"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!