixed until tomorrow. So, off the family goes in the car with no back side window. I guess it is something you have to see for yourself, but Brendan in the back seat without a window is ...

Brendan turned 16 today (wow), so off we go to Appleby's for dinner. We got the big booth in the corner; however, it was not big enough. Keera was under the table and climbing over Katie who wanted to sit next to me. Bob and I were not even remotely near each other, but we could see each other. Connor and Katie were texting on their phones and Brendan was enjoying his day...but threatening us that if we had the waitresses sing to him he would never speak to us again...at which point Katie said, "Is that a threat or a promise?" (That was a good one-she's usually on the bad end of those types of comments from the boys.) Keera was peering over the booth to the elderly men next to us, who said hi and scared her away. Connor was texting. Brendan was continually asking if his friends could sleep over, being his birthday and all (Monday night????). Katie was complaining that since she is a vegetarian (who doesn't eat vegetables, by the way) that Chilis (across the...

The best mass to go to is the one at which the Deacon gives the sermon. He is well spoken and reaches out to people. It seems as though lately the messages of the sermons, in general, have been catching my ear-must be a certain time in my life. In today's sermon the Deacon used a common phrase, "God broke the mold when he made him/her." Based on the readings, he explained that although that phrase is commonly used for famous people, (personally I use it at times for my kids when I am not sure who was supposed to be able to handle them), but it is really meant to apply to all people. He went on to say that all of us are unique and were given something to offer and share with other people. When I think about my own children, although similar in some ways, not one is at all the exact same as the other and they all have very special things to give (becoming more apparent the older they get). Sometimes I think I know what I am meant to contribute and other times, I think ...

Katie and Keera were playing with Legos. Keera kept calling something her "spyer" thing. Katie asked, "What is a "spyer" thing?" As Keera started to talk, I also started to say something. Keera said, "Mom, how can I "esplain" my spyer thing if you are interrupting me"? Then she went on to say "the "spyer" thing was something you could spy through and spy with it....another name for it is binoculaurs."

This past weekend was so much fun...we spent it in Rochester NY with my cousins, aunts, uncles, the Petites and Dad for Pat and Bethany's wedding. Let's start with Brett, Karen and the girls. We have spent a little bit of time with them in the last few years and it gets better every time we see them. Brett knows how to have fun - he must have made five trips in the boat in order for the huge Reed and Petit clan to ride the waves in the raft. You know when the black hole is coming, Brett is going to get you. He is witty, fun, humorous, kind and sensitive all in one. Karen is very down to earth and interesting to talk to and the girls are very cute. I have not seen Todd, his wife Jennifer and their two boys (the youngest being a spitting image of Todd) in maybe ten years??? Todd has as much of Uncle Tom's wit as Brett does. He knows how to make the children laugh (even Keera, who is fickle at this age). I didn't know that I would have anything in common with Todd ...

So....did I ever think I would be living in this setting of our new house? No. I remember someone saying to me, "when I lived in the hustle of things, the sirens would drive me crazy-constant." I thought about it and, yes we hear a lot of sirens on our road because it forks off of a main road that all the ambulances and fire trucks use. But to me, it reminds me of how fortunate we are that we are not being brought somewhere by an ambulance; that we are safe and sound; that we don't have to, at this point, deal with that scenario. It grounds me in that all my children and Bob and I are basically healthy and can enjoy everything we have. Sirens driving by are good; they remind us that we are in a good place.

You know that feeling like you have no idea where things are going to take you and what will happen next? You have no control over anything and you have no clue how it is all going to fit together or come together in the near future? Yet, despite the insecurity and fear, you can't help but thinking all has placed you where you are now and no harm has been strong enough to break you. I guess it's called faith in something or someone. When I was a teenager my favorite poem was footprints....the one about walking alone and then discovering that there were two sets of the footprints in the sand, so you weren't really alone. I often think that when my children are feeling their worst that I can't make it better, but I can be there for them and let them know they are not alone. I actually think I feel worse than they do because I hurt for them. That must be what it is like for Jesus when we are in pain or feel hopeless and alone. I will try to remember the footprints in...

Sunday night at about 9:00, I was tired, so I decided to read a book in bed. Well, first came Keera, which didn't surprise me. She always has to be around me and busy. I was able to appease her by asking her to start packing for our trip to Va. Then Katie comes in and plops on the ground, so I put the book down and we start talking about stuff. All of a sudden Connor pops in and climbs on the dresser, bantering back and forth with Katie. I turn to give him some attention too. Eventually he floats out and Brendan jumps in for an appearance and lands on the bed. In the meantime Keera is moving in and out of the scene, bringing up the kitten, the dog is chewing his toy and Katie is still hanging around. Now that is more than a mother can ask for - all her family seeking her out to hang out. I felt so happy in that moment that absolutely nothing else mattered. I absolutely could not turn down that company.