Week 10: Full of love!

March 6:Readathon continues! Grace read for 70 minutes, Kailee read for 60! My little bookie monsters love to read. They especially love the library of books that we have in order to fulfill their minutes with pleasure. While you both love a good chapter book but no one writes a good book like Mercer Meyer or Laura Numeroff. My girls you are still my innocent babies at heart! I'll take it for as long as you'll let me have it that's for darn tootin' sure! You both wanted to enjoy the sunshine. You soaked it up and let it kiss your cheeks! You came in feeling refreshed; almost as if the sun baptized you again!

March 7: The sunshine is gone. It's G-O-N-E gone...what the weather people predicted at the beginning of the week took a turn I guess and now it's soggy, foggy, coldish, no sunshine weather. It's no fun to go out in because everything is icy and not nicy! You went to school in the daylight though; which is nice! We love that the mornings are light and it makes pulling ourselves (okay just mommy) away from the warmth of the cozy bed so hard. All I need to hear is your laughter radiating through the house though and it makes pulling myself away from my dreams much easier. I woke this morning to happy girls -- the kind of happy that makes you feel like we're doing a good job being your mommy & daddy.

When you came home from school Kk read to Gg.

Daddy had to do a fun little experiment with you tonight.

Readathon update: G read for 60 minutes, K read for 80 minutes.

Kailee got to see my 7th grade teacher, Mrs. Leach. She was at Ottawa again this week to expose all the children to what Raven Hill has to offer to families. You both wanted to go there this coming weekend because it's a "free" weekend but we have other fun plans -- going to a hotel with Grampa Lou & Gramma Deb to see Great Auntie Roxanne, Great Uncle Terry, Teresa & Allie!!! Once you were told that; you understand with a smile and even more excitement! Maybe we can hit the "second" week free day next month though!!


March 8: We didn't do a movie night tonight -- after you were done with readathon'ing you were ready for bed at 7 p.m. You both read again tonight for 60 minutes! After the reading you went into your room and made a "Girls Club" complete with bean bags, books, a creating area and naturally a singing and dancing area (however that was closed off to the mama-arazzi!) Daddy was feeling a wee bit left out so, Gg ended up writing the sweetest letter to daddy.

March 9: Up early and ready to go; hi ho hi ho -- it's off to Boyne Falls we go to meet Grampa & Gramma and be on our way to start the fun we will have today -- hi ho hi ho hi ho! We left Boyne Falls with some light banter between Grampa & Gramma and that quickly involved mommy and Grampa! He was in quite a mood I say! Teasing like all get out! You both read for a half hour in the beginning of the ride but the excitement was building on what we were going to do! You loved having Gramma & Grampa's undivided attention. (They spoil you rotten not only with attention but love!) You both love being the center of their attention but not only that -- you are given a little more "lee way" with other things; like having a treat before dinner.

We arrived at the Super 8 at about noon, then checked into our room. You both were so excited; we hadn't been in the room 2 seconds and you had off your boots & coats and were getting out your cozy blankets and deciding where you'd sleep. I have to say; it totally warmed my heart and even made me giddy to see that exuberance! The girlies got into the room and immediately wanted to play cards.

 After we received the call from Aunt Roxanne they were there; we met them outside and went to lunch at Burger King. You were very excited to see Allie; hugs were exchanged and plans were being made on what you were going to do together. It was fun to watch you talk with Allie about school, about being ready to go swimming and sleeping at a hotel. 

After your chicken tender delicacy your bellies were "full and happy" so we rant to Walmart to get a few necessities... circus peanuts and pop for Gramma and apparently a Zoobles D.S. game for Grampa. Yeah that sounded just as suspicious to me.

 After arguing and Grampa trying to steal my check out items (which made Gg say, "please don't fight Grampa, it makes me sad." Gg had to be explained that we aren't really fighting we are playing silly); we went back to the hotel and went SWIMMING! You were ready to go in no time flat! So, Grampa & Gramma got on their suits and off in search of a pool we went; it was a quite a show -- water wings, towels, "inner tubes", my bulky camera around my neck and find my gimpy self with crutch in hand... we were quite the Motley Crew. You swam and swam and swam! The water in the bigger pool was a bit chilly but Grampa braved it with you both and Gramma "braved" the hot tub! After an hour and a half of swimming; you three little ones were getting water logged so off to more adventures.

 While you were dressing there was some adult discussion about what to do next. So we starting "googling" things to do in the West Branch area -- turns out there isn't much. Their movie theater had only 3 movies all of which were a little on the suspenseful side for three wee girls so, Uncle Terry thought of bowling! Oh that was the best thing ever! We went over to the bowling alley at about 4 p.m., we had to wait for a lane to open up so we ventured off into their game room; which wasn't much a game room as it was a pool table with a basket ball game and 3 working video games, but "game room" was far more entertaining for you three than the five adults. Kk played the basketball game and Allie tried the car driving game... Gg wasn't interested in much that was there; I don't blame her -- there wasn't much to write home about.

Then we were called; mommy "raced away" to pay for it; because that Grampa and I were going rounds about who was paying for what. We got the "fancy" shoes from the ever so detailed attendant in charge of the shoes. When I handed them to G she said, "wow these smell like a doctors office" - turns out she's right. But better that than stinky feet. There was so much laughter, joy and leaning to get that ball to roll just where you wanted it... all was priceless and perfection. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

 All that bowling made bellies growl... you think it was the smell of the fried cheese sticks and popcorn making you think you were starving so instead of splurging on that we decided to go to dinner at the Lumber Jack Diner. On our way out -- someones got a little distracted by the quarter machines. Quite distracted in fact and Gramma Deb made the distraction fun -- quarters were had by all.

 Let's begin with the best part of the Lumber Jack Diner; the gift shop that you just happen to walk into when you enter the restaurant. There were toys... toys...toys all within reach. I think mommy said, "look with your eyes" more times than I said, "what's that magic word?" Of course it wasn't said a ton but it was said enough because it turns out you were saying it without being in my ear shot...or so I'm told very grumpily by Grampa. For dinner Kk had chicken strips with fries and a Root Beer in the bottle and Gg had a quesidilla with fruit and a lemonade. Everything on both of your plates was gone! Such good little eaters!

 

 

 When your bellies were full again you were all ready to swim! At 6:30 we made our way back to the hotel, put on the cold wet swim suits and you hoolies had a ball! First in the hot tub to warm up and then into the big pool with the Grampas -- where you were invited to play a little volley ball. You spent a good hour or more playing, swimming, spending quality time, while I watched from the side lines all smiles loving the joy that blessed your faces.

Once we seeing yawns and sleepy eyes; we knew it was time to go. With eager anticipation of what the night will entail you both hopped out of the pool and into your towels without a hesitation. We went back to the room and you got your showers complete and your cozies on for the night. You snuggled into the beds without a second though. While Allie and Kailee played cards.

Gg was fast asleep in a matter of minutes after finding her place between Grampa & Gramma -- this is where she slept for a few hours then when Aunt Roxanne, Uncle Terry and Allie went back to their room; Grampa & Gramma moved into the other bed with Kk since she called dibs on them. Gg didn't mind though; she loves a good mama night time snuggle. Kk didn't go to sleep though until well after 9:30 because Grampa was explaining how the card game he was playing on the iPad worked. 


March 10: Spring Forward... it has to be the hardest part of Spring -- because everything else we love! But, early morning with no daylight to make it worth while is really hard to motivate us to get out of bed. It wasn't until Grampa said to Gramma, what time is it? That G picked up her sleepy head, looked around and climbed out our comfy bed into bed with Gramma, Kailee & Grampa. It was quite a sight... just picture it; all 4 of them squished into a queen size bed. If I hadn't been so tired from all the snoring I would have taken a picture but laying there with my eyes closed for a few more minutes sounded much better. Then Aunt Roxanne came over to wake us up at 7 (which was actually 6 - yawn). We all got ready but only the 4 of you went down for waffles and cinnamon rolls -- mommy stayed in the room and packed up our things and I rested my achy knee. You came back to the room one by one; first Grampa brought G back; then Grampa brought K back and here's what we did:

Taken by Mommy

 

Taken by Kk

We sent this to daddy because we missed him. G looks so somber. Silly!

By 9 a.m. we were on our way back to Gramma & Grampas house. It was a quieter ride home... tired hoolies perhaps?

We got to see Abby & Jordy for a brief half hour before we left; they had to come and do some little cleaning in the old house and get their Auntie Ria snuggles of course. We then made our way home just after lunch... we all snuggled on the couch for a bit before you both made your way into your play room where you got out your Lala's and were playing sweetly. Then it was reading, then bubbly baths and bedtime by 7. I think you were both relieved when we said it was bedtime. You were so tired; but so happy. When I asked if you had a great time; you said "YES" without hesitation. Your favorites from the weekend; Gg - swimming with Gramma in the hot pool and Grampa in the cold pool. Kk said that bowling and getting the high score was her favorite.

March 11: *Yawn* *stretch* *eye rub* Monday already?

Today I was watching a tv show and it was mom who was a minister... and she spoke some words that had me a little intrigued and cheering "right on!" in our living room. My job is to be your advocate and your meter for right and wrong until you are able to make those decisions yourself... which is why this made sense.
"I'm giving you permission to hate me at times growing up; I'm your mommy - I have big shoulders and the ability to know you will love me unconditionally." To me it really made sense... (because this is how I felt about Gramma & Grampa at one time or another throughout my childhood) one day you'll grow up and thank me for letting you hate me for not letting you do things (and this is so true!) But me not letting you do things will be (note: I didn't say 'could') the reason for you growing into respectable, brilliant, kind hearted young women. My only goal as your mommy to do right by you for your future. My goal for you is to respect adults, do respectful actions for yourself and be a respectful individual in society. You goals in life will reflect this; I know it because you already do it. I know that you will change the world; I feel it in my bones.

Guess who hit another milestone of sorts... Kk!!!! Look what she did!!

 

Last night long after you were fast asleep it rained! It poured! It was some maj cats & dogs raining goin on...in fact I thought someone was knocking at the door a few times because the rain was hitting the door so hard.  I am praying this is a sign that Spring is on it's way as that goofy little rodent promised way back at the beginning of February! 

March 12: The Tooth Fairy Came! THE TOOTH FAIRY CAME! *holding dollar in hand as though it was a letter from Yale* She left me a DOLLAR!! *Big hugs for mommy*.  This is the phrase of the morning! Kk was SO excited that the tooth fairy gave her a dollar for her tooth! She is so proud of herself for pulling out her tooth all by herself. She is so proud of herself that she wasn't afraid of the pain. Daddy and I are so proud of you and your bravery!

So... guess what what we noticed this morning? Not green grass. Not buds on trees. Not even a beautiful rainbow or sunshine from all that rain last night. Some how... at some point during the night... the rain turned to SNOW! Can you believe that?! What the heck? What in the world? I mean really?!? All that rain was melting all the snow. I could see green grass last night and it was a sign of hope. Then I wake up to this Winter Wonderland once again this morning. It's pretty... but it would be prettier if this was December; not March.

Yep that's tonight! Daddy is going to your conferences again in place of mommy but I will be there via speaker phone. I will update tomorrow!

"Blooding"

This morning mommy had a doctors appointment... a "PHYSICAL" yikes! I know you both had yours last week (and yes I'm just realizing now that I never blogged about that...) I will get up on it. So, this "physical" if you will, brought about quite interesting conversation. Last night we discussed that mommy is "fasting" for the appointment, well what is fasting was naturally the question that followed. Turns out that's a word you really hadn't been exposed to. When I asked what you thought it was, G thought it was when you run fasting others. To which K quickly interjected with, "actually you mean, you run past". K said she believes it meant when you need to do something real quick, "you do it fasting," was her exact example of the use. Well, when I told you it actually meant, no eating for a while. You were horrified! Why, oh why would they do this to you mommy? Gg shed a few tears for my grumbling hungry belly. Why would you let them? Why can't you have some of your yummy gross gluten free crackers? (Yummy gross - always cracks me up.) When will it be over... (over being extremely exaggerated by Kk)? Once I told you after my blood was drawn then I could eat, you both seemed satisfied with that answer. Now... this brought up a whole 'nother issue - blood. Blood draw... not.cool.at.all. This mama is not a fan of needles (I mean who is?) but, the memory of a Spring day so long ago in May sprang to mind. The little diddy goes like this: G is fascinated with blood -- I believe she is going to be either an animal expert of sorts or a blood doctor for many -- the blood intrigue began many moons ago. Anytime anyone had a cut or a scrap where blood was involved that girl was over there to observe. She called it "blooding, not bleeding" -- I love the phrase "blooding" and sometimes I catch myself saying it because it's so endearing. When G was just a spry little 3 years old, quick as a whip and not letting a thing be missed! We had to go to the hospital every 6 months for Kk to have her blood drawn because at the time she was taking seizure medication and that required some blood. I will never forget that fateful day, actually the first time Gg had ever seen Kk had her blood drawn. Kk was a little squirmy that day and since I had Gg with me all by my lonesome; trying to be all "mommy does it all" with my purse full of books & toys and doing some magical mommy tricks; pulling suckers out of my pockets like a magician pulls rabbits out of hats to calm the fussy and ease the soul of the scared, we did a first together the three of us that unusually warm day in May - we managed an appointment the three of us. Now, Kk is truly the patient here - but one thing that baby girl was - was brave! She had been poked more than a pin cushion at this point. With Kk on my lap and suckin away on her sucker pleased as punch "she got a red, see, hee hee a red for me." When Gg seen the needle - she was sitting in the stroller - she got extremely quiet, mind you Gg was a chatter box, I mean chatter, chatter, chatter... no break for a breath sometimes making me wonder how is she able to do that - maybe she'll be an opera singer ( it was so quiet that the tech in the next booth over peeked her head around to make sure no one passed out) Kk just sat there; letting the tech poke her tiny arm- that's when Gg seen the blood being drawn into the vial. Without missing a beat Gg shrieks, "Kk is blooding, mama why is Kk blooding." She pointed with her sucker stick in between that gap in her front teeth - and she's pointing. I told her, "Kk is doing great, look at her smile." But then Kk got a little freaked out and moved when Gg shrieked. Luckily the tech and I had a firm grip but it wasn't enough to keep the needle from losing the vein. The tech had nearly filled the vial and I told her that had to be enough because we're not poking Kk again. The tech said, "okay but you might have to come back". I told her "so be it". Well, the "blooding" had ended and Gg seemed satisfied with Kk getting a sticker for her bravery AND (I capitalize to show the emphasis of how important an 'and' really is to a child) another sucker. Yes Kk ended up with two suckers. Now, the most precious moment took place... on my lap, from the lips of my little pin pricked 4 year old, she says to the tech; "Can my Gg have sucker too, she didn't get a poke. But she was a good girl." The tech smiled and said, "you pick it out". So Kk picked out a 'good girl' sucker for Gg at the blood draw lab. My one little poke today, brought back that faint yet, seems like yesterday memory. I will never forget the tone used when Gg shrieked, or when Kk asked for a good girl sucker for Gg. I sit here thinking back; even with all the stuff we've endured... we might be doing something right. Maybe.

Great Grandma Ruthie Songs

Last night you hoolies asked me before bed to sing the Great Grandma Ruthie Song, "Good Morning Mary Sunshine" to you while you woke up; like I did every morning that I would wake you. That got me thinking; I need to write that song down for you again. Maybe I have done it before... I probably have but you cannot have too much of a good thing. Here goes:

Good morning Mary Sunshine,
How did you wake so soon?
You shined away the stars above,
You shined away the moon.

I watched you sleep last night my love,
before I laid my head. 
I gazed at you and thanked the Lord
then laid my weary head.

I never go to sleep, dear,
I just go 'round to see
My little children of the East,
Who rise to watch for me.
I waken all the birds and bees,
And flowers on my way,
Then last of all, the little child
Who stayed out late to play.

Great Grandma Ruthie sang that to me often when I would see her. In fact she is always singing when we see her. I find the tunes she sings comforting and it takes me back to my youth. I think of her house by the gas station. I think about her pugs; Shananigans was everyones favorite. I think about how she had the bar that had cupboards over it, and the oodles of plants that always graced her windows. I remember going there and a different color paint being on the walls. I remember being maybe 5, we went over there to visit and then when we went back she had painted over what had been previously a burnt orange color, was not a mint green. I don't know how Grandma did that kind of stuff. When I painted your small little bathroom all by myself I was so tired of painting I never wanted to see a paint brush again! I think about Grandma's bedroom and how she always had tums on her nightstand (she probably still does) but I haven't been in her room in a very long while. I conjure up memories from playing outside in the fenced in yard and games we use to play. And the dark purple leaves on the trees. All the while if we (we meaning Uncle Lou and Cousins: Jerry & Jenn Ann) didn't hear adult chatter permeating from the windows; Grandma's voice carried like an angel from Heaven. While Great Grandma doesn't have an opera singing voice; she does hold a tune that can seep into your soul. It's the kind of tune that when you realize you're humming it; it's in your bones -- it feels too good to stop! Great Grandma's have a way of doing things like that... On the most recent occasion she sang; Sing Me a Song. And guess what; we went home humming that tune. Yes, yes we did! We hummed the heck out of "Sing Me a Song"... we couldn't remember the words... okay we could but only the first part... humming it was way more fun it seemed; I wasn't about to break the humming in the car -- I was far too busy keeping up with you both. I love those moments; I hope you know that. That's what being a mommy is all about -- humming songs in the car and feeling it in your bones because it makes you so happy.


Sing, sing a song
Sing out loud
Sing out strong
Sing of good things, not bad
Sing of happy, not sad.
Sing, sing a song
Make it simple
To last your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not good enough
for anyone else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.
Sing, sing a song
Let the world sing along
Sing of love there could be
Sing for you and for me.
Sing, sing a song
Make it simple
To last your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not good enough
for anyone else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.

Those are the ones I can remember for now. I think we may have to get the vault of songs out and write them out for you here; so one day they can be sung to future babies... ours...our friends... people we just happen to meet. Songs make everyone happy -- it's the little happy tune that does it for me. xo

Our Problems

A long while ago I read a sign that said, "Thank God for your problems -- because they are small compared to what others are dealing with." It's very true -- we definitely can handle more than we think. We are strong people! God made us to endure more than what we physically or emotionally feel we should. Sometimes in life the problems we feel are grand at the time turn out to be miniscule in the spectrum of life. I hope that you both are learning that in life there comes a time when you need help, you ask. When you need an ear, you say so! When you need change, you find a way to do that too. Know that daddy and I will always be here whispering when you need it, cheerleading you along the way, giving opinions when opinions warrant and sometimes when they don't. I hope you always look at your problems and think -- it could be worse. Much worse, and I am blessed to be dealing with only this. You both are being raised to be strong women, women with a good head on your shoulders, women who will be able to problem solve and come to a logical resolution. Women who will be able to endure lots, learn and move forward in life with a renewed faith that what you went through changed you for the better, not the worse. Life is far to short to ever think that others have it better than you, but I guarantee the cross they bare is one you wouldn't want to carry. Your cross is yours to carry and when you need help; I will be there to assist -- always and forever. Sometimes in spirit, sometimes in person, sometimes in ways you'll never expect -- just know I will be there. xo

Week 9: We're Fine!

This face is changing the world, one small action at a time!

Gg doing rocket math - letter U with ease! So proud of her! She is already on letter K at school - very impressive!

This child is going to be an animal advocate I know it!

February 27: Tonight after school Kk was a little my hyper than usual. Getting through the two pages of homework felt like pulling teeth... Gg doing her homework felt like hours of pulling teeth -- except it wasn't hours -- it was about 6 minutes.

Kk really wanted to have a 30 second dance party -- so after scrolling through all the music stations on the satellite, she settled upon the tried and true 106 KHQ on the radio.  That 30 second dance party was more like a 30 minute dance party! That's okay; it was entertaining to watch and enjoy. Kk said, "let me entertain you mommy." So, I sat and was thoroughly entertained. It was hilarious to watch you both be so funny together. Dancing like no one was watching... except I was. If I could have froze a moment in time; I would have froze that moment. It's forever imprinted upon my heart. I didn't even take pictures because I wanted to enjoy the moment in the moment. Sometimes I forget to enjoy the moment because I so badly want to capture it with a picture. I enjoyed tonight... I know there will be many more like that in our future. xo

G's love monster. Love it!

February 28: This has been the longest week! I cannot believe it's only Thursday. It feels like it should be Saturday already. I was hoping we would have woke up to it being Saturday, only because I was convinced yesterday was Friday. It was sadly mistaken when daddy brought me back to reality saying "no bride, it's only Wednesday." (I do love it when he calls me bride, it's the best love name he could have given me.)

Model poses

Beautiful

March 1: It seems that March came in like a lamb! Thank goodness! The weather man says we will get a little snow break for the next week. We might even hit 40 by the end of next week! All signs that Spring is making its way into Northern Michigan! It's a slow... slow... process but we'll take it!

You came home from school very excited it was finally Friday. Kailee asked as soon as she walked in the door, "can we go to Gramma Deb & Grampa Lou's tomorrow?" Not even a "hi mom, it was a great day!" So, I spoke to Gramma Deb and she said she would come get us tomorrow morning.  Then you wanted to go outside and enjoy the sunshine (who you blame you?)! You played outside until daddy came home from work.

Daddy brought home a movie for us tonight - Hotel Transylvania! We were unsure if Kk would like such a suspenseful movie but it turns out she did. She loved it in fact -- there was a lot of laughing throughout the entire movie which was awesome.

March 2: Gramma Deb & Abby Doo came to pick us up (daddy was helping Grampa Bob move some car parts so he came over to Gramma Deb & Grampa Lou's later to get us) -- because Gramma was watching Abby Doo; Auntie Angela was home with Jordy for the morning and Uncle Josh was still cleaning out the old house. When Uncle Josh took back a load of things to their new house; he brought Jordy back so Auntie Angela could go to Traverse City to pick up her new vehicle. While Jordy was there he just happened to get a wee bit upset and hit and kicked; so mommy being the "rule stickler" decided a time out was the appropriate course of action. I wanted you both to see that I treat all children as I do you -- which is fair. Apparently while Jordy was loudly protesting his time out, Grace said to Gramma Deb, "Well, mom's treating Jordan just like she treats us." Gramma asked if that was a good thing. Grace said, "Yep!" So, I know that you both understand the importance of rules and having them. Jordy is learning that Auntie Ria means business and after the few time outs he had a better afternoon.

On our way home we stopped at JoAnn Fabric so Gg could pick out her fabric for the new "sleeping bag" type 'no sew' blanket. Mommy made Kk hers from the kit she received for Christmas the other day. Gg loved it so much (because she loves being warm and cozy) that we knew we had to make Gg one. She ended up going to bed before the blanket went into the dryer even because of some too sassy remarks that were made. (Lessons were learned today!)

Lately Kk has been into music - A LOT! She always has music on in her room or ear buds on with her MP3 player or the iPod listening to Pandora - Kids Bop channel. My girl is growing up too fast... we're entering the "tween" stage of development. Lawd I cannot believe Kk can be old enough to enter into this already... music in her ears all the time (granted mommy & daddy are monitoring the music - at all mommy & daddy approved music). 

Kk started going to the bathroom a lot in the evening. Then she started saying it "hurt" to go potty. So, we cranberried Kk up, then studied some multiplication. I'm very impressed how hard Kk is working on those 80 multiplication facts. My girl is growing up too fast... I'm a little sappy tonight so I better stop here. 

March 3: We woke up and Kk said she was still uncomfortable with going to the bathroom. So we took her to Urgent Care and the doctor said that everything checked out normal. So, we are just to continue pushing the liquids and go from there. (Maybe the cranberry push from the night before helped nip the problem in the bud.) After we were finished at the doctors office we went over to Art Van to find something to spend our $40 gift card on. (We quickly learned there was very little in that store that is only $40.) We looked at furniture -- contemplated about purchasing -- even got a final price but finally we walked away with only a bookshelf that was still a little more $$ than we really wanted to spend but it was the cheapest thing we found that really made sense to purchase. Kk took the following pictures at Art Van.

After our Art Van adventure we went over to Meijer. Kk has been asking for a while for a little freshening up of her hair do. Dead ends were getting the best of her beautiful hair, so we took the plunge and I let her cut it up to her chin. It's a little shorter than I liked but I do think it's adorable. Kk loves her hair cut! She looks even more grown up -- which is why I'm on the fence.

Look at that smile.

It's amazing how much 2" of hair cut off can make a child look more grown up.  Love that face.

We ran into Aunt Gina, Ben, Makenna & Ben's sister Stephanie in the store too. We got a 'Kenna snuggle before we had to run off to our next family adventure.

Lunch at Applebee's! Daddy decided to treat his girls to a late lunch -- 2 p.m. could be debated as late lunch or early dinner. For us it ended up being a late lunch because by 6:30p.m. you both were ready for dinner so daddy made sloppy joes & tater tots to fill your bellies before bedtime. We had some nice conversation over lunch -- which was pleasant and makes me realize how quickly you're both growing up. We spoke about the movie we watched on Friday night. What you did and didn't like about it -- you both confirmed that the parts were Dracula would get mad was a bit frightening (I don't blame you - it freaked me out too)!  Daddy even loved that movie he said he hopes that when it comes out on DVD that Santa brings it for Christmas.

When we came home since it was so sunny and beautiful outside you both played out in the snow for a couple hours! Once you came in; you both were exhausted! You grabbed your cozy "sleeping bag" blankets and curled up and read all kinds of books hours. I love those amazing moments... watching you both doing something so independent... something that seems like yesterday in order for you to enjoy I would have to read them to you. (I miss those days a lot.)

Once we were home I had to Kk to pose for just one more picture.  Look at those layers in her hair - beautiful!

March 4: We woke up to sunshine! We haven't woke up to the sun shining this bright in a very long while; it's normally still dark when we wake for school. It makes getting ready for school even easier when the sun is making everything sparkle like God glittered the outside while we slept. I cannot stop looking outside at the snow and the beauty of it all. I wish I could capture God's Glory... but no photo can do it justice. You both (as most mornings) were very excited for school today, to see your friends and tell them about your fun weekend. Kk was very excited to show her friends her new hair cut! I cannot wait until you come home so I can hear all about it.

I received an email this morning from Mrs. Keene and it said, "I love the haircut!". Everyone loves it!

Today is the first day of the Read-a-thon! G has committed to reading 20 minutes a day and K 1 hour! Even though G says only 20 minutes; we are designating 6-7 p.m. as our read-a-thon time. So I know Gg will get in more time than she thinks in the next 10 days.

Kk came home so happy that everyone loved her hair cut. She loves shaking that short little 'do around like she's a teeny bopper! Gg came home proud that she already knew her spelling words! It looks like it's going to be a great week! The prettiness that comes out of you when you're feeling great is remarkable! You both did your spelling and then went outside to play in the sunshine, in the snow for an hour. 22 degrees turns out to be a little chilly I guess -- you both came in with pink cheeks and runny noses!

After our "roast beast" dinner, showers commenced then the hour long reading session began! You both were diligent  about keeping time. 60 minutes each! 6:05 - 7:05 on the dot! Without question you were happy with it -- Gg completed 3 books, she read 2 to me and 1 to daddy and Kk read me a book, then we co-read, then she read on her own. I gotta say these are my favorite moments.

March 5: Another sunny day! The rays of warmth are flooding the house! It feels good! We are putting away clothes, working on math, practicing spelling and doing our 1 hour for the read a thon tonight... the hoolies are BUSY girls!!