Last Day of Summer Fun

The last day of summer vacation was a day like many others of the summer of 2013, a rainy day!  No one wanted to get out in the rain so they decided to have a super hero show for me.  The kids took turns getting dressed up in various costumes and paraded by me, while dancing to the music in the background.  I think they all had fun and it was nice to do something different from the usual rainy day activities. 

It's Official

I will head back to school on June 10th!  I will be going to grad school at USC Upstate to get my Masters of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in Visual Impairment.  The first semester will be a summer session at the School for the Deaf and Blind.  It will mean being away from home Monday-Thursday for almost 4 weeks.  Away from Todd and the kids too, as if going back to school wasn't enough of a change.  The kids will be in good hands with their grandparents and Todd.

I can't believe I am going back to school after being away for 15 years.  It seems like a lifetime ago.  I will be interested to see how it is to juggle school while having a husband and 2 kids.  At least I have a great support system: my family!

7

Seven years ago today, we became parents.  It was one of the happiest days of our lives.  Another year has already gone by.  You are growing up so much faster than we had thought you would.

 

First grade was a big adjustment for you but you handled it well.  Your teacher this year is a wonderful fit for you and knows just what to do to encourage you.  You have made great strides in your reading and writing, especially over the last few months.  Now we see you reading things when we are out somewhere or to figure out how to do something.  It makes us so happy to see this transformation and can't wait to see you grow even more in your reading.  You and Dad really enjoy reading comic books together now.

 

You are still a compassionate and sensitive child.  The love that you show other people amazes me.  You love to give others hugs and kisses and I never get tired of seeing that side of you.

Your relationship with Katie has become much more competitive over the past year.  I think a lot of that has to do with both of you getting older and wanting your way.  You have such a special relationship with your sister.  I can see in your eyes how much you really love her, even when you are fighting with her!

 

This year you joined Cub Scouts and developed a love for camping.  You have even had impromptu camping in the tent in the backyard with Dad and Katie.  Cub Scouts has been a great bonding experience for you and Dad.  It's where he taught you how to play chess.  You also learned archery and how to shoot a BB gun (not really sure how I feel about those two things). 

You still love to play most electronic devices and continue to show us how well you can do that.  Even though I sometimes worry that you spend too much time playing them, I also realize that this is most likely going to be your reality when you grow up. 

I would still say that Legos are your favorite toy and your collection continues to grow.  I am honestly not sure how we have room for all of it.  Joining the Lego Club at school this year was a real treat for you and I think you enjoyed it.

Dad, Katie and I love you so very much.  We can't wait to see what the next year will bring!

Vegetables of our Labor

Over the past few weeks, we have started harvesting some of the vegetables in our garden.  We ate a strawberry spinach salad for Mother's Day using spinach and green onions that were freshly picked.  The broccoli is almost done.  We also noticed that the cabbage heads were ready.  Todd picked one on Sunday and our neighbor grilled it with some sausage and potatoes.  Tonight, Todd let each of the kids take one of the heads that he picked inside.  Here is the finished product:

Wordless Wednesday - Garden Edition

Second Test

Since Katie just barely failed her hearing test at her 4 year checkup, we had to go back in one month for a follow-up test.  She had a double ear infection at the 4 year checkup, which is why the pediatrician thought she failed the test.  We went in for the retest today.  Unfortunately, Katie still failed the test.  She heard noises at 30db but passing means hearing noises at 20db. 

Her pediatrician recommended taking 1 tsp Zyrtec daily in case it's related to seasonal allergies.  So we will do that and head back again one month from now for another retest.  Keeping my fingers crossed that the third time is a charm!

Azaleas

Every year in early spring, the azalea bushes under the tree in our front yard bloom.  They get bigger and better each year.  Even though the blooms only last for a few weeks, we enjoy them fully.  Here are a few pictures of the bushes.