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« 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
Cake Wishes from the Birthday Boy
Tuesday, May 15th, 2012Yesterday was JSL’s 5th birthday. Monday birthdays are tricky when you are in school. It means you can’t do anything too big and elaborate, but still need to make the day extra special. On Sunday, JSL finally opted not to ask for an ice cream cake and wanted a chocolate cake with sprinkles in it. That can not really happen, so he picked something else, along with frosting and items to decorate the cake.
In the morning I took the boys to school. When I dropped JSL off, his teacher E had him make a special birthday crown. Later on when I went back in, the crown was complete.
Then it was time to have a birthday snack with everyone. When the kids were done singing to JSL, he was asked to share how old he is now. Yes, he now needs an entire hand.
After a story and some dancing, we packed up to head home. We were on a mission. Before going to school JSL asked me only to bake the birthday cake. As a new big five year old, he wanted to help frost and decorate his own masterpiece. So I set out supplies and we started to work.
JSL soon learned that when you pull up on frosting…cake will follow along with it. Thanks to that, he also learned how to repair holes with more frosting.
Once the cake was covered in frosting, it was time to add some color. JSL was careful placing sprinkles at first, then he started to just dump them on, and eventually he wanted some gold to add a little sparkle.
When the cake was finished we pulled out the present that he begged for. JSL wanted walkie-talkies for his birthday. These are the cool Perry ones that we found for the Phineas and Ferb fan:
Unfortunately, the walkie-talkies did not work. We called the company and they were amazing. Later on we brought them back to the Toys R Us and exchanged them for some the exact same item that worked perfectly. Then we came home to have some of the cake that JSL helped to make.
It is still so hard to believe that my “baby” is already five!
Today my Baby is Five
Monday, May 14th, 2012Dear JSL,
Five years ago yesterday, I had no idea that my world would forever change again. It was Mother’s Day and I was very pregnant with you. I slept a lot of the day because I was so exhausted. When I woke up Monday morning, you made it quite clear that today would be your birthday.
Now I look at your sweet little face and the baby, toddler, preschooler is slipping away. You are getting to be so big and will be heading to kindergarten in September. I can not believe that my baby is going to be a kindergarten kid. Your sweet personality makes you so easy to get along with. You are one smart cookie who has a great sense of humor, loves to perform plays for everyone, and help others. Here is a look at your fourth year.
To celebrate turning four, we had a lot of pirate celebrations. Jake and the Never Land Pirates had made a huge impact on your life and everything seemed to be pirates. It was also the first time that you rode solo on the Merry-go-Round at Hoffman’s. (May 2011)
June started off with a major scare when you had a febrile seizure at school. Thank goodness you were in great hands that day. The rest of the month was a lot less eventful. You finished your first year of preschool and we spent time together before NHL was finished with second grade. (June 2011)
We had a busy summer together. NHL, you, and I went to a lot of events at the library and Michaels for their craft program. You loved making items and sharing them with everyone. The summer was also very warm and you liked heading into our little pool to play and the spray ground at the park. (July 2011)
The end of the summer was filled with preparations for NHL’s 8th birthday, going to the movies, more trips to Hoffman’s, and keeping cool. Mommy and Daddy were supposed to go away and you were so excited about possible presents from Disney. Hurricane Irene had other plans and you worked to help us prepare the house for her arrival. (August 2011)
School started back and you were going five days a week for most of the day. Although I missed our extra time together, I knew playing with your friends and learning was important. Each day I would look forward to see all the books, drawings, and creations that you would make. We also went apple picking on your first fieldtrip of the year. (September 2011)
The Fall brought an extreme interest in learning to write. You were constantly writing new books at the start of each day in nursery school. Then, at home, you were using the new LeapFrog goodies we received to try reading on your own. Of course, we ended the month with snow in October just in time for Jedi Tigger to go out for some treats. (October 2011)
We had a relatively quiet month in November. You declared that you liked fruit on a stick, constantly played your guitar, and kept using your favorite markers each morning at school. (November 2011)
Muppets, Snowflake the Bear, Chanukah, and more pirates filled the month of December. You loved playing dress up, especially with your Jake and the Never Land Pirates shirt on. I have a feeling that was your super costume for the Super JSL Buzz Lightyear show that you liked to do all the time. (December 2011)
Thanks to you sleeping in our bed, Daddy and I finally agreed that it was time to get you a big boy bed. The two of you still wanted to share a room, so we bought bunk beds that were delivered on New Years Eve. Much of January was spent getting used to the new sleeping arrangements and wondering why you would not play in the missing snow. (January 2012)
February brought an illness that kept you home from school for a while. Thankfully, we kept febrile seizures away. During break from school, we kept warm inside the house making crafts and also went to the library to explore and see friends. You continued to love going to school to see all of your friends, teachers, and of course your speech therapist C. It was becoming clear to all of us that you were growing up so much and ready to be a kindergarten kid soon. (February 2012)
Lots going on in March. My favorite little pirate came out to play for Purim. Pirate JSL also liked to add more to his costume when playing at home. We had fun at Platypus day looking for Perry. Finally, snow arrived that allowed you to head outside to play. (March 2012)
The month began with Passover preparations. That kept us busy as we were also getting set for another trip to Walt Disney World at the end of the month. You also fell in love with making pottery at a friend’s birthday party. (April 2012) 
Please excuse me if I cry a little today. It is hard for me to believe that my baby has gone from this:
to this in five short years:
As much as I am sad to see you get older, I am excited. I can not wait to see more of who you are becoming. I look forward to watching you learn to read, write, and develop into more of the character and sweet young boy that you already are.
Happy 5th birthday sweetie and here is to many more happy and wonderful memories ahead.
Love,
Mommy
Past B-day posts to JSL:
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
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
Preschool Seder Time
Thursday, April 5th, 2012Growing up, I still remember Passover Seders at nursery school. When I went to NHL’s during preschool, it brought back amazing memories. Last year, I went with JSL to his first one during his three day a week program. This week, we had another preschool community Seder with JSL’s school. Please join me for a tour of their beautiful event.
When you walked into the room, there were place cards to see which table your family would be sitting at. Then, each of the small round tables was set up for kids and adults to be together. I love that they stack two chairs together to make sure that the kids are able to participate and see everything.
If you take a closer look, there was a Seder plate at the center of each table. Along with this there were platters of matzah, fruit, eggs, carrots, kuggel, tuna, and underneath foil desserts. Each of the kids had their own little setting by them to participate. There were also Haggadahs for everyone to read the Passover story.
When the classes arrived, all of the kids went to find their families at the table. JSL came to sit down and we opened up our Haggadah to get ready.
The kids were active participants. They helped to tell the story, sing songs, and more. JSL had his frog puppet ready when it was time to talk about the plagues.
The kids were not the only ones involved with retelling the Passover story. Some special people showed up as well.
This was a great surprise and so much fun to watch the kids interact with everyone. These will definitely be memories that JSL and I will always remember. Of course, the videos I took will also help with that department. Thank you to everyone at nursery school for making this such a wonderful experience.
Arts and Crafts from Passover 2012
Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
Hockey Days Gone By
Thursday, March 29th, 2012Yesterday, I went to an Albany Devils game with my son’s class. The Devils gave Capital District schools tickets to a matinee game as a community outreach program. As soon as I sat down in my seat, my eyes wandered across the ice and to the right by the team bench. Why over there? Well, that is where I sat for several seasons in a row, during every home game when I had Season Tickets to the Albany River Rats.
Ah, those were the days. The original team filled with New Jersey Devils prospects like Patrik Elias, Petr Sykora, Mike Dunham, Steve Sullivan, and so many more. As you can see from the photo, I had an amazing hockey spot. I sat center ice, a few row back from the Devils bench. We sat so close to the players that I can actually say I learned some interesting phrases as they screamed to the visitors bench at times.
For some reason, it was like I had been sent back in time. There must be something special about the air during a hockey game. It brought me back to my college days where I had few responsibilities, no husband, and no kids. I love those memories, but so thrilled to have my family and life.
Do you have a place that you like to visit that reminds you of your “old school” days?
BTW – For any old time River Rats fans, the photos above were taken on February 2, 2001. It was a River Rats game against the Hamilton Bulldogs with an autograph session on the ice after.
Passover Crafts and Play
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
Kids and Computers
Thursday, March 22nd, 2012Times have changed a lot since I was a child. Back when I was in elementary school, we were lucky to have one of the old apple computers in a classroom. There were no computer labs for classes to go to as a group. There were no Smart Boards, class iPads, or other technology related resources for teachers to use like we have now. My boys will never understand how lucky they are. They not only get to go with their class to learn how to use computer, but there are educational games that really teach and help them to master skills for multiple subject areas.
Of course, as lucky as they are, it made me wonder if our children are really getting the technology education at school that they need to compete in the world today. Young children need these experiences so they can excel and do more when they get into middle and high school level classes. This is a post that I wrote last year for another project that really got me thinking.
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Technology education for kids is extremely important. The reality is that many schools (public and private) do not have formal technology curriculum for the elementary age level. Schools that used to have a full time Technology Education teacher, now may only have them part time or not at all. When budget cuts are made, this is an area that seems to suffer. This is not only true in the Capital District, but across the United States.
If we want our children to be able to compete with people from around the world, we need them to be able to use computers. This does not mean that they should simply be good with applications, games, educational software and websites. No, our children need to learn the basics of keyboarding, word processing, utilizing spreadsheets, and presentation programs like PowerPoint.
Classroom teachers now need to juggle even more during the academic year. They must incorporate technology into their curriculum and in most cases teach it themselves. During this time, kids need to be shown how to use the internet. They must be taught about internet safety, how to do effective research, what reliable sources are on the world wide web, and more.
Thanks to the ever increasing role of social media, even elementary aged children know about Twitter, Facebook, instant message, blogs, and more. Protecting our children is key. My plan is to expand on this topic in future blog posts and/or magazine articles. First, I would like to hear back from you about your experience with kids and computers.
- Are computers in your child’s classroom, or within a lab at school? How are they utilized?
- Does your school/district have a formal technology education curriculum? If you answer yes, is there a specific technology check list of skills that students need to accomplish by certain grade levels?
- Is there a teacher that is certified in Technology Education or does the classroom teacher doing this when they use a computer lab?
- Is technology/computer class listed on your child’s report card?
- If you have anything else to share about your current or past experience with Technology Education classes within the elementary school grades, please share.
Feel free to answer in the comments below, or reach me via my contact form above if you have more to share that you are not comfortable with leaving in this manner. Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing your experiences.
Disclosure: This post was previously published on a project I worked on. The text is mostly the same, but I placed a new introduction based on current thoughts.
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