Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011!

We continued our New Year's tradition of the girls going with Nana and Papa for the night. Daddy and I stayed home while the girls went to a hotel for swimming and time with their grandparents. They get to be kids and be catered to. It's special and I'm glad they get to do it. It's been an amazing year and I'm grateful for every minute we have in this family! Happy New Year!

Here's some snapshots from Nana...

2011 began with a lazy morning for Daddy and I while the girls were off to the Mall for unlimited rides.

Thank you Nana and Papa for being wonderful grandparents!

Samantha's day (with Mom mostly)

I was excited to have a day with Samantha at her request. The destination was the Mall which was fine. It was extremely crowded, but thankfully we didn't have to wait for much. She only went on a couple of rides before lunch and loved the log ride. We had a wonderful lunch at Crave and then she requested to go on the climbing ride. After a long wait, we put on a harness and ascended. We were very close to the ceiling and I'm proud to say that Samantha (nor I) didn't panic. (It takes a lot to get my adrenaline going, but it was really freaky at times!) Once we got down, we rewarded ourselves with ice cream cones before heading home.

This was the climbing thing from the ground... look closely and you will see people. The following picture is the one I took at the top, near the ceiling!

To cap off her day of fun, she went to play at a friend's house. I'm sure she will sleep well tonight!

It's so hard to say goodbye, but we love visits from Antie and Uncie!

We already miss Antie and Uncie, who by visiting gave us the best Christmas weekend ever! The visits are always too short, but the comfort level is always there. We just pick up where we left off.

Some highlights:

• Jan's face when she realized a text conversation was with me and not Jason. I can be funny too!
• Uncie watching Daddy use the snowblower, then playing with the girls outside!
• Daddy's best roast ever! Thanks for a fabulous dinner!
• Visiting Irving. He looks good with his haircut!
• Sofie saying, "Stop" with a pointed finger and a scowl.
• Uncie imitating her.
• Antie imitating her.
• Samantha demonstrating her skills with Just Dance Kids.
• Uncie trying Just Dance Kids too.
• Getting both my niece and nephew to laugh and play with me!
• The gingerbread house that was fun to decorate, but didn't last due to a poor foundation.

Strikes for everyone!

Bowling on the Wii is a game that we've been playing alot. Tonight Sofie joined the ranks of those who have gotten stikes all on her own! The entire family has gotten stikes now! Sam is getting better and better, breaking 200 often!

Current record (by me): 245

Fighting without cruelty is good

Tonight was frustrating for everyone in the house. One moment everyone was fine and the next we were crabby. I'm not entirely sure why, but we all struggled. Maybe it's as simple as we were all tired from the weekend. The kids were low on energy for listening and the parents were frustrated by the lack of listening. Usually I give warnings before I yell (as does Daddy) and today was no exception. The problem was that the kids didn't "hear", i.e. listen to the warning, so the girls looked at me like I was a lunatic.

The true discussion started when Samantha said she wished she could have a better family and a better life. (I stayed calm and didn't take it personally.) I explained that sometimes arguments are good. As long as you're not trying to be cruel, fighting (i.e. airing of the grievances) is healthy. Say what you need to say and move on. (Example: I'm frustrated that you're doing a puzzle with Sofie when I wanted to play store with her.) It's not possible for everyone to be happy all the time. Life just doesn't work that way. The trick is to know why you're not happy so you can deal with it. I told her that I loved her and that will never change no matter how angry she and I get. I reminded her that I'm not perfect and that I'm doing the best I can. I also told her she's not perfect. What matters is that tomorrow is a new day and we can choose to be respectful and listen to each other.

Our goal in parenting is simple - raise our kids to handle the real world. The world where people are cranky at times and happy others. Where some people are just mean and you never know why. (It's usually a safe assumption in those cases that it's not about you.) The world where your parents love you, but won't read bedtime stories when you hit them repeatedly with a stuffed animal after they say it's time to stop hitting. The reality is there are consequences and as parents, Daddy and I don't hide that. We are trying to teach them that no one in the world is perfect, so don't try - just do your best and be okay with that. You can choose your path and you must walk it.

Despite the irritations of the evening, I think we succeeded in making it a teachable moment and showed we will all still love each other in the morning.

Science Museum

We took our first trip to the Science Museum today! I had planned to take the girls myself, but Daddy came with too. It was great fun and I'm sure we'll go back soon. The girls loved the musical staircase, the geometry play structures and the dinosaurs.

I love museums and I'm glad that we get out to them!

The snow just keeps coming!

We're digging out after an epic snowstorm that left us over a foot of snow! Thankfully, Daddy and I took turns clearing the driveway and walkways. I took the girls outside to play and they promptly made a slide out of the mound of snow. We all got stuck at various points too. Sofie especially loves to eat the snow (white only - we've had numerous discussions about eating the other colors of snow). Samantha seemed to love rolling around in it the most. We all made snow angels and giggled as we wiggled around.


We were prepared for the storm and kept ourselves entertained with a variety of stuff. There was time for reading, art, dancing, bowling on our new Wii, and experimenting with cookies and frosting. Apparently Sofie wasn't into it like Sam and I, so she ate her frosting soup while Sam and I mixed the other bowls. We kept ourselves very busy and it was a great snow day!

Samantha gets a surprise from Papa and her first report card

Papa made Samantha's day today by surprising her for lunch at her school. When I asked Sam what she thought of it she said with a smile, "It was pretty cool". My girls and their cousins are very fortunate to have Papa. He adores his grand kids and shows it at every opportunity!

Samantha brought home her first report card today. It was as expected, a glowing report! We are incredibly proud of her. Sam has changed a bit since school started. I think the more relaxed morning routine from the later start in the day helps, she's got a great teacher and a great group of classmates. Samantha has successfully dealt with a mean girl/bully (asserting herself and walking away), learned that she should only worry about managing herself versus trying to control all the other kids, and most importantly she's having fun. She is smart and loves learning which Daddy and I will . Her class is diverse thankfully so she's learning about different cultures too!

A good night and good morning

Daddy was gone a couple of nights this week. The girls and I hunkered down for a night at home. They taught me how to play, "Tag Hide and Seek". Sam especially enjoyed demonstrating it for me. We were all active, but relaxed. It was a night without tempers or tantrums. No one lost their patience and I thoroughly stayed in the moment all night. I'll admit it's an ongoing struggle to be present consistently and ignore the distractions of housework, laundry and technology. I ignored everything and just played with my kids. I think they had as much fun as I did. We also had an amazingly smooth morning, again with no tempers flaring or crabbiness.


Watching my girls interact is always interesting. They are sisters - something I have no experience with. Samantha and Sofia seem to either really love or despise each other. From what I hear, that's standard behavior in the way of sisters. I think I'm okay with not knowing what having a sister is like, especially during my girl's epic battles!

Samantha's play

Drama club has culminated into a performance of their play, "Space Pirates". Samantha shined as usual, being out front and extremely poised during her song and dances. Her audience included Todd, Shelly, Dylan, Jordan, Nana, Sheila, Daddy and I. Papa stayed home since Sofie was still ill and Grammy wasn't feeling well either. Thanks to Todd and Shelly for the flowers!

At the end of the play, the teacher gave a few awards out. Samantha was incredibly disappointed that she didn't get an award. We tried to explain that not getting an award didn't mean she wasn't important or didn't do a fantastic job and she seemed to understand. Samantha isn't a kid that likes the chorus line - she wants to be in the center, if not the center. She is a leader. But life isn't always about leading and this is the lesson of the day.

The quality of the picture is horrible, but Samantha is the 4th from the right.

Hanukkah celebration

With the huge amount of fluffly snow that came down yesterday, I knew that some of our plans for the day may not happen. Here's what was planned: services and the annual Hanukkah celebration at our synagogue followed by some play time in the snow and then off to Nana and Papa's for the extended family dinner and present exchange.


Unfortunately, Sofia woke up with a fever and none of us made it outside to play in the snow unless you count Daddy and I shoveling and blowing the snow off the drive and walkways. I was exhausted and not feeling that well myself. Samantha and Daddy went to Nana and Papa's while I stayed home with Sofie. We kept it low-key, playing game after game of domino's and various card games. She helped me light her menorah and we said the prayer together. Sofie behaved very well in spite of her not feeling the greatest.


I guess the lesson here is life hardly ever goes the way you plan it. And that's okay. I was disappointed that we couldn't go to synagogue and that the whole family couldn't go to Nana and Papa's. But what I got today was time alone with my youngest daughter and that made it a good day.

Happy Hanukkah!

We wish everyone a wonderful holiday!

We started our Hanukkah celebration with lighting the menorah and some gifts. Our family is incredibly blessed and we practice gratitude. Every night we will light the candles and say the prayers. It is a crazy time and we love it!

A woman never panics! Even in the face of rodents!

It has a happy ending for us! The mouse was in the trap this morning, so no more mouse! The problem has been eradicated and prevention measures have been successfully applied. I will also remember the squeaking sound Samantha made for days afterward.

On Dec 1, 2010, at 12:53 AM, I wrote an email to my husband (who was in the last throes of a stomach illness) as described below:

I was just falling asleep when my peripheral vision caught something move by the entertainment center. I looked with the flashlight and stared into the eyes of a mouse. I'm seriously freaking out and you're thankfully asleep. After I calm down, I'm going to Sofie's room. I set a trap.

I just can't handle rodents in the house.

By the way, your dog never left the chair (next to the mouse on the floor) throughout the whole thing. I will gladly clean up the mess if he kills it. Protect us Fonz!

My 3rd (and final) Art Adventure

Today was my last presentation at Samantha's school. I showed 2 pieces today, including one sculpture and gave the kids some playdoh with a toothpick to etch their creation with. It was fascinating to see how each child interpreted the basic instructions! Some kids broke multiple toothpicks, others didn't use them because they were immersed in squishing the clay. For me it was another wonderful moment. I can't help wondering how peaceful the world would be if everyone had a experience where they taught kids about something. Granted, Samantha's class is a fabulous group of kids (a statement echoed by the teacher), but the innocence and enthusiasm is truly special to be around!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Truly we have much to be thankful for this year. We are extremely blessed to have each other and our friends and family. I appreciate how special this time is, right here and right now. So many things could happen without warning, so I don't take it for granted.

I love this holiday. We eat traditional food and catch up with our extended family. Football is on the TV, but people are still social. I got to see relatives I haven't seen for a while on both Daddy's and my side and it made the day extra special for me. I loved playing with my girls and seeing the local Z family, including my aunts and uncle.

This year Papa grilled lamb to supplement the turkey and meatballs. It was yummy and I was sure to compliment Papa. Grammy and I irritated each other (I swear she started it intentionally and knows me better than anyone!) and in our typical fashion ended up giggling about it! I loved playing with my niece and nephew who are growing so fast.

My 2nd Art Adventure

I got to do another art presentation at Samantha's school yesterday. I've got most of the kid's names memorized, which is nice. One of the pieces I talked about was 2 cups in a gold tea service that tell the story of the Fox and the Stork. The class and I talked about telling a story with art and they all got to color their own tea cups. Then if they chose to, they got to stand in front of the class to share the story of their drawings. That alone was amazing to watch. The kids who didn't want to share with the whole class had to option of telling just me, though most told everyone. The kids are all special and it gave me insight into their personalities to listen to their stories.

I really appreciate that I'm able to do this and Samantha has demonstrated repeatedly that she loves that I come to her class!

Kindergarten Special Person's Day

Samantha's school had a "show" for all the kindergartner's special people. Grammy, Nana, Papa, Daddy and I all went to show our love of Sam. The kids all sang songs (with applause after each song), then went to their classroom for treats and Thanksgiving themed bingo game. As usual, Sam was a leader. She then went out to lunch with Daddy and they spent the afternoon baking for Thanksgiving.

Samantha has a lot of special people in her life and to her credit, she's very grateful!

Sofie's 3rd birthday party

We had the family over today to celebrate Sofie turning 3. She wore a "new" party dress and loved being the focus of the day. Sofia requested an ice cream cake and got it. How do you like the pattern she chose? Sofia loved her gifts and said again at the end of the day that opening her presents was the best part of the day.

(Kudos to Samantha for handling all the festivities extremely well!)





Sofie with her daddy, who was very proud of his baby girl and had a ball with celebrating!

This one was so cute I couldn't resist adding it. Not to mention that it's another example of Papa's obsession with hats and a moment between the birthday girl and her Papa.

Sofia turns 3!

It's incredibly difficult to believe, but Sofia is now 3 years old! Daddy and I celebrated by taking the day off from work to spend Sofie's birthday with her. We went to the Aquarium and rode some rides at the Mall of America. Sofia was worn out by the end of the day, but she had a great time! At bedtime I asked her what the best part of the day was and she said, "Opening my presents". I'd say that is a fair and honest statement. She was exhausted by the end of the day, but it's all good!


This is the birthday girl at breakfast wearing our new hat:

Playing at the aquarium...

Riding some rides...
Needless to say, she enjoyed herself very much! Daddy and I appreciated that we could spend the day with her!

My 1st visit to Samantha's classroom

Art Adventure is a program through our local art museum. It's designed to give kids access to some pieces around a theme (Animals this year) that they haven't been exposed to. I signed up as a volunteer and today was my first presentation to Samantha's kindergarten class. It was more fun than I expected it to be! The kids all did well listening and talking. I thought they all did well participating and I didn't see too many kids fidgeting from boredom so I've got that going for me!

After "art time" was over, I took Samantha and 3 other boys to work on some math puzzles. These 4 kids are all readers and fairly advanced, so I volunteered to spend some time with them. Out of this group, Sam is the only girl and I found it fun to watch her in that dynamic. It was interesting to get to know her classmates today too. I hope to keep doing it, but we'll see about the frequency.


Side note: The teacher today asked me if I would tolerate some of the behavioral and listening issues the boys have. (Of course, I didn't see much of it today.) I know it's tempting fate to say it wouldn't bother me, but I think we will just see how it goes. Usually I can get other people's kids to listen to me, but we'll see.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Poor Daddy. He's the only male in the house with the exception of Fonz and I just don't see a lot of solidarity between them. One thing that makes Daddy special is that he's a strong enough man to handle his wife and two daughters. Daddy is the model for what the girls probably will accept should they decide to get married someday. He works hard, loves to play and is the guy that does the right thing just because it's the right thing to do. He sacrifices himself at times, but he takes care of himself. We are all very proud of him and very blessed to have him as a central part of our family!

First snow of the season

It started snowing last night and hasn't stopped yet. The girls and I went out to play this morning. Sofie loved eating the snow, which is fine because we discussed that yellow (or any colored snow) is not okay to touch. I shoveled a bit and pulled the girls around in our sled. When Daddy came out to start the driveway, the whole family had a snowball fight. That was hilarious and fun even when Daddy got me in the face! Oh well, better me to get hit than the kids!

This afternoon both girls went to a friend's birthday party with a princess theme. They had a blast! Samantha was commended as the most polite and Sofia actually went potty on the toilet! It's always fun to hear good things all around!

Tonight we honored another tradition: a meal consisting only of finger food. It's a nice contrast to all the sugar the girls consumed at the party today!

Bartering

Both girls are great at negotiation. They use their skills with mostly Daddy and me (not to mention their grandparents), but yesterday Samantha used her skills at the mall. We met Nana and Papa for rides and ice cream. On our way to the car, we passed by a face painting station. I didn't have enough cash to pay the posted price and I was honest with Samantha about that. I told her she could ask the lady if they could do something else. Sam was very polite and of course got herself and her sister sparkling pink hearts. Way to go Sam! I was so impressed! I told her that I was very proud of her.

Thanks to Nana and Papa for a great afternoon!

Conferences at Samantha's school

This morning was Samantha's initial parent / teacher conference. She is doing great in school! That isn't a surprise to us, but the validation is nice. Apparently whenever there is a substitute, they are instructed to ask Samantha if she has a question. That's quite a feat! We love her teacher and more importantly, so does Samantha. She is one of four kids in her class that's reading and I'm hoping to volunteer weekly at her school to work with that group. We will see what happens!

Here's one of Daddy's favorite pictures of her. It was taken on a "Daddy and Sammy" day recently.

Autumn 2010

Autumn has flown by this year, so I thought I would show some highlights that didn't make it to other posts.

There was the open house showcasing all the things firefighters do. The girls put out fires and climbed on nearly every truck out there.

A quick trip to the arboretum with Grammy. We all had fun running around the stick house, playing in the "tornado" house and exploring the maze.


50's night at Samantha's school with Nana, Papa and Grammy. Both girls wore their Halloween costumes which worked out well. Samantha was giddy when she found Naomi and didn't leave her side most of the night!

We got to celebrate Mitch's brithday early with him and the family. Now that Jordan and Dylan are mobile, things are even more interesting and fun!

Behold, Dylan and Jordan are mobile! They are growing so fast...

Visits with Auntie She usually involving games of, "Red Light Green Light".

Dinner at the Gorilla house. Sofie got to hang with a baby (another S) and Samantha got to hang out with Kira.

It has been busy, but we're extremely fortunate to have the friends and family we do!