A Few Great Pre-Christmas Photos

Ok. So it hasn't been the best of holiday seasons around here. Mike's grandmother, Nanna, passed away 2 weeks ago and now my mom's Aunt Arlene has also passed away. 2 funerals within a couple weeks do not make for a great holiday. But, we are doing well. Colby is extremely excited about Christmas, especially the decorating and partying. He has made a gingerbread house at school and today was pajama day to celebrate the holiday watching the Polar Express. The kitchen looks like the sprinkle fairies blew up and there is wrapping paper and bags everywhere. A typical Christmas at this house. I love seeing the holiday through Colby's 4 year old eyes. Each year has been different, and this year has been the most exciting. He is BEYOND excited about the holiday, although it was the first year he didn't tell us exactly what he wanted Santa to bring. So, to offset the not so great previous post here are some great pre-Christmas photos. I have more to post from Colby's first Christmas pageant too, but enjoy.

And what does your holiday look like this year???

A Tough Question

This has not been a good week at our house. Rather, a very long, hectic, and very unholiday feeling one. On Friday morning we received a call that Mike's grandmother, Nana, passed away. She was 89 and an amazing lady. I only wish that I had had more time to get to know her and have her be a part of my life. The funeral was today and it certainly has been a long day. It hurts to see my husband and his dad upset. I can only hope that they know how much I care for them and that I am here for them always. So many emotions, both happy and sad, all rolled into one. I can't help but think of losing my own grandmother just a few short years ago. Here is the link to the post I wrote about her. Mamie

The tough question was one posed by Colby. Mike relayed a conversation he had with Colby on Friday morning. We had received the call very early and Mike was waiting with Colby for the bus. The bus picks him up at Mike's parents' house which is right down the street from Mike's grandparents' house. I guess the paramedic truck came out of their road and Colby, not even knowing what had happened yet (we told him about Nanna after school), said "Uh oh, someone got hurt at Nanna's." Yes a coincidence. I think he meant to say on Nanna's street but he said at Nanna's. At dinner that night we were talking about Nanna and how she was now in Heaven with my grandparents, Mamie and Poppy, and she was there to see Baby Jesus. Colby's question hit us both like a ton of bricks. He said he was sad and missed Nanna and understood that she was in Heaven. Then he asked, "But how did she get to Heaven? How did the Paramedic help her get there?" We were both ready to cry and left speechless, unsure what to say. I know we will continue to talk to Colby about this for a few days still. He is so smart and seems to understand so much but yet he is so young and I don't think ready to understand yet. At times he still thinks she'll come back but then he'll yell at Mike and me for saying that we are going to Nanna's house. Yelling and saying it's not Nanna's just Poppy's (Mike calls his grandfather Poppy too.) I just don't know what to say. How would you answer this tough question??? I had posed this question on Facebook too and got no response. Help please!

(And I promise a Happy Christmas post next time.)

Holiday Preparations

Just a few weeks ago, we had no plans on our calendar and now it is full right up to Christmas Day. We have decorated the house. The tree is set up, complete with train and tiny village. And Colby has recieved his video email from Santa. Now we are on to cookie baking, ornament making, and party going. Wow! I'm tired just thinking about it. But for now, enjoy these few photos of our holiday preparations. They include lights, a shephard, and a few other cuties!

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

We had a great Thanksgiving with our family this year. We had dinner with my my parents, brothers and sisters, and my Aunt Doone's family. The kids all had a great time playing together and the food was delicious. I only wish we could have gotten more leftovers! My sister Kristin wasn't there along with her boyfriend Steve and her son Teddy. They were missed but it was nice to have my sister Karin and my brothers Keith and Chris there along with 3 of my nephews Max, Alex, and Keith. Colby loves playing with his cousins.

After dinner we were able to get to Mike's family's for dessert. Colby loved the apple pie and playing with his cousin Logan. She is Colby's age too so they have become great buddies. It was nice to see everyone there too. Thankfully everyone lives pretty close so not too much traveling but it was a pretty long day.

And today Colby had a play date with his cousin Keith. So no shopping for Mommy but lots of singing, playing, and fun at the park. I am so thankful that my family is all closeby. I love watching Colby play with his cousins and having fun. I can only hope we stay close as the boys grow up.

So, lots to be thankful for this year. I am especially thankful for my family, my wonderful husband Mike, and my big boy Colby. He is growing bigger everyday and surprises me more and more with amazing personality. We are so lucky to have him in our lives.

So, enjoy our Thanksgiving pics. Let us know. What are you all thankful for?


P.S. Here's a link to some pictures of Colby sitting at the same chair 2 Thanksgiving's ago. Wow! Thanksgiving photos 2009 and 2010

Happy Halloween....a Few Days Late!

Well, if you have been watching the news lately, you might have seen that here in the NorthEast we got hit by a crazy Autumn Nor'Easter on Saturday 10/29. What was supposed to start out as rain and turn to snow later at night started out as big fat fluffy snowflakes around 1:30 in the afternoon. CT woke up to lots of snow, I think about 20 inches where we are, and lots of damage. With all the leaves still on the trees, the heavy snow took many branches down and lots of power lines with it. About 900,000 customers lost power. Now more than a week later, we are still struggling to get power back, although the warm days has almost completely melted the snow. Thankfully, we were lucky and didn't lose power, although most of our family did.

Sunday we ended up hosting both sets of parents for what Colby called our "feast". We ended up cooking the roast and watching the bull riding at our house. It was really nice having everyone together. Colby put on his Halloween costume and had some fun too. However, Halloween was postponed due to the damage and lack of power. And school was out for an unexpected week's vacation. Although I enjoyed the time with Colby, I dread the thought of now going to school until late in June. UGH!

Colby was very good about not going trick-or-treating. Actually it didn't seem to phase him until I put the Halloween decorations away on Tuesday. But we let him wear his costume, we made Halloween sugar cookies, and had a fun week together. Then on Saturday Colby and I were able to go trick-or-treating! We didn't mention it all week but once the first trick-or-treater knocked on our door, Colby's face lit up and he got so excited. Mike stayed home to give out candy and Colby and I walked around the neighborhood. We even walked to Grandma Laurie's house! He received so much candy, even more than last year. So overall, a crazy Halloween trick-or-treat on 11-5! Now on to the holidays!

And yes, it's Pirate Captain Colby! And Mommy is so proud, she made that costume herself!!!

Where Has the Time Gone???

Ok. So I bet many of you think I have totally disappeared. I will reassure you that I am still here. I do check my fellow bloggers pages faithfully everyday. But, I just haven't found the time to write on mine. I think it's feeling rejected. But I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my little boy, yes, and my husband too. My last post was for 9-11 and now here it is the last of October. What have we been up to you ask? Just about everything.

Colby is in PreK at a different school this year. He was a little nervous about it at first but he seems to be liking it. He has had a few red-dot days though. (The city uses a Positive Behavior program which rewards good, or green, behavior, but also uses red for not-so-good behavior. I was shocked at the red dots but then again, he is only 4 and still learning, and boys will be boys. Guess he didn't know picking up sticks at school is a no-no. His teacher says he participates well and even a little too much, getting excited during story time and blurting out answers. Note to self- work on the hand raising routine! Academically he knows most of his upper and lower case letters and most of their sounds too. Ready to read and a little frustrated that he can't. But I am not going to push him.

I'm back to school also. Now at a newly renovated school that was over 100 years old. It looks brand new! Love the new school and the new staff I am working with. I am the reading specialist and this year I am working with grades 2, 3, 4, and 6. Yuck 6th! Things took a little while to settle in but I really enjoy it.

Our weekends have been full of fall fun. We went to two local fairs and apple picking in September. Over Columbus Day weekend we went back to New Hampshire to enjoy the fall colors. And this past weekend Colby and I went with my mom, my Aunt Doone, my nephew Keith, and my cousin's son Jaden to Lyman Orchard to the corn maze. We had a blast, and we didn't lose my aunt's phone this year. Last year she lost it in the corn maze and I had to go back to find it. The boys also loved the ride in the horse drawn wagon. The horses were named Tom & Jerry. The other sets of horses were named Nickel & Dime and Samuel & Adams!

Colby has also been taking swimming lessons. He is doing great. He just finished the last session and was moved up into "big boy" class where they will work on strokes and building stamina. We were so excited when Colby swam all by himself this time!

I have been hard at work on a little boy's costume. Pics to come but here's a guess his favorite cartoon characters are Jake, Cubby, and Izzy! Let's see who can figure it out!!! Tomorrow night we have our Halloween Reading Night at my school and Colby will wear his costume there. He actually thinks my school is Halloween! He loves Halloween more than Christmas I think. Not my favorite but I love watching him and all his enthusiasm.

Oh, and Colby just had a trip to the dentist. Talk about growing up too fast. All of his front teeth are a little "wiggly" and the X-Ray showed that the top teeth have already lost their roots. My little boy will be a toothless wonder within a few months. Way too early for me and he's a little nervous (guess that's our fault for telling him his teeth will fall out if he doesn't brush!).  Now what?!?!

Well, I guess that's enough for now. Here's a few pics from our Fall Fun. Promise to post more soon.

Colby's Tribute to 9/11

Totally cool and I am proud to say that my 4 year old knows this. So happy that our schools are still saying it too.

First Day of School

Well, by now I was hoping to show you pictures of Colby from his first day of school. But, we are still waiting.

Last week, I had 5 full days of teacher in-service. On Friday I actually had to give part of the training on our Reading curriculum. Everyone was all set for school to strat on Monday when we received an email. Due to the pending storm, what was Hurricane Irene, school was being canceled. And it still is. Just received the call for no school tomorrow as well. Ugh! When will we start.

Colby was a little nervous about going to Pre-K this year. I'm not sure why since he was in school last year. Perhaps because it is a new school. So thankfully his teacher is so nice. She met with us on Thursday last week. He was able to see her and his classroom. He played with some of the toys and read some of the books. He is now so excited to go. I only wish we could.

I am also excited about this year. Last year I didn't get my teaching job until October so it will be nice to start the school year with everyone else. Also, I am in a newly refurbished over 100 year old school. They did a great job redoing the school, adding on to it, and putting in the latest and greatest of everything. I am now a part of a 3 person Reading Department and so excited to start. We still have materials to organize and put away, our computers aren't set up yet, and there are odds and ends to finish but the building is amazing. I'll have to get some pics.

So, no pics yet. Promise soon. This could be a really long school year and it hasn't even snowed yet! YIKES!!

End of Summer Chaos

Well, summer is almost over. School starts soon. I have to head back this Monday 8/22 for beginning teacher orientation. Although I worked last year, I started in Oct so I missed this and am now required to go. YUCK! 3 days of torture. Thurs and Fri I have teacher professional development and school starts on Mon 8/29. Colby has his pre-school orientation on the first day so I am a little bumbed that i can't go. I have to rely on Mike to go and get all the information. Good thing there's email and I can talk to Colby's teacher that way. Colby starts on the 30th and will be going full-day. The bus will pick him up at Mike's parents' house and then Mike's mom will watch him in the afternoon until I can get home. Thank goodness for grandparents!

Next week is also the tennis tournament in New Haven. I love volunteering there. I usually work nights as an usher and have been volunteering for about 10 years. This year I'll work 4 nights after my PD days at school.

I also am trying to move from my old school to a brand new school. As 1 of 3 in the Reading Dept. we have to organize all the reading materials and set up our office. We've been ready to go for a couple weeks but we are still waiting for our floor to ceiling book shelves to be bolted in the walls. Hopefully soon.

And in the middle of all this, Mike and I are sprucing up the house. I've been trying to organize my teaching materials in the basement and get rid of some extra stuff. Mike painted Colby's bedroom a great shade of blue. We jsut need to put up the photos. And now my kitchen floor is a disaster. New tile to come but until then what a mess!!!

So lots going on. We are living in chaos! But thought you might like some photos of Colby's big boy room and my messy kitchen. Sorry for the messy Colby room. Will post better photos when the walls are decorated. And I promise to post updated photos of the kitchen when we get done.

Children's Place

We love the CHildren's Place. They are having a contest to find their next model. I entered Colby with this great photo from New Hampshire. Please head over to this website and vote for him. HIs ID number is 126480. Thanks.

http://childrensplace.promo.eprize.com/model

Thanks again.

Smurfs

I can't believe all the old shows that are coming back. One of my favorites as a kid was the Smurfs. I had a bunch of the little Smurfs and even a mushroom house. I so wish I knew where they all went, but although many other of my toys were saved those are MIA. Oh well. So now a new movie is out but I don't think I will be bringing Colby to it. It seems a little too grown up for it. However, we do have one DVD of the old cartoons which we have watched a couple times. Anyway, McD's hasSmurfs in their Happy Meals. We don't normally go there with Colby but I do stop in for a quick drink, especially the Fruit Smoothies now. So, Colby now has 4 of them and he and Mike were having a blast playing with them last night. Thought you might like to see both of my boys in action. I just had to capture this laugh on video. Enjoy!

Guess It Can Wait

Ok. I give in. I agree with all the comments I recieved and I appreciate them more than you'll ever know. Everyone had the same line of thought. Let the Lord decide. So I will, or at least I will try.

I am not sure why I am drawn to this particular little girl. What drew me in, I'll probably never know. I will keep track of her and hope and pray that she finds a forever family. I guess that is all I can do. No, I am not giving up on adopting more. Believe me, we will. But with a small house, wanting a girl and definitely more than one more child, and having not enough bedrooms, I guess I will have to wait. Our house is small, it is not the house we want forever. Mike wants a house with more land and room for a workshop for his business. I want at least 3 bedrooms and a spare room for crafting, office, etc. I also want out of the city we live in. It is great for now with city preschool and the PAL program that offers great sport activities for Colby. But in the long run, I would like a better neighborhood. However, with this markey, there is no way we can sell our house and hope to get a mortgage on something new. So, we wait. We wait, and we wait.

It seems that I have always pushed my will on my life, trying to force things to happen. I didn't get my first teaching job right away and then only a part-time job. I didn't find my sweetheart right away, we married when I was 30 (ok, 31 the next month). I didn't have children when everyone else did, then I had to travel around the world to winter in Siberia. Nothing has come easy, although it hasn't been tragic or awful either, just..... hard. Now, I feel like I am pushing again. I don't want to push. I want it to be right for me, and for Mike, and especially for Colby. Now may be the right time for me, but I'm not sure it's right for all of us. So, I will stop and wait. I will leave it to God as so many wonderful people have mentioned and see what happens. Maybe I'll wait just a little while, or maybe another year or so. I just hope it won't be too long. But I give in. I hand over control (something I hate to do) to God, life in general, whoever it may be. We'll see what happens.

Help Please....Any Ideas

Ok. I know I have been gone awhile. We just returned from vacation in New Hampshire on Lake Winnepasaukee. I LOVE it there! We had a great time but it is nice to be hme and sleep in my own bed. And I promise to upload some great pics soon.

I'm not sure who really reads my blog anymore, other than a few devoted friends and family but I do need some help, please!! Our adoption agency has a list of "Horizon Kids" as they call them. Often older children or kids with some medical issues who are waiting for their forever families. I am constantly looking at the kids. Some have been on there since we began our adoption of Colby in late 2008. They break my heart. A few weeks ago, the agency posted a new child, a little girl aged 2 1/2. At the time there was no picture of her, just some information. I am not sure why but this posting struck my heart, even without the photo. I called the agency and they did send me her information and a few photos. She is ADORABLE! And she looks so much like Colby did at that age, it is scary. I just can't get her off of my mind. No, we have not started a new home study but Mike and I certainly ahve discussed it the whole vacation. There was a question of whether we could adopt a little girl because we only have the 2 bedroom so she would have to share a bedroom with Colby. But the agency and the regional representative where the girl is said it shouldn't be a problem. Wow! One hurdle gone. However, the HUGE hurdle still lurks. MONEY! I do know that the agency has a few subsidies for their Horizon Kids but they are not guaranteed.

OK guys. What do I do? Has anyone else taken subsidies, know of places that help finance adoptions, anything? If we begin our home study we aren't guaranteed to get this little girl, another family who is farther along than us can take her first. But, I'd love to try. I'm from a big family and so is Mike. I can't see having an only child. Colby really needs a sibling or two or three. It just feels like now is the time. He's been home almost 2 1/2 years and the ages would work great, just under 2 years apart. HELP!!! The heart says yes but the finances say yikes! Not sure we can finance this one alone.

Colby's First Music Videos

Now that I have a really cool phone, internet ready, I can upload some cute videos. So, here are a few of my little singer. Perhaps another Billy Joel?? What do you think?

Some Summer Fun in Pics and Videos

Just a Cute Story

We were on our way to the store last night when this conversation insued. I pretty much listened as Colby and Mike had this very cute and insightful conversation.

C- Why did we go this way? Home is that way Daddy. (pointing towards the way home.)
D- We're going to the store.
C- What store?
D- KMart to look for chairs for outside.
C- Oh. I don't want to go there. Let's go to another store.
D- How about the Moon Store?
C- The Moon Store? That's just silly. I'm pretty sure this neighborhood (yes, I was shocked to hear that word.) doesn't have a Moon Store.
D- Oh. But I want to go to the Moon Store. What should we do.
C- Well, let's call the moon people and tell them to make a moon store here. OK, Daddy?
Both Daddy and I looked at each other pretty surprised by that logical thinking.
D- Oh. Good idea. What should they sell at the Moon Store?
C- Oh moon stuff. Moons and stars and guys dressed to go to the moon. And rocket ships.
M- Colby you are one smart little boy. That's a great idea.
C- I know.

Ok. Some words aren't exact but talk about an interesting conversation. We were both amazed. Where do they learn this stuff???

What conversations do you have with your little ones?

Last Day Preschool 2010-2011

I can't believe it but today was Colby's last day of 3 year old preschool. Where did the year go? His class had a little ice cream celebration today and invited the parents. So what else could I do? I took the day off from work! I loved getting the chance to put Colby on the bus, as I did this past fall. And both Mike and I enjoyed spending the time with him in his class. He has learned to much this year and grown even more. I can't thank his teachers enough. And yes, Igot a pic waiting for the bus so here's a cute before and after for you. The first day of preschool Aug 2010 and the last day June 16, 2011. Wow!