The Mom Song- New Version

Thanks to my friend Brian for reintroducing this performance- new and improved- to me on a day when I really needed some humor. This is the greatest!!

"Must Love Dogs"

Besides being a fun movie this is one of Emily's life mottos. This little black rat is my aunt and uncles dog, Nicky, who is mean, and poops in our house as soon as she walks in the door. She growls and doesn't like anyone - yet Emily still loves her.
Go Figure!?

Sleepover

Remember how much fun sleepovers were?

What a bunch of goofballs

Noah's Report Card

I cant help but brag. I am so proud. He has worked so hard and it is paying off.
Noah's report card and teacher conference went like this.

"Noah is a kind student who continues to improve and gain confidence."
A- reading
A writing
A vocabulary
A math
A- social studies
B+ science

He's reading at grade level, a 3.9 to be exact. He has come so far! The school year began so horribly. He believed he was behind before he even began. He was sure he would never keep up. He wanted to give up. But he didn't. And he has grown so much in his belief in himself. His teacher says he is still a perfectionist and it's that determination to be perfect that puts him at his greatest disadvantage. I am so happy for Noah. I know how much he wants to do well and be well-liked. He is both. He is, just as I knew when he was born, an amazing person. Keep on, keepin' on!

Sassy or Spirited?

I've been trying to determine whether Emily's penchant for being outspoken and demanding is cute or just contrary. I do my best to watch for signs of a smart-alack attitude in my smallest and toughest offspring. She is 38 lbs of determination and I love her spirit while trying to correct her sassiness. It's not easy to do either. Most adults think her attitude and personality are cute. In my experience children who think they are cute can quickly descend to being plain obnoxious. I'm trying to teach her to use her manners, say please and thank- you, to not run anyone over, and most importantly, to be respectful and kind.

Me and my grand ideas!!!

My Little Rascal

I try to watch and carefully choose what my kids see in terms of media: computer, tv, movies, commercials even, so I was shocked when Emily, in her sweetest voice, said to me, "I hate your stinkin' guts" EXCUSE ME? Where? What? How? I practically stuttered in confusion because I could tell she had no idea what she was saying. When I asked her where she heard that she said, "Darla says that on the Little Rascals!

So much for my nostalgia of the good ole days!

Everything about Emily

In so many ways Emily just seems older than Noah when he was 3 years old. I realize this at the strangest of times. She seems older in her expression both verbal and non verbal. When she gets angry it's not just yelling to be heard, it's hand on the hips, and attitude to go with the tirade she delivers. It's in the way she has always wanted to chose what she wears each day and if I ever tell her "no", she's quick with a "reasonable" explanation for her choice and slowly tells me as if I cant possibly understand such a decision but she'll humor me for a while until I give in and allow her to dress herself. She has sat on the toilet sans potty seat to make her feel more secure and comfortable ( not to mention keeping her from likely slipping into the bowl) since she tore off her diaper at 18 months of age. She eats with utensils made for bigger hands, eats spicy food, sits patiently through a 1 1/2 movies with her big brother and helps with household chores. She calls adults by their 1st name ( if they will allow it) and wants an explanation to everything and anything she doesn't understand. She constantly surprises me with her abilities. She's growing up much to fast for my liking - yet I do - like it. Well, that's an understatement. Everything about Emily amazes and thrills me. I may not chronicle her life in detail as I did with Noah when he was this age- but I am no less awed by all that she does and who she is becoming. I am the luckiest mom in the world!!

The kids on their 3rd birthday

She is my princess! - 2008



He was the cutest little guy ever at three! - 2003

Aren't We Cute?

New York New York

We are back!
What a great 48 hours we had. We do more in 2 days in "the city" than a week at home in Michigan. Pictures are comin soon!