He Finished First Grade!

Aidan on the last day of 1st grade, receiving his report card from his teacher

compared to his 1st day of 1st grade:

He grew so much!

First grade ended well. There was the annual Party in the Parking Lot, followed by an ice-cream social on the last day. Aidan did very well in 1st grade, earning almost all A's for the entire year, growing into a fluent reader, advancing in Scouts...we are quite proud of him. :) He is a blessing!

Aidan with his good friend at Party in the Parking Lot

 With some of his best buds at the ice cream social

Being silly & getting manicures with his friends during Party in the Parking Lot

1st grade...came & went in what now feels like the blink of an eye. 

We started 1st grade off with morning sickness, Cillian in my belly, and a boy who wasn't quite 6 & a half yet.
1st grade ended with a 7 year old, whose baby brother is now almsot 4 months.

Here is to a great summer!

Proud Momma

Every once in a while I can't resist sharing something good about my kid. It may sound like a "brag", but hey, later on down on the road, I want Aidan to be able to come here & read about this. To know how proud I am of him, and what an amazing boy he can be.

Three stories:

Most recently, the 2nd quarter ended and Friday Aidan came home with his report card.
I am so very proud of our boy. His teacher is tough and expects a lot from them.  For the majority of this year they've done work that is beyond 1st grade. We love knowing Aidan is in a good school that challenges him.
He made the honor roll again. And he had almost all A's...all A's and one B. (darn B...it was 2 points away from an A!). He brought up several grades (in fact, improved in conduct as well as earned an A+ in Social Studies!) Some schools don't give homework in 1st grade, but Aidan has homework Monday-Thursday, and it's not unfinished school work. It's separate homework. He usually has a Religion test and sight word test each Friday on top of it. When there is a Science, Social Studies, or Math test, that is also on a Thursday or Friday. He works hard and takes his studying very seriously. We are very proud of him. He's starting his schooling career off so well!

Story two...
The week they went back to school after Christmas break, I received this e-mail from a school staff member:

Just had to share this moment with you :

 This morning I was walking back into the school building and ran into Aidan.  I asked him how his Xmas break was and he said  “good”.  Then I asked “Well, what was the best thing about Christmas for you?”  Without hesitation he said “Well, it was Jesus’ birthday”.  I was kind of taken back because I have asked this question before to kids--- I usually get a list of toys or their favorite gift.  I said “Yes it was!”  Aidan said “ That was the BEST—I was so excited that it was Jesus’ Birthday!”  The TRUE meaning of Christmas remains on his mind and in his heart!

 Just had to share this wonderful moment!!

Reading that e-mail made my day. It may not seem like much to some, but as a parent, I feel like it's easy to not see the good as much as the annoying or negative things. "My kid wakes up almost every day before 6!", "He bickers with his brother over the silliest things!", "the after-school whining drives me CRAZY!". Yes, those things are so easy to think of and recall. So it's good to have this, to know others see the good in Aidan, and more importantly, to know he is developing a spiritual relationship. (and I admit, it also gives me hope that as his parents, we may be doing something right).

Like a cherry on top, it got better. Last weekend we got a call from one of our priests, and he asked for permission to use Aidan and this story as a kick-off to his homily for Mass last weekend. We were so touched and honored. 

Aidan is as humble as Pat, not thrilled over the attention and nearly embarrassed. Meanwhile I'm trying not to cry from feeling happy and proud of this good kid God has given me.

Story three...

The same day I got that e-mail from the staff member, I received another, separate e-mail regarding Aidan.  

One of his good friends got hurt at recess. Apparently Aidan went right to help her and help her to the school nurse. The girl's mom commented that Aidan is so sweet, and considered one of this girl's best friends. 

Same day....2 random people sharing with me that Aidan is a good boy. 

Really, it warmed my heart. He is a good, compassionate boy. 

Sometimes the hugs he wants to give can feel excessive, or the help he offers Brennan can feel too strong. 

But his heart? He has a heart of gold. And sometimes even one's own mother needs those reminders. 

I'm grateful for the other mom, the school staff member, the parish priest. 

I'm grateful for his teachers and classmates. 

I am proud of Aidan. 

I am certainly grateful for him, too.

I'm a Sucker for a Man in Uniform

Especially when it's my 6 year old. :)

Aidan participated in his 1st Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby Race today.
He was just awesome.

He took pride in doing his own car, only accepting help where needed. Many of the cars we saw were obviously done mostly by a grown-up. While that was fine for them, we were so proud of Aidan for actually doing the job intended for the Scout. He painted his own car, using every color available to him.

He had a blast. He cheered for his friends, didn't care if he didn't come in first, rejoiced when he succeeded,  and just remained a great sport. We are so incredibly proud of him.
My heart when out to the kids I saw crying (not many but a few, bless their hearts).

 placing his car on the track

"Mom! I came in 2nd!"

Aidan made for quite a Scout today. 

He made us proud.

Way to go, kid!

 

He Earned His First Badge

Aidan earned his first Cub Scout badge last night!
I'm so excited for him & proud of him.
It's the first thing I guess they all do: recite the pledge and show the handshake. He memorized it and recited it with no mistakes. Go Aidan! ;)

I love the satisfaction he feels from Scouts, and that sense of belonging. He's really enjoying it, and it's only just begun.

Last night's meeting was long. It started at 7 and they didn't get home until just after 9. (thank Pat for taking him!). I was concerned about Aidan because he woke yesterday at 4:55 in the morning.

The Scouts & their dads were asked to make a creative cake, with no help from mom.
YES!
Aidan & Pat did a great job. Even though it was rushed, I think they had a good time.
And from what I hear, Aidan was very happy to show his cake.
Check it out:

ignore the umbrellas...

They made a rocket ship cake! (ignore the umbrellas...they were the only toothpicks we had, and it was simply to keep the saran wrap from pulling on the frosting. Not a part of the cake!)

This was right up Aidan's alley. The boy loves to cook, bake, etc.
They had fun. :)
Now we need to buy his Cub Scout uniform~ he has a badge to get sewn on!

Beaming with Pride!

Aidan brought home his 1st Quarter report card today.
I am so very proud of him.

2 awards (ribbons) for this quarter: perfect attendance for quarter 1, and HONORS!
His teacher commented that he participates very well and always tries his best.
What else could I ask for?

I have to say, too, that his teacher is a tough cookie. I really like her. She pushes the kids to their fullest potential, even if it means to do 2nd grade work in the 1st quarter of 1st grade. She's been teaching for 36 years, lacks no energy, and Aidan has already learned so much. Homework every night, tests each Friday.
He definitely works for his grades.

He's balancing it well, adding in Scouts and Soccer.
I'm proud of him.

I didn't expect, having played the role of "teacher" first, to get this emotional over his grades (on the parent end).
His education is truly an investment, and we're so blessed with a great Catholic school.

We're going to celebrate! First up for Aidan, earning some time to play on the Wii. ;)

School Pictures!

(not the best quality, as I took a picture of his picture)

AH!!!! I am loving it.

I completely forgot he did his own hair that morning.

He wanted to gel it, which really meant splashing it with water and a crazy amount of hairspray. 

We offered him a hair cut prior to pictures, and he opted to wait.

Oh my goodness, I love it.

HOWEVER...my "baby" looks so much older than in last year's school picture! 

I'm biased. I know that. But I love his school picture this year. It really captures "Aidan" as he presents himself. 

He's growing up so fast.

TGIF...so glad it's finally here

Phew, it's been a busy, stressful week.
I'm making this a TGIF-here's some good that happened post. I need to, because the way I've felt the last 2 days, it was all seeming bad. I know that can't be the case.

Getting the bad out & over with:
We bought this house nearly 2 years ago now. Prior to living here, we rented a townhouse about a mile away.
The former landlord is being a total jackass, and over a year later, randomly showed up AT MY DOOR, without call, notice or anything, and simply said in an arrogant tone, "you still owe me $400!".
No, sir, we contested those charges and you never took further action.
He retained our full security deposit, plus is demanding an additional $400. Now I know we didn't leave the place in perfect condition, but we don't trash places, either. He is an ass, and to wait this long, why?! I assume he's short on money or something. (he's waited over a year to pursue his absurd charges)
So Pat has met with a lawyer and even the lawyer said the landlord shouldn't have even kept the full security deposit, etc. No way are we paying.
However, after I told Mr. Jackass to leave my property that day he showed up, he must have gotten ticked. Wednesday we get a letter in the mail from his lawyer stating the money needs to be received in 10 days, or they will take us to court. Sure, over $400.
Oh my goodness, I so don't need this right now. And unfortunately, after $1200 in unexpected plumbing expenses, our money tree is just bare right now. Perfect timing, right?
UGH! I especially don't need this stress while pregnant. It's torn me up the last 2 days.

So, the bad, I'm setting it aside for now (send up a prayer for us!) and hoping it resolves to our favor.

There HAS to be some good, right?
-I  helped prep for our parish rummage sale 2 nights this week. It was nice to get out among adults, as well as...the real perk...I got to do some early bird shopping. I found mostly clothes for Brennan (a few brand new from Gymboree), but also 2 baseballs (1 Mudhens!), and some books in excellent condition for Aidan (A to Z Mysteries). Also a Kneeling Santa figure and 2 wooden Nutcrackers. I probably purchased a value of nearly $90, and what did I pay? $12! Score!

-Aidan's final soccer practice. I love watching him play, but we're all ready for the season to end. And it was a COLD practice! His last game is tomorrow. Can't wait!

-MOPS: Brennan & I went for the 2nd time. Brennan had a blast. I'm so glad. I enjoyed it, too. We made a pumpkin craft and it was fun. Plus I had more adult conversation!

(it's gotten a little beaten up since Wed, but cute nonetheless)

-Yesterday the boys & I did a handprint-bat craft. They love arts & crafts, and Brennan was so excited we waited to do this one with Aidan. It's adorable how much they adore each other.

The bats on our front door, under Brennan's handprint wreath

-Aidan's first big Science project was due-so glad it's over with! They had to choose an animal & write a report on it, then do a poster board of their animal. Aidan's was about 7 pages long (hand-written), and he chose the giraffe. Did you know giraffes have FOUR stomachs? And can grow to 18 feet tall? Amazing. You're welcome. ;)

I've been emotional and bummed, but there has clearly been some good.
I feel like I'm holding my breath until we're fully done with Mr. Jackass, but hopefully it will resolve outside of court. And before I enter my 3rd trimester.

TGIF!

1st Day of 1st Grade

I share this with you with teary-eyes. I'm in disbelief that Aidan is a first-grader.
It's the big leagues now!

I reviewed his papers and syllabus last night. Holy Cow, it's hard core compared to kindergarten. Religion test every Friday, daily Math flash cards, daily Sight Words, Social studies vocab words, etc.
It will be good for him, I know, but even I feel slightly overwhelmed.

Still, when it was time to leave Back to School Night last night, Aidan did not want to leave. He complained on the way home that he wanted to be at school.

Today walking in, we saw his good friend, and he excitedly said "hey Charlie, we match!". (both boys wearing the blue uniform shirts;).

I wanted to squeeze Aidan til no end, and tell him how much I feel I already miss him (also catching me off guard).
I wanted to turn into a fly on the wall so I could be there all day.

I am home with Brennan, though, who is having a tantrum that we left Aidan at school.

We'll miss Aidan together today, try to do something special, and hope Aidan has a wonderful 1st day.

These growing pains get me every time.

I Officially...

have a FIRST GRADER!!

(Aidan with his teacher, yesterday, the last day in school uniform)

Cliche sounding it may be, but it really truly went by so fast! It honestly feels like it JUST started. The only time it felt like it was dragging on was over Christmas break-January. ;) But that was more due to our wintery weather.

Aidan did very well in kindergarten. He is reading. His handwriting is very good. He never cried or wanted to stay home. I (thank God) never had to go pick him up from school unexpectedly. 

He loved kindergarten. We love our school. 

The past week has been filled with fun events, like the farm field trip and another outing to a park on Tuesday. Aidan was head-to-toe filthy: all boy.

And he loved every minute of it.

His school holds the tradition of the last day of school being "Party in the Parking Lot", which is like a festival for the kids. It far exceeded my expectations! There was a DJ with fun music being played (Love Shack, Thriller, Twist & Shout, some Beach Boys...good stuff), a magician, tug-of-war, duck pond game, and many others. It was a blast. I worked 2 hours of the duck pond game, loving the chance to watch Aidan &his classmates. 

There was no kindergarten graduation (which I was fine with) but I still wanted to do something to make it exciting & special. After all, Aidan is done with his first full year of school! And he did it in great stride. 

So Brennan & I did some mild decorating as a surprise for Aidan. Hey, spending a year working hard in school? You deserve some balloons! 

Aidan was pleasantly surprised & loved it. He also loved the tattoo he got at school today-at least it's patriotic. ;)

I no longer have a kindergartner. Aidan is now my first grader. *gulp*

Here is to a great summer!