Gingerbread House/ The 19mth old Beekeeper

Every year the girls and I make a gingerbread house. This year Derreck was fortunate enough to be here to enjoy! They had a ball! As of today, though, the roof and decorative sugar wreath are missing (mmm.... wonder where that went girls)!

Ian tends to get bored when I cook. He will rumage through cabinets finding things to amuse himself and his sisters. Take a look at the latest!

Soon after, Ian (aka The Beekeeper) convinced the girls to join in the fun!

Merry Christmas!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Emma's First Field Trip

Emma went on her first field trip today to Gentry Farm in Franklin. Derreck was off today because it was Columbus Day so I had asked Emma if she wanted Derreck to go with her on the field trip. She said, "NO, I can do it by myself!" I explained how a field trip works and that there would be chaperones. She then readily agreed to Derreck's going. He said they had a big time and that Emma almost cried when he had to leave. He said she held his hand almost the whole time (oh how I wish she wouldn't outgrow that)!

Ian-Putting on the Ritz---Backpack, Backpack (for you Diego fans)

Here is a video of Ian with his prized Ritz! He ran away from me, box clutched tightly, to his favorite chair where he likes to "read" and peruse his various treasures!

The girls thought it would be funny to let Ian wear his Elmo backpack last night.

This backpack was given to us by Uncle Lance and Aunt Mary. We typically use it as Ian's diaper bag when we go places but he really seemed to enjoy wearing it on his own. The girls then had the absolutely brillant idea of letting Ian wear it to the bus stop this morning. Follow the trail of pictures (while keeping in mind that Ian wore this backpack from 7:45 am -9:15 am this morning, when I refused to let him nap with it--crazy!)

The backpack is on!

The walk to the bus stop!

Hanging out at the bus stop!

Wait--I am going too! (He did this on his own) He found the only other boy (our neighbor, Kevin) and got in line with him! We all were cracking up!

Ian Speaks!

The blog has so far contained many videos of the girls but few of Ian. I decided to attempt a video with Ian today, consisting of the few words he can say. He spent the majority of the time tyring to grab the camera and stuff a miniature Stanley Cup into his mouth. Enjoy!

Emma's Double Life

Many of you have the privilege of knowing Emma personally. She is a bright, vivacious, clever, witty and extremely outspoken 5 year old. While all these are positive characteristics, they can cause trembling and fear in her parents. For these reasons, I was fearful about attending Emma's first conference at school. I had all the kids with me. Abby and Emma sat in the hallway outside the classroom and colored, drew, etc. while Ian went into the classroom with me (on a side note, whoever invented gummie snacks should be praised---they work brilliantly in keeping a 16 mth old completely occupied while a parent is involved in a conference). As I sit across the table from her teacher I prepare myself to hear any number of revelations. "Emma borders on disrespectful. Emma is very bright but we must learn to harness her energy for good and not evil." and so on. Here is the conversation:

Mrs. C: Can I just tell you how much I love Emma? She is the sweetest, kindest, most polite child I have. I wish all my kids were like her. I wish I could clone her.


Me: SERIOUSLY??? (and yes I did actually say this out loud)

Mrs. C: (looking surprised and a bit confused) Really? Does this surprise you?

Me: Actually , yes. Very much. We are talking about Emma Bentley, right?

Please know I am in no way bragging or trying to claim pride in the good work that Emma is doing in her classroom. This is a clear example of God's grace at work and has absolutely nothing to do with me and/or my parenting skills. I tell the story just to share my surprise and utter shock with you.

Anyway, back to the story. I found out that Emma is doing great, has many friends, works independently and has never shown any sign of disrespect. I relay several Emma stories to Mrs. C to explain my shock at her report and she insures me that no such behavior has reared its ugly head. Even the Emma stories from her class have not caused concern.

Conference ends. I tell Emma about all the praise she has received. She is beaming!

We arrive home. Derreck comes home shortly after us. I tell him the news. He too, responds with , "Are you kidding me?" Please know it is not that we don't have faith in our child; we just know what we see at home.

A discussion with my Mom, who is a fourth grade teacher, sheds a little light on the subject. "Oh, she is one of those kids..perfect angel at school and holy terror at home. I have seen many of those and the shocked parents when I tell them how well behaved their child is at school" Now I wouldn't go that far in describing Emma as a holy terror at home....just a challenge, strong willed. So my child is basically living a double life-- good school girl by day......outspoken political crazy girl at night. That takes a lot of work! You gotta respect her for that!

Wait till she starts dating or is even interested in boys at school....which Emma will she be? Oh that poor boy!