Tree time!

Our neighbors across the street have this fabulous tree that all the kids love. And they are kind enough (even though they don't have kids) to let the kids play in their tree. So .... they do!

We were out yesterday and I snapped a few photos of the kids playing in the tree. I don't know what it is about a tree - but if there's one around - the kids will climb it.

Ben, 3 neighborhood kids (Vette, Jaston, Christine) & Will

David showing Andy how to crack open nuts that fell from the tree across the street

We have this swing that we weren't really able to use b/c it needs to be hooked from a tree. So, we hooked it to the tree across the street. Will and the boy next door (Scott) thought it was funny to swing off the rock ledge, and then kick the other one in the butt. REALLY?! They thought it was hilarious

Here's Will swinging to kick Scott w/Andy watching : )

Braces off!

The day has FINALLY come. It's been 2 years, 5 months & 6 days. But who is counting, right?

Let's remember why I got the braces in the first place. Not b/c I wanted them, but b/c they were a necessity to fill a gap in my teeth, left from a loose baby tooth.

So - here I am on my way to get them off.....

At the orthodontist waiting for my tech.

Here's Jorge before the big unveiling....

Here's Jorge and I before the braces are off.....

And here's my awesome orthodontist, Dr. Bonilla, whom I absolutely love.

After the braces are off. Yea me! Thank you Dr. Bonilla, for finally letting me get them off. Only 5 months and 6 days past my due date. But who is counting . Uh, me!!!!!!!

Jorge's tools and my braces - if you an see them.....

My lovely chart. I hated that picture. I asked every single time if we could take another one.

In the car, headed home.... so, so happy :)

I had to go back to get my retainer, and so I took Dr. Bonilla and his staff a custom cake made especially by my friend and favorite cake maker, Terri.

Dr. Bonilla w/the cake. I think he liked it : )



Even though it was a long 2 years, 5 months & 6 days - I couldn't have asked for a better Orthodontist. Dr. Bonilla was awesome. I loved going in to see him and the rest of the staff. They became my friends and I will definitely miss them.

Thank you, Dr. Bonilla for my beautiful smile and the fun times.

9/11

On the Eve of the 10th anniversary, it's a difficult day in our house and in every American's house. We remember that horrific day that changed our country forever.


Photo courtesy of Over The Big Moon

 I am certain the events that occured on September 11, 2011 are on everyone's mind. Everyone remembers the exact place they were in when time seemed to stand still. I was working as a paralegal for a lawfirm right outside downtown. I remember I had to be to work at 8:00 a.m. So, when the first tower was hit at 7:46 a.m. (8:46 a.m. NY time) - I was in commute to work. And minutes after I got to work - the 2nd tower was hit at 8:03 a.m. (9:03 am NY time). I remember standing in front of a conference room TV w/my co-workers and the attorneys watching in disbelief. Was this an accident? Was this intentional? We were all so confused as to what we are watching. Then President Bush came on and declared the "War on Terror." Holy cow .... America was under attack! Why would someone do this to our country?

Once I realized that this attack was intentional and pure evil - I remember being really scared for David. He worked in Downtown near lots of big high rises. I called him several times before I finally got him on the phone. And when I did - he was actually out walking around, b/c downtown was going nuts. His building was evacuated - thankfully. And he was able to get out of downtown.

10 years later - the question still rings with me as to why someone would do this to our country. Fortunately, I'm older now and although I am a optomist - I do know that there is evil in the world. It's hard to think about. It's hard to see pictures and watch videos. And mostly - it's hard to explain to my boys.

Benjamin is 9 years old - and he actually knows and understands. I've talked to him about it many times. I  do think he understands the importance of it - but he's just not the type of kid to get upset over something that he can't see or experience. He can feel the realism, but detach.

Andy is 4 years old - and doesn't quite understand. We did talk to him, and he showed a little sadness - but he really doesn't get it.

William is 7 years old - and bless his heart, he's just like me with his emotions. He's empathetic and has a HUGE heart. He hurts if someone else is hurting and he can feel others pain. So tonight - David and I were watching a video about 9/11 - something someone posted on facebook - and William walked in. We've already been talking to him about it, but he hadn't seen pictures or put a face to it. We watched the video with him 5x's - pausing and stopping many, many times. Explaining to him about our country, about the finanical district, and terrorists, about Lady Liberty, about the 2,998 lives that were lost, and the reflections pools that are being built. He had a lot of questions, and we answered them the best we could without scaring him. He's a big worrier and the last thing we want to do is make him not feel safe.

I told him that tomorrow - on September 11 - NYC would be having a memorial at the site of the world trade centers for the families of the victims of 9/11. He asked if we could go there. I told him that once the site is completed (the reflection pools, 4 towers, museum and performing arts center) that we would take a family trip to NYC. I love NYC and am a huge fan of it. I would move my family there in a heartbeat if I could.

A little bit later, William comes to me and says "Tomorrow when NY is having their memorial, can we put on wedding clothes (it's what he refers to as fancy clothes) and have a memorial here at home?" My heart melted..... And immediately said "Yes, of course. That's a great idea, son." He was so happy. And I think even though it's a small gesture - it will help him feel safe having us all together and knowing we are safe.

He also said to me "I am glad you and dad weren't there, but I wish I was." I asked "Why (Even though I knew the answer)?" And he said "Because I want to help them and be a fireman. I feel so sad for them."

My sweet, sweet boy is filled with so much goodness and appreciation of others. I am so thankful that he cares so much for others.

We talked about Lady Liberty and what she stands for and how when he says the Pledge of Allegiance at school - he is speaking of her. I am certain now - that everytime he recites the Pledge of Allegiance, he will think of our Lady Liberty and what she means to our country!

Honor. Remember. Celebrate. Look Forward.

1st grade & 4th grade

Today, my two oldest babies are starting school. Ben is going into 4th grade. I know, right? I can't believe it myself. And William is going into 1st grade. Where does the time go?

This year things are changing up for us. Ben is going back to WGA and Will is going to Keeley. Will got bumped from WGA, and was on the waiting list but didn't get a spot. We are still hopeful that this first week of school, something will come available. But in the meantime - he's going to Keeley. So that means, David and I tag teaming to drop them off and pick them up from school since they have to be there and be picked up at the exact same time.

They were both pretty excited about school starting. Although - I don't think the reality of Ben being at a different school really set in w/William until this morning. He was really nervous this morning. I took Will to school, and David took Ben.

William wore his Jack Skellington t-shirt. He loves Nightmare before Christmas. It's his favorite movie!

Ben - my big 4th grader : )

Will & Ben trying to stand as far away from each other as I will allow : )

Ben : )

Will :)

I took Will to school, and surprisingly all the kids were already in the classroom and seated when we got there, and we were early. Which was a bummer, b/c Will hates walking in front of everyone.

He was pretty nervous, and would not look at me. So I took one photo of him and left : ( I didn't want to embarrass him.

I snapped this one as I was walking out. He's over by the window in the black shirt.

I am still holding out hope that Will will get a spot at WGA - but if he doesn't, I am pleased with the teacher that he got. I've heard great things about her, and she seems so sweet and genuine. Which is exactly what he needs. And the bonus is - our next door neighbor's son (his BFF) is in his class. They have known each other since they were babies. So that really helps him not to be quite as nervous.

David took Ben to school this morning. I told David to go in and take some photos of Ben and Ben said "Why? Why does he have to go in? Why can't he drop me off?" Really? He's only in 4th grade. I thought that didn't start until middle school? And, of course, I secretly think that my kids will always want me around no matter what age. They'll never be embarrassed of me. Ha! I told him that Daddy had to take photos, it was a requirement b/c mommy's on the PTA. Haha!

Our 4th grader : )

Inside his class. The blonde boy sitting behind him is one of his BFF's. Probably going to have to separate those two : )

They had a successful start to their first day. Will's teacher sent me an email and told me he's doing great. So that makes a mommy even happier.

So - it's just me and Andy here. He starts school on September 6. So we have to find things to entertain ourselves : )

He had to get up pretty early this morning (6am) and he's not use to that at all. He put the bar stools together, and made himself a little bed : ) And of course, Teddy has to get in the shot : )

Happy First Day of School!