Woodland Antics

Last week our baby, Nathaniel, went to school for the first time. We're so excited for Nate. We think he's going to thrive in a school environment. It's tough seeing our youngest leave the nest to stretch his wings.  It's difficult when he fusses as he climbs those gigantic stairs into the bus.  It's all worth it when we hear Nathaniel singing a song he never sang before or studying his artwork on the fridge with pride. We decided one way to show him our support would be to decorated a lunch bag for his big first week... Reed squeaked away from the table before I could nab a picture of him with his bag. boo.  Clayton drew Nate with his teacher. Down at the bottom you can see our family too. We're there for support!  What can I say? I'm not an artist.  waiting for his early morning bus... He goes 4 days a week for a few hours. The perfect amount of time for me to get some one on one time with Clayton. (C...

Today was Reed & Fiona's first day as second graders!  Reed never wants his picture taken for this... but I say, "Tough cookies little man!"  They woke up to this... Recently I've been putting up a list of things for them to accomplish each morning. It's been especially handy over the holiday because it's kept them busy, giving Ry and I a little time for  extra sleep.  The biggest benefit is once they're done the list they're not even thinking about screen time and end up playing with each other.  I do like to include one silly task just to get a laugh out of them. *********************************************** You might think because I love to record everything about these beautiful children I've kept impeccable  baby records. Not so.   I don't think I ever filled in more than a page for Reed or Fiona.  I have no idea when their first tooth came in or how much they weighed at 2 months. The closest I'v...

Today is the first day of grade one for my munchkins. It was so nice to catch up with friends over latte's this morning. Now, it's strangely quiet around here. I'm wondering how they're going. Grateful they are in good hands with beautiful friends by their sides. On their own they remembered to bring apples to their teachers.  Such a classic move. Fiona was extremely excited as I'd expected she'd be.   Reed wasn't as excited. (see photo above) Even so he had only a little anxiety this morning. Things were looking good. As I left his classroom I saw his lower lip quiver.  Before I could react his teacher was there comforting him. I know the moment passed quickly. (I stayed to watch how it would unfold) I know they are in good hands and that makes all the difference.

The first day went great.  I had called and made arrangements with the principal to go into the classroom earlier than the rest of the kids to ease Reed's anxiety.  It worked like a charm. When I left them they were both happily playing with playdoh waiting for their classmates to arrive. According to Reed's teacher he did very well and didn't hold his ears at all. (Reed's on the autism spectrum and copes with stress by cupping his ears)  This is huge in our world.  Fiona's teacher reported that she's  a beautiful little girl.  She told me a story about how helpful she was in class.  She confirmed what we already knew, Fiona is artistically talented.  She get this from her dad, who whipped up these  designs for their chair backs. When we got home they both read the books they received at school to us several times, getting their homework out of the way.  Success!! ######################################### Do you h...

Tomorrow is a big day for me and my babies   toddlers     preschoolers school-aged children. They are both off  to prep (prep is the equivalent to kindergarten) in the morning.  They've been to school before but never have they been  away from me "full-time".  We're releasing them to the world, simultaneously my heart is breaking and rejoicing. Fiona has been waiting for this day since she was born.  She's my social butterfly always anxious to be released.  We've been counting sleeps for the past two weeks, each day we get closer she cheers and howls with delight.  Reed fusses proclaiming he "doesn't want to go to school".  For this very reason I know he must leave the nest  and discover for himself how wonderful school can be.  I'm excited for this year of growth for him. Perhaps this is more difficult for me because they both are leaving me at the same time.  Until recently I thought I'd have ...

M y friends mother made him take ballroom dance lessons when he was a child. What has always stayed with me is the idea that she was preparing him for greatness . She had taken the qualities of a king and instilled them in her son. It does not matter if he dances with a queen or  impresses a date He is her prince and the world will know. So today as I dropped Reed & Fiona off at Atelier Du Petit Prince (The Little Prince Workshop) Where English falls on deaf ears.  I set my worries at ease by repeating the mantra, I am preparing them for greatness.  My Princess & Prince in the making ********************************   When I was a little girl my neighbor and best friend Brenda would tease me because she was older than me.   Mind you she was only a month older than me. But When you're 5 this month matters. I would fuss to my mom about how awful it was to be so much younger.  My mom would respond by saying, "Trudy...

T hese are some of the reasons I'm smiling ...   T he Strawberry Cake Reed made me Teddy bears for sleepy cats   from momma F iona       R yan gobbling up Reed     R yan loving up Reed BUT    W hat really has me grinning from ear to ear is... F iona had her first day of SCHOOL today ! 2 hours  2 days a week all to myself Glorious!