Zack Turns "14"

It really is amazing. I blinked my eyes and Zack was a teenager when I opened them. We celebrated his 14th birthday with ice cream cake; his favorite (just happens to be mine, too). Mom and Dad surprised him with a futon for his room. He was happy with their choice. I'm quite sure he had been hinting for one rather openly.  I think it is a totally awesome gift for a teenager's room. Now he has extra seating for his friends and a comfortable bed for a sleepover.

It was a great evening. Zack entertained us per usual. He has a great people personality and needs no prompting to share it.

Zack, keep that personality; play your music; follow your dreams. They are the main ingredients for your living a great life. And remember, Zack, Nana loves you more than love!!
Hugs and kisses,

Mother's Day ~ 2013

We always have a great time celebrating Mother's Day. This year we went to brunch at The Desmond. The food was great and there was far too much of it. Kristen's hair is growing back in. Hence, a great big smile on everyone's face. It was a special day for our family. We thanked God for Kristen's health and for His helping all of us get through the past year or so. Our family has been so blessed.

I was given an extra gift. When I went into the courtyard to get oodles of desserts, I was graced with the beautiful sound of a harp. Now, I know that was there especially for me:~)

And as you can see in my layout, great minds think alike. Kristen loves gnomes. Low and behold, she got two. The smaller one in soft, muted colors is from Shelley. The larger one dressed in bright, bold colors is from Connie. Who would think a gnome could be found boasting your very favorite saying, "Bite me!" Yes, our "sweet" Kristen retorts with this saying every chance she can. Connie always finds the most appropriate gifts.

We look forward to seeing where next Mother's Day will bring us!
Hugs and kisses,

Zack's Spring Concert - May 2013

I know I have said it tons of times, but I have to reiterate how much I enjoy the end result of  Tamarac's  music program. Hard to believe there can be so many talented kids all under the roof of such a small, rural school.

Zack's biggest enjoyment to date is listening to, playing and writing music. And he is good; really good. Much of his talent is inherent. It just happened naturally. And he picked up the ball and ran with it. He played two solos in this concert. You know, of course, our family was just beaming with pride.

I had to include the bottom picture. It was taken the winter of 2006. Zack was six years old and what is he doing? Playing his first electric guitar.
Hugs and kisses,

Special Person's Day ~ May 9, 2013

Papa and I got to spend time with Alex and his classmates once more on Special Person's Day. It felt strange not having to share our time between Alex and Emily. But Emily was off to New York City with her family at the Kelly and Michael Show (how lucky is she!).

This year the hour was spent differently and I enjoyed it so much better. We got to spend the entire time in Alex's classroom viewing the various stations displayed. There was no running off to the gymnasium or computer room. We got to see all Alex is doing right now in first grade with Mrs. Huneck.

Alex shared his journal with Papa and me. We viewed how much his handwriting and story telling improved as his school year progressed. We read the book he wrote with Bob Munch. We met his buddy, Samantha. I could go on and on.

Alex, we loved every moment shared with you. You are such a fantastic kid. We are so proud of you!!
Hugs and kisses,

Spring Concert ~ Emily and Alex

Once again I have to say Tamarac's Music Department is wonderful. The teachers spend countless hours working with our children. And it shows. This year's Kindergarten through Second Grade concert was so enjoyable. When the second grade sang Rockin' Robin, I found myself swaying to the music and singing in a whisper of a voice. I especially enjoyed the First Grade singing "Here Comes the Sun." After our long winter, we are ready for sunshine. The Kindergarten sing "Little Bunny FOO FOO." I could not contain myself. I sang this song to my kids and grandkids hundreds of times. And I LOVE it. So I had to join in.

Emily and Alex had a great time performing with the chorus. All the chosen songs were fun for the kids to sing. Christopher Siegenthaler, the Director, gets our kids to enjoy singing. He is such an asset to Tamarac's Music Department. I am looking forward to the Middle School's performance.
Hugs and kisses,

Easter at The Baldwin's ~ 2013

I'm finally getting back to doing some scrapbooking. We had a great Easter as a family at Shelley's and Don's. Brunch was delicious. We had far too much food again this year.

I'm glad I thought of doing the steps and stairs picture. It shows off the way to get to the boys' loft.

And as always, Nana stayed inside while everyone went outside to hunt for Easter eggs. I sat and enjoyed a quiet cup of coffee loving the quiet:~)

I love our Easter celebrations. Even though we eat at home, it is always somewhat formal. The table setting was very festive. Aunt Shell always thinks of a new way to make the place cards. This years was a marshmallow chick holding the place card.; a very neat idea.
Hugs and kisses,

Kara's Lost and Found Letter

A couple of  weeks ago The Film's and The Baldwin's decided to stay overnight at the Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park in Lake George. They got out an overnight bag and, to everyone's surprise, found the above letter from Kara to Nana and Papa inside.

In fifth grade Kara attended Nature's Classroom, an extension of the classroom where students participate in exciting hands on activities which are both academic and enjoyable. The following quote made by a teacher was taken from Nature's Classroom web site and sums up what it hopes to accomplish:

 "I expected students to grow in trust, caring and sense

of place in the world and how each person touches

and affects others around them. I expected their knowledge

 of the environment to grow.... You all have more than met

my expectations. In 13 years of outdoor education,

this is the strongest  program I have experienced."

After reading Kara's letter, I think every child should experience this camp. Every child should feel she(he) can be herself. Kara's letter tells us a lot about education in schools today. Just take the time to read between the lines.

Now, please peruse my layout and find the following: an owl, a deer, three birds and a squirrel.

PS - Alex is the first to let me know he found all the animals. He is the winner of a crisp new one dollar bill!

Hugs and kisses,