Room for Two

Rusty has decided the crate is a "safe" place and heads there on his own. Tonight he might change his mind.

If the one you are trying to escape climbs in there too, how safe is it? His look sums it up. He is her "toy" after all.

"Nuts"

Joseph was one of the acorn (choir) in his school's play "NUTS." He wanted a bigger part, unfortunately when the roles were being assigned he was out of town. At first he was offered a smaller roll of a speaking nut but he turned it down saying that he wasn't going to be around when the play was performed (discussions in our home of Daddy's separation from the Air Force had left questions of a pending move). He was refusing to even just practice as one of the choir members sticking to his story of not being around. Somehow his teacher persuaded him to get involved (she is a great teacher, for Joe, I tell you!). He then couldn't wait for today to come.

The story line is of the circle of life. Acorns fall from the tree, some get picked up by animals for food, some actually make it (with the help of rain and sun) to grow. The play was performed three times and the principal said it was great every time. It was actually the First Graders performance, Joe's 2nd grade class was the only other class involved. They threw in some cute humor with some big "bad" squirrels who would fill their mouths with acorns, they were rapper squirrels with bling. One of Joseph's class-mate (church friend too) was one of these, well received by the audience, squirrels.
The catchy theme song had Katilynn and Brianna dancing along with the kids on the stage, doing the hand motions as well. The costumes were great and the stage decorations were very well done. Good job to all involved, it was a pleasure to watch! And to show our support, we will purchase the CD (at Joe's insistence).

Good job, Joe, for changing your attitude and getting involved after all.

The Potty Dance

Fair warning: this is a post about bathroom business...as the title indicates.

I have been very fortunate to have assistance in potty training all children thus far.
With every child, as it became "time" to train, my Fairy Potty Mom would magically be around to help. Not this time.

Elizabeth has been showing some interest in training in the ways of toiletry. So, I have decided to try it out by myself. **see the fear in my face**
I've read up on "how to potty train in three days or less,"
and think I may have what it takes. I have whisked her off to the bathroom first thing in the morning, sat and sang songs while she tries to do her business, and get excited after any amount of success. So far a pretty good start. I've even bought some bribery candy!

Tonight I realized, with great joy, that I am not alone in my quest. Her sisters came to announce that Elizabeth was "on the potty" and they were singing her songs to help her go. Although nothing came of that sitting, even with the temptation of candy(...for everyone!) later we had quite the 'doo'zy. When she came strolling out of the bathroom after going #2 on her own. Of course I had to clean her up, and then we "all" did the potty dance (this included Daddy and brother). She was so pleased with herself. As was I.

I know it is just the start, but I may be helping decreasing the amount of diapers in the landfills...in three days?!?

I don't think we want pictures with this post. :-) And, no, I haven't tried to let her go naked yet as the instructions suggest. It might just speed things up though...

Our attempt at Crating our dog

We wish our dog, Rusty,
would take to the crate as Elizabeth did.

We ended up having to gently force him in for a few hours while we were gone today. Tonight he went in to lay down for a few minutes on his own. I was worried that he might not ever want to go in by himself after the forced incident this morning, but I was pleasantly surprised. He might warm up to the idea after all.

Hey, it can't be all that bad...the kids like to climb in too.

Honor Assembly

Congratulations to my successful second grader!

If you couldn't tell, the second grade class award ceremony happened on March seventeen (St. Patrick's day), an apparel/accessories sea of green.

Joe's teacher had the largest amount of both honor roll students and honor society students (1/2 of the honor society students were hers)! Way to go Mrs. Evans!!



We are looking forward to Joe moving up to the Honor Society Students, currently about 18 students, by the end of the school year.

GOOD JOB JOE!

Out of the mouth of babes

Joe, on the way to the sitter's house: "I'm so happy Mom and Dad are going on a 'date' tonight!"

Me, to myself, smiling: "Me too!"

Fast forward three hours later when I get a phone call on our way home from the sitter's house.

Sitter: "So, I thought I would tell you of what Joe said while you were gone."

Joe, to all the girls (her three and my three): "Yeah, Moms and Dads need to go on dates sometimes so they don't kill their kids."

Me, smiling: "Sooooo true!"

Thanks Stacey for watching my kids, so I don't kill them. You are a GREAT friend, if I haven't told you that lately. Let me know if I can return the favor sometime!! :-)

Honor Roll!

Little Joe could be a straight "A" student someday!

When he puts his mind to something he can succeed. I am excited for him, he's been on the Honor Roll since first grade. They will be recognizing him at the "All-Star Honor Assembly." I know many mom's who have smart kids probably think I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill, but I've also worked HARD the past couple of years to try and get/keep him on track.

It will be fun to watch him get his certificate of achievement on Tuesday. His dad will get to be there this time, which is always a treat for Joe.

I'm proud of my little scholar in the making.