Reading Parade

Nolan thought the band was fabulous!

Since I didn't get any great shots at the parade, here is a close-up

I finally got his attention for a picture

Jakob ignoring me, but his teacher Mrs. Mark smiled for the camera!

Every year at Hershey ECC the first and second graders have a reading incentive program with a big reward at the end of the year. Each month they bring home a calendar and when they return it to school get a something (this year it was a gold medal). One year was people in the community & a parade, the next year was Hershey Park 100 year celebration carnival day and this year the Olympics. Jakob's class were sprinters , had to dig for a red,white, & blue outfit. WIth each gold medal they got a new book, so Joe brought home 8 new ones!! Oh, I just noticed my friend Carol's hand in the picture. Hint to anyone who loves me...besides a new fancy camera, I really want a great photo program, scanner, and external hard-drive. Then all these blog pictures would look even better and I could crop out Carol's hand.

Yes, I forgot this post is about Jakob. We are so proud of the work he has done this year. He has come so far in Kindergarden...maybe "they" are right when they say summer boys might do better being held back a year, lesson learned. With that being said, he really has improved and shows way more interest in learning and is enjoying being able to read some.

HOT MAMAS!!

Anna and Emma had their dance recital last Saturday...it was a busy week with lots of rehearsals and late nights. One day I was putting the girl's makeup on before a rehearsal and Jakob said oh HOT MAMAS!! Who knows were he picked that up?, he said his teacher Mrs. Mark said it to another student. Funny, Sam saw this and said Hot Mamas, he remembered and now says "Sam, Hot MaMa!", lets hope not. The recital theme was one hit wonders. Emma's ballet class danced to Earth Angel. I had put her red lipstick in her bag incase it wore off before she danced, when she came out it was apparent she had been putting more & more on as she waited. It was pretty funny. Anna's tap class danced to SummerTime Summertime, she enjoyed sitting on the beachchair pretending to put on sunscreen at the end so much. Chris and I went without the boys, and got third row center seats last minute so it was nice to be so close. FYI this is the only time I will let Anna wear some TAN pantyhose!

Oh MY!

A favorite hang out spot to people watch

What were we thinking????

yes, I did get turned into Student whatever for my off the shoulder dress...Kara and I

were the DJ's for some dance. Nice black roots, now I have gray ones perhaps those

were better??!!

Memory Lane

My college roommate Kara emailed me some pics...yikes, that was a long time ago, fall of 1992 my second year at Ricks!! Such happy memories for me. I've always known I have a large head, but my date must have a smaller than average one b/c my head looks enormous!!

The Spring Concert

Anna began taking viola (the smaller cousin to the violin and has a deeper sound) at school last November. Here is a bit of the Fourth Grade Orchestra's Spring Concert. The fifth graders also performed and I think another year will bring great things. I will be so sad to leave this school because ther are many opportunites for the students, hopefully we can find a place that we all love!

Birthday Boy

After getting cleaned up

Messy ! Messy!!

Yummy! Of course he really only ate the frosting.

Yikes! What is that?

Henry Nolan Painter

Looking so sweet and cuddly. This is my favorite picture of him!

Here he is all 8 lbs. 10 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long. May 7, 2007 at 1:20 pm

Sweet baby Nolan celebrated his first birthday on Wednesday. This past year has gone by so very fast. I am happy that Nollie is a part of our family. He has a calm peace to him and his so very loveable. A laid back boy, no wonder he was 9 days late!!

Fudgy Oatmeal Bars

So I have been in a baking mood lately and since I have this new cookbook...been trying out some new recipes. This one is great and fun for kids to help with as well, lots of hands on. Jakob loved making this one.

2 c. brown sugar
1 c. softened butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
3 c. oats (quick or regular)
1/2 tsp. salt
12 0z. chocolate chips
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 Tbsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

preheat oven to 350. Cream together first 4 ingredients. Then add the next 4. Set aside 1/3 of mixture. Press the rest into a buttered jellyroll pan. (wet hands really help with preventing sticking).
In a saucepan, melt chips, butter, & condensed milk. Do not overheat. Remove from heat and add salt and vanilla. (and nuts if using) Pour chocolate over oatmeal layer and spread evenly.
With the remaining dough, pat into circles and place on chocolate. Bake 25-30 minutes.

Enjoy!! Even with the chocolate Jakob enjoyed these...a little something different for him. So give them a try!
We are trying a new cupcake recipe tomorrow for Nollie's birthday. I will post it if they are yummy!!!