Busy December

December was busy -- David turned six years old and we had lots of Christmas activities! Here's what we did:

Birthday Cake with a Mickey Mouse theme

STEM birthday presents - This is the Code and Go Robot Mouse. David also got a marble maze, a huge Snap Circuits kit and lots and lots of Legos. David joined the school's Robotics Club too.

He sang in the school's Holiday Sing. The song was called "The Penguin Polka." Super cute!

And he was Student of the Day at school the day before Christmas break. This is David with his teacher, Mrs. Eden, counting out change. They had fun wearing pajamas to school that day. I helped with his school party too (but I didn't get to wear pajamas).

Behind the scenes tour

David was fortunate enough to sell enough from the recent magazine, peanuts, and drink holder sale to go on a behind the scenes tour of Lucas Oil Stadium! He was so excited and know if he hears the word Colts on TV, he has to know what's going on. Here are so pictures from our visit.

First homework

Believe it or not-David had his first homework! A report on his favorite animal, the penguin!

Shoes Tied and Tractors

Last Tuesday, David tied his shoes by himself for the first time. Since then, he has added the "double knot" to the skill.

Wednesday was David Day at preschool. He took a Spiderman toy, a Frozen book to read, a picture of David and Mommy at Epcot, and a couple of hot bead projects that he made to share and tell about David.

On Saturday, we went to the tractor and engine show in Portland. He wanted to sit on a tractor, so we found the Jennings family at the fair and they picked a few out for him to try out. (For the record, they were not all green!) We also watched the steam engine and saw mill operation, which was pretty neat, because it uses coal and wood to make energy.

The new fence is up and looks great. I'm trying to get the shed primed and painted and am very slowly making progress. Hopefully it will get done before the snow flies!

First Day of Preschool

Goodbye Deferred Maintenance and Summer

Being a single parent and working full time, it's often hard to get everything done. Many of you know that I've wanted a new kitchen for several years, but just haven't found the right designer and contractor for the project. So this spring, I decided we needed to work on a few projects outside, so we can enjoy our outdoor space. The good news is the "calico," "multi tone,"  or "staining in process" fence as some have called it is getting ready to be replaced with a new tan vinyl fence -- as you can see in the photo, the fence is literally falling over.

Bless my neighbor Mike who built the support system on the north side. He came home one day after a Muncie monsoon and found the fence leaning severely - to the point the nails had actually pulled out of the posts.

I found a great contractor crew and they've already replaced several rotted boards on two sides of the house.

And I was able to add a new shed to free up some space in the garage. It's actually constructed nicer than the house we live in -- it has "real" soffits, a ridge vent for ventilation, and the contractor wrapped the tall parts so I just need to paint real trim and boards to look like the house. I've still got caulking and painting to do, but I think it already is an improvement!

Somewhere in all of it, David had a great summer. We did not take a summer vacation this year, as all of the vacation time was used for surgeries. But we did go to the Children's Museum a few times.

David started preschool full time in late July. The curriculum begins August 17, and it's packed with days of talking about letters and numbers. Lately he has been asking about the meaning of words...it's all about strategy when you give him an answer too. If you define the word, but include a new word that he doesn't know, look out!

I sewed a preschool tote bag for him out of fabric that's his favorite color. His name is embroidered on the pocket on the inside with lime green thread, and I lined it with leftover Sesame Street fabric from his room valences. Goodbye summer!

Tricks Class

The Three Ms just finished another dog training class -- now Holly is a "novice" tricks dog! David had fun this time getting Holly to do lots of fun and funny things, although I suspect it was more about giving her treats. My favorite trick is tossing a treat up and Holly can catch it in her mouth mid-air.

The second surgery is done -- we're still going to check in appointments at the plastic surgeons office in Indy. I think both of us are still tired from everything. We ended up staying an extra night at Riley North, as someone refused to drink or eat while an IV was in his arm. This week we're working on getting everyone back in their own beds all night.

David has started four-year-old preschool two days a week until August and then he'll go five days a week. They have a "curriculum" that I never imagined was possible for someone young, but he's still learning new things. He counted to 100 a few weeks ago, and is asking how to spell words. He's been learning how to tie -- it's good to have a Mom who has lots of fabric and ribbons in the stash. We've cut up a few lengths so he can practice -- it's easier and cheaper than finding a little boys pair of shoes with laces...that he probably will wear once or twice.