Zanegood Family Blog

Day 3: Helicopter, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

2011-10-15T03:19:00.000-07:00

Early morning helicopter tour over Manhattan. Ellie and Fred sat up front!

Heliport!

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Day 2 in NYC! Empire State Building and Natural History Museum!

2011-10-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Museum of Natural History-Discovery Room

Dum Dum (the statue behind Ellie)

Famous Blue Whale

Hot Chocolate!

Vegan Restaurant for Lunch

Funny Bella

Macy's for Mommy!

Police Dog!

Cant see anything! Empire State Building is in the CLOUDS!

Empire State Building!

New York City! A Daddy/Daughter Adventure!

2011-10-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

Leaving Orlando for New York City!

Happy at NY LaGuardia Airport with Henry. My travel buddy.

Making funny faces to the camera for Mommy.

Why is everyone honking their horn?

Happy in the arms of Caryl! Let's talk about books!

My new friend, Cookie the cat. I like her.

Sprinkles Cupcakes. Yes, Sprinkles. Devil Dog Cupcake. My girl!

How would you describe?

2011-08-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

I had to do this little family project and thought to ask the family how they would describe each other. It was a real treat! We went around the kitchen table and gave a limit of no more then 7 adjectives for the person. The person being described could not participate but merely listen.

Daddy was easy. The girls came up with 20 great adjectives but we settled on 5 that really did him justice.

Ellie was also easy. Sagan was amazingly positive during this time. She thought of great words that described Bella.

Sagan was a challenge. We opted to stay positive! We came up with 20 again for her, but narrowed it down to 7.

When it was time to describe Mommy....Fred went silent at first. I burst out laughing. I told him. Go ahead. Hit me! He came up with "selfless, conservative and type A. Sagan did "Supermommy" and Ellie thought "Creative, teacher and learner."

All in all a fun family exercise!

Cycling for Fitness

2011-08-12T04:32:00.000-07:00

Fred all geared up and ready for 10 miles of biking.

With a new bicycle and his Ipod he is ready to tackle the neighborhood!

Fred and I decided to save 1200 a year and quit the YMCA. Fred decided to switch to LA Fitness and join a bunch of guys who play racquetball on the east side of Orlando. He plays only 2 nights a week so he supplements the rest of his workout by cycling in the neighborhood.

He also likes to take Ellie on 12 mile bike rides in Winter Garden every now and again. He has dropped 10lbs and is back to his favorite weight. His heart is healthy too.

A Poem: The Chair by Ellie Skye Zanegood

2011-08-11T12:37:00.001-07:00

Ode to Kylie Alanna Durney- Mafia Member

2011-08-10T13:14:00.001-07:00

Ellie (8), Kylie (5), and Sagan (4)

Oh my precious girl how I love you so.
Your presence is felt in my heart though you live so far, far away.
I miss you. We miss you. It's hard I know.
We love you like a daughter, sister, Zanegood. We do.

When I called your name on Saturday, Kylie Alanna Durney! You called out, "Yes?"
My heart soared because you were with us once again.
Just for a short visit. So lovely to have you here.
Kylie Alanna Durney you are still a mafia member.
Member #2 of the Asian Mafia. The Three Musketeers. The Triad. The Angels.

How my heart misses you when you are gone. The love we feel for you is everlasting
My eyes mist and strain in holding back the tears. Our love for you. So strong.

We love you Kylie Alanna Durney. Carry that with you always.

Ellie's 8th Birthday Morning

2011-04-13T05:49:00.001-07:00

2011-03-11T04:53:00.001-08:00

2011-03-11T04:51:00.000-08:00

First Night of Hanukkah

2010-12-02T02:37:00.001-08:00

Ellie's Got Mail

2010-11-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

You can tell she was "undone" by the sudden wealth she acquired. She couldn't read anything properly. LOL!

Man-Cation: The Movie!

2010-10-27T07:18:00.001-07:00

Holiday Photos and Mother/Daughter Photo 2010

2010-10-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

Kissing A Fool-Michael Buble

2010-10-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

Picture People Saturday

2010-10-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

I am working on preparing the girls for their holiday photo session at Picture People on Saturday. I have just bought the dresses online and it will be a black/white themed photo. Dressy not casual this year.

The girls know I become very uptight at the session but promise them a really yummy lunch right afterward.

Mark the date because I am getting into the photo this time. Not the holiday but an updated mother daughter photo session. We have a frame that needs updating . Sagan was 2 the last time we did a mother daughter so its time. 2 Years.

So I have to decide what to wear. Ugh.

This is the worst week to give up drinking. :)

Happy 12th Birthday to Lily Anne Giardino

2010-10-16T04:16:00.001-07:00

Is Breathing.

2010-10-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

No facebook. No Twitter.

Just breathing.

GLEE-Household "SING"

2010-10-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

Love this song from Glee! Girls are signing it all the time. So cute. The Karaoke machine we are getting them for Hanukkah will be well used! I love it so!

Harry Potter....Page 50

2010-10-06T04:51:00.000-07:00

With softball schedule hectic for the next 6 weeks (4 nights a week at the field) Harry is feeling a bit neglected. Ellie has not been home until well after 7pm and then its a rush to get her into a bath (10lbs of orange sand comes out of her hair) and feed her dinner before she falls asleep at the table.

Tonight I will be taking the girls to Downtown Disney for dinner and dessert. It's so lovely outside it would be a shame not to take them for some girl time. Denise, my cousin, went last night and she had such fun. So tonight we will enjoy it too.

Batter on deck!

Ellie is enjoying a Five Guys Burger with extra extra pickle Monday night.
No more photos please. I am exhausted.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

2010-10-05T03:43:00.000-07:00

Softball season has begun so now we spend 4 nights a week at the ball field. Ellie loves it so much! I

Monday night was her first game and boy they were a mess. 8 of the 12 girls played last season so they had better form then most. But the errors! Oh the inhumanity! It was sweet.

Ellie made a few of her own. She worked very hard at her position and did make some great plays. She hit a successful 4 for 4 and scored 2 runs. Unfortunately when the team scores 3 runs the inning is over. So once she came off the base as the inning was complete and the other she was tagged out at second.

Just to see her smiling from the dugout is an absolute pleasure. She has friends on the team now and we can hear her chatting it up with them. She was so shy. They all call her mighty might as she is a great hitter. When she come to the plate the girls in the dugout all call her name! The parents know her as well! She loves it.

My "WOO" (enthusiasm) is scary. Sorry. :-)

Ellie's First at Bat on October 4

Ellie's Second at Bat on October 4

Ellie's Third at Bat on October 4

We are Reading Harry Potter Book 1

2010-10-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

It's very exciting in our house. Harry Potter lives here now. Every day Ellie, Mommy and Daddy are reading about the boy wizard.

It's amazing that I, who taught 10 year olds for so long, has never read it though I clearly remember when the book came out and my students would read the novel again, again and again!!

Fred and Ellie are on page 7. I have read to page 65 in 2 days. I got sucked in. Now I am hooked.

The best surprise will come in December. With the help of our lovely cousins we will be getting into Universal Studios to explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Thank you Dan and Denise. We owe you. You name it. It's yours. :-) Perhaps....Sagan? LOL

Totally Love "The Big Bang Theory"

2010-09-22T03:25:00.000-07:00

This is one of my two favorite episodes. ENJOY!

Sheldon Helps Penny. (Click for link to youtube)

Rock Paper Sissors Lizard Spock

What Do You Do?

2010-09-21T03:26:00.000-07:00

So I have a new position at FLVS. I am a Literacy Coach for Professional Development. Which means I help teachers with literacy professional development. It's very exciting. Different from my last position. While I loved being in Internal Affairs (QAI) I like being a Literacy Coach more.

So Rossy and I presented at the FLVS Staff Conference again. We have presented each year for the last 3 years. We typically do "How to use video to impact student learning." It's what we are known for. This year was no different. With 400 new teachers at FLVS its a necessity. So we presented on Thursday 2x. We hammed it up showing samples of our English I video work. It was great fun.

If you want to see what the results:

www.flvs-momentum.blogspot.com

You can see the videos the teachers created during our session. Too cute!

Saturday Evening in the Magic Kingdom

2010-09-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

OMG Jeanne POSTED!

2010-09-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

Rossy and I presented at the FLVS Staff Conference this year. Here we are hamming it up!

Sagan's Swim Lessons

2010-09-10T03:48:00.000-07:00

October 14! Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

2010-08-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

We are so excited that we have tickets for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom!

We bought 2 tickets. One for Fred and one for Bella.

Sagan does NOT want to stay. So she and I will go from 5-730. She and I will exit the party as the fun begins. She doesn't like the voices on the speakers. Poor baby.

Fred will stay with Ellie from 730-10pm. I will probably pull Bella From school at 12:30 and have her nap at home so she can enjoy the evening with Daddy.

Bookwormicus Asianus

2010-08-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

First Day of Second Grade!!

2010-08-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

Images from Ellie's Vacation in Missouri

2010-07-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, So What is the Record for Time Outs in a Day?

2010-07-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

I think Sagan is really working hard to break the record.

Yesterday, she called Ellie a terrible name. Time out! (Also, lost her costumes, dolls, and puzzles for 2 days)

Today, Sagan had a great day. Then said to Ellie. "Let me give this coupon to you. It says I do not love you and I never want to hug you again." WHO SAYS THAT??? TIME OUT! (No skirts, dresses, or sleeping on the floor for 2 days)

This morning she was in time out for lying. She knows how to tell the truth and we coach her to encourage her to say truthful things. She knows if you tell the truth the first time there is no punishment no matter how bad the action is. We will talk but no punishment. Sagan played with my shoes and left my closet in disarray. I asked her this morning to please put my shoes back in rows. A few minutes later I saw her and asked if the task was complete. After prompting her2-3 times if she was SURE the job was done I went into the closet. She did nothing. TIME OUT!
(I told her teacher of her lying. The ULTIMATE in humiliation.)

Any suggestions?

Summer Sleeping Arrangements

2010-07-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

This summer is just odd for sleeping arrangements.

Ellie: Ellie does not sleep on her bunkbed. She wants to sleep every night on the couch. Lights out at 8am during the week and 9pm on Friday/Saturday. But the couch is where she wants to be. That's just fine. No school.

Sagan: Usually Sagan is on the bottom bunk with her guard rail. Sagan "ROTATES" 360 degrees in her sleep. It's scary if you have ever had to sleep with her. In the middle of the night you are getting kicked in the face. Not pretty.

Sagan wants to sleep in the "cave." The space between the bunkbed and the window. We don't know why. She loves it. Asks for it every night. She is like the princess and the pea with 3 layered down duvets beneath her. She smiles and loves this new sleeping arrangement.

So the bunk beds are available for any guests who wish to crash our house this summer.

Sagan Is Delightful....When Ellie is Not Around

2010-07-05T02:56:00.000-07:00

Fred and I often discuss how WONDERFULLY DELIGHTFUL Sagan is when we have her alone. She is a delightful, funny, and talkative child when she is alone with us. Yesterday I took her to Publix in the morning to get some groceries and we had such fun. She was very helpful and kept telling me NOT to strike anyones shopping carts. Thanks babe.

July 4th Ellie's tummy hurt so I wound up taking Sagan to the mall with me. She was so happy to go. I hoped to buy her somethings for school but there wasn't anything she really needed. Hand me downs in size 4 are all brand new for her. Ellie is climbing into size 8 shirts and 7 shorts so things must be purchased.

Sagan was thrilled that I forgot the green stroller (Umbrella) and only had the sit/stand. This allows her to sit or stand in the back. More freedom.

We went to the Gapkids, Pottery Barn Kids, and Ann Taylor. She was lovely and sweet. So happy and kept listening to my direction. "Yes, Mama." Was always her response. She was everything she should be. Bring Ellie into the picture and suddenly the jealous Sagan rears her head. We get stared at. She suddenly can't follow a simple direction.

So when we finished with the mall I offered her a treat. I really needed a coffee. So McDonalds snack sized McFlurry was her choice. So it was easy and fun for her. She could have Sunday Ice Cream with mommy and it was fun for her. Who could ask for more.

5 Days Till Ellie Leaves for Branson

2010-07-05T02:41:00.001-07:00

I dont know what I am fussing over. Fred is flying Ellie up and back to Branson. Ellie will be with her second family while away. They take excellent care of our girl. They have always been a part of her life since she came home from China.

Still I worry. Always worrying.

I have just finished cleaning (gutting) the girls room as I do every 6 months. I like to establish what clothes and toys they have. So Ellie has what she needs for her trip to Missouri Saturday.

Sagan and I went to GapKids yesterday and I attacked the sales rack. I am probably going to go to another GapKids today at 10am to see what I can find there. Ellie is growing so fast that her shirts must be a size 8 now. We probably only have 6-8 shirts for her. I would like her to be with me when I shop. She is so easy to buy for but she likes to look too. I bought her 4 shirts (Graphic T's), a dress, and 2 pairs of fun flip flops. She doesn't wear dress shoes or sandals like Sagan. She likes flip flops. So I took advantage of the sale. She loved them.

This is the dress I knew she would love. She loves blue. It floats about her like a dream. It's really a beautiful dress on her.

These are one of the sparkly flip flops (5.00 each) from the Gap. The other pair are purple with a purple butterfly attached to the toe. Really sweet.

We have her suitcase ready and her busy bag for the plane. I really wish we had kept this trip a secret so we could have surprised her but I really wanted to make sure she wanted to go somewhere. She has been very attached to being home this summer. She is content to do Dreambox Learning, her workbooks, and have lunch with us. Sagan is in camp from 9-1pm. She cannot last all day at home without 2-3 time outs. Its best for her that she goes to camp.

Literacy Coach at FLVS

2010-07-02T02:18:00.000-07:00

I have recently applied for a position at FLVS which carries the title of Literacy Coach. They begin the prescreening the applicants next week. I am very excited. I believe that my resume is ready and look forward to the next step.

Uma Loves Ellie

2010-07-02T02:11:00.000-07:00

Uma comes to visit Ellie while we are playing checkers Thursday evening.

Uma wants Ellie's attention.

Uma wants to know what Ellie is doing when she is not paying attention to.

Sagan's Learning to Play Go Fish

2010-07-01T02:03:00.000-07:00

I was in Walgreens the other day and found an Alphabet Go Fish game that I knew Sagan would love. So I purchased it and we play at least 2x a day.

Sagan is not ready, quite yet, to learn to read. She lacks the patience that Ellie had. So I don't push. She still has 2 years of preschool left. She is a November birthday which will put her into kindergarten at 5 year 9 months. Ellie went in at 5 years 4 months. Those extra 5 months will help Sagan be ready.

We are lucky that Sagan is going to be in the Voluntary Pre K program in school this fall. Well she will be a paying member its free if you are 4. She wont get the free program till 2011. Which is just fine by me. She will be with Ellie's former teacher Ms. Jacqui. Sagan will learn everything a kindergartner must know for reading readiness this coming school year. The following year she will take the class again as a VPK 4 year old. So I know that Sagan will learn all of her letters and learn basic reading skills staring in late August. If Sagan were going to kindergarten in the fall of 2011 I would be starting her word wall immediately.

So playing Go Fish is fun for her. She knows just a few letters but the game will enable her to learn them in a fun way.

Girls Weekend In South Florida

2010-06-30T04:24:00.000-07:00

Ellie has been after me to take he to Wannado City in South Florida for some time now. With Fred headed to Oshkosh air show it seems like a girls weekend is inevitable.

We are looking forward to a couple of nights in South Florida with designs on visiting Debbie and Dave as well as my family.

I am looking at hotels now. A nice one on the beach I am thinking. The girls might enjoy some sand time or a hotel with a nice pool. I never go into the ocean so the girls might be disappointed with no ocean time. I would probably just stick my feet in the water. I would really like (since the girls are such early risers) to walk them on the beach at sunrise. I can see them each with a pail gathering up sea shells as souviners. How sweet!

The girls are quite excited!

Great Summer Reading: Mercy Watson Books By Kate DiCamillo

2010-06-29T16:26:00.001-07:00

If you have a young child who enjoys fun stories I highly recommend Mercy Watson books (6 in the series) by kate DiCamillo. Really great story about a pig named Mercy. The stories are cute and the art work so lovely. Ellie read all 6 books in a matter of a few days. She loves to read (Especially if TV is limited).

The Mercy Watson books are an upper 2nd grade level (2.6-2.9)

Sagan is Registered for Dance Class

2010-06-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

Sagan just got the one thing she has been asking for. She has wanted dance class or gymnastics classes.

Last year we had her in gymnastics but she lost it when she would not stop throwing toys at Ellie. Big toys.

So yesterday we bought her ballet and tap shoes. She will attend a Saturday morning ballet/tap class with her cousin Gigi (2 years old).

This is very exciting for her!

Ellie is Going to Branson!

2010-06-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

This summer Ellie opted out of any summer camp. She did attend Wilmot Sports camp for 2 weeks which is at her school. It was great fun and her cousins were there for a week so she had lots of fun. We offered her every camp under the sun! Sea World...NOPE? Space Camp...NOPE? Ok what would you like to do? Nothing.

We suggested a week in Branson with our close dear friends the Hollymans. That went over very very well. So it's all set up

July 10-17 Ellie will vacation with the Hollymans in Missouri.

Air Tran has a direct flight from Orlando to Branson each Saturday. Fred will fly up with her and deliver her to their happy arms. The following Saturday he will fly up to bring her home. The cost of all of this flying and a weeks vacation in Branson is less then 2 weeks at Sea World Camp.
Its also time spent with close family friends who live far away. It will be so much fun for her!

Daughtry Song: Call My Name

2010-06-29T07:44:00.001-07:00

Funky mood today. Reflective. Melancholy

The Zanegood School for Better Babies SUMMER CAMP

2010-06-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

The Zanegood School for Better Babies and Teens Summer Camp is open!

We have a full house and the girls are enjoying themselves!

Mondays Itinerary:

8am-12pm Sports all morning long.
12:30 Lunch
1pm Afternoon shopping trip to Victoria's Secret for the teens.

An Analysis of Two Parenting Styles

2010-06-16T16:32:00.001-07:00

In this video we are comparing two schools of parenting thought.

You will be introduced to, "Richard's School of Let Them Do Anything They Want" and the more popular and touted " The Zanegood School for Better Babies."

Which school of parenting thought do you prefer?

Poem: Ode To Mr. Darcy

2010-06-16T12:45:00.001-07:00

Oh Mr. Darcy how magnificent you are.
So proud. So handsome. So eloquent.
How I wish your attentions on me!
Would you speak to me with such passion.
Would you look at me with such intensity.
My soul would burn. My heart burst forth.
Oh! Mr. Darcy how magnificent you are.

Richard's Number of Hits Today!

2010-06-16T06:56:00.002-07:00

Good morning,

I am going to record the number of hits Richard (my brother) has on my blog.

at of 10am

4 HITS (AND one obscene gesture and a threatened mooning!)

Keep em coming !

Nightmare

2010-06-16T01:42:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up to my alarm at 4am and I immediately rolled to Fred. I wrapped his arm around me and I said "nightmare." He held me as I tried to get a grip.

This was one about FEAR. I was terrified. I know why I had this dream.

Fear 1: Heights

It was a huge, immense skyscraper. The elevator I rode in it was like a rocket up and down. I looked down from the top and it was almost like a comic book how tall this building was. I couldn't see the ground just the side of the building all glass and metal.

Fear 2: Losing Ellie

Ellie was there. She was in a car that drove off a high level of the parking garage and plummeted to the ground. I saw it go off the edge. I can't explain the pain that ripped through me.
I spent much of the dream trying to comprehend that I had lost Ellie and how terrible it was for her. It was the pain of losing a child and having the death be so violent. I wanted to die too. It was impossible for me to even draw a breath. It was terrifying.

I am trying to work it out over coffee and Pride and Prejudice.

Breathing.

Ellie Has a Wart Removed (POOR BELLA)

2010-06-16T01:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I discovered Ellie had a wart on her thumb. So I schedule an appointment at the pediatrician for Tuesday afternoon. She is unaware of what is likely to happen. I take her and Sagan to Michaels Arts n Crafts to pick up some painting fun, take them for haircuts (LO! To our surprise Uncle Richard is in town and meets us there) You haven't seen Sagan's smile brighter then when she sees her favorite Uncle. Beaming!

At the doctor he tells me what the options are. I opt for horror. It's quicker and she is not likely to pick at the sore. So I explain to Ellie what he has to do and that she is just as brave if she cries.

She was sobbing. The wart had to be frozen to truly kill the virus. I have never ever heard Ellie cry in agony before. She was sweating, shaking and sobbing all the while shaking her hand to stop the stinging. I was undone. My poor girl.

On the way home as the crying has nearly stopped as she is enjoying a lollipop I came up with a brilliant idea. I took Ellie and Sagan to Game Stop and bought Ellie a new Mario DSI game. She was thrilled. Yea for parental guilt and distractions!!!

She was ok when she got home. The game was an excellent distraction. Fred sat with her as she played.

Hoping she is well this morning.

A Poem: Just Once

2010-06-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

I have a rich and full life.
I am not dissatisfied in the least.
I, just once, would like to know. Just once.
Just once to know.

My life is a dream.
I smile at the gifts I have been given.
But just once would like to know. Just once.
That something so elusive.....that something which can never be mine.

It's a lesson I have to learn.
To be forever a lonely member of a most admired club.
Watching, greedily, as others do as I cannot.
To shake my head and cry.
Just once.

The Cousins are Coming!

2010-06-14T03:04:00.000-07:00

Next week we host the cousins for a week of Wilmot Sports Camp and fun fun fun!

They came last summer for 2-1 week sessions of Sea World camp and that was wonderful. This year, because they are going to Scotland, we will be hosting them for only one week and then Ellie/Sagan will go spend a week with them in August (while we cruise).

I have already planned menus (Yes, Type A) and they will enjoy some fun activities in the Orlando area. We have a new water park, Coco Key, that Ellie has been dying to try. It's a part of a hotel.

We will also do the Dr. Phillips splash park, YMCA pool with the red rocket slide, and other fun water activities to cool off in the afternoon.

I am hoping that I will not be too uptight next week when they come. I run the house with a lot of structure and expect the best table manners. I actually have to leave the room when the children eat together otherwise they will be stressed. I joke that they go home with a tic and night terrors due to my strict household requirements.

Just to the opposite when Ellie and Sagan go to Richard and Pauline's they come home with the worst behaviors. Richard takes great pride in undoing what I work so hard to instill in the girls. From eating junk food (When Sagan was a baby she would follow Uncle Richard around the house as he held a 3lb bag of M and M's.Can you picture that? Like the Pied Piper of Hamilin but with a bag of sugar.) to belching the alphabet as loud as one can.

We shall see!

Feeling Out of Sorts

2010-06-14T02:59:00.001-07:00

This past week I have been out of sorts. Not feeling much like blogging. Nothing really to blog about. I am up at 4am this week and next to get my work done by mid day to take the girls out in the afternoon. This 4am wake up is probably what's making me feel this way.

I used to do the 4am thing all the time when I started with FLVS. I can set my hours and work a schedule that best works for me. While many might stay up late I was a part of the 4am club. I would grade and check emails then have time to run errands or volunteer in Ellie's classroom. Then my phone call FRENZY would start early afternoon. It was great.

So I just have to get back into the 4am groove. :-)

High Tea in Orlando

2010-06-12T05:48:00.001-07:00

On Friday at 4pm we joined our cousins (Elizabeth and Emily) for tea. We knew of a new tea shoppe that just opened up in Hunters Creek. Wishes Brew Tea Shoppe was everything you could want in an experience. The girls loved it.

Sagan would have been there but decided at lunch to challenge mommy. She declared she was not fond of the chicken sandwich she was given and would prefer to eat the chips only. I asked her to eat the chicken only and then she could eat the chips. No, she declared. I will only eat chips for lunch!

Sagan was sent to her room without any lunch. She had 2 helping of pasta at dinner and will not see a potato chip for the next 30 days.

Last Day of School!

2010-06-09T03:17:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of school here in Orlando. How exciting!!!

Pajama Day At Sagan's School

2010-06-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

So today was an important day to remember. I was supposed to remember to put Sagan in PJ's for her class party day. Did I remember .... nope.

So when I dropped her off at 9am she was the ONLY child not in pajamas. I felt bad.

I kissed Sagan goodbye and went home.

It wasn't till I was almost home that my heart ached. I felt bad that I had forgotten. If it were Ellie I would have brought a pair of PJ's to school. I don't like Ellie feeling left out she is very sensitive.

So I swept into the house grabbed Sagan's favorite Princess and the frog pajamas and drove back to school.

The smile that broke on her face when I held up the pajamas made the trip so worth while. She lit up so bright and happy. I took her hand and we changed her in the bathroom. She came out all happiness and sunshine. I got a hug and a kiss to boot!

Sagan's teachers were so thrilled that I brought them in. I was too.

Sagan is happy. Mommy is happy.

Summer 2009: Surprised Ellie with a Trip to DC.

2010-06-08T03:03:00.000-07:00

Last year on the last day of school Fred and I surprised Ellie with a trip to Washington DC. Just her and Daddy for 4 days in the Nations Capitol. She was surprised at the airport that we were not really dropping Daddy off but she was going with him. It was so sweet to see her so surprised!

Here is my blog post from last June when they were in DC.

This is the video I shot at the airport when Ellie just found out she was going to DC and not saying goodbye to daddy who was "supposed" to go on a business trip.

Today was a 100% rainy day. Fred said it was much like Seattle so it was a constant misty sort of rain. Fred and I love that! Ellie not so much.

Today Fred and Ellie woke up early. They ate a lovely breakfast at the inn and headed by taxi to the Capitol! After waiting in line through security they went upstairs to the 6th floor to our Congressman's office (Alan Grayson). There was another family from Orlando waiting for the tour. They had a great time on the tour. Ellie was a little lost but she loved the statues, paintings, the huge rotunda and the gift shop! Of course. Lunch was in the Capitol cafeteria. She enjoyed fries, a hot dog, and fish fingers. Yes, she can eat it all. Growth spurt!

Inn at Dupont Circle

Because of all the walking they have done I suggested Fred take her to a little pottery place near the bed and breakfast in the afternoon. Sitting and painting would be a great way to wind her down. She was thrilled when the taxi pulled up to Color Me Mine. She picked out a bear and spent the good part of an hour painting it. Fred was so happy she was happy. They talked and talked as she painted.

The evening was spent at Chiplote (Sp?) (around the corner from the B and B). She enjoyed her favorite vegetarian burrito bowl, chips and guacamole. She was exhausted and laid on the bench at one point. Our little trooper held one thumb up for a pic!

They just called from the Bed and Breakfast. She was already dressed for bed in one of the three Air and Space t-shirts she bought. Ellie wanted to settle into bed next to her daddy and watch movies on my ipod (she borrowed it and I doubt I will get it back now!). Good night my Bella.

Tomorrow the National Zoo and Udvar Hazy. Sunday morning home!

Branson, Missouri

2010-06-08T02:32:00.000-07:00

Liam and his girlfriend Jessica wrestling. They are really really wrestling!

Beautiful girls Jessica and Sherri.

Having fun at Sherri's birthday BBQ.

This was taken just after I arrived at the beach.

Just to Preface:

I have know Sherri, Chris, Liam and Shelby Hollyman since August 2001. Liam was in my 5th grade gifted class at Bay Meadows. Sherri and I struck up a friendship that year. On the last day of school that year she said to me, "We will be friends forever." There you go. I had Shelby in my 5th grade gifted class in 2003-2004. It was Shelby and Kaitlyn (another close family friend) who went to the school office in January 2004 to pick up a Fedex that just arrived. It was Ellie's referral from China. Shelby loves that she was the person to hold the envelope and bring it to me in the classroom. I didn't open it till I saw Fred that night. TORTURE!

There are some days that I text her and I say, "You are stressing..I can feel it." It is true. Also, one afternoon I was having to take deep breaths and was only sitting down. My mind went to Sherri and I text her. "Are you taking deep breaths?" She had just walked up 2 flights of stairs and was winded. We are very connected.

Day 1: Thursday: June 3

After the flight to Branson (By far the smallest airport I have ever seen) from Orlando I was happy to be on the ground. It wasn't a bad set of flights I just do not care for flying in general. Liam arrived at the airport to pick me up. On the way to the beach, where Sherri's birthday bbq was being held we stopped for some butter and to allow me to change into my swim things. About 10 minutes from the beach the caddie ran out of gas. We were on a steep, steep incline and the car just stopped. Liam was so brave! There is no traffic in Branson so I stepped out of the car and brave Liam manuvered the car down the slope into a parking lot. There was a gas station just across the street so we were back on the road in no time flat.

When we arrived at the beach I encouraged Liam to walk ahead of me to the picnic tables which were just down a hill. I followed behind a couple of minutes. At the top of the hill I could see our party under a small pavillion and clearly could see Sherri. So I stopped at the top of the hill and leaned on a fence. She saw me but didn't really see me. It took about 20 seconds and a "Hi there Girlfriend!" from me to get her to realize I was really there. The sobbing then hit. She totally melted into hysterics (happy hysterics) and I had to rush down this hill in flip flops to reach her. She grabbed me and we hugged. "You are here! In Branson!" Was all she could say.

I did not take the girls. Sherri is very very big on celebrating her birthday on her birthday. So Ellie, if she came, would have to miss her class party. She wanted to attend so I went alone. I could have taken Sagan but then I would have still been in mommy mode and not really rested. So much to the disappointment of Sherri and Shelby (well not really disappointed but ...) I was there solo. It would have been more impactful if the Asian maffia was in tow.

It was a wonderful day on the beach and people kept calling Sherri's phone to wish her a happy birthday. Each time she would tell them of her brave friend Jeanne who flew from Orlando to be with her on her birthday.

Day 2; Friday June 4

I really wanted to spend time, any kind of time (washing dishes, folding clothes, anything) with Sherri. I just saw her in February but it wasn't a really leisurely visit. She and the family came to Orlando and they were super busy. So I took Sherri out to breakfast at Panera where we sat for an hour and talked about everything. Then we went to lunch at the landings and ate on the water. We talked and talked. It's what I wanted. Girlfriend time.

Day 3: Saturday, June 5

On Saturday Shelby would be competing in a swim meet. These things last all day. I was a Branson Waves volunteer, complete with t-shirt, selling swim supplies and whatnot from the gift table. It was a pleasure to see Shelby compete. She only took up swimming last year. I had to leave at 130 to be sure I could shower and change for my 4pm flight back to Orlando.

It was a great visit and it really filled me up.

Once the plane landed (BTW Air Tran is very good) I was walking through the terminal from the plane and was thinking "I bet Fred and the girls are waiting for me past security" Lo and behold I was right! I saw the girls complete with flowers and a sign "Welcome Home Mommy!" The same screaming and jumping the girls do for their father when he comes home from trips were there for me. The girls then run to the opening of the walkway where I am hugged and kissed and told how much they missed me. It was lovely.

I really enjoyed my time away. 3 days/2 nights and lots of sleep.

Blogging will resume Tuesday!

2010-06-07T12:49:00.001-07:00

Sorry! Busy at work!

Blogging tomorrow morning!

Tormenting My Brother (5 Hits and NO change to blog)

2010-06-02T11:49:00.001-07:00

It's 4am and YES! I am WORKING

2010-06-02T01:12:00.000-07:00

Ellie talks in her sleep sometimes. So this morning about 3am she was chatting it up and I decided just to wake up.

Working now. I will pay for it later!

Today Marks an Official Record! 7 Hits!

2010-06-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

Richard officially hit my blog 7 times today!

...and I have released the "comments" section again. Now you can comment on my posts with all the sarcasm in your heart. I know you are smiling. :)

More Love Just Arrived At My Door

2010-06-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

A special thank you to the Perrotta cousins!
I am feeling the love!

Best Present EVER

2010-06-01T13:21:00.001-07:00

Fred just brought home a Chico's bag (I keep losing my sunglasses) and inside was a pair of sunglasses AND!

DVD's of all of our HOME MOVIES!!!!

All of the tapes from when Ellie was a baby are now on DVD!

2005 and 2006

Mommy so happy!

Carbs.......and blogging make me happy

2010-06-01T02:07:00.001-07:00

And the love keeps on coming...

*** A special thanks to all my disgustingly RELENTLESS friends for all the calls, texts, and IM's to make me laugh on today the "over the hill" part of my life.***

I needed a reason to relax. So blogging was the only option to lift my spirits though the topic depresses the heck out of me.

My first text came about 11:10pm last night:

Wanted to be the 1st to wish u a very happy birthday!! (albeit an hour early). Enjoy it ...you have no reason to hide..you r beautiful inside and out. Love you sissy!! Xoxo (Debbie)

Debbie and Dave sent their card early. Good thing they did. Put things in a brighter perspective.

I woke up at 445am to a desk filled with special things.

It was my brothers card which made me cry. Very sweet.

An E-Card from my boss, Julie Young.

A Poem: Bruised, Not Broken

2010-05-28T03:47:00.000-07:00

I am simply bruised, not broken.
Allowing time to heal these marks of purple and black.

You look at them. These bruises are disturbing and you look at me with concern.
They don't hurt. Really.

I did this to myself. My own hand. Actions. Missteps.
They are months and months old.

I added insult to this injury. I ignored all words of caution.
I let go of the wheel, covered my ears with shaking hands, and allowed my eyes to go blind.

Impulsive. Ignorant. Injured.
Me.

My Talk With Judith

2010-05-28T03:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had an appointment with Judith, my spiritualist.

I was surprised when I spoke with her because my mother is usually there. However, it was Eleanor, my mother in law, who waited for me. "Ellie is here."

When I spoke with Judith on April 22 my reading was 3pm. Judith shared with my my mother had spent the entire day with her waiting for my time. I had not had a reading with Judith in a year. My mother was eager to speak with me.

On Wednesday, the day before I was driving in my car and I was talking out loud to my mother. I was sharing with her the reason for my reading (not that she didn't know) and what I was hoping to move through. So you can imagine my surprise when my mother let Eleanor take the lead in the reading. My mother must have been busy.

So I wrote at the top of my notebook "I am so conflicted." Without telling Judith anything. I love that.

When we started talking she told me that "Ellie is here."

She described Eleanor as wringing her hands and pacing back and forth. Explaining that she was sharing that I was faced with a difficult decision. How true!

We went through the 30 min reading smoothly as always. I asked some questions about my friends and Fred. I didn't talk about the girls nor did Judith bring them up.

When I brought up a close friend who had recently suffered a loss she immediately tapped into the person I was talking about. She gushed forth a full explanation of the situation and the reasoning behind the loss. It was so sad but now we knew the "why?" It was so fascinating that Judith knows me and my circle so well that she (Well, Eleanor) can determine who I am talking about. There was very good news at the end of her sad story. Uplifting news.

So my reading with Judith had a positive outcome. I am very pleased.

Time to Write

2010-05-28T03:22:00.000-07:00

Time to write.

After my meeting with Judith yesterday I will not be procrastinating on writing any more. I am going to start my outlines today and move into the first chapter this weekend. I will admit writing this particular book has been worrying me over the past several months but I am ready to start.

The only question for me now is:

Will the story be fiction or non-fiction?

Dilemma.

Paranoid? I think so!

2010-05-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

3 Hits to my blog since 6am.

Richard....can I be that much of a threat?

Your wit is so sharp! I would be simply hurting myself by challenging you!

J (LOL!!!)

Judith Today

2010-05-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

As a gift to myself I scheduled Judith today. She is usually super busy over the summer so I book it for as late into May as I can.

Its only for 30 minutes as I don't have much to say but I am always eager to listen.

My last call with Judith was April 22 so it has only been a month.

I am very excited, as always!

If you have ever wanted to talk to a spiritualist I highly recommend Judith. Many of my friends have spoken with her and are very pleased with the outcome.

Check out her website.

Judith Ulch

Lost: The Last 20 Minutes of the Season Finale

2010-05-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

I don't watch lost but I have seen bits and pieces. I was working when Fred decided to play the last 20 minutes of Lost.

My heart hurts. It was so achingly sad.

It's Merlot Time.

2010-05-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

My day went well at work. Love working from the office from time to time. Get's me all dressed up and out of the house.

There's a dark cloud looming over me these past few days. I look up and there it is. Threatening me.

I am indulging in a glass of happiness tonight. It won't make the cloud go away but it will make it less noticeable.

Richard's Blog Hits: 5 (As of 2:36pm)

2010-05-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

5 hits to my blog since 7am.

Don't you have any cases to bill?

Update: It's now PARANOIA!

Water Water Everywhere....

2010-05-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

So I am trying to plan a get away for 4th of July but can't think of what to do. So many choices but nothing is pulling me into any particular direction.

We have several lovely resorts here in Orlando with sparkling pools and amenities. We also can travel to South Florida (though driving is no fun) or to the beach but the girls don't care for the sand or the fish in the water. St. Augustine, Savannah, and the like are here and there. But I bet we stay in Orlando.

The girls would be happy staying in a posh hotel with a big pool. I can see us hanging out at the pool all day. Yea. Love it.

Bloggity Blog

2010-05-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying some professional time here in the VLC. I enjoy working with the staffing team on interviewing instructional candidates. I also can work on my laptop while they are addressing the candidates. I enjoy it as I am super productive.

This is also a lesson in letting go. It's so hard for me not to take the girls to school in the morning. Daddy did it this morning. I came to the VLC about 8am this morning with my DD coffee in hand. YUM!

We are getting ready to move into the individual interviews so I will be shutting down for a few hours. The great thing is that when I get home I can give 100% of my time to the girls. I am going to bring dinner home so we can play.

75 Days Till We Cruise

2010-05-26T03:36:00.000-07:00

Things we are looking forward to on the Disney Cruise:

First the Quiet Cove Pool. We have cruised 4 times and I have not yet been able to enjoy the adults only areas of the cruise ship. So on this cruise its all about us! No kids. Thank you Auntie Pauline and Uncle Richard! We need a little pick me up vacation!

We love Palos! We hope to dine there 2-3 times during our cruise.

I remember the filet with cheese sauce. YUM! This trip, since the cruise is 5 nights we get to have Brunch at Palos on the full day at sea. Love it!

One of my favorite activities from our March cruise was a tour of the galley of the ship. It was super fun! It was for adults only and for an hour I enjoyed learning about the workings of the kitchens. I will do it again this time.

Going to the Office Today

2010-05-26T03:28:00.001-07:00

It's another fun filled day in the office of FLVS! I will be on hand to work with the interview team selecting potential FLVS instructors. It's always fun.

Fred is on daddy duty today. It will throw Sagan completely off kilter. I am predicting 2 meltdowns today.

I will have them dressed and ready to go to school before I leave at 745am.

Fred has to transport them to school and pick them up at 230. I should be home by 4pm.

A Poem for a Friend: Empathy

2010-05-25T03:46:00.000-07:00

Remember to breathe. It's difficult I know.
Nothing can compare to this feeling of despair.
I have felt it too. Many times.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Close your eyes tight if you must.

Empty spaces were once my fear. Empty rooms. An empty heart.
I was sure they would remain empty.
Months and months passed. Years and years. It was endless.
A slow walk toward a different destiny. Words cannot express the agony.
Friends would fill their spaces. One, two, and three.
They would whisper and avert their eyes.

Take heart. Your destiny is unfolding. Your path laid before you.
You know how to move forward. You are so strong.
He stands beside you. He is trying to be strong for you.
My chest constricts with knowing. You are in my thoughts. You are in my heart.

Remember to breathe. Breathe in. Breathe out. Now open your eyes.

Take a step forward and smile.

Once a Violin Girl...Now a Sporty Girl

2010-05-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

When Ellie was 3 she took Suzuki violin lessons. She did them for 2 year but then we had to stop as kindergarten was exhausting. Violin would have to wait. We instead allowed her to play T-Ball on Saturday mornings (Violin was during the week).

Fred and I wished she still played but it seems that she has a talent for softball. She loves it so. I am hoping this fall she will take piano with Ms. Patty at St. Lukes. Just 1 group piano lesson a week. But softball is 3 days and it will probably be too much! Weep!

Ellie plays Mary Had a Little Lamb with Kylie.

One of My Favorite Movies:Ratatouille

2010-05-24T18:13:00.001-07:00

I love it beyond words. Quite possibly my favorite Disney Film.

This is a montage with the soundtrack "Le Festin" (The Feast) playing. Enjoy!

My Brother Is Reading My Blog

2010-05-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

Remember I have Google Analytics.... I can tell who is tapping my blog every day.

Kissimmee (Elizabeth, Denise, Nana)
Orlando (Robyn, Tara, Regina)
Longwood (Tina)
Windermere (Hyon and Karen)
Jupiter (Pauline)
Dania (Debbie)
Pembroke Pines (Aunt Bernadette)
Tampa (Mimi)
Miami Beach (Laura Jill)
Miami (Uncle Mac)
Hollywood (Jami)

POMPANO (RICHARD!!!)

Richard hit my blog 4 times yesterday! I am so impressed!

HI Richard! You need to make your own blog!

Ellie's Fashion Sense

2010-05-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

This is a funny story.

We bought Ellie these Wizards of Waverly Place pajamas at Hanukkah. I bought a 7/8 but there are way big. So Ellie has been wearing them but no matter how hard we try the cuffs (too long) come undone.

Today I just couldn't stand it anymore. I asked her to give me the pants and I cut 4 inches off the hem. Just hacked them off!

Ellie immediately asked for the leftover hems. She loved the extra material and decided to wear it as a hat.

Trouble Sleeping

2010-05-23T13:54:00.001-07:00

This past week I have had a lot of difficulty sleeping. I have been getting up between 3am-4am and staying up for the remainder of the day. It continues through today. I did lazy away in bed this morning till 6am though.

I have been super productive at work though. There's a plus. I get 1/2 my 8 hour day done before many of my counterparts have logged into their computers. So there is a plus.

Sleep is seriously overrated.

Back to Blogging

2010-05-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Love my blog. Lots of fun.

Fred and Calvin's Annual Man-Cation

2010-05-22T16:35:00.001-07:00

Ellie at age 4 Learning How to Read

2010-05-21T02:17:00.000-07:00

Oh goodness how my heart aches. She is so sweet.

I see Uma as a kitten so I am guessing it is May 2007. Ellie just turned 4 and we started reading skills. 10 sightwords a week. Building each week. Then we turned to sentence strips.

Ellie's Trip to the Orthodontist

2010-05-21T01:57:00.000-07:00

Ellie and Daddy being silly in the waiting room.

Ellie waiting patiently!

Ellie's xray.

We were taking turns entertaining Sagan with a doodle pad.

Cat!

Dr. Anderson was super nice!

Thursday Ellie had an orthodontist appointment. Her front teeth are growing in crooked and that concerned me. So I scheduled an appointment for a consult.

Good news and bad news.

No orthodontic care needed for 2 years. That's the good news.

2 baby teeth must be extracted to allow for the front teeth to settle into place properly.

Fred and I are preparing to buy Ellie a car. The guilt is overwhelming.

We want to get it done ASAP. We will probably have it done next Thursday if we can manage it. We will make the mini-vacation into a little present for our poor baby Bella.

We were told the healing time for baby teeth extraction is very quick. Kids are just fine. Tylenol.

Up again at 4am. What's up?

2010-05-21T01:30:00.000-07:00

I am up at 3am but got out of bed at 4am and decided to work.

WHY????

One of my Favorite Photographs

2010-05-20T03:33:00.000-07:00

We have another photo album web site that I let go of when I discovered blogging. It holds photos from when Ellie was 2-5 years old. I have been pouring through it and my heart aches with how big Ellie has gotten. She was the most beautiful little lady. Now she is a beautiful young lady. So lovely.

This photo is special because I have three little girls with me. Ellie (blue), Kelly (my friend Tina's little girl from Hunan), and Kylie (my friend Judy's daughter from Gansu who is the youngest and sitting in my lap. She just came home from China the September before so she's about 18 months old). This is the most precious photo. I loved having all the girls with me. We were picnicking at Bok Tower. We borrowed Kylie from Judy and Sean for the day. I remember Judy in abject despair at letting her go with us. She almost didn't. She wanted some alone time with Sean and do some house projects but had trouble parting with Kylie. She eventually did and it was a good day for everyone.

Video Flashback: Christmas with Kylie

2010-05-20T03:19:00.000-07:00

This is a video of Ellie and Kylie Durney (Not Sagan) dancing at our house to "All I Want for Christmas is You." Ellie and Kylie loved to dance together! We miss Kylie (who turns 5 this August) who moved to Singapore 18 months ago!

Ellie is about 3.5 years old here. Kylie is probably 2.

Photos from Puerto Rico

2010-05-20T02:44:00.000-07:00

So Fred is back and the girls were all over him last night. So happy to have Daddy home. So here are photos of Fred's man-cation. The reason they went really was to see Arecibo telescope. The worlds largest radio telescope.

Up Super Early! 430am

2010-05-20T02:05:00.000-07:00

The Orlando World Marriott

Fred came home yesterday so it made it easier to sleep last night. I passed out about 845pm and woke up about 430am. I am working at my computer.

Fun stuff happening in the next week but it's going to make it a busy 2 weeks.

Today Ellie has her first orthodontist appointment. She had perfect teeth until they began to come out. Now her mouth is too small for the adult teeth coming in. My girlfriend Pam's daughter Josie had the same issue. So we are possibly getting that taken care of. One of Ellie's teeth is coming in at an angle and while it might correct itself I really want to get Dr. Anderson's professional opinion.

I have an interview tomorrow at Valencia, where I already teach as an adjunct professor since 1998, for a 2 week pilot ESOL program this summer. My dean recommended me. Fun.

Next week, oye, I have a packed week! I am helping out at the FLVS offices for interviews. That's always fun! Thursday is Ellie's teachers 40th birthday and we are in charge of the cake!

Friday and Saturday is the largest Homeschool convention in the state of Florida! I will be a FLVS ambassador both Friday and Saturday mornings. An ambassador basically is an FLVS employee who attends the convention and answers questions when people enter the booth. It's one of my favorite FLVS activities. In 1997 I was "FLVS Ambassador of the Year." It was a wonderful honor.

That Sunday and Monday (Memorial Day) we are surprising Ellie and Sagan with a mini vacation here in Orlando. We are booking a resort hotel with a big pool for a night! There are so many excellent deals! We went on the Disney Cruise in March and usually we go on a couple of overnight stays during the summer. No travel just a hotel in the area. They will be so surprised! I just booked a great deal! I am so excited the kids will be freaking out when we pack up and go!

Fred Went to Puerto Rico and All I Got Was.....

2010-05-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

(I asked for post cards) :=)

Mommy is Going to the Office

2010-05-19T05:01:00.001-07:00

I am going into the FLVS offices this morning to film short video snippets for our WOW Foundations workshop that we do about 6 times a year for employees.

I have my young cousin, Marie Grace, coming in to film the student scripts. THANK YOU MARIE GRACE!!! She will do an awesome job as she just graduated from the Osceola School of Performing Arts here in Central Florida.

Daddy is Living it up in Puerto Rico

2010-05-19T04:57:00.000-07:00

I cannot count on Fred to Facebook on his own so I have his log in and password so I can see Calvin's (His travel buddy) page and see what they are up to.

So Fred has been living the high life. Flying (2 times) over the island in a Cessna 172 (I think), touring the Aricebo telescope facility, touring the islands many forts and rainforests, as well as eating his way through multiple sushi bars.

I am glad he had a good time. I make his life a challenge to say the least. He needed a fun man-cation!

Daddy Comes Home Today

2010-05-19T04:51:00.000-07:00

Hooray! Daddy comes home from Puerto Rico! The girls sing and dance this all morning. They couldn't be happier. But I think its for different reasons.

1. Daddy ALWAYS brings back presents from his trips. They are hoping there is candy involved.

2. We get to wait for him inside the airport. This means a "treat" or "snack" is a given. They are already discussing what it is they want. There is Dunkin Donuts (Sagan HATES donuts), Cinnibon, McDonalds (yogurt), and Starbucks (mommy's choice!). The negotiations are FIERCE!

3. We will probably go out to dinner. Mommy hasn't had time to grocery shop. The cupboards are quite bare. Perhaps we will all go to the grocery together and I will cook.

Flashback Photo!

2010-05-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

Ellie is probably 2 1/2 here. She is showing me how well she can balance on one foot!

Mind you she would KILL me today if I even TRIED to put a pair of white Mary Jane keds on her. She loathes Keds (She wore Keds until she had an opinion at age 4).

This is Sagan just last November being pampered for her 3rd birthday. Hair, make up and a beautiful dress. What more could a lovely princess desire?

Pray for Me!

2010-05-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

Ellie's BFF is coming for a sleepover this weekend. Why? Because I said, Yes!

Ellie has been asking for Michelle to come and play but with softball running our lives for the last 4 months family time was at a premium!

So we will have Michelle over and we are planning lots of fun things to do. We will take them to the movies on Friday night and grab a light dinner. They will be exhausted I am sure after school all day. We are seeing Shrek! They will flip out.

Saturday morning they will play it up and then we have Ellie's Softball party bowling! Can her weekend get any better!!

Disney Cruise # 5! Adults Only Cruise!

2010-05-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

In August Fred and I will be traveling on a 5 night Disney Cruise. We have been trying to plan a get away for the two of us but everything has been getting in the way for a May/June/July vacation. Then Disney advertised an outstanding 5 night cruise with 2 stops at Castaway Cay.

Heaven!!!

I have been researching other cruise lines but I am not sure that they will meet the high standards set by Disney. The great thing about the Disney Cruise is that if you don't want to see kids there are plenty of places kids are not allowed. The rooms are amazing, the food at Palo's haunts my dreams, and the idea of reading for days on end is exciting! Also, Fred and I can go to the Adults only beach on Castaway Cay. It's all so exciting. A new spin on the Disney Cruise when you don't have your little ones in tow!

About a week ago I was looking at Southwest Airlines. Perhaps Fred and I might go to DC for a few days. Ellie walks over and says, "You don't fly. What are you doing?" This is true. I am not fond of flying so I usually look at the site and wont book.

Also to fly anywhere its about 600.00. Just to get somewhere. Plus hotel, entertainment, and food. For 5 nights in a hotel its about 800.00! Right there its more then the cruise and we haven't eaten yet! Very cost effective and lots of quiet time. No rushing anywhere. Bliss!

Today I am decisive and made a reservation for the Disney Cruise. We have 82 days until we sail.

Ellie and Sagan are very happy to be going to the cousins for that week in August. We will be hosting the cousins in June for a week then Ellie/Sagan get to go to the cousins for a week in August. It's very exciting. Auntie Pauline said she will have to put on her "stern face" for Sagan. Sagan likes to have her way. Auntie Pauline...BE STRONG!

You Would Think They Were GoingTo .......

2010-05-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

Today is Tuesday. Ale House night.

Why? Kids eat free!

Usually Ellie has a softball game on Tuesday nights and we go to the Ale House for dinner afterward. Now that the season is over and wont start again till September I thought we were staying home tonight.

Ellie comes skipping into the living room this morning ALE HOUSE TONIGHT!!!

I guess we are going!

Ellie loves the Sliders or mini hamburgers. She is all excited.

Sagan gets pasta and devours it.

Mommy gets a Zinger Salad, but Ellie usually takes 1/2 the Zingers. She loves spicy foods. Once she had a bite of the spicy chicken she offered to split her sliders with me to get 1/2 my zingers. Smart cookie!

End of the School Year Activities

2010-05-18T03:36:00.000-07:00

Ellie and Sagan's school year is nearly over.

Ellie will be completing the first grade and entering second. I have already submitted her forms for the next school year. You cannot actually "REQUEST" a teacher for the next year but you can put in certain characteristics your child has. They will place based on that.

For Ellie:

Shy and sensitive
Hard working and diligent
Detailed oriented and a perfectionist (Ellie goes through cap erasers like no ones business)

The teacher I am hoping for is Ms. Vierling. I know Pam very well and I know she will take great care of Ellie. In March Ellie had a small seizure event in class. Her teacher caught it and I am most appreciative. I want a teacher who knows me and will call Fred or I at the slightest suspicion of an event. We take them seriously and are afraid that she will go into distress.

The entire second grade team is wonderful. I wish Hyon was still teaching I know she would take Ellie into her class and take great care of her.

Sagan:

Sagan just finished another year at Good Samaratin Pre School. She had an amazing year. She was 2 years and 8 months but was allowed to enroll in the older 3 classroom. Next year she will be allowed into the 4 year old program. It's actually the VPK program but we will pay for one year. The next year will be Free. Sagan is a November birthday so she will be nearly 6 entering kindergarten in 2.5 years. She needs it!

Ms. Jacqui will be her 4 year old teacher for 2 years. I am a big proponet of looping with students for a 2 year duration. I did it a couple of times with kids at Bay Meadows. I taught 4th and kept them for 5th. Lots of learning. I knew them as they walked into the class in 5th grade and learning started immediately. Sagan will benefit from 2 years with the same teacher. I am very excited for her!