Crazy Hair Day

I think she was successful at accomplishing her goal of crazy hair!

Boys

Just had to document this conversation I had with Emma's bus driver yesterday:

Mr. Joe opens up his window and waves me over to him and says, "You know there is a boy who has his eyes on your daughter."  Followed by a slight pause. "Don't worry, I have my eyes on the boy."  I am still laughing about it this morning.

Brian was wanting a few more details.  Most especially he was looking for a name of said boy.  He said this was very critical information to have.  I told him I would ask, but didn't think Mr. Joe would divulge such information.  I was correct when I asked Mr. Joe this morning.  He just told me to reassure my husband that the he was watching.

Of course, now I think this is pretty darn cute and funny.  Not so sure how I will feel in another 5-10 years.  Hence the reason for the documentation.  So I have something to look back on and say, "See it wasn't a big deal then."  Sigh.....

Sandy's Wrath

So, we are all snuggled in safe in our home awaiting the arrival of this Hurricane.  As the picture above shows, we are in the line of a direct hit.  The kids are thrilled because they don't have school and it isn't even snowing out.  I am happy for them because as a former kid and teacher I remember how excited I got when our school's name was announced as being closed.  It is a PJ day in our house.

I am not excited because at this point, my aunt and uncle are also as ready as they can be, however they have decided to stay at their house which is located on the bay across from Atlantic City.  It scares me to death that they have decided to stay.  We went down this weekend to help them get ready and when we left to come home the water was already at the edge of the roads.

I know I can't change their minds, but at least I can worry and do lots of praying for their safety.  Be safe out their everyone on the east coast.

Things I love this time of year

Little Ms. Katydid who hung around all day with us.

The gorgeous fall colors

Silly gooseneck gourds

Not the spider as much as the beautiful webs that are woven and seen with the morning dew on the walks to the bus stops.

Walking into my house to the smells of dinner.

Kindergarten Progress

Now that I am about 4 weeks into school, I am feeling like the kids are really settling into the reality that school will not be going anywhere anytime soon.  It has been extremely difficult for Rebecca.  She is coming from the best possible Pre-School environment for her.  A fantastic teacher, who not only encouraged the children to get along with each other, but also taught them that each of them is special and has something unique to bring to a situation.  A group of children who were incredibly cohesive as a group of 18 kids can be.  There were no cliques in this classroom.  So many fun arts and crafts projects coming home.  Always having the opportunity to be creative in a safe and friendly environment.  

Kindergarten is a wonderful place and I am so pleased with her teacher so far.  However, in the eyes of a 5 year old, her whole world has changed.  She is going to school in the afternoon.  She has to ride a loud, hot school bus.  She has to make completely new friends (with the exception of her neighbor, Carter :)  She doesn't get the opportunity to do cutesy arts and crafts.  She has a classroom outside of the main building.  She has a ton of new rules and routines to learn.  

As time passes on I hope that she will understand that even though the situation is new and different and certainly out of her comfort zone, that she will come to make the most of it and enjoy this ride that is Kindergarten.

In the meantime, I will continue to capture these fun moments from school so that I can remind her that school is not a horrible place to be, but rather an environment where we are sending her to learn, not only reading, writing, and arithmetic, but all the life skills that comes along with being in  "real" school.

Organized Sports

Brian and I agreed pretty early on that we wanted to give our children every opportunity to try new things and support them until they found something they were passionate about.  Emma had been mentioning that she wanted to give soccer a try.  Now I was never in an organized sport. Brian on the other hand was never NOT in an organized sport.  So we found a soccer club in the area and signed her up.  She is really enjoying it.  She just LOVES being the goalie.  Not sure if that is because she doesn't have to run as much or because she is genuinely pretty good in that position.  In the first game she played she blocked 5 goals in the first quarter.  It is fun to watch her spreading her wings and try new things that may not be in her comfort zone.  I love that she is willing to try new things and see the commitment through without too much noise about not wanting to go to practice.  So proud of you Emma!

Our soccer star

Blocking the team in warm-ups

A save in the REAL game

Good double arm throw

Operation Education 2012-2013

Fasten your seat belts.  

Here's to another great year!

I am definitely nervous, but I will smile.

All the neighbor kids facing a new year.

Love that these kids get to grow up together.

With her friend who is going to help her get through the scary bus ride.

Daddy?  Are you sure you can't come on the bus with me?

Ok, Mom.  You told me I would be ok.  I am not convinced.

That was a LONG bus ride (30 minutes late!)  But she made it and she is happy.  Very tired, but happy.

Me - "How was your first day?"

Emma - AWESOME!