Imagine A World Without Mathematics

Sab's school has something called Declamation Day. Grades kindergarten through sixth memorize a poem and then recite it in front of the entire school as well as their parents. Can you imagine doing this as a kid? What is even more interesting to me is that there is a poem "pool" for all of these grades.  It is quite possible that a student in kindergarten will recite the very same poem as a second grader! The title of this post is also the name of Sab's chosen poem. He loves math thus why the poem intrigued him. Next time I hope he chooses something about a ladybug!

I might have been more nervous than Sab, it is quite possible. He put on his coat and tie for this event and I knew I was in trouble. Tears, lots of them.  Some for kids I do not even know!

Is it just me or are they twins? The coat and tie was not a big hit for Sab.  In fact, five minutes after his class finished he was without tie, coat, belt, untucked . . .

Sab was CONVINCED that the tie hung outside of the coat.  See Curt shoving it in there?

Curt is so into this.  Hmm.

 

Thanks Bub for humoring me.

 

On stage awaiting his turn.  I feel terrible that his eyes are glowing in this photo because it is such a sweet shot.

I was just so very proud of him.  I taped his time on stage with a shaky hand.  His whole life (thus far) flashed through my mind.  Bringing him home from the hospital with Curt driving 20 miles per hour. Those long, long curls in his first hair cut. Carrying his Nana's evening bag,  Wearing goggles on his head for an entire six months. Putting him on the kindergarten bus and praying I would see him again. We have come such a long way.  Love you buddy.

Mary Lou Mia

A few shots from our first class last night. After a few tears and a couple minutes of uncertainty - all was well!


Can you hang? Of course, I can!

Go Mia!

Tuck your chin! She did such a great job, the teacher reminded her that her chin did not need to be tucked the entire time!

The finish - we have this down.

Balance Beam! Concentrate!

It is her first official "big girl" activity. Watching her wait in line, make friends, and follow directions, brought a smile to my face. This big girl is growing so very fast. 

Seriously Mom . . . Again?!?

Each Christmas we go home to celebrate the holiday with our family in Pittsburgh.  The anticipation of this journey is enormous and the amount of planning is considerable.  You see Santa (shh!) joins us on this adventure, as well as Sammy the Elf, a Woodberry ham, the kitchen sink .  . So one can see how a person might forget snow boots? Two years in a row now, I have forgotten our snow things.  Is it avoidance? I'm not sure. One would think growing up there for 34 years (I am not lying about my age - please figure in that we have lived in Virginia for three years), I would remember that Halloween to May might bring snow at any moment. So sure enough, the day after Christmas it snowed at least 6 inches within a couple of hours.  My angels have their little faces pressed up against the glass, loaded for excitement.  Sab turns to me, "Mom, seriously again? You brought no snow stuff."  One day I will enlighten this young man on what was involved in this trip.  Long story short (too long?!?) a quick trip to the store by Mr. Phillips and a little creativity provided all with some sledding gear!  Two of the four nieces I have, took my children out this day. The wise Meghan could be heard saying, "Sebastian, WHY does everything have to be an Olympic event!" He owes this girl big. My little girl Sassaruby truly loves her Ally and enjoyed every moment.  Thank you girls. Ever hear that phrase your reward is in Heaven?

This is what the day brought:


They have a great hill. 

Joy!

 

I spy with my little eye  . .  Uncle Jim

Just looking at this is COLD!

 

Tasting snow.  Lost hat!

Ally has to be thinking sometimes are you kidding me?

Meghan is a trooper for sure. Hopefully Sab will know this someday.

So the day we were supposed to leave  it snowed at least another 3 to 4 inches. No leaving that day! We anticipated this treacherous route and blizzard . . . only to cross into Virginia with no snow and 45 degrees.  Go figure!

The Plague Hits . . . all men and women down!

So the Phillips house has succumbed to something I like to refer to as the plague.  It has wiped out even the toughest Phillips - Curt!  Mia woke up last Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. vomiting and honestly we are still fighting the fire today! You can catch bits and glimpses of us as we come out of hiding only to be pulled back in again.  As I write this Sab is on the sofa, up since 1:00 a.m. and still fighting the good fight.  Long story short, I thought I would catch up on my blog.  Like the new look? Here is what we have been up to  . . . and just maybe we will join the civilized world again soon.


The life of a scout mom continues.  I have to admit I am a big fan of the neckerchief.

Every once in a while, some fresh air finds us.  This was the first day of scooter riding after Santa visited.

A determined young women - yes.  She is speaking freely with her friend Sophia in this shot.
 Sophia, the sweet thing, smiles a lot thankfully.
 

For all of you hoping and praying . . . we started a new sport besides soccer.  Can you guess? Game on!


I hope this finds you and yours well - if not, I COMPLETELY SYMPATHIZE!!!