Here is a big brother teaching a little sister how to spell in the bath.
And for one of the first times I have ever seen, she listened intently for a long time.
Bath Spelling
My Gift
Poor Scout has kind of lived his life in trouble lately. I fell like the beginning of the school year (with less sleep, more responsibility, etc) kind of always throws my kids through a loop. Clearly he was pretty ticked at me when he went to bed for the night at 5:30 for being a stinky brother and son. But in true Scout fashion, he turned a sour moment into a sweet one. My boy has the most amazing ability to stop bad behavior and turn it right around.
And tonight, instead of sulking or continuing to be naughty, he found some supplies to make a “late birthday gift”.
After spending over an hour getting the circle cut properly, and the frame put back together, he messengered me the sweetest thing.
Now this little frame that says “I love you [heart] Scout” sits on my closet shelf as a most prized possession.
Brownie Batter
My kids were supposed to get to stay up late, but had to go to bed early because of bad behavior.
Too bad, because brownies were being made.
And then…
As I went to hang up a towel in their bathroom, look at the scene I walked in on:
I should have been so mad at Bella, but I would have done the very same thing to my nieces and nephews.
They were so stoked, and were in a little bit of extra love with Bella this night.
Back to School Packet
I went in to talk to Mrs. Komine about being the party planner this year. I was dying at the end when she told me this funny story.
Each kid got their back-to-school packet for their parents to fill out. And since they are tough to get back in a timely manner, Mrs. Komine offered each kid 10 Chinese dollars if they brought them back the next day, and 5 Chinese dollars if they got them back the second day. She said that Navy turned hers in the first day, and received her $10. (At this point, I was surprised that Micah filled it all out.) But when she went to file the papers, it was completely blank. Then Mrs. Komine said, I told her it needed to be filled out, but that she got to keep the $10 for creativity!
When I told her that I heard the story, she had a very, “how slick was that” look on her face!
I’ll admit — pretty slick.
Addict #4
I want to cry!!!
Why is technology so addicting to kids?
Sure, there is a lot of educational and good that comes from it.
But there is so much bad!
Nothing is worse….NOTHING….than someone burying their nose in technology while life is going on around them.
I hate it!
So in an attempt to teach my children to be an active part of life, I set major limits.
My three older kids are pretty set on knowing my limits.
Unfortunately, Pippi doesn’t know them yet.
And she can sniff out an IPad, IPhone or computer anywhere.
I’ve got my work cut out for me, but I really believe, it is a battle that is worth fighting.
(Just go hang out with some teenagers who are all living in their cyber worlds while sitting next to each other, and you might just agree.)
Spectrum Fun
We had a relaxing evening at the Spectrum while watching the Pips.
And the copier of his big siblings….
Squiggy.
Award For Navy
It’s not bad when your daughter gets an award on the third day of school — and it was the first one Mrs. Komine gave out this year!
I love Mrs. Komine…because as tough as she is, (and she really is), she is excellent at telling the kids when they are doing a good job.
Nice work Navy!
Blisters
Life is tough when you just get back to school, and your calluses from the monkey bars disappeared over the summer.
Seven blisters for my tough first grader, who gets to be on the “big” playground now.
Horrible Teeth
Scout has horrible teeth.
So when he brushes like a jokester, or tries to get out of brushing all together…I have to take pictures to prove to him that I am not just preaching for no reason.
Check out that baby brown tooth in there.
It would literally crumble apart if I picked at it.
Good thing it isn’t a permanent tooth.
But look at that chipped permanent tooth in the front.
This poor boy’s teeth are a mess.
Which is why I am the “Smother” who enforces the “scratch test” on a daily basis.
Mall Ride
You can tell how thrilled my kids are to be at the mall.
Usually Wetzel Pretzels gets them excited enough to be there.
And if that doesn’t work, the playground and looking for quarters is a slam dunk.
But today…nothing would work.
So I had to go with, “Guys….today is my birthday. I really want to go to the mall to return two things. Will you let that be part of my birthday present?”
Thank goodness that the guilt trip worked its magic.
Happy Birthday to me.
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