Creativity

This is a shout-out to Rainey from those of us who let our kids dress themselves.

Tricked

Erik has been wanting to try one of these claw machines. As his parents, we talked extensively about how these machines are not set up for you to win. How you will probably put your money in and come out with nothing. As you who know Erik know, years of wisdom and experience mean nothing to him. He insisted. He had to find out for himself. So Sunday morning we went down to Fred Meyer and he had his eight quarters in a cute crocheted purple purse he borrowed from Taryn. I again warned him that this was not a good use of his money. But he picked out his toy, put in four quarters, and got nothing. So he was determined, he put in four more quarters and tried again. This time when he got nothing he burst into tears, loud wails and cries. We had to sit with him, crying and wailing while Taryn finished spending her money in a machine and walking back to the car. Dissappointment is the one emotion I can not handle in a child. It breaks my heart too much.

I guess that's what we get for breaking the sabbath. :)

Erik again

While having a discussion about why Erik threw his sisters clothes all over the floor, he says to me, "Sometimes I lose my temperature, just like you mom."

Sisters

I have debated over the last few days whether or not to blog about Kelli and Kass's trip. For two reasons, 1. they have both already talked about it on their blogs, so it seems redundant. 2. I can't help it from having a sad tone, as I am feeling sad now that they're gone.
Once or twice, or sometimes three times a year I go through a phase where I really struggle with being so far from my family, especially my sisters. Now is one of those times. I am never more myself than when I'm with them. I never laugh as much as when I'm with them. Being with family really fills my spirit.
So it's hard sometimes when they come up here to visit, fill my life with comfort and laughter, and then fly home. It's a bit of a let down for a few days.
But it WAS so great to have them here. We had a lot of fun. If nothing else, I know they love losing at Settlers to me. And Phase 10 for that matter....

Erik

Erik took this picture of me...thought it didn't turn out too bad.
Funny story about Erik.....we were driving yesterday, listening to Michael Jackson (his choice). Thriller comes on. When it gets to the chorus Erik starts singing at the top of his lungs, only instead of saying thriller, he says "this is daylight, daylight night!". He can't be convinced when he's got the words wrong.

Science

We just finished our body unit today. This is the kids final projects. They have loved this unit more than any other and have asked to do it often. That pleases me. Of course the organ they remember the most is the bladder, and they giggle every time they say, "it holds our potty". Taryn also giggles at the word testicles, but I won't go into that.

Taryn has really blossomed this year in school. Last year was a little challenging for her ( stress put on by too many expectations). This year she has had a lot of fun and seems to be getting a lot more because she enjoys it.

I love being with them as they learn and seeing them make connections. It is nice to know how their day was instead of hearing "fine", like I do when they're away from me. Small pleasures make it worth it.

Spring? Soccer

We thought that spring soccer would be better weather than we've experienced in the fall....but so far we've been snowed on, rained on, and frozen. Taryn has this really intense coach that holds practice three times a week for an hour and a half and yells a lot. I did not like him at first and quickly judged. But once we had our first game, I was grateful that the kids could hear his directions and knew what they were supposed to be doing during the game. They also understood where they made mistakes and valued his praise. Taryn has enjoyed being on his team and has been working hard.