We've had a crazy week of being cooped up and the ice made it hard to even enjoy the winter weather...no snowmen around anywhere. We did manage to make a few snow angels though. Liam helped do some shoveling which was sooo cute...do you think I'll get the same help in 10 years? Nah, probably not.
We finally made it out of the house today...to the Mickey Mouse store, McDonald's Playland and we're currently at the library. Liam has enjoyed puzzles, books, CD's and now the children's computer. Daddy's soaking it all up, too, as he begins his traveling this week. We're not excited about him being gone but we are very thankful that he has a job! Praise God!!!
Let's hope this week's snow won't be like this past week's ice! And let's hope Liam gets to go to school this week. Mostly for his sake but Mommy's too!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
President Obama
Hmmm...can be a touchy topic. I've heard a lot of murmurs, comments and prayers this week. Especially on Thursday which was the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. We definitely have our own views and offer our own prayers in our family. A lot can be said against our new president and I'm sure in his defense, too. However, when it comes down to it...President Obama is our president. In our home, we believe he deserves and needs our support and prayers. So, although Billy had to work on Tuesday, we wanted and hoped Liam would be part of the Inauguration ceremony from our family room. The two of us had so much fun and Daddy got to hear all about it as soon as he got home. Liam is still talking about oh-BAH-ma!
When we turned on the television, a series of "American" icons were being portrayed. Liam recognized the flag as the American Flag but, Oh, when we saw the Statue of Liberty, he got soooo excited calling out, "Mommy, the Wonder Pets live there!" (There was an episode with the Wonder Pets (a guinea pig - age 5, duckling - age 3 and turtle - age 4 saving a baby pigeon from the Statue of Liberty.)
He was also surprised upon hearing the Lord's Prayer...the look on his face was amazed...how do they know our prayer, Mommy?! Since Liam has mastered our meal blessing, we've started working on the Lord's Prayer. He has memorized it through "Thy kingdom come" and must be the only one to pray it out loud. Daddy and Mommy are only allowed to repeat the last line after he is done.
Then, the announcers mentioned the President and his family's names. All Liam could talk about was Obama/Ogogo and Sasha. He could clearly say Obama but would keep saying Ogogo, too. Maybe he thinks the President is related to Go, Diego, Go?! I asked who he enjoyed more and the answer, of course, was Diego...sorry Mr. President...animal rescuers apparently come first! And as far as Sasha goes, I just think it must be fun to say...SASHA!!!
Liam was truly captivated by the performances of cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Itzhak Perlman, pianist Gabriela Montero and clarinetist Anthony McGill. It really did not matter to us if their beautiful music was live or previously recorded...it was truly beautiful music! Like Mama said, "Pepere would've deemed their performance the best part of the entire ceremony!".
We wrapped up our inaugural viewing later in the day with a peek at the parade. Liam was so excited to see President Obama waving at him. He kept waving back to the President and First Lady just pleased as punch that they took the time out to wave to him.
It was an enjoyable experience to share with Liam. I know Daddy enjoyed hearing all about it that evening. When we ask Liam who his President is all these days later, he still remembers....President Obama. We hope to spark an early interest in Liam regarding his country...past, present AND future!
When we turned on the television, a series of "American" icons were being portrayed. Liam recognized the flag as the American Flag but, Oh, when we saw the Statue of Liberty, he got soooo excited calling out, "Mommy, the Wonder Pets live there!" (There was an episode with the Wonder Pets (a guinea pig - age 5, duckling - age 3 and turtle - age 4 saving a baby pigeon from the Statue of Liberty.)
He was also surprised upon hearing the Lord's Prayer...the look on his face was amazed...how do they know our prayer, Mommy?! Since Liam has mastered our meal blessing, we've started working on the Lord's Prayer. He has memorized it through "Thy kingdom come" and must be the only one to pray it out loud. Daddy and Mommy are only allowed to repeat the last line after he is done.
Then, the announcers mentioned the President and his family's names. All Liam could talk about was Obama/Ogogo and Sasha. He could clearly say Obama but would keep saying Ogogo, too. Maybe he thinks the President is related to Go, Diego, Go?! I asked who he enjoyed more and the answer, of course, was Diego...sorry Mr. President...animal rescuers apparently come first! And as far as Sasha goes, I just think it must be fun to say...SASHA!!!
Liam was truly captivated by the performances of cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Itzhak Perlman, pianist Gabriela Montero and clarinetist Anthony McGill. It really did not matter to us if their beautiful music was live or previously recorded...it was truly beautiful music! Like Mama said, "Pepere would've deemed their performance the best part of the entire ceremony!".
We wrapped up our inaugural viewing later in the day with a peek at the parade. Liam was so excited to see President Obama waving at him. He kept waving back to the President and First Lady just pleased as punch that they took the time out to wave to him.
It was an enjoyable experience to share with Liam. I know Daddy enjoyed hearing all about it that evening. When we ask Liam who his President is all these days later, he still remembers....President Obama. We hope to spark an early interest in Liam regarding his country...past, present AND future!
Game Time = Family Time
I've been pulling out some board games to play with Liam recently. It's been fun in more than one way!
He does like Hi Ho Cherrio if you play it according to his directions. You put the cherries on the tree with the stem "down" and then fill up the basket despite where the spinner lands. Then, all of a sudden, you dump all the cherries out wherever you feel like...maybe the floor, on the game itself or in the holes for the baskets and into the box. I guess that means we're done.
He received a nice new game, Chutes and Ladders, for Christmas from his cousin, Lilly Kate. I decided to put it with the other games, unopened, until a later date when he might be able to follow directions a little better. He had a different idea, however. It was very important that we open the game one night and try to play. After trying to distract him with a more age appropriate game, puzzle or book, I finally agreed and tried to prepare him for all the steps in playing the game. He was so anxious. We opened the box and found all the pieces needed to be punched out of the cardboard and "set up"...oh, what fun. He did such a good job popping the girl and boy pieces out and standing them up into the plastic stands. Then we assembled the spinner together and enjoyed some practice spins...what fun. We each chose a friend to use as our game piece, Liam gave the spinner a good spin, moved his friend the right amount of steps with Mommy's help and...the game was over. My first clue that the game was over? The friend jumped out of his plastic stand and the shark from the nearby animal toy basket preceded to eat the stand. It didn't take long for that hungry shark to eat all of the stands. It's a good thing
the friends got away safely!!!
Mama gave Liam some fun animal matching cards sometime last year. He's loved them from day one. They're great because they can be used as simple or as complex as you wish. For every animal there is a baby, too. Liam can match every mommy to each baby and call out the name of each (i.e: horse/foal). He mastered these skills some time ago. So, when we were enjoying them at the table one day, I thought we'd try a "Go Fish" style game. He watched intently as I shuffled the large cards, dealt two cards each and placed the others face down in a pile. I told him we had to try and find the mommy or baby to match the card in our hand. I preceded to ask him, "Liam, do you have a calf?". He said, "no". I said, "oh, draw a card Mommy" and I drew a card. Then I told him it was his turn. He showed me his cards and I prompted him to ask for one of his matches...he did. I didn't have the card so I said, "oh, draw a card Liam" and I helped him draw a card. He seemed to enjoy the game and we went back and forth a couple times with this same scenario. It held his attention until he realized that the cards could slide between the table leafs and stand up. This step in the game was soooo exciting! He quacked, mooed and clucked for some time. I'm anxious and curious to play this game again soon, though, to see how much he retained from our first go round.
Even though we didn't get to truly play the games, I figure it's really not too early to introduce them to him. One of the great gifts of playing games at any age is the quiet play you share together. The problem solving skills are just a plus!
He does like Hi Ho Cherrio if you play it according to his directions. You put the cherries on the tree with the stem "down" and then fill up the basket despite where the spinner lands. Then, all of a sudden, you dump all the cherries out wherever you feel like...maybe the floor, on the game itself or in the holes for the baskets and into the box. I guess that means we're done.
He received a nice new game, Chutes and Ladders, for Christmas from his cousin, Lilly Kate. I decided to put it with the other games, unopened, until a later date when he might be able to follow directions a little better. He had a different idea, however. It was very important that we open the game one night and try to play. After trying to distract him with a more age appropriate game, puzzle or book, I finally agreed and tried to prepare him for all the steps in playing the game. He was so anxious. We opened the box and found all the pieces needed to be punched out of the cardboard and "set up"...oh, what fun. He did such a good job popping the girl and boy pieces out and standing them up into the plastic stands. Then we assembled the spinner together and enjoyed some practice spins...what fun. We each chose a friend to use as our game piece, Liam gave the spinner a good spin, moved his friend the right amount of steps with Mommy's help and...the game was over. My first clue that the game was over? The friend jumped out of his plastic stand and the shark from the nearby animal toy basket preceded to eat the stand. It didn't take long for that hungry shark to eat all of the stands. It's a good thing
the friends got away safely!!!
Mama gave Liam some fun animal matching cards sometime last year. He's loved them from day one. They're great because they can be used as simple or as complex as you wish. For every animal there is a baby, too. Liam can match every mommy to each baby and call out the name of each (i.e: horse/foal). He mastered these skills some time ago. So, when we were enjoying them at the table one day, I thought we'd try a "Go Fish" style game. He watched intently as I shuffled the large cards, dealt two cards each and placed the others face down in a pile. I told him we had to try and find the mommy or baby to match the card in our hand. I preceded to ask him, "Liam, do you have a calf?". He said, "no". I said, "oh, draw a card Mommy" and I drew a card. Then I told him it was his turn. He showed me his cards and I prompted him to ask for one of his matches...he did. I didn't have the card so I said, "oh, draw a card Liam" and I helped him draw a card. He seemed to enjoy the game and we went back and forth a couple times with this same scenario. It held his attention until he realized that the cards could slide between the table leafs and stand up. This step in the game was soooo exciting! He quacked, mooed and clucked for some time. I'm anxious and curious to play this game again soon, though, to see how much he retained from our first go round.
Even though we didn't get to truly play the games, I figure it's really not too early to introduce them to him. One of the great gifts of playing games at any age is the quiet play you share together. The problem solving skills are just a plus!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Where's the Piper?
We had another fun filled trip to the local children's museum this past weekend. Liam enjoyed some of his usual exhibits including the Houses from different cultures (this area includes a touch screen monitor with software that teaches about areas around the world as well as the animals that inhabit those countries...he loves the African and Asian animals, of course), Dinosaurs, Shadow Wall, Caving and Puppet Show Stage. In addition to these exhibits, Liam encountered some new found fun at the Food Group exhibit where he "picked" vegetables and fruits, placed them in his basket, climbed on the tractor, went to the market and set his table...what fun to harvest, sell and eat yummy foods) and he also had lots of fun in the Open Art Room. He made a great masterpiece with construction paper, glue, feathers, pom-poms, glitter, confetti and foam letters & shapes. He and Daddy also made a masterpiece together. Daddy glued on the letters of Liam's name and painted a nice picture of trees and grass with different shades of green. Liam decided it needed some color and added lots of reds. We agreed that Daddy's picture definitely needed some red Poppies in the field...what a great idea, Liam!
Before leaving the art room, Mommy had a great adventure, too. A lady and her daughter kept asking me, "Do you know where the piper is?" I had asked her to repeat it before answering and explained that this was my first visit to the art room and did not know where it was (I did not know what it was!...and...I almost told her that!!!). I asked Billy if he knew. (All taking place while Billy and Liam are working on their projects.) He looked up at me and pointed to the back of the room where we had been just shortly ago. He said, Babe...the "paper" is on the back wall. He then pointed it out to the lady who was continuing to ask, "Where's the piper, the piper?" I was so embarrassed! And so glad that we where getting ready to leave!
Before leaving the art room, Mommy had a great adventure, too. A lady and her daughter kept asking me, "Do you know where the piper is?" I had asked her to repeat it before answering and explained that this was my first visit to the art room and did not know where it was (I did not know what it was!...and...I almost told her that!!!). I asked Billy if he knew. (All taking place while Billy and Liam are working on their projects.) He looked up at me and pointed to the back of the room where we had been just shortly ago. He said, Babe...the "paper" is on the back wall. He then pointed it out to the lady who was continuing to ask, "Where's the piper, the piper?" I was so embarrassed! And so glad that we where getting ready to leave!
On 2nd Hand
It's amazing how time and prayer can change your perspective on things. Fortunately, I have had enough experiences to help me recognize that with time and prayer my choices are always better ones! Thanks be to God!!!
So, in this instance, I'm referring to Liam's school situation. My initial response, as I mentioned in that post, was to register Liam at both schools to ensure his placement somewhere. This is part of the frenzy I spoke of...acting out of initial thought for what you may think is for the betterment of your child. Well, as Liam's parents, we do want what's best for him....of course. But I had to ask myself, is it right to enroll him into one school knowing that we have intentions for his placement elsewhere. The answer is no. We've decided that the best decision is to talk about our situation with the director of his current school and explain that we honestly feel excited and drawn to our faith school. She is so kind and laid back that I know she will respect our choice. We also want to attend St. John's school board meeting to ask why they would want to place children outside of the parish before our children within the parish. Maybe they haven't thought of our perspective or maybe they have made their difficult decision for a reason.
If St. John's falls through, we'll still have three great choices.
1) Enroll him at his current school.
2) If there's no slot, place him on the waiting list.
3) Keep him home with us and attend a Kindermusik class or the like
His job each day is to play...this is his work and is how he learns. Providing him with opportunity, support, encouragement and love is just part of our job as loving parents.
Nonetheless, he will be in a safe, loving, learning environment.
No matter where he is placed...We are his first teachers!
So, in this instance, I'm referring to Liam's school situation. My initial response, as I mentioned in that post, was to register Liam at both schools to ensure his placement somewhere. This is part of the frenzy I spoke of...acting out of initial thought for what you may think is for the betterment of your child. Well, as Liam's parents, we do want what's best for him....of course. But I had to ask myself, is it right to enroll him into one school knowing that we have intentions for his placement elsewhere. The answer is no. We've decided that the best decision is to talk about our situation with the director of his current school and explain that we honestly feel excited and drawn to our faith school. She is so kind and laid back that I know she will respect our choice. We also want to attend St. John's school board meeting to ask why they would want to place children outside of the parish before our children within the parish. Maybe they haven't thought of our perspective or maybe they have made their difficult decision for a reason.
If St. John's falls through, we'll still have three great choices.
1) Enroll him at his current school.
2) If there's no slot, place him on the waiting list.
3) Keep him home with us and attend a Kindermusik class or the like
His job each day is to play...this is his work and is how he learns. Providing him with opportunity, support, encouragement and love is just part of our job as loving parents.
Nonetheless, he will be in a safe, loving, learning environment.
No matter where he is placed...We are his first teachers!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Snow!!! Snow??? No.
Ok, so, we were warned...Snow, Snow, Snow! Well...we had a dusting! We prepared Liam this week for school's possible cancellation and this morning still nothing but a dusting. Liam doesn't mind the cold and loves the snow. You can imagine his disappointment this morning when he was told there wasn't enough snow to build "A Big Frosty" as he put it. I wondered why he was so quick to get his socks, shoes and coat on this morning. Luckily, his disappointment was not accompanied by tears but, rather, easily distracted by ZOO animals, of course.
It's Already Time to Register for the Next School Year!
We attended our parish school, St. John's, Open House this past weekend. We truly went out of curiosity and obligation to Liam as we all are very happy with his current school. We left the O.H. so impressed with St. John's preschool teacher and classroom setting. WOW!!! The classroom centers, curriculum and teacher's background are impeccable. Liam had so much fun playing there as we gathered as much information as possible. As of this morning, he is officially registered for St. John's three/four year old preschool.
Now...the frustrating part...the school fills the four year old slots first and we may not have a firm answer to Liam's placement until this summer. Of course, our registration and annual fees will be refunded if he's not placed but that's just it...what if he's not placed. So, we will have to go ahead and register him at his current school, too, in order to ensure placement somewhere. This just doesn't seem right because if he goes to St. John's we will lose out on the fees paid to his current school. I know of at least one other family from St. John's who is in this same position.
I don't entirely agree with this method especially if non-parish students registering after Liam get first priority, however, there is not much I can do about it this morning. I am curious to find out who I may entertain my questions to, however. Possibly a school board meeting? I plan to find out.
It's easy to see how some parents really go crazy over this whole ordeal as if our children's education is some kind of push and shove race to the finish. Liam is not even three years of age and we have already devoted quite a bit of effort and concern...I can only imagine what it must be like choosing the right school for upper grades and college!
Lucky for Liam, he'll be in a safe, loving, learning environment, nonetheless!!!
Now...the frustrating part...the school fills the four year old slots first and we may not have a firm answer to Liam's placement until this summer. Of course, our registration and annual fees will be refunded if he's not placed but that's just it...what if he's not placed. So, we will have to go ahead and register him at his current school, too, in order to ensure placement somewhere. This just doesn't seem right because if he goes to St. John's we will lose out on the fees paid to his current school. I know of at least one other family from St. John's who is in this same position.
I don't entirely agree with this method especially if non-parish students registering after Liam get first priority, however, there is not much I can do about it this morning. I am curious to find out who I may entertain my questions to, however. Possibly a school board meeting? I plan to find out.
It's easy to see how some parents really go crazy over this whole ordeal as if our children's education is some kind of push and shove race to the finish. Liam is not even three years of age and we have already devoted quite a bit of effort and concern...I can only imagine what it must be like choosing the right school for upper grades and college!
Lucky for Liam, he'll be in a safe, loving, learning environment, nonetheless!!!
Forever and a Day!!!
Although I started this blog nearly a year ago with the best intentions, it's clear that I've nearly failed miserably. Among many excuses are buying and moving into our house this past summer, Liam starting school this fall (which I thought was going to give me more time...huh!), using spare time on the computer to try and catch up on Shutterfly pics (I'm behind on physical picture by 1 1/2 years and finally caught up on online pics before cancelling our home internet this January), and now, since I can not upload pics from our hard drive to Shutterfly (again, no internet right now) I can not post pics to the blog. Nonetheless, I've decided to devote a little time on our blog even without the pictures. There may be a way to go back and upload pics...I'll have to research that, won't I?! So...I'm going to start blogging from the present going forward and will try to fill in the past blanks as I'm able. I'm looking forward to tracking Liam's moments...I hope you enjoy being a part of them, too!!!
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