Big First for Xander!

Yesterday we had a big moment in the Bruno house. (At least it was for me, men aren't as sensitive to these kinds of things!) Xander brought home the phone number of a classmate and asked to have a playdate at her house. Yup, it's a girl!

This may not seem like a big deal, but given all the trouble we've had this year with Xander's behavior I think it's very exciting that someone from his class wants to hang with him after school. The sessions with the school counselor are really working! (Thanks, Dawn!)

I talked to the girl's mom and we set up a Saturday playdate for Xander and Drea. Then Xander surprised me by talking to Drea for an additional twenty minutes on the phone. He never talks to anyone that long! He asked questions about her siblings, her house, her toys. Then he asked me if he could have a sleepover. I told him we'd try the playdate first, LOL! And yes, I took a picture of him talking on the phone, which he was doing in the privacy of his own room.

Now we just have to wait and see how he does on Saturday. Don't worry, I'll post an update on that here on Monday!

Summer Already?

It's hot.

I know I shouldn't be complaining, since we had snow this time last week. But it's supposed to be up to 90 again today, and I just need a slower transition from cold to hot. Where's the Spring weather??

Xander's more than happy about the temperature change, though. This weekend he was being a "Soggy Ghostbuster" with the hose, and had me get out the sprinkler so he could play around in it. I just happened to have my camera on hand (shocking, I know!) and took these cute pics. If I have to be too hot too soon, at least I can be entertained!

Parent-Teacher Conference

Joe and I had our second conference with Xander's teacher today. Xander wasn't so thrilled, since he had to hang out in the gym with a bunch of teachers and aides. The school counselor joined us, and I have to say the news was good!

Academically, Xander is exactly where he's supposed to be. His writing is coming right along, and his teacher says he's showing a steady interest in science. On a recent test of word sounds and following directions, he scored 106 out of 119. That's my boy!

Socially, Xander has really improved over the last few weeks. He's been playing more with the other kids, and with the counselor's help he's been using his words instead of pushing. She's been role-playing with him, so that when situations come up he already knows what to do.

A new student just started in Xander's class this month, and Xander's teacher said that he's just taken charge. He helps the new kid get around the school, helps him out in the classroom...he's really made the new student feel welcome.

So it was a great report! Xander's teacher says that he should have no problem sliding on into first grade next year. Yay!

Endless Biking Spring

This Spring is one of endless biking! Every nice day we have, Xander wants to be out there working those pedals. Most of the time he does pretty good, and only needs a little help. Yesterday he was trying to see how fast he could go up and down the driveway.

And sometimes he just can't stay on the darned thing. Then he gets all mad, starts kicking tires, and tells me he'll never ride his bike again. Drama king, anyone?

So April isn't even over yet and already I have like fifty or more biking pictures. I need to stop taking them! But he just looks so cute!

Big Man on a Bike

Now here's something I bet you never thought you'd see! Xander was all about bike riding this weekend, so Joe thought he'd join right in.

Joe's bike came from the neighbor, who was just giving it away. A little air in the tires and he was good to go! Xander kept daring him to race up the driveway.

It may not be a motorcycle, but at least this bike is good for some exercise!

Another Photo Shoot Goes Awry

It should have been a simple matter of taking a picture of Xander wearing his new red shirt. (I love this kid in red!) But nothing is simple with Xander these days. Don't believe me? Just take a look!

Farewell, Pandora!

Today I am saying farewell to my kitty, Pandora. She's been my furry companion for nearly 14 years. I remember I was going to be bringing her home after my summer trip to Germany back in 1995, and spent the majority of the trip trying to come up with a good name. Pandora definitely fit her! Like the box of legend, she was filled with varying personalities - friendly, surly, inquisitive, disdainful, loving.

Ever since we brought Stuart Little into the family, Pandora has spent most of her time living under my bed. In the past year, she's developed an unshakable respiratory problem. She's lost weight, she had a gross abcess over her eye, and this week she's started using the litter box less and my living room more. It was a hard choice for me to make, but Joe is making it a little easier by taking her to the vet for me. I know I should be there with her, but I just can't do it.

Thanks for 13 great years, Pandora!

Pancake Master

Xander is the new Pancake Master at our house. He loves helping me make them, even though he generally fizzles out after about four. He mixes up the batter, spoons it into the pan, adds the chocolate chips, and does the flipping. The only think I don't let him do is turn on the stove, because I don't want him getting used to fiddling with it.

It's nice to have a helper, and I hope that I'm starting Xander out on the right road to make him a life-long cook. Having his Daddy do most of the cooking doesn't hurt, either!

Of Easter and Informal Gatherings

It was a pretty busy weekend for the Brunos. On Saturday we hosted an "informal gathering", which was in fact a party for my birthday. A few select friends and family joined us for some food, some cake, and lots of talking! Because my birthday is the same day as Angie's, we shared a cake.

Destiny, his wife Janine, and two of their children - baby Spanny and Mo - came over for their first visit to the Big Blue Barn. They brought Rufus with them, the worlds cutest little puppy. (He's a chihuahua/yorkie mix, just FYI!) The kids loved him, and I thought he was adorable.

At the end of the evening, only Andy, Angie and Josh remained. And though I was exhausted, we still had to do Easter eggs. Josh and Angie got in on the action and Xander had fun as always, though he hates waiting for the colors to get good and dark.

Easter morning my beloved offspring was up at 6am. (Gaaa!!) He was amazed to discover that the carrots he'd left for the Easter bunny were gone. Then I played sherpa while he followed the map to each egg in turn, and finally to his basket. Kid made out like a bandit - lots of candy, two new packs of Playmobile action figures, a coloring, two story books, and a superhero puzzle cube. Not to mention that some of his plastic eggs coughed up $6, some chapstick, and a new eyeglass cleaning cloth.

I cooked a delicious leg of lamb for dinner. Which is about all I did yesterday, because I was just worn out! I've decided that if I have another birthday party ever, it's going to have to be at someone else's house!

So, thanks to my hubby for throwing the party (even if he didn't do any housecleaning) and thanks to everyone who came! Hope y'all had as much fun as me!

Happy Easter!

HAPPY EASTER, FROM

OUR HOUSE TO YOURS!

Public Apology - Vikki

I would like to take a moment and publically apologize to Vikki. I had fully intended on calling last night to wish you a happy birthday, but somehow didn't think of it until it was 11:30 and I was crawling into bed.

Be assured of receiving a call today, since I have a huge note written to myself to do so. In the meantime:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It's All About Me Today!

Hey, hey, it's my birthday! I'm closing in on 40, but not there yet. I turned 36 today, and I don't feel a day over 50! LOL!

Seriously, it's been a pretty good birthday so far. Xander sang me Happy Birthday first thing this morning, then remarked how he thinks I've gotten heavier overnight. Nice! When Joe got home, the cards and gifts came out. I scored Mama Mia - the DVD and the soundtrack. Oh, yeah!! Then Joe gave me some money for take-out tonight. Not to be outdone, Xander ran to his room and came back out with his last dollar, which he gave me. Awww!! Am I a lucky woman or what?

Special thanks to everyone for the birthday greetings that were e-mailed to me, or put on Facebook. (Mom and Vikki, your stupid e-cards made me cry! Darn you!) I loves you all!! (Except Mom and Vikki, for making me cry!)

On a side note, I just wanted to talk about Alien Voices. Back in the way back when I worked at Story House, Simon & Schuster put out these totally entertaining CDs, which have a lot of Star Trek people doing a kind of radio show of classic novels. I have The Lost World, which is totally awesome. I listen to it a lot when I'm scrapping or playing on the computer. In fact, I like it so much I've added all the movies and tv show to my Netflix queue, and am awaiting the book from the library.

Unfortunately, I can't find the Alien Voices version of Journey to the Center of the Earth, which I totally covet. There are a couple of cassettes on ebay, which won't do me much good since my stereo eats cassettes for breakfast. So if anyone comes across this, you need to let me know immediately!!

Okay, that's all about me today. Tune in Wednesday for more fun Xander stories (probably).

Monkey Bread

Since last Friday, Xander has been looking forward to having the Monkey Bread that Joe picked up at the grocery store. He knew we'd be making it on Wednesday, and he was so excited when it was finally time to pop it into the oven.

And then began the funniest dessert time I've probably ever spent. Xander sat on Joe's lap and we all pulled off pieces of bread. Then Joe was eating Xander's pieces, getting him all riled up. They started giving me the stink eye when I commented, and that was hilarious! When Xander said, "Oh, yeah? How about a burp?" and then had a huge burp, I lost it. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time, and Xander kept me going by continuing to give me his unique version of the stink eye.

Who knew Monkey Bread could be so funny? Of course I was snapping pictures, and last night I had to sit odown and scrap the stink eye. Was I right or what? Hilarious!!