The big "First Day"

It is hard to believe that I sent my little girl off to her first day of Kindergarten on Friday. Time really has gone by quickly. I can say that I was so proud of her and I was confident that she would be fine...so I was fine. Brian took the day off so he could take her and pick her up. Since it was my first week of school, too....it would have been a bit tricky to have taken the day off. I was grateful Brian could. Ellie is very thrilled with her teacher as well as having some of her good friends in class with her. That always makes the transition easier. Ellie, I am super proud of you....love you so much....and can not believe you are a mighty kindergarten student already! So proud of you!!!!

Ellie getting all geared up for her first day. Love that the backpack is about as big as she is!

Daddy's girl......

Reid will not know what to do with himself while Ellie is away all day. It will be a transition for us all I have a feeling.

Brian treated Ellie to a special breakfast before school on her first day. Maybe this will become a tradition in our house.

There she is! Next to the school ready for her big day!!! I am sure there will be MANY pictures and updates to follow as we begin this new journey!!!!

A shining angel

First of all, to all of you who actually stop by to check on things at the "ski" blog, I must apologize. Life here has been a zoo with me starting back to work which means an adjustment for us all. Earlier bedtimes have been in place for a little while now which is helping the mornings go smoothly. Ellie will start Kindergarten on Friday, so getting her all set and ready has also been a big job. So, needless to say, I have not been a faithful blogger at all!

My mom called me tonight to let me know that my dad's gravestone was put in place today. She sent my brother and myself pictures since my dad is not buried in the town I live in. It was a particularly cloudy day all day long. Not much sun shone all day. My mom said as she was just about to take her last picture at the cemetary, the sun appeared. As you will see from the picture, it only shone on my dad's name. I think he was sending Mom a little message letting her know that he is doing just fine....and he is looking down on us all, especially Mom. It's nice to know that Dad light surrounds us......always. Love and miss you, Dad....

A fresh beginning

I have been spending a lot of time at school lately. Probably too much time if you ask my husband! My classroom was moved this year. It's a huge job, but I can not complain because I am heading into an air conditioned room!!! I should have taken before and after pics because this won't do it justice. My room is in the basement, and it was really in need of some TLC when I arrived. I think I am ready for my students to come next Monday. I am happy with how the room came out, and am ready for a bright, fresh, positive start to the year!

Found this lamp....and had to have it! I went with browns and a soft turquoise blue for my colors this year.

I am standing at the front of my room looking to one side. My room is very wide but does not have much length. Coming up with a seating plan for 26 was a little hairy!

Just another view looking into the room from my door.

My HUGE desk. I think Reid could fit in the drawers. My mom made me the curtains. I was looking for a homey feeling this year, and I was really pleased with how everything looks.

Standing towards the back of the room looking to the front.

When I saw my class list.....I came to the conclusion that I needed some positive quotes that would bring accountability and positive-ness to my kids. I think this quote is beautiful!!! So true!

I am using this quote as the theme for the year. This is posted outside my classroom door.

Ha! Just because I had to! It's a nice reminder to my 4th graders that I am always looking for honesty. 2010-2011 school year....here we come!

Last Speech Visit

Reid finished out his speech services for this summer today. It is hard to believe that we have attended all of our sessions and we are kissing the summer time days goodbye. Reid really enjoyed his speech sessions with Miss Judy. She did a really nice job with him and worked on his oral motor skills in depth. His drooling is MUCH better, and his "S" sound is coming along nicely. We will continue to work on oral motot exercises at home as I head back to school, but for now....we are calling it goodbye. I am pleased with Reid's overall progress this summer. He worked hard.

Working with Miss Judy and the NUK brush. She was rubbing lemon ice on his lips and then working exercises with him. Reid loves anything that incorporates food into his day!

Mmmmmmm.....lemon ice!

Reid being a little bit rowdy. I think he was feeling comfortable with Miss Judy....maybe a little too comfy!

Ellie went with us today because I didn't have a sitter...and she enjoyed getting to paint her brother!

More painting!

Thanks Miss Judy for all your help this summer! We will miss you!

Idlewild Park Visit

We were lucky enough to head to Pennsylvania last week with my mom to enjoy Idlewild Park. It is basically an amusement park for toddlers and young children. It contains Storybook Forest, Mr. Rogers neighborhood, and many amusement rides for little ones. Since Brian had taken off time at the start of the summer, I asked my mom to accompany me because I knew I would need her help with the kids.....or shall I just say, Reid??? We ended up making a mini-vacation out of it and stayed 4 days. It was a great time for all, and we really enjoyed our time together.

My own little Raggedy Ann and Andy in Storybook forest.

Reid loving life on the airplanes, and Ellie loving it even more since she was in control of the up-down motion.

Reid not sure if he is enjoying his teacup ride or not. I can tell you, after riding it about 3 times, I had had enough!

Reid in his glory on the train ride.

My little drivers

Reid followed "Ricky" around the whole time. "Ricky" was probably glad to see our vacation come to an end. We spent much time loving on "Ricky" while we were there.

As I said, Ricky was a popular guy!

Ok, this is my favorite. Look closely at the drawing. Obviously, it is Ellie and Reid. This girl did an AMAZING job on capturing the kids profiles. Here is the really AMAZING part....she was done in about 7 minutes. Thank goodness, because I didn't know if Reid would manage sitting or not. He did....with a promise that we would get some ice cream afterwards! I asked this young lady if she was studying art in school because she was so gifted. And she laughed and told me she was a junior in high school. She has no plans to pursue art. It's just a "hobby" of hers. It's an amazing gift is what I say!!!!

After being at Idelwild for 2 days, we headed to the Pittsburgh Children's Museum. Ellie would have liked to have stayed longer here. I am thinking Brian and I may have to take her back another time. There was an entire room devoted to art, and we didn't get to it because with Reid, we have to pick and choose our fun! So instead of art, the kids climbed in what I called the human ant farm all the way to the second floor.

Ellie loved the pulley systems that were there. She was sending up parachutes to another little girl up high. Very fun.

And who doesn't like an entire FLOOR dedicated to WATER play??? All I can say is a big thank you to the lady who told us to do this last....and bring a change of clothes. Great advice!!!!

Reid wondering how to get in the water! There was one point when he had his shoes off and was lifting his leg to hop in the "pool". Gotta love the 2 year old's mind.

Reid loved his swimming time while we were away. He is a little too brave for my liking, but he was just in his glory in the pool.

And little Miss Swimmer did great. She was able to learn to float well on her back, swim without floats, and began swimming underwater on our trip. Swimming lessons are going to be a must for us this Fall to continue with the skills she is really quickly learning after a summer of pool fun. What a great trip it was. Maybe next year, Brian can go, too!

In love again

We were so blessed to get the chance to care for Hudson yesterday, one of our new cleft friends. He is an absolute angel, and I find myself in love again. I do believe that Ellie also is in love as you will see. Hudson is wearing the NAM device that Reid wore and is doing really well with it. His lip repair is scheduled for October with the same surgeon that we have for Reid. I have no doubt, he will do great. I feel so blessed by so many of you that helped us through this entire process when we were in the midst of it all, and I am just honored that we have the chance to give back to another family. Little Hudson.....we love you and loved our day with you yesterday!

Ellie and Hudson. Ellie didn't want him to leave. She cried and cried. Too sweet.

Sweetness......