Update

I have never been a very consistent blogger, and I feel that I have just gotten worse lately. So here is a quick update on our family and our busy lives!! Quick sidebar though-as a mother I am always very proud of my children and their accomplishments, but I admit I am sick of always hearing how absolutely wonderful and smart and talented people's kids are so I have always made an effort to praise my children's accomplishments without implying that they are overly amazing or gifted. In fact last spring at a birthday party I went on a rampage about how I was so proud of my kids because they were average, they did everything developmentally appropriately and try hard at every activity and sport in which they participate, but that they didn't need to be the best for me to be proud of them!!!!!!! I know-I'll get off my soap box now, but I write all that to warn you that there is a good chance that my praises might sound like bragging this time, cause I am so darn proud of my kids that I am going to brag about them!!

Kit:

• Doing great in pre K, her teachers both tell me she has adjusted beautifully and does well in everything academically.
• Her two struggles are staying on her mat at nap time (not a surprise) and her lack of empathy for her fellow students, apparently if someone else gets hurt she tells them to 'man up', and I take full responsibility for that, it's what I say when they cry about anything. Guess we need to work on that!
• She is truly sugar and spice, she can be so sweet, kind, and loving-especially for other people, but if she is hungry/tired/thirsty/bored or even just awake she will unleash the beast and whoa!! I've threatened to cut all her hair off several times in the last few weeks on mornings when she doesn't want me to brush it, which does the trick.
• She flat out refuses to wear dresses, and it's a battle to get her dressed almost every morning. Her shoes of choice are either flip flops, which aren't allowed at school, or cowgirl boots-not any of the cute girly shoes, oh no.
• She loves school and church, but whichever one we're going to, she wants to go to the other!
• She is a total homebody, and would rather be here at home than anywhere else.
• She has learned to TIE HER SHOELACES!!!!!!!!! I can't take credit for that though-a little girl in her class (Janitza) taught her.

Riley

• Is doing really really well in school-academically at least.
• He is one of 2 kids in his class who goes to work with the gifted teacher once a week.
• He is reading on a 2nd grade level, and his teacher said he has not had trouble in any subject.
• His downfall is his mouth, he is very talkative and has a bad habit of micromanaging his entire class. If someone else is off task, he'll tell them they need to pay attention!
• He learned how to ride his 2 wheeler without training wheels about a month ago, we have tried before and he was too scared. But this time I pushed him about 20 feet and told him to pedal fast and that was it, he did it!!
• He joined Boy Scouts and he loves it, I can't say the same, but he has had a lot of fun so far. He got to shoot a BB gun and a bow and arrow at their last outing.
• Has become a voracious eater since having his tonsils taken out, he eats fruits and veggies now!!!
  

Erin

• Is still plugging away at grad school, only 3 classes and student teaching left, yay!!
• Was crazy enough to adopt a new dog just so Lulu would have a friend with her all day.
• Is still teaching 3 year old preschool, but I only have 10 kids this year so I don't have a co-teacher. That is both a pro and a con.
• Is looking very forward to flying to Michigan in December to see Dan, Summer, and baby Bean!
• Is going to bed because it's late, and it's kind of pitiful that this is all I have for my part of the update............
  

Our new dog, Ritz. We did not name her, and when we picked her out she was already 10 months old and about the same size as Lulu so I thought they would be a good match.