Pancake Breakfast and Open House

Today, we all volunteered at AJ and Ashleigh's school for their annual Pancake Breakfast. The last two years, we have gone and eaten breakfast at the school for the Pancake Breakfast, but this year we decided to volunteer. We had to be at the school at 7:00 am this morning. So, it was like a normal school day for us. When we got to the school, we were among quite a few other parents and teachers volunteering for the day. It didn't take too long before someone put AJ and Ashleigh to work wrapping forks and knives in napkins.

Rick and I were busy in the kitchen pouring drinks and helping make sure the tables were set for the breakfast. All in all, we had a good time and felt good about volunteering for the school. AJ and Ashleigh were able to reap some benefits from their hard work as you can see below.

Now only was today the Pancake Breakfast at the school, but it was also an Open House to the public. The kids have been hard at work doing different art projects to display during the Open House. AJ's diorama was on display along with the entire class's "Diorama Town". The entire class did a great job and I know AJ was so proud of his diorama. They also displayed some little short stories and some decorated light bags to light the hallways of the school. Some of Ashleigh's artwork was also on display. It is always so easy for us to spot Ashleigh's artwork among her class because she likes to use all different colors and shapes on her artwork.

We were so proud of AJ and Ashleigh's accomplishments today; not only in their artwork but their volunteer services, as well.

Report Cards....

In our house, the day report cards go home is generally not a good day for AJ. Not that he doesn't try, he just struggles in school. So as Friday, the day report cards when home, approached, Rick kept telling AJ, "I hope your report card is good because otherwise, you loose your Nintendo DSi!" Which of course, would be like the end of the world for AJ because he enjoys playing it so much. Ashleigh, on the other hand, we generally don't have to worry much about her school work; it's her attitude we have to worry about. So, Rick was telling her the same thing.

Rick picked the kids up from school on Friday right after they got out and when my cell phone rang, I wasn' sure it was going to be good news. But boy was I surprised. Not only did AJ get some really good grades, but he also improved in almost every subject. Needless to say, I think Rick and I were both speechless. We could not believe how well he did. AJ said he looked at his report card before Rick picked him up, so he knew he was not loosing his DSi! He was very excited about that! Ashleigh's report card was also very good. She got all check marks or check mark plus in everything except "listens with interruption". Imagine that! :) I think Ashleigh will always be that way! :)

Unfortunately, AJ has had a really bad cold for the last couple of days and so we weren't able to go out and celebrate this weekend. But we plan to celebrate next weekend. We did, however, we get them both huge cupcakes from this bakery down the street. The bakery is unbelievable! Both AJ and Ashleigh really enjoyed eating their cupcakes.

I needed to run out to Sam's Club today for a few things for school next week, so I was able to get them both a new Nintendo DS game and AJ a new "Wimpy Kids" Book. These books have really changed AJ's attitude on reading. He really enjoys reading this series. I think this will be his fifth book.

We couldn't be more proud of AJ and Ashleigh! Way to go AJ and Ashleigh!

It didn't last long.....

We can generally tell what kind of day Ashleigh is going to have on whether or not we have to wake her up in the morning to get ready for school. If we have to wake her up, then most of the morning is a struggle because she is still tired and does not want to get moving. Then the most of the day, she is irritable and grumpy. However, if she wakes up on her own, then the morning runs very smoothly and she is very agreeable to everything. Yesterday, was a morning where we had to wake her up and it was one struggle after another. Hence, the results in school.

When I got home, Ashleigh was quiet and Rick said to her "is there something you need to tell Mommy?" She was so upset. I think she really tries hard, but she just can't stay on green. Although, she did tell me that she just needed to "finish what she was saying!" Leave it to Ashleigh to think that what she has to say is more important than what the teacher has to say. We talked to her about using her manners. Hopefully, the rest of the week will be better!

We knew they could do it.....

We all know that Ashleigh has struggled just a little bit in school this year with following the rules and not just doing what she wants, when she wants. Sorry, Nicki, but I swear she must be your child! :) So when she brought this home today, you can imagine our excitement!
She was so proud of herself. I don't think she stopped smiling about it. And she got to go to the treasure chest. This is a small chest full of small little toys and tokens for the kids, who have been good, to choose a toy. We hope Ashleigh continues to do so well. We know she enjoys school and is very eager to learn how to read.


AJ is also doing well in school. He is learning a lot of new things and gets a little discouraged at times when he doesn't quite get something, but overall really seems to be enjoying it. Last week, he had to write a story about what he wants to be when he grows up. He said he wanted to be a person who helps rescue and train dogs. His company would be called The Dog Hero! He is now making a diorama of his company to display for the entire school. He is working really hard on it and can't wait to show it to everyone. I will take pictures once it's complete. We are very proud of him.


Hope everyone has a nice relaxing weekend.

New Adventure for a New Year!

Rick and I have talked about taking AJ and Ashleigh sledding for quite some time. But it always seems that something or someone gets in the way. Either we have too much to take care on the weekends or someone is sick. Today, however, was a different story. We decided to take AJ and Ashleigh sledding for the first time. We figured a new adventure for the start of a New Year was a great way to spend the afternoon. A year ago, the snow sledding hill was completed in our neighborhood, however, it was not opened until this winter. The kids were so excited to go. They could not get bundled up quick enough and when I say bundled up, boy, do I mean it! It was only 19 degrees today and we had a pretty decent wind, so I think AJ and Ashleigh each had on about 5 layers of clothing plus their jackets, snow pants, hats and gloves. As we got to the hill, I figured that one of the kids would decide that they did not want to do down, however, that was definitely not the case. Rick went on the first run with the kids. AJ and Ashleigh on one sled and Rick on another. I was down the hill to take pictures, of course. I could hear the screams of laughter coming from the two of them. They absolutely loved it!!!!! I could not believe it! The first words I heard were "can we do it again?"

We spend spent about an hour and half at the sleddding hill -- too much longer and we were afraid Ashleigh might get sick. Everyone took turns going down the hill. After about the 3rd or 4th run, AJ was riding one sled by himself and Ashleigh was riding the other sled by herself. They had such a great time! Rick and I said we should have taking them a lot sooner since they enjoyed it so much. The first words we heard as we were getting back in the car to go home were "can we go again tomorrow?"

This is AJ and Ashleigh after the last run! I don't think the smiles left their faces all afternoon. Now they are just hoping for another big snowstorm to dump all more snow for them to go sledding!