Artists Work

Sadie is an amazing little artist. She is also a perfectionist. The two qualities often clash. She frequently ends up in tears when working on an art project at school because it isn't turning out "right". She puts such high expectations on herself that she gets frustrated really easily. This little clay mama lion was a prime example when she burst into tears when she couldn't get it just right. I reminded her what a great quality persistance is and after taking a moment to calm herself down she was able to create quite a cute piece of art!

Growing by Leaps and Bounds

It wasn't that long ago that Carter didn't even want to play on the playground equipment near our house. Everyone else would race towards the climbing rock or run up the stairs to the slide and Carter would sort of hang out at the bottom maybe yelling into the tubes, or playing around on the stairs. He'd avoid going up to the top deck at all costs. His Occupational Therapist thought that it was probably due to his motor planning skills and the challenges he faced when his center of gravity was off. He has been in several kinds of therapy since he was just a few months old. We don't know where he would be at if he hadn't gotten help. When your at therapy sessions every week it is sometimes hard to see the progress because it comes in small steps. But today as I watched Carter make his way to the top deck of the playground I knew that progress was being made and I was reminded yet again of the importance of early intervention. His courage and confidence are evident in his proud smile.

Ponder the thought

Philip is like a little old man in a child's body. I just adore his unique sense of humor and point of view. He is constantly saying things that blow me away because I can't believe they are coming from such a young kiddo. It is more than just his interesting ideas, but it is also his way of articulating them. There is also his sarcasm and dry humor, coupled with his tendancy to moan, groan and complain that adds decades onto his age.

Philip would rather watch shows on the discovery channel than cartoons. His favorite is Man vs Wild, Surviorman, Dirty Jobs, and How It's Made. He pays close attention to all the details and then later recalls them and uses them in his imaginative play. He can spend a long amount of time talking about his detailed plans.
Sometimes he gets such an intense look on his face that I think I can actually see the gears turning in his head.

Conquering the fireman's pole has been on Addie's to do list for a long time. At first she didn't even want to reach towards it, then she would do it with help, but there is nothing like learning to do something all by yourself! She was so proud she just kept sliding down the pole over and over again shouting "Watch me Mommy! Watch me!"