Hard to believe that on Monday morning we were still in NY. Since SSA were off from school Monday & Tuesday we were able to fly home early Monday and I still managed a half day of work.
After a lot of negotiation, Amaya sat next to the Friendly Stranger with the caveat that one of the brothers would swap seats if the person next to her had a dog.
I asked Jason if he could get an organization system for stuff the kids need to bring to school. Everything sat in one pile and I mentally remembered what went back when but that’s not efficient, particularly when I travel for work. He had this set up in our mud room when I got back from NY. A spot for each child with a pull out tray for each school day. Perfection. <3
Steven started piano lessons on Monday! He’s very excited and I think Anthony will work well with him.
Anthony suggested we get these piano key stickers to help with early piano learning.
Jason and I had work on Tuesday and the kids were still off from school for mid-winter break but, luckily, we were able to send them to break camp at the JCC for the day. It’s a great option for the kids. Each day is themed and they ‘re happy to go because it’s somewhere they’re comfortable. They even got to swim!
These huge lego bricks immediately got Steven and Sammy’s attention at “before care” drop-off.
Tuesday’s theme was Rock & Roll and the kids came home with these big guitars. Steven loved it.
On Wednesday it was back to school and another Reading Workshop volunteer day for me. When I arrived Mrs. Shuart was about to read the class a story and she let me sit on the carpet with Amaya on my lap. My girl was so happy. (So was I.)
Getting reading to “write the room”.
Seen in the hallway…
Steven needed to get a rash checked out by his pediatrician so Jason surprised him at school at 2:30pm and took him to his doctor appointment. “I didn’t expect to see Daddy!”
Meet Olivia Netwon Cline, clad in new dance clothes from Charlie.
It was a busy Wednesday for the Clines. I had a whirlwind trip to Denver via a late night flight and, as is starting to be tradition, when I travel Steven, Sammy and Amaya get a sleepover with their daddy.
Steven’s writing.
Third down is “Family” [famule] and 6th down is “I love Morminer” [I love Mrmunr].
Steven has coined a phrase for coloring that does not use realistic colors – Color Creative. He had a great time with his Color Creative lion. Amaya, however, has rejected Color Creative and said she prefers realistic colors.
I’m trying to get Amaya to let me style her hair more often so I’m also offering new hair styles. I think she was a big fan of the side bun.
For Hanukkah, Uncle Austin got Amaya this bracelet making kit. A good part of the weekend was spent making bracelets, rings and key chains for everyone in our family and May May’s family.
Special Delivery for Baby Rainbow Heart
Amaya got all dolled up for her visit from May May & family who were coming to visit today. Megan and I had been talking about getting together this weekend but hadn’t locked anything down. Yesterday, Amaya said she really wanted to see Megan so she called her up and invited her to come over today. It was definitely time!
May May!
Baby Rainbow Heart (Eden) is getting so big! She’s even taking her first steps.
Taco is three, and the most comfortable she’s been around Steven, Sammy and Amaya for some time. She worked with Amaya to make another bracelet and had fun in a PJ Masks Catboy cape.
The kids and I made a delicious dinner together and they got to take the cutting gloves for a test drive. The gloves are definitely helpful as they start to use sharper knives to cut tougher foods. Sammy also tried out the knew kids’ knives I got. They work well for some foods but we did end up switching to steak knives to cut the carrots.
Steven and I partnered on a delicious steak sauce.
Last but not least – Amaya’s Valentine’s note that came home on Monday. I appreciate that she put me in head to toe orange – my favorite color. 🙂
Wait! One more! Sweet, sweet Sal. My first best girl.
This is a typical scene for how I find the kids on a school day when it’s time to each breakfast. Sammy is always on his table. Steven is almost always doing art. Amaya can be found doing either, but generally with her tablet close at hand. Say what you will about tablets, but they’re a lifesaver in the morning to keep the kids occupied while Jason and I sleep.
On Monday, at long last, the kids celebrated their 100th day of school. Mrs. Shuart sent us some photos of the class celebration.
SSA have been excited about Valentine’s Day. Steven didn’t want Sally left out so he made this for her and asked me to tape it to the door by her food and litter box. <3
Pizza!!
I’m not sure if she had guidance or did this from memory, but I love Amaya’s washer and dryer.
Thornton Creek had a change drive to raise money for wildlife in Australia. They raised enough money that they held a pajama day at school on Tuesday. We took these photos before the morning bus and, after this first photo, each of the kids took turns staging a photo. They had so much fun with it!
Amaya’s
Steven’s
Sammy’s
We’ve reached the stage of kindergarten where there’s prescribed weekly reading for the kids. <3
When your mom loves giraffes so you color one for her…
Winter kindergarten fashion – sweatpants, a swimsuit cover up, a cardigan, and booties.
For Valentine’s Day, Steven and Amaya painted about a dozen rocks to bring to NY as gifts. I couldn’t help but get into the mood, myself, and paint some rocks for my little loves. I traveled with their 8lbs of rocks in my suitcase but gave the kids the ones I made on Thursday morning because there’s only so many rocks one can reasonably bring to NY. 😉
On Thursday afternoon I picked the kids up from school an hour early and we headed to the airport for our next trip to NY!
They really like that DTW is shaped like an airplane.
In exchange for an extra treat and first dibs at which night he slept with me, Sammy agreed to sit next to the friendly stranger on the airplane. She was friendly and they did become friends. Patience of a saint, truly, as Sammy explained the details of his My Little Pony game. She said she doesn’t have grandchildren so it’s nice to get to talk to kids.
First things first on Friday morning was baking Valentine’s cookies with Nana.
And making more Valentines! I was really impressed with Sammy’s focus.
On Friday afternoon, the kids, Nana and Savta picked Charlie up from school while I worked at Sara & Dave’s house. So much love!
Which led to part 2 of cookie time – frosting!
Chase, unwrapping his rock from Amaya. He was so sweet to her.
Dinner and Shabbat. You can always count on Sammy to be right there when we light Shabbat candles with Nana.
Charlie slept over on Friday night and, on Saturday morning, Nana and the kids picked up Chase and the 6 of them went out for a pancake breakfast. It’s such a great tradition they’ve started.
Cousins.
On Saturday afternoon, Steven, Sammy and Amaya went bowling for the first time. They’d roll their ball sloooooooowly down the lane. All 5 kids played and Amaya actually won one of the games and Sammy got two spares in a row in his first game!
A couple of months ago a friend of mine shared photos of her kids at the Museum of Illusions in NYC. I showed the photos to Steven and he was totally enamored with what he saw, so we decided to make the museum a stop on this weekend’s NY visit. In preparation for my upcoming train ride to DC with the kids, we took the LIRR into the city today rather than drive.
It’s truly amazing how much is the exact same since I grew up on LI, and the LIRR is high on that list.
Auntie and Dod Shuki made the trip with us, because we met up with my cousins Mike & Joe and their families, too!
The museum was so much fun. SSA are the perfect age for it because they can participate in the illusions and appreciate them in photos afterward.
Tilted room.
This was my favorite!
The kids specifically remembered the photo of my friend’s son “in the table” so they were thrilled to get to do this one.
After the museum we got lunch at Chelsea Market and then walked the High Line before heading back to Long Island.
I had more work travel this week. This time for a quick in and out to DC for some meetings. Jason sent me this picture of Steven, who is wrapped up in my blankie while I was away. It’s so special to think about my history with this 40 year old Sesame Street sheet and then see it wrapped around one of my children.
“Gabby, can you send me a picture of the kids?”
It turns out there were more 100th Day of School shenanigans. The boys needed to fill these bags with 100 units of an item. While I was out on a weeknight date night with Jason, Penni worked with the boys on their bags. Any guesses on the contents?
(Jason and I were on a date night because I took an earlier flight back from DC to beat the snow heading for Detroit. We already had Penni lined up so decided to make the most of it and get some us time.)
On Thursday I picked Steven up from school at 11:15am for a dermatologist appointment. Midday weekday time with the kids is such a treat, even if it’s for a doctor appointment.
While I was at Thornton Creek, Steven and I wandered the halls to find their HERO pictures. A couple of months ago the kids had to write about their heroes and those statements were turned into photos (~16″x24″) that are hanging through the school. I really love these. It’s the simple things that make an impact for kindergartners.
I couldn’t find Sammy’s, but here is Steven’s MLK Jr. portrait. When we go to NY in April for spring break, the kids and I are taking the train to DC for an overnight visit with Aunt Ouize and Uncle Todd. SSA are really excited to get to see the place where MLK gave his “big speech”. I think I’m going to print out some pictures of the speech to bring with me to help tie it together for them. (Cute story – Jason said that when cousin Abe was little, he called the memorial “Me Lincoln”.) More broadly, I’m super excited to bring the kids to DC and share the city with them. I don’t think we’ll have time to get to GW on this visit but I’m hoping to at least hit up the Lincoln and the Air & Space Museum where they’ll also be able to get great views of the Washington Monument and the Capitol.
On Thursday Steven was his class Super Pal! Ms. M said that he had a slow morning but then jumped right into his work when he was supposed to. He got to wear this cape all day! Ms. M was really sweet about making sure I got to see the cape and get some pictures of him wearing it. (She also told me that he said to her, “I get distracted very easily and I need some ideas to not be so distracted.” She seemed very tickled by the way he said it.)
Before bed on Thursday, and before Jason got home, I asked Sammy if he wanted to go outside and shovel to help Daddy. I wasn’t entirely serious but he said yes so there was no backtracking! Steven saw what Sammy was up to and wanted in, as well. Sammy: “We can work together, Steven.” When Jason got home the boys were so proud to show him their work.
Amaya, girl after my heart, stayed inside in the warm, toasty house. At her request, we played Sight Word Swat. When they play alone I mix up the rules a bit and have them read the words rather than find the words. I was honestly shocked at how many she knows. She was a machine! “Little” “Big” “Play” “Yellow” “Three”.
Amaya’s class has been working on “greater than” and “less than” so I made some number sheets for her to fill out. I love her crocodile eating 10,000.
This was also a great example of how same-age siblings help them all learn. The boys haven’t done this in their class yet but Sammy wanted to try , too, so I made him his own number sheet. I’d never have done that with him if he didn’t generate an interest from Amaya’s practice.
Steven concepted and then created this computer.
Steven and Sammy brought home their books for their academic conversations and they are so true to the boys.
Steven’s story – “Once upon a time I was at my friend penguin. He asked if we could go to space and I said yes. And we went to space and the problem is that we were heading for the sun.” [Can’t read the rest and Steven can’t decode it but in there is “that my friend penguin”.]
Sammy’s story – “Once upon a time I was at my house but. My head fell off! I found glue. I stuck it back on.”
Sammy was so cute reading the story. His 2nd page didn’t originally have an exclamation point but, as he was reading it, he realized he needed it to tie to the emphasis in his voice.
Steven is going to start piano lessons! We offered the option to all of the kids but only Steven is (currently) interested. I was able to find someone local who does in-home lessons and I expect we’ll get started by the 17th. This morning he said, “So soon I’ll be able to play songs with Daddy.” <3
Sloane, in the boys’ class, was sick for their birthday part so she and he mom dropped off belated birthday gifts. (Sloane’s mom is also the kids’ dentist!) Sammy got a dinosaur egg kit and Steven got a spiralgraph. They were extremely thoughtful and even brought a small gift for Amaya.
Steven needed a clean-up so the boys and I headed to the barber on Saturday afternoon.
Sammy’s before…
And after! He’s very clear about wanting short hair and, this time, he wanted more than one lightening bolt. I really love seeing the kids express themselves.
Steven’s before…
Steven’s after. I promise he was happy here. He’s looking forward to his next shower so his curls come back after being brushed out for his cut.
Sammy and I worked together on another Raddish Kids recipe – Lasagna Soup. We’re still working on cutting skills – figuring out what he’s ready for and what’s a challenge. I found a highly reviewed set of kid’s cooking knives for $8 and also ordered kid’s cutting gloves so, as he (and the Steven and Sammy) start cutting and chopping more regularly they can be just a touch safer and more comfortable with the utensils.
I never anticipated how much I’d enjoy cooking with the kids.
Does it get any better than hammering noodles?
A highlight of the weekend was Amaya’s long anticipated Daddy/Daughter dance. She had a new dress, new shoes and excitement that filled our house all day long.
Our girl. <3
Amaya thought it was so cool that the sleeves on her dress have “holes”.
My heart goes BOOM.
Living her best life.
A huge bonus was that Amaya’s friend Abby (famous Abby B) was also at the dance. (Seated beside her, below.) When Amaya heard she was going she started running around the house singing, “Best day of my liiiiii-ife! Best day of my liiiiii-ife!”
About the dance Jason said, “She’s amazing. She was the ring leader, but it didn’t bother her if Abby B didn’t follow…. she was happy if there was anything that was nice on her after losing Abby B. Treats, drawing on the wall, checking on our picture, more treats, dancing with Daddy, dancing on her own, balloons, more treats, most especially “doot doots” with Daddy on the dance floor where everyone could see…”
So special!
The kids had religious school in the morning and it still seems to be going well. They go willingly and it sounds like they’re having fun. After lunch, my Michigan babes spent a very long time playing outside in the snow. It makes me so happy that they’re finally at an age where they can play outside on their own and I love that they get outside even in the dead of MI winter.
Sally is increasingly comfortable with the kids. I guess it’s age. And time. I love it, whatever the reason. She’s so special to me and I love seeing SSA with her.
Amaya still seems to have some fear of Sally but she was willing to pet her again as long as it was from behind so her hand is away from Sally’s mouth. Bit by bit we’ll get there.
This big kid and I made the 3rd of the recipes from February’s Raddish Kids kit. It was an Italian salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, zucchini and homemade croutons. A hit with everyone!
Our family dinned was especially fun tonight. We went around the table telling “fiction” stories. One of Amaya’s went something like this: “Once upon a time there were three kids who didn’t have any parents. Their names were Steven, Sammy and Amaya. They didn’t have parents because their parents, named Joanna and Jason, didn’t like how Steven was wrestling with Sammy and Amaya. So they lived alone. And then Amaya and Sammy lived with their parents again and Steven got new parents.”
We wrapped up our weekend with story books and lots and lots of laughs, thanks to Tacky the Penguin.
My loves.
Finally, a little Tacky inspired nonsense before bed.
Have a great week!
***Sammy’s bag has crayons and Steven’s has stickers.
We’re nearing the 100th day of school. I thought we were going to skate by without shenanigans but, sadly, there are shenanigans. Fortunately, none of the shenanigans involve custom made t-shirts or dressing like old people. Honestly, I don’t have it in me.
The boys brought home capes that they have to decorate with 100 things. I should have insisted on some kind of organizational system to the decorating but I didn’t, and now we have capes with all sorts of things glued to them willy nilly, requiring constant recounting and discussion about what counts as an “item”. Glitter glue globs seem questionable to me.
Amaya’s was a lot more reasonable. She had to pick one thing to count and it needed to fit in a sandwich bag. We were asked to have her count out ten groups of 10, then count to 100 by 10s and then count to 100 by 1s as she put the items in her bag. Much more my speed than the capes.
My sweet Bubba isn’t bothered by the cold. <3 (Side note: The kids’ bus driver is recovering from knee surgery so they have a sub. The new driver asked Jason if we let the kids talk about home because they talk non-stop on the bus.)
On Wednesday I had to head to Nashville for a two night work trip so the kids and I took a quick bus stop selfie in the morning.
At dance on Wednesday, Amaya and Sammy got to try on their tap costumes. So cute! Gabby and Steven also got to watch the kids practice their dance routine.
With Mommy away, the rest of the Clines had a Wednesday night sleepover with Daddy! Jason gets relegated to sleeping across the foot of the bed but I suspect it’s worth it.
On Thursday evening, Penni came and took the kids to a STEM event at their school hosted by the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum. It sounds like they had a great time. I was really happy they could get there even with my travels and Jason’s long commute home from work.
Mrs. Shuart sent a few photos from class this week. I love seeing Amaya happy and engaged. The first picture was during a math activity and the second was during an art break. I spy Valentines!
Which leads me to Valentine’s Day…
At the JCC the kids didn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day so this is their first year with in-school celebrations. It also means they need to write out Valentine’s Day cards for all of their classmates. I’ve been so proud of the kids for their focus and willingness to complete this project. All three kids dove right in.
(And, bonus, we don’t have to make Valentine’s Boxes for card collection. They’ll be decorating bags in school. Though now that I think about it, SSA will be in NY on Valentine’s Day. It’s a half day and we’re flying to NY the night before. I’ll need to remember to send in their cards on the 13th.)
HOME!
Our plans for Saturday included a visit from Sloane, who’s in Steven and Sammy’s class, to drop off their birthday gifts as well as a dinner event at Temple Israel. Around 7:45am, I heard Amaya calling me from the landing in the middle of the stairway. She said she felt sick, and she looked terrible. My poor girl. The order of operations was puke bucket to Amaya >> sheet on the couch >> carry my sweet girl down the rest of the stairs. 🙁
She made it an hour before she did get sick. You should have seen Sammy go running from the room. Afterward, though, she took a nap and was then fine for the rest of the day. No fever, no nausea – totally fine. Thank goodness!
Working on her valentines, you’d never know she’d been so under the weather a few hours earlier.
Even feeling fine, the social contract and 24 hr rules meant Amaya couldn’t join us at PJs and Pancakes at Temple Israel.
Steven and Sammy put on their PJs, grabbed some sleeping friends and off we went. The evening started with bedtime crafts and activities. Making frames to hold the sh’ma, decorating sleep masks. They even got Hebrew names for their sleeping friends. “Tson” for Sheepy which means “sheep” in Hebrew and “Sheleg” for Light Pup which means “snow”. I was able to make some crafts for Amaya, too.
True to form, Sammy’s sleep mask.
True to form, Steven’s sleep mask.
Steven and Sammy were so excited to add whipped cream, chocolate chips and sprinkles to their pancakes. “I wish we could eat pancakes like this every Saturday.”
The evening wrapped up with a short, child friendly Havdalah service. The kids had Havdalah on Monday’s in preschool so it was fun for them to revisit the tradition. Sammy was a little nervous to sit on the bimah but Steven was able to convince him to get up there.
Their dance moves slayed me.
Back at home, after a dinner of waffles and ice cream, Jason had the pleasure of (again) watching his all time favorite movie with Amaya – Descendants 3.
Our February Raddish kids recipes came so today we baked Love Muffins also known as raspberry chocolate chip muffins. Next week we’ll tackle lasagna soup.
The kids each got heart shaped measuring spoons and loved that it left heart shaped piles of ingredients.
Frosting!
A bit of Super Bowl with daddy before bed.
It’s so much fun to see how the kids are progressing at school. Kindergarten is such a big year!
Amaya did her footprint activity on Monday. She’s going to be a hero at school by holding doors for people and a hero at home by washing the dishes.
Hanging on the wall in our upstairs hallway
We had our third round of Academic Conversations this week. The boy’s books seem to have been sent home and returned without ever leaving their folders so I emailed Ms. M and she’s going to send them back home again this week.
For this round, we’re supposed to have a conversation with the kids’ about their writing and choices. There’s a whole list of questions to use to engage with them.
Here’s Amaya’s!
Some work from the boys. This weekend, Steven and I practiced his lowercase a’s. I think he has the hang of them now but we’ll practice some more.
I was very impressed with Sammy’s work on the rhyming words. He’s less likely to want to read or write at home so it’s extra special to see his school work come home.
I’ll leave you with this wonderful family song, compliments of Amaya and Sammy.
