January is almost over!

Wow, time is slipping by!

In my last post I sid I would be better about posting... HAHA, I'm trying.

I went to the Bodies world exhibit with Bethany, and it was very interesting. They presented most things medically, but a few were artistically presented as well. I recommend going if you like to know about medical issues, biology or anatomy. Do not go if you are squeamish or sensitive.

Keira has been working on reading and writing. She's read book 1 and 2 from our "Bob" book series, and she can now write Mommy, Daddy and Brady in addition to her own name. She is also trying to be more helpful around the house.

On that note, I've created a chore chart for the kids. I am hoping this will be a visual reminder and that they will take a more active role in helping keep the house tidy. Ideally I'd love a maid, but that's not in our budget, so I am going with the second best idea of dividing up the work instead of trying to tackle it alone.

Chris is chugging away at a "Honey do" list for me, today he hung the living room curtain rod. I picked up some nice curtains on the cheap, matching for the living/dining room. They are red with black velveteen leaves. The curtains we had in the dining room were transparent red, and I was getting tired of people being able to see whatever we were doing. These new curtains are darker and provide more privacy.

I have read two books this week, plus still working on the Stieg Larrson series. I read "How I live now" by Meg Rosoff, about a teenage girl in a modern day England plagued by terrorism and unknown enemies. I also read "The Diary of Pelly D." which is about a futuristic world where a teenage boy finds a diary, similar to that of Anne Frank. It's an interesting story.

Right now I'm starting the "Host" by Stephanie Meyer. I am trying to get this pleasure reading in, because come March, I know I will be back to reading education books for my thesis!

That's one thing I'm looking forward to- being finished with my master's in hand. That will be one thing to celebrate this July.

Getting back into the Swing of things!

Well, we've been home now for nearly two weeks. Finally everyone is over jetlag, though we would still LOVE to sleep in everyday!

Keira has started a library class, so her teachers take her age group to the local city library every Tuesday, where they have story time in German, learn appropriate library behavior and get to check out two books each week! Keira is excited about this course, and I am excited about anything that peaks her interest in reading. We are trying to work on reading in English at home, so that she is prepared for school in the fall.

Brady is busy being a boy. He's very interesting in cars and pirates right now. He like to jump on everything and actually, jump OFF everything too! He is still showing his loving sweet side every day though. This morning he said to me "Mommy, please don't marry Daddy, PLEASE!" I said it was too late, I already did, and asked why, he said "Because I want to marry you" while laying his head on my shoulder and hugging me. It brought tears to my eyes, it was so sweet!

I have read the first four Percy Jackson books, and eagerly await book 5 coming out in paperback in July! I am currently reading "The Angel's Game" but Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and have "The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo" and "The Girl Who Played With Fire" waiting to read.

I am also currently trying to prepare a topic for our March Teacher inservice day. I am working on presenting two ideas- the Gradual release of responsibility in our classrooms and tips for differentiation within the SABIS system. It's a challenge, and I'm looking back at my teacher training coursework for inspiration. That's helping me evaluate best practices, and I think, reminding me how to be a Great teacher! I'm also helping a friend working on her IB planner, which is getting me back in the PYP mindset. It's stimulating and exciting work- so I'm having a blast!

At night, Chris and I are enjoying playing Band Hero and Karaoke Idol together after the kids go to bed. After I go up to bed, he's staying downstairs playing some of the other games he got for christmas.

I have plans tomorrow to go to Koln with Bethany, to see the Bodies:World exhibit. I am looking forward to it, and will write about it when I'm back!

Pictures from our trip to Virginia.

We had a fun, whirlwind trip to visit our family for the holidays.
We took the kids to get pictures with Santa, and took our own pictures with the tree in the mall.

























On Christmas, we woke up at my parents house and let the kids open presents from Santa, then we went over to Brian and Becca's house for more presents and a beautiful meal.


















During the week, we also saw two movies with the kids: The Chipmunks squeakquel, and the Princess and the frog. The kids liked both.

We also packed in some time bowling with Chris's dad, brother and our nephew Patrick.

We also got to see some friends, Mari and Ginger met us at the kids' play area at the mall. Deborah met us at Chuckee Cheese, Heather met us at the Air and Space Museum, Nicole met Chris and I at the movie Avatar, and Ginger came over with her family for New Years Eve, where we played games.

It was a wonderful two weeks, getting to see our friends and family was great! We look forward to seeing everyone again in the coming summer.

Happy New Year!

Wow, 2010! It's going to be a great year, I know it! I wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy year.

For NYE this year we had a low key friends/family party. Ginger and her family came over, Chris' brother Rob and nephew Patrick were here, and my uncle Ron and Aunt Marcia came to ring in the new year. We had some delicious appetizers from Wegmans, and played Disney trivia with the kids.

After the little kids left or went to bed, the Gattonis and Spragues played a fun (long) game of Rummy royal, as is traditional for Gattoni get togethers. Mom and Ron were helping Aubrey learn the game, and she responded by whooping all of our poker playing butts!

At 11:50 we turned on Dick Clark's Rockin New Years Eve bash, and watched the Times Square ball drop.

It was a nice way to spend the change into the new year, with friends and family. Hope yours was great too!