Check, check.......

Uh....I wonder if anyone who used to read these has been holding their breath waiting for me!

New school year 2009

So we were anxiously awaiting Drew and Livvy's teacher roster and Drew landed in a spot where we felt was appropriate -- i.e., not with a kid who he likes and calls his friend but got into goofy trouble with in K. His teacher is very nice, bubbly, and tough-love which he desperately needs. She took to him right away and constantly complimented him on his behavior and how he is her "model student". That confidence booster was all he needed and felt great in his new role as a maturing first grader!

Then the second week comes along and he gets switched to another teacher...in a K/1 combo class. His K teacher picked him to come back with her as a first grader with the stipulation that as a 1st grader he has to have the behavior in check and be independent enough to complete his seat work on task. She couldn't wait to have him back and it's been SUPER so far. 15 first graders and 5 Kindergarten kiddos. We're so very proud of him!

Along with that change comes Livvy. She initially had Drew's K teacher from last year who we requested she have. But since she's now teaching the combo class, Livvy wasn't quite ready for that challenge so she's moved to another class. This one shares two teachers: one is there M, T, W and the other Th, F. We felt it would be a good change for her with the exception that sharing 2 teachers on different days may throw her transitioning skills off a bit. I was a little disappointed because I felt her original teacher was really good with her and supported her in the most efficient way. And just as she was getting into the routine and making friends...but change is good. :) Now she cries at night saying she doesn't want to go to bed and doesn't want to go to school anymore. I know it's stressful for her, she's a very picky eater and needs to eat more now that she's at school so long, and needs enough sleep in order to function --- like we all do. Hopefully next week will be better for her as she continues to adjust and grow emotionally.

Alex, Mr. Magnet I call him now...he LOVES his mom! Needs to work on getting the dang underwear/pants on. He refuses to stand to pee and has to strip the bottom half of his clothes off in order to go. But he can't quite get them back on unassisted. I'm waiting for him to do this so he can go to preschool. He desperately wants to go to school and I tell him he needs to show me he can do it alone for 5 days straight and then I'll sign him up...he gets frustrated with it easily. So yesterday I told him to keep trying while he's crying. He gets them on, grabs his shoes, and asks, "Can I go to preschool now?" As in RIGHT NOW. Awww...poor baby doesn't get it. One day...one day.

Drew lost his 5th tooth!

It had been hanging there for WEEKS by a thread and finally I told him to just twist it a little bit and it would fall out. So he did and was so proud! The tooth fairy gave him .75 and the next day at school he told his teacher the tooth fairy brought him .27. :) Um, she's not that cheap!

Some funny quotes

I figured I better put these here before I forget (even though I swear I will NEVER forget them) so here goes:

Drew: "Ouch! I have growing pains, Mommy!!"
Me: "Yeah, it probably is...let's rub your leggies."
Drew: "Can you get the measuring tape and see how much I've grown in the last 10 seconds?"
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Livvy: A little background first. For her birthday, G'pa gave her a certain amount of money on a Target giftcard. I took her there and was explaining how to stay within the alloted amount -- something I'm not trained in yet myself! So she picks out a Princess pretend CD player and a stroller for her baby. That was her $ total. We are walking out and she spies a Barbie fishing pole that she "has to have" and I told her she had to put back the CD player or the stroller since the 3 items together were too much money. She quickly puts the fishing pole down and is satisfied with the 2 items she originally picked out. This was in June. Here we are in AUGUST and not a day goes by where she replays that Target day verbally and how she reeaaalllly wants the friggin' fishing pole! So here's today's replay:

Liv: "Mommy, I really want to go to Target and get the Barbie fishing pole. Can we?"
Me: "One day, but not today."
Liv: "But everyone else will get it and it won't be there when we go back."
Me: "Maybe. But that doesn't mean we're getting it today. If you continue to save your own money you might be able to buy it."
Liv: "Can I have a quarter?"
Me: "No."
Liv: "But the Barbie fishing pole is my favorite! First I picked the CD player, then the stroller and you told me I had to put one back to get the fishing pole and I didn't want to."
Me: "That's right...that's how it went. Great memory!"
Liv: "So after we go to sleep tonight, eat breakfast in the morning, we can go to Target. Okay?"
Me: "No. You have to use your own money and I don't think you have enough yet. We can count your dinero in the morning. Good night, Livvy."

I walk out of her room, close the door and hear her singing: "Oh Barbie fishing pole. Please stay there. I'll be there to pick you up soon. Mommy won't give me a coin so I'll have to count my own. Please wait for me. I know I made a mistake and didn't get you when I was there last time. Oh Barrbbbiiieee!!!!"

Ah....she genuinely regrets not getting that stupid pole! And she's never fished in her life and doesn't even know how to use it! It's just that it's Barbie. And she's driving me NUTS about it daily. I hope she has enough money or it's not on the shelf anymore!!!!

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With Alex potty trained during the day now (my big boy!) his new task is to put his underwear and bottoms on himself. Or at least to his best ability. A few days ago he peed, flushed, and sat down on the bathroom floor to put his underwear on. I'm in the kitchen and a few minutes later he comes out calling my name. I answer with my back to him and he says his bottom hurts a "wittle bit." I turn around and he has both legs in one hole, they are upside down, and the waistband is in his cheeks like a thong panty! Uh, need some help? I was rolling...wedgie much?!

I'm baaaack!

Kenny's 45th bd ~ April 2009

Auntie Lolo cooking up some grub for us!

Alex - Mr. "I hate the beach because I think there are sharks that come up to the shore." AKA the Lifeguard.

Pop and Drew

My beach bums - Manhattan Beach, SoCal

Alexander's 3!!

The kids digging for "gold" :

Shelley ~ almost six months with baby boy!

Baby Liv and Daddy

Ok, so six months...is it really that long? Ah, where to start?

Let's start with Alex's birthday...May 31. He's 3 now and suddenly a little man and not a "baby" anymore. He had no interest in potty training until a few months ago and he's pretty good ~ maybe a tinkle accident once a week. Night training will come later - like when he's 14 yrs old or so. ;) He thinks he IS Livvy and literally will take a breath when she does. HA! They get along pretty well, although she doesn't like it when he gets too aggressive with her. She is a girlie-girl though.

Then we go to Livvy's birthday...June 17. 5 yrs old. We've decided to skip special ed Kindergarten this year and hold our breath during the regular ed. school year. She will still have 30 minutes of speech, 30 minutes of OT, and an aide in the classroom an hour a day every day during academic times. Her biggest struggles we think will be her reading, writing, and self-esteem. I hope to volunteer more this year with the possibility of having Alex in a one or two-day preschool morning program so I can get this done. I will for sure need to hold Liv's hand for the first week helping her to adjust and know her place there. Going from special ed. to regular is going to rock her world.

Drewbie - July 28. He's seven now! He's taller and is very conscious of health...eating the right foods and bad ones in moderation, exercising, etc. G'pa had told him to practice push-ups each night to get stronger and he can do 10 perfect form push-ups! He's very proud. He was enrolled in a soccer class through the community center that focused on the beginning skills of the game. He learned a lot and had a BLAST. He's quite coordinated and a fast runner. He'll be going into 1st grade this year. Boo hoo!!

He had his 7yr well check-up today and is doing well. He does have some type of sensitivity to most fruits and veggies that make his mouth red and itchy/burning. At first we thought it was him trying to get out of eating them, but we can see what it does to his mouth. The doc scheduled him for an allergy appt next week because of his mastocytosis.

School starts the 24th of this month! What?? I feel like the summer has flown by and I'm not ready yet! Am I crazy?!

AND....I have a new nephew!!!!!!!!! Levi was born to Shelley and Gary on July 29 (day after Drew's bd!) at a whopping 9 lbs, 14 oz!!!!!!!! HUH? Everyone was shocked at his size, especially since he was due Aug. 9! The kids and I drove down to see them last Friday-Tuesday. The intent was to watch the delivery and Dad would watch the kids at his place. Well, Alex ended up having a fever for a few days and (a) I didn't want to drive with a fevered kid and (b) get anyone else sick. So we had to wait. :( What timing is that? I'm so bummed I missed out on that special invitation, but Shelley and Gary are doing FABULOUS with their new son. I really miss the newborn smell, noises, sleeping baby, but not so much that I want another one. :) Wish we lived closer.....

A little shout-out to my hubby...my hard worker, never complains, works 18 hr days Monday-Friday for us. I feel badly and know he needs a break in a bad way and he will. We're still looking for a weekend to spend together for our anniversary in MAY. If it's not one thing it's another...but, it'll all work out in the end.


Let's see if I can update with a few snapshots.....

Here we go!

Ok, so I have little spare time so here's the latest:

The kids had this week off of school...which was....interesting, to say the least! The constant bickering, tattle-tailing, whining incessantly was enough to drive me CRAZY! I love them all to bits, but come ON...this was more like a temporary prison term for crying out loud!! Needless to say, we went to the gym every day this week and I maxed out on my 2-hr allotted kid watch clock in peace and quiet!

We've decided to sign Drew up for t-ball in March through the YMCA. He cried and cried saying he didn't want to because he was shy (lol) and nervous. I explained over and over that everyone needs to try new things and that he'd end up loving it once he got in there. He IS an active one and needs to experience being a part of a team, commitment, responsibility, etc. After 15 min or so of going back and forth he finally says, "Ok, but I don't want you and Daddy to cheer for me!" HA! That's great, son, just so funny!

Alex...Mr. Firecracker..Instigator extraordinaire..but cute! He likes to stir the pot w/ his sibs and says the sayings they say..ex: "that's not fair!" "I don't want to" and "is anyone listening?" Need to focus more on potty training though he'll "go" on command. He is the first one up each morning at 5:30am and wakes everyone up..thanks! Doesn't he know Mommy is NOT a morning person??? He eats anything and loves his beverages in an open cup. He still doesn't "get" how to pedal his tricycle so he has two very large worn spots on his $50 Stride Rite shoes..classic. Little man is turning 3 in May...how?!

Liv - The Princess Diva...puts on a dress or skirt and announces, "I'm a princess! How do I look?" hee hee She is a crack up! Just today I asked her to get a sweater on and she was having a hard time so instead of asking for help, she hides it and cries from her room. I ask her what the deal is and she says, "It's not beautiful anymore." awww...Still the pickiest eater I know. Her caloric intake sucks..she's supposed to have 800 cals a day and she gets maybe half of that. Nice. She's decided she's over eating scrambled eggs (there goes a nice source of protein) and after her doc suggested putting her back on PediaSure she turns her nose to that. Fabulous. I have to add caloric powder to her drinks to up the intake and asked the doc if they made such a powder that removes calories for me! :) She is no kid of mine to eat like a bird. We'll see how it goes at her next gastro appt - hopefully she's gained SOMETHING!

Kaiser called today and scheduled her for an eval through their ASD clinic. Basically, their own diagnosis of her which in turn goes to her current preschool teacher and might qualify her for more services. That appt is in March and both Kenny and I are supposed to be there for a full day of testing. It has taken 6 months to get this appt so we're excited.

I think that's it for now...Sabra - if you still read this blog I apologize for such infrequent posts on my part!

Ah, here we go with another 6 month break!

Eek! Time flies when you're having fun! I only have a few minutes so here goes....

Drew is in Kindergarten this year at our home school which is nice to finally be able to walk to a school and save some money on gas! He seems to really enjoy it and is learning to read. He enjoys his homework, drawing, and spelling. He has picked up soccer and would love to be on a team. He has many friends and likes having them over to play. He is still our "thinker" and wants to know about EVERYTHING!

Livvy is taking the district bus to/from school this year! She is in the same special-ed preschool just different hours from last year. We decided that by her taking the bus, it would give her an opportunity for change..something she can have a hard time with. She loved it from day one! She still stands by the window with her backpack on 30 minutes early waiting for the bus to come!! She also seems to get the hang of potty training. It has been rough because of her delays in development and making the connection even though she's chronologically ready. She still has a few accidents a week, but realizes she is in charge.

Alex...cracks me up! He still mimics everything his older sibs do/say. He will LITERALLY mumble when they speak standing right next to them just to be a part of the action! He has a speech appt soon to check on his articulation as it seems he mumbles and doesn't use his mouth appropriately in making sounds and words. He loves his Mommy and is the best cuddler!! He would love to sleep in but big bro is a rooster and since they share a room he has no choice. No naps since ~1.5 yrs old.

Kenny and I are busy busy with the music business averaging 60 students each month. He is still working 6am-noon M-F at Dick's as well which makes for LONG days for him. We also joined the YMCA and go in between our students 5 days a week. The kids LOVE it there which makes it nice and easy for us.

That's it for now...have to go to bed.

Our anniversary

Wow! Can't believe it's sneaking up on us so quickly! May 5, 2001 is the day Kenny and I were married. This year marks the 7th year...how time flies! Of course I love him to bits and we've learned to tolerate each others differences and pet peeves but the unconditional love foundation shines through. We are best friends and have so much fun together. Sure, it's a challenge to concentrate on each other with 3 monkeys jumping around but thanks to Cherie (Kenny's mom) she takes the kids for several hours on most Thursdays to give us a break. SHE IS AWESOME AND BRAVE!! :)

This weekend, my dad and sisters have put together a night away for Kenny and I at the Garden Court hotel where we were married for the 2nd year in a row. Last year, we thoroughly enjoyed eating out in peace, enjoying each other in conversation, sleeping in (woohooo!!) and walking around downtown Palo Alto. We are VERY excited!

So...here's to another 7+ years together! Love you, hun!

Yikes! Has it really been 6 months??

I almost forgot about this place! :)

Ok, down to business....
Drew is doing exceptionally well at school. He seems ready for kindergarten (and has no choice, really!) for this coming fall. His current teacher has him pegged at science and art as his fortes and I really knew that. He will do ANY art "creation" every day and comes up with the greatest pictures! As for science, he is really into gardening and has a sunflower, tomato plant, and herbs he's tending. GO GREEN THUMB!

His favorite outdoor activity is bike riding and he can go for up to 3 miles now! We're going to put him in either soccer or baseball at a summer camp this year.

Also, 3 weeks ago he was running into the kitchen with socks on and slipped, causing him to fall on his face and KNOCKED HIS FRONT TOOTH OUT!!! I FREAKED internally and couldn't believe I'd turn into the tooth fairy that soon! ;) The dentist said he was fine and it might take a bit longer for the permanent tooth to come in since it didn't come out the au natural way. Poor baby! He does love his new look and especially "the way the air comes out and the new way I talk." So cute! Can't believe our "baby" is turning 6 in a few months!

He is a great big brother - all in all, they play pretty well together and a day wouldn't be complete without a few sibling tiffs, but that's what I'm for...the ref! He's very helpful around the house and LOVES to go to any store with me. He recently was involved in a grand prix race for his church youth group and Grandpa so kindly shaped his block of wood into a race car and painted it oh-so-Grandpa-ly with TLC and hand delivered it for him just in time. At the race, he came in 3rd place out of 4 but won an award for "best paint job"!!!!!!!

Princess Olivia ~ She is such a feminine girlie girl it's the greatest! Growing taller yet still petite, she is doing very well. Still working on potty training though she volunteers to go at least twice a day. It's a work in progress and we figure she'll "get it" eventually. It's a hard concept with her developmental delays. She loves school and her main issue is auditory processing....you ask a question and she parrots you because it's not processed so she spits it right back out. Sometimes frustrating since things are VERY concrete and present - if she can't see it, it's not applicable. Her speech pathologist at school recommends reading simple books to her and asking hypothetical questions -- where is the elephant hiding? do you see where she went? Anything "outside the box" is where we're headed now. She is SUPER outgoing and will greet anyone with a head with a "Hi guys! How are you?" :) Her new thing is bowing while saying, "My pleasure!" haha Her manners are terrific and she's learning to take turns and share with Alex. Yesterday, she initiated a "picnic" in her room with Alex sipping tea! She is the sweetest!

Alex - AKA I'm not turning 2, I'm turning 5. He is truly not the typical almost 2 yr old. He is doing whatever Livvy and Drew are doing. Period. If they are running a race, so is he. If they are singing and marching so is he. He is generally a happy camper, good eater/sleeper, and loooooooves his Mommy. His vocabulary is through the roof (in my mind at least..we'll see at his 2 yr appt) and his comprehension is astounding. He is into animals and doing puzzles. He does have a lisp which is so cute in my opinion so we're subtly working on curbing that to our best ability with techniques from our dear friend and Livvy's speech pathologist, Lisa. He is a big boy and such a joy to have in our family.

As for our music business, things are steady with students with nothing new yet. Hopefully in the summer, we'll be able to pick up some more. We currently have ~60 between Kenny and I Monday through Saturday. It's a load of fun, a lot of prep work, and rewarding to see them progress all at the same time. Wouldn't change it for the world! Our website will be going live really soon which we're excited about! We'd put some thought into accepting special-needs children seeing as Livvy is one of "those" that isn't mainstream, but not extreme either. That grey area is hard to come by when you want extracurricular activities for children. So far we have 3 of these special children! They are so different, challenging, and enjoyable. I did some heavy research online, read several books, and met with a few therapists for ideas in implementing structure like this. Their parents really seem thankful and can already see progress with their kids...even the smallest challenge of attention is a HUGE leap for these students. They are all so unique and we are proud to be able to help them in understanding and appreciating music in their world.

Well, I think that's about it for now - I've bookmarked this blog so I don't lose focus on my journaling. I'll be posting pictures soon!

Dad in Scotland

He'll be back Thursday just in time for Friday's rehearsal and dinner! I already miss our twice-daily phone calls, but he keeps us updated through email.

SHELLEY & GARY'S WEDDING!

Let the countdown begin! Yes, a week from today, they'll be official newlyweds!!! Yes, it's been a tough road at times working on all of the planning but it's all for a great cause. :) Shelley is super excited and anxious so see all of her hard work in action.

I will be driving with Livvy and Alex on Thursday and Drew will be surprised with his first airplane ride with Grammy & Pop!!! Kenny will drive solo on Friday. We'll all head home on Tuesday.

wow, July?!?

you've got to be kidding! My kind cousin, Sabra, brought up the fact that she checks in here sometimes and hasn't seen any new posts..no joking! I didn't realize I'd been away that long. Off to catch up now!

Lauren and Shelley are entering

a Breast Cancer run in So. Cal in September! Those girlies...I'm very proud of them for working hard on their goal and they look fantastic as well (ugh....maybe I can jump rope in the competition?!) and we're looking forward to continued support from everyone. Love those girls!

On the business front....

Kenny and I are doing really well with our lessons business lately! We're up to 26 students and it's a lot of fun (and work) and we're really excited. We're working on completing our new website which will help things.

Drew's swimming lessons

have ended. He was enrolled for a week only so he could get basic water safety under his belt for when we use the pool at Grammy's house. He LOVED his teacher. Once Bob and Cherie have their pool ready to go (2 wks) we'll all be able to swim and practice more. WOOHOO!

Gymnastics

Drew and Livvy are each taking a gym class and we decided to enroll them another round for August.

Drew's class has 2 or 3 kids besides him and he's really learning how to follow multiple-step instruction and patience while waiting his turn. Teacher Melissa says he's quite flexible and definately strong and has mastered a sommersault and backbend. He enjoys it!

Livvy started out in a class with 2 other kids but quickly got frustrated waiting her turn and required a LOT of demonstrations which took time away from the other kids. The teacher decided to switch her day/time and it ended up being a new class with the Director as a private lesson. She did pretty well the first time and FANTASTIC last week! She does several long obstacle courses, has great balance and can run like a greyhound..phew! She sure does give her teacher a run for her money! The goal is to slowly add a child into the class once she's mastered simple skills so she doesn't feel so overwhelmed/anxious.

Okay..the little engine that could

CAN! That's right..our little boy, Alex, is officially a "walker"!!!!!!! Sure, he still uses his most reliable "wheels" - AKA crawling - when he gets frustrated, but he sure works hard at it! We need to get him some shoes so he doesn't step on anything so we'll see how he takes to the new kicks. He sleeps SO WELL - down by 7:30pm and up by 7am (thanks to big bro, Drew) and eats like a big boy with such variety. He's so calm and loving. He's starting to babble more now and says:

light
book
duck
fish
and "uh gum" which we think is you're welcome!

He wants to run with the big dogs (Drew and Liv) so badly and will one day. For now, he's still our "baby" and he can't grow up - we forbid it!

Shelley & Gary getting hitched!!!!!!!!!!

It's official...they are getting married November 17, 2007 and we're so happy and excited for them!! They are planning away and doing it well, despite our mom not being here to help out. Save-the-Date cards coming soon!

More pictures