Achievements and Accomplishments plus a little fun

This post is all about catching up with photos.  I forget that everyone is not on Facebook so I tend to skip the blog updates.  So here goes:

Halloween - Adam was a Ninja Turtle and Grace was Mordecai from Regular Show

Shortly after Halloween Grace received her report card for the first quarter.  She had three A's and one B which put her on the Honor Roll.  Right after that we received a notice that Grace was invited to the award ceremony for the UNC Research Institute Art Contest that she had entered over the summer.  To our surprise she won first place in the 4th - 8th grade category.  The topic was Keeping Your Neighborhood Healthy.

Thanksgiving was spent at home.  This year the kids made the pumpkin pie!!

As I've mentioned before Grace made the We R Odell chorus and this weekend was her first performance.  They sang at the Cox Mill High School Christmas Bazaar.  She was pretty awesome.  Can you spot her in the photo?

When the performance was over we walked around and took a moment to visit with Santa.  Adam told the big guy exactly what he wanted while Grace informed us that she wrote him a letter and that he knows what she wants.  Thank God only Mom and Dad know Santa's address.

Sunday, Adam went to a birthday party at a local stable.  He never took to the horses when Grace was riding, but he was all about getting on that horse with his friends.

So now we are all caught up.  Grace turns the big 1-0 this Friday and then we have Christmas and Adam's birthday on the horizon.  Thanks for checking out our blog.  I really promise to do better.

Is September Over Already?!?

Here we are starting the last quarter of the year.  I can't believe it's October 1st.  Of course that mean's I have slipped and did not post a thing about the month of September so here is an update on all things Buckelew.

Grace had a pretty good month.  She continues in karate and is about to test for her high red belt.  She auditioned for and made We R Odell Chorus.  They will perform at a few events in December including at Ronald McDonald House and a local retirement home.  Golf is still her favorite and she is doing well.  After not practicing her driving skills for a few weeks she hit a couple 75 yard shots; soon she might get to do a short round as her short game is great.  And finally this past week she received her mid-term report for the 1st quarter.  She was nervous and I have no idea why - she brought home a 95 in English, a 97 in Math, a 99 is Social Studies and a 94 in Science.  Hopefully the next four weeks will go just as smooth.

Adam is doing great.  He is officially in Pre-K at Tutor Time.  He is working hard on his letters, numbers, shapes and all things he needs to know for kindergarten.  Each day they get a color code on their chart to let parents know what kind of day he's had - so far mostly greens (which is good) with a couple yellows and oranges.  Let's just say the chart is a rainbow and red is BAD while purple is the BEST.  He's also doing well in swimming.  That boy is not afraid of anything (except bugs) and will jump in with his arms spread wide open.  He does keep his instructor on her toes.  And finally he has been playing soccer at school.  They have a group that comes each week and he's been doing great.  To quote the Coach "He is a joy to have in class".

David is still working hard.  If he's not at work you will find him in the garage watching a game, working on a model airplane or picking up the toys that have invaded his space.

As for me, I still burn the candle at both ends and the middle.  Work is busy as we have once again adjusted our focus.  My Mary Kay business continues to grow and I have won some pretty cool prizes lately.  The PTA newsletter is still my project though this may be my last go-round with that.  I'm running out of ideas.  I'm in my last few months as an Executive Council member of the Ladies of Coker but have accepted a spot on the Alumni Board so Coker is still part of my activity roster.

Yeah that's a lot of stuff happening with us.  And now we are in my favorite part of the year - Fall.  If you don't hear from me before - we'll have a new post at Halloween!!

First Day of School

I know, I'm a few days late.  Monday was Grace's first day of fourth grade.  She was very excited about going back to school.  We met her teacher at open house a few days before and learned she'd have lots of new friends in class in addition to a few she hadn't been with since kindergarten.  She also decided that she is going to audition for the Odell Chorus.  We'll keep you posted on that.

So far she loves her teacher and her class.  But we'll see how she really feels next week when the real work and homework start.  Just think next year both kids will be in school!!!

August Happenings

To say we love the beach would be an understatement.  This year we waited a week to go due to schedules and it worked out perfectly.

Our first day was the typical get used to what is onsite and figure out our plan for the weekend.  The next few days were pure fun for the kids and us.  We spent all day Friday at the waterpark and pool.  Adam never meets a stranger and made friends as soon as he hit the waterpark.  Grace on the other hand elected to keep to herself while swimming.

The water slide was a favorite activity for the kids.  Adam couldn't get enough of it and this year did it all by himself.  I just had to get the two of them to do it together for a photo op.

Saturday we spent the day at Broadway at the Beach.  We visited the Ripley's Aquarium, several shops, the Wonderworks Museum and had lunch with Uncle Sammy and Aunt Nancy.  Later that day it was back to the resort for more swimming.

Sunday was another lazy day at the pool.  Between the water park and the lazy river we had a relaxing day.  Of course we couldn't leave without a quick round of golf at the dinosaur mini golf course so Monday before hitting the road, we made our annual stop.

It was a great time for all of us.  We got to relax and enjoy the salt air.  Of course every day since we came home Adam has asked to go to the beach - soon buddy, soon! 

Catching Up

Things sure have been busy since school ended.  So busy that I have not been able to keep this blog updated.  Where to begin.....

Grace's dance recital was held the weekend after school let out.  She was only in one number this year since she only took Pom class.  The best part this year was that she got her year end trophy on stage since this is her 5th year of dance.  Unfortunately she has decided that she is over dance and will not take classes next year.

The weekend after that was my Administrative Professionals Conference.  This is the event that I coordinated.  After 10 months of planning I was so glad for it to be here and of course be over.  The evnt went well and everyone seemed to enjoy the seminars and programs.  I was excited that my chapter won the Best Website award - seeing as I am in charge of our website, I had a reason to be happy.

Once that settled down, it was time for Adam to start swimming lessons.  He loves the pool and we figured it was time for him to learn how to swim.  He did great at his first class.  He was enthusiastic and jumped in with both feet (literally).  This was a big change from when Grace took lessons.

Last week we got to have a long weekend for the 4th of July.  Both David and I had off Thursday and Friday.  We spent the 4th just hanging around the house.  That night we enjoyed the fireworks in the neighborhood - sure fireworks are not legal in NC but our neighbors don't seem to pay attention to the rules.  We just found a spot in our yard and watched.  The kids played with sparklers and had fun.

The rest of the weekend we did our usual errand and things and made our first trek to the neighborhood pool.  It's been open since May but we haven't had time to go.  Adam had a big time at the Kids Waterpark area and after passing the swim test, Grace enjoyed the big pool.

The next fews weeks will be quiet and then we are off to the beach the first weekend in August.  We can't wait.  Until then........

End of Year Awards

Today was the End of Year Award ceremony for the 3rd and 4th grade students at Odell.  I received an email earlier in the week that Grace would be recognized so I didn't want to miss it.

She received a certificate and a special pin for making the A/B Honor Roll for the entire school year.  We're very proud of her especially considering she had two grades to pull up after mid-terms were sent home.

How About Golf?

A few week's ago Grace asked what sports were in her blood.  So I rattled off the sports that everyone in her blood line had involvement with - baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, bowling (lots of that) and golf.  She looked at me and said "golf; I think I'd like to try that".

So off I go on an adventure to find golf lessons for kids.  Even with the likes of google and bing, it's not easy to find them.  Luckily while lunching with a contact of mine, I mentioned Grace's interest and she was willing to dig a little for me - it didn't hurt that she works at a local hotel with a golf course.

Low and behold they have a junior golf program and offer lessons.  A few email exchanges later, Grace was on the books for a lesson.  She was both excited and nervous but ready to try it out.

Last night we got to the course and her instructor took her straight to the practice range.  He asked her to grab the club and was impressed that she knew exactly how to hold it properly.  The rest of lesson was about how to move her body and follow through.  He was a great instructor - praising her for the great shots, offering encouragement when she was a little off and knowing when the change focus to avoid the frustration tears.  At the end of the lesson, he told me she did a good job for this being her first time out.

After we got in the car, she told me she really had fun and likes golf.  She also informed me that she's going to need gloves since she got a blister on her hand.  Her next lesson is next week so we'll see how things progress. 



Grace Made the A/B Honor Roll (again)

Monday was another milestone in the Buckelew household - it was third quarter report card day!  Grace's hard work paid off as she made the A/B Honor Roll for the third consecutive time.

She went up math 98 and science 94; stayed the same in language arts 90; but slipped in social studies 89.  Hopefully she'll end the year on a high note.  Her only worry is the EOGs (end of grade tests) in May.

Her reward was dinner of her choice - McDonald's.  But we have promised her that should she maintain honor roll status for the entire year she can go to Build A Bear.  Only eight weeks of school to go!!

Grace's New Face

Over the past few months Grace has sat closer and closer to the tv and pulled her books closer to her face.  When she went in for her checkup in January, I had the doctor do a quick vision test.  Of course she came back to say that we should probably take her to an eye doctor for a full exam.

We finally did over spring break and learned that she, like most of my side of the family, would need glasses to help her see things far away.  First of all I have to say that Vision Loft is an amazing place for your eye care needs; second VSP vision insurance is awesome!!

Yesterday I received a text that her glasses were ready, so we went to pick them up after school.  She was so excited that she could see.  She is also being very careful with them taking to heart what the lady at the store told her "If my glasses are not on my face, they are in the case; if they are not in the case, they are on my face!"

Oh My

Go ahead - yell at me - I haven't been posting.  Sometimes time gets away from me.  So let's try and recap March and early April.

Grace has been doing well in school.  She is still taking karate and will test for her high brown belt this week - that's four belts away from a black belt.  Pom (cheer dance) is winding down; her dance recital is in June and she may be finished with performing.  Then again she could change her mind again.  She has also expressed an interest in golf - so we are getting her set up to take a couple private lessons to see where that goes.  I learned my lesson with horseback riding - ease into things with Grace, don't dive in head first.  She also paid a visit to the eye doctor and needs glasses.  Surprisingly she is very excited about it.

What can I say about Adam - he's Adam.  He is still doing great at school; loves every minute of it.  Of course we are still dealing with our other issue (the potty) but he has been making an effort to try every day.  I just know he'll get there and we'll be able to look back on this and laugh (right?!?)

David is still plugging away at work.  He's also been able to devote some time to building his airplane models. 

And me, I'm still burning the candle at every possible angle but here's a quick summary: I traveled to NJ in early March, I took over Grace's faith formation class for the rest of the year, I attended the Mary Kay conference in Charlotte and the meeting that I am planning for my IAAP division is coming along nicely.

Easter was very relaxing for us; we hung out at home.  The kids made a cake Saturday night and then Sunday morning they were surprised with their baskets and a note from the Easter Bunny about some eggs to find.

Now if I can just keep up with these updates - all will be right with the world.

Bring Your Mommy to Lunch

Now that Adam is back into a solid daycare setting, we get to go back to doing fun things.  For instance, today was Bring Your Mommy to Lunch day.

He was so excited this morning when I reminded him that today was our special lunch date.  When I dropped him at school he said "You're going to work but you're coming back for lunch right".  And I told him "Of course I am, I wouldn't miss it".

So at 11:00 I hurried out of work and went to school.  There were lots of mommies there.  He had the biggest smile on his face when I walked in the door.  His usual routine at that time was to make up his cot for nap before lunch so I watched him do that and then he put together a few puzzles while we waited to eat.

When the food was ready each child and mommy washed their hands and took a seat.  We had spaghetti, salad, peaches and bread.  Adam ate almost everything then cleaned up our plates and headed to his cot.  His teacher told him he didn't have to rush since it's a special day but he's got a routine and he was sticking to it.

I read a couple of books with him and then had to come back to work.  It was so nice to spend a little time with him in the middle of the day.

Snow!!!

The past couple of years we've been lucky to miss out on the snow that has burdened our family in the north.  But that's no fun for the kids.  Sure we had some ice in January and school was closed for the day - but you can't play in ice.

Well the kids finally got what they've been wishing for, a little snow.  I was in Hartsville this past weekend for an event at Coker.  While in a meeting I learned that it was snowing so I called home during a break.  David said there were a couple of flakes but nothing exciting.  That was short lived.  As I drove home and turned onto the side street that led to our neighborhood, it happened.  Snow started falling faster than you could believe.

I pulled into the driveway and went inside to tell the kids.  Mind you, when I parked the grass was green.  In the five minutes it took to go inside and say the word snow, the grass was covered.  Grace & Adam grabbed their coats, hats and gloves and ran outside.  If they've learned one thing about snow in the south, they've learned that it doesn't last.

Both of them had a blast.  They were throwing snowballs, catching flakes on their tongues and simply enjoying the best part of winter.  After their cheeks were nice and rosy, they came inside for some hot cocoa and to warm up before going back out to play some more.

Of course by Sunday afternoon the snow was gone but it lasted long enough for them to have a good time!

Celebrating Mardi Gras

As you know, yesterday was Mardi Gras; the big celebration day prior to the start of Lent.  This year we were invited to join some of our friends for a Mardi Gras dinner.  Of course it was a chance for all of us to prepare genuine New Orleans cuisine since that is the hometown of the American Mardi Gras celebration.

Our hostess Jennifer made jambalaya and gumbo; Melanie, who is from NOLA, brought sauce picante; I tried my hand at building the perfect muffaletta; and Kate prepared pralines.  Of course the evening was not complete without King Cake.

The kids donned their beads, masks and other Mardi Gras party favors and tried their hardest to get the piece of cake with the baby hidden inside.  Thankfully they didn't get it because that would mean that we have to host the dinner next year.

We are blessed to have great friends who never miss an opportunity to have a good time.  Even though it was a "school night" we had a blast and the kids were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning!

Adam's 4th Birthday

Just yesterday I was running out of the office to bring him into this world and now he's four - time sure does fly.  So of course we had to celebrate in our family way.

Friday we took cupcakes to school for Adam to share with his friends.  It was an odd day because we had a "winter storm" the night before - which translates into it rained all day, the temperature fell a little below freezing and there were a couple of flakes.  Grace's school was delayed two hours before being closed so both kids spent the day at Tutor Time.  After we picked the kids up, we went out to dinner.  The choice was On The Border, a Mexican restaurant.  As we finished our meal, Grace told the waiter it was Adam's birthday so they brought him a dessert and sang to him.  He loved it.  When we got home we gave him one of his presents so he could have it for his party.

Saturday was party day - the first time we have been able to have one of the kids' parties on their actual birthday.  He wanted an Avengers party so we put out all his superhero toys and got ready for his friends.  Seven kids joined us to celebrate.  Since the attention span of a group of four-year olds is limited, we blew up balloons for them to play with, played a quick pin the shield on Captain American, had cake and ice cream and then opened his presents.  Everyone had a good time.

Still can't believe my baby is four!

Weekend with Nona

Not being one to miss an opportunity, I check the weekly e-Savers on the US Airways website every Tuesday to see if there's a deal for a quick getaway.  Well last week what did I discover but a low fare from Philly to Charlotte.  Since we didn't get to head north over the holidays I thought it would be a perfect way for the kids to see at least one relative.

So I invited mom down for the weekend.  She jumped at the chance to have a couple days with the kids.  Saturday morning bright and early she boarded a plane headed our way.  The kids were very excited to have her here.  They colored, watched movies, played games and hung out.  It was a chance for us to see what it would be like to be around family more often.

They were sad to see her go Sunday evening but they really enjoyed their time with her!

Merry Belated Christmas and Happy New Year

Where to begin...the last few weeks of December were quite busy at our house.

First there was Grace's birthday.  After a fun filled day at school, dinner at a local Mexican restaurant and cookies with her Pom class we geared up for her party.  This year we had a How to Train Your Dragon party at the karate studio.  The kids played some games, learned some karate moves and enjoyed cake and ice cream.

A week later we hosted our annual Family Christmas Party.  We used to have a party every year when we lived in Huntersville but stopped when we moved.  Last year we tried it and since everyone had so much fun, we decided it was time to bring it back to our calendar.  Several of our friends and their kids came over for food, drink and catching up.  Adam didn't want to miss a second and stayed up until the last person left around midnight only to fall asleep shortly thereafter with a sucker in his mouth.

Christmas this year was a ton of fun!  Both Grace and Adam couldn't wait to see what Santa was going to bring them.  In the weeks leading up to the big day, they woke up each morning to search for their Elf "Gingy".  Grace even sent Santa a few notes by way of Gingy thinking Santa would see them quicker.  Then on Christmas eve, they got a call from Santa while he was on his sleigh!!  Thanks to the magic of Santa, they were both in bed a little after 8.  Unfortunately Grace couldn't sleep and was very worried that Santa might pass by our house because of it.  Luckily she fell asleep a couple hours later and Santa was able to drop by.

Both of the kids awoke to a candy cane by their beds and plenty of gifts under the tree.  Adam asked for all sorts of trucks and that's what he got.  Grace was more specific requesting the How to Train Your Dragon DS game, but since our babysitter gave her that on Christmas Eve, Santa brought her the first three books of the How to Train Your Dragon series along with the CD from the movie.  They were also fortunate to receive lots of other gifts from family and friends.

The next few days, both kids went to their "daycare" centers so mom could straighten up and organize and so dad could go to work.  On New Year's Eve, Grace and I had a mini girls day when I got home from work.  We did lunch, got her hair done and saw Rise of the Guardians.  And then that evening we all hunkered down in the garage with our respective electronic devices and waited for the New Year.  Adam didn't make it to midnight but Grace did and caught her second wind.

Now that 2013 is upon us we are hoping everyone is blessed with health, wealth and happiness!  We will do our best to keep you updated on the happenings with us.