I Am Going To Be Amazing!

You already are.

This was your exact quote after last week's Primary program, when we noted that next year you would be in it! Such confidence. That's you, Emma, you are so confident. You have been since birth. It can make you fiesty, frustrating, and a little irrational. . but mostly we are so impressed with your impressive sense of self-worth. That will serve you well in life--if well-directed. So far, so good. You are a delight. At the family reunion, your Aunt Angi kept remarking on what a light you brought, just happily going through life, completely content. We agree. In general, you are such a happy kid--full of grins, giggles, and songs. Especially songs from "The Sound of Music"--which you insist on listening to every morning on the way to school. Another favorite is "The fox and his wife" which only Daddy knows, though you say you can teach me if I want. You also make up your own, and will sing and sing (much to the chagrin of Isaac in the van). But as for me, I love it.
  You certainly make your own way in the world. You remember everything I ever say, and hold me to it. You say that your favorite things are: candy, dogs, cats, flowers, and ribbons. The ribbons came from when you asked me what my favorite things are and I said: mountains, trees, and rivers. But you heard ribbons. . and it stuck. Ribbons are nice too.
  The other day you wore goggles to pre-school. I wonder what Miss Dean thinks of you. You are back at Cybered this year, and having a nice experience. We are hopeful that next year I will be home again and teaching preschool here at the house. The last two years of teaching have brought blessings of their own, but we feel that it is time for me to return home and we are working hard to make that happen! I only get one more year with you before you start kindergarten yourself! Crazy. I can't believe how quickly you are growing up Emma. We love you so much. You make us laugh every single day. You maul Max, pester Isaac, tear Lucy's favorite pictures, and in general sometimes work mayhem throughout the house. But you also hug, kiss, laugh, and sing, brightening our home in your own special way. We are so lucky to have you. You really are amazing!

Isaac

3rd Grade!!

I just realized that we forgot to take a picture of you on your first day of school this year!!! I am so sorry. In all the hubbub of it also being my first day of school and trying to get everyone where they belong, we forgot to snap a picture. I doubt you really minded, but someday you might wonder exactly what you looked like on your first day of third grade. So, I'll sum it up for you: EXCITED!
 You could hardly sleep the night before you headed back to school. You were downright giddy. A few nights before we found out that your teacher was Ms. Stone and the classroom looked great! She is a fairly new teacher, just like me, so that means she's been getting all the great training and is full of energy and fun! We think you are going to have a great year.

 One of your goals this year (set completely independently of our influence!) is to be more responsible. You are really doing great! You get your homework done every day, and keep track of your water bottle, and are really staying on top of things. I am impressed. You love afterschool--who wouldn't? Extra playground time, lego stations, and a prize box. . what's not to love? You get grumpy if I ever dare come pick you up before 5:00. Sheesh. The routine still has some kinks and life is a little crazy, but every night that I get to cuddle with you, sing you a song, and give you a hug is such a blessing to me. We love you Isaac!

You have become quite the chef as well, waking up FAR too early to fix us breakfast. One morning you even set up restaurant rules. You can make oatmeal and scrambled eggs. The amount of oatmeal varies, but your enthusiasm doesn't. I used to do the same thing when I was a kid--I loved waking up early to make pancakes for everyone. I guess you come by it honestly.

Fun at the Casa

 Nest-Building ain't just for the birds. Isaac and Lucy got creative with some tires they found in the cul-de-sac.

 

 

 Isaac has become a real pro at oatmeal-making. He even has his own castle. Watch out IHOP.

 

Emma got in a fight with the rocking chair. Looks like the chair won.



Young Lady

Young Lady.

Young lady. . . that is your term for anyone who is not meeting with your approval. Lucy gets this phrase quite a few times. Still, it is better than biting her--an alternative you've used a few times.

Lucy, Growing Up

Lucy, you did such an amazing job at the Primary program last week! You memorized your part, spoke clearly, and looked confidently out at the congregation. We were all so impressed. You are growing up so quickly and so well! Part of that is that you are sleeping in underwear! It is remarkable how quickly you have succeeded with this. You simply decided it was time, and it worked! At first we only tried on the weekends, but you got the hang of it so quickly that we went for it soon after. It is wonderful and such a sign that you are growing in confidence as well. We love you!