No News Is Good News

The other night, I was taking Addison to Aikido... just him and me.

For those who may not know him, Addison can monologue like no other.  He gets on a topic.. and flies.  Another interesting thing to note is that Addison speaks as if he is writing a 5 paragraph essay, and always has.  Pretty much every morning, after he comes in from chores, he comes to me with, "There were three interesting things that happened during chores today.  First, we ran low on goat grain.  We need more.  Secondly, Gretta and April are afraid of the noises my coat makes.  I need to remember to always wear this coat when I do chores.  Finally, Goliath's water bowl needs to be cleaned out.  Since I am afraid of Goliath, I need you or Daddy to handle that for me."  The points may change day to day, but the layout pretty much stays the same. 

On the way to Aikido, he explained to me that he didn't think it was good for people to leave the news on when kids are around.  He talked about drone strikes.  He talked about how living in a country that did not end with "stan" is a good idea.  He talked about the safety measures that should be taken when unpopular presidents end their terms in office and go out into the real world.  We came to the red light where they just finished the new entrance fountain (the "waterfall").  Addison expressed great concern at its cost.  "The national debt," he explained, "is way high.  Like, crazy high.  They shouldn't be building stuff like this!"  Once I let him know that it was private construction, he collapsed back into his seat and said with a relieved sigh, "Yes".

Addison told me that sometimes, when he gets stressed out about taxes getting high and all kids of other things, he tries to close his eyes and say, "I'm just a kid". 

Do you know who this reminds me of?

This is Hal, to a tee. 

My brother, at a young age, would stress out about all sorts of world issues.  And, we didn't have 24 hour news stations.

To be stressed out about taxes, the national debt, and the legality of drone usage, is one thing.  But, the vile things that are strewn across our television sets during the news should not be viewed by children.  We were all better off when we turned on the news at 6:00 to see what was going on in our world.  For children who are mindful of the issues of the world, having these words and images running free is unhealthy and painful, not to mention full of inappropriate content.

Yet another reason why I am happy not to have t.v. stations at home!

Wacky Wednesday

Ivey has her own style.  It began with her signature "goggles" look, her "shirt over the head" phase, and evolved over time to include wigs and all sorts of awesome uniqueness.  She's just our little Punky Brewster meets Nightmare Before Christmas meets Cyndi Lauper.  She has always been reluctant to conform to "dress up" days at school.  Once, I got her to dress up for pajama day, but just once.  After that, she just declines to participate.  Some might think that it is an stubborness.  I know that it is more likely a desire to NOT be the one looking like everyone else.

Last Wednesday was "Wacky Wednesday" for Ivey's class.  The teacher asked for any student who wanted to, to dress wacky.  The day would be centered around the theme, with the reading of the book "Wacky Wednesday".  I thought Ivey might eat UP the chance at dressing crazy!  Silly me.  She just looked at me like I had lost my mind.

"No," she said.  "I don't think so."

My quick-thinking mommy brain jumped into action.  "Ok!  No problem."  I told her.  "Hey!  I have an idea!  Do you want to pick out your own real clothes for school tomorrow?"

She took the bait. 

She started off saying she wanted to wear tights and pants, but I reminded her that you can't see the tights if they are under pants.  So, she picked out her tights, skirt, shirt, and shoes.  It was perfectly Ivey, and not the least bit wacky.  I let Grandmomma know of her non-wacky clothing choice, as she was the one to take her and drop her off.  If she had called it "wacky", Ivey may not have even made it to the car!  Once inside, Ms. Gina told me that Ivey was quick to point out that she was in her real clothes. 

Love my unique little independent girl!  

Self Portrait found on the Ipad

Another one of Ivey's pictures I found on the Ipad

Our Super Hero

Yesterday morning (or "laster-day", as Olive calls it), Olive crawled up in bed with me to snuggle.  As I tried to catch a few more z's, she started explaining her super powers.  Yes, it appears that Olive possesses a super power.  According to her, she can turn things green with her eyes... and sometimes with her foot.  She showed me this amazing power by turning my ceiling and fan green.  I was "magical" she said.

Later on, while we were outside helping Daddy put a roof on the new animal shelter, Olive further explained this power that she wields.  It seems that it cannot be used outdoors.  She can only turn things green if they are inside.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because the trees get in my way," she replied.

We all have our kryptonite. 

Miller Time

 Just heard Addison tell Asa "It's Miller Time!" As asked what he was talking about... And he said, "There was this governor and that was his motto." "Oh."

Happy Olive Day

Our little caboose is now THREE!

Olive has been so very excited about her birthday.  She had grand ideas about what it will be like to be three.  Three year olds don't need a bapi.  Three year olds don't whine (ha).  According to Olive, when she turns three, "I won't be afraid of frogs anymore!"  Yes, three is the magic number.

When the day of her birthday finally arrived, she woke up, as usual, at the crack of dark.  Everyone was asleep, except Jeff, who was getting ready for work.  Jeff told her happy birthday, and she refused to believe him.  "It's my birthday today?"  "No... I'm not three yet... am I?"  By the time the rest of us woke up, she had fully accepted this news, announcing to us all that she is no longer afraid of frogs!

It was a preschool day, so Ms. Gina took the girls to school, along with a sprinkle-laden cookie cake.  Olive was on top of the world!  Since I was teaching and couldn't make it to class, one of Olive's AMAZING preschool teachers texted me pictures, which completely made my day!

 Although she opened a present or two beforehand, we had Olive's birthday party the following Sunday.   She wanted a My Little Pony party!  Mom and I split the party preparations, which was absolutely awesome.  I have been so busy lately!  In addition to gift bags, having it at her house, and decorating, Mom pre-baked the pony cake for me.  On Saturday night, I had an awesome time over there decorating!  Jen, Hal, and Tripp were there, so we hung out, talking and decorating.  Jen handled the base of pink stars, which gave me a HUGE boost!  By 1:30am, the cake was complete.  Success!

As a special surprise, Gram and mom gave Olive her present... pony rides at the party!  The ponies were gorgeous, and Ivey and Olive were in love!  Ivey, especially, is pony and horse CRAZY.  She spent her time trying to hijack other kids' pony rides and trying to talk the owners into giving Olive one to take home "because it is her birthday".

Overall, the party was a success.  Olive eventually even accepted that her party was on MY actual birthday!  We had talked to Olive about letting her bapi go on balloons, like the had done with the boys (Ivey never had one).  But, we honestly lost hers a week prior, and I wasn't about to bring it up.  As of now, she doesn't even ask for it anymore!  I would have never expected my hard-headed little girl to let go so easily!

Happy birthday, little Pickle.  Our family definitely was incomplete before you came along!