Signs of Spring

The snow is melting, and the air is warmer. The birds are singing, and the water is rushing down the deep ditch behind our house. These are all signs of the season.

Today, after dropping the older two kids off at school, H insisted on playing outside for a while. He is loving the warmer weather just as much as I am.



H playing happily in the sandbox



A Beautiful Sunset

Last night's sunset

Preschool Program Spring 2011

Last Sunday marked the date of AJ's spring preschool program. I was excited about this, as always. I love to see my kids up there. It just makes me happy.

When the kids initially headed up on stage, AJ was MIA. Timo had taken him to the bathroom, and I anxiously watched the back in anticipation of his return. Unfortunately, when they finally did appear, AJ was too overwhelmed by the number of kids on stage and being a late-comer. He refused to go onstage to sing. Poor kid. I was disappointed, but AJ was crying, so it was much worse for him.

After all the kids filed off the stage, it was time for them to get ready for their skit about Noah's Ark. AJ was supposed to be the sun, and I wondered if he would participate at all. After much convincing, he gathered with the rest of the kids to await his turn on stage.



AJ holding his sun up for all to see.



My Sunshine



With the other kids after the skit.



After the skit, all the kids gathered on stage once more to sing. This time, AJ participated enthusiastically. I was so excited, but another little boy was standing right in front of him during most of the singing.



Singing during the second round.



I was beaming at the end of the program. I am so glad AJ decided to take part. 

My Early Bird

AJ has been waking up before anyone in the household for a while. I frequently come out of my room because I hear H wake up, only to be greeted by a sweet, "Hi, Mommy." AJ has been waiting patiently in the living room with his favorite blue blanket. He is undoubtedly hungry, and probably even a little bored, but he lets me sleep a little longer. What a sweetie.
This morning, he woke up around 6 am, but I didn't get up until about 7am when I heard him stomping around. I don't know if he was trying to hint at something, but he was pretty hungry when I came out of my room. H woke up shortly after that, and I made my boys bacon and eggs for breakfast while Timo and K slept.
I have told him that I really appreciate his letting us sleep a little in the morning, and he responds with a smile and a hug. I'll say it again. He really is a sweetheart.

Sometimes H is for "Helping"

.... because sometimes those clean clothes wind up in the hamper with all the dirty clothes.

H is for Helping

I have another little helper whose efforts surprise me. I like to fold and sort the clean clothes in the living room. There is space to spread out, and then the kids can take their stack (or stacks) of clothes to their rooms from there. H is no exception.

I sometimes help him, but lately, he has recognized his clothes, then disappeared with them, depositing them in whatever drawer he sees fit. His jammies end up in his shirt drawer, as do his pants. Occasionally, he gets distracted by clothing he likes, and I find evidence of his searches through his drawers to find that special shirt.

Today, when the older kids had stacks of clothes to put away, H made up for his lack of clothes by picking up the stack of rags and walking off with them. I had to gently point him in the right direction, showing him where they belong.  He then returned to the living room to get the rest of them and put them away.

Overall, I am happy that he wants to help, even if his helping sometimes makes a bit of a mess.

Mommy's Little Helper

K has become quite the little helper. She has volunteered to change dirty diapers, helps mop the floors, and offers to help with dinner. What a blessing to have her around the house.

K and her doll helping measure cream for the Wallenbergare we ate for dinner.



Making pancakes by herself. She measured and mixed the ingredients, then poured the batter on the pan and flipped them.