Back in the Business of Blogging

Much too long and long overdue - but never forgotten. Another Fall is coming to an end - one of my favorite times of year though never short of activity. Halloween (black ninja and Mickey (kind of)), another trip to NYC, Homecoming - much less troublesome than the first go round, cheerleading, busy weekends and Thanksgiving. Much, much smoother start to the year - much in part to our wonderful Frankie (Bickie) and it being my second time doing events. I still grapple with some aspects but overall going better for me as a working Mom. Bobby had another great season of baseball in addition to soccer and chess. He also still plays piano. It gets tough to say no to activities but also to fit it all in. I am still learning to find balance. Tim is doing exceptional - started at Da Vinci and - after a few weeks - is doing well. I love everything he is right know - which is all 2. So proud of both my boys. As the holidays draw near, I look forward to another break coming up (yay!) and going to Disneyworld! I also look forward to maybe getting a day or two to get some home projects finished - but promise that I won;t beat myself up over it if I choose to take the boys to a museum instead :) Until next time - which won't be as long - XO

Bobby's Interview in Greenhill's Newsletter

Every week - the head of the Preschool interview students for the newsletter. This week, Bobby was interviewed. Below is his response :)

Bobby Strauss – Always observant, Bobby is in Mr. Krauss’ and Mrs. West’s kindergarten class. At school, he likes to play with his friends and at home, he likes to do a variety of things from watching tv to playing Legos to playing with Tim, his brother. Bobby likes pizza and What-a-burger hamburgers. When asked about his favorite color, he simply replied, “Every kind of colors so I’ll just say a rainbow.” “I play sports here, soccer and that’s it.” After school, Bobby sometimes goes to Extended Day or goes swimming or plays soccer or does Yoga. When he grows up, he wants to be a police officer. In Bobby’s eyes the best thing about Greenhill is “My mom works here and I get to spend time with my friends and I have really good friends and my brother goes here. Hey, where are you going to write the rest of what I am saying? You ran out of paper."

All I want for Halloween....

Is one of my top teeth!!! Bobby

Ahhh.....Fall

Despite a hectic beginning to the school year (hence my referral to the Child Development Center at Greenhill should be dubbed the Center for Disease Control due to how many times Tim has been sick) - Fall is among us. Cooler temperatures, Rob's birthday, football, pumpkins, State Fair, fall festivals.....love it all. I have again gone overboard preparing for Halloween. Luckily, Greenhill is a wonderful place to love Halloween and Bobby and I (and Tim and Rob somewhat too) are happily taking it all in. I have crossed off at least one Fall activity must - a trip to the State Fair and a corny dog. So fun. Now - we plan a trip to the Arboretum at some point and get ready for Halloween - parade, parties and trick-or-treating. Tim and Bobby will be wearing 2 costumes this year - one for school to match a class theme and the other for trick-or-treating. I will also have a costume for work - I have convinced my co-workers to get into the spirit this year and we are all going in theme...which will be unveiled on Halloween. Until then, it will remain a secret!

Fall continues to be busy at work for me. I have checked off a very successful alumni trip to NYC. I enjoyed making the most out of the trip and made it that much better to come home knowing it met and exceeded expectations. Now on to Homecoming - and getting reunions over with! Once that is over - I sail into the holidays and end of the year - and will be able to really delve into putting some plans into place to change a few things. I am looking forward to that time to reflect, plan and hopefully see the results of hard work. I feel fortunate to have a wonderful team and dedicated alumni around me - it helps to combat the few but loud critics.

The boys continue to bring such great joy. Tim walks better and better each day. I love to watch this stage of walking - or as a friend calls it the Frankenstein stage :) Bobby continues to love Kindergarten and his friends. He is doing great at baseball which has now taken over for his favorite sport.

Until later - or when I have fun photos to post...XO

Taking a Moment

I have had "blog" on my to do list for well...awhile now. In the hectic pace of the day-to-day, I have neglected the importance of taking a few minutes to reflect and document the precious moments with the family. August hit our home with what felt like a bang. Not a increasing pace into Fall but more like a shotgun start to a sprint. My work went form the snail's pace of summer to busy, busy, busy. Much to do with Fall activities coming up - a trip to NYC, Homecoming weekend and everything in between. Tim started at the Child Development Center and Bobby started Kindergarten. Huge milestones to celebrate and adjust to. I have loved having the boys at school with me. Mornings are hectic getting everyone out the door - with lunches and bags - but I am thankful for the time in car and to see my boys at school every day.

And on this day - I take a pause to breathe, be thankful for my blessings, remember the events that happened 10 years ago and remember that these "time-out" moments to reflect are necessary and to make every attempt to do them more often- and not feel guilty when they do not happen and I choose sleep instead.

Happy Birthday Tim!!!

It is so hard to believe that you are 1 today. I remember so clearly this day a year ago when I was eagerly awaiting to arrival of my precious baby boy. What a wonderful gift this year has been - and many more to come. I love you sweet boy - much more than I will ever be able to express with words. My boys - all three - are the best things I have ever and will ever have.

Never Mind - 2 Front Teeth!

Tim's ears must have been burning....TWO front top teeth have officially broken through!