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Yes - I am still here - just eagerly anticipating higher speed internet. We are on the waiting list for them to come out and get us set up. Then I will be all set to catch up on posting. I have been slowly updating our Project 365 blog - so continue to check that. (I am a little behind - Day 46?) - but be assured that I am still taking daily pictures and will post hopefully soon!

Thoughts...

Yesterday when I picked up the kids from daycare, there was an incident report for me to sign. I took it home with me to read better and bring back. Reported on it was as follows...
Caden kicked another child during circle time after being told to be quiet. When I discussed this with Caden, I asked him,
"Did you kick anyone today?"
"Yes"
"Why did you kick?"
"Because she told me to "shut-up"!"
Okay - be quiet vs shut up! I don't think that kicking is right, but in his defense - if a little girl (younger) told me to shut up - I wouldn't be too thrilled either.
We then talked about better ways to handle the situation. (Like - ignore the comment, turn your head so that you don't have to listen to that person, etc.) Usually I tell the kids is someone is bugging them or doing something they don't like to "just walk away". I tried that answer again this time, but the kids informed me that they couldn't get up and move because they were in circle time. Time for creative thinking on mom's part!

More Vinyl Studio products

I am finally getting to posting the other things I bought from Candi at The Vinyl Studio . If you haven't already checked it out - what are you waiting for? She does great work! I love this stuff. Personally I think it is better than Uppercase Living. It goes on the wall so much easier!
This is on the wall in my office at work.














This one is in Allyson's room under her big circles.














This is a tile that I got - I haven't found a permanent home for it yet, but I love this saying.

Jack the Owl

The kids had a visitor at preschool. Sunday brought Jack the owl for the kids to see. He was hit by a car, and can't see out of one eye, so Sunday takes care of him. The kids were super excited to tell me all about Jack.
Allyson was talking about habitat, and Caden was talking about what owls eat (mice).
What a great opportunity for the kids to learn about nature.

Valentines Day 2009

Here are a few pictures from our Valentines.






































Here are the Valentine cards that the kids made for us in preschool.

Digi Scrapbooking

I have been playing around with digital scrapbooking in my spare time. I participated in a speed scrap the other night. A Speed Scrap is where you get 7 instructions in 1 hour. (1 instruction every 10 minutes). The instructions were...
1) Include 3 photos in your layout. They must be from the same day or event.
2) Include the color red somewhere in your layout.
3) You must use a bracket somewhere in the page. (mat, frame, or just brackets)
4) Journal about the event.
5) Use only 3 words to make a title for your layout.
6) Use at least 2 patterned papers and 1 solid. No less.
7) Position all photos in 1 corner. Finish up with elements and submit.
This was my finished product.




















I struggle with titles for my layouts - so if anyone has any pointers in helping me out for future, let me know.

The Vinyl Studio

My Sis-in-law Candi has started her vinyl business. Here is one of the things she made for me.











This is above Caden's bed. We love it! I have more, but haven't gotten it up yet - so will post pictures of that when I do.
For now, go over to TheVinylStudio.com to see for yourself what a fun way to decorate. She has ideas posted, but will also help you design whatever you would like.

Piper's Baptism

On Sunday, we went to Ida Grove for lil' Miss Piper Kate's baptism.














The kids with Grandma Mary and Grandpa Wayne...
Allyson, Reese, Piper, Caden, and Hallie
















Pastor and Carl (the puppet) read a story to the kids.














The kids were so excited to hold baby Piper.
Allyson had been asking ever since I told the kids we were going to see Hallie, Reese and Piper.

"Molty" Hands

After bath the other night, the kids looked at their hands and said - "look mom, my hands are molty".




























I explained that they were wrinkly from being in the bathtub for awhile.
"Molty" is a word they use for things that have been sitting out for awhile - they are no longer good to eat/drink, etc.
This is just one of the silly words that have a special meaning in our house.
Another is "Wiggy Room" a.k.a. Living Room. It makes me smile every time this word is used. It is a word that has been used at our house since the kids were little enough to talk - I guess when we were saying living room - we needed to say it slower. Now, they know what it really is, but they still say "wiggy room".

Sunday Dinner

I have mentioned before that I love having dinner at my mom and dad's after church on Sunday. Partly because I love being with my family, and also because I know we will have good food.
Today was just that.
Tessa and Allyson playing "house"














Caden, Tyler and Sam playing cars














This picture is a last picture - this is what mom and dad's kitchen looks like before they remove the wallpaper/border and repaint.