New School. New Events.

Our first school-wide event since we switched schools. Tonight was "Passport to Reading" night. It was a lot of fun! The kids got a "passport" and we went from room to room listening to people read to the kids. At the end of the session they got their "passport" stamped and an autograph if desired.

Our first stop was with the LC Cheerleaders and their mascot (which the kids loved) a tiger. The kids could've cared less about the story with a tiger in the room, and yet, it was really fun.

Our next stop was with the Build-A-Bear mascot. The kids don't know what Build-A-Bear is (and don't YOU tell them unless you provide them with the experience!). :) Nonetheless, the bear was a hit, and the story was again non-important because of an animal in the room. :)

We then went to the next room where we listened to the author Kenn Nesbitt. I'd never heard of him before. It was AMAZING!!!!! He was soooooo good. Entertaining, funny, listened to all Joshua's comments (and there were a lot). The kids really relished every moment of this. In fact, after it was all said and done I  made Dan run to the car and grab the cash I had in my purse (and let me tell you, that me having cash is the rarest thing of all...I NEVER carry cash) so we could purchase a book and have him sign it.

It was a really really great event. The kids had a blast and were exhausted by the end. They were all entertained in one way or another. We got to hang out at school and socialize with other friends and family. A great time.

And now, they are all asleep. But Katie is CRASHED! I've never seen her sleep like this (and I find it rather eery to be honest).

Happy Valentine's Day 2012

And a great Valentine's Day it has been. Here are the munchkins. Thomas and Joshua are nearing 6 1/2 years of age. The girls are almost 3 years old.

I have to go put the kids to bed, so I can't fix that they are sideways. AUGH!!!!! For now, Happy Valentine's Day from the Domrese Family!

I Call Myself UNPLEASEABLE

I admit it. When it comes to my children I can be considered unplease-able. It's true. I don't deny it. I quit my job (that I loved) to stay at home because I was unpleased with the alternatives.

And it should come as no surprise when my view of their education is no different. I have high standards. I have high expectations. Admittedly, my children had a couple years of formal preschool preceded by a mom that used to teach giving them instruction at home. By the time these boys hit school, they were more than ready!

All I ask of education in regards to my children is: A) that they are continually moving forward in their learning and B) that their love to learn is not extinguished at this tender age.

I enrolled them in a school that was not my top choice, but instead better than the school we are zoned to go to. It took a few months before I came to the realization that I was not as happy as I wanted to be. I began searching but really struggled with the idea of changing them mid-year. I struggled and struggled, but got to a point where the change was going to happen, so why not sooner than later?

I did a little research and found a school I am happy with. I met with the principal (in essence he interviewed me and I interviewed him). We both left the meeting seemingly happy. So, I enrolled the boys in that school and gave them the big news. They took it better than expected, change is always a bit traumatic.

They started at the beginning of February and I am very pleased. They are still adjusting and not necessarily ecstatic that I moved them. I know that in the long run this was a great choice. Here are the boys in their new school sweatshirts.

Broken Glass

I'm not sure what the final message was on this one. Was God telling me, "Yes dear, nearly peeing your pants is enough. All is well." ORRRRRRRRR was the message more, "Spare a child this time, St. Patrick's Day is coming up."

Where to start, where to start.

Let me tell you that Joshua has gotten stitches each of the last two St. Patrick's Days (once for falling, once for taking a golf club to the head). Needless to say, we are pretty wary of this upcoming holiday.

But I digress...

I heard the glass break. I was only a foot away. But even as I yelled out, I could see Katie's hand grasping the glass by the jagged piece, hand straight down on it (thus the near peeing of said pants).

I yelled, Katie retracted her hand, and not even a scratch on the girl. So I am left to wonder why. How was this darling girl able to place her palm on the jagged piece of glass, press down to grab it and then not even have a scratch? Was the near-peeing enough? Is there something bigger in store for me?

Keep reading and I guess we'll all find out. But I CAN tell you that Joshua will be wearing a helmet for St. Paddy's day this year! :)

Silly Girls

As we cleaned out the girls' room for a remodel (post on that later), the girls discovered some secret parts of their room.

The found that the bar to hang clothes on, was perfect for hanging on (at bedtime).

These girls are hilarious.

EWU Alumni Night

Yes, we went to a basketball game. No, we did not get to watch much basketball.

EWU hosts an alumni night where alums can go for free to watch a basketball game. Very kid-friendly. Very family-oriented. We've gone a few times and always enjoyed it. This year was no different.

You start in the kids-area taking pictures, playing games, coloring, etc. We got to be with Swoop the Eagle.

Here's our family picture. Unfortunately the lady taking the pictures with my camera took horrible ones, but took this one with her camera...that I have to pay for....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ewuphoto/6796480917/in/set-72157629116416465/

The kids had a great time. Half-time was a paper airplane contest. Thomas loved watching the game.

Molly was a goofball.

We made it about halfway through the second half. At the end of the night, I wanted a picture to remember our night. The two attempts show our night perfectly.