Dear Kid Saturday
« Previous EntriesPercussion Playing Prowess
Saturday, May 19th, 2012Dear NHL,
In the fall, when you decided that you wanted to play percussion instruments, I wondered how things would go. With most of the school year and two concerts behind you, I can hardly imagine life without a percussion playing kiddo in our house. Though the bell set is a bit shrill at times, we can recognize songs when you play them. The only down side is the size of your kit that has to travel into school each week. I now know where to park to drop it off and where to set it down outside of school at the end of the day.
While we were at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we made sure to stop over by the drum area in Africa. Daddy and I knew that you would have fun experimenting on the different items that were there.
Of course, it was also interesting to watch your little brother follow you around. As you can see, one of you had an easier time switching things up, while the other needs to stretch a bit more.
Still, I think the moment that made me the proudest happened at Mimi’s house on Mother’s Day. She had a little keyboard. Suddenly, we heard a song and looked over. There you were taking what you learned from playing the xylophone to play the same song on the piano without any sheet music. Of course, I wanted to test this theory. When we went to Nana and Papa’s house a few days later, you did it again proving that you really have learned quite a bit. Keep up the great work. I can’t wait to see how much more you learn next year and beyond.
Love,
Mommy
A Preschool Mother’s Day Celebration
Saturday, May 12th, 2012Dear JSL,
This week, I have been really sentimental. I think the fact that you turn five in a few days has hit me. My baby is not really a baby anymore. When I keep asking you not to get older, you always remind me that you have no control of this. Thanks to all of this, I am trying to cherish our special time together more before you head to kindergarten. Yesterday, I arrived at school early to cheer you on during the fundraiser and parade. When you saw Mimi there with me, you were so happy and waved to her.
Then, it was time to head up into the classroom for the Mother’s Day celebration. The room was set up for all of the special guests to sit down near your table to watch a performance.
I managed to get a video of your class singing a special song, but I am not going to share that here. Thank goodness you were willing to do an extra performance of the song at home for me to record.
What I realize on the video is we really need to get you to an allergist since that nasal thing that is still pestering you. Oh well, I will work on that next week.
Once the song was over, each of you went to get a present to give to the mothers. You were so cute and came over to me. You were not sure if I should open it up there, but I did.
You handed me a homemade crown. The crown was wrapped around a treasure box that you had painted and decorated.
As beautiful as it was on the outside, my heart melted when I looked inside. This is what you and your fantastic teachers had come up with to surprise us on Mother’s Day:
We had our photo taken together, but my eyes were closed on the one that was taken with my camera. Once you were finished giving me the present, you wanted to show it to Mimi. Later on, I made sure to get a photo of the two of you together. I think you were the only child that had a great-grandparent there.
I am so glad that Mimi and I were both there with you. It was a wonderful afternoon that we all shared together. Thank you for being such a sweet, loving, and special little boy.
Love,
Mommy
Our Disney World Family Tradition
Saturday, May 5th, 2012Dear NHL and JSL,
Coming back home from a magical week at Disney World has been a tough transition for all of us. Now, we can sit down and look at all of the moments that we captured from this latest adventure to Orlando. There was the pirate party, dancing in DinoLand late at night, and checking out the Art of Animation Resort. Once the conference was over, we had some extra days to roam the four parks together.
Even a simple moment like the two of you sitting together on a Disney bus while going to a new destination melted my heart. Just three years ago, you were so little when we took you to Disney World for your first visit. Now, the two of you could lead us around the parks and tell us where you wanted to go.
What I loved was the two of you humored us to keep a tradition alive. On our last day at Disney World, we have always worn matching shirts. Both of you agreed to do this again. The best part was wearing them while two special friends before our trip was over:
Sure the heat may have gotten to all of us from time to time, but the amazing moments together is something we will always remember. For now, we will look back at these and hope to start planning another trip back one day soon.
Love,
Mommy
Disclosure: Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, we were given an incredible deal from Disney. Also note that Disney never asked us to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan, it is my pleasure to share my experiences from the event.
Parenting Smile Moment
Saturday, April 21st, 2012Dear NHL and JSL,
Some days, things are hectic as we race out the door to school. The other morning, as I was helping to bring in NHL’s band instrument in, the two of you made me smile. As we walked toward the building, one of you grabbed the other’s hand. I think JSL initiated it, but I am not entirely sure. What I watched was both of you hold on tight, chatter, and swing your hands back and forth as you walked.
My heart melted as I watched this moment in front of my eyes. The two of you may fight from time to time, but your love for one another is always there. Thank you for letting me witness brotherly love at its best.
Love,
Mommy
Two Kickballs Required
Saturday, April 14th, 2012Dear NHL and JSL,
Spring break is basically over. It has been a relatively relaxing one spending time with both of you. Thanks to Passover, we stayed close to home most of the time. The weather was cooler and did not allow us to pack a picnic for the park.
Just before break, JSL and I went shopping to get a few things. While there, I walked by the big display of kick balls. I knew that NHL wanted one after using them at school. We walked over and picked one out. Little did I know that it would be very popular with the two of you. So much so that we HAD to get a second one.
The two kickballs went with you and Daddy to the park the other day where you played Volley-Basketball. A few days later, we went back to the park together. It was fun watching the two of you play, run, and get so much energy out. You truly did seem to enjoy having your own kickballs and even made great games using both of them together.
Yes, some days it is the simple things that make me smile and the two of you so happy. I know this will be something we do over the summer.
Love,
Mommy
Quiet First Passover Seder 2012
Saturday, April 7th, 2012Dear NHL and JSL,
This year, we had a quiet first Seder. It was just the four of us, plus Nana and Papa came to join us. I love Passover and being with lots of family, but it was nice to be silly, and get done a bit earlier. We kept things very, very, very simple. Nothing but our “finest china” would do. We also made sure that JSL’s Passover projects from school were ready to go.
At first, everyone followed along in the Haggadah. NHL, you sang the four questions to us in Hebrew. You did a great job. It also impressed me that your little brother was able to sing along after learning the song in nursery school.
Then things got a bit off track once Daddy went to hide the Afikomen. Yes, we had to get our Seder Sillies out.
Friday was a busy day getting ready for everything. Today, it will be nice to spend a more quiet day together while getting ready for our second Seder that will no doubt have more memories made.
Love,
Mommy
My Little Workout Buddy
Saturday, March 24th, 2012Dear JSL,
Thank you for being my workout buddy. This week, you have really helped me to exercise and make sure that I got my workouts in. Although I like to get things done while you and NHL are at school, it did not happen two of the days. Wednesday, you came home from school and I asked if you wanted to do a special exercise DVD with me. You were so excited. I even let you pick which one that we got to do.
Much to my horror, you picked the Leslie Sansone DVD that has the jogging within the miles. You liked the blue case out of her five that I own. You stood next to me walking, kicking, and smiling. The kick-backs confused you a bit, but you kept with it. The sweetest part was you wanted to hold my hand as we did the parts that went forward and back. As the second mile was winding down, you were starting to get cranky. I would have tried to push in another mile, but I knew it was getting late and we had to get ready to pick up NHL.
Thursday, I was so busy with laundry and a few projects that I never had a chance to get my workout in. You told me that was ok that you would cheer me on. So I got out my Walk Booster to do some resistance work while walking. Since our living room was so warm and your nose drippy, you did not want to participate. You made sure I had water and watched. You were mesmerized by the item I was wearing. So much that Friday afternoon you greeted me and begged to test them out. I had to take a photo since you were so proud.
Thank you for keeping me going and cheering me on. Watching you with all of your energy keeps me inspired to walk, kick, and sweat up a storm!
Love,
Mommy
BTW – In case you are curious about the DVD’s that I used. These are the two that I tried with JSL this week. They are linked to an Amazon Affiliate where I will receive a percentage of the sale should you purchase them when shopping. I bought these and three other Leslie Sansone DVDs with my own money over the years.
- Leslie Sansone: Walk at Home – 5 Mile Fat Burning Walk
- Leslie Sansone: Walk at Home: Walk Away Your Waistline!
Disney Store Blues
Saturday, March 17th, 2012Dear NHL and JSL,
The two of you love heading to the Disney Store. Neither of you recall that we used to have one here in our area. Now, we have to travel to the outlet, go to New York City, or see them in another location. Thanks to this, when we go to any Disney Store, it’s like a holiday for all of us. The two of you certainly are NDK when you see this in front of you.
Then the real challenge begins. Where do we begin our tour? Do we look at new shirts for the two of you, check out the toys, or . . . . wait, what is that over there?
We had to convince you that getting Animal and Kermit was not crucial since we are heading to Walt Disney World soon. Then, around the corner from the Muppets display was something else that caught your eye.
You ran to the Jake and the Never Land Pirates area. This was the first time that you had seen the stuffed friends. Again, we told you it was best to wait to see what we may find in Orlando. Neither of you were thrilled with this idea.
An amazing cast member came and heard what was going on. She gave you each a special sticker and coloring sheet. When it was time to leave, they noticed you were both Perry fans. We were asked to stay a minute. In the back, they still had some of the special Perry hats that they gave away on Platypus Day.
We were lucky and managed to get all of us out of the store without buying too much. We bought a few things for our trip, and a few extras. Now I just wish we had a store closer to keep the magic near us for special times like this.
Love,
Mommy
Glasses Envy
Saturday, March 10th, 2012Dear NHL & JSL,
This was a big week for the two of you. As a family, we celebrated Purim several times.
NHL, last weekend you had your eyes checked and found out that you need to wear glasses all the time. They came in on Wednesday, so we picked them up just before going to the community Purim celebration. In an instant, you could not only see clearly, but you had grown up. You were so happy to have your new “Harry Potter” glasses and could not wait to show them to everyone.
JSL, what shocked me was your reaction to your brother’s glasses. You were so upset. You cried when we told you he needed them, you cried when he picked them out, and you had a tantrum when NHL picked them up to take home. I could not imagine what the problem was. When we asked you, you told us you were now the only one that did not wear glasses. So, after NHL got his glasses and a pair of clip-on sunglasses, we picked something special out for you.
Yes, a simple pair of Buzz Lightyear flip sunglasses saved the day. Now, we just need to keep helping NHL to adjust to the new clear world.
Love,
Mommy
Finally Some Snowy Fun
Saturday, March 3rd, 2012Dear NHL and JSL,
I know the two of you do not understand how I could possibly dislike the snow. Both of you will probably understand that a lot more once you have to drive in it and own a home. Of course, I can remember being a kid and making snow forts and playing outside for hours at a time with my friends. This winter, I have watched the two of you celebrate when you see a snow flake form, only to realize that there was nothing to go outside and play with.
That certainly changed this week when we doubled the winter snowfall in a 24 hour period. Finally, the two of you would be able to test out new winter gear and romp in the snow. Of course, that had to wait a day. I was not feeling well during the snow day and both of you were so sweet taking care of me. I promised you before school on Friday that if it was not raining you would have time outside.
Once NHL was out of school, we ran into the house and got everything on you and then went outside to check out the snow. I have to admit, this was amazing snow for building things. It had just enough moisture to make perfect snowballs.
The two of you played, ran, dug, slid, and so much more. Watching you smile, concentrate, and hearing the laughter was worth my numb toes.
Of course, I had to laugh when you both noticed the spot on the lawn that was perfect with no marks in it. JSL immediately immediately tossed his body down and went into perfect snow angel form. NHL was not into this, instead you just plunked down and looked around taking everything in.
It may have been cold, but it was fun watching the two of you enjoy the time together being creative in the snow. I promise not to complain too much next time it snows – well, not for too long.
Love,
Mommy
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