Friday, October 31, 2008

Name Recognition

In an effort to ensure that every preschooler recognizes the spelling of their own name, my daughter's teacher set up a picture of a pond filled with little alligators bearing the name of each student.

At the end of the day, before dismissal, each student goes up to the pond, finds their name, and says,

"See you later, alligator!"

Then they run into the arms of their awaiting parent.

I LOVE IT.

Guess Who?


Quote of the Day

"The three glues that hold humankind together are the courage of women, the compassion of men and the laughter of children." -Earon Davis

Picture of the Day



Despite the clearly marked directives prohibiting
people from sitting on the platforms,
the little boy thought the camoflauge provided by his smart cap
would conceal his presence.

Send your favorite kid pictures to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com

Thursday, October 30, 2008

The Phallout

Today, I expected to find everyone discussing the big Phillies win, the approaching parade, and the end of a specualtive curse.

I was wrong.

No one seems to have a voice left with which to speak.

About a Boy


My husband's love of baseball began long before any love of me.

Too young to remember the 1980s team, he grew up rooting for Schmidt and Kruk and, most notably, Schilling. He and his father collected every possible sports memorabilia, seeking out mementos in the most remote of locations, from Jamesway to Woolworth. They love April through October, they love the Phillies, and they love baseball.

But the Philadelphia fan has not always had it so easy.

And so, as I've watched this gut wrenching post-season, I secretly prayed for a baseball team and its fans. Sure, there is famine, and war, and disease that should really take priority on anyone's prayer list. But, at least for this week, I prayed for a Philly win.

And it didn't come easy either.

Controversial calls.
Quiet bats.
An aw-shucks manager lost his mother.
Mother Nature decided to do her part in extending the anxiety.
And the clandestine fear that fate would once again take it all away...even when a win was so close.

And then it happened. They won.

I watched and waited for my husband's reaction. I was expecting the typical antics when Lidge delivered a strike out to seal the deal. From past experience, this includes shouts of triumph, wild gesticulations, and (occasionally) partially clothed laps run around the house.

It didn't happen. As a thousand texts from Pat, Tony, Skeeter, Eric and all my husband's cronies came in, my 32 year old, father of two stood up in complete disbelief.

He slowly walked toward the television to take in the spontaneous celebration.

He shook his head and he quietly called his father.

Banana Envy


In keeping with the theme of baseball, consider this the Barry Bonds of produce.

I randomly selected a batch of bananas at my local Shop Rite and didn't realize what I had really discovered until I hit the checkout line. As the young, BNL loving checkout boy started to snicker a la Beavis, another bag boy ran over with camera phone in hand to capture the yellow phenomena in all its platano splendor.

Finally realizing what the fuss was all about, I gasped, let fly a "What the...?", and immediately covered my darling little girl's eyes.

Phabulous

Though my husband and I have thoroughly embraced our pastoral paradise on the farm, this is truly the first time we really wished we were still in our little Center City condo three blocks below Broad.

We would have witnessed a city in all its celebratory glory, and done our best to keep anything we owned from getting set on fire.

What a beautiful morning.

Halloween Costumes: Boo Hoo

After two months of pleading, pleading, pleading her mother to let her be a panda for Halloween, her mother acquiesed after she swore that, regardless of whatever new character she may encounter, she would be a panda on October 31st. (Holy pronouns)

Halloween is one day away and she is asking to be Cinderella.

At least I've decided on a costume of my own: anything with a straight jacket.

Shout out to.....

Amanda, Kristine, and lovely Lori for becoming "Followers" of the blog!!!!!!

Quote of the Day

"I'm convinced that every boy, in his heart, would rather steal second base than an automobile." ~Tom Clark

Picture of the Day


Shout out to Tug

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Girls Rule

Yesterday allowed me to enjoy one of those rare moments when I could listen to the radio. My O is at school and, as my little man and I head to his own little playgroup, he is either snoozing or staring out the window for signs of trucks...and not at all concerned with what is coming out of the speakers.

Though I can be pretty critical of certain musicians, I will be the first to admit when someone turns a song out that really works. Now, I have never been a Beyonce fan (I don't dislike her....she just doesn't interest me), but her new song "If I Were A Boy" is fantastic. Like Mary J. on sedatives, she has come up with something as soulful as it is sentimental and I have to give props where props are due (yes, I am 32 and I just used the word "props"...twice).

With that song, as well as the stuff coming out from Pink, Rhiana, Leona Lewis, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and so many other female singers, I have to say I am feeling the girl vibe in music.

I suddenly have the urge to put in some Cyndi Lauper or Joan Jett.....

AND>...the video is great too:


THE WEATHER

If you live anywhere near me, chances are you're considering starting up your very own rice paddy thanks to the incessant rain buffetting the Northeast. The Phillies are delayed, getting out of the house is a hassle, and, having not seen the sun in three days kind of makes me feel like the gods are angry at us.

BUT, there is a silver lining.....my little man took a 3+ hour nap yesterday.

When it comes to optimal napping, nothing beats the sound of swirling wind, tapping rain, and a dark room.

Praise be to Mother Nature.

A Contest

In case you haven't checked today's Blogroll, master photographer Shirley Magilton is holding a contest for free wallets (what a wonderful thing to stick in Christmas cards) if you can guess which Disney princess is her daughter's favorite.

So, if you've ordered pictures from her before, you can pick your favorite one for a free set of wallets or, if not, finally decide to book her for a shoot.

Shout out to Miss Jackie

The teacher's aid in O's class who is the quintessence of sweetness and warmth.

She is never not smiling, she shows all the children radiating love, and most of all, she calls them her little "lovedrops".

Coming from anyone else, it sounds like really bad cheese, but when Miss Jackie says it makes my heart grow to be almost as big as my little O's smile.

The New Stage Has Arrived....

As far as siblings go, my children's relationship has been pretty endearing to watch. As a baby, my son enjoyed the loving attention of a big sister eager to help her mother dispose of dirty diapers, burp his back, and play peek-a-boo. As he became more aware of the world around him, he'd giggle and clap his hands as she pranced around him, while she, in turn, basked in the adulation of a contained audience.

When he started crawling and then walking, she loved to chase him about and cheer even his smallest accomplishments, and when she would do something as simple as enter a room, he would squeal with delight.

And then there's this new stage....

It seems they both feel very adamant about their own perceived toy territory and I feel like I've spent much of the last two weeks explaining:

1) how important it is to share,
2) that if someone has something first you must wait until they are done to enjoy it yourself,
3) and that throwing "appeasement toys" that Mommy provides in an attempt to distract is never okay.

Why do my two rays of sunshine go from best buddies to ultimate fighting opponents faster than I can say, "Serenity now"?

And how on earth did I ever assume that boys and girls are never interested in the same toys? I guess becuase it's never actually about the toy....it's about wanting someone else has.

---Shout out to my neighbors and their awesome deck.

Quote of the Day

"If you're in a war, instead of throwing a hand grenade at the enemy, throw one of those small pumpkins. Maybe it'll make severyone think how stupid war is, and while they are thinking, you can throw a real grenade at them." -"Deep Thoughts" by Jack Handey

Picture of the Day


So he said: How do you repair a broken jack-o-lantern?


And then I said: Buy a pumpkin patch.


Send your favorite kid pictures to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Another Project....

So I somehow managed to land another big project and, despite the fact that this job is bigger than the recent last, I am determined to keep up on the blogging.

Now I can effectively rationalize my need for regular doses of candy...sugar is energy.

The Candy is Coming...

Every year I load up on barrels of candy for fear that our small street of five children will suddenly decide to bring all their friends. When all is said and done, I've managed to pass out a handful of candy bars while effectively sabotaging my chances of watching my weight over the holidays.

This year I got smart.

Instead of dumping all the candy in a gigantic bowl that would tempt me all day and night, I bought a bunch of halloween bags and stowed bunches of candy in each one, secured by a little tie. I did this for the neighborhood kids, as well as for my husband's co-workers who will receive them on our annual Halloween excursion to the office. (Though, considering the current state of the market, black and orange colored flasks containing a pumpkin flavored liquor may be more appropriate).

I am SO ready to beat the candy...right after I finish off the extra pieces of candy that didn't fit into the 40 bags I purchased at Target.

I am SO not ready to beat the candy.

Quote of the Day

"There are three ways to get something done: do it yourself, employ someone, or forbid your children to do it." -Monta Crane

Picture of the Day

Little Man vs. Beast
(my bet's on the little man)

Send your favorite kid pictures to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com


Monday, October 27, 2008

Shout out to Grammy

For treating O to her first slumber party, replete with pillow fighting, popcorn, and a viewing of Annie.

The only downside? Grandparent withdrawal.

Ugh.

Sadness All Around

The body of Jennifer Hudson's nephew, 7 year old Julian, was found on Chicago's west side in the very car reported missing by his mother. His stepfather is the primary suspect for his death, along with the death of his grandmother (Hudson's mother) and uncle.

I know I am probably the only one in the world against the death penalty, but stories like this make it hard for me to reconcile that stance.

Too sad for words.

Quote of the Day

"It is amazing how quickly the kids learn to drive a car, yet are unable to understand the lawnmower, snow-blower, or vacuum cleaner." -Ben Bergor

Picture of the Day

Because you're never too young to start "workin' on your fitness",
(or point out your ownmother's shortcomings by comparison)

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Happy Birthday!!!!


Sending many wonderful birthday wishes down to the Sunshine State
(Feel free to send some sunshine back up at me).