Live well, Laugh often, Love much

Devin's Christmas Pageant 12/20/11 at OneTrueMedia.com

2011-12-20T19:07:00.001-05:00

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Visits with Santa

2011-12-15T21:27:00.001-05:00

Candy Cane Lane Concert 12/15/11

2011-12-15T20:54:00.001-05:00

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Busy Saturday

2011-09-13T21:45:00.004-04:00

I officially became a "soccer Mom" on Saturday! Devin started his soccer team, the Sting. He is in a Kindergarten league in our town and all of their practices/games are held at 8:00 am on Saturday mornings! Devin LOVED soccer and can't wait to go back.
In the picture below you can *barely* see him in the center of the picture. He is #4. He was running and dribbling the ball in the practice drills. After a 30 minute practice there are 2- 15 minute games.
Last Saturday, after having soccer, Devin had to participate in his karate promotion. He is getting to a pretty advanced level in his Little Ninjas Program. He currently has a white belt with a red stripe and just received a "Junior Leader" patch. He only has a few stripes left in this program! Go Devin!
I also had to buy him a new karate uniform on Saturday (we went for black this time). It was the first time Devin had worn the jacket since spring and he has grown a little (okay, A LOT!) and his sleeves were about 3 inches too short and the jacket barely made it to his waist! ***Big shout out to Memmere for switching over/adding on all of the patches!! Thanks! Love ya!***

Kindergarten Boy!

2011-09-08T07:10:00.003-04:00

Devin started KINDERGARTEN on Tuesday!!! What a big boy!! Here he is, ready to go Tuesday morning in front of our house with his pack back and name tag on. We were just about ready to head over to our neighbor's house where he hangs out for about a half hour before she brings Devin and her grand daughter to school in the morning (I pick them up in the afternoon). The kids go to a private kindergarten from 9am to 2pm.

Once he was at school, it seems like the kids got right to work. He brought home a paper in which he copied the alphabet and wrote his name and told me about doing some math- writing his numbers (but I didn't see it). The concept of "seat work" was definitely something that Devin did not welcome with open arms and we had to talk about that Tuesday night and do a bit of practicing. I'm told he did much better with this on Wednesday (yay!). In some ways I do feel bad for the kid with his mom being a teacher and all.

I am super-happy about his teacher being strict and expecting near-perfect behavior from him though. While she expects this, she is also understanding that there is some adjustment time needed and that he is having some health problems (see below). I'm hoping this helps to prepare him with great behavior for first grade in public school next year.

On Wednesday he told me that he worked on patterning and that his was blue, yellow, blue yellow, etc. They got to make their pattern with stamps. He really enjoyed this. They also did a Bible Story with the pastor and he told me about how God made all of us. I'm so glad that he is able to get the Christian aspect of education this year without being in a Catholic school.
Through all of this Devin has been battling an ear infection....since his surgery on August 23. His poor right ear has been so angry that its resisted the Floxin drops, azithromycin (oral antibiotics), and the Cortosporin drops (when used alone). He is now on Cefdinir (oral antibiotics) as well as the Cortosporin drops. I sure hope this does the trick! He is due for some relief (which is what I was hoping for with the surgery!). We are scheduled to go for a recheck with the specialist in Boston next Thursday.

Signing off for Now,
Mom of a Kindergartener....Karla

Surgery Outcome

2011-08-24T08:59:00.005-04:00

This was BEFORE the surgery, see how happy Devin looks here? It took a little bribery and reassuring to calm him down, though. We had a great discussion at dinner the night before the procedure where I explained to Devin what was going to take place the next morning and allowed him to ask questions. He seemed fine. We got up early and headed into Boston and all was fine still. Once it was time to put on these pajamas, though, something clicked for Devin and he got REALLY freaked out! I think he was extremely nervous all of a sudden. We talked to him and told him that it was okay to be a bit nervous and okay I admit I bribed him with a new Wii game (Cars 2) if he "did a good job." (Hey, I was desperate!!!! I don't even like for him to play that much Wii!)

Overall, things went fine with his surgery. The biggest surprise was that it wasn't his re-grown adenoids like his Pediatric ENT suspected from the x-rays (she had told us this was possible because of shadowing). It was actually what is called Gerlach Tonsils. They are very swollen (hence the shadowing on the x-rays) and blocking the Eustachian tubes from working properly and causing all of Devin's symptoms (fluid in the ears, nasal congestion/allergy type symptoms, headaches/pressure, hearing loss). The placement of tubes (set #3 for Devin) should alleviate these symptoms for the duration of the tubes. It is likely that the symptoms will return once the tubes fall out and then we will have to discuss action at that time.

Poor Devin had a very difficult time coming out the anesthesia. He was crying and screaming and thrashing around. Three nurses and myself trying to calm him, soothe him. Once he started to wake up a little he started screaming, "I can't hear! I can't hear!" Now, up until that point I was holding it together very well. I was strong, hadn't cried. We've been through this twice before. I'm a veteran. Once he started screaming, "I can't hear anything!" I got scared. I couldn't help it. I felt bad for my baby. I was worried something was wrong. I knew the doctor had to put tubes in his ears because there was cotton in them... but I hadn't spoken to her yet. Erick had just been allowed in recovery with me and he looked worried, said he spoke to the doctor briefly and Devin has some "condition" but he couldn't remember what it was called. Something wrong with his ears.... That's when my tears started flowing. I didn't want Devin to see me crying so I kept my face away from him. The nurses got me some tissues and patted me on the back. Erick took Devin in his lap (I had been trying to rock him) and calmed him down with a Popsicle (got to love distraction).

We waited there in recovery for what felt like forever. It was probably only an hour or two but we were waiting for the doctor because she wanted to talk to us. We watched Devin's stats- his O2 is fantastic considering he has been off of his asthma medication since June! and rubbed his back. We could tell when he was feeling better because he started wiggling his finger enough to make the alarm go off on the stat monitor (is that what its called??) on purpose....little stinker!

She finally came in, once she had a break in between surgeries I guess, and explained to us what the Gerlach Tonsils were doing to Devin and what it meant for him in the future. I was disappointed to learn he had to get tubes put back in, as was he (that means ear plugs when he swims- and he LOVES to swim under water!) and that he will likely encounter all of these issues again when this set of tubes fall out. *sigh* Its been such a long road for Devin and all of his ear problems. I guess in one way its good to know WHY he is having all of these issues. On the other hand, I recognize that it could be so much worse.

We are so grateful to Devin's Pediatric ENT Doctor and all of the fantastic nurses and staff at Mass Eye and Ear. EVERYONE was just wonderful with us, especially with Devin. We have not one complaint. Thank you God for taking care of my baby.

Summer's End

2011-08-22T10:21:00.005-04:00

With only one week left in my summer vacation I realize that I've hardly blogged all summer. We haven't done a whole lot this summer, in terms of big vacations or hitting the "hot spots" but we've had a great summer. In summary we've spent a lot of time at the pool and just enjoyed being at home. We've done the typical park trips and visited with friends and grandparents. We went to the ocean and the lake once, as well as an amusement park.

Its been a laid back summer, and I'm okay with that. I think we have all enjoyed ourselves and each other and that's the most important part. Devin is set to start kindergarten in two weeks and I will return to teaching next week.

First, though, we have Devin's second adenoidectomy at Mass Eye and Ear tomorrow. She may put in tubes set #3 as well, but she will decide during surgery. This should alleviate the fluid in the ears that Devin had all last winter (that resulted in hearing loss, behavior issues, ear pain, and headaches). These issues haven't been as prevalent this summer, but we all fully expect they would return after summer. Here's to hoping that Devin's surgery goes smoothly and his issues are cured!!

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

(Trying to be) Crafty

2011-08-07T18:25:00.006-04:00

So it was a beautiful, hot day and our development's pool was closed for maintenance, our lawn was being landscaped (convenient) and we had already hit up the park for bike riding and playing. We went to staples for their back to school (Already?!?!?) specials and headed home to find something to occupy our time.

After reading my friend Sharon's craft blog I decided that Devin and I would make some multi-colored crayons. First we picked through the crayons to find all of the broken ones, as well as the restaurant and cheaper crayons. Then we had to peel them...that was the longest part! We broke them, mixed them up and put them in a mini-muffin tin and baked them for about 10 minutes at 250*. Once I took them out of the oven I set them on top of the cooling rack for a few minutes and then put them in the freezer until they were formed. After that we were ready to color....but first Devin wanted to play! We made letters, shapes, and all kinds of designs with the multi colored little discs before we settled in to make some pictures!
Of course Lolly was watching our every move. She is always interested in what we are doing. Independent cat? Not here!

Vacation Day 15...

2011-07-29T22:54:00.004-04:00

for Erick that is. We've been busy doing this and that. We've gone to the beach, our pool, Erick's parents' pool (each pool a few times), celebrated my birthday, been to BBQs, a baby shower, a climbing play place, redecorated our bedroom, spent lots of time with friends and families, and especially each other. Here are some random pictures of our time during the past two weeks.

My new bedding
Me and Kim on our night out for my birthday
Kim and her beautiful girls at my pool for an afternoon swim
My little fish in the pool!
Devin and Nadya at my parents' house celebrating my Mom's birthday with a BBQ
Ahhh the beach on a gorgeous day!
Blueberry picking!

We've still got 2 more days before Erick heads back. On our agenda? A play date with a friend who is visiting from out of state and helping other friends who just bought a new house. We might also hit up a (semi) local Folk Festival. Whatever we do, I'm sure we will have fun!

Swimming Tricks

2011-07-17T19:52:00.001-04:00

Devin does a handstand-flip and then a simmersault followed by Lexi doing a flip!

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Kitty in a Basket

2011-07-11T09:29:00.000-04:00

Dancing Devin

2011-07-06T10:18:00.003-04:00

4th of July Visitor

2011-07-05T10:33:00.002-04:00

Devin had some "cousin fun" over the 4th of July week-end since N. joined us! Here are some pj pics!

4th of July Fun

2011-07-03T08:33:00.005-04:00

On Saturday of our 4th of July week-end we picked up Devin's cousin (my cousin's daughter) and headed over to Erick's parents house for some fun in the sun. Pool + BBQ + beautiful weather = great time!

They enjoyed the water slide...

They had a ton of fun playing with each other- kids and adults alike. Our friend Hilary came with her 3 boys, Erick's cousin with her 2 girls, and some of Erick's other cousins were there too. The kids were AMAZING! No fighting- all fun!
After almost 7 hours in the pool, the kids were wiped! They sat on this seat and waited for us to leave.
This shot shows Devin's busted lip. He fell on a hand weight that he took out from under the couch and left in the middle of the floor on Friday!
These yummy snacks that I made (sorry for the poor pics) were scooped up faster than I could hand them out. I certainly didn't make enough!!!

Canobie Lake Park

2011-07-01T20:14:00.005-04:00

We've been on "staycation" this week. Devin and I are now off for the summer and Erick had this week off (2 more weeks to come at the end of July!). The highlight of the week so far- aside from seeing Cars 2- has been our trip to Canobie Lake Park. We already knew that Devin loved rides from our trips to Disney World, Sesame Street, and Storyland. But this amusement park trip trumped them all- in terms of Devin loving crazy, fast, twirly rides!

Above you can see Devin waiting in line for "The Corkscrew" roller coaster- his first ever upside down coaster! Yup, he rode this one twice.

Here we are taking a mild moment on the train at the beginning of the day.

Devin REALLY wanted to ride the water ride that completely soaks you, but settled for watching it from the bridge (it was only about 74* at this point in the day- Erick and I weren't ready to be soaked!).

As it warmed up we headed over to the Log Ride where we all had a good time!
After many rides, Erick and I started getting queasy. I guess we aren't as young as we used to be! We ended the day by watching Devin play in the water park area for about an hour and a half!
This was one happy boy who announced, "This is the best day ever!"

Milestones, Milestones, all the Time...

2011-06-20T07:10:00.004-04:00

Yesterday marked the last day of Instructional T Ball and the end of the "first loose tooth" era. My big boy was so excited for both! He was shocked (his new vocabulary word! haha) that he was given a trophy. The other exciting part of the afternoon was that his team actually played against another team. It was very friendly and encouraging (no scores, coaches from both sides helping the kiddos). It was maybe the cutest thing I have seen in a while!!
Devin had a lot of spectators yesterday- Papa, Abuela and Grandpa, and Uncle Brian and Aunt Courtney all came to cheer him on!
The Tooth Fairy brought him a dollar and a quarter during the night. Devin couldn't be happier about that!

Just a Bunch of Pics of US!

2011-06-15T14:50:00.001-04:00

Double Milestones

2011-06-14T20:13:00.006-04:00

I was already feeling a bit emotional on the way to Devin's Pre-K graduation....realizing that he was about to start his "elementary school career" when he announced that he has a wiggly tooth. His FIRST wiggly tooth.

"No! Not today!" was my first thought. I just didn't think I could handle anymore milestones occurring on this day. *Sigh*

But alas, I have no choice.Today Devin graduated from pre-k and got his first loose tooth. My baby is getting so big, so fast. I have such a desire for the baby-ness to still be in the house but I know that I can not hold Devin back. He is ready for Kindergarten, smiles with "windows," sports teams, and play dates without Mom. I'm happy and yet so sad.

Show Me the Mommy and Daddy!

2011-06-13T14:10:00.004-04:00

One for Him and One for Me

2011-06-10T06:14:00.000-04:00

Devin's 5th trip to the dentist. Cleanest teeth the Hygienist had seen all week! She even let him operate "Mr. Thirsty."Awwwww! One of my almost first graders wrote this about me today. (I only had to help him with the "ch" sound.I think my job with him is done!) Not bad, eh?

Sunday Afternoons

2011-06-08T12:50:00.006-04:00

We've all been enjoying Sunday afternoon T- Ball.

Devin likes having the opportunity to learn and grow and be with the other players. I have seen Devin hit the ball, catch, and throw the ball (what an arm!). I've also seen Devin write his initials in the sand at short stop, stand on the bench in the dugout while waiting for his turn, and sometimes trot, sometimes run the bases. Erick is enjoying his role as an Assistant Coach. I've seen Erick struggle to keep the attention of 5 4/5 year olds (I think he better appreciates MY job now- ha!), give players the encouragement that they need to "stick with it" and just enjoy himself while he helps the kids.I love watching it all.

There are only 2 practices left and I am sure that Devin will be asking for more when its done. He will have to wait for fall, though, when soccer will begin on Saturday mornings!

Melted

2011-06-06T17:05:00.003-04:00

Devin made this project at school. He said its for me because "I love you and you always respect me and you take care of me."

Awwwww! How do they know just when to melt our hearts?

Memorial Day Week-end

2011-05-30T20:08:00.007-04:00

Happy Memorial Day! We are so thankful to all of those, past and present, who have served our country.

Poor Devin's ears are really giving him a rough go at it lately. He has had fluid in his ears pretty much since November and most recently earaches and hearing loss. (We are awaiting an appointment at Mass Eye and Ear in June.) After a rough Friday night with Devin crying...alot...because of his earache, I headed to the pediatrician with him on Saturday morning. The doc gave him another prescription and with some added Motrin and ear drops he was able to enjoy his week-end. (This kid has a medicine box bigger than mine and Erick's combined!)

Saturday afternoon we went to my cousin's son's 11th birthday. It was at a Rec Center so the kids played basketball and went on the playground outside. Simple, but the kids LOVED it!

Here's Devin and Nadya shooting hoops.
Skya on the slide...she loved this!
Nadya waving hello!
Me and Skya watching the kids play ball.
On Sunday we went to a BBQ at our good friend's Kim and Chris. We had such a nice time with good people and good food. The kids ran around in the backyard- playing and swimming. Such a relaxing, enjoyable afternoon.

We were all surprised when little Lexie wanted Erick to hold her and put her to sleep. It did melt our hearts too!
I love this picture of Devin on the steps to the pool.

On Monday we stayed home to do laundry, relax, and let Devin take his first dip of the year in the pool at our house. Most of that worked out- the fire alarms started blaring mid-morning. I was ready to haul out of here with the kid in one hand and the cat in the other!! We finally figured out that the washing machine engine was dying- causing smoke and that dreadful dead engine smell. I've order our new one, but it won't be here until next Wednesday. There will be a lot of laundry to do by then!!

Here is Devin swimming a lap across the pool with Erick. (Note he is in the 8ft section here.)

We ended the long week-end relaxing with a movie. Ahhhh, only 15 work days left until summer vacation!

We're in Trouble

2011-05-27T15:48:00.003-04:00

As I was picking Devin up from school today I noticed that he hugged Ashley and Nora, and then blew Sara kisses from the car.

In the car I said to him, "You are such a flirt!"

He, of course, asked me what a flirt was. Upon hearing my response, "It means you like a lot of girls." He said "I love ALL girls!!"

Oh boy!

Super Yummy Nutella Cupcakes

2011-05-26T22:32:00.003-04:00

I was in a Nutella mood and decided to surf around for an easy but yummy Nutella Cupcake recipe. Boy, did I hit the jackpot!
These mini cupcakes were perfect.

Four-Ingredient Nutella Cupcakes
adapted from Savory Sweet Life
yields 9 mini cupcakes

1 cup Nutella spread, divided use
1 large egg
5 tablespoons all=purpose flour
2 tbsp cup chopped hazelnuts

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 9 cups of a mini muffin pan with paper or foil liners.

2. Put 1/2 cup of the Nutella and egg in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth and well blended. Add the flour and whisk until blended.

3. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins (about 3/4 full) and bake until a pick comes out with wet, gooey crumbs, 11 to 12 minutes. Don't overbake!

4. Set on a rack to cool completely. Once cool, warm the remaining 1/2 cup of Nutella in a small bowl in the microwave just until warm and fluid, about 15-25 seconds. Dip the tops of each cupcake in the Nutella, so that it's completely coated. (You will have extra Nutella left over. I trust you can find something to do with this.) Sprinkle the tops of the cupcakes with the chopped hazelnuts. These keep for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Hurry, go bake these and ENJOY!!

Phone Photo Catch-up

2011-05-18T20:22:00.005-04:00

A flower and card given to me by one of my cute little first grade students for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Daddy and Devin's gloves....I love this...its so precious!Devin and Mommy :)

Phone Photo Friday~ Devin and Lolly

2011-05-06T06:26:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday~ Guess Who

2011-05-04T06:28:00.000-04:00

Sports Mom

2011-05-01T19:45:00.007-04:00

Its official....I am a sports Mom! And I couldn't be happier :)

Devin had his first practice/scrimmage on his birthday, Sunday. He was so excited and looked so cute in his shirt and hat uniform. He played first base...(one of) the assistant coach did a great job showing him how to play the base. He has a little work to do on running bases since he currently likes to stand on the base and watch his ball go flying into the field. (haha, its kind of cute to be honest!) He was such a go-getter...running from 1st base passed 2nd to near center field to get a ball! I love his determination and excitement. He already is looking forward to going next week-end and playing on the "big field."

Ok, I have more pictures but it is not letting me upload them here for some reason! I will try to post more pics in another post.....(grrrr!)

5

2011-05-01T19:18:00.006-04:00

Today my baby turned five. I guess I shouldn't call him my baby since he is almost four feet tall, weighs 61 pounds, and is now on a sports team. He is so smart, caring, and handsome. I just love him so much!!

We had a small celebration at the house today (after baseball...more to come on that!), with just us, my parents, and Devin's Godmother, since he had his party last week-end. We got this fab Jake and the Never land Pirates cake (and cupcakes for school tomorrow) from Batter Up Cake in Manchester. How adorable is it?? And its so yummy!
You know what? Devin will always be my baby!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T10:09:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone enjoys the day with family and friends.

Glow Bowling

2011-04-23T21:38:00.007-04:00

Today we celebrated Devin's 5th birthday. He won't officially be 5 until next week-end, but Erick had today off (not next Saturday) and next Sunday is Devin's first T-Ball practice/game. We will celebrate again on his actual birthday, May 1 with a cake and a few presents.

I loved this party because it was easy. The kids loved it because they got to go glow bowling.
My 77 year old grandmother. Doesn't she look fantastic?
Devin's favorite (second) cousin Isaiah! Devin looks up to him because he is a "big boy!"
Devin and his good friend Emma :)
Party Room...pizza
Cake time! Make a wish!
Presents...thank you everyone!
Devin had so much fun with his friends and family. We are thankful to everyone who came.

Domino Fun

2011-04-21T22:47:00.003-04:00

After playing a few family games of Toy Story 3 Dominoes it turned into Domino play time!! We all had so many good, hearty belly laughs.
Devin was laughing so hard in this picture!
Devin's domino tower!
Daddy's domino tower!
What fun!!

Flowers for Mommy, from Devin

2011-04-20T08:25:00.000-04:00

Devin picked out these flowers for me while he was with my mother on Saturday. He said he "knew they were my favorite colors" and they were "just because he loves me." Aren't they beautiful?

*Mom, Thank you for teaching my son kindness and appreciation. You are the best. I love you.*

Friends

2011-04-19T20:15:00.003-04:00

Sunday our neighbor, and Devin's good friend, Lexi spent the day with us. The kids had so much fun together. Devin loved having a pal in the back seat with him, someone to play with all day, and a friend to just be silly with!

We took the kids to the mall, I had some Gym(boree) Bucks to burn, and let the kids play in the play area. After that we took them to lunch at Olive Garden and then back to the house to play.
Although Devin and Lexi have spent a lot of time playing, they have never really spent the whole day together. These two cuties got along really well, especially considering they are both only children and are not used to a full time playmate. Glad to see them getting along so well, since they will be in full day Kindergarten together (and car pooling!) soon!!

Bathtime

2011-04-13T19:00:00.004-04:00

Devin usually takes showers nowadays, but tonight was a bath kind of night.

Lolly loves water. She steals my straws and drinks my ice water all the time. She jumps in the tub as soon as anyone gets out of the shower, just so she can lick it clean! She is unlike any cat I've known!

Here are my "two" children at bathtime tonight.

Pure Determination

2011-04-12T06:53:00.001-04:00

Last Week-end

2011-04-05T18:38:00.006-04:00

Friday night we went bowling with my good friend Heather and her son Pierce. The boys had so much fun, as they usually do together. Pierce is a year and a half older than Devin but they get a long really well. We went to Applebee's to eat dinner after and the boys had fun picking the same meal to order and coloring the same pictures on their menus. By the end of dinner they were tuckered out and having trouble NOT laying down on the seat!! I guess bowling wore them out!

(Devin took this picture of me and Heather.)

Saturday Devin got to play with some of his second cousins for a while before we went to play at a super fun new place called Nutin But Good Times!

(and the pics won't upload...I may or may not be back with them!)

Behavior Equation

2011-04-05T18:14:00.004-04:00

Returning from vacation was much harder than I had anticipated. Devin had a very difficult time adjusting back to school. I think the majority of his problem was being so far off of his sleep schedule while we were gone. About a month before vacation (give or take) Devin decided to drop his nap at school. I was okay with this...he was 4.75 at that point and I felt lucky to get a nap out of him for so long, especially considering he was still going to bed early.

Well, take no naps + same bed time then + vacation (Super late bed time + on the go ALL day long + no nap) = one hellava bad boy upon return!

It took us almost a month to get our sweet Devin back! I'm not even joking! He had to go to bed an hour earlier every night for weeks! He is finally catching up on his sleep. He has even starting napping again some days and is back to his regular bedtime. He still goes to bed at an early time, 7:00pm...because he has always been a child who needs a lot of sleep.

As much as we all LOVED vacation....I'm not sure that Erick and I are chomping at the bits to take another big trip anytime soon.

Games

2011-04-01T11:56:00.002-04:00

Haha, this cat sure keeps us laughing!!

Wordless Wednesday~ Helping Mommy At Work

2011-03-30T07:28:00.000-04:00

Once Upon A Time...

2011-03-29T19:04:00.005-04:00

I was really concerned about Devin's fine motor skills. (Actually not that long ago.) He was not at all interested in coloring. He would scribble on the page and be done in 5 seconds flat. He would choose just about anything over coloring. Just recently, in the past few weeks, Devin has taken a liking to coloring and willingly chooses/asks to color. His skills have really developed in this time. I love his rainbow coloring technique.

Interview

2011-03-20T10:21:00.005-04:00

I've done this interview with Devin for the past two years. Its always interesting to get his perception of things.

1. What is something mom always says to you?

I love you

2. What makes mom happy?

When I be a good boy.

3. What makes mom sad?

When I not being a good boy.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?

When you tickle and say funny words.

5. What was your mom like as a child?

Good.

6. How old is your mom?

7. How tall is your mom?

8. What is her favorite thing to do?

Go to Disney World

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?

Go up in your room.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
I don't know.

11. What is your mom really good at?

Doing the Teacher Game.

12. What is your mom not very good at?

Riding bikes.

13. What does your mom do for her job?

Work. To teach people.

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Chinese food. No. Mexico. No. Pizza.

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
When you get more money for vacation.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?

Curious George

17. What do you and your mom do together?

Play a lot of stuff

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Same color of our skin

19. How are you and your mom different?
Our eyes

20. How do you know your mom loves you?

Because I'm the only Devin in the world!

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?

To Mexico, sometimes. (I've never been there.) The pizza place.

*Devin added his own question....
What doesn't Mommy like?
Guns

May 2006 FAMILY Meet up!

2011-03-18T08:46:00.000-04:00

On the first night of our Disney trip we were able to meet up with a May 2006 Mom and her family. It was so fun to meet another Mom with whom I have been "friends" since Devin was a baby! Kara, her husband Trey, and their 3 girls were so sweet. (We loved their southern accents too!!)
Kara, Kendall and Devin ~ the May 2006 kiddos!, and Karla
Kylee, 3 Kendall, 4 and Devin, 4Erick and Trey had a good time talking sports!

They were so nice- they surprised Devin with personalized mouse ears!

Devin was so tired from all of the day's excitement. He slept on the table through most of dinner!I hope we get to meet up again someday Kara! We had a great time getting to know you better.
And let Trey know that Devin is waiting for that Tennessee football recruitment info!! hehe

More Disney Pics

2011-03-17T19:52:00.004-04:00

Dinner at Chef Mickey's ~ super yummy and super fun!

The Pirate Pool at our hotel (aka the kiddie pool).

Love for Mommy while waiting for our dinner table :)

Special Agent Oso at Play and Dine...another awesome Character meal (thanks again Kara!)

Beautiful hot air balloon at Downtown Disney!

Disney Favorites

2011-03-14T22:30:00.003-04:00

Yes, I realize it has taken me forever to put up some Disney pics. Things have been busy and crazy and crazy-busy! Here are a few of my favorites- out of the 400+ pictures we took!!

Devin meeting Woody!!
In front of Splash Mountain- possibly Devin's favorite ride- one of them anyway!
We loved looking at the different colors of the castle!
Family picture with Buzz!
Waiting for the fireworks!

Surprise!

2011-03-07T17:39:00.002-05:00

with added bonus of Devin's dance moves!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Loving my new Nikon Cool Pix

2011-02-26T19:55:00.006-05:00

Erick bought me a teeny tiny point and shoot camera. It literally fits in my pocket. And its purple. Its awesome.

I am by no means a photographer, like some of my friends- both in real life and in blog/face book world. I just need a camera that takes a decent picture to capture my life's memories. Suffice it to say that I am very satisfied that this camera is a fraction of the size of my last one and double the mega pixels.

Here are a few of the first "test pictures." Notice there are none of Devin. He is with his grandparents.

Here is Lolly, she is getting so big!Our friends' son, Pierce...almost toothless!

Kim's daughter Lexie. Such a cutie!
Kim's 31st birthday!!Happy Birthday Kim!

Coolest Kid on the Playground

2011-02-17T20:20:00.002-05:00

His teacher sent me this picture this morning. He is wearing her sunglasses...silly boy. Man, I love this kid!
(I am going to miss the random texts from his pre-school teachers after this year!)

A Craft for Daddy

2011-02-12T09:13:00.005-05:00

One of my good friends is a Kindergarten teacher in the school where I am a Literacy Teacher. When I was picking up my students from her room I noticed that her students were working on a craft where they were making an "LLV" or mail truck as you commoners would call it. (LOL). I thought it was so cute. I commented on it how my husband would just adore those and she said "Oh yes! I wanted to give you one to bring home and do with Devin! I knew they would both like it."

Devin has himself and Erick in the driver's seat- with Devin driving of course! (you can click on the picture to get a closer look) Isn't it adorable?

And for those of you who are wondering what they were studying to prompt them to make these, I believe the unit is "Community."

Top 3 Reasons

2011-02-09T22:07:00.004-05:00

that I can't wait to go to Disney World in 17 days

3. It just won't stop snowing. While its really pretty, I'm getting sick of it.

2. The weather in Orlando has been fore casted in the high 60s and low 70s lately. That definitely beats the high of 20 with a wind chill of 5 that we've been having.

3. This kid is going to be SO EXCITED when he finds out- the morning that we leave!!!

(Yes, that's a blue belt. Devin is now in the "Advanced" section of Little Ninjas!)

Week-End Warriors

2011-02-07T18:53:00.005-05:00

Somehow "let's fix and paint the ceiling" turned into let's also repaint the walls, replace the cabinet/counter/faucet, and replace the toilet. Phew! What a busy week-end, not that I was doing the heavy work. I was busy cleaning, cooking (got to keep those guys fed!), CLEANING, keeping Devin busy, and CLEANING! Did I mention I was cleaning? Removing popcorn ceiling creates A LOT of dust! Ugh!

A HUGE shout out to Erick, his Dad, and my brother Mark for all of their hard work this week-end! THANK YOU!

Please enjoy the pictures of my beautiful bathroom!

Phone Photo Friday

2011-02-04T08:48:00.000-05:00

At Home Depot- picking up paint and some tools for the bathroom work Uncle Mark is doing.

Where Lolly is hanging out during the bathroom work!

Good Neighbor

2011-02-03T20:26:00.004-05:00

Top 5 Reasons I am Thankful for my Next Door Neighbor(s)

5. She held on to our keys for us when we left them in the (common area) mailbox! We were in a semi-panic thinking they were lost. Nope just left them in the mailbox (dummies!) and our awesome neighbor held on to them until we got home.

4. She made us Greek cookies for Christmas.

3. She adores Devin. She recently made him his own mini pumpkin banana bread because he told her how much he liked it the last time she made it for us.

2. She babysat Devin for me when Erick's vehicle broke down and he had to get a tow. I had to go pick him up and Devin was already in bed fast asleep. Our closest relative is 1/2 hour away- as is the babysitter we use.

and # 1.......drum roll please!!!!

She and her Mom helped me out Monday morning when I accidentally LOCKED Devin, AND my keys, AND my phone in the car!!! It was about 5* out and yes the car was on and warm. Devin was nice and comfy, all buckled securely in his 5 point harness car seat munching on a snack. I couldn't believe it when I went around to get in the driver's door and it was locked- as well as ALL of the other doors when I tried them!! I didn't realize that the car starter I had put in the Friday before would change the locking situation like that!! I went to this same, previously mentioned neighbor's house to call Erick, who had to drive a half hour home from work to unlock the car! In the meantime my neighbor decided she would go into work late so she could wait with me. I kept going out to check on Devin (remember he was nice and warm in the car that was running with heat on blast!) and then returning to her house to warm up.

I felt terrible! I felt like such an awful Mom! I've been assured that it happens to many people, but I still feel bad about it. Especially when after school that day as I was putting him in the car Devin yells out, "Don't lock me in the car again Mom! Like you always do!" Embarrassing!!!

Its great to have such an awesome neighbor. But I think the bigger question here might be, what the heck is wrong with me lately?? Yikes! Time to get my head examined!!

Snow Much!?!

2011-02-02T17:50:00.002-05:00

Phone Photo Friday~ Hard At Work

2011-01-28T07:28:00.000-05:00

We've started our Valentine's Day projects!

Monday Randomness

2011-01-24T21:02:00.006-05:00

* On Sunday we went to a birthday party for one of Erick's cousin's daughters. She turned 9 and had a Hello Kitty themed birthday party at a place called AMAZEment. Devin had loads of fun! The first hour of the party was dedicated to swimming. Devin started off in the shallow end with some of the other kids. After an half hour or so he decided he wanted to go in the deep end with the "older kids." In order to go in the deep end, you had to pass a swim test. He marched over to the lifeguard full of Bravdo and asked if he could do the Swim Test. The swim test consisted of swimming length-wise down the pool in the 6ft section without stopping or touching the walls/floor. I knew that in the summer (4 months ago!!) Devin could swim the width of the deep end, but I wasn't sure that he could make that great length required for the "test." Wouldn't you know, Devin swam than length no problem! About half way through he turned his head and said, "Mommy! I'm doing it!" I was so proud of him! I am thrilled that he has not lost any of his swimming skills. Needless to say, Devin spent the rest of the swimming time playing in the deep end. After swimming the kids played in a giant maze climbing structure complete with slides. Then came pizza and cake followed by tokens/games. What a fun place for the kids!

*Devin is officially all registered for Kindergarten. Erick, Devin, and I went to the private, Christian pre-school/kindergarten (that I visited back in the fall) this afternoon. After the 3 of us were shown around by the director and able to meet the Kindergarten teachers/check out the classrooms we gave the deposit and paperwork to hold him a spot for fall. We are very excited and think that this school will be a great match for Devin. He really seemed to like it and mentioned a few times that he is excited for kindergarten and thinks he will like his new school.

*Devin is also signed up for baseball! This April Devin will be playing on an Instructional 4 year Old Team. (He missed the cut-off by 1 day for T-Ball.) My understanding is that Instructional will be very much like T-Ball, but for 4 year olds.

*I am getting a car starter put in on Friday. Oh boy! I can't wait! With temperatures like today -8, feels like -22, I could definitely use a car starter!!

*What do you think Lolly is trying to tell me? She was sitting in my school bag for a long time tonight!
Look at this silly kitty doing her stretches!!

Logical Conversation

2011-01-20T06:42:00.000-05:00

During our icy, slushy commute to school yesterday I heard that we are supposed to get a sizable amount of snow on Friday. I said out loud, in a rhetorical manner, "MORE SNOW? REALLY? What is going on with all this snow?"

Devin, unnecessarily, replied back, "It's winter Mommy!"

Just goes to show you how logical kids can be. He really should have added a big, fat DUH at the end of that statement! LOL

P.S Totally unrelated but this is my 400th post!

Wordless Wednesday~ Lolly and Buzz

2011-01-19T06:11:00.000-05:00

Snow Days

2011-01-18T09:01:00.005-05:00

We are on our 3rd snow day in a week (with the potential for MORE snow on Friday...). I must say this is getting to be a bit much, even for New England. I am wondering if Devin will EVER get back to school?? He has been out for over a week between being sick, MLK Day, and now the snow day. We are having snow now which is expected to turn over to freezing rain later this afternoon (that's fun- the possibility of losing power, extremely slick roads, etc). Will we be in school tomorrow? We should be there Thursday and then MORE snow Friday? COME ON Mother Nature! Give us a break! Please! I'd like to go to work and enjoy my son more in late June when we can be outside swimming in the pool, playing at the splash park, and meeting up with friends!

For now, we are pulling out some of his "old toys" that he hasn't played with in a while to keep him entertained.

Illness Update

2011-01-16T21:51:00.004-05:00

I definitely kick myself in the you-know-what for saying this has been Devin's healthiest year yet! He is just starting to feel better from a 6+day illness. Here is a time line of Devin's illness (for personal reference- as we are still not quite sure what was wrong).

Monday morning- I notice Devin has mild cold symptoms.

Monday night- Devin has a low grade temperature.

Tuesday- Devin stays home from school (with me) with a low grade fever. Begins with cough. Fever continues through day/night.

Wednesday (no school due to Nor'Easter)- Fever continues but stays low (up to 100.7), cough worsens.

Thursday (no school due to snow)- Low grade temperature and cough/congestion. Visit pediatrician. Doctor says its a virus/cold. Increase asthma meds to inhaler every 4 hours. Call back if temperature raises/symptoms worsen.

Thursday evening- Fever spikes to 102.1 Call doctors office.

Friday- Devin stays home from school with Aunt Courtney and Uncle Brian. No fever in the morning. Very wet cough, tired, pale, fever returns by noon- 101.8. Back to the pediatrician in the afternoon. Doctor agreed that Devin looked much worse than the previous day and did NOT like that his fevers were rising after 4 days of low grade temps. He did have a small pocket of fluid in the right ear but it was not believed to be the cause of rising fevers. His lungs sounded clear, as they did the day before. She prescribed Azithromycin antibiotics, believing there was an infection, but not quite sure where.

Friday night- Devin fever raises to 102.5 during the night.

Saturday- Devin has no fever, some ear ache, still tired and pale. Wet cough continues.

Sunday- Devin finally begins to feel better! He has been fever free for 24 hours! He has enough energy to want to play today. He is still coughing, but not as much. Continues inhaler every 4 hours. Antibiotics must be doing the trick!

*I am a bit freaked out/worried/concerned about not know where this infection was or what kind of infection he had. Devin was so pale and the fevers were relentless. The cough is wet and really takes his breath away. I am glad that the antibiotics are working and thankful that the inhaler has helped to keep Devin's airway open and thus his breathing in check. Its sad to see your child so sick and I'm appreciative to see Devin with some pep in his step and color in his face again.

Lolly Chases the Snow

2011-01-13T08:09:00.001-05:00

15 Inches and Still Snowing

2011-01-12T13:46:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday~ Halfway through the Storm

2011-01-12T09:39:00.003-05:00

Time to Catch Up Tuesday

2011-01-11T08:42:00.007-05:00

I thought I would take this opportunity and do a random catch-up post since I am home with a sick kid today.

* This particular sick kid is only on sick day #3 of the whole school year (and one day was an asthma monitoring day). This happens to be (dare I say this out loud) his personal best year EVER health-wise! WOOT!

*As some of you know, my mom had a LARGE tumor mass removed from her ankle on December 27. She is still on her long recovery road. She can't put any weight on her foot and has to sit with it elevated most of the day. The good news is that she hasn't heard any bad news on the lab results of the tumor! She isn't much of a TV watcher and has been reading a lot. (I had to make a Barnes and Noble stock up trip for her last Saturday!) Dad also went out and got them a laptop to help pass the time.

*Devin has really been enjoying his Leapfrog Tag and Explorer that he got for Christmas. This is a relief, since he didn't ask for either one! I especially like this large World Map that we got him to go with the Tag. I've already got put away a spelling game to go with the Tag and a new Explorer Toy Story 3 game (for a total $22!!) for Valentine's Day. Whattadeal!
*Devin loves to play games. He got a few new ones for Christmas like (a version of) Trouble, Hi Ho Cherry'O, Hot Potato, and more. When we went for a play date at Kim, Emma, and Lexie's over Christmas vacation he got to try Don't Break the Ice! What fun!
*Miss Lolly continues to crack us up! Here she is having a blast in the packaging for water. Silly girl!! I think this kept her busy for at least a half an hour!
She definitely thinks she is the princess of the house. 5 pound kitty sitting in the most comfortable chair in the house!
*I'm looking forward to a snow day tomorrow. We are expecting 8 to 14 inches of snow starting around day break tomorrow and lasting throughout the day. This will mean I don't have to use a sick day if Devin is still sick! Once he is feeling better, Devin will enjoy playing in a foot of cold, white fluffy stuff. He's crazy! He loves the snow!!

Devin's Favorite Subject

2011-01-07T06:37:00.000-05:00

Yup, you guessed it. It's Lolly.

Photography

2011-01-05T21:06:00.006-05:00

One of the gifts that Devin received this Christmas was a Discover y Kids Camera. This camera does not take the best quality pictures, but it is tough in that it withstands being dropped by a 4 year old. It is easy to use- Devin can turn it on, shoot the pic, look back at it, decide to keep or delete it all himself. It holds hundreds of photos and also takes video. All in all, its a great little camera! Devin loves it! He has been having a great time photographing all of the people/things in his daily life that he loves most. Here is a sampling of the 185 pictures that he has taken since Christmas.

Random Things
Memmere's Christmas Tree
Bowl of food

Toys on the floor (Slinky and zhu zhu pet)
Bathroom
Basement door Family Members
Daddy
Mommy
Grandma
Papa
AbuelaGrandpa

Aunt CourtneySchool
Some of his favorite friends from school...and their teacher.
3 of his girlfriends
His best little buddyHis coloring work, very important!Classroom shotStay tuned for his favorite subject....

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T09:36:00.000-05:00

What Is That White Stuff?

2010-12-27T12:30:00.003-05:00

Lolly is not quite sure. I don't think you want to go out there, Lolly. Its a blizzard!

Stinky the Garbage Truck

2010-12-26T18:15:00.001-05:00

Do you think that Devin liked this gift?

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-25T18:25:00.006-05:00

This year we were lucky enough to have Erick off on Christmas Eve. Usually he has to work all day, delivering the mail, and then meet up with us later, either at my parents' house or at my grandmother's house, depending on what time he gets out of work. Because we had Erick with us we were able to get a lot of errands/stuff done around the house in the morning and then go to my parents' house to exchange presents in the afternoon. In the evening we went to my grandmother's for the extended holiday party.

Here are Mom, Micki, and Memmere enjoying a few quiet moments before the hustle and bustle.
Here is Devin focused on opening his presents. He was certainly spoiled and one happy little boy!
Devin and Uncle!
TOY STORY 3!!! "Just what I wanted!!!!"
Here are the 5 great grand kids at Memmere's house.
This was one of my favorite moments of the night. Watching the excitement of my cousin's 10 year old son as he opened the gift that we got him. It was a Nerf thing that he REALLY wanted, like begged me for, in a really cute way. He is such a handsome boy!!
Once we got home, we had to put out Santa's magic key. Then it was time to get Santa's cookies and milk ready.

Daddy's Girl

2010-12-23T22:32:00.002-05:00

Lolly is such a cuddle bug. And boy does she love her Daddy!(Don't mind Erick's over-relaxed look here...haha!)

Family Photos

2010-12-19T11:21:00.000-05:00

As promised...Here are the family photos from our photo shoot in November. The first one is the one we used on our Christmas cards.

I Spy

2010-12-18T23:17:00.003-05:00

red wrapped presents,

Christmas books,

a kitten,

and an ornament.

Elf Sighting

2010-12-15T20:06:00.002-05:00

I spy Frain and he brought a new Amelia Bedelia book for Devin for having a great day. At least it wasn't coal and a reminder note from Santa (this time!).

Mischievous Monday

2010-12-13T16:24:00.001-05:00

Family Photos

2010-12-04T08:52:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we used Brave Photographers to get some pictures done. It had been about a year, so we were due. Here is a sampling of the pictures.
This one of Devin and Emma is too cute. They are the same age (both four and a half) as Kim and I were due on the same day. Buddies since about 20 months!
Did you notice I didn't post a family picture? You will just have to wait and see if you get a Christmas card! If not I will post one in a couple weeks ;)

So, which picture is your favorite?

Show Me the Mommy

2010-12-03T16:54:00.002-05:00

Christmas Traditions

2010-12-01T19:32:00.004-05:00

One of Devin's favorite Christmastime traditions has become Elf on the Shelf. Ever since he realized that Christmas was approaching (I guess about a week or so before Thanksgiving) he has been asking when the Elf was going to come to our house. The concept of the Elf is that he/she goes back to Santa each night to report on the behavior of the child/children of the house. The Elf works by magic and if you touch it too much or play with it, it will lose its magic. Each morning the child has to find the Elf in its new hiding spot, where it landed upon returning from Santa. It can be quite fun!

One of the things Devin has asked for this year is new books. *Squeal* Can you feel my excitement? Of course that thrills me (the reading teacher!)!! So I decided to buy a bunch of books for Devin through book orders at my school. The Elf, Frain- this is the name Devin gave him last year, will be able to give Devin a new book about every other day.

I also have a couple of pieces of coal if need be...

.

Settling In

2010-11-28T11:18:00.004-05:00

Lolly has adjusted to our house and family quite well. She has spent a lot of time in the evenings getting comfy and cuddling with myself and Erick.

The mornings and afternoons, though, are for playing with Devin. Those two can play for over an hour! Its a riot to see them play with her little toy mice and run around.

We decorated the house for Christmas this week-end too, and so we've been teaching Lolly not to touch the Christmas tree. She really dislikes the noise from the Dust buster so that makes a good deterrent for her. She touches the tree, then the Dust buster gets turned on and she runs. Its working because she has been leaving the tree and decorations alone! She seems to be a really good girl! Lolly sleeps all night too.

Meet Lolly

2010-11-21T18:15:00.005-05:00

Lolly is the newest member of our family. She is a 12 week old short haired sweetheart. Devin has been asking for a cat or dog for a while. We automatically had to rule out a dog since they are not allowed in our complex, but also had ruled out a cat since Erick is "not a cat person" and I have developed some dog/cat allergies since having Devin. Well, the idea began to grow on me after a few days and I began to consider it. Mr. I Don't Like Cats looked at the Humane Society website this morning and found this little kitten named Lolly which he immediately liked. He printed out the paper and suggested that we go see her. Needless to say, we didn't walk out empty handed. And after a trip to Pet Smart, we came home with a very hyper 4 year old and a mellow, cuddly kitten. Mr. I'm Not a Cat Person has been converted! He melted when she was in his arms!!

Here are some more (not as good) pictures of Miss Lolly on her ridiculously large play structure. I have no idea where we will house this thing! At least we know she likes it, she has been hanging out on it, even sleeping here. Oh and notice I took full opportunity of her being a girl and put some pink on her right away! She has a pink collar on (even though she is a house cat only) because it has a little bell on it and I am afraid she will hide somewhere or something! This way we will hear her.
Devin said this is my sister. I am her brother!
Wish us luck. This is our first family pet. (says the person who said she would never have a pet!) Oh and I guess we will see how bad these cat allergies are. I am hoping that it will be ok, since she is short haired. Cross your fingers!!

Purple Belt

2010-11-20T14:13:00.006-05:00

This morning Devin received his purple belt in Little Ninja's at karate. After he completes his purple belt he will be moving up to the second half of the Little Ninja's program, which will include a new time and day for his class. For now, though, Devin needs to remember that he is one of the leaders of his class. He will be front and center in class and the other kids will be looking to him as a role model/leader. (YIKES!) I hope he can focus and follow through on this new role.

Here are some pictures from this mornings ceremony. (I played around with some of the pictures on my computer picture editing since I originally took them all on my phone...don't laugh!! I'm not very good at it!)
(getting "the boot" to the next level from his main instructor and studio owner...this is a kenpo tradition)This morning Devin told me that he loves Karate! Keep up the good work Devin!

Devin 4.5

2010-11-14T10:36:00.004-05:00

Devin 4.5 has been a bit feisty. He is testy with his tone of voice and knows what he wants and how to get it. He needs to be gently reminded often. Some of our favorites are, "Are you talking nicely?" and "Hands and words are not for hurting." He is also extremely lovable, a complete Daddy's boy, very into reading and learning how to write/put words together, and a total social bug.

Here are some Devin 4.5 pictures from this week-end at Memmere's.
Playing ball with Sammy.
Are you done yet Mom?

Razzle Dazzle

2010-11-05T15:09:00.001-04:00

...that's Devin's favorite word.

"That's pretty funny, right Mom?"

Wordless Wednesday~ Cool Weather in Style

2010-11-03T16:54:00.001-04:00

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T22:11:00.005-04:00

Race Car Driver Devin

Despite a nasty virus that has (temporarily) taken over Devin's asthma, we managed to get out for Trick or Treating today. Dressed up in warm layers we braved the cold temps to check out the costumes, decorated houses, and of course collect some candy!

Here he is with Grandma and Papa!
Being a little silly!
Checking out the flashlight.
Family Photo at Miss Kristen's :)

Busy Busy Busy

2010-10-25T18:15:00.005-04:00

We have been very busy lately! I'm not even sure where all of our time has gone....its just been busy! Appointments, karate, sports class, birthday parties, broken car (bought a new one- LOVE it!), and kindergarten searching have consumed our time lately.

I know its sounds early for kindergarten research as it doesn't start until next fall, but registrations start in January!!! That's only 2.5 months away! Eeek! So far I have visited 2 options.

Option #1 Our local public kinder, where my former colleague is the assistant principal. They have 2 lovely classrooms with small class sizes (average of 10 kids per class), a teacher and para in each class, but the sessions are only 2.5 hours a day. This does not fit with my work schedule at all. I work 5 hours a day, not including meetings, travel time, etc. For this option I would need to pay someone to babysit/daycare.

Option #2 I have also been researching many private options. I went to visit a non-profit Christian school. It only goes up through Kindergarten, but its program seems wonderful! They offer a full day 9 to 2 program with extended day (before and/or after) pay-as-needed-option. They have 2 kinder classes and more students per class (about 15) but also have 1 teacher/1 para. They provide lunch and snacks included in tuition price. This school also uses the Language Arts and Math programs that his above mentioned public school uses (and that is definitely where he will be going in first grade!) There is also the added bonus of the Christian values and lessons in this school without the strict Catholic school atmosphere.

Results: I think OPTION #2 will ultimately win out because we would rather pay tuition to have Devin in an all-day Kindergarten program than to pay someone to babysit him to have him in a 2.5 hour program. The school in Option #2 also came highly recommended by colleagues and friends.

Edit
Stacey brings up an interesting point in her comment for Option #3, that we did consider. I live and work in different districts and would have to pay to have him attend my school district. I would have to apply to get him into one of our inner city full day kindergarten programs, preferably the one that I work in. I also think that comes with its own set of issues. At this stage I think its would be easier to have Devin at "his own school" 5 minutes away.

The Sleepover

2010-10-13T17:58:00.004-04:00

Devin was invited for his first (non-Grandma) sleepover at our good friends, The Beaulieu's. Pierce, 6, and Devin have been close since Devin was born. Here is what Devin had to say about his sleepover.

"I slept upstairs on the rug and Pierce was in his bed and I was in my sleeping bag. I was facing Pierce. I got to put my head forward facing Pierce and we were talking and got to do ghost stories and talking in the middle of the night. I stayed up really late and I got to play up really early and I got to watch a show really early. We played Topper and we colored Transformers. We had pancakes for breakfast. I watched George the Movie.

My sleepover was good. Can I do it again?

That is it."

Apple Fest

2010-10-10T20:28:00.006-04:00

Our friends, The Beaulieu's, invited us to the Apple Fest (a Salvation Army fundraiser) at the Sullivan Farm in Nashua. We had a great time while helping a worthy cause. Here are the boys, Pierce and Devin, posing for a picture at the entrance.A family picture in scarecrow area...of course Devin wasn't looking!!
Piling on the scarecrow
Devin FINALLY got to ride a horse! He has been asking for a while. He had a smile PLASTERED on his face the entire time!!
There were a bunch of emergency vehicles available for the kids to check out. Everyone who knows Devin knows how much he has always loved firetrucks. Naturally he had to sit in driver's seat and check it out.
The kids also bounced in a bounce house/slide, played a ton of games, ate hot dogs, won prizes, and all out had a blast!

Here are the boys back at the Beaulieu's house. How do you like the heads they picked out for their scarecrows?
These two boys have known each other since Devin was in the womb. Pierce held him when Devin was 2 days old (Pierce is 1.5 years older). They've really grown to be good buddies. In fact, tonight they are having their first sleepover. Its also Devin's first non-Grandma sleep-out. More to come on that!

Kick Pad Karate

2010-10-09T15:33:00.004-04:00

Devin and Erick took a Kick Pad Karate Class together on Saturday afternoon. It was a great opportunity for them to learn some techniques, practice together, and have fun. I had a great time watching and taking pictures.
In these two pictures Erick was standing on the pads while Devin tried to knock him off (practicing balance).
The video shows Erick and Devin both practicing their balance in a fun way.

Pirate Pumpkin

2010-10-04T06:58:00.000-04:00

I found this "pumpkin head" kit at Target and knew Devin would love it.
He does.

Orange Belt

2010-10-03T11:35:00.006-04:00

After a renewed liking for karate (Devin attended Parents Night Out at the Dojo a couple week-ends ago and loves karate again!) Devin earned his orange belt in Little Ninjas. Here are a few pictures of the occasion.

Practicing at home before we left.

Devin is up! Right punch, Left punch!
I caught this picture when he was waiting his turn for one of the exercises. This truly shows his personality! The little girl next to him started karate at the same time and they always promote together...cutie!

Waiting for Mr. N to call his name to get his new belt.
Past, Present, and Future...part of the belt ceremony.
Devin is so serious about his new orange belt!
Group picture!

Photos by Kim

2010-09-26T21:42:00.004-04:00

Last Thursday Devin and I met our friends Kim, Emma, and Lexie at Brookdale Farm. Kim took some great pictures of the kids (as usual). Here are a few.

Devin's GQ pose...
Silly boy...This one cracks me up!

Phone Photo Friday~ Hard At Work

2010-09-23T18:37:00.002-04:00

Here are a couple of phone photos from this week.

Devin is intently drawing a "building" with every color chalk he has in his bucket. He was so focused!

Here he is below at the farm store. Yeah, he is hard at work finding treats! This mean Momma didn't buy them, but it did make a cute photo op!

Bath Time Writing

2010-09-20T19:14:00.004-04:00

I have to say, as active as Devin is, he is pretty darn smart. He wanted to use the tub crayons so I asked him, "How do you spell 'cat' ?" and he responded with "Ccccc-aaaa-ttttt" and wrote this. I love how the 'a' is both a capital and lower case 'a'.

Also tonight when we were reading 'Wiley Learns To Read' we were sounding out the word 'frog' to see if the letters were in the proper order. Devin was able to tell me that the 'o' and 'r' were mixed up. It first appeared as 'forg' and then Wiley has to fix it. This is not a book we've read often.

Oh how I love witnessing young minds blossom!

In the Words of Devin

2010-09-16T19:40:00.003-04:00

When I go to Middle School....wait. What's Middle School? Do you fart there? That's what I heard on tv.

Oye. What are we going to do with this child???

Wordless Wednesday~ Devin and Lexi Loving the Whoopie Pie Filling Beaters

2010-09-15T06:40:00.002-04:00

Apple Picking

2010-09-12T17:31:00.004-04:00

Nothing says fall like a 60* Sunday morning spent apple picking followed by an afternoon of warm apple crisp.

Almost Wordless Wednesday~ Sports Mania

2010-09-08T18:52:00.003-04:00

Devin started a Sports class for 3 to 5 year olds at the Y today. It will cover soccer, basketball, kickball, and baseball over the next 8 weeks. Devin was in his glory!!

Beautiful Week-end

2010-09-06T19:16:00.007-04:00

After a close brush with Hurricane Earl on Friday/Friday night, we had a gorgeous Labor Day week-end! Saturday morning I went for a relaxing massage and then spent the day with Devin and my Mom. We went to visit Memmere and helped her clean the driveway. Devin spent the night at Grandma and Papa's Saturday which allowed Erick and I to have a date night....so nice (THANK YOU MOM!). Sunday we picked up Devin and headed to the fair for the highlight of the week-end. Devin had never been to a fair so it was especially exciting to him! We met up with the Beaulieu's and some other friends and had a great time (who doesn't love rides, animals, and fair food??)
Devin and Pierce are so silly together!!
Devin hit the rides with Pierce. (Roller Coaster)
(Swings- Shea, Pierce, Devin)
Pet lots of animals...
Look at the expression on this sheep/lamb 's (?) face. Was he not loving the attention?? LOL
Devin waited all afternoon to ride this big slide. Finally the line shortened up a bit and he was able to go.
Gigantic Pumpkins!
This was Devin 5 minutes into the car ride home:
On Monday we went back to my parents' house for a BBQ. We had Erin and Shaun plus Memmere over. Good food, relaxing fun times, and great company...what more can you ask for??