The Riccobenes

Monday, March 19, 2012

kid's perceptions

Vinny said to me: "Dom has been getting really mad at G lately (tonight specifically) over little things that he should just let go. (little sisters can be really annoying though in my opinion) So, can you talk to him about it?"

Me: Yes, but little siblings can be annoying at times, and if you could have seen me and my brothers...well, our kids operate on angel status if you would compare. Also, big brothers kinda get the privilege of getting irritated once in a while, especially when you have a big brother like Dom who mostly ALWAYS includes her with his friends, lets her sleep in the same room when he has sleepovers, plays WITH her daily (even plays her princess board games), and invites her to play with his him and his friends-and not for target practice either!

I trudge upstairs to talk with Dom-even though my heart is not into it.

Me to Dom: Hey buddy, I hear you have been getting really mad at G lately and haven't been very nice to her. I understand she can be annoying and bug you at times, but we still need to treat our family in a kind way. You know, my brothers used to really bug me A LOT when we were little- listen to my conversations on the phone, be in my space in the car, in the house...always around when I didn't want them to be!!! They would say things that they knew would bother me. BUT (here is where I embellished the truth) I had to make the choice to treat them kindly when they were not being nice. I had to CHOOSE to ignore them and give the positive attention...because that is all they wanted-my attention.

Dom: WHAT? your BIG brothers are really your little brothers? I didn't know that. They are way bigger than you. I thought they were older than you.

after that was cleared up...I am shorter, but older, I went to G's room to tuck her in...

G: I want to know everything you told Dom, like your brothers are little? What? I thought Uncle Jared was older.

Me: They are bigger than me now, but I am older than them-always have been, always will be, and they had to learn (embellishment here) to not bother me and give me space-just like you need to give Dominic space sometimes and CHOOSE not to bug him. My brothers had to try really hard to not bother me and I learned to be really nice to them:)

G: Oh, ok. I will try. BUT I thought your brothers were older, but really they are bigger but younger right mom?

Me: Yes! you got it!

So....funny conversations at night that take on a life of their own.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Gianna's Preschool Conference

I want to get this written down before I forget the word choice of Gianna's teachers. A few weeks ago I went for her "kindergarten readiness conference" at Faith Lutheran Preschool- which was bittersweet since this was the last time for us, as we have no more kids coming through the preschool and we have called Faith Lutheran home to our kids for the last 5 years. The teachers truly know and love our kids-noticing the littlest things and celebrating their personalities, achievements, and funny stories with us weekly. We cannot express our gratitude sufficiently for all that we feel for these amazing women.

Back to the conference...

As soon as I sat down, I hear: "Gianna is a JOY, such a JOY to us and our class."

They went on to talk about...
her sense of humor- calling them "dahling" as she leaves each day, "goodbye dahlings!"
her inclusiveness of others; how even though her best friend is in the class, she never just plays with her or any other just one child-she gets big groups involved in play-boys and girls alike...

which led to...her "leadership" qualities; and as they started to talk about how she is the leader in the class, organizing activities, playing out scenes etc; my face must have cringed (I was thinking "bossy" might be the more accurate word) and they quickly assured me that in no way is she bossy or rude, but she listens to other's ideas and incorporates their ideas into her ultimate plan! WOW!

The teachers also showed her letter and number recognition assessments, rhyming knowledge etc...but also said that her ability to attend to a task, follow directions, and act appropriately during circle time are the most important skills she possesses that show readiness for kindergarten learning.

We are happy with her academic progress, but for us the most important achievements are her behaviors. We are very proud of her putting aside "what she wants to do" and doing what she is being asked:) (we have come a long way people!!!) We are proud of her inclusiveness of all kids, and we are proud of her effort and enthusiasm...we hear often that she is such a spark of light in a room, and we never want that light to go out! She brightens our days and we love our Baby G.

"cruckles"

Grandma, the kids, and myself were all laying on my bed today, snuggled up, chatting. I looked at Dom's sweet face and noticed the slightest spray of freckles across his nose. Of course I announced- "OOOHHH Dom! You have the cutest freckles on your nose! I love them!"

Dominic was not impressed, and replied with: "I don't want freckles! AWWW no!"

G jumps in with: "Oh Dom I LOVE your cruckles! They are perfect."

Cruckles?!

We all cracked up!

March MAdness...and I don't mean basketball!!!

March has been very busy for our family...with working on house projects, spring sports starting up, and the daylight hours extending...we are cramming more stuff into our days! The kids love opening the back doors and hearing the birds in the morning-they are so great at appreciating the little things!

We took the kids to the Freedom Farm, where they offered free rides to kids and games for a few hours. G was in HEAVEN! She could have stayed on the horse all day.

Dom was more cautious, his face says it all! He ended up relaxing after he had thought through all the possibilities!

"Around the World" on the horse-no fear at all!

finally our windows are wrapped!!! Thanks for helping dad!

Making leprechaun traps at school- right up Dom's alley! He loves these kind of projects where he gets to design and create.

Add Spring Soccer to the list of afterschool activities! First game was this weekend, and it was great that Grandma and Grandpa were up to see it! Of course his first game was against his best friend Pryce's team!

Not opponents!!! Friends FOREVER:) It was cute that whenever they came up against each other on the field they would start to giggle and crack up! So much for SERIOUS!

The long-awaited, outdoor playset...how lucky are these kids??? Grandma and Grandpa went to Bonney Lake, met Vinny, and picked this up for us in Grandpa's trailer. Then spent the weekend creating the border so that we can put pea gravel and our trampoline in the play area. Saturday it poured down rain, and mud was EVERYWHERE!!! But Vinny and Grandpa worked all day on this area! We are so grateful.

Monday, February 27, 2012

A Special Gift x3

Nick gave Dominic his set of golf clubs

Dominic was so happy to have Nick be here for his birthday

Grandpa surprising Dom with the jigsaw he has gotten when he was 7 or 8 yrs. old

The day would not have been complete without Grandma and Grandpa

Lego Extravaganza!

Let's get this party "kicked off!"

Lego Crew ready for fun

The Lego Master welcoming them to Lego Extravaganza

First Game- Pile it up (sucking legos to a straw and piling them on a plate)

Daddy got in on the action:)

Highest Tower Challenge

Lego Spoon Races-getting ready

Last session Daddy wanted in!!!!

Gianna was so excited to give Dom this gift, and Dom was sooooo happy to get it!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Setting the Stage

Party Popcorn on the table

Each child's place setting at the Lego Party

Lego Bowls for Treats, built by Dominic

Game Table for "Pile it Up" (sucking a lego to a straw and piling them on the plate...
winner moved the most legos to their plate)

Lego Toss Boxes, Game Champ Signs-ready to be used in a picture

Extra Large Lego Backdrop

The Party Place

the night before the party-peeling carrots (the healthy part of the pizza dinner!)

Can't even go there in writing abou this mess...let's just say I am NOT cake decorator extraordinaire:( But really, how hard is it to make a lego cake???) blocks and circles-simple. But NOOOOOOOO not for me-which is why there was a "cake tantrum" the night before the party.