Super Star

We had a busy weekend.  Kirk had 2 basketball games on Saturday and lots of friends and family came out to watch him play.  He is still so happy to get out there and do his best, and no matter what the score board says, he still thinks playing is fun!  Kirk worked all week to be on his best behavior so we could go to "Super Hero Day" at the KYOVA mall on Saturday afternoon.  Kirk was a little freaked out by the life sized heroes, and he got very clingy when we got close.  Batman has a wonderful message to kids and families to always do their best, be kind to people, and to stay away from drugs.  I really do admire him for taking on a project like this in our area.  Batman (picture below) was SO NICE to Kirk, even when his head was slammed in my shoulder and he was whimpering.  He told Kirk that even super heroes were scared sometimes, and he talked to Kirk about calling him whenever he needed him (he had business cards that he gave out).  Later, I asked Kirk to tell Batman goodbye, and Batman came over and hugged Kirk, covering him up with his cape.  Kirk stood there with a goofy grin on his face (no pictures....Jeremy wandered off!).  I am so proud of my little Batman, and he has reminded me several times about Batman's message to "always do the right thing!"  Kirk said that Batman is now keeping OUR CITY safe! Ha!

Kirk decided that he now wants the "black plastic costume" that includes a black plastic mask, and an all black costume with muscles.  I told him to keep up his good behavior and we would talk about it later.  I talked to him about a chore/behavior chart to earn the costume.  Of course, he is more than ready to "help" around the house. He loves to help me cook.  I handed him the bag of bread sticks for last night's dinner and he laid all of them out perfectly on the baking sheet for the oven.  I think I'm making some lucky lady a wonderful husband someday!!!!

Kirk was super giddy during mass on Sunday when we figured out we were sitting 2 pews behind Coach Herrion (MU basketball coach).  Kirk couldn't wait to say hello to him when we went up for communion!  After mass Tim Irr (WSAZ anchor) and his wife leaned over the pew behind us to ask me how old Kirk was and to tell me that he was so cute and so well behaved.  They said they had both commented more than once to each other during mass how good he was.  I told them we had been working on it for a LONG time.    I am so proud of him and it is amazing when strangers notice him and tell me positive things.  It seems that something always happens that picks me up a little when I am not feeling like the best mama/wife/friend/sister/daughter/teacher....I am thankful that I can hear and feel a little goodness and keep my head up.  He really is a great little guy.  I was even more proud when he saw Coach Herrion pull out of the parking lot, and he waved furiously and screamed, "Bye Coach! GO HERD!"  It's good to know we're raising a faithful Herd fan as well!

It's not how big you are, it's how big you play.

Kirk played another basketball game with a big smile and a super sporty sweatband.  He runs back and forth on the court, plays his version of "defense," and attempts a couple of shots that get no where near the basket.  I can already tell the difference in him.  He seems to understand the game a little more.  He is a little more focused.  He thinks he is a really big deal, and he is.  I love this little basketball player so much, and even if he is the smallest player on his team and his shots fly about two feet below the basket.  His smile melts my heart, and his cheers and claps during the game make me smile so big.  

We applied for passports this week. Kirk's picture was super cute.

 We are getting ready for our amazing Disney cruise! 

 Zippity-do-dah,-zippity-ay!

Jeremy got me a Google Nexus 7 tablet this week.  He caved under my after-Christmas regret that I didn't ask for a Kindle for Christmas.  I read three books over my Christmas break, and I am now working on my fourth in less than a month (reading list to follow).  I love to read; I hate to wait for books.  I DO love the feel of a book in my hand, turning pages, the smell, and the awesomeness of flipping that final page.  HOWEVER....I have finally decided it is time to embrace technology...and reduce clutter.  How amazing will it be to never have to find a place on my shelf for another book?  Amazing.  How amazing will it be to finish a book, decide quickly that I must read another, and download it NOW. Amazing. The tablet can download Nook or Kindle books, browse the internet (I can Pinterest on it as well!), and all of my cell phone apps are already there.   I am reading hopefully my last paperback book right now, and when I finish....on to digital pages.  Maybe I can figure out how to turn that last page.....slowly.....?  

Kelly's Christmas reading list:  Bared to You, Reflected in You (if you like 50 Shades books, these are great!), Gone Girl (I was blown away by this one....it is great!  I'm reading Dark Places now, another book by the author, Gillian Flynn).  If you're not reading something...you should be.

gift cards accepted

As I mentioned in the last post....our Disney cruise is BOOKED!  The Walkers are now graciously accepting Disney gift cards for any upcoming holidays or events that you might wish to purchase one of us a gift...haha!  Seriously...we can spend Disney gift cards on the ship, in Castaway Cay, or during our day in Magic Kingdom.  Disney magic is expensive, but worth every penny to me!  I will never forget my first ride on Space Mountain or the first bite of a Mickey head ice cream.  I remember seeing Minnie for the first time when I was 8 years old and almost crying. You can't put a price on that warm fuzzy feeling in your heart!  Happy 10th anniversary to us...I'm sure it will be a magical day!

2013

     2013 came in kind of crazy! Jeremy and I were able to go out to dinner on New Year's Eve and spend time with some good friends (thanks to Meme and Poppy for keeping Kirk!).  Kirk came down with some weird virus a day later and ran a fever for almost 2 days.  I had to miss my first day back at school to stay home with him, but he is back to his crazy self now.  Kirk started Itty Bitty Basketball, which is hilarious and heartbreaking to watch.  I am NOT ready for him to do such grown up boy things like play sports, but it is amazing to see how much he loves it.  Jeremy loves teaching him about sports (even when it drives him nuts).      Kirk is the smallest kid on his team, but I do think he has the biggest heart.

Kirk and his buddy/teammate Riley

Kirk was so proud of his first attempt at making a shot (no where near the basket). He fist pumped the air and said "YES!"  like a true athlete!

Kirk loves his team's Marshall green shirts.  Coach Archer requested them after Kirk told him that they just HAD to be the green team!  Thanks, Coach!

I can hardly contain my excitement....our Disney cruise is BOOKED FOR JUNE!  The Walkers will board the Disney Dream on June 20, bound for Nassau and Castaway Cay.  I am still amazed that Jeremy has agreed to this as our 10th anniversary vacation, but I am so thrilled!  We will also spend June 19th in the Magic Kingdom, and I can't wait to go back there, too (for my 7th time!).  Anyone who knows me knows that I love nothing more than Disney magic, and I guess Jeremy has just decided to embrace it.  HA!  I know Kirk's second trip to the Magic Kingdom will be even more magical, and I know he will love the cruise ship (the ship has a play room for kids that looks JUST LIKE Andy's room from Toy Story....Kirk flips out over the pictures! HA!)  Kirk is so excited for Disney World and "the beach" all in the same trip.  We can hardly wait till June!

and a happy NEW YEAR!

It is very hard to believe a new year is a week away!  What an amazing year it has been.  I cannot believe that this time next year my baby boy will be 4 years old.  FOUR. YEARS. OLD.  How tragic!  I love to see him learn and do new things, but boy is it making me teary that he is so big in my lap these days.  I look forward to the new year and all it brings.  I resolve to try to be the best mother, wife, teacher, sister, daughter, friend, citizen, and servant that I can be.  We have so much to be thankful for, and instead of constantly taking inventory of my shortcomings or faults, I resolve to enjoy my life as it is.  We are all wonderfully made, and we should enjoy each day.  I have made a few changes this year, and I hope I can continue to make the best choices for my family and myself.  We really have a great life, and I want to enjoy it more.  Welcome 2013!

I love this picture.  What a precious hug from my boy at the HERD game in Charleston on Dec. 15th.  I hope I always get hugs like that!

I usually don't post pictures of my school kiddos, but this was a great moment!  We have a gift exchange in our classroom each year, and the moment they start to tear into the gifts reminds me why I teach little ones (it was pajama day as well....of course I wore my pajamas, too!) .  They are all so excited, and it is amazing to watch.  Look at all those little bodies on that carpet with me....I am so lucky to spend my days with them!

Kirk and Bella on Christmas Eve

Kirk's expression is priceless!  He was so excited to open his Bat mobile from Gramma Debi!

Kirk pulling things out of his stocking on Christmas morning

Kirk and his glorious Bat Cave....his life is now complete!

Great resource....

I just found a great site on Pinterest (and if you aren't using Pinterest, you should.  Go there. Now.).  It is rare that I agree totally with any other "expert" working with young kids other than my hero Dr. Becky Bailey (who totally changed my life as a teacher, mother, and person...you should read her stuff too).  This post is from a counselor who has a pretty decent blog.  You should check out this post, and the list of the "10 Things Not to Say to Kids."  If we would all take this advice we'd have more kids who were well adjusted, well behaved, and even tempered.  Read it.  Leave me a comment if there's anything you don't understand.  #1 is my favorite, and most important bit of advice....don't tell kids what NOT to to, tell them what TO DO!  Common sense?  Not for most!

For example, a kiddo who is running in a classroom will hear "WALKING FEET!" from me, not "STOP RUNNING!"  Most of the time, when a child is told what TO DO, they will change their behavior.  Many times when children are told what NOT TO DO, they are left questioning what behaviors are acceptable or expected.  Why create confusion?  Tell them.  Things that are natural to me from working with young kids for 15 years are not natural to others.  Even parents who are highly educated do not always make the best decisions about parenting....especially when dealing with challenging behaviors.  Read it.  You'll be glad you did.


                       http://thekidcounselor.com/articles/10-things-not-to-say-to-your-kids/

We wish you a Merry Christmas..

Kirk, Bella, Auntie Erin and I spent last weekend in Lexington, KY visiting the Kentucky Horse Park and enjoying the Southern Lights.  We were glad to spend another year there and Kirk and Bella loved the petting zoo.  They fed the animals lots of carrots, and they jumped right up on the ponies for a ride.  We were all in the Christmas spirit and we enjoyed the Mickey's Music Festival show last Sunday at Rupp Arena.  The kids loved the show, and we had a great time.  We came home with some Christmas AND Disney magic in our hearts!

Kirk was impressed that our elf, Bruce Wayne, followed us to our hotel in Lexington.  Bruce Wayne (who Kirk did not hesitate to name) has found some sneaky hiding places and left Kirk some great notes around our house.  Kirk is excited to see what he has been up to each morning!

We went to Ean's birthday party yesterday at the Gym Nest.  Kirk loved climbing and jumping on everything.  Kirk has great coordination and strength and he can hold himself up on bars and on the zip line (sideways video below).  I am amazed at his strength sometimes, and even though he is little, he sure is mighty!

We watched the HERD pull off another win last night!  I think Kirk might understand as much about basketball as I do now (maybe more?).  He asked me when one of the players was taking a foul shot, "Is he getting a foul shot, Mama?"  He will be explaining it to me before long, I'm sure.

We have a busy week ahead.  Kirk's Christmas program at day care is this Thursday, as well as a special night at Chick-fil-a with the wonderful ladies from the Barboursville Library.  We are going to make gingerbread houses with them, and I am so excited!  Kirk has been a little bit more interested in the arts lately (maybe from my constant brow beating and craft making....?)  so I hope he will like making a gingerbread house with his Mama.  We have another basketball game next Saturday in Charleston (vs. Cincinnati) and we are going to visit my parents on Sunday.  Whew!  Happy Holidays!

Check out these super cute "girl" reindeer antlers!  When Kirk's teacher at day care told me that one of their songs for the program was "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" I immediately asked if she would like antlers for the kiddos to wear.  I got to work shopping for the antlers, and of course the girls couldn't go without some cute little candy cane stripped bows on theirs!  Of course the bows are attached to clips, so they can remove them afterwards and wear them as cute little holiday bows.  The boys got taller brown antlers, and I'm sure all they will care about is ramming them into each other.  It's a good thing I don't have a girl, right?  How many Mamas of little boys spend hours making hair bows? Ha!  I can't wait to see them on all the kiddos, they are going to look so CUTE! I'm sure it will be worth all my hard work and hot glue gun burns!