Unexpected Change at Brandon's School
September 12th, 2008 by Kimberley

Apparently the school system has reassessed the student to teacher ratio at Brandon's school. They've decided to start a new kindergarten class. And we just got word today that Brandon was randomly selected to move into this new class, starting next week. Here is an exerpt from the letter that was sent home today:

"Since the beginning of the school year, the kindergarten teachers have been working with extremely full classes. To reduce this overcrowding and ensure that our students receive the opportunity for an optimal education, we are pleased to report that we will be adding another kindergarten class. Effective, Tuesday, September 16th, Mrs. Theodora J. will be joining the kindergarten team and your child will be reassinged to her class in room 16."

JR and I are a bit shocked over these events. While we're happy the school is taking a proactive approach to dealing with the problem, we are very concerned about how Brandon will handle this change. He's already been having a hard time getting used to the new routine and new classroom rules. Almost everyday he's come home with yellow dots, which mean that he's in someway had a difficult day. He's only had two star days. We know that its only the start of the school year and that it will take time for him to adjust, but moving into another class, having to get to know another teacher, and new students could be overwhelming for him.

I spoke with the school's principal today and she tried to reassure me that the school would do everything they could the help Brandon (and the rest of the new classmates) make the transition and that she would personally be available if there were any concerns or questions.

View Larger

Tuesday was Brandon's very first day of Kindergarten. We got up early and raced around trying to get ready. Brandon was hopping up and down he was so excited! He was very eager to get his book bag on and go!

Keira was a bit of a sleepy head that morning. She didnt know what the rush was, or why Brandon was so excited. She just followed him around while JR and I got our acts together.

Unfortunately I had to go to work, so I kissed Brandon goodbye and wished him good luck. JR drove Brandon to school. The drop off point was supposed to be in the back of the school, but this day was so unorganized, JR ended up having to walk Brandon to his class. Brandon met up with some of the rest of the kids and immediately blended in. JR left hesitantly, wishing Brandon a good day.

All day long JR and I were concerned as to how Brandon would be doing. At the end of the day JR picked up Brandon, and learned that Brandon had a GREAT time. He seemed to be very happy to be back to school. When I got home, Brandon was very quick to relay all the details about his day. He did VERY well! We are very proud of our big kid!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Yesterday was our first offical camping trip. The church was having a get together at one of the local parks, a campfire cook out and overnight camping trip. JR and I procured some camping equipment including the family's very first tent.

We met a large group at the park around 3pm Sunday afternoon. We set up our tent. JR had it up in about 20 minutes! The kids started running around with the other kids. Keira had a blast. We thought she'd be very shy about being out in the woods, but she seemed right at home. She tried to keep up with the big kids! She fell down a few times, but really did very well. As the sun set, we gathered together to share a great meal, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chips, the usual campout fair. The campfire was stared up and everyone started roasting marshmellows. We sang campfire songs and shared stories.

As it got dark we all retired to our tents. The kids were very excited! Keira couldnt stop messing with the zippers and flashlights! After the sun had set all the way, it was very dark in the woods. JR and I thought the kids would be a little scared, but neither of them seemed to mind it at all. We had a great time!

Pics > 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Over the Labor Day weekend, Brandon and JR decided it was time for Brandon to try out his new Big Kid Bike. Brandon was very happy to finally have grown big enough to reach the petals.

JR started him out slowly right in front of the house. Brandon had a hard time getting the petals going. The bike is much heavier than his big wheel. But he pushed and pushed, and finally got himself going. JR took him up and down the block a few times before Brandon's little legs got a little tired. Overall, he did a GREAT job! Way to go Brandon!

Pics > 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

So late Thursday night, JR and I were getting ready to go to bed. He was closing up the house, turning off the TV, checking the outside lights locking the door, etc. when he noticed an unusual "drip drip drip" sound. At first he couldnt tell where it was coming from so he called me into the room.

We knew it was in the living room, but couldnt identified where. Then we realized it was in the wall between the living room and kitchen. There arent any water piles in that wall as far as we know. I ran upstairs to check the upstairs bathroom, but there was no water running in the tub that is above that wall section. But while I was up there, I could hear the dripping sound even more clearly. I went back downstairs to tell JR. He got up on a chair and felt the living room ceiling. It was all wet! And now we could see that it was starting to leave a line of a wet spot. Thats when it dawned on him. Could it be the AC unit in the attic?

He grabbed the stool we had and headed upstairs to the hallway. Our attic crawl space doesnt have a drop-down ladder, and we dont have a portable ladder anymore, so he used the stood to get himself high enough that he could hoist himself the rest of the way up into the attic crawl space.

Sure enough, the drip pan was completely filled and flooding out onto the plywood boards, and apparently running down inside the walls, all the way down stairs.

We quickly took action. I ran downstairs and grabbed JR's shopvac from the garage, along with a bucket. He hooked up the shopvac and succtioned up roughly 5 or 6 buckets worth of water.

The water was so gross! It was full of loose insullation that apparently had gotten in the pan when the construction crew had sprayed it all throughout the attic. JR also identified at least 2 possible leak spots on the actual unit, including a spot that was possibly patched before. (??) What a mess!

It was nearly 2am in the morning before we got it to a stable point. We turned off the AC and I emailed our property manager about the issue. Thankfully, the next day, he had his guys come out to the house to clean up the rest and patch the holes. Its not leaking any more, but there is a nasty stain on the ceiling and the popcorn/paint has cracked. It has to dry completely before its repaired. =(

Brandon's kindergarten open house went very well tonight. We got to the school around 6pm. Its a good size building, built in the 1950s but reconditioned over the years. Its supposedly the oldest school in the area. The layout is a little awkward, but somehow still quite inviting. Like going back in time. The ceilings felt higher than was usual. Maybe that was part of it.

At this point, Brandon could hardly contain himself! He was SO excited, he was literally bouncing up and down! He couldnt wait to get down to his classroom and meet his teacher.

So as soon as we entered, there were several staff members in the hallway directing students and their families to their prospective class rooms. We found out he was assigned to room 30. We walked down the hallway and turned the corner to the left. It was hard to read the numbers on the classrooms since they were all on the doors, but the doors were all open. So at first I thought it was on the left side of the hall, but it turned out to be on the right.

We found out the lady at this door was actually his class's assistant. She seemed a bit nervous, but nice. (Maybe its her first year? Or just start-of-the-year jitters.)

Brandon was only slightly tenative when she introduced herself to him. While I was signing him in, he turned to ask me if we were going to leave him. But I told him "Not tonight. We're all visiting together." He was pleased and promptly turned around, heading into the classroom with confidence.

His teacher was speaking with another student and her family. But the assistant informed us that the teacher's name was Ms. Lotz. She is young, probably not much older or younger than JR and I. After she finished speaking with the other family, she approached us and introduced herself.

She asked Brandon if he could find his seat, since they were all labeled. He found it instantly then he politely asked if he could look around the room. She, of course said yes, and he was off exploring. At this time, he was the only student in the room. So it made it easy for him.

The room is big with one wall full of windows. All the desks are in the middle, with the "centers" along the outside perimeter of the room. There is a reading area, with big bean chairs on the floor. A computer area, with 4 computers and headphones. A toy area, a kitchen set, building blocks, etc. And the cubbies are on the opposite wall. I was relieved to notice that the bathrooms were INSIDE the classrooms.

Ms. Lotz gave us some paperwork to fill out, to provide emergency information and details about what we already know about Brandon as a student. Meanwhile she spoke with him a bit about what they may be learning this year and then asked to take his picture, which he quickly posed for. Of course! He's a ham in front of the camera. =)

A few minutes later, a couple more families showed up, and Brandon got to meet two other boys showed up. One boy was named Markus. The two of them became fast friends. Brandon showed him around the room, demonstrating the different centers. He seemed very comfortable there. We only hope that feeling with still be there when classes actually start.

A little while later, we decided it was time to go. Brandon was disappointed, but we all quickly reminded him (again!) that he would see his teacher and Markus and all the other kids first thing on Tuesday morning. He skipped out of the classroom and down the hallway, elated.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

Alloy, Matties! There Be Pirates Here!
August 15th, 2008 by Kimberley

Veggie Tales Pirates that is! Brandon spent the last week attending a Veggie Tales themed VBS.

He joined up with about 80+ other kids from the church and surrounding neighborhood to experience a week full of creative Bible stories, great crafts, science labs, games, high-energy worship, and clips from the latest Veggie Tales movie “Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything”.

He made a lot of new friends and together they learned that they could be heroes and that true heroes always do the right thing. He also created some great pirate crafts including a coin bag, bandana, treasure box, treasure map, and a message in a bottle. Aarrgh! Where's my booty?

Keira also enjoyed the week, spending time with one of her friends, Lauren. The two of them ran around the play yard, and showed the "big kids" they could climb, swing, and jump with the best of them.

More Pics > 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Good Luck Tidings
August 3rd, 2008 by Kimberley

Once again, a house we're living at has been blessed by a Praying Mantis.

Every summer, no matter where we've moved to, we're visited by a Praying Mantis. We like to think of these little visits as good luck. Especially since, while this area is known for Mantis', many of our friends miss out on seeing them.

Usually our sitings happen as a family. And he's usually sitting someplace on the house. Last summer he was brown and was on our house numbers. I got some really great shots that year.

Tonight he was on the gutter right on the front porch and green. Brandon was super excited to see him. He wanted to pick him up, but we didnt let him disturb him.

At one point a little red spider was climbing up the gutter and climbed right over him! Mantis didnt even flinch, though we thought for sure he would have thought the little spider was a taste late night snack. =)

I caught a few pictures. I wish I'd gotten a picture of his face, but everytime I turned to get it, he turned to face the other way. I guess he was being shy tonight.

Update 08.30.08 - Turns out a female and male Praying Mantis' have made a home in one of the bushes out front. No WONDER we keep seeing them all around the house. =)

More Pics > 1 | 2 | 3

Visit from Cousin Troy
July 29th, 2008 by Kimberley

We had a slightly unplanned visit from JR's cousin Troy (Uncle Troy's son) this weekend. Cousin Troy is stationed at a nearby Army base and had several days of Leave time. He had originally planned to stay with JR's Dad, but rearranged his plans and came to visit us instead.

JR hadnt seen him in roughly 10 years or so and Cousin Troy had never met Kimmi, Brandon or Keira.

It was interesting for JR and Troy to spend time getting to know each other all over again. JR enjoyed having someone new to challenge in Guitar Hero. They spent hours playing MetalGearSolid4 and hanging out.

Brandon also had a grand time climbing all over Tory, and at one point Troy had him "flying" around the room like Superman! Brandon's response was "He's tall! I was kind of scared!" But he'd been laughing the whole time.

At work > 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 Masterpieces > 1 | 2 | 3

Brandon the Artist
July 26th, 2008 by Kimberley

Brandon spent some time practicing his articstic skills this weekend. Mommy was kind enough to get some of her painting supplies out and gave Brandon some paper.

He painted several wonderful "masterpieces". He's getting to be a very good abstractionist, and his drawings of animals and people have really improved.

Im so happy that he likes to be creative and that he loves to use his imagination in new ways.

More Pics > 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Its been a seriously rough month since Brandon got out of Prek. He is not doing so great with the change in his routine. The first few weeks went okay, but the last several have really been hard. He's very moody and combative. I really feel bad for him. I know he's missing all the activities and his old teacher and definitely his friends. He talks about them alot, and he worries that now that he's going to kindergarten, that they wont be his friends anymore. We keep reminding him that even though he'll be making new friends, it doesnt mean that his other friends wont be his friends anymore.

Im trying to plan a play date with two of his best friends for this upcoming weekend. We'll see if that helps perk up his spirits a bit.

In other news, Keira's hair has finally gotten long enough to play with! We did it up in her first piggy tales ever! Super cute!

She's getting a little sassy lately though. So we're trying hard not to kowtow it. We want her to know that she needs to ask nicely when she wants things like her cup or the teddy across the room. We just dont want her to wind up being another whiner.

Overall she's doing great though. She's getting much better with her words and using them appropriately. I think she'll be talking in full sentences by this Christmas!

More Pics > 1 | 2 | 3

Its Offical
June 9th, 2008 by Kimberley

Brandon's Preschool graduation went off without a hitch. He did very well, knew all three of the songs they sang and you could tell he really enjoyed the attention of a full audience. He earned an award for being the "Friendliest" in the class. We're very proud of him! Just a few short months, and we're off to Kindergarten! Can't beleive how fast time has flown by. Before we know it, he'll be graduating High School.

Oh what a scary thought!

More Pics > 1 | 2 | 3

Rework of the Flowerbeds
June 23rd, 2008 by Kimberley

JR decided to redo the front flowerbeds. He took out the silly little picket fence I'd originally put in (cuz it was cheap and at least SOMETHING). He replaced them with proper stones, and then I filled it in with black mulch.

It makes for a much better presentation. We are extremely happy with the results.

A Hard Decision
May 20th, 2008 by Kimberley

JR and I talked it over and we've decided to pull Brandon out of his preschool/daycare at the end of the offical school year. He graduates from preschool on June 9th, and that will be his last day.

The summer program was going to cost us an additional $200 fee. Which isnt really that bad considering how many field trips and activities they were going to be doing throughout the summer, but in all reality, we cant really afford for him to stay in school now that JR's unemployment benefits ended. And Ive already had to ask my Dad to help us out to be able to keep him there until the end of the school year.

It may not be so bad anyhow. He'll have a nice break, spend time hanging out with Daddy and his sister, and by the time Kindergarten starts, he'll probably be more excited to be going to the "big school".

Im just heart broken because his preschool/daycare is FREAKIN AWESOME!!! (Expensive, but awesome). They have done SO many great things with him and he's really grown up a lot. (He's been there on and off since he was 3.) And the women who work there are just amazingly lovely. Brandon's been to several daycare situations, but they were always the very best of them all. Im really going to miss going there.

I can only hope that in the not too distant future, Keira will be able to go there too. I would love that for her.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

The Cardboard House Mommy Built
March 5th, 2008 by Kimberley

After going through tons of boxes at the house, unpacking and rearranging, Mommy had several large boxes left over. Brandon started to play with one of them, climbing in and out of it. So Mommy got an idea. She grabbed a few markers, an xacto knife and some tape and went to work.

The finished product was a cardboard house that Brandon and Keira could play in. The kids were very excited and spent the next two weeks playing in it. Eventually it became so over worked and used that it had to be dismantled and recycled, but it was a lot of fun while it lasted!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Keira Receives Gift from Australian Friends
March 1st, 2008 by Kimberley

Keira and Mommy are members of an online forum community of mothers who had children November 2006. For Valentine's Day the kids were matched up with each other Girl to Boy, for a gift exchange. Keira's Valentine turned out to be a little boy in Australia named Ethan.

Ethan sent Keira a new outfit and a box of chocolates for Mommy. They came in the mail today! The dress is a little too big to wear yet, but she'll fit it sooner than we think!

Snow Pics > 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 Pack Pics > 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Fawn & Steven Visit for Valentines, Bring Snow?
February 14th, 2008 by Kimberley

Aunt Fawn and Uncle Steven came down to visit us for Valentines Day weekend, this year. We had a great time hanging out and playing Playstation. And amazingly enough, we got our first real snow fall of the year on Valentines Day!

Brandon had a great time tromping through it with Daddy. Unfortunately Mommy had to work that day. Driving into work, the traffic was horrible. It took her an hour and half longer than usual. And it wasnt even THAT much snow!

Later that evening, Uncle Steven helped Brandon try on his Airforce pack. That was just funny. The pack weights probably twice as much as Brandon, but somehow he was able to lift it up. Though he couldnt keep it up for long. LOL

Finally Moved
February 3rd, 2008 by Kimberley

Okay, so we're finally moved into our new place!!! We still have a lot of stuff at the old one and we'll be moving that over in waves over the next few days, but we're probably about 97% finished. I LOVE MY KITCHEN!!!! There is so much space for everything and its all nice and neat. Kids finally have their own rooms and they're coming together nicely.

JR and I are TOTALLY BEAT!! My back is freakin' out. I had to take a davocet last night. but it didnt do jack squat. Only big problem, and isnt there always one thing that goes wrong??!!

We still have no water here at the new house! We scheduled to have it turned on Friday, but when we got here on Saturday there wasnt any water. We checked all the valves in the house, and they're all turned correctly. And the valve at the street is pointing the correct directly, but NO water. So we had to have our landlord call the city and the emergency waterworks truck just showed up right now. I really hope they can resolve whatever the problem is because JR couldnt persuade his mom and his stepdad to keep the kids up at their house in Fredericksburg until later this afternoon. ARRGGHH!!!

Anyways... I just wanted to let you guys know that Im still alive and the move went relatively smoothly. =) I'll post pictures when I finally get the chance to take some. LOL!!

More Pics > 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Uncle Troy Visits from Califonia
January 11th, 2008 by Kimberley

We had an unexpected visitor this month! Uncle Troy came into town to attend a conference in Norfolk, VA. So he drove up to see us a few times throughout the week.

Brandon had a great time goofing around with Uncle Troy, and our shy little Keira even let him hold her! JR really enjoyed spending the time talking and even took a little drive. It was really nice to have the one-on-one time with Uncle Troy. He told us some great stories and we had a lot of laughs.

JR also took him over to see the new house we'll be moving into. They didnt get to go in, but he still gave his much appreciated approval about its exterior. =)