Matt turns 13 years old!

Last Friday evening, on September 18th, we celebrated Matt's 13th birthday! His Dad and I asked him what kind of celebration he wanted. He chose to have his birthday held at "Deliciosos" - a new rotisserie chicken place that was recently opened this past year. Jim and Matt goes to the restaurant once or twice a week. They've come to know the owner and his family at the establishment. They've really taken a liking to Matt. They are a family from Peru and Matt says it's the best chicken he's ever tasted. They have a special sauce that he loves. Al, the manager/owner, requested that Matt spend his birthday in the restaurant. When we arrived, we were treated to a lovely meal. Afterwards, Al surprised Matt by bringing him a mylar balloon and a perfect sized ice cream cake! Matt was so honored to have his family and his new found Peruvian friends around him on his special day. As for gifts, he just wanted money so he could buy a few video games or a new game system. He's grown so fast and his Dad and I are so proud of him and what a nice young man he's turned out to be! I can't believe he's already a teenager!

Remembering 9/11 in Our Town of Smyrna

On the evening, parishioners and area residents joined together on a rainy evening in the United Presbyterian Church in Smyrna. A retired NY City firefighter preached the homily and lead prayers for the workers, students, military personnel, Peace Corps, and victims of persecution in Muslim, Hindu, and Communist countries. Veterans were encouraged to wear medals earned in the service.

Earlier in the day, a wreath was placed at the base of the flagpole of the firestation by a 21-year veteran of the police force, worked at trafic control until the closing of the Holland Tunnel, and was present at Ground Zero. It was placed in memory of all who lost their lives at Ground Zero in New York, the Pentagon, and Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. A 21-gun salute and "Taps" was offered by Clayton's VFW Post #8801.

Holding lighted candles in the church, we heard the ringing of a memorial bell for fallen firefighters and playing of bagpipes (Amazing Grace). The Smyrna Fire Dept. band played the National Anthem, and God Bless America.

A collection was taken for the local food pantry which is run by area churches to serve the local residents in times of need.

Matt's 1st day of School

This year Matt is in the 7th grade! Yes.....the 7th! Do you remember the 7th grade? I remember starting school the day after Labor Day in Junior High School in a new school, new teachers, and new friends. Matt is experiencing the same thing. He is no longer in his Dad's Intermediate School, but in his own Middle School. The school holds grades 7th to 9th. He doesn't know any of the teachers and has never switched classes other than three times. Also, there is no recess, instead he has Gym and Health Class. School also starts "at the crack of dawn" according to Matt at 7:30 AM! He has the opportunity to walk to school on my week or catch the bus during Dad's week! The school is only five years old, and is located right next to the High School.

Can you believe that just his school supplies ran nearly $100? Jim, being the teacher, knows where to get the best school supplies. Every year, he packs Matt's new book bag with all the needed supplies. I take him to school on the first day, because Jim teaches. Usually, the night before we get together and review how important school is and how exciting it will be for him. It is our family tradition.

This morning, I was brimming with anxiety and excitement for him. He, on the other hand, was ready to go with confidence! He kissed me goodbye, got out of the car, flung his backpack on, and grabbed his clarinet case and said, "See Ya, Mom." I made sure out I was out of eyesight and then I bursted into tears. This year was emotional for us because this summer he has grown tall with a deep voice. He is an amazing young man. We know that we only have a few precious years to help guide him before he is off to college. After dropping Matt off, I stopped by Jim's newly assigned classroom to not only wish him a good 1st day, but to share with him the morning routine and how calmer Matt was than I. Jim's class starts at 8:20 am. Of course, he was just as anxious to hear about his morning! I left for work and felt gratified that was definately a good day to be a parent!

His first class is Band, and his last class is MATH! We can't wait to meet his teachers on the 17th at Open House.

2009/10 SMS Bell Schedule

7:20 Student Entry
7:30 Homebase Begins/ Cafeteria Closes
7:35 Homebase Late Bell
7:40 Homebase Ends
7:44 – 8:34 Period 1
8:38 – 9:28 Period 2
9:32 – 10:22 Period 3
10:22 – 10:52 Period 4 (A Lunch)
10:56 – 11:46 Period 5/6
11:50 – 12:40 Period 7/8
12:44 – 1:34 Period 9
1:38 – 2:30 Period 10
2:30 Bus Dismissal (Front Exit)
2:35+/- Walker/Car Rider/Sports Dismissal (West Exit)

Maine Vacation - Last Day

I woke feeling refreshed from our coastal adventure the day before. I felt a little sad that this was our last day in Maine. I went out on the deck, enjoyed the view, smelled the pines, and took a big breathe of the clean air! We took the morning packing our suitcases, straightening up, and writing in the Giggleswick Guestbook.
Later in the day, we made our way to the Bigelow camp to say our goodbyes. Matt and I invited Robert Ladd to drive up with us to the Sugarloaf ski resort. We headed north along the Sandy River and enjoyed the views of farms, rocky rivers, tall evergreens, ski chalets during the drive. When we finally arrived the view was amazing. We could see an amazing view of Mount Bigelow! This year, Matt went snow skiing for the first time in Pennsylvania. He was amazed at the different ski trails and the pointed out which ones he'd like to try!

We all closed our eyes and imagined what the village and mountains must look like with skiers coming down the mountain and the lifts working. It was fun. As we dropped off Robert, Matt had one last time driving the 4-wheeler and said so long to his cousins. We were so glad that we had a couple of days renewing our connection with family.

Before dinner began, we carpooled into Farmington with the Merta family to the Homestead Bakery Restaurant. We were looking forward to a lovely and last evening together. I was especially excited to see my cousin Jerry play his banjo with some local musicians. We had such a great reunion. The meal was amazing, the conversation was meaningful, and the music was flowing. Jerry invited all the Addicotts to join him. By the end of the evening, almost all of us had the opportunity to sing together in front of the restaurant patrons. The patrons were amazed how well we sang together considering it was the first time in public! To me, it was natural, my family always gathered 'round the piano during family holidays and reunions throughout my life! My father played the trumpet, my mother the piano, her mother - the piano and my great-grandmother Welles - the piano. Naturally, I would love the piano and the magical way it can bring family together in song and joy. The last night with my family was like the ending to a great musical! You start the show with a big number, and end the show with a big number! That night was the biggest number of my vacation! I am so blessed to have such special souls in my family!

For those of you that received this email, go to my blog and view the videos captured during the evening at Barbinde.blogspot.com

**Not only did we sing but so did a wonderful trio called "The Irish Pub Singers." **