College Football
Yesterday was UCF's 
first home game. Richard and I have season tickets, but I didn't go to the game. I love to go to the games.... we tailgate for hours and then go to the game with friends. I grew up in a house that had sports on alllll the time so going to a football game is lots of fun for me.
But, I didn't feel comfortable leaving Colby for that long (or pumping enough to do it for that matter), sooooo I didn't go to the game. Which ended up being a good thing as it rained pretty much the whole time the were there from 1pm until 9:10ish when the left to come home.
UCF did win, but from what Richard said it was a pretty sad game and not showing a lot of promise for a good year... which is sad since last year they were the confrence champions. Guess that is what happens when your star player leaves after his junior year and goes pro!
Sooo anyone else follow college football? Anyone else go to the games? What team do you support? Is it the school you graduated from? (I did not graduate from UCF... Richard did)
first home game. Richard and I have season tickets, but I didn't go to the game. I love to go to the games.... we tailgate for hours and then go to the game with friends. I grew up in a house that had sports on alllll the time so going to a football game is lots of fun for me. But, I didn't feel comfortable leaving Colby for that long (or pumping enough to do it for that matter), sooooo I didn't go to the game. Which ended up being a good thing as it rained pretty much the whole time the were there from 1pm until 9:10ish when the left to come home.
UCF did win, but from what Richard said it was a pretty sad game and not showing a lot of promise for a good year... which is sad since last year they were the confrence champions. Guess that is what happens when your star player leaves after his junior year and goes pro!
Sooo anyone else follow college football? Anyone else go to the games? What team do you support? Is it the school you graduated from? (I did not graduate from UCF... Richard did)
random weekend thoughts
1. Missing most of the college football games this year stinks! (Richard is going to UCF's first home game today)
2. Richard taking Friday off to have a 4 day weekend is great
3. The water intrusion has messed up Colby's move into his own room...but he made it through the night last night... slept from 8:15pm until 5:50am when he nursed and then went right back to sleep
4. Hearing Colby laugh for the first time was so much fun
5. Seeing Blake try to interact with Colby more and more reminds me of why I had my kids so close in age
6. Snacking... it's all I want to do lately... someone helpppp
7. Meatball pizza is yummy
8. Milk shakes at night... and the blender didn't wake the boys.. oh yeah that was good
9. hmmm 3 thoughts about food... sounds like I'm going to need to do more sit-ups!
2. Richard taking Friday off to have a 4 day weekend is great
3. The water intrusion has messed up Colby's move into his own room...but he made it through the night last night... slept from 8:15pm until 5:50am when he nursed and then went right back to sleep
4. Hearing Colby laugh for the first time was so much fun
5. Seeing Blake try to interact with Colby more and more reminds me of why I had my kids so close in age
6. Snacking... it's all I want to do lately... someone helpppp
7. Meatball pizza is yummy
8. Milk shakes at night... and the blender didn't wake the boys.. oh yeah that was good
9. hmmm 3 thoughts about food... sounds like I'm going to need to do more sit-ups!
big step
as I type this both my boys are sleeping in their own beds in their own rooms. Colby is sleeping in his crib for the first time (at night)... the big question is... will I sleep too?
bloggy bling
Thank you to Pam at Random Thoughts for this award.
I'm passing it on to:
Amy W. at A Family Story
Tiffany at A Mom's Heart
Amanda at The Family News!
Thank you to Dana at Just Talk
I'm passing it on to:
Amber at Babywearing Buzz
Jamie at choosing my own
Esme and her mommy at Mozi Esme
Marmarbug at My Life as Momma
I recieved this award from Dana alsoI'm passing this on to all my readers... you all must think I'm crazy... and I think you are crazy to follow my blog!
ok last one!
This one I made myself... so many blings are about the other person's blog... So I decided to make one about the comments!
This one I'm giving to:
Andrea at The Laughs Will Go On
Amanda at The Family News!
Dana at Just Talk
Kami at Kami's Khlopchk
Pam at Random Thoughts
Danielle at New Mommy Rant
great article (IMO)
Is your kid really gifted? Probably not by Paula Spencer
As a kindergarten teacher, I met a lot of parents who swore up and down that their child was gifted. Who doesn't want to see their child as smart, as the top?? Often times... yes the child was smart, but more often than not the child was not "gifted". Schools and parents are pushing children to learn more faster. Now, as a kindergarten teacher I know that children are capable of learning more than they were once thought, but not every child is ready to read in kindergarten never mind before they get to kindergarten.
I have seen my share of children who are pushed to do this that and the other thing when all the really want to do is play outside with their friends. I've seen children who are being sent to tutors before coming to kindergarten to have a "step up" on their peers.
The problem is often children are not taught what I call "mother skills." People don't always realize the value of doing simple things like cooking with their mother. When children cook they learn tons of math(cut that in half, pour a 1/3 of a cup, set the timer for 15 minutes) and science skills (mix the dry and wet ingredients together, watch the cake rise as it cooks, punch down the dough to get the air out).
Following multi-step directions. Waiting for mom to finish talking on the phone before telling her a story. Taking turns with a sibling. Playing... playing... playing... did I mention playing?
Want your child to be ready for school... interact with your child. Teach him to listen to directions and follow them. Teach him to wait his turn. Teach him to share. Teach him to listen to his peers. Teach him to ask and answer questions. Teach him to interact fairly. Teach him to take responsibility for his actions. Teach him to say "I'm sorry" and mean it!
We as a society have gone away from what is important for children to have in their back pockets before they enter school... we need to stop focusing on the label of gifted and start focusing on the whole child
As a kindergarten teacher, I met a lot of parents who swore up and down that their child was gifted. Who doesn't want to see their child as smart, as the top?? Often times... yes the child was smart, but more often than not the child was not "gifted". Schools and parents are pushing children to learn more faster. Now, as a kindergarten teacher I know that children are capable of learning more than they were once thought, but not every child is ready to read in kindergarten never mind before they get to kindergarten.
I have seen my share of children who are pushed to do this that and the other thing when all the really want to do is play outside with their friends. I've seen children who are being sent to tutors before coming to kindergarten to have a "step up" on their peers.
The problem is often children are not taught what I call "mother skills." People don't always realize the value of doing simple things like cooking with their mother. When children cook they learn tons of math(cut that in half, pour a 1/3 of a cup, set the timer for 15 minutes) and science skills (mix the dry and wet ingredients together, watch the cake rise as it cooks, punch down the dough to get the air out).
Following multi-step directions. Waiting for mom to finish talking on the phone before telling her a story. Taking turns with a sibling. Playing... playing... playing... did I mention playing?
Want your child to be ready for school... interact with your child. Teach him to listen to directions and follow them. Teach him to wait his turn. Teach him to share. Teach him to listen to his peers. Teach him to ask and answer questions. Teach him to interact fairly. Teach him to take responsibility for his actions. Teach him to say "I'm sorry" and mean it!
We as a society have gone away from what is important for children to have in their back pockets before they enter school... we need to stop focusing on the label of gifted and start focusing on the whole child
Sometimes it's the little things
(sorry the pics are huge, but I don't feel like doing it again sooo...)
As a mom we have to step back and realize it's those little every day moments that make it all worth while. Others see the big changes (starting to crawl, walk, talk etc...), others see them grow, others see the big things
But as a mother we are in the "trenches" every day. We have to step back and look at the little things and realize... it's the little things that matter most
The smile of your baby
Watching a toddler play
Seeing your family enjoy a laugh together
Watching your child concentrate on learning
Seeing an infant discover new things
Being there to see the interactions of the others in your family
Seeing the creativity of a toddler
Finding love in the little things
As a mom we have to step back and realize it's those little every day moments that make it all worth while. Others see the big changes (starting to crawl, walk, talk etc...), others see them grow, others see the big things
But as a mother we are in the "trenches" every day. We have to step back and look at the little things and realize... it's the little things that matter most
The smile of your baby
Watching a toddler play
Seeing your family enjoy a laugh together
Watching your child concentrate on learning
Seeing an infant discover new things
Being there to see the interactions of the others in your family
Seeing the creativity of a toddler
Finding love in the little things
Bath Luve
Colby hated having a bath... actually Colby hated anything that had to do with having no clothes on (still not crazy about the naked thing). So my Mom bought him a Bath Luve.
It is made out of towel material. You just warm it up in the bath water and put it on the baby. It covers him from his shoulders to his private parts, so his core stays warm. He is now a lot happier taking a bath.
I would totally get this for someone who was having a baby shower!
(I am not being paid for this... I just wanted to share)
It is made out of towel material. You just warm it up in the bath water and put it on the baby. It covers him from his shoulders to his private parts, so his core stays warm. He is now a lot happier taking a bath.I would totally get this for someone who was having a baby shower!
(I am not being paid for this... I just wanted to share)
nothing to say
if you didn't get a chance to check out some of my last few posts... today's the day!
Cute story and a video of Blake, Colby and me
Weekend pictures-- lots of pictures to share this time
Scrapbook pages--- our family and the boy's first years
Random Weekend Thoughts
Friday Videos
There is also a new poll posted under the "about you" section
Cute story and a video of Blake, Colby and me
Weekend pictures-- lots of pictures to share this time
Scrapbook pages--- our family and the boy's first years
Random Weekend Thoughts
Friday Videos
There is also a new poll posted under the "about you" section
Cute story
Yesterday I was sitting on the floor with Colby. He was propped up on the boppy in front of me and had a rattle and a few other baby toys that I was shaking for him.
Blake had been playing with Richard at the tool bench. Blake stopped what he was doing. Walked over got into my ladp and took the rattle from me. I thought he was going to shake it for Colby (I was trying to get Blake to shake it for Colby the other day). But, nope! He took the rattle and gently tried to put it into Colby's hand... as he has seen me do it before.
He tried more than once then handed it to me... the rest is on this video
Blake had been playing with Richard at the tool bench. Blake stopped what he was doing. Walked over got into my ladp and took the rattle from me. I thought he was going to shake it for Colby (I was trying to get Blake to shake it for Colby the other day). But, nope! He took the rattle and gently tried to put it into Colby's hand... as he has seen me do it before.
He tried more than once then handed it to me... the rest is on this video
Our Family
My mom took this picture of us yesterday. It is the first picture of the 4 of us together
Sunday Scrapbook page
I made this page for Blake's first year...
I just started making Colby's...
The thing that was hard on me was I began to realize that I haven't done somethings with Colby that I did with Blake. I try very hard to give them both attention, but Blake is a bit more demanding than Colby. I don't want Colby to miss out on something that he needs because I'm focused on giving Blake what he needs. I want both my boys to get individual attention. I want both my boys to develop at the right pace (or faster). I want both my boys to be given everything they need to be successful.
But, I realize that when it was just Blake I could spend more time playing the itty bitty games. I also realize that Colby has the advantage of having a role model in Blake. That Colby gets to see things that Blake didn't just because Colby has Blake around. I realize that Colby will have different opportunities.
But, I also realize that I have to work on fairness (my definition of fair is giving each what they need to do the best that they can)... I just have to make sure I give Colby everything he needs just as I have always tried to give Blake what he needs.
I just started making Colby's...
The thing that was hard on me was I began to realize that I haven't done somethings with Colby that I did with Blake. I try very hard to give them both attention, but Blake is a bit more demanding than Colby. I don't want Colby to miss out on something that he needs because I'm focused on giving Blake what he needs. I want both my boys to get individual attention. I want both my boys to develop at the right pace (or faster). I want both my boys to be given everything they need to be successful.
But, I realize that when it was just Blake I could spend more time playing the itty bitty games. I also realize that Colby has the advantage of having a role model in Blake. That Colby gets to see things that Blake didn't just because Colby has Blake around. I realize that Colby will have different opportunities.
But, I also realize that I have to work on fairness (my definition of fair is giving each what they need to do the best that they can)... I just have to make sure I give Colby everything he needs just as I have always tried to give Blake what he needs.
random weekend thoughts
1. Yay Fay has gone away... we still are having a bit of rain, but nothing major... 4 days of a tropical storm was wayyyyy too much
2. Water intrusion .... yes we had water intrusion in Colby's room and the guest bedroom
3. I had planned on telling you I moved Colby into his own room, but read #2 and you'll know why we didn't
4. Getting out during a break in the storm is a welcome change of pace
5. Some children's tv shows were written to drive parents crazy... I swear they were!
6. I realized that I haven't done a lot with Colby that I did with Blake... and had to cope with the fact that I just can't
7. Blake is talking more and more... hmmm maybe he will figure this out on his own. (more in time)
8. Bar-b-que beef made in the crockpot and fresh bread... yeah it was good
9. Having a child who makes food choices based on touch even before taste makes life intersting!
2. Water intrusion .... yes we had water intrusion in Colby's room and the guest bedroom
3. I had planned on telling you I moved Colby into his own room, but read #2 and you'll know why we didn't
4. Getting out during a break in the storm is a welcome change of pace
5. Some children's tv shows were written to drive parents crazy... I swear they were!
6. I realized that I haven't done a lot with Colby that I did with Blake... and had to cope with the fact that I just can't
7. Blake is talking more and more... hmmm maybe he will figure this out on his own. (more in time)
8. Bar-b-que beef made in the crockpot and fresh bread... yeah it was good
9. Having a child who makes food choices based on touch even before taste makes life intersting!
TS Fay
Well...
Tuesday we were supposed to get hit hard by Fay... yeah we had nothing more than our typical afternoon storm (ok it was allllll day, but still). It rained but not hard and the wind blew but not strong
Tuesday night Richard took Blake out on the back porch to play before bed
Wednesday we were in the eye of the storm for most of the day. So we had misty rain every once in a while, but nothing big. I actually took both boys for a walk in the morning and then Blake and I played on the porch while Colby took one of his naps
Thursday... well it started raining hard about 8:30pm Wednesday night and was like that all night. this is what our porch looked like this morning
We seem to be in a lull right now, but they are saying that the wind and rain could be effecting us all day today and tomorrow... GREAT!
Tuesday we were supposed to get hit hard by Fay... yeah we had nothing more than our typical afternoon storm (ok it was allllll day, but still). It rained but not hard and the wind blew but not strong
Tuesday night Richard took Blake out on the back porch to play before bed
Wednesday we were in the eye of the storm for most of the day. So we had misty rain every once in a while, but nothing big. I actually took both boys for a walk in the morning and then Blake and I played on the porch while Colby took one of his naps
Thursday... well it started raining hard about 8:30pm Wednesday night and was like that all night. this is what our porch looked like this morning
We seem to be in a lull right now, but they are saying that the wind and rain could be effecting us all day today and tomorrow... GREAT!
talking
Just as I suspected now that Colby is here, Blake is starting to talk more. And, just as I suspected he is speaking in phrases not just words. I knew my guy had it in him, but why talk if I don't have to?
That is the good part, the hard part is 45% of the time I am still guessing at what he is saying. Blake is tongue tied, which interferes with his ability to speak clearly. Plus for some reason he talks with his mouth pretty much closed, which is strange to me!
I love hearing him mumble thank you and you're welcome, or I did it, or here it is. But, you really have to pay attention to hear what he is saying. And, I know that if I have a hard time others will have an even harder time. Richard is getting better at hearing/understanding some of Blake's words and phrases, but I know that people who do not spend a lot of time with him will have no clue what he is saying.
The challenge with this... Blake gets upset and frustrated when you don't understand him. He is good about trying to show you what he wants, and will keep saying things over and over, but trust me he is one frustrated little boy at times.
I plan on contacting the speech pathologist from my old school to see what he suggests. At what point should I insist he be tested for speech? At what point do I start to worry? At what point should he out grow some of these issues?
I just want my little guy to be able to communicate so he isn't so upset. I don't want him going around feeling like no one understands him. I just want to be able to help
That is the good part, the hard part is 45% of the time I am still guessing at what he is saying. Blake is tongue tied, which interferes with his ability to speak clearly. Plus for some reason he talks with his mouth pretty much closed, which is strange to me!
I love hearing him mumble thank you and you're welcome, or I did it, or here it is. But, you really have to pay attention to hear what he is saying. And, I know that if I have a hard time others will have an even harder time. Richard is getting better at hearing/understanding some of Blake's words and phrases, but I know that people who do not spend a lot of time with him will have no clue what he is saying.
The challenge with this... Blake gets upset and frustrated when you don't understand him. He is good about trying to show you what he wants, and will keep saying things over and over, but trust me he is one frustrated little boy at times.
I plan on contacting the speech pathologist from my old school to see what he suggests. At what point should I insist he be tested for speech? At what point do I start to worry? At what point should he out grow some of these issues?
I just want my little guy to be able to communicate so he isn't so upset. I don't want him going around feeling like no one understands him. I just want to be able to help
First day of school
Yesterday was the first day of school here in central FL. This will be the 3rd year I've been out of the classroom... hard to believe sometimes.
The last two Augusts were really tough. The first year I was very pregnant with Blake, but it was still hard knowing I wasn't going to school... I wasn't getting a new class of students, I wasn't for filling a huge part of my life. But, I got over it... especially in Nov. when Blake was born... I didn't regret my decision in the least.
Last year was tough, but I had Blake... he was starting to walk and get into everything so that distracted me enough so I wasn't focused on the whole what I was missing out on as much. It still bothered me a bit. But, then I found out I was pregnant with Colby and well... I was distracted again.
This August... to be honest I am glad to be home. Yes, I still feel strange to not be teaching a class, but I'm doing a very important job... I'm teaching my own children. I know this when I watch Blake point out every letter he sees and expects you to name them for him. I know this when he likes to draw and gets excited when we "write" his name. I know this when he wants to read book after book after book. I know this when I watch him figure out how to stack blocks. I know this when I watch him problem solve. I know this when I watch him interact with other children.
Nope... I don't regret walking away from teaching. This year I will instead rejoice in my sons and know that I'm still a teacher... just not to 18 five year olds.
The last two Augusts were really tough. The first year I was very pregnant with Blake, but it was still hard knowing I wasn't going to school... I wasn't getting a new class of students, I wasn't for filling a huge part of my life. But, I got over it... especially in Nov. when Blake was born... I didn't regret my decision in the least.
Last year was tough, but I had Blake... he was starting to walk and get into everything so that distracted me enough so I wasn't focused on the whole what I was missing out on as much. It still bothered me a bit. But, then I found out I was pregnant with Colby and well... I was distracted again.
This August... to be honest I am glad to be home. Yes, I still feel strange to not be teaching a class, but I'm doing a very important job... I'm teaching my own children. I know this when I watch Blake point out every letter he sees and expects you to name them for him. I know this when he likes to draw and gets excited when we "write" his name. I know this when he wants to read book after book after book. I know this when I watch him figure out how to stack blocks. I know this when I watch him problem solve. I know this when I watch him interact with other children.
Nope... I don't regret walking away from teaching. This year I will instead rejoice in my sons and know that I'm still a teacher... just not to 18 five year olds.
Fay, Fay
Fay, Fay go away
Don't come back another day
little boys have got to play
outside every day!
the outer bands of TS Fay are already here... we started getting rain around 7:30am and we will probably have rain until tomorrow late morning if we are lucky.
So think of me stuck in alllll day with my guys!
Don't come back another day
little boys have got to play
outside every day!
the outer bands of TS Fay are already here... we started getting rain around 7:30am and we will probably have rain until tomorrow late morning if we are lucky.
So think of me stuck in alllll day with my guys!
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