Thanksgiving 2011

I suppose its become a tradition in our house to celebrate Thanksgiving the night before...

So that we can wake up early on Thanksgiving and run the Turkey Trot 5K downtown Charleston.  This year Currier ran it with me.  Aside from his whining through The Battery that he was "so thirsty" and the piggy back ride he begged for half of King Street, he did great and I'm very proud of him for accomplishing a 5K run at the age of five.  

Now it's time to eat some leftovers, decorate for Christmas, take a nap, eat some more leftovers, take another nap and then eat some more.  Happy Thanksgiving.

Kindergarten Class 2011

Currier's Kindergarten Class 2011.  Mrs. Schuck and Ms. Wanda.

Rya's Tea Party

We celebrated Rya's 3rd birthday with an elegant tea party.  Her guests were served hot cocoa with loads of mini marshmallows and fine edibles.  While complimenting each other on fashion and jewelry, the ladies decorated foam owls with flowery and sparkly embellishments. 

While finger sandwiches were highly suggested as nibble at high tea, her majesty insisted on tacos so tacos were served by Sir Currier. 

We ended the high-class afternoon with cupcakes, more fashion compliments and gift opening.  It was a fine afternoon that left the staff exhausted but pleased to see the birthday girl so happy! 

Dear Three-Year-Old Rya D.,

Three years ago, I scheduled a C-section as casually as I would a pedicure. It was really that simple. I chose November 17th so you could share your birthday with your grandfathers—Papi Balent and Papa Currier. Four days before your actual due date, I checked into the East Cooper Medical Center for a 12:30PM appointment, and 33 minutes later you were born without any pain or pushing. It was really that simple. You continue to live your life as simply as you entered this world.

For most of your life I thought you were the serious one in our wacky family, but this past year you’ve pleasantly surprised me with a very dry sense of humor. One evening, I noticed your bedroom light on past 9PM and when I stormed upstairs I found you playing with your dollhouse. I demanded, “Rya, get in bed now! It’s way past your bedtime!” You placed the tiny dollhouse bed on the floor, sat on it, and as serious as cancer said, “I can’t sleep in this bed; Rya too big!” Another funny incident that sticks out in my mind deals with the disgusting fake-plastic-rabid-rat that we display at Halloween. Throughout the holiday season, you would periodically hug the repulsive thing and call it “Mama”— that's wicked funny!  Trust me, this sense of humor will carry you through the toughest times in life—I am so thankful that you have it!

You finished speech therapy this year, yet, a few months later the State of South Carolina called me saying that they wanted to test you for the “special needs” program. I’d be a liar to say that phone call didn’t bother me. One thing you can always depend on from me is honesty, Rya. I actually spent 10 minutes in the stairwell of Arcadia Publishing “pulling myself together”. You went through a series of tests and passed them all—thankfully. But, please know that if you hadn’t passed, I would have had your back. There was a Plan B. I always have a backup plan. That’s another thing you should know about me.

So back to this simple way of life—you continue to be very easy going with an occasional 3-year-old outburst. You’re easily entertained, you make me laugh unintentionally, you’re ridiculously gorgeous and, above all, you have a kind heart. A mother couldn’t ask more. You’re a dream. Don’t ever wake me up.

All my love,
Mama

Kindergarten Nursery Rhyme Show

Mrs. Schuck's Kindergarten class had a nursery rhyme show yesterday.  Aside from Currier's announcement that he needed a tissue because he had a booger, the entire performance was ridiculously adorable.  

Currier's center stage moment was "Row, Row, Row Your Boat".  Along with his buddies, Connor and Jacks, he changed the words to Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream and if you see an alligator don't forget to scream- AHHHH! 

I was very proud of my little ham!   

Friday Favorites—Creative Cursing

My friend Rebby gave me this book for my birthday.  It's a mix n' match profanity generator and it's hours of belly rolling laughter.  Happy Friday Slut Donkeys!

Day of the Dead

Today is il Giorno dei Morti, Day of the Dead—an Italian celebration of remembering our loved ones who have died.  Since Currier is Sicilian born, we’ve adopted this tradition in our home.  This morning Currier and Rya woke to presents “brought” to them from the dead.  I’m sure most people think this is morbid but I think it’s a sweet way to open a conversation with my children about death and give them the opportunity to honor and cherish our loved ones who have passed on.  

Buon Compleanno A Te

Last night we threw Bruco a surprise party for his 8th birthday.  He was genuinely surprised.  I honestly think he had no idea that it was his birthday and the T-bone steak that I was cooking was actually for him!  Bruco may be the world's worst dog, but he's our dog and we love him and his quirky ways!   

Cinderella and General Grievous

Cinderella and General Grievous hit the hood hard last night. The princess and villain hoarded as much candy as their dainty and greedy little hands could carry.

Halloween 2011 was deemed a success as they both passed out in candy comas with smiles (and some chocolate) on their faces.  

The Currier and Coleen Show

For the past two months Trent’s been traveling A LOT for work.  Last week he had to go down to Jacksonville, Florida so he took Rya D. with him so she could spend a week with her Mimi and Papi in The Villages—I had one less child to care for and Rya got spoiled rotten—win win!  Currier and I had a week to ourselves.  We had sleepovers in the guest room every night, watched scary movies way past our bedtime, ate junky cereal for dinner, carved pumpkins handpicked from the pumpkin patch, played video games until our eyes and hands hurt and we giggled like fools over our shared humor.  It was a great week and Currier never wanted it to end.