Category: Family & Friends

Categories
Activities Cole Family & Friends Holidays Ryan

Wanted for Christmas: Socks With No Holes- Shopping for the Kids (UPDATE #2)

Today my sister, Mara, my sister in-law Kat, the boys and I, went shopping for the impoverished kids in Mara’s second grade class.  Here is the original, Wanted for Christmas: Socks With No Holes post.

Mara had received enough donations of school supplies and books, we did not have to purchase any of those.  The little girl who needed a pencil to finish her homework will have plenty, and the boy who wanted some chapter books, will have a good supply of them.

The first section we went to in Wal-Mart, where the school district’s tax-id number is on file (so we wouldn’t have to pay tax for the items), was the sock section.  Mara has 11 boys in her class, and she wanted to make sure they each had two pairs of socks, so we bought three packages of 10-count socks.  She is going to give the little boy, whose plea to Santa for socks with no holes in them, the remaining eight pairs. 

Then we did the same for the girls- Mara has 15 girls in her class. We also bought some pretty headbands, rubber bands, and bows for their hair.  Kat was touched by the little girl who asked for a sparkly red dress, and wanted to personally buy the sparkly dress for her.  This little girl will be the princess, she wrote Santa about. 

Our next stop was the blanket section, where we picked up a red fleece blanket for the little girl who asked for a blanket because her house was so cold.  We also bought fleece hats and gloves for all the girls, and Batman and Cars hats and mittens for all the boys.  Mara said none of her kids have hats or gloves when they come to school. 

Then it was time to get them some toys.  We found a great deal for the girls- High School Musical Barbie Dolls.  Mara say the girls love High School Musical, and none of us are fans of the Bratz dolls, so this was a great alternative for them.

The boys got little hand held video games- we got an assortment of racing, soccer, basketball, football, and bowling.  We also picked out card games for the boys like Go Fish, Old Maid, and Crazy Eights.  They also got some rubber bouncy balls, that Mara says the boys love.  Mara also bought several soccer, and footballs for the class to play with at recess.  The school does not have any balls for the kids.  We also got recorders (the musical instrument) for every kid in the class. Mara says they have a few recorders when the kids have music, and most of them really liked playing it. We got some sidewalk chalk for the kids to draw with at recess.  We got the girls some lip gloss, and some Silly Putty for the boys.  

My sister is an excellent present wrapper. She always has the prettiest packages, so our next stop was the gift bag area, where we got blue gift bags for the boys, and red and green striped bags for the girls.  Then we were done.

As we waited in line, Mara showed us all of the gift cards that had generously been sent in to her- some from people out of state, whom she didn’t know.  Here is a picture of all of the gift cards:

I still hadn’t bought my gift card yet, so my sister gave me some items to just buy outright.  Kat and I paid for our purchases, and then helped unload the carts of gifts for the kids. When all the items had been brought, there was still a few gift cards left!  We couldn’t believe it, and we were all overwhelmed at the generousity of people-most who were strangers to us.

These are not easy economic times, and yet so many found a way to give something to these kids who have far less.  None of these people have ever met these kids.  They just heard they needed help, and they jumped into action to help. 

Even Ryan and Cole, who usually are bad shoppers (they just get bored and start fussing) seemed to be in the spirit. I can’t recall at time, I have taken them shopping when they have been so well behaved.  Ryan was not feeling himself either.  We were there for two hours, so it wasn’t a short trip by any means.  Ryan told me that we were lucky we had toys, and he liked shopping for Auntie Mara’s kids that didn’t have toys.  I could not have been more proud of them.  Here is a picture of them with Auntie Mara, in front of the carts:

Here are two more pictures of us shopping.  Thanks to a very nice shopper, we were able to get a picture of the three of us with the items, and then one of my sister and I:

  

Mara is going to assemble the gift bags this week, and then give them to her kids on Friday- the last day before Christmas break. She has invited the boys and I to come to her class for that so we can take pictures and meet the kids.  I want to see the little boy when he sees his 10 pairs of new socks.  I want us to see and share in the the smiles and joy that these kids will have when they realize that Santa heard and responded to their requests.

Ryan told me tonight as he was falling asleep that he would really like to go see the kids open their presents.  He asked if Santa was going to be there, and I told him Santa will not be able to be there in the class, but Santa has many, many helpers.  I told him Santa’s helpers were the reason we were able to get so many gifts for the kids, and Santa’s helpers will make the kids very happy.  He nodded his head and said, “That’s good Mommy. Santa’s helpers are good.”   

On behalf of Mara, and myself, thank you so much to everyone who was able to help these kids out this year, and thank you to all my wonderful readers who were able to help as well.  There just aren’t enough words to express the gratitude.  I will post pictures of the kids with their gifts, and once again, thank you for being one of Santa’s helpers.  🙂

Categories
Activities Cooking Family & Friends Holidays

Cookie Time & Toffee Recipe

One of my favorite parties during the holidays is my sister’s annual cookie exchange I attend every year. I wrote about how the exchange has evolved over the years,  last year in  Cookies, Cookies, and more Cookies. 

Last Saturday was the exchange, and I was a bit sad.  I usually try to make a really special cookie, because I just don’t bake that many cookies during the year.  Having an extra special cookie to give as a gift during the holidays motivates me try something new every year.  However, I just didn’t have time with us trying to move.

So I stuck to my old standby- toffee.  I made cookie sheet, after cookie sheet of it all week.  It is the easiest recipe to make, and it is the most delicious toffee- it is very addictive- so don’t say I didn’t warn you.  I normally don’t give the recipe out, but consider this an early Christmas present from me to you.  🙂  Enjoy!

Fool’s Toffee

36 saltines (can also use graham crackers)

1 cup butter

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

11 oz. milk chocolate chips

1/2 cup of chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts (Optional)

 

Preheat oven to 375.

Line a cookie sheet with foil.  Butter or use Pam on the foil (I spray the foil with Pam). 

Spread crackers out on foil, filling cookie sheet. 

Melt butter and brown sugar on medium-high heat.  Bring to a boil, stiring occasionally,and boil for 4 minutes. 

Spread butter and sugar mixture over crackers evenly.

Cook in oven for 5 minutes. 

Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on top.  Allow them to soften (about 5-7 minutes) and then spread evenly over top. 

Top with chopped nuts if desired. 

Place in refrigerator until cooled.  Then break into bite sized pieces. 

Can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

 

Here is a picture of all the wonderful friends at the party (I’m second to the right, standing up in the blue shirt, and my sister and my niece are second to the left standing up. My sister-in-law is to the right of my sister, in the brown sweater):

 


 

 

And here is a picture of all the final goodies:

 

Categories
Activities Cole Family & Friends Holidays Household Mothering Parenting Ryan

Another Thrilling Update

I wish I had a brilliant or at least somewhat exciting update for you, but I don’t. 

We’ve been working on the house, and trying to get everything else done in daily life that must get done, like work, errands, parent, spend time with the boys, etc.  I still haven’t started packing yet, but that is soon to change.  Joe started bringing home boxes the other day, so now that fun chore is on my plate.

I really don’t mind, but there is always way more stuff you realize you have.  I am hoping we can donate or just get rid of the stuff we haven’t used in years, and be done with it.  Like the extra microwave that has been sitting the pantry now, for eight years.  If our microwave ever broke, we had a spare.  Except it hasn’t and we have had a microwave sitting in the pantry for eight years.

I usually blog at night- but I have been so tired physically and mentally, I think I have blogger’s block.  If you don’t see very many posts here in the upcoming weeks, I haven’t dropped off the face of the earth.  But with moving, fixing up the house, and the upcoming holiday season, I’m not sure how much time or motivation I will have to blog.  Please continue to check in- I know I’ll get my blogging mojo back eventually.  🙂  You can find me on Twitter, and I seem to be able to post 140 character items, much easier and regularly than actual blog posts these days.

I pinkie swear I will post pictures of the new house and the progress we have made.  Joe finished painting the boys’ rooms today, and he’s going to start on our bedroom tomorrow.  I placed the carpet order last week, and that should be installed right after Thanksgiving.  We are ordering our engineered hardwood flooring tomorrow.  We have decided on a honey hickory color which is a golden brown- not too dark or light.  We should have it around Thanksgiving.  It has to cure at room temperature for a week, so Joe should be able to install the floor, the beginning of December.

The brand we are getting has a locking system, so there is no need to glue or nail the pieces together.  Joe is optimistic he can install it in a few days, rather than a few weeks.  So it appears we are on schedule to move into the house by the end of December.  Not sure where we will end up having Christmas- in the old house, or the new one, but Ryan is already wondering about the tree this year, and how Santa will find us.  🙂  Cole has just been talking up a storm and telling us he wants Santa to bring him a dump truck.

I’m also trying to plan Ryan’s fifth birthday party, which always sneaks up on me, since it is just two weeks after Christmas.  I booked the venue this year in JULY- so that is set.  Now I just have to get save the dates out to people, and hope I’m not over the number of guests we are allowed to have.  Guess I had better double check on that.  Ryan of course, is just thrilled to be turning five.  I’m wondering where the time went, and how did my ‘baby’ become a little boy, who is just weeks away from being five years-old?

My mom is coming out for a visit the week of Christmas and will be able to spend an entire evening, and the next day with us.  I’m excited for that, and to be able to show her our new house.  Ryan and Cole are excited to bake cookies for Santa with Nana. 

So that is all we have been up to.  Stay tuned for another exciting update in the near future.  🙂

Categories
Activities Family & Friends Mothering Parenting Ryan School

PreSchool Dropout, No More

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my preschool dropout, Ryan.  The comments telling me not to worry, were so appreciated, but we felt like we still needed to explore the option.

I suppose I am the one mother who didn’t get the memo that you cannot wait until back-to-school time to register your child for preschool.  Our school district has about six preschools in some of the elementary schools, and I assumed I could register Ryan at the one in the town we are hoping to move to.  WRONG.

When I called, the lady was very nice, but laughed.  She said I had to register for preschool back in January.  What?  I can’t even plan ahead to next week, let alone eight months ahead of time.  She told me they were completely filled, but they would put Ryan on a waiting list. 

I tried the other schools, and it was the same story.  One school that did have an opening, would have been in the farthest possible location from where we live now, and if we move.  The days they had open also did not work with our schedule.  Since I work two days a week, it was going to be tricky at best, to find something that worked.

So, I resigned myself that Ryan was a preschool dropout, and I was going to homeschool him for preschool.  We have been working on his name, numbers, letters, shapes, and colors anyway. Recently, he is starting to pick out a few words out of books that he recognizes, so I thought we were on the right track. 

The director at the farm program where Ryan went last year e-mailed me as well and said she had a few afternoon openings, so I signed him up for some sessions, just so he could be around other kids, and get the experience of being in a class.

But it was still bothering us.  Neither Joe or I, are teachers.  We were worried that we would be missing something.  What if we brought him to kindergarten next year, and he was the only kid that couldn’t do X, because we didn’t enroll him in preschool? But our options were severely limited.

Ryan’s wonderful grandmother (Joe’s mom) came to the rescue.  She told us about a center in town that caters to children with special needs.  She informed us that they have a preschool, where they combine special need kids and non-special needs kids in the classes.  She said it had a great reputation. 

Right off the bat, I loved the idea of that type of environment for Ryan.  I think he is at the perfect age to start learning about differences and in turn, learning tolerance and empathy.  I looked up the website, and was thrilled to see they were advertising at the top of their page, that they still had openings for non-special needs kids in his age group.  I read about the program, and became even more impressed.

We called the school the next day, took a tour, and even though they normally request that the four-year olds attend school four days a week, they said they would still love to have Ryan come for two days a week.  Because of my work schedule, there is no way I could bring him four days a week, but with some help from Ryan’s grandparents we will be able to do the two days a week.

The school was amazing.  All the teachers have bachelor degrees and or masters in early childhood education.  All the assistants at a minimum, have certificates in early childhood education too.  The ratio in the class is half the kids with special needs, and half the kids without.  There is one teacher, and two teaching assistants.  They are very organized and send home a lesson plan every week, so you know what is happening and what the kids are learning.  They have field trips.  One is coming up to a farm to see animals, take a hayride, and pick vegetables.  It just seemed like the perfect place for Ryan.

Today was his first day, and he was excited to go.  He told me he was a little nervous, but he was happy that he wouldn’t have to take a nap, since he’d be at school.  When we arrived, the director walked us to the class, where he met some of his classmates.  Ms. A., (his teacher), gave him a hug, and told him she’d show him where he could put his backpack.  Ryan barely gave me a hug, and he was off with Ms. A. 

Cole and I watched for a minute, and Ms. A., sensing I  needed another good-bye, pointed Ryan in my direction.  My little boy gave me a hug, and he was back off to Ms. A. Outside the classroom, there is a one-way window, and the director told me I could stay and watch as long as I wanted.  Cole was getting tired, so we left. 

It is odd turning your child over to someone else, to take over teaching them, even for just a few hours a day.  But this school seems so nurturing and supportive-it felt right. 

When we picked Ryan up, he had, had a blast.  He told us about the stories they had read, the snack they had, and the toy front-loader he got to ride during recess.  He was also happy to see that his name in his cubby, was attached to a yellow triangle.  That was very important. 

Ms. A. called us tonight and told us how comfortable Ryan seemed and how well he did today.  His first day couldn’t have gone better. It should be a fun year, and I can’t wait to see and hear about all the exciting new things he learns.  Here are a few pictures before we left for the first day:   

                             

Categories
Activities Cole Family & Friends Ryan

Happy Grandparent’s Day & Anniversary (to us)

Today is Grandparent’s Day, and Joe and I’s sixth wedding anniversary.  If you want to read the post I wrote last year about our anniversary, you can click here.  I was going to write a new post for our anniversary, but nothing has changed since last year-and that is a good thing.  The only thing that has changed is it seems like our wedding day is getting harder and harder to remember. 

I can remember bits and pieces, but not all the details.  I must dig our pictures out of storage soon, and transfer our wedding tape to DVD.  We have actually never even transferred it from the camcorder tape, and we have never watched it.  Friends and family are shocked by this, but now I am kind of glad…it will be a whole new experience when we finally do watch it, and will bring back those memories and details I have forgotten. 

Moving on to Grandparent’s Day.  I wrote a post about it last year too, and you can read that here. I think that post says it all again- and all I can do is thank Ryan and Cole’s grandparents, and great grandparents for always being so loving, kind, and a part of their lives.  It means more to me than you will ever know, and can express. 

If you have clicked to last year’s post, than you will have already read this, but I just love this quote on grandparents:

Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do.  Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.  ~Alex Haley

Thank you again to our children’s wonderful grandparents- we couldn’t do this parenting thing without you!