"MY" First Parent Teacher Conference

This morning I attended my first parent teacher conference for N!  I have to say - I was a bit nervous and it wasn't even for ME!  I aimed to dress "professional" as if I was the one being reviewed.  Hee hee.  I parked the car and as I was walking up to the school's front doors, I was wondering what we would talk about.  DUH - Nathan!!!  It was interesting that I had to push a button to have someone unlock the entry door (kind of sad as we didn't have that security when I was growing up - it wasn't needed).

I had to go straight to the main office and check in as a visitor.  They had a computer station set up where I had to enter my name and reason for visit.  After I finished the electronic form, I clicked "Complete" and a name tag was printed.  Technology these days!! 

Walking down the hallway to N's classroom, I couldn't help my reminisce about my childhood.  The smell of the school reminded me so much of my elementary school days.  The thick, concrete block walls were littered with the childrens' artwork.  I was so proud to see N's pumpkin and black cat hanging amongst his friends' work. 

Opening the door to room 130, my palms started to sweat - what???  Seriously...I was nervous.  N's teacher is a nice lady - eyebrow and nose ring included.  She's probably in her 50's, not too feminine, and you can tell that she doesn't take crap from anyone.  She lead me to a small half-moon shaped table and offered me one of the tiny chairs. 

We reviewed his performance, both behavioral and educational.  She mentioned that he seems to be immature for his age (huh?  I know it sounds odd, but I kind of understand what she means), but once you get past the "silliness" he is so intelligent.  I could have told her that!  She complimented him on his reading ability - which is when I proudly interjected saying that he won the "Best Reader" award at VPK.  She was definitely not surprised.  I expressed to her my love of reading - introduced her to my Kindle, explained how when I was on maternity leave with N I read him Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Great Glass Elevator, and how I aim to read to the two of my boys every night.  It pays off!!!

He is doing exceptionally well in Math, Social Studies, and Science.  He can name the first six science tools that he was introduced to. 

The first few days of school were a bit of a challenge for him.  Apparently, he didn't like the initial change and verbalized this to his teacher.  He stood up, placed his hands on his hips and very matter-of-factly told her that he was not coming back to this school the next day and that he was going back to his old school.  She said it was so hard to keep a straight face and couldn't believe how serious he was.  I laughed and told her of his numerous threats to move to NY when we tell him he needs to finish his breakfast.

Over all, it was a great visit.  I have to workon his scissor cutting, coloring and direction taking but he got such a great review. I am so proud...my little man!!!!

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween was Not So Bad!!

We're at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party.  We've already been on the Buzz Lightyear ride and the Tomorrowland Speedway (I only lasted one lap with G steering.  If there was no rail underneath keeping us on the track, it would have been tragic!).

When it was our turn on line to take a picture with THE Buzz Lightyear, the boys were star struck. It was the cutest thing.   N took a little tumble as we were leaving the picture area, and who was there to help him up and give him a hug - Buzz himself!  What a hero!  :)

After an uneventful dinner and bathroom break #2, N and I rode solo on the Pooh ride.  G isn't into the rides as much as N for some reason.

Next was the Dumbo ride, Cinderella's carousel, Snow White (which was a bit scary). Peter Pan and Pirates of the Caribbean followed.   Along the way, we collected candy (great candy at that!).

Time to change into costumes - well pajamas.  G was Buzz (of course) and N was Woody.  On to even more fun!   The Boo To You parade was soooooo cool!  Especially since this was the first parade Nathan stayed up for!!

On the way out, I had to stop at the Confectionery and get the boys some chocolate covered pretzels. The cast members that worked there are great. They totally pretended that N and G were the actual characters that they were portraying - even down to asking them for autographs and everything!  N signed his "name" - Wooy (hey, it was 9 o'clock already.  I can't knock him for misspellings). The boys even got marshmallows on a stick.

We're on our way back to the hotel, which within itself ranks as exciting to the boys as monorail rides and the park itself.

From the Mouth of Babes Part III

Wednesday morning was full of funny conversations with my older dude.  It starts with me in the shower, getting ready for my work day. 

N: I don't feel good.
Me: What's wrong buddy?
N: Please wipe the water off the shower so I can see you.
Me: OK - now - what's wrong?
N: I don't feel good.  I have the huccups (phonetically spelled)
Me: The huccups?  Do you mean the hiccups? 
N: Yeah, the huccups.
Me: Don't worry buddy, hiccups don't hurt you.  It's just air that is trapped in your belly. 
Conversation ended here.

I go downstairs after getting dressed, ready to finish making their lunches, dry my hair, etc.  Apparently my husband and N are bantering back and forth about whether N is eating or not.  Please note that this is the same dialogue we have EVERY morning!  The most memorable line of this conversation:

N: That's it, I am moving to New York.
He's 5...

OK, now we're in the car, working our way slowly north to the drop-off line at the elementary school. 

N: Mom, I don't feel good.
Me: What's hurting you buddy?
N: My penis.
(long silence)
Me: Your...penis?  Why does your penis hurt?
N: (looking down towards his shorts) Oh, no, it's better now.
I let that conversation end naturally.  LOL  My husband did get a call about that one....that is his territory.