A Change or Exchange

Adam is growing up and that is good, because so is Anya. I can now tell Adam to pick up a very messy living room and he can do so perfectly, and without a lot of fuss. Adam can also buckle himself into his carseat, get himself dressed, put his shoes on the right feet, brush his teeth (I mostly prefer to do this, still), and wipe his own bottom (I mostly prefer to do this still too, but it is helpful if I am really busy.). Adam hasn't broken anything for sometime too. He has started playing with toys more than tools and electronics. So I have to say that I am very grateful for these changes in Adam. However, Anya is crawling now, and she is very curious. Anya likes to go into the bathroom and stand up to the toilet now. She also likes to dump out the bathroom trash cans. She is dumping out boxes of toys, eating paper and books etc. When I clear out the dishwasher, Anya is right there pulling the dishes out of the cupboard as fast as I get them in. I am not looking forward to Anya learning how to walk.  Rachel is still a destroyer and I think Anya will get there before Rachel has finished. But, at least, Adam seems to be done and just in time too.

Kate and Studying

Kate brought some papers and some tests home from school that were not very good. I told her that I knew she had the ability to do better and that she neede to pay attention. I told her that I thought she would need to study harder. After school I had her study her vocab words and the Capitals and states for the Pacific Coast states. I Set her on the computer with a map and told her to say the states and capitals together over and over. When I went over to listen to her, Kate was repeating again and again, "Oklahoma, Washington; Oklahoma, Washington; Oklahoma, Washington." I said in a rather distressed voice, "Kate, what are you saying?" Kate looked up and said, "Oh, I mean I Olympia, Washington; Olympia, Washington; Olympia, Washington," in a sleepy voice. I then told Kate that she was going to have to study them until she got them all right, and then lectured her on paying attention to what she is doing. Thankfully, the next day after school, when I had Kate study her vocab words she read them through once and then was able to repaet them off word for word. (This actually surprised me.)For state capital study, I had her write them out five times each, and then I quizzed her by having her write them on the map. She got them perfectly, spelling and all. I am glad that Kate took my advice and decided topay attention to what she is doing. I hope she pays attention on her geography test today, and her reading test tomorrow. I know she can do it.

Communication Upgrades?

Johnny said that his friend, Creighton, wants Johnny to get a Nintendo DS, so they can picto-text each other on the school bus. Well, that is really funny because they sit next to each other on the school bus. I asked, "Why would you need to picto-text when you can just talk?"

Confessions

Ruth told me that sometimes she passes really loud gas in school, but then she just laughs and says that is funny and everyone laughs with her. (Well, sorry about the gas, Ruthy, but good job making fun out of an embarrassing situation.

Johnny has often said that he picks his nose and eats it, and that he likes the flavor (weirdo, he can't stand mint). Recently, Johnny has confessed that he and his new best friend, Creighton, eat their boogers together on the bus. Now, that, I have to say is just disgusting!!!! However, I am guilty on this matter. I have always told my kids that if they are going to pick their nose without a tissue on hand, they would have to eat it because I did not want boogers rubbed into the carpet, or couches, or just flung anywhere. I actually thought they would be embarrassed out of the habit once they started school. Oh well. At least Johnny is not rubbing his snot onto the couch or carpet.

A Sure Sign of Maturity

Adam was making Anya laugh and laugh and laugh. Then Anya got too excited and pulled hard on his face and hair. Adam lifted his hand part way up (to hit her) pulled it right back down, took a deep breath and then continued to make Anya laugh. I am so very proud of Adam for learning that sort of control. Good Boy, Adaman!!!

About Ruth

Tonight I had Ruth do the dishes and clean the kitchen with me. I just enjoyed her so much. When she sang along so seriously and conscientiously with the music, I just thought how much I love being a mom. I wouldn't give up that moment for any job and all of the prestige in the world. I do not understand why, but just being with Ruth and seeing how she has grown and matured makes me so happy.

Yesterday, Ruth stayed home from school with a stomach ache, and although she was allowed to watch as many movies as she wanted to. She only watched about 2 hours worth. Most of the day she read her book, drew pictures, and worked on a story. Ruth is so very good. I got an email from her teacher today that said she is great to have in class and that he (her teacher) is glad to have gotten her. Ruth helps so much at home. She always does chores without being told to do them. Ruth seems to have a good sense of what needs to be done, and she will often just do it.

I found the story that Ruth started writing yesterday. It is so cute and creative. I am going to write it down just to preserve it.

"Narm! Come on!", I said. "OK OK I'm coming Shona!" Narm said. My best friend Narm and I were going to see the war saramony. When we started heading there we heard two booms. That's the last I remember. When I awoke there was a bandage around my arm and one around Narm's leg and two darts next to us. "Narm," I said, but, he was still uncontius. I noticed someone changed our clothes to army clothes. weapons were placed next to us. Next thing I know I am in a military camp that smells like sweat aand looks like a barn. I looked around Narm was no where to be found. "Alright this is the Farshama Military camp I am your comanding officer Cornal Ordish.", the man said, "This is the way people become solders. You will fight with your partners I'll assign your partners soon.

I left in all of the spelling and grammar errors. I think that Rut is quite imaginative. I have no idea where she came up with the story idea. I can not think of any movies, books, or cartoons, that would prompt the topic. Anyway, she titled it: Love in the Middle of War. I sure am blessed to have such an amazing little child (If Ruth read this, she would remind me that she is not little.)

Rachel about Dad

Today Rachel said to me, "My dad is good. He shared."