2nd Grade!

How on earth did we get to SECOND grade already? I feel like you were just starting kindergarten! You guys were more excited than I was this am - I've been dreading back to school for weeks. You both were up very early this morning (well, earlier than usual) and clothes on, teeth brushed, rooms clean and ready to go. Only we had a whole hour before we needed to leave!

You were rushing ME out the door this am - and could not wait to get back to school.  I think the meet and greet last Thursday made you much more excited to go - you've missed your friends and old teachers.

There was one kindergartner at the bus this am (they have staggered start through the week) and he was a little bit nervous at the bus stop. He is usually very talkative and boisterous - but not today.  I leaned over to you Cole and said "Do you remember how hard it was on your first day of Kindergarten; how scared you were about going and riding the bus?".  You answered with a shake of your head and said "Can I tell Nicky about it?"  So you proceeded to tell Nicky how scared you were on your first day but you eventually got over it and loved the bus the most. You told him how awesome his teacher is and how much fun he will have. Just then, the bus turned the corner and it was time to load up. You turned around, looked back and went back to get Nicky to help him along on the bus.  My heart just about burst wide open.

As I stood with the Mom of the kindergartner, watching the bus drive away, both of us cried. She cried because her baby went off to school - a feeling I remember so clearly and will never forget.  I cried because you have grown into such a compassionate caring boy and I could not be more proud. You are truly amazing.

I love your sweet ways Cole. You have the biggest, sweetest heart. Love you buddy.

LAX

I think you are a natural lacrosse player JD. This is your first year on a team - after 2 years in scoopers clinic. Your backyard practice has paid off immensely and you've taken to the game. You are playing for Mr. Jamie and Jon Salazar's team. Daddy is one of the assistants and I'm not sure who is enjoying it more, you or him.

It's been such a fun season watching you play JD and watching Dad coach your team. The two of you are a blast to watch on the field. It takes me back to the days when I used to watch all of our friends play in high school and college. Only a hundred times better because it's my sweet boy!  You have learned so much this year - you were lucky enough to get on a team with some experienced boys that are one and two years older than you.  It's been a challenge but you are doing so well.  You are the smallest boy on the team - but you're one of the fastest!  And you are all heart.

This weekend you scored your first goal! I was bursting with pride and excitement for you. And I know Dad was too.  Mimi and Grampy, as well as Grandma and Grampa were there too and got to share in the excitement. What a game.

You still say soccer is your favorite sport right now. We'll see what the years bring. For now, we're so proud that you're trying lots of things and finding your strengths. You work hard and it's paying off.  We've got lots of years ahead and I can't wait to watch you continue to grow. It's definitely one of my favorite things to do - watch you play.

Art Show

We are so proud of you JD. You had your first Art in the Broadneck library school art show! We went to the reception tonight. Your chinese dragon was displayed. I think it was the best thing there, of course. 

Your art teacher said such nice things about you. I'm so proud buddy. Love you!

-Mommy

Sweet Valentines Day

I came downstairs to such sweet creations this morning. I was a bit speechless at the cuteness.

You boys (Daddy included) know how much I love homemade crafts. You sure know the way to my heart. These are the cutest things I have ever seen and I will treasure them forever. I can't think of a more awesome gift.

I can't wait to get home to all of you tonight for a nice Valentines dinner. I'm a lucky, loved, spoiled Mamma. My heart is full.

My sweet Valentines, you make my life worth living. All of you.
I love you.
-Mommy

You should be proud, I am!

You already know, you have an awesome Dad. I am so proud to be married to such a great man - and I'm so proud that such a great man is raising the two of you. I'm not sure I could ask for anything more in my life. Really.

Yesterday, I received an email from Daddy that he sent out to all of your basketball team parents. Early in the season, he wasn't including me in the team emails because he didn't figure I needed the details. But as requested, he started copying me on them. And it was then that I got to witness the awesomeness that he shows as a COACH. 

Here's the email that went out yesterday. It left me with my mouth hanging open. Not because I was surprised, but because it's not often that I witness this side of Dad, in writing, to others. It's the end of the season...

Parents,

We received the tournament schedule for the next 2 weekends this morning and it is attached here.  A few things to point out:
·         Our game this Saturday 2/15/14 is at 2pm
·         This is an elimination tournament.  Only winners advance to second round.
·         Second round will be next Saturday 2/22/14, should we advance this weekend.  If not this Saturday will be our last game.

I want to take the opportunity to thank you for your support this season.  I have had this conversation with most of you already, but I am really proud of the way the boys hung in there all year.  As most of you know, as a result of varying circumstances, we had the youngest and least experienced team in our league this year. But they showed up eager to learn and get better every week, and we have certainly seen great improvement over the past 3 weeks in particular.

I know for some of the boys, this was their first time on an organized team .  For others, hopefully it allowed them to further their skill set and learn more about the game.  Either way, we hope you and your son found it a productive season in your own way.    

Coach Casey and I could not have asked for a more coachable group of boys this year.  Our only requirements were to have fun and respect the game, their coaches. their teammates, as well as opponents…….easier said than done as we hit some rough patches early on  Saturdays.  But we are very proud of the fact that there was not a single occasion we needed to reiterate those values to any of the boys. This is certainly a credit to the support you have provided throughout the season, and Casey and I are most appreciative for that.

Many Thanks,

Coach Chuck

Keep in mind, that this was his first season coaching you in basketball and you did not win one single game. You lost every one. After the first few losses, Daddy was extremely frustrated and came home feeling defeated. Every Saturday. As the season went, the losing got easier. But every single game he said to me "I hate to lose!". And we talked quietly hoping you never heard him say it. You could have cared less whether you won or lost - which was just the way it should be, for 7 year old sports. He stayed positive and continued focusing on some of your team mates who had never even played before.  Part of the frustration was that some of the kids were new to team sports and basketball. They had no clue how to even shoot a basketball.  Low and behold, a few games from the end of the season last week, the improvement became so evident. Everyone on your team got a little better - and you all had fun.  Kids who had never played before scored their first baskets. Their smiles were amazing.

Before the season started, when the draft was done for teams, your Dad and Coach Casey took kids that nobody else would take.  The other teams coaches were stacking their teams with the big, experienced kids.  When there were 2 kids left at the end that nobody would take, it infuriated Daddy and Casey - and they willingly took those kids. 

That's one of the things that makes your Daddy so amazing.  His gentle, kind manner with kids makes me smile just thinking about it. Every kid deserves a chance, and needs to be coached. He learned from his own Dad. Compassion, love, patience and understanding of people who are a little less fortunate or experienced in life is so important. He gives so much to others, selflessly, and in many ways. He's humble, sometimes to a fault.  These traits are things you would never notice as a kid - but later in life, you will realize why these traits are so meaningful.   Someday, you will truly understand - and it will make you smile just as big as it makes me smile. We're so lucky to have him in our family.  Not only is he a cool Dad, he's always got your back.  And he's one amazing coach!

Lots of love,
Mommy

Life with boys...

Driving in the car today, this happened. 

Me: you guys make me nuts. 

JD: you have baby nuts. 

Cole: you have babies pinching your nuts. 

All: nonstop belly laughter

A little Mommy-Cole time. A rarity...

First lost tooth

Cole, I'm a little heartbroken. You finally lost your first tooth today and you are so sad. I dont really know what to say to you. Its been loose for weeks. And you have been dreading this day. You said a couple of weeks ago, when it was loose, that you were afraid it would come out while you were at school. I hoped like crazy it would not...but it did. Your worst tooth nightmare came true. Im so sad I wasnt there for you. 

When we picked you up early at school today, JD told me before you had a chance. My heart skipped a beat. You seemed ok at first, but then you let it all out. You had big tears welling up in your eyes. 

The part that seems to upset you the most is everyone knowing and making a fuss. You hate that. JD loves to tell people since he loves the attention but he doesnt realize how uncomfortable it makes you. 

I wish I understood why this is so hard for you. On your way to bed tonight, you told me you wanted to keep your tooth. You didnt want the tooth fairy to take it. But you still wanted some money. You were torn on what to do. So, we wrote her a note. 

You dictated, I wrote. We'll see how this shakes out. I'm sure she will grant your wish. 

I hate to see you sad about these milestones. But, I understand. Growing up isn't easy little buddy. I love you!

-Mommy

First Bank Accounts!

We opened your own savings accounts for you today! We went to M&T Bank, which is the same exact bank and branch where I had my first back account 30+ years ago. It was First National Bank back then. 

We have been talking about doing this for a while and today we finally did. I gave each of you $20 to start your account and JD, you added $4 of your own dollars. Cole, you didnt have any dollars to add but wanted to count and add all of your coins. 

Hopefully you will take after your Dad and be good savers!