Summer's Blog

 

Savannah is officially in panties full time.  On Thursday Mike heard her screaming for help up stairs so he rushed up there to see what was the matter and she was stuck with 2 legs in 1 leg hole of her panties.  She had pulled them out of her drawer and tried to put them on herself.  Mike reminded her "you know what to do if we wear panties right" she said "pee pee on the potty" so there it was.  This was about 9am and aprox 1pm he sees her run over to the potty and sit down,  a short while later she gets up and continues on with her business.  Assuming nothing happened he continues on his phone call.  But then he walked by and looked in and sees she had gone pee.  He got so excited for her and they called me on the phone (I was at court with my CASA girls).  She was all excited to tell me the news so I had my mom call her to further affirm her.  So then it was nap time and she insisted she sleep in her panties.  I would have never allowed this but that's what's great about Mike is he is more willing to take chances with her and let her figure things out on her own.  So he puts her potty chair in her room during her nap.  About 2 hours later he hears her on the monitor saying "Daddy, I pooped" YIKES Mike runs upstairs thinking there is going to be a big mess but to his surprise.....she had put her potty chair IN her bed then climbed up on top and pooped in it.  Imagine the balancing act that required.  He was so proud she wants to call me and Nana to tell us the news but instead he texts us both (nana is asking for pictues) and Daddy gives her an ice cream. 

On my way home from court I stopped at CVS and bought her a Disney Princess swim towel and came home to find out she had peed again on the potty.  So proud of her!  So then on Friday I put her in a diaper to go to school but told her teachers how good the previous day had gone.  When Mike came to pick her up from school her teacher said she had gone pee pee in the potty at school too.  YAY!  This was a first.  She sits on the potty a minimum of 2x per day 3 days a week at school since January and this was the first time she pee'd during potty time.  She then pooped on the potty at home and didn't have any accidents the whole day.  Yesterday (Sat) she did really well going pee on the potty but when we went to the pool she didn't have a diaper on.  She told me "Mommy I have to go pee pee" but when we ran into the restroom at the pool she got scared of the big potty's because they make loud noises when they flush. She sat on it but wanted to be done really quickly.  I kept trying to encourage her to sit on it but she wouldn't go.  Well about 5 minutes later she peed standing outside the pool.  She was so upset with herself Daddy just reminded her that accidents were ok and to try to use the potty next time.  So she was good the rest of the day yesterday and insisted she wear panties to church this morning.  I was a little hesitent but I thought what would Daddy say....so I allowed it.  I brought extra clothes and panties and told the care takers she was in panties.  She was so good she told them she had to go potty but again when they took her she was scared of the big potty.  But she held her pee until we got home then she went.  She also just went poop on the potty.  I am so proud of her.

If you recall she first went on the potty when she was 18 months old and did so multiple times before deciding she wanted nothing more to do with it.  I knew she knew what she needed to do and how it all worked she just needed to make the decision to do it.  So my guess is since she is now in a new classroom with mostly 3 year olds that are potty trained she sees they are all in panties and she is in diapers. So she probably just wants to wear them now too.  She is so my daughter.  Everything has to be her idea and in her timing.  Can't get mad at her for that as I am guilty as charged.

So I am sure there will be many more accidents but she seems to really have the hang of it so we will continue to keep her in the panties except for night time.  What perfect timing considering we are leaving for Florida the end of this month! 

**Here are some other random pictures from the last few months**

So I know I have been bad about posting blogs lately I have been really busy so my apologies.  We had a wonderful Father's Day it started on Friday with Savannah's schools Father's Day picnic.  All the daddy's packed a picnic for themselves and their child and they brought a blanket and went out in the grass to have a special lunch with their child.  Afterwards they played all kinds of games and Savannah made daddy a tie with football stickers all over it.  So of course dad was a good sport and wore it the whole time. 

On Sunday  Miranda came up and we all went to church together then we came home and played video games and then headed off for lunch at Cheesecake Factory.  After that we walked around the mall then went bowling and came back home for some board games and lots of laughs.  It's been a long time since all 3 kids were under the same roof and it was so nice to have them all together.  Mike really had a nice time and was so happy everyone was together.  On Monday I surprised him by taking him to Huntington Beach to stay the night down there. I was referred to this hotel by my friend Karin it was dog friendly so I decided to bring Bella too since we were less than 1 mile from dog beach,  He was so cute he had no idea what was going on until we pulled in the hotel.  Since I had Savannah and Bella with us my friend Karin was so sweet and offered to come by the hotel and sit with them while Mike and I went out and enjoyed an evening at the movies and some late night dessert at the hotel lounge.  It was really nice and he was so surprised.

 

I recently had some pictures taken of Mike & Savannah.  I felt bad because I had a photo of Savannah and I taken last year which actually wasn't planned the lady just asked me to jump in for a shot and turns out I loved it so of course I bought it but then I felt bad that I didn't have one of her and daddy.

  I thought Father's day was the perfect time to get a photo of them taken and since Mikey & Miranda hate the family photo opps I decided to let them off the hook.  Not for long though because I already told them we are getting a family picture done the end of the year for Christmas.  Anyways the pictures turned out soooo cute!  By far the best photos she has taken thus far.  You would never know she was getting all 4 molars during this photo shoot.  She just loves her daddy!

 

As most of you know I participated in this years Race for Humanity in which the program I advocate for foster children CASA was a beneficiary.  This was an awesome event that raised funds and awareness educating the public on issues pertaining to Women; Domestic and Family Violence, Heart Disease, Substance Abuse, Sexual Assault, Autism, Homelessness and Breast Cancer.

These issues affect all of us at some level.  I was so proud to be a participant and for the first time I felt like I was running with purpose.  With the help of you all; my family & friends I raised $555 for the CASA program.  I was the top fund-raiser for CASA and they were all so excited because with the funds we raised we were able to hire another CASA Case Manager which means we can train another 50 advocates and mentor another 50-150 children in the foster care system.  So thank you so much to all of you who supported me in this cause.

 

I was the only CASA who ran the 10k everyone else ran/walked the 5k so I had a whole crew of advocates out there cheering me on.  I finished the race in 1:06:40. 

I spent the rest of the day cruising around the little fair, I knew there was an awards ceremony going on but I didn't think I would be a part of it so instead I walked around with Mike, eating and watching Savannah play in the bounce house.  When we arrived back at the CASA booth they were all cheering for me saying "yeah congratulations 4th place".  I was like "what"? 

They said that they called my name on the main stage and I was supposed to go up there and get a medal.  I was embarrassed, confused and totally thinking they were playing a trick on me.  I went up there and sure enough I took 4th place in my age category.  I was excited. Now this was not an event with thousands and thousands of people so it's all relative but either way I was excited. 

 

Just as soon as I was feeling like a hot shot I find out that there was a 78 year old woman who RAN the 10k.  Seriously people.  That's amazing!  What's more is that little old broad was fast.  She finished the 10k in 1:36:34.  CRAZY!  I hope I am in that great of shape when I am 78!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day, first off was the Mommy & Me cookie decorating at her school on Friday.  She was so excited to see me show up at her school and she gave me a really cute gift that she made in class.  The card had a poem about cleaning her tiny hand prints off the walls and then how quickly they grow and the hand prints are no more.  So her teacher had them make hand prints on a towel to symbolize this time in her life.  It was really sweet.  So we decorated cookies and played on the playground for about 1 hour then left her to go back to class.

Sunday Mike made me breakfast and Mikey made me a really nice card and we went to church then went down to the beach with our family and the Smith family for fun in the sun and a beach bbq.  Savannah had a blast!  She hadn't been to the beach since Jamaica and she was really enjoying chasing the water and building sand castles and even tried to fly a kite with Daddy.  There were tons of sea lions just hanging out in the water really close by and we saw dolphins and sand crabs she was loving it.

Since we had such a good time on Sunday we thought we would go back to the beach on Thursday of this last week and this time we chose dog beach in Huntington and took Bella for her first beach experience.  She loved it.  This is our first dog that has actually liked the water.  She gave Mike quite a workout running up and down the beach chasing after dogs and balls and jumping through the waves.  Poor thing was wiped out after her day at the beach and just snoozed the rest of the day.

Here are some cute pictures from Easter.  This kid had 5 Easter Egg Hunts when all was said and done.  She had a blast!  We hosted Easter at our house this year and had a fun Easter Egg hunt with over 70 eggs and many filled by grandparents with money.  Mikey was too funny going around shaking all the eggs and if they shook then he put them back on the ground for Savannah if they didn't shake he knew there was money it them and snagged them.  Even Savannah took home $7 in cash!  She sure is loving having her Bubba live here and he is really great with her.

Here is a video I took with my cell phone camera last Sunday.  We were at Taco Bell and she was sitting in her seat lifting her hands to the sky telling me she was singing about Jesus.  I guess the music on the overhead sounded like worship music to her because she was going for it.  She proceeded to get up out of her seat and dance around Taco Bell.  I have no idea when she kicked her shoes off but she felt the need to get up and dance.  So funny!  Sorry I don't have the ability to change the orientation of the video to horizontal so my apologies for any stiff necks that arise from watching her "lift up holy hands" =)

 

 

 

I know I know it's been too long.  So I won't be updating you just yet on all that's happened in the past month and a half right now but I will bless you with some pictures of Savannah's new hair do.  I went to get my hair cut today and Miss Savannah insisted she get a cut as well.  We had been talking about cutting it short again for Summer so we decided what the heck.  She looks so cute with pigtails so I will be sad to have them gone but she looks so darn cute with a little bob it's hard to be too sad.  Her hair is super curly in the back so I am hoping the trip will not only get rid of the dark hair that was still left behind from the last chop but also encourage those pretty curls to come out. 

Check out the new model pose.  Karin I know you are beaming with pride right now.

 

 

I can't believe it's already been more than a month since my last post.  The month of February has flown by and looks like March is going to be jam packed as well. 

So let me try my best to fill you in on what's been going on with the Norcia family without having a 5 page post.  Well for starters Savannah LOVES school!  She is adjusting beautifully and loves her teacher and the other kids, loves what she is learning, loves all the activities and loves the playground.  I think the class schedule which I scanned in for you to see is a perfect mix of learning about academics, learning about God and just playing and having fun.  I love getting the little daily notes and hearing about her potty attempts and sharing and how sweet she sounds when she prays and all that good stuff.  What mom doesn't love to hear about how awesome their kid is right? 

And I am of course loving the time I get for myself and for Mike to do what we want in the 4 hours she is at school.  I have been hiking in the local mountains 2x a week with my pastors wife and another girlfriend from church and that has been awesome workout.  Savannah is at such a fun age right now she is such a personality and is singing all the time and we cannot keep that kids clothes on for the life of us.  Every time we turn around she is butt naked.  She is very into role playing and her new thing is putting her babies in timeout and today she was teaching them gymnastics.  So stinking cute!

Ahhhh Cancun...it was great.  Mike and I really enjoyed ourselves putting down the mommy and daddy hats for a week and just reconnecting as husband and wife. 

I can't remember the last time I laughed that much.  My husband is stinking hilarious and kept me entertained the entire week.  The resort we stayed in was gorgeous as were the people who stayed there.  It was very "LA" and very trendy.  Not really my scene but I was loving the amenities and the facilities.  I kept asking Mike where all the chubby mom's with stretch marks layed out because the pool was filled with perfect people and perfect bodies.  They were even filming a TV show while we were there. Turns out the next season of The Real World on MTV is set in CANCUN and the cast is staying at the ME Cancun resort.  We saw the film crews and kids all weekend but it wasn't until I struck up a mommy conversation in the pool with a women who had a daughter Savvy's age did I find out what the show was.  Turns out my new mommy friend worked production on the show.  Crazy huh?

We certainly enjoyed the food while we were in town. What the heck right?  It's vacation.  So we seriously didn't have a bad meal the entire trip the food at the resort was amazing and we ate out at a few places as well and they too were A+.  The favorite place by far was a restaurant called Thai.  It was obviously a Thai restaurant but the ambiance was out of this world.  It was situated on the lagoon with lush greens surrounding you.  The dinner tables were placed randomly in these bamboo huts with palm roofs and other little tree house type rooms where you could be served on these beds it was very cool.  As if the ambiance wasn't reason enough to go there the food was like nothing I have ever tasted.  It was sweet and spicy and just so delicious.  I am so bummed there isn't something like that out here because I would eat there all the time.  So other than Thai the highlight of my trip was definitely swimming with dolphins.  It's something I have always wanted to do but was very expensive here in San Diego and in Jamaica I think it was like $385 per person.  In Cancun it was only $100 per person for 1 hour in the water with the dolphins so Mike booked us to go.  It was everything I had hoped it would be.  These animals are so smart and so sweet and so playful and strong.  We splashed and swam and pet them and kissed them and made them do tricks and the best part was at the end we laid out like superman and 2 dolphins came up behind us one at each foot and used their noses to propel us across the water to the other end of the pool. 

It was so much fun!  I of course being competitive wanted to get the best foot push and boy did I ever.  I was seriously walking on water they got me up on my feet and drove me across the pool it was so cool.  We have the whole thing on video but it's too large of a file to upload.  The rest of our time in Cancun was really spent laying out relaxing by the pool and walking around town.  As much as I enjoyed our trip I am not sure I would go back. 

 There are so many other places I would love to see and Cancun was very commercialized.  Mike and I never really felt like we were that far away from home.  It probably didn't help that we had just been to Jamaica in October which is far and away more beautiful and cultural.  But I am so glad I got to see another part of Mexico it was better than Puerto Vallarta but no match for the beaches in Jamaica.  All in all it was a great trip we had a wonderful Valentines Day and celebrated 9 years since we met on Valentines Day 2000.  Had some fabulous massages, great food, soaked up the sun while Cali was getting dumped on with rain.  It was so relaxing and a great energizer!

While we were gone Savannah was staying with Nana (my mom) and I guess she was pretty emotional at times missing her mommy.  I too missed her to pieces and even cried one morning at breakfast watching a mom with her daughter but I tried to focus on having fun with my hubby! 

My mom was giving me daily updates via email which really helped me because I got to hear about all that had happened each day.  When we had left she was sick so poor Nana had to deal with that on top of mommy and daddy being gone for a week.  She had no problems sleeping at her house which was my biggest concern so that was really great news and she ate pretty well for Nana it was just that she missed me.  She even made my mom cry at one point because she was so pathetic and sad and said "I want my mommy".  Poor thing.  She was just too young to realize that I was coming back and the time frame of which we would be gone.  The great news is she had her first Valentines Day party at school and Nana got to come and be teachers helper.  

The kids made Valentines for one another and then got to decorate their own cupcake.  I guess Savannah cared more about eating the sprinkles than putting them on her cupcake but had a nice time.  She made me her first card at school which you know I will treasure forever!  Nana also got to take her to the mommy and me gymnastics class on Thursday's so she had a really nice time bonding with her and I am grateful for that.  Who other than a grandma takes vacation time to stay at home and babysit while someone else goes out of town.  We are so blessed!

In other news last weekend was our visit with Miranda and she is doing really good. 

 She had gone to Texas for what was supposed to be a catering job but the job fell through and they stayed for a few weeks trying to figure out if they were going to do this job or not and so idle hands are the devils playground and some of the girls got into trouble but then later felt so guilty and told on themself.  It's funny because just prior to that she was telling us how she felt ready to come home and knew that she was never going to make these poor decisions again and how she was so much stronger and wiser and basically had it all together.  So I was happy that she had that experience of a little freedom in Texas so that she could really see that she needs to be there and complete the program. 

She realized it too and has completely embraced Teen Challenge and was so happy to get back to the house in Bakersfield and back to the work she was doing and back to church she said she really missed it.  She also realized that she isn't as strong as she thought and that she has a lot of work yet to do and is committed to finishing out the program.  God is so good and I am so proud of the transformation He has made in her.  She literally shines with such a bright light and is so positive and happy and outgoing I love seeing her back to her old self.  She has made some awesome connections there and they all really care for her like a little sister.  Speaking of "little sister" Savannah didn't do so hot on the ride up and back this time.  On the way up she cried 1.5 hours and on the way back she screamed 2.5 of the 3 hour car ride.  We are partly to blame as we forgot her blankie and she was refusing to go to sleep without it.  Bella on the other hand was a champ I actually checked her on the way back to make sure she was alive she was that good. 

Mikey is doing good still living with us although you would never know it he is so polite and responsible and really takes care of himself.  He spends a lot of time with his girlfriend which he has now been with for 16 months and is doing great in school as well.  We are hoping he decides to play his senior year of football and/or wrestling next year but for now he is committed to working hard at school to keep his grades up and doesn't want any distractions (other than his lady) so who can argue with that.

Speaking of football Mike was asked to coach football again for Temescal High School so he asked for my blessing and with that he will be coaching the incoming Freshman for the 2009 season.  He will also help out with the varsity games so hopefully Mikey will play, I think that would be really cool for both of them to go through the process together again in his last year. 

Well that's it for now...more next week as I am off to Las Vegas with Karin & Jen for a 3 day girls trip! 

 

I am so proud of my baby girl!  As you know her first day of school was this past Wednesday I was so excited for her I hardly slept the night before.  I just knew she would love it but I was still nervous that she would be scared of me leaving her in a new environment with a bunch of strangers.  

She was so excited to wheel her backpack and was all to happy to pose for pictures before we left the house.  The backpack contained 3 changes of clothes, diapers & wipes that they require to keep on hand (they get dirty during play & craft time in addition to potty accidents).  So we arrived at school and I signed her in and took her to Mrs. Jasmine's classroom which is called "The Butterflies". 

Upon arriving she was a bit aprehensive but didn't really try to climb up my leg into my arms as I suspected.  I sensed her nervousness so I showed her the cubby that had her name on it and we filled it with her stuff.  I then took her over to show her where the baby dolls were.  I had been talking all week about school and Mrs. Jasmine trying to get her used to the idea so I introduced her and said "this is Mrs. Jasmine" Savannah started asking for a ball and I said that I was sure Mrs. Jasmine could help her find one.  I told her Mommy was leaving and knelt down to give her a hug & kiss.  She said I love you and I turned to walk away and held my breath waiting for the scream but when I closed the door and turned around she was holding hands with Mrs. Jasmine and walking off to find a ball.  She didn't even turn around to look for me I was so happy!  No cries nothing!  I couldn't wait for noon to come I was so excited to hear how her first day went. 

Upon arrival I found Savannah sitting at the lunch table with the other kids happily eating her sandwich and grapes.  She said "MOMMY" and ran over and gave me a big hug then ran back to her chair to show me how she was eating like a big girl.  She never tried to get me to pick her up just wanted to show Daddy & I all her friends and toys and showed me the potty and how she could wash her hands in the little sink.  Mrs. Jasmine said she did awesome that she never cried and followed instructions very well.  That she was very well behaved and was just a pleasure to have in the class.  She said there were 2 other kids that started the same day and even when one of them melted down she was ok.  She said if all her first timers were as great as Savannah her job would be so easy.  I was thrilled.  Even better we get in the car and I find a note from her teacher in Savannah's lunch box. 

 I guess she does a daily sheet to tell you how things are going and I thought that was so great.  When I read her comments I started crying.  I told Mike "I am so my mother".  I was just really proud of her for doing so well and so happy that she loved it.  Several times that day she said "I want Mrs. Jasmine" and when we went to dinner at Subway and she got her little toy I asked her what she was going to name her and she said Mrs. Jasmine.  How cute!  The funniest thing is she can't prounce Jasmine so she says Mrs. Gina (which sounds like vaGINA) kind of embarassing but hilarious. 

Today (Friday) was her second day at school and she was so excited when I told her we were going to school. 

We walked in and she was very excited to show Mrs. Jasmine her new lunch pail and we gave her kisses and left.  Again no tears no looking for us just thrilled to be at school.  When we arrived to get her she was again eating lunch like a big girl and playing with her new friend Sienna. 

Apparently they have become fast friends according to her daily sheet from day 2.  And when we went to leave she insisted she hold Sienna's hand.  Sienna's mom was really happy she had a new friend because there aren't too many girls in the class and her and Savvy are buddies.  I am so happy we decided to start her this early and thrilled to have found a place that potty trains and teaches about God along with all the general education stuff. 

There is a monthly activities sheet posted on the wall that shows what the theme of the day is and this week was all about things that fly in the sky.  There is a little folder that you as a parent check daily that has all their little projects in it and so here is her little airplane that she made which has more glue than anything else on it.  They also did a big helicopter collage piece today which stayed in the class. 

Next week it's all about things in the water.  It's funny because as much as I am loving having the time with her away to do our thing I find myself so excited for noon to come so I can go pick her up and see how her day was.  Looking forward to next week.

 

 

This has proven to be an exciting month thus far. Both my girls are growing by LEAPS & BOUNDS!  First off we had our monthly visit with Miranda this past Saturday and to say she is doing great is an understatement.  It's AMAZING to see what God can do in 30 days when He is living at the center of your life.  To talk to her you she is unrecognizable.  She is a completely changed person her whole outlook is positive and upbeat, optimistic and excited about her future.  She has completely accepted God's will for her life and is desperately seeking Him and He is showing up BIG TIME.  First off I have to say God answered prayers before we ever left Corona.  I was dreading the drive up with Savannah but knew how important it was for both of them to see each other so I just prayed and prayed and am ashamed to admit prepared for the worst.  God is so good Savannah was seriously the best she has ever been in a car.  No joke. 

This kid drove for 6 hours in the car (3 hours there and 3 back) was an angel both ways.  I was so grateful!  Ok so back to our visit.  We arrive with an entourage of people myself, Mike, my mom & Savannah along with Miranda's mom, step dad, little brother, cousin, grandma & grandpa.  She ran out to greet us with open arms and lots of tears.  She was so happy to see everyone and the 3 kids Jacob, Johnny & Savannah clung to her side like glue for the rest of the day.  She showed us around the facilities and to her new room where she has 3 other roommates ages 19, 26 & 30.  We hung out and talked about what has been going on with her and she told us how she has a new job off site where she and a few other girls dress up and go to local business' asking for the manager and requesting donations of funds, product or services for upcoming fundraising events such as Golf Tournaments etc. 

 She says she walks for like 5 hours doing this but loves it.  It's also great experience for her and will give her tons of confidence in looking for work and interviewing when she gets out.  At 2pm all the girls and their visiting families gathered in the church.  The girls sang worship songs and a few gave testimonies.  It was so awesome to hear the girls belt out Amazing Grace and especially the part about breaking free from their chains and receiving God's Amazing Grace.  It was a tear jerker.  To hear the testimonies of these women young and old just broke my heart.  Many of them mothers and most of them with addictions to Meth shared stories about where they have been and what God has delivered them from.  One mother of 3 shared how "when she arrived she had no hair because she pulled it out because the devil is a punk and wants you to hate yourself".  I was so thankful Miranda's path although broken wasn't as far off track as most of these women.  I think she understands that now too and realizes where she was headed wasn't any place good.  It was very hard to leave her but I am so excited to see her again and here all the things God is doing in her life.  Next family visit is Feb 21st.

Next big growth milestone is courtesy of Miss Savannah who has been sleeping in her BIG GIRL BED for 1 week now.  Last Monday we transitioned her crib into a toddler day bed and put on the Tinkerbell bedding we bought her for Christmas.  She couldn't be more excited. 

 Mike finished putting it together shortly before lunch & nap time and she was thrilled.  He told her after lunch she could take a nap in her new bed but she insisted she go "night night now".  She crawled into bed and said "Night Night Daddy" and that was it.  She wasn't moving out of that bed for lunch or anything else.  So he left her in there and she didn't wake up until 2:30pm.  We thought no way this was going to be this easy but sure enough by 3pm she was begging to go back to sleep. 

We kept her up until her normal bedtime where she ran upstairs jumped right into bed and went to sleep.  I thought for sure in the mornings she would wake up and crawl out of bed and come running into our room but nope she just sits up and and yells "Mommy, I pee pee'd".  She never gets out of bed just sits up until I come in there.  I am happy to say that in the last week there has only bee one time where she has not layed down for each nap and bedtime without getting out of bed.  The 2nd day during her nap time she kept getting out of bed and playing, I would put her back in bed only to have her climb out and play.  Fortunately that was the only time this entire week, I don't know how long it will last but I am enjoying it while it does.

 

So what's next? How about PRESCHOOL?  That's right I said school.  I am happy to announce that Savannah's first day of school is this Wednesday January 21st at Inland Vineyard Christian Preschool here in Corona www.coronapreschool.com .  She will be going 3 half days Mon, Wed, Friday from 8am-12pm.  I am so excited and can't wait for her to start.  This is the only Christian preschool that does potty training as part of the curriculum.  I looked into quite a few different schools but I wanted to make sure I wasn't putting her into daycare I wanted her to be learning something.  The schedule at IV is the perfect mix of socialization, bible teaching and general education. 

We were blown away when during our visit we witnessed a class of four 2 year olds counting to 30 and saying the entire alphabet.  30!  What?  I couldn't believe it.  I kept asking how old are these kids?  They are all age 2.  The schedule is something like this upon arrival there is classroom play time, then outdoor playtime (early so during the hot months they won't be outside later in the day) then potty time which consists of a little potty and several chairs lined up.  The kids take turns on the potty while the others watch and sing songs and cheer for each other.  I think this will be great motivation for Savannah who loves to show off for others.  They have prayer time, bible teachings, chapel, story time and circle time. Which is where the majority of the general education is taught.  But all day they are learning during clean up I heard the teacher asking "hand me the yellow triangle" "let's count how many blocks are going into the bin".  It's all stuff I want to do but in reality the majority of the time I am like "hurry up and clean up your toys were late!"  I really think it's going to be great for Savannah and I am also looking forward to the uninterrupted time we will have 3 days a week to do whatever we want work, gym, errands etc.  The school also does Christmas programs, Mother's Day luncheons, Father's Day picnics and so many other activities even water days during the hot months.  I can't wait to update you on her first day of school.

Lastly little Bella is now a big girl in that she was spayed last Thursday.  Poor thing has to wear the e-collar for 14 days and is restricted from play.  It's bad enough that she can't run and play but the poor thing looks like a lamp shade.  She doesn't seem to be phased by the surgery she just hates the fact that she and her BFF can't play. 

Poor Savannah is traumatized and literally tells EVERYONE that she comes in contact with that "Bella has a boo boo" and "Bella has a hat" (her e-collar).  Thank goodness the last few days she has also been telling strangers "Mimi Sings" which is her new one liner since visiting with Miranda and watching her sing.  That's it for now...don't blink...life happens too fast!