A Webkinz of My Own

Today is very special.

It happens to be my birthday and it is the first time I have had the pleasure of having

the festivities organized by a six year old.

There has been quite a bit of whispering behind closed doors.

No birthday is complete without a Bakugan card and many many hearts.

Ronan naturally planned for Riley as well... one cd full of my favorite music

and a detailed birthday card signed by Riley.

 

Isn't it sweet!  I do wonder if Ronan consulted Riley on this card.

Promptly at 6:30 am this morning, Ronan marched downstairs and presented me with

"Mommy Clown Fish"

Exactly how I feel today!

And my Sweetheart has been paying attention... as if there is ever a time he doesn't...

I received the hinted at, super luxurious pillow... may as well make the most of the little sleeping I do.

My card played a snippet of the song "I will survive..."

Quite appropriate.

However, it got a little surreal later.

Ronan went of to NEC camp with Daddy.

Dropped Riley at Karl J. Drews.

I went to brave the lovely Miss Jaimie's spinning class...

and the choice song of the day... "I Will Survive."

Could the universe be telling me something.

I share this day with my beautiful sister Kara (below with Steve). 

 Six years apart, both Wed. 4:20 am, 7'6".

Signing off now... I have boys to collect and a Webkinz to feed.

Oh, one more thing of note... my friend Paul is seeking cookbook entries

Cannot help myself but share, any chef's out there willing to try....

Paul Abercrombie

"Working on new cocktails book about Bloody Marys (Hail Marys: Fresh Twists on a Bloody Great Cocktail). The boring boozy salad we all grew up with is being re-engineered with exotic ingredients such as aquavit, tequila, whiskey, rosemary-infused vodka, wasabi, pickled white turnips and eggs, beef jerky swizzles, anchovies. I’d welcome recipes (credit and thanks given)."

by Stacie Wiesenbaugh

Celebrate the Kindergartner

Today is all about celebration! 

Today, Ronan is a Kindergarten Graduate!

Not so long ago, we had forgotten the meaning of celebration.

Ronan is largely the reason.  He is pure joy.

I talk about bringing the smile back to Riley and our family, Ronan is largely responsible for its return.

I am thankful our family has discovered it again.

 So sorry Honey... you are the father of a First Grader!

 He has been awarded "Student of the Year" and "Marital Arts Student of the 4th Quarter!"

Yes, Celebration has returned.  I nearly thought it would never be again.

May I share a post from another blog when reminds me of those times... but without the nurse who shows up in the night.  http://reaganleigh.blogspot.com/2011/06/will-this-ever-end.html

It is possible for life to improve.

Thank you for my beautiful, magical sons!

Stacie

The Kindergarten Graduate

End of the School Year

To each of you who sent me reminders to not be so tough on myself, the "Non-Optimist."  Thank you so much for your support.

Ronan is now a fully appreciated youth by Optimist International.  Above he poses with his much loved Kindergarten teacher back in class after the ceremony.

Riley decided to rest during his End of the Year Ceremony.  Mrs. K awards Riley a certificate pictured above.  She put together a lovely celebration including a slide presentation that made the audience tear up.  The presentation actually showed the class really enjoying themselves throughout the year.  I was most pleased to see the great turn-out for each of the seven classmates. 

My boys have been very fortunate this year to have dedicated and loving teachers and staff supporting them!

Tomorrow... Kindergarten Graduation!  We will see an answer to the question "Can John handle knowing his youngest child is.... A FIRST GRADER!"

Stacie