Goings on

What a joy, my husband and I have been able to have two, count them...TWO, dates this month. My husband turned the whopping 35 this month. When asked as to what he might like for his birthday his response was sweet; "A date with my wife, without the kids, and without having to feel like we needed to hurry home to re-leave the babysitter." His request became my command. I put some feelers out to see if my mother would be open to coming for a visit, I was ecstatic that she said yes. Arrangements were made, and my mother came.

Not only does my husband get his birthday wish, but I get a bunch of things done that would have taken me longer by myself. One of the big things I had planned for the summer was getting my almost 5 year old ready for Kindergarten. Grandma has taught Brianna many letters using the Spaulding phonics program she used on my siblings for years now. She had been learning her alphabet here and there and practicing as well, but I didn't feel she was really going to be ready in time. Grandma has her writing as well as her 2nd grade brother (keep in mind he is a BOY, and penmanship is NOT something he feels the need to improve upon). Brianna is even reading a few words using this method. Here is a sample of her mad writing skilz:

Joseph had been working hard, or should I say finally focusing on earning straight "A"s this last quarter. Guess what, HE DID IT!! Yep, I'm a proud mom. He told me today that he got something just out of the blue at school. Luckily his teacher was right there and let me know that she had to pick out someone who had 'worked really hard' to award this "FUN" Reward Party. It allows the recipient and "5" friends of his choice to: 2 Slices of a one topping pizza, 16 oz cup of soda, 6 tokens, and 2 ride attraction tickets at the Las Vegas mini Gran Prix Family Fun Center. Pretty exciting for a little guy. I wonder who his friends will be?

Kaitlynn has been progressing with friendly competition as her sister has been writing, she thinks she should be able to do everything her sister does. I'm sure she will be more than ready for Kindergarten and might even get bored with it in the two years she has to wait. She will totally enjoy more time with momma only having to share with one sister while Brianna is off at school.

Elizabeth has been sleeping more and thus growing like a weed! While her sisters are working on their "Letters" she has been working on some sign language as well as 'new' words. She is getting pretty polite as well. We have been really working on the concept of 'sharing' which is important in a semi-large family. She also forgets to be gentle with littler folk. Not that she has much to worry about at home, but out and about she's kinda a bully. Once reminded she often can show a more gentler side by petting the victim. She never gives her momma a dull moment! If it's quiet, go look for her, Grandma has learned the hard way. She loves to play in the water and can quickly turn a carpeted (crazy, I know, but we haven't tiled yet) master bath room into a swamp land. She also is very clever and knows how to work 'child proof' anything. It's a challenge and she must conquer.

That's pretty much it for now. I'm extremely grateful my mom was "unemployed" enough to be able to come for a visit and to employ her skills on my children during this time. I should also mention she is willing to house & dog sit, cover for me in my nursery calling while we go to a family reunion in Florida. For a month! Yep, she's a GREAT mom!