Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Still here...

It has been a very busy couple of weeks but looking back, nothing special is happening except LIFE! Nicholas is busy with soccer every Saturday, keeping up with his reading and homework, and playing tether ball whenever he gets the chance. Isabella is busy with dance and everything new in Kindergarten. Gabby is growing like a weed that repels Roundup and also enjoying dance. They have their first recital of the year on the 26th and I'm sure that will bring out the photos and videos!!!
What else will bring out the camera???
The Pumpkin patch: The only time of year that I get a picture of me and the kids :)
The color of leaves:
Soccer games:
Playing outside before the rain sets in:

Me??? I'm busy keeping up with them!!! :)

Monday, September 22, 2008

Nicholas is 7!!!!

Do we really look old enough to have a SEVEN YEAR OLD??? Please don't anyone answer that!!!

Nicholas's birthday was Friday and he had a weekend full of celebrations. Friday he celebrated at school with his friends where he took oreos and juice boxes, and his classmates made a book about him. I couldn't wait to read what his friends wrote about him but in classic schoolboy style, he left it in his desk. I'll have to wait!! Friday night, Papa, Grandma, and Great Grandma Rose came over for dinner. Uncle Mario, Aunt Shelly, and Juliette stayed for dinner too after delivering Nicholas's most favorite gift ever!!! (Stay tuned) Sunday was his big party with his friends, two bounce houses, huge cake, lots of ice cream, and gifts to make a little boy happy.

His card from his friends Aiden and Gavin with his number 7!!!

Nicholas decorating his cake for dinner Friday night. I think he used every sprinkle in the cupboard. The cake apparently wasn't sweet enough.
Uncle Mario pulled up in front of our house and Nicholas screamed the loudest I've ever heard. I'm sure most of you in other states heard him but weren't exactly sure what it was you were hearing. He LOVES the game of tether ball, plays it at school every day, so Grandma and Papa asked Uncle Mario to make one for him. He made one for Jeff (back in the day :-)) so he is a second generation tether ball maker. Me, being from the East Coast, had NO IDEA what this was but this sport is now part of my everyday life and I'm catching up on all of the rules and wordage. In the cement of the tire is NICK 08 and this child is in heaven. My neighbors, however, can hear the chain banging against the pole at 7:00 in the morning but they too are all great sports.
Nicholas and Gunga (rarely calls him Uncle Mario) playing the first game. Uncle Mario came equipped with gloves and tons of smiles. Everyone got their exercise that night!!! Both players are pretty good sluggers....not bad for a 7 year old and 65 year old!!!
Happy birthday Nicholas!!!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Mr. Holyfield?

Last night seemed to be a night full of issues. Jeff picked up the children from Grandma's and as he walked in, I remember him saying..."Nicholas, it is 5:10 and we need to be at soccer at 5:30 so go in and get yourself dressed." Simple enough, yes??? Well, not if you are Nicholas and you have to argue about everything that comes your way. (Just like his Dad I might add!!!)

First it was the issue of not wearing his soccer socks and wanting to wear his white running socks he wore to school that day. Have you ever seen shin guards over white running socks? Yes!! RIDICULOUS! We told him that he needed to wear his soccer socks to cover the shin guards. That turned into wearing the soccer socks over the shin guards AND the white running socks. Well, now his cleats don't feel right because he has crammed everything but the kitchen sink into them. As an adult, I just want to yell, NO S**T but as a mother I calmly say "Honey, your socks are too thick and now your shoes aren't fitting." Of course it is the shoes fault and we now don't want to wear soccer cleats at all but other shoes that are definitely not for running. I try the whole "You wear soccer shoes because they help you run on the grass better and besides, they are part of your uniform." Crying and arguing ensues...

MEANWHILE, Jeffrey is walking around here looking for his little cooler that he takes to soccer practice filled with water bottles because it is still 100 plus degreees here. He can't figure out why it isn't in the kitchen on the floor where he left it. (I'll tell you why!!!) It has been over a month since Jeff took Nicholas to practice and the very last time he went, he came home, left the cooler and the 6 bottles of water that were in it, lid open, in the middle of the damn floor. I will admit that it stayed there for quite some time until I lost my brain and decided that the water could go back in the fridge and the cooler could be put away. He hasn't noticed until just now when he needs it again but I knew it was there everyday that I swept the floor or had to put dishes away.

As Jeff is busy looking for the cooler, Nicholas is totally frustrated, and the girls are in the classroom with 3 other children (yes, I'm still working), painting on the easel. Nicholas stops throwing his fit, is dressed for soccer, and decides that he too would like to paint a picture. It is now 5:30 and Jeff is ready to walk out the door...without the cooler (that is in the closet where it belongs). I see little puffs of smoke forming from Jeff's ears so I tell Nicholas that he needs to go. "No, just let me make this picture." You can do it when you get home. "No, I'm almost done" (hasn't started). Finally Jeff gives up and decides not to go to soccer. A couple of minutes go by and after all of the daycare children have gone, we come into the house and Nicholas is now ready to go. I inform him that soccer has already started and he argued his way through the last 30 minutes of life and he isn't going tonight. His world fell apart.

We talked it out, he probably won't pull this anymore, and when he is told about something and has a certain amount of time to do it in, he'll probably, hopefully, please God, do what he is supposed to do. We'll see what happens next Tuesday.

So now we are calm and brother and sister are playing so nicely in her room. I'm making dinner and Gabby is watching Barney. Calm before the storm I tell myself. Nah, the storm has already passed for the night. Just as I exhale, I hear screaming coming from the what I thought was the calm and peaceful bedroom. I run in, Isabella is crying so hard she can't catch her breath and I ask Nicholas what happened. I got the classic, "Nothing!!" Isabella stars breathing again and informs me that she wrote on Nicholas's arm with her pen (about the length of my finger in blue ink) so he bit her on the ear. That was not a typo and there were teeth marks on the ear and saliva in her hair. The adult wants to say "Are you freaking kidding me?" but the mother simply says, "Go to your room."

No blood, lots of tears, hugs, an apology, a quiet dinner and an early bedtime for all. I really must find a drink I like :-)

Monday, September 01, 2008

Breakfast of Champions!!!

What did you have for breakfast this morning????

I won the cool award for the day :-)

Enjoy your Labor Day!!!

Nick (couldn't fit Nicholas).
Gabs (again a fitting issue).
Bella (she came the closest but still no fit)!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

What an idiot!!!

I just realized that I've been spelling Kindergarten wrong. I guess it's with a "T" and not a "D". Who knew???

Just doesn't sound or look right to me.

Nicholas is so cool...

He needs to wear shades to bed!!!!

I walked in to check on Nicholas the other night. His door was shut, the light was shining through the bottom of the door, and when I walked in, I saw just how cool (he thinks) he is.

I wonder if he has cool dreams too?!?!?


Tuesday, August 19, 2008

More First Day Photos

Nicholas ready for first grade.


Isabella ready for Kindergarden.
Gabriella ready for Pre-school.
Isabella finding her name tag.
Nicholas sitting at his desk.

And they are off....

Yesterday was the first day of school for the kids.

Nicholas is off to be a big all-day first grader.
Isabella is off to the big school to be in Kindergarden.
Gabriella is off to pre-school.

As most of you know, I was banished from being in the car for Nicholas's first day last year. I am a known silly-la-la and I have no problems admitting it. This year I was ready. I didn't cry all morning nor did I have the urge. I truly felt that I was over this whole crying-on-the-first-day thing. I told Jeff that I was going with him and I swear he raised an eyebrow at me. I thought, "I'll show you."

We piled in the car, walked them to their classrooms, and everyone was excited. Isabella was first. I helped her with her name tag, hung her backpack, and showed her some of her friends that she already knew. I was GREAT!!! UNTIL....I had to say goodbye. I know that this is the day that she has been waiting for for so long and I was happy for her but so sad that she is actually there and growing up. Once the floodgates were open, there was no turning back. I kissed her, told her to have a good day, ran out, took a deep breath and then it was on to Nicholas's class.

He lined up on the playground with his class and walked into the classroom with his friends. Some children were from his class last year and others were totally new faces. He hung his backpack and found his desk and sat down to wait for the others. I signed a couple papers and turned to look at him to say goodbye. NOT GOOD!!! Here is my little boy that I swear was born yesterday, sitting at a big desk in his yellow chair. I know this will be a big year for him but he,too, is growing up.

Gabby was the last one. She has tears everyday when Jeff or I leave but I know she gets over it. She naps well, plays well there, but is very excited when we go to pick her up. I see her carrying her purple backpack, all dressed for school, and I know that she's growing up too but I still remind myself that she is the youngest to go. Nicholas was a month away from turning 3 when he went to school, Isabella was 3yrs and 4 months, and my Gabby-day turns three in Dec. She seems so big yet so small.

At any rate, everyone came home happy and no one, not even Jeff, mentioned my tears.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Bubbles

Bubbles Bubbles everywhere...

Saturday, July 05, 2008

Counting Down

I have reached the point in the month of July where I get excited enough that I feel like I want to jump out of my own skin. Insomnia sets in and I start cleaning my house like a crazy person. Lists are all over my house for the grocery store, people who will be coming into the house and what their responsibilities are, things that need to be done, and things that will need to be here the beginning of Aug. What is going on you ask???

I'M GETTING READY TO GO HOME!!!!

In 2 days I need to have our luggage ready to ship to Mom's house. I try real hard not to take anything on the plane except for me and the children and our snacks and projects. I get all of our clothes ready beforehand and I ship them. Everything is there just before we arrive and I didn't have to carry it.

In 6 days I will drive to the airport and pick up my girlfriend from the East coast. She is spending a few days with us and will help me on the plane for the flight back to WV.

In 11 days I will be flying home!!! I dispise flying but it is a necessary evil. I get motion sickness and it is a long day for me but it seems to disappear the minute I see my Mom. In 11 days, I get to see my Mom and Tom!!!!

In 12 days, I will hopefully see everyone back home. My Grandma, my Dad, my brother, my new nephew and niece that I have yet to meet, my new house that I bought, green grass, blue sky that has no smoke passing by from nearby fires, and all of my friends. I'm so excited!!!

First though, I better finish my lists. Who will pet sit for all of our creatures? Who will collect the mail? How will my business run while I am gone? Is everything in order for me to leave?

I know that everything will run smoothly while I'm away but I need to have something to think about while I'm up ALL NIGHT, right??? On second thought, who cares!!! I'M GOING HOME!!!!

Friday, July 04, 2008

Fourth of July

Nicholas and I participated in the Run for Independence this morning. This was his first race and although he was telling everyone that we were running the five mile, he woke up this morning at 5:00 and asked if we could do the two mile instead. :-)

They fired the gun and he took off like at bat out of you-know-where. He ran ahead of me most of the way but kept stopping so I could catch up. About three quarters of the way he asked if I could please walk with him for a little bit. He rook off so fast and went so long that I think he ran a little low on gas. We walked about two city blocks and then ran very slowly. He had the finish line in sight where Daddy was standing with the girls and they were all screaming for him and he sprinted for the end.

Nicholas finished the two mile race in 21.56 and I crossed in 21.57. I'm not sure exactly how many people participated overall (they will post the results in a week or two) but Nicholas crossed 119th and I crossed 120th. A friend crossed in the 150's so for being his first race, he was a winner to me just for participating and finishing.

His claim to fame and what he is telling everyone...He beat me!! Someday he will realize the truth and give me Mother of the Year, I'm sure. It's all about building the self-esteem in a six year old little boy!!! :-)



Sunday, June 22, 2008

Accomplishments

Say NO to.....
And YES to...
I started potty training Gabby on Monday and she had it mastered by Wednesday and there is no looking back. She has had ZERO accidents and is so proud of herself. (Then again, maybe it's the sugar from all of the M&M's she got each time she went.) :-)

Regardless, I wake up every morning and tell everyone to get dressed without changing ANY diapers. For SEVEN years, I have changed one, and at times, multiple diapers on multiple children ALL DAY!!! NO MORE!!!! :-)

(Is this a bigger accomplishment for Gabby or for me???)

BIG GIRL!!!!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Seeing Brad live

Jeffrey and I took the kids to their first concert. They were so excited and when we parked next to Brad's trucks, I couldn't resist. Since they consider Brad a part of our family, Isabella couldn't understand why Brad wouldn't come up in the stands to sit with her. I tried to explain that Brad had to stay on stage so everyone could see him. She then wanted to know why she couldn't go down on the stage with him. If only I had all of the right answers for her!!!

The kids did very well. They were decked out in their cowboy hats, boots, and Isabella stood most of the concert and danced. Nicholas was intrigued with all of the lights and the show that Brad puts on behind him on the screens.

About 40 minutes after Brad took the stage, they got real tired. Since I will be seeing Brad in 4 weeks when I go home, I didn't mind leaving early. This night was about them afterall. I think everyone had a great time.




Hanging up their hats in the back window before crashing out (sleeping) on the hour drive home.


Sunday, June 15, 2008

Happy Father's Day to Jeffrey

These are two of my favorite pictures right now. The kids were wrestling on the floor with their Dad and in a split second, they made this pyramid and started making funny faces. I used it to my advantage and had this picture framed for Jeffrey as a gift for today.

On the other side of the frame, just the three of them.
Happy Father's Day in all of your silliness!!!

Happy Father's Day

To all of the Dads that are in our lives...

Happy Father's Day!!!




Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Two for the price of one

Nicholas is off to First Grade.

Isabella is off to Kindergarten.
Lets not forget that Gabriella is off to Preschool!!

Sad. Sad. Sad.

Merced's newest First Grader

Yes, he is pretty proud of himself. He has been waiting for this day (just to torture me) for a while now. He surprised me with his outfit because I told him he could wear anything besides a white shirt...pictures do not turn out very well. He chose Hawaiian and I loved it!!! He sang well, sat still (a feat in itself since there were 120 graduates), and made his family very proud.

Our conversation just before he left for school...

N: Mom, are you going to cry through the ENTIRE thing?

(who me??)

Me: Yes, get used to it!!! :-)

N: Huge sigh and rolled eyes!!

Just before he left for the big day!!!
Congrats from Grandma Rose.
Congrats from Grandma and Papa. Grandma treated Nicholas to Barnes and Noble and Jamba Juice after graduation.
Congrats from Mommy!!!

Sunday, June 01, 2008

All-Star 2008

Nicholas was named to the Tee-ball All Star team for 2008. This is his third consecutive year and he still gets excited about playing.

Halfway through the first inning, the coach put him at first base and he stayed there throughout the game. He got three players out and made some great catches.

His first at bat, he doubled into the outfield and he grounded to third his second at bat. Both times he ran the bases and crossed home plate.

Here are the highlights....

Got the runner out at first!!!
Another spectacular catch!!! The ball is in his mitt!!
Swinging for the outfield!!
Waiting his turn on the bench.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Graduation day 2008

Well, this is what a graduating pre-schooler looks like. Everyone thinks that growing up is something that should be done around here but I highly disagree. :-)

Isabella went through her graduating ceremony today and thought that she was going to kindergarten immediately afterwards. She half heartedly sang and did hand motions but was more interested in her dress and dress-up shoes that she got to wear today. She picked this fabulous red dress that is a hand me down from a friend. She reasoned with me that the only red shoes she had to match were her Snow White dress up shoes. I never let her wear them out of the house but how could I argue with the fashion sense of a (almost 5 year old) child when she is right? I caved!!

Her Strawberry Shortcake birthday party is next weekend....hense, the glasses.

No idea where this pose is coming from but she has been doing it all day.

Holding the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance. Getting hugs from Grandma Carol...preschool teacher.
Happy girl!!!
Look out Kindergarten!!! Here she comes!!!
Congratulations Isabella!!!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

To Do List

TO DO BEFORE BED: (by Gabriella Butticci)

1. Get dressed in jammies. (check)
2. Do hair. (check)
3. Brush teeth. (check)
4. Apply mascara. (check)
5. Smile for Mom because she thinks I'm stinking CUTE!!!! (check)


Monday, May 26, 2008

Happy Memorial Day

Gabby was in a playful mood this morning and wanted me to keep taking her picture. NO PROBLEM!!! She was hysterical, rolling around, sitting down, standing up, and running in circles.

As we prepare for a picnic with friends, I realized she is the only one in patriotic colors.

Happy Memorial Day everyone!!!





Sunday, May 25, 2008

Breakfast of champions

Nicholas woke up and decided that he would like to make breakfast. He got everything ready himself, except for turning on the stove, and I stood by and watched.

A chef maybe???


Concentrating very hard.
Pan full of protein.
Only one mishap :-)