Larry Turns 30

Larry's birthday was Saturday night and I threw a big party for him at the house. I was planning on a "Frat Party" theme, with games and all, but the only elements of frat party that emerged was my new wood floors got thrown up on and two people passed out. Also, we had several companies represented that we work with and there was a lot of internal drama going on. Other than that, Larry had a great time, which is really all that matters.

I brought a caterer in, which I think was the best idea I've ever had. We had about 40 people there and I was able to relax between refereeing and not worry about cooking. I have to take a moment to describe the excellent spread. For starters, there were stuffed mushrooms, assorted quiche, shrimp cocktail, veggie crudites, and fresh fruit. For the dinner, salad with candied walnuts, blue cheese, cranberries and raspberry vinaigrette, smoky bbq ribs and grilled chicken, this amazing bow tie pasta with a cheesy sauce, green beans, red roasted potatoes and rolls. Then for dessert huge chocolate chunk cookies and to die for brownies. We have enough left overs to feed us for a month.

In keeping with the Frat theme, I did make Margarita jello shooters, which were really good.

Being that most of the guests have kids, the party had pretty much wound down by 12, and we were in bed by 2, which is a good thing, as I am getting old and just can't hang like I used too.

It Can Change in an Instant

On the way back to work from lunch, I was listening to the country station and they were taking requests. A lady called and brokenly asked if she could request a song. She went on to say that she had just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She dedicated "Live Like You Were Dying" to her children and promised, with a tearful voice, that she would fight it. Tears welled up in my own eyes as I thought about this poor woman and her family. I pray that God watches out for them.

Bragging on Shey-Shey

Shey has really blossomed over the past few months. His vocabulary and comprehension is amazing. He knows all his colors, shapes and can count past 10. What really gets me though, is his fine motor skills. I swear he colors in the lines almost as good as Peyton. I took a couple of videos of him last night doing his "homework." Just look at that concentration. :)



And here he is singing. The first part is a song he made up, but then he falls back to a couple old standards.

200th Post

It's only fitting that for my 200th post on Blogger, I answer a tag by an old friend who I recently found again, Kristin. (not sure why it's fitting, but it sounded poetic, no?)

1. Who is my man? Larry, or Lawrence, but no one calls him that.
2. How long have we been together? 10 and a half years.
3. How long did we date? We dated 10 months, and were engaged for a little over a year and a half.
4. How old is he? 30 this Saturday
5. Who eats more? Larry
6. Who said "I love you" first? I'm pretty sure it happened during an online chat and was phrased, "You know you love me."
7. Who is taller? He is.
8. Who sings better? I do, but that doesn't mean I sing well.
9. Who is smarter? I would venture to guess my IQ is higher.
10. Who has more of a temper? He does
11. Who does the laundry? We share, mostly.
12. Who takes out the trash? He does.
13. Who has sharper computer skills? Me, by a slight margin.
14. Who sleeps on the right side? He does. We used to sleep reversed, but when I was pregnant with Shey, I had to sleep on my right side, and I hate facing in.
15. Who pays bills? I do.
16. Who mows the lawn? He does mostly, I will every once in a while.
17. Who cooks? I do.
18. Who drives when we are together? He usually does.
19. Who pays when we are out together? It just depends on whose debit card is easiest accessible.
20. Who is more stubborn? We both are.
21. Who is first to admit it when they are wrong? Neither, thankfully, we very rarely are. ha ha
22. Who asked out who? Well, that's a hard one since we met online. I initiated the initial conversation though.
23. Who kissed who first? It was mutual, but he worked for it.
24. Who is more sensitive? I guess me, but that's not saying much.
25. Who has more friends? Larry has never met a stranger.
26. Who has more siblings? He has one brother, I'm an only child.
27. Who wears the pants? It depends on the situation.

I tag Chell, Dixie, and Nicole.

And My Heart Grew Three Sizes Bigger

Even though I work full time, I really wanted to volunteer as much as I could at Peyton's school this year. One of the activities I signed up for is their Read with Me Program. Each volunteer is given a student who is struggling with their reading, be it basic words, or comprehension, and we go to the school once a week for 20 minutes to read with the child.

I was given a little girl,T, in fifth grade. Last week when I showed up for the first time, the teacher was not very encouraging. She stated that T showed signs of ADHD, lack of socialization and stubbornness when it came to reading. She agreed with me when I mentioned that even just having a conversation with T would be a good starting part in an effort to help her open up more.

T was very friendly to me and didn't seem ashamed at all that she was reading in front of a total stranger. She brought a Curious George book to start, and while she knew most of the words (English isn't her first language), she barely paused for the periods or commas. Also, there was no expression whatsoever in her reading.

As I was reading, I gave her a pencil that I had grabbed out of the resource room, as well as a Create a Pepper dog tag I had bought at Chili's. I was unsure what a fifth grade girl would like as a "prize" for reading that day, but thought the dog tag would be a cool little thing. I also wasn't sure how T handled reading to me or what she thought.

I went back today and T walked in the classroom just before me. She turned as the door was shutting, then did a double take as she saw me and smiled big. I smiled back, pleased that she was happy I came back. We sat down to finish the Curious George book and about halfway through, she reached down the collar of her shirt and lifted out the dog tag. I thought my heart would burst out of my chest.

When we went for the orientation, they said how much having an adult help out meant to the kids, but I didn't really understand till that minute what an impact I could make on this young girl's life. Apparently I'm not as emotionally stunted as I sometimes think.

Little Helper

Peyton has had a bit of a talking problem since he started kindergarten. Actually, let me rephrase that, he has always had a bit of a talking problem, but now it is getting him in trouble. I feel a big part of his problem is that a lot of the things they are going over now is review for him. Peyton is not one to sit still when he doesn't have a task at hand. Couple this with his teacher being brand new out of college, and there was a bit of a conflict at first.

After two weeks, his teacher spoke to me about his talking and hitting. We got the hitting under control, thankfully, but Peyton is still running his mouth. His teacher and I agreed that she would send home daily reports so I could keep tabs on his behavior. Now see, while I know my son, I also think his teacher either lacks control of the classroom, or has an unrealistic expectations for these 5-yr olds. On the daily sheets, there is a sad face for Needs Improvement, a straight face for Good and a smiley face for Excellent. Even when Peyton "did well" or "behaved" for the day, she still gives him a straight face. Not once has she given him a smiley face. I take it with a grain of salt, and Peyton is praised for a straight face. I really feel that's all I can ask from him at this point.

Friday, his teacher did finally have a good idea and now when he starts talking or is finished with his work, she makes him the helper. He's very proud of this new job, and I really think it will help him keep his mouth in check. We have a conference Friday, and I think my first question will be, "Just what does he have to do to get a smiley face?"

Sometimes there is Peace

Last week, I TiVoed Spy Kids 3 for the boys and they have been enthralled with it ever since. This morning as soon as Shey woke up, he asked, "Can we watch the movie with the yellow and purple guy?" "Sure," I replied, even though they had just watched it last night. I turned on the movie, provided some juice and went about getting ready for work.

I heard the boys talking about which guy they were on the big screen and who was doing what at the time. I looked over as I was putting on my make-up and they were cuddled together at one end of the couch, heads together, pointing to the screen. I wanted to grab the camera, but I knew the moment would pass before I could adequately capture it. And five minutes later,

"You're the purple guy," said Peyton, "You just died. Shey died! Shey died!"

I guess all treaties are meant to be broken.

Nature at Work

The following video is just incredible.

All Hail the Dermatologist

For the past three months, I have been going to the dermatologist as my skin decided to revert back to the age of 15. We tried a couple of antibiotics, but my body didn't react well with them, so I stopped that. She also has given me a chemical peel the last two times I went. Combine that with my new favorite product, Dove's SkinVitalizer Facial Cleansing Massager* and Differin at night, my face has NEVER looked better. The texture is just amazingly smooth. I am in awe of my skin, and I have never felt that way.

I've also been using mineral powder foundation, which I've fallen in love with as well. It's so easy to put on. Yea for good skin!

*If you don't want to get the battery operated part of the massager, the pillows by themselves would probably provide adequate exfoliation. It's not so much though that it's irritating.

P.K Phone Home

Peyton made his first telephone call to a person outside of our family last night and let me just say I think it was one of the cutest things I have ever witnessed. He started off by asking me why Tyler didn't come over to play with him. I answered that I wasn't sure, but it may have something to do with the fact that it was raining and dark out. So then I asked him if he wanted to call Tyler. He said yes and even agreed to ask for him. I dialed the number and handed Peyton the phone. This was my side of the conversation.

"Tyler?"
"Tyler?" Bewildered look at me.

Me whispering, "Ask to talk to Tyler."

"Can I talk to Tyler?"

Apparently it started to take to long for Peyton's liking because he started to sing, "Tyyyylllleeeer, Tyyyylllleeerrr."

Peyton then gave me the bewildered look again and handed me the phone. I could hear Tyler's family talking in the background and his mother say, "The phone's for you."

Finally, Tyler answered.

"Tyler?"

Me whispering, "Tell him it's Peyton."

"Peyton."
"Why didn't you come over?"

Then Peyton put it on speaker phone so I could translate. Tyler answered that his mom said he couldn't because it was a school night.

Peyton replied, "It's ok if you get wet. Boys can get wet." (Larry had told him that earlier in the day when it was raining.) I explained that Tyler couldn't come over because it was too late. Then Peyton just stopped talking. I prompted him to talk.

"Tyler"

"yeeeahhhh?" Tyler replied, clearly not impressed with Peyton's phone skills.

Whispered by me "Tell him you'll see him this weekend."

"I'll see you this weekend."

Whispered, "Talk to you later."

"Talk to you later."

Whispered, "Bye."

"Bye."

Whew! I may not have to worry about him getting married till he's 30.

Adventures in Puppy Sitting

Friday morning on the way to work, I passed an English Bulldog and Shitzu running down the road together. As I drove past, I contemplated what I should do about it and by the time I reached the next light, I decided to turn around and see if I could help. I thought there would be someone near by screaming for their dogs to come home, but no such luck. As I drove back to where I saw the dogs, the bulldog ran right out in front of my car and I quickly pulled into the turn lane to try and nab her before she got ran over. Thankfully, the puppy was very friendly and hopped right in my car. I circled around, but still didn't see anyone looking for a dog and the Shitzu had disappeared as well.

I drove on to work thinking I could decide what to do then. I called our friends who live in the neighborhood near where I picked the little guy up, but she didn't know anyone with a bulldog. She said she would keep an eye out for signs.

At work, the puppy feasted on Ritz crackers and water as I talked it over with my coworker what we should do. A quick trip to the vet revealed that the dog had a microchip, but it wasn't registered. So home the puppy went with us. Larry was less than thrilled, but what was I going to do?

That night, I pulled out Zeus' old, old crate and set it up for the new visitor. What started off as a fun adventure, quickly turned into what was I thinking? The puppy was so hyper that Shey was scared of her, and although she was very sweet, she was also super possessive of the chew toys we gave her. Then there was the 4 o'clock in the morning bark to be let out. Ahhhhh!

At 9 the next morning, our phone rang and it was our friend calling to say that she had seen a sign for a lost bulldog and called to let them know the dog had been found. She said the woman was hysterical on the phone and hung up before our friend could tell her that I didn't live in the same neighborhood. Not a problem, I replied, I will bring the dog over now.

About 30 minutes later, the owner finally showed up and was so grateful. She helps run an English Bulldog rescue and the dog I found was staying at a "foster parents" house when she got out. Also, she was set for adoption next week. So, yea for my good deed. Also yea for an experience to prove to me that I do not really want a puppy or a baby even though I have been having baby fever lately. The whole experience just emphasized how much easier having a 5 and almost 3 year old is than a little baby.

Just a Little Technical Difficulty

Ecery week, Peyton brings home site words to help with his reading. This week included the word "see"

Me: Ok, sound it out. What letter is that?

Peyton: S

Me: Ok, how does S go>

P: ssssssss

Me: Ok, two e's together make it a long vowel, that's eeeee.

P: eeeeee

Me: Now, put it all together. What do you get?

P: It?

Me: . . .

September 11

This day holds such bittersweet memories for me. As many of you who either know me in real life, or have met me through here know, on September 11, 2001 at 6:15 or so in the morning, I found out I was pregnant with Peyton and our lives changed forever. Then barely 3 hours later, the attacks occurred and the world as a whole changed forever.

The first event was over a year and a half in the making, the second, who knows.

The first event filled me with wonder, happiness and fear, the second, terror and wondering what kind of place was I bringing a baby in to.

I remember mom calling me to see if I was ok and if I had heard while I was calling her to tell her she was going to be a grandmother. My emotions bounced from thrilled apprehension to nervous dread.

Today, especially, I pray for all those children who lost parents on that fateful day, for the mothers and fathers who are raising their children alone, and for the rest of us, that we may never feel that way again.

Our life (in bullet points)

- Already had a conference Tuesday with Peyton's teacher. Apparently, last week, he was hitting kids whenever they bothered him and talking excessively. This week, he didn't hit anyone, but is still talking excessively. I consider that an improvement.

- I also found out that this is his teacher's first year teaching and there are a large amount of boys in kindergarten this year. Great.

- Shey is potty trained. Whoop.

- Bathroom, still not done. Not whoop

- I think the anti-depressants are working, but I am just bored with work right now. I'm really ready to be a school mom.

- Huh, that's all I can think of. (see above bored)

Mr. Smarty Pants

Tuesday, Peyton's reading teacher send home a set of flashcards with color words on them for Peyton to practice his reading at home. We went over them that night and he did fairly well, with a little difficulty on the B words, blue, black and brown. I reminded him to look at the last letters too to get a hint on the word. He sat down with the cards by himself and practiced as well.

Last night after his bath, I picked the cards up from the counter where he left them and held them up for practice. He sped through them, not even hesitating on the B's like Tuesday. I was amazed and told him how good he did. He grinned up at me and said, "I put them in order of the rainbow."

How ingenious is he?

Peyton is Finally Swimming

Peyton's First Day of School

He walked right in, like a champ.

Where did you go?

A couple of my regular reads have gone missing. It's funny how we grow concerned for these people who we will probably never meet in real life, but know more about than some of our closest friends. I hope that they are ok, and just too busy or writer blocked to write. This leads me to wonder, if a tragedy were to befall me, who would let my 5 readers know? I will have to ponder the proper procedures and put something in place. Maybe a special spot in my will, if I ever make one.

All of this brings us to the following, we will be on vacation next week and hence, the blog will be quiet. I just didn't want you to think something terrible had happened to me, especially after the last entry.

Doctor Visit

Anti-depressants and a tetnus shot. I would consider that a successful doctor's appointment. Wouldn't you?

And So it Begins . . .

I took Peyton this morning to his new school for the placement test for kindergarten. There were already a couple of moms there when we arrived and their kids were already being tested. After they called Peyton back, I asked the person checking them in what all the test involved. She told me that they would be questioned on their shapes, colors, alphabet, writing their name, etc. One of the moms piped in that it was pre-k basics. The other mom added, "My son can already read." The first mom was quick to reply, "Oh yeah, mine has been been reading since he was two and a half." (*coughbullshitcough*)

I stood there for a second and then said, "Mine knows Algebra."

The moms nodded appreciatively till I skipped a beat and said, "I'm just kidding."

After they both left, I looked at a grandmother that was left and said, "If they know how to read by kindergarten, what are they going to learn in kindergarten?"

She smiled and replied, "I know, you might as well keep them at home."

You know, it wasn't even that their kids could read that got under mine skin so bad. Peyton knows his letters, he knows their sounds, he knows some words and he's starting to sound out words on his own, which is where I'd expect him to be now and will help him when school starts. I was more annoyed with the whole Look at my kid! See what he can do!

As the moms were leaving, one couldn't help but throw in after she mentioned that her son attended one of the temples for pre-k that he counted in Spanish (which most kids in South Florida do) and spoke Hebrew. I was so close to retorting, "yeah, well, my kid hits butts AND talks about his pee-pee!"