And our teacher is....

We are anxiously awaiting to see who the boys teachers will be for next year.  Of course we haven't gotten Cody and Dylan's yet....but Tyler's came the other day.  I am soooo happy he got Mrs. Cluck.  Same teacher that Cody had.  I loved both of the boys but I think Tyler will mesh well with her.  So we will wait to see who the other two have and then it's the daunting task of back to school shopping!  Oh who am I kidding...I love to shop!  :)

Catching Up.

Wow - so much to write about...shame on me for not doing it.  So now I get to search my memory bank and write.  I some how think that only the "important" stuff will still be up there.  :)

Kindergarten Celebration - June 18th.
Such a cute event.  We were quickly told by the principal though that it was a "celebration" and not a "graduation" as Binghamton only has one of those.  Whatever! Really, the school can't recognize the completion of Kindergarten.  They sang lots of songs....Cody and Dylan both had a part in one song.  They held up flash cards through the song.  It was very nice that they stood next to each other for this event.  Because after that - they went to opposite sides and trying to watch 2 kids at one time while they aren't standing next to each - yah, next to impossible.  Cody sang his songs proudly....Dylan sang them as if he was annoyed he had to be doing it.  After the songs and little video/picture presentation we headed to the cafe for cake.  Still can't believe the school year is over and they are now 1st Graders. 

Relay for Life - June 18th
Starting last year my company has organized a team to walk. Last year we did much better with raising money but for our small group we still manager to raise almost $2000.  So that was awesome.  This year we had fantastic weather - no rain - and lots of sun and HOT.  It gives you goosebumps as you stand there and clap as the survivors walk by.  It's a lot of fun to walk, great exercise and raising money for a great cause.  Not to mention it's something you can do with the whole family.  My kids love to walk the track. 

Pre-school Graduation - June 21st
Tyler had his moving up day.  Ty is my shy kid.  Not sure where he gets that from although Brett seems to think he was shy when he was younger.  I'll have to see if I can find any truth to this.  Cause lord knows he's not shy now.  They sang a couple of songs and Tyler finally started singing the second song.  They wore cute little blue graduation hats.  I thought I had a hard time with C&D moving up - I really can't believe my baby is going off to school in September.  That doesn't seem possible at all! 

Tyler's Birthday - the big #5!
After a quick trip to Cuba for a graduation party, we came home on Sunday to celebrate Tyler's birthday.  He choose to have a batman birthday party.  Although if you asked him what he wanted it was Toy Story everything. :)  We had a small gathering, had invited the preschool class and was expected 4 kids to show up plus or normals.  Well here is a big pet peeve of mine - if you RSVP you are coming and then don't come - you need to call.  It's so rude!  That happened with 3 kids.  UGH.  So then as we are about a 1/2  hour into the party doesn't a kid show up - that we had no idea was coming.  OK, whatever - glad he came as Tyler and him really did get a long great this year.  However, he shows up with no gift.  Not even a card.  Now it's not about the presents but really not even a little something.  $5, whatever!  So I thought maybe the mom would bring a card back with her when she came to pick him up....nope!  Then she had the nerve to tell me that she'll be inviting Tyler to his party in August. Yah, we aren't going!  But we had fun, fun, fun and the weather was awesome.  The kids played and jumped on the trampoline and we had cake and ice cream and it was great.  He had a smile all day and that's what counts. 

So now we are onto a busy next couple of weeks and I'm thinking the month of July will fly.  I am silently hoping anyways....as we head for our family vacation the first part of August!  :)

....bully...update!

Thanks to all of those that read and commented on my previous blog post. (I don't mean for all of my blog writings to come over to facebook but somehow I turned that feature on and can't figure out how to turn it off). However, since it does it also has allowed me to get great feed back from other's that have walked these shoes. And if you don't know me....that means a lot to me.

Anyway, I talked to Cody's teacher this morning when I dropped them off at school. She agreed with me and my request but said that her hands were some what tied as the student who did it was not in her class. Last night as I was going through Cody's bag I found that he had a nurses note so I felt that if the teachers knew, the nurse knew...the principal should know. Punching is a pretty big deal. He (the principal) agreed with me! He was not happy. He was concerned as to where the 4 aids were that are outside with the Kindergartners. He asked for the story and who the child was. I shared what I knew and he promised me he would get to the bottom of it. He felt that a good punishment would be to take away recess time. I agreed. It happened on the playground - so take the playground away. That is what happened. I am hoping the parents were notified and I really hope that the little boy understands that you can't punch somebody else.

Cody seems fine today. He didn't give me a fuss about going to school this morning. I honestly think that Dylan is more ticked off about it. As I was putting Dylan to bed tonight, he told me that he asked "boy J" why he punched his brother and the kid didn't answer. :) Dylan is a very big protector of his brothers. He might want to smack them around but don't let anybody else. :) That my friends, it just what it means to be brother's!

Kindergarten Bullying......."really?!?!"

I probably shouldn't write/act/talk about it as it all happened today and I'm pretty upset by it all. Who knows...maybe over reacting a little. However, it's my child and if I didn't, what type of parent would that make me. Honestly, I think my little boys are lucky that I have their back! :)

The morning started out good. Although I am still trying to catch up on that hour of sleep that seems to be kicking my butt every morning but whatever.... We were running 10 minutes behind. The boys were eating quickly and as they started to get dressed, Cody tells my mom and I that his head hurts. OK. So I gave him some tylenol and out the door we went. Got to school, dropped them off and he just looked a little out of it when he got out of the car. So, I got to work and decided to email his teacher to let her know. The day went on and I didn't hear from her or the school so I assumed the headache was gone and he had a fine day. It wasn't long before I was due to leave and go for my daily drive to pick them all up from school that the teacher wrote me back. Said he was fine all day .... but..... there was an incident on the playground today. As I read what was next my blood started to boil. Cody was on the playground and a boy "showed him his fist and then punched him in the stomach". Wow! Are you kidding me!

I left work to go pick them up and called my sister. I was angry but of course did not know the story. She suggested that maybe I don't speak of it first and see if they tell me. Good idea. I did just that. They got about 2 steps out of the school and Dylan spills it. So I talked to them a bit. Cody was on the playground playing with 2 friends "G" and "A". Girl "A" is not in his class. Then next comes over two boys. (one of them a few weeks ago pushed Cody).....the other boy "J" showed Cody his fist and then punched him in the stomach. All because Cody was playing with Girl "A". The teacher told me "J" apologized but Cody says not. Maybe the kid just apologized to the teacher/Cody - who knows and honestly I don't care!

I haven't spoken with his teacher but wrote her back. I will see her tomorrow at school. I am requesting the principal be notified and I am hoping something goes home to the parents. This boy isn't in either of Cody or Dylan's class. Is this a form of bullying....to me it is! You don't punch a kid because he is playing with somebody you don't want him too. And yes, I am very sensitive when it comes to Cody. I am only guessing I will be this way if it's the other 2 as well. I do know that Cody has enough fears and anxiety that I have to deal with - that are medically related. I am NOT adding school to the list....IN KINDERGARTEN! I have no tolerance for a bully. Yah, kids can be kids...I get that...but darn it - you don't let kids punch another kid. I don't let his brother's do it. And they are brother's - they fight! I've also asked what is the schools policy on bullies and what does the school do to prevent them. Yah, this kid just punched him, but in 3 more years when he's 9-10 years old...but is he doing. Perfecting the punch. So yah, for now...this child has hit the wrong kid. I'm not going to be quiet. I only hope that if my child did it to somebody else - the school and other parent would be just as upset.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Today was our very first parent-teacher conferences. They went fantastic. I kind of thought they would as if the boys were having any major problems I would of hoped the teachers would of thought to address that with me sooner. I have to say I do love both of their teachers this year and so far our start to Kindergarten has gone great.

I met with Mrs. Cluck first. She said Cody is an absolutely joy to have in her class. He is a sweet boy, well mannered, keeps her on her toes. He likes to get down to business and concentrates hard on his work. She said that if she does something different from the first day, Cody will remind her that that is not what she did yesterday. She has no concerns and he is meeting or exceeding his grade level. She did say that he doesn't know his middle name. Which he does and she asked him if his mom every called him it when he was in trouble at home and he said "no, she just calls me Cody". Trust me - Cody James gets used often. :) She also said he doesn't know his address. I was surprised on this one as that is one thing we have gone over and it was one thing they learned in pre-school. So we'll work on that. He does know his phone number though and spit that right out to her. He can't "tie" and I will take the blame on that. With 3 boys in the house - I don't have time to "tie" shoes, we buy velcro! :) She laughed and understood. He can count to 49 (only needs to be able to do to 20) and can write numbers up to 10 (only has to do 0-5). She said he really likes to write in all Capital letters but can do lower case when reminded. She wrote he is well liked by everyone and is a happy boy!

Then I met with Mrs. Matyas. We could get write to the task at hand as Mrs. Cluck had already explained forms and such to me. She loves having Dylan in her class and says he is also very polite, well behaved and she tends to use him as her "model student" to remind the kids to do like Dylan. He didn't know his address either - so we will be working on that one. I know they know it - but we may need to re-enforce it. He is also meeting or exceeding grade level and there were no major issues. I was so happy to hear he is doing so great in school. He and I butt heads and he can give me major attitude but to hear he is that polite, courteous boy in school - I love to hear it.

So the day went great. I'm very thankful to have 2 great teachers this year and the boys are loving Kindergarten!!!

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mom's birthday....her last birthday in her 5o's. Next year she turns the big 6-0. We celebrated yesterday with her. The boys helped make a cake...and they helped taste it (before it had frosting on it) and without me knowing about it. Thankfully the frosting covered it up. We all chipped in and got her a nice digital camera. I'll call her Ms. Digital! She honestly is the farthest thing from it. Her camera experience should be great and no doubt will cause us to have a couple laughs. :)

Kindergarten and pre-school are going great. The boys all love school. Especially Cody and Dylan who are so excited to be doing new things every day. They keep the kids busy. No naps for them. They come home very tired but look forward to the next day with excitement. Tyler is enjoying his year back with his class. Not all the kids came back but a few of his "favorites" and he is loving it. Last year was a more "coming out of his shell" type of year and this year he seems to get more out of it.

I've seem to take on another job....it's called Mom's Bus! On my lunch hour, I go and pick Tyler up and then head to another school to pick up C&D. I pull up in front of the house, honk my horn, my mom comes out and the boys unbuckle and out they go. It makes for a busy hour and one that is fine as long as there is no snow on the ground. The weather should make it interesting.

This week we only have one appointment and that is the dentist for a cleaning. Should go smoothly as they have all had this done before. Cody is excited to show that he has a loose tooth. He can't wait for the tooth fairy to come. Dylan has lost 2 so it's time for Cody to catch up.

We had signed the boys up for Soccer that was starting on Sat. We got to the indoor field, gathered with all the parents and waited. The coach never showed. Left kind of dis-appointed and figured something good must of happened. Well, I guess he had to have surgery on a disk and is out 4-6 weeks. So he's not coaching soccer and he's not sure if somebody else is going to pick up his spot. So kind of disappointed and frustrating as I spent money on balls and shin guards to only wear them for a 1/2 hour. Most all other leagues have started and since my boys have never played soccer before it might be hard to get on a team now. So we'll sit it out most likely. Which is a "smirky face" kind of way is fine as we know NOTHING about soccer and would love to see them play football! :) Everybody that knows my husband knows where I am going with that!

This past week also brought some bad news to our extended family. Brett's sister has been diagnosed with another brain tumor. She had one 6 years ago that they operated on and she had done well with recovery. However, the ugly thing reared it's head and she had surgery end of May. At that time though, she found out she was pregnant and could not undergo chemo and radiation. Unfortunately, the tumor grew back and we wait till the baby can be born for her to have surgery and treatment. Any and all prayers are needed for her.

1st day of Kindergarten

A very cool day to start Kindergarten - 9/9/09....probably won't ever forget that date. The boys loved it. They came home with great stories. Dylan had art class today. Cody's class stayed in and read a story and got to draw. They ate lunch but not together. Not sure if they get a choice of where to sit or not. I guess Cody's class didn't get to go outside for recess as a boy in his class punched a girl. Oh boy! We should have a great year. Tomorrow comes the real test as we go at normal time 7:50 - 2:40....and I begin my new job of MOM TAXI.

To make our day more interesting....I also had scheduled Cody to have a endo doctor visit. Blood work came back good. His TSH level is holding steady from what it was in February. Dr. Wu said that he'll see him back in May '10. He said right now he's on been on Levoxyl for 10 months and he isn't ready to take him off the meds yet. From what he said, it could be a couple years of meds and only if the blood work stays consistent and we don't need to increase meds will he get to come off the medication. So we wait..... Cody was hoping to hear he wouldn't have to take the pill anymore.

Ending out our first day of school day - we met Brett at a pizza shop for some yummy pizza to celebrate!

Kindergarten and Misc. Pictures

Brett and his Grandma Luckey. Bless her heart she doesn't know who many people are. Or if and when she recognizes you she remembers you from when you were much smaller. So just before this picture I was helping each boy get a piece of cake. First up was Tyler and I told her that this was Brett's youngest. She commented that he looked just like Brett. Then was Dylan's turn and she said the same thing except this time she specifically commented on Dylan's eyes and how they are just like his daddy's. Cody was last and she said he also looked like Brett and that's when I just couldn't believe her anymore. He looks nothing like him - but she did say that he has very soft and warm hands like his Dad. It was so great to see her and to get a picture like this. Not sure how much longer we will have her with us. But this picture we will be able to cherish forever! Cody on his first day of Kindergarten. He got to his class, hung up his bookbag and was off. I had to find him in the sea of parents and he showed me this section. It's right in front of the board and is their "meeting" room. Dylan picked out a great cubby and his name tag was waiting for him. He was excited to get it on, humored his mom for a picture and then was off to sit and draw at the table. Their smiles really do say it all. They were very excited to leave this morning. And at the end of the day - they had a great day!

1st day of Kindergarten Camp!

Today was the first day of Kindergarten camp. We got to meet the teachers, see the classroom, meet some friends and just help ease them into the whole idea of Kindergarten. They did great. I was kind of curious how I would decide on who to go with. So I asked them, Cody wanted to go with Brett so I went with Dylan. Dylan has Mrs. Matyas. As I left him at the table coloring, he had a little tear in his eye but there was no way he was letting it go. I got down the hall to Cody's room (Mrs. Cluck's) and saw Brett talking with the teacher. I peaked around him and Cody's face was as red as can be. So I held back my own tears and we chatted with the teacher a minute. I explained he was a twin and that this is his first time away. That seemed to put things in perspective for her. So we left and Cody did fine. Brett picked them up at the playground and they were having fun. They have talked about it all night and look forward to going back tomorrow.

Now my thoughts......standing in that hall way with them I couldn't help but flash back to the day they were born. These little 5lb babies with big eyes just starring up at us for us to guide into the little men they have become. I remember back to Dylan's baby days and his crying and his reflux and thinking those nights of "jiggling" would never end. Back to Cody's early days and wondering what his future even held for him. Would he even go to the same school as Dylan? (may seem like a dumb thought to some, but those that have walked my shoes know where I am coming from....I didn't know anything about his birth defect)......then I watch the two of them grow up. Watch them sit up together, crawl together, stand up at toys together, took those first steps together....brother's through and through. Yes they fight and now that they talk probably have said some things to each other but really have never been apart. They have during Cody's surgeries and Dylan has been caring and wondered when his brother was coming home. I remember how Cody healed from his palate surgery so much faster after he got home to his brother. So to have them stand in that hallway and know that in seconds they are about to embark on a new path - a separate path from each other was sad, exciting, proud, emotional.....all sorts of emotions wrapped into one. Yes they will still be brothers, yes they will still fight and nothing will change at home.....but during the day they will go to their own class, meet some new friends, be taught similar things just in a different way. I know they will do great. Yes I'll probably cry one more time on the first day of school but after that.....who'll have time!!!! I'll be super busy keeping up with 2 little boys in Kindergarten! YIPPEE!!!!!

Field Trip - Part 2

On Wednesday both classes met at Pizza Uno for a fun field trip of making pizza and getting a tour of the restaurant. The kids love this as they can have hands on making their own pizza. And what kid doesn't like pizza! The pizza's were super yummy too! Thankfully the kids share! :)

Field Trip!

Today was the first school field trip of the year. We went to Fiato's Apple Orchid to pick apples, take a hayride, play in the hay maze and eat donuts and cider. We are having some great weather so the day was perfect. When we left we actually turned the air on in the van. All 5 of us went. The boys met up with all their school friends. Tyler kind of stuck with us but the groups were divided so he did have some of his classmates with us. It was nice for me to meet some of these parents. I am so out of the loop with Tyler's class as Brett takes him/picks him up. So I got to chit chat with the parents and start to learn a whole new group of kids names. We did get the orchid early and was able to buy new pumpkins for the boys. They got some good ones. These pumpkins will be kept inside until Halloween and then once put outside we will bring them in every night. Halloween pumpkins this year have cost me $36 this year. Way to much if you ask me!

The leaves are so pretty this time of year!

Tyler's first school field trip. Hard to believe he is my baby and is 3 now. Sniff, sniff! They grow to fast. On the hay wagon and ready to go! Dylan and Nathan.......One thing about today was I saw who the boys "paired up" with. It wasn't each other. They both had their "groups". That was neat to see! Last year it was just the two of them....this year they have expanded. Big step for them I think!After fun and games - it was time to pick our apples. They have all learned the proper way to pick an apple. (Twist and pull) The farmers were very happy. The trees that were ready had a tag on them and the kids were told to look for the colored tag. Then it was in search of the BIG apple. Dylan found his.....After some examining - Cody found his too......Tyler decided that he would get right down, sit down and pick out the perfect apple! Oh and they were only supposed to get 2 - Tyler is still learning and took 4. Oops!

He did fantastic!

Tyler did super today. He surprised his mom and even his Dad and didn't shed a tear. Brett and Ty got to school, he knew he had to hang up his bag but wasn't sure what cubbie was his. So they found that and then went to the tables for a quite toy. He didn't want to do a puzzle or blocks but found a barn with animals and wanted that. So he played, Brett told him he had to go and he'd be back in a little bit - he gave kisses and a hug and that was it. Brett left and no crying! Yippee! When Brett got there to pick him up, Mrs. T said he did good. Did whimper a little about the time the kids ate and wanted his blanket. But it was for a quick minute and the B was in the bag when Brett got him. I chatted with him tonight asking a lot of yes or no questions. It's about all I can get out of a 3 year old. He ended the conversation with "I go back tomorrow".

Cody and Dylan also had a good first day. Cody said they got to draw and he made his Dad a heart and Dylan made me one, they played with some friends and that was about it. Boys...gotta love how "chatty" they are.

On to other news...I got a nice little surprise in the mail today. Kristie had sent us our thank you note. She said she was putting something "extra" in it for us girls but I had no idea what. Well, they sent us gift cards to go to Olive Garden as appreciation for our hard work at the shower. She sooooooooooooooooo didn't have to do that. We wanted to do the shower and can't wait for Jack to get here. So us girls are trying to figure out when we can go have lunch just the 3 of us. Wow - that almost NEVER happens. Thank you Kristie!

Our Morning....

Today officially kicked off preschool. I had to of course wake the boys this morning and drag their little butts out of bed. As I was rousing Dylan, I had sent Cody into the bathroom and he came to the door way of the bedroom and I could tell by the look on his face something was up. I asked what is wrong and he was trying to get out his belly hurt. So I quickly ushered him into the bathroom and well you can figure out the rest! I think he might of had a couple nerves and the fact that he didn't eat well for dinner so he might of been hungry. They got dressed and we were out the door and Cody seemed fine. We got to school and it was like we never left. They quickly hung up their bags and went to find their "table top toy" and sat down. I had to go to them for a kiss bye! No tears this morning........actually I didn't notice any tears from any of them.

This afternoon is likely to be a different story!!!!! Tyler has already told us "I not going" and when I said he could play with the kids he said "I don't like them". So Daddy should have fun dropping him off!

First Day of PreK and PreK3

What a day today was. The boys all started school today. Well it was really orientation. We got to see what the classroom had to offer, meet back up with old friends, make new ones, had a photo op, etc.....

Cody and Dylan started the day at 6:30am. They beat my alarm clock. They were excited for school. I managed to keep them quite while I got ready and then got them dressed. After putting on their new shoes, Cody said "Mom look how high I can jump" and started jumping - I started laughing. You ask why, well my baby brother (who is getting ready to become a Daddy for the first time) always thought after getting a new pair of sneakers that he could run and jump, faster and higher. Then as I was laughing, Cody proceed to say as he was standing by the front window "Dylan wanna see who runs faster". Guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree on that one. We had a quick photo op outside as it was a beautiful day today. Once at school, they acted as though we hadn't left. They were a little confused why their cubbies had been moved and didn't understand why they needed a new shape/color this year. We have the same teacher and most all the same kids as last year. They didn't want to leave. Oh and the most important thing was finding out our shape/color. As this is the shape/color they sit on on the floor for story time the whole year. Cody is a blue square and Dylan is a green triangle - important stuff for a 4 year old. Hard to believe this is it for them - preK, meaning next year will be all day kindergarten.

I got to work for a couple hours and then it was time to do it all over again. I headed home to pick up Brett and Tyler for Tyler's orientation. He was waiting and all excited when I got home. This one I am having a harder time with as he is my baby - he's it - no more and to see him going off to his first year of preschool (preK3) is a little tough for me. No tears though today. I'm sure those will come Monday. We found Tyler's cubbie and he quickly hung up his Spiderman backpack. The teacher brought him over a table top toy and told him it was something his brother's liked to play with. So he thought that was neat. He mingled with the kids and we just kind of hung out in the background and got to know a whole other set of parents. One neat thing is Tyler will be going to school with a set of twins. So I quickly struck up a conversation with that Mom and answered some of her questions regarding twins in the same classroom. Tyler found out his shape/color and he will be the green square. Thankfully, I only have two shapes and two colors to memorize for 3 kids. Tyler didn't want to leave either but I am thinking that might change Monday when we do leave. The teacher did say it was OK to bring the blanket as Ty is pretty attached to that. So we'll see.

So our school year has begun! We are all looking forward to a busy year.

Here are some of our first day photo's!

Cody's First Day!Dylan's First Day!Our Backpacks...Dylan, SpeedRacer and Cody, TransformersMy little man - All decked out in Spiderman!Spiderman backpack of course!What a pair!

Brotherly Love.....Big brothers wishing Tyler a great first day!!