Riley's 8 & Start of The Christmas Spirit

Another successful birthday has come and gone. Riley celebrated his eighth birthday this past Saturday. He scored big with Pokeman cards, DS games, and money. It was sure nice to see a smile on his face. Here's Riley acting silly. He decided to put footballs in his shirt and do some poses for the camera. We put the Christmas tree and decorations up this afternoon. It seems every year we put it up earlier and earlier. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year and we want to keep that feeling going as long as we can. I will try hard not to play any Christmas music until December 1st.

Report Cards

I can't believe that we are almost at the end of November and that December fast approaching. Soon the Christmas tree will go up and the Big Guy will be making his yearly visit. Around this time the first report cards come out and I cross my fingers and hope that the kids are doing well in school.

Last night we went to the school to see what the kids have been doing these past few months. Bella, who usually is not shy, shut right down. Dwayne and I had to force her to show us what she does everyday at school. Even the teacher was a little surprised by the way she was acting. In the end she is adjusting well and her report card held no surprises. Bailey, of course, is excelling in everything that she touches. She came home with 5 A's and 3 B's. We are very proud of her. When it came to Riley's turn, Dwayne and I were a little worried. Some of the tests he has been bringing home weren't the best. He really has a hard time slowing down and his teacher even verbalized that when we sat down with her. She told us that if he took his time, he would excel. When we got his report card, we almost fainted. Though it wasn't all A's, (only 2 in Health and Music) it was a really good report. He can bring those B's up to A's in no time. So overall the kids are doing wonderful and the anxiety I have over how they are doing in school was put to rest.

Sick Girl

Bella has been sick for a few days now. It was the stomach flu. Poor thing. She has spent the last two nights in my bedroom on the floor so I could keep an eye on her. Sunday night she got really sick in her bed (I'll spare you the details.) and this way if she got sick again, I was there to act quickly. Sometimes I forget that she is still a little girl. Even though she's not in diapers or drinking from a bottle, she still needs her mom. The kids are very independent. But when they get sick, they become very dependent on you. She is feeling much better today. She'll probably go back to school tomorrow.

Lest We Forget

Halloween 2008

Bailey Turns Seven

Another successful birthday has come and gone. The guests have left and the mess is cleaned up. Balloons have been popped and the wrapping paper is in the recycle bin. The sugar high has past and every present has been played with. Tired eyes are looking at me, I guess it's bed time. My little girl is seven.

Tidbits

I'm sitting here watching the leaves fall from the trees. It lets me know that I should be preparing for the snow that can fall anytime now and how little time I have to do it in. The coats need to be taking out and tried on to make sure they fit for another year. As well as the snowpants and boots. I have a feeling this year that I'm going to have to buy Riley and Bailey new outfits. Hopefully the weather will hold for a bit.

Bailey's 7th birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. She's wants a party and I'll have to think about what do to. She wants to invite all the girls in her class. That's about ten screaming girls. I'll have to self medicate that day.

Our new kitchen is now completed. It was ten days of pure turmoil. Even though it took so long to be finished, the guys did a great job. I'm sure there are going to be many days where we can be in the kitchen cooking as a family.

Bella received Star of The Week at school today. She got it for being a great and kind friend to all of the kids in her class. Being Star of The Week means there is a phone call home and she gets to take home a certificate and a treat. She's going to be so excited when I go and pick her up today after school. What a babe.