Day 110 --Leading Music

As part of her piano lesson this week, Maddie was learning how to lead music. She's been walking around trying to find the beat while singing hymns from church. She told me she was singing and showing both her bus driver and teacher at school how she can lead. Wonder how they took the hymn????

Day 109 -- Sleeping

Little John is such a funny sleeper. When he was little, we worried a little bit about SIDS because he always wanted his snugglie on his face for sleeping. Now that he's older, we realize it's a deep need for his face to be covered while he sleeps. A picture of a lumpy blanket in a crib isn't exactly cute though. So, today when this is how I found him napping, I had to get a picture for memory's sake.

Day 108 -- Cutting Vinyl

I spent a good portion of the day working on this sign for Maddie's school. It's huge -- 6 feet long. I think it turned out really nice though.

Day 107 -- The Beach

This weekend we went from winter to summer. I washed shorts and sweaters in the same load on Saturday. It's been quite a shock to the system! On Thursday the high temperature was 53 degrees with 10 mile an hour winds and it felt cold! On Sunday, the high was 86 degrees. BRING IT ON!

I took John-John to the beach today for fun and to get some pictures. I don't really take the kids to studios for shots anymore. It's so painful. Instead, John got to play for an hour at the beach, and I got a couple of really cute shots for posterity. He was so much fun! We chased each other around and he wallowed in the sand. I've been wondering if I should get him a sandbox, but then I realized that he's got several enormous beaches nearby. Why pay for a sandbox???

Day 106 -- Sundays

Poor Jared. He gets up at 6:00 AM on Sundays and pretty much does church stuff all day. He got home today at 5:00 in the afternoon. The man was just exhausted. He laid down to take a small snooze while I fixed dinner, but got little time for rest with the two munchkins climbing all over him. It was enough for him to retreat to the basement for peace.

Day 105 -- The Garden

We are really trying to turn our "spiritual" garden into one with more temporal results, but it's slow going. We've been talking about, planning and purchasing wood for weeks. Now we're just trying to find time to put it all together. Oh, then we'll need a crew of 20 to haul it out of the garage. THEN, maybe we can put dirt and plants in it.

If you think we might be going overboard, you're probably right. But, keep in mind that the KNOWN animals that visit our neighborhood include: coyotes, fox, deer, raccoons, rabbits, wild turkeys, cats, dogs, voles, moles, birds and more. It's a jungle out there!

Day 104 -- Change of tune

John's opinions seem to be as fickle as mine. He hated the swing at the park. I even tried it again this morning and he did not seem to like it at all. He definitely had interest in it, but did not want to be inside the baby swing. Tonight, Maddie helped him up onto our swing at home, and he was blissful. He most certainly didn't want to go in for dinner almost 30 minutes later. He's our outdoor child! I think he'd stay outside all day if we'd let him.

Day 103 -- Take Your Child to Work Day

Maddie was lucky to be able to go with Jared to "Take Your Child to Work Day" today. Funny enough, there is no "Take Your Spouse to Work Day" so I have never seen where Jared works. The island where the lab is stationed is highly quarantined and guarded. Visitors are severely restricted. So, when they gave Maddie the opportunity to go spend the day with her dad, I couldn't resist. Who wouldn't rather ride on a boat than go to school?

I will say though, it is funny to hear what she did -- definitely not designed by a mother:

• Visiting the security office to monitor people on the 160 security cameras on the island. Showing them how people's picture comes up when their card is scanned so the guards can match the picture to the person at the door. Monitoring the cows as they progress from pen to pen, etc.
• Learning how fingerprinting works in combination with magnets(still not totally clear myself what they did)
• Basic cow anatomy -- Cow tongue, lungs, stomach, fetus, liver and other organs preserved in formaldehyde for the children to view and touch. Complete with a demonstration on a how a cow fetus sits in the uterus, it's birth and separation of umbilical cord. Yep. Cow anatomy lab for a six-year-old. Really???
• Basic microscope work -- cells and sea monkeys were the highlight here
• Ambulance and fire engine tour (the island has their own private fleet) where she got to turn on the lights and siren. She also got to see the heat sensing camera for finding people in smoky rooms. Toppers -- they have a practice fire and the kids got to use fire extinguishers to put it out. Yeah! Playing with fire! Again, not a mother's design, but a kid's delight
• An island tour complete with catching a snake for all the kids to touch, seeing the herd of resident seals, the lighthouse and WWII batteries.
• A lesson on how many toes different animals have. Example a horse has one toe but a cow has two. Why is this important? The disease Jared studies infects animals with two toes. I think.

Day 102 -- The Balusters

You may recall when I fell down the stairs a few months ago and broke several of the balusters in the railing. Well, we still haven't fixed the big gaping spaces where the broken ones used to be. John loves to climb into the space at the top of the stairs and just dangle his legs. It's helping us to get more motivated to fix them.

Day 101 -- Music

I turned on ITunes tonight to do the dishes and clean. Little John was so fascinated by the music he came and sat in the chair for about 20 minutes while I did all the work. It was cute to see him get excited when a new song would start up.

Day 100 -- The Men

Little John has really been missing Jared the last couple of weeks. Jared's been working so many hours he really hasn't been around when John's been awake. When Jared got home tonight from work, John wouldn't let him go.

P.S. I'm pretty proud of myself for posting pictures for almost all 100 days. It's fun to have a photo journal of our lives!

Day 99 -- Watching

A new favorite pastime:

Day 98 -- Making bread

John loves to bake. He has to watch each loaf take shape. We used the bread machine for pizza crust and white bread today. He dutifully watched each loaf get kneaded. He didn't stay on the counter for the entire 40 minute process required for both batches, but was probably up there a third of the time.

Day 97 -- Spring Break

What did my kids do for spring break?

Slide down the stairs. For five days, they've been sliding down the stairs. It's beautiful outside and they have no interest whatsoever.

John's getting fast on both his belly and back. Maddie's been using the sleeping bag to zip on down. One problem, she's been leaving her arms out so that they flap to make it sound more dramatic as she slides down each step. She's got scabby rug burns on both wrists from all the fun. What a kid. She hasn't stopped sliding, she's just putting her wrists in the bag now.

Oh, by the way, John's face is all scrunched because he's mad that Maddie won't let him go to slide again.

Day 96 -- Chocolate Milk

If given the choice between solid food and chocolate milk, my children would never take a bite again. They'd have it pumped in intravenously if they could. They'll choose it over anything else. It's become almost funny.

Maddie will try to bargain, she'll say, "I'll eat one hot dog, then have one chocolate milk, then some potato chips, then another chocolate milk, then some strawberries and then another chocolate milk. That way I'm getting good food in between the milk, right? That's a good compromise."

I'm looking into juvenile training for professional lobbyists -- sound like a good career choice?

Day 95 -- Changing opinions

Thanks for all the kind words about my hair -- I appreciate them!

I have been laughing at myself since the morning after that post. I've learned that I have very strong opinions -- at least that's what people tell me. :)

I really don't waffle in the middle of the road on anything. Like my hair, I hated it after the cut. But now that I've done it myself a couple of times, I really like it. I think it's going to be exactly what I wanted when it grows out for a couple of weeks.

I really swing from one end of the opinion poll to the other -- love it or hate it -- those seem to be my only two options. Don't worry though, I can swing from one to the other in a matter of seconds. So if I offend you because we disagree, just wait a while and see if I come around.

In other news, Girl Scout training is stupid. That's what I spent about four hours doing today -- all so that our troop can leave the grounds of the elementary school. UGH! I have about 8 other classes(each ranging from 2 hours to an overnighter) before we can have a campfire, cook a meal or camp. Yeah for me!

Day 94 -- Bad hair day

I wanted a rounded bob with slight layering. Somehow I ended up with something I didn't want. I usually love my hairdresser and we can come up with something nice and creative at the same time. Today we were not on the same page. I wanted to cry all the way home. But, Maddie had her hair cut there for the first time today and I wanted her to have a positive experience. Maybe it'll be better when I do it myself. Here's hoping!

Day 93 -- Starting Spring Break

Maddie has a 10 day break from school right now. I thought we'd be really on one another's nerves since she wouldn't have constant entertainment from friends. Little did I know, she's finding a great friend here at home. The kids have been so happy and cute together -- I'm getting really excited for summer!

John learned how to give "High-fives" Saturday when we were at Ruby Tuesday's for dinner. He loves practicing his new skill any chance he can get.

Day 92 -- Easter

We had a great Easter Sunday. Maddie had worked herself up into a crazy state of excitement! She's been talking about Easter for weeks. She took about 2 hours on Saturday making a card for the Easter bunny.

The kids had so much fun following the candy trails to their baskets. John loved opening the eggs and dumping the M&Ms all over the floor. It took a while for him to grasp the whole concept of an Easter basket, but once he did, he was really into the dumping and filling of his bucket.

I hope John never looses this sense of wonder and innocence. He has this amazing way of focusing completely on a person and giving him all of his attention. Then he'll smile so big and wiggle those eyebrows -- it makes my whole day!

Day 91 -- Starting the Garden

Today we did it -- we committed to starting a family garden. We spent about an hour at Lowe's having them cut wood for us to assemble the thing. Now we just have to find time to put it together! Jared's working so much I'm afraid it's going to be June before that happens.

Day 89 -- Friends

Today's the first day I've seen little John interact and play with someone his own age. It was short-lived, but it indeed happened.

Day 88 -- Swimming Progress

Maddie's making great strides in swimming. I'm astounded every week. Here she is swimming from the wall to the ropes with her head under and then back again. Phew! She's really learning to hold her breath! Kicking seems to be a challenge -- she keeps telling her teacher "it's hard!"

Taylor Jane Gurgel

I almost forgot! Since my sister has not succumbed to blogging yet, I thought I'd post pictures of her brand new baby for you to see. Everything was great, wonderful and as perfect as it could be. I think Kristie gets special blessings from heaven each time she has a little one. No one deserves blessings more than Kris!

Congratulations Kristie & Richard!

An additional blog

Because I've started enjoying this blog so much, I've decided to start another -- this new blog will be all about things I learn, cook and love. I'll post how-to's, recipes and good finds on the new blog.

One Patch will still continue to be a journey of our family.

Come and check out my new digs -- Lyme Ricky.

Day 87 -- Demands

Obviously John didn't climb onto the counter, but he most seriously demanded to be put up there so that he could finish Maddie's Cinnamon Toast Crunch. He can't really talk yet, but most of the time his meaning is very clear. This is the process:

• Stand near desired object
• Scream at the top of your lungs until someone comes to ask what you want
• Scream and point to the object with your entire fist repeatedly
• If object is not delivered immediately, lower arms, tighten all muscles and scream from the depths of your soul
• Delivery of object usually occurs near this last step
• Complain in baby babble that your parents take way too long to understand

Day 86 -- The Care and Feeding

Little John will not stay in his high-chair to eat food. He wants freedom and the ability to poach from other's plates. We're trying to push calories so he'll stop waking up in the night hungry, and we're willing to try all options. Here he kept trying to steal Maddie's soup, so she fed him the black beans. Whatever it takes!

Day 85 -- Stuck

John's been climbing everything this week. Today, he was trying to get off the rocking chair in his bedroom and got stuck under the arm rest. He did not think this was amusing. The rest of us did however. Poor John!

Day 84 -- Tooth #2

Poor Maddie has had her permanent tooth coming in behind one of her baby teeth. It wouldn't have been so bad, but the baby tooth kept wiggling into the big tooth and making her gums bleed a bit. We were hoping to have an excuse to go see Grandpa the dentist (he lives in Florida), but Saturday afternoon, it got so bad we resorted to the old dental floss trick. As soon as Jared got it lassoed(not sure how to spell that) it popped right out. YIPEEE!

P.S. Sorry if the pictures gross you out :)

Day 83 -- Friday Folders

Every Friday for the entire school year, John and I have gone in at 11:20 AM to put together what is known as the "Friday Folders." These contain all the school work for the week, all announcements and any special notes from the teacher. The kids take them home, give the papers to their parents and bring them back empty on Monday. I'm sure most of you are familiar with the system.

Do you know how much time it takes to put them together? On average about 30 minutes each Friday. That's Maddie's teacher's entire lunch break. So, to help the teacher out, that is my assignment for helping her class. It's not a big deal for me to go in and help. John loves seeing the classroom and all of the kids as they head down for lunch. I get the chance to catch up for a few minutes with Maddie's teacher and see how things are going. I also get to give Maddie a hug and a kiss in front of her entire class! It's a win-win for everyone.

Be prepared for a small soapbox moment...... stepping up now...

When Maddie was little I really, I mean REALLY debated homeschooling her. I wasn't happy with the things I was seeing in the schools in Maryland. I didn't think it was the best choice for Maddie. We worked together every week so that she was accustomed to me as a teacher figure so that if I did decide to home school, it wouldn't be a major issue.

I collected curriculum, information, catalogs and was prepared to go the distance if required.

Luckily, we moved to CT a year before Maddie started school. I researched every school in the area before we bought a home, and I'd say that a significant portion of our decision was based on the school system we were able to find.

I'm absolutely blown away by Maddie's school and the families that attend there. We are in the right place for her. Maddie has abut 17 kids in her class. By my notes, at least six of the mothers are in the classroom every single week. Isn't that amazing???? They are helping, bringing supplies, doing crafts and assisting the teacher. The mother's and father's involvement has the most amazing effect on the school --

Every teacher in the school knows each of the children and loves them.

The teachers know that they are appreciated and loved by the parents. They reciprocate in kind for the children. It is the best feeling. The whole family is greeted by name with a smile, a hug and a great big welcome. They all even know little John. Everyone greets him by name, every person, every time.

I love sending my daughter to the school. Every day I know that they are taking good care of her and nurturing her in the kindest way possible.

So, where am I going with this?? When they started talking with me(some might say suckering me in) about helping with the PTO as a co-president next year, I was more than willing to be nominated. I haven't been voted in, the vote takes place next week, but I will happily serve.

Why? It's a lot of work, and no glory.

But, I know the influence it will have in my daughter's life. Anything I can do to make her school a better place, I'll do because it's my job as her parent. I made the decision not to home school, but I didn't step back from the educational process for her. I'm right there, every step of the way. She might not see me out in front, but I know what's happening and I'm there to help.

So, if you get frustrated with your kids teachers or school, why not offer to help? They can always use a hand, and you will be astonished by the great results it will bring.

Stepping down now......

Day 82 -- Planting Daisies

Today after school, I met with our Daisy troop. Our task was to "Make the world a better place." We decided that we would plant flowers at the school to help make it more beautiful. The school does not have a budget for landscaping, so the locals put together the money and time to beautify the school. They really do an excellent job! This was our small contribution to the cause.

Plus, the girls actually get a second badge for taking pictures of the event and submitting it to the Girl Scouts. Our little Daisies are going to be among the most decorated girls ever! They've already earned most of their petals, several patches and we'll start the new award system next year. So cool! Way to go girls!

Day 81 -- Swimming progression

I can't believe I didn't have my camera with me yesterday. You'll just have to read about it because I'm so proud I could burst!

Maddie went to swimming, and it was so amazing! It was like watching a different child in the water. She'll float for about 15 feet with her face under the water. She'll back float all on her own. She'll hold her breath under water for about 5 seconds.

Two months ago she wouldn't put her head in the water to wash her hair! She has progressed so far in just a few weeks, I wanted to stand and cheer as loud as I could! I was definitely teary eyed when the head instructor passed her off to go to level 3. She started level 2 a few weeks ago with 5 boys. The boys are still there and Maddie will move up next week.

I love the way this pool does things. You don't have to stay in a class for an entire session if you are ready to progress. The teacher for a class calls over the head instructor if she thinks a student is ready. The head instructor gives them the test and tells them right then that they're ready to move up. Nice, efficient and no time wasted! Love it!