Augie Cooking

Today, while I was typing up a 'to-do' list in order to get ready for Kate's party, Augie decided to get into the garage fridge and make scrambled eggs. In the driveway. Happy as a clam.

Can I not get anything accomplished?

Mayhem

Today I spent 35 minutes on the computer in the family room--checking my email, shopping the Nordstrom Sale, and in that time the kids decided to go crazy. I was literally 15 feet away from them.

Augie opened the fridge and began slicing mushrooms. Georgia decided she was hungry and needed a second breakfast--so started mixing oatmeal up. Augie and Theo thought this provided an opportunity for absolute mayhem and Theo began throwing the cooked oatmeal in Georgia and Augie's hair.

As a consequence for these shenanigans, everyone had to help sweep, mop, and clear the food away. They enjoyed this and I fear it wasn't much of a deterent. The kids even liked the ensuing shower!

The inmates have been rattling the cages for days (who wouldn't with 7 straight days of rain) and so, after the oatmeal baths and clean-up, we all went to the mall for five hours. That was tedious in its own right but at least they weren't home throwing oatmeal at one another.

Unsafe Sunscreens

The Environmental Working Group (EWG)rates consumer products like cosmetics and lotions and offers guidance on finding the least toxic items to use on your skin.

The top six worst sunscreens one can buy are--

1. Hawaiian Tropic Baby Stick SPF 50
2. Baby Blanket SunBlankie Towlette
3. Aveeno Baby Continuous SPF 55
4. Coppertone Water Babies SPF 70
5. Banana Boat Sport Performance
6. Rite Aid Kids Sunscreen 45

Augie Poo'd in the Potty

Augie initiated pulling off his pants and diaper and sat on the potty and dropped his first poo in the potty. Just a small, greek olive sized (pitted)poo, but a poo, nevertheless!

26 months old!

*Shaking my head*

I woke up this morning to find the back door open and this pulled out weed sitting on top of Theo's chair. I often have to shake my head and giggle at what the children do. I repeatedly tell my mom that I can never predict their behavior. I mean, seriously, who could guess that someone would pull out a weed, bring it in, and place it on top of a dining room chair. Weird?

No one is fessing up to it and, so, we blame the baby.

Uncle Brian and Georgia

Uncle Brian comes over about three Sundays a month. He usually takes one Sunday off to do his thing, but for the most part, is really faithful to us. This week he brought us homemade rhubarb ice cream with heavenly homemade carmel sauce. He loves us.

We love him back.

Here he is doing his 'routine' with Miss G. He likes her to finish her acrobotics with a 'ta-da!' and her arms over her head like an Olympic gymnast. She is a quick learner and does him proud!

Love

I love it here.

Play Day at Preschool

Georgia and Theo's class put on the play Snow White and a picture retelling of Rapunzel. Georgia and her classmates presented the poem "Earthworm" and Theo and friends presented "Keep a poem in your pocket."

The teachers and I had discussed our concerns about Theo participating. We were crossing our fingers that he would stand and be part of it but we also know how shy he is. His teachers told him that he could choose to stand with the other three and four year olds if he liked, but didn't have to. I told him to imagine everyone in their underware and to laugh. I am happy to report that Theo did participate after sitting out one song and stood in a group of five to present his play. This is really huge for him.

Georgia fought a smile the entire time she was in front of people reciting her poeem, trying to maintain a serious look. Her other 'part' was to bang the cymbals at the beginning of each scene. She did it with gusto and people laughed at her force and the loud ensuing ring. She smiled and waved from her seat but was in the back and I had a difficult time getting pictures of her.


Theo chose a partner at the end of the celebration to dance with and when Sam didn't want to dance, he moved onto Keegan and danced with him. Georgia danced with Fox but we could tell he wasn't her first pick. I was proud of both of them for dancing and being part of the group because our kids don't even like to dance at concerts.

The kids have been working for two days on baking cakes and preparing food for the their families. After the celebration the children assembled plates for their adults. One student brought their mom a plate of three items~cookie, cracker, and slice of cake. Our kids know their way around food and brought us plates containing crackers, raspberries, pretzels, two kinds of cake, two different cookies, cheese slices, and grapes. Jon was so impressed by Georgia's plate that he took a picture of it!

Grandma Bonnie, Jon, and I had a lovely time and it was a real celebration and party. I am happy to say that I love our school and feel very confidant in the care and education the kids are receiving. We are very fortunate to have found such a loving place.

Ballet Costume

E

Georgia and Ella trying on their costumes for recital number three.

Theo and Georgia's Before and After Art

These pictures of Georgia and Theo's art were posted in their classroom. On the left is their self portrait at the beginning of the year and on the right is how they picture themselves now.

Theo's art on the left is titled "Dad" and on the right is filled with lots of different images including a backpack, wood, and a hammer.

Georgia's art on the left says "There is snow and rain and flowers and I am happy" and her art on the right has five horses and her pictured riding a horse with the caption, "Those are stars" and "I'm on the horse. I'm at the beach."

I love how happy Georgia's is and how much detail Theo included in his art. One child in the class drew himself on the time out chair (the child who pinches Theo) and I am thankful not to be dealing with those types of problems!