Fall Field Trip to Metrick's Farm

Maya and her best friend Amber

Looking at the chicken coup

Learning how cider is made

Back to Preschool

Today was Maya's first day of her second year of preschool. She was unimpressed, I didn't get as much done as I had hoped. Just like last year. Check out Maya's art blog for her first day of school artwork.

Back(pack) to School

That's right folks, it's that time of the year again. Back to school. Parents round the world yell Huzzah!

This year Maya wanted a backpack for preschool, so off to Wally World we went. I thought for sure we would end up with a Princess backpack, because what else in our house isn't princess?I've come to terms with the princess phenomenon. They may be helpless and froo-froo, but at least they are helpful and polite.

But no...Bratz it was. Which is kind of weird because we've never watched that cartoon mostly because I don't approve of what they strive to inspire in young girls. But somehow (commercials) Maya already knew who they were. And why did she pick them out? Because they are into fashion. How in the world did I end up with a fashionista for a daughter?

Fashionistas are trend initiators and devote followers of fashion. - “Etymologically, the suffix '-ista' derives from Spanish and is cognate with the English suffix '-ist,' designating a devotee, adherent or practitioner of the noun to which it is affixed. The implication could be of religious devotion, in line with the increasing view of fashion and image (and shopping!) as a new world religion.The word can be interpreted as marking out those involved with the fashion industry as a movement or army, united in their devotion to the cause of fashion.” Eleanor Rand, an O.E.D. editor- New York Times.

I'm sure it's a punishment for something I did in a previous life. Because as anyone who knows me knows my greatest fear all along was having a cheerleader for a daughter. What would we possibly have in common? I can only hope that if we indulge it now, she'll grow out of it later. So rather than argue or beg, we just bought the back pack. Hopefully I can use these photos to make fun of her when she's a teenager dressed all in black and listening to death metal. I can only hope!

General Update

This past month has been beyond hectic. I had my Fine Arts Night Chorus Concert at school, our HOPS annual piano picnic, Maya's ending program at preschool, her last day of school picnic, our Memorial Day picnic, the last day of school at Holy Redeemer and our neighbors 4th birthday party today. I'm a little tired and a little worn out.

Speaking of worn out... Maya was too excited about the prospect of the birthday party today to take a nap. By the time we headed home she was already starting to break down. After a complete melt down after her bath, she mopped around saying "nobody loves me anymore," (wah, wah, wah) and whining non stop. We hear this phrase a lot so it has lost its effectiveness. Then she came up with a new one. "Mommy's going to throw me in the trash." (Say What?) Of course I had to ask why she thought that and she replied, "You're going to throw me in the trash because you don't want a big sister anymore." I laughed for at least a minute before I could even pretend to seriously answer her. The things this kid makes up!

I was looking forward to having a break now that preschool, gymnastics and my school is done. But it seems that that is not to be. We had so many parents interested in a daytime slot for piano lessons for the summer that I am now teaching Tuesdays from 9 am to 12:30 pm and Thursdays from 9 am to 11 am. And of course I'm still teaching in the evenings too. Fall may actually seem like a break this year! The nice thing is that I'm not teaching any later than 7 pm so I'll have a few hours of daylight, and I won't have to rush Maya off to bed as soon as I get home. We can spend some quality lightning bug catching time this summer.

Anya is going for her 4 month check-up this Friday. I can't believe it's been four months already. She is such a sweetie pie. I couldn't have ordered a more perfect baby if I tried. She laughs all the time now and loves to stand is someone is holding her. She has this cry that sounds like a sheep bleating when she wants me, "Maaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!" I'm waiting for "mama" any day. (Not really but it makes me feel good to say it).

The best news for last (for anyone that read this far), Holy Redeemer renewed my contract for next year so I get to continue teaching. YEAH!!!! I really loved it this year and I'm looking forward to next year because my lesson plans are done and I won't be pregnant. Should be considerably less stressful since I'll know what to expect.

I'd like to claim that I'll be updating more frequently but I can barely get the laundry done any more. Spending time on the computer seems frivolous and selfish when I know that the sheets on the beds need to be changed. Hopefully I can post at least one a week for anyone who checks in.

Preschool Graduation

Maya had her preschool garduation last tuesday and her last day of school yesterday. She did such a great job singing all the words and doing all the motions. The poor thing was sick as a dog with a cough and cold and fever of 102, but she insisted on going to the program. She is finally feeling better and if I ever figure out how to transfer video from my camera to the computer I will post her graduation. Until then here are some pictures of her last day of school.

Maya is the really little one in the front row with the striped pants. She's wearing the farm shirt she made herself at school.

Her teachers.

Maya's first Mother's Day Gift

This is the first Mother's Day that Maya has made me something without Chad's help. It was such a cute surprise to find it waiting for me when I got home from work.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Polar Bear Art

Maya's latest school art project.