School * Kids * Baking

We've been pretty busy around here lately. Both kids are in school full time this year. I volunteer 8 to 10 hours a week at their school. The kids love when I come to help out in their classes.

Trinity is in 1st grade this year and doing very well. She is reading starter chapter books. She is loving the Diary of a Wimpy Kids books she borrowed from her cousin Dylan. Trinity also loves exploring new things. She got a microscope for Christmas and has really enjoyed looking at different things at different magnifications. She also enjoys writing books about what she is learning. I've tried to get her to write fictitious stories for fun but she told me "I only write about real things." She reminds me a little of Brennan (Emily Deschanel) from Bones the TV show. She is very serious and matter of fact all the time.

Nicholas is in Kindergarten (they started all day kindergarten this year) and loves it. He is doing very well. He can read, write and spell many words. He is also very good about sounding out new words. I think right now math is his favorite subject. Nicholas loves riding his bike and skateboard when it is not raining outside. He also really enjoys playing the computer. His favorite game is World of Warcraft but I limit how much he can play. His second favorite game is Jumpstart.com which is a fun interactive educational game. We pay $8 a month and both kids can play it as much as they want online, if homework is done and it's raining outside.

homemade marshmallows

I have been baking and making new things quite a bit lately. My favorite things to make are desserts and appetizers. We have had whole meals out of different appetizers I've made. It's amazing how many things you can do with a wonton wrapper. Dominick's favorite wonton creation was when I made baked wonton cups and filled them with shredded bbq pork and topped them with coleslaw. When we are going to a party/get together people usually request my deviled eggs and/or bacon wrapped waterchestnuts.

We are all getting excited for Christmas. The kids have been counting down since sometime toward the beginning November.