Life Cycles

Here are some of the fun things surrounding us these days.

We ordered 5 caterpillars who made cocoons.



One emerged last night and has been drying her wings all day long. It is amazing to gradually see the colors spread on her wings. The inside is vibrant and the outside is still pretty dull. We expect one or two more to emerge tomorrow!

We also have 3 birds who have built nests at our house. This one we found today. It is right about eye level in a pretty small bush. The opening is 1 inch in diameter and the nest measures 9 inches from top to bottom. It is SO long! The birds that fly back and forth from it are as tiny as can be. They have been a lot of fun to watch.

It has a bunch of toilet paper weaved into the nest. :)

As we were walking home from the park yesterday, this nest was lying right on the sidewalk, so we brought it home. No eggs were nearby and it must have blown around in the wind, because it wasn't near a tree either. It's beautiful to look at, though.

A Teaser

Here is the BEFORE picture. You'll have to wait in suspense for the AFTER.

I Believe in Fairies

In preschool a week or two ago, we gathered different materials that we could find and made fairy houses.

I bought some little "pocket fairies" on a good sale just as distraction tools for my girls, etc. In taking a closer look, I realized how darn simple it would be to make them, so a friend and I have been whipping these little beauties out to give as gifts and my girls think they are tons of fun.

Emily

I saw this knit doll about 4 years ago and fell in love with it.
I wanted one so terribly for my own daughters that I found the pattern for it, and taught myself how to knit.
I was only able to work on it at odd times, like on long drives, when my children were in bed, and so forth.
She often was a project set aside because so many other things took priority.
I started on her when Millie was a few months old. The pattern is called "Emily" and it seemed fitting because that is Millie's name.
Not to mention, Millie is obsessed with babies.

Here she is - finally completed! (Well, I still have to make a flower for her hat, but I'm still declaring her finished.) It took me just under 3 years and I'm happy to report that Millie loves her too.

They Keep on Growing!

He climbs on everything, adores his dad, says only "ball" "dada" and "more." He smiles constantly and just had his first birthday 2 weeks ago. We like to call him Jimmer.

She will only wear dresses, tells me how to do her hair, eats mainly carbohydrates, and bullies her brother (and older sister.) BUT - she's quick to say she's sorry, rocks a baby doll like the most seasoned of mothers, has a contagious smile, is constant spunk and energy, and is nurturing when someone is sad or hurt.

Her Primary teacher calls her "Perfect Katie." Derek said, "Not quite," but the teacher replied, "She's as close as you're ever going to get, Buster!" We don't deserve this child, but we are grateful to be blessed with her presence. She can be a bundle of emotions, but she LOVES to follow the rules, has a sensitive personality, gives constant "Sunday School" answers (which is SO cute!) tries to hard to be helpful and be a peacemaker, draws beautifully, and LOVES the Gospel. Almost 5 is a GREAT age for this girl!

The oldest is the life of this family. Things mostly revolve around him - his schedule, his interests, his STRONG desires at any given time. He is becoming very helpful, is a great student, is super creative with his Legos, and is still a very active and strong boy. He outsmarts me often and always keeps me on my toes. I LOVE this kid!

Some Favorites From the Beach

Fall Pictures

For Halloween costumes we try to make do with what we have in our dress-up box. We probably should have made sure that Ryan's costume actually FIT him beforehand, but he survived. :)

Millie was a ladybug at Ryan's school parade, but was having none of it for our trunk or treat.

I Hardly Recognize This Girl

My Silly Millie is really growing up. Some of my favorite things about her:

She has a great sense of humor - makes us laugh all the time.

She has a very nurturing personality.

She talks non-stop in full sentences and does not have a "quiet" voice. I feel like she shouts at me all day long. (Probably a product of being baby #3)

She is a little bit scared of dogs - but only if they get close to her.

She's ALWAYS carrying a blanket and usually carrying a baby doll.

She recently moved to a toddler bed and is doing pretty well staying where she should.

She gives people some fun nicknames: Kay-kee (Katie), Ya-Ya (Ryan), Manca (Bianca), Lay-lee (Haylee), Baby Oh-no (Baby Owen), Jimmer or Chubba (James).

She thinks that poodles are sheep, and calls ponytails "horseys".

The Little Guy

Jammer is not a fan of baby food - he won't open up his mouth for the spoon. I think we might end up skipping pureed baby food altogether. He wants to USE those two little teeth.

We recently met my friend Veronica at a beach near her house and had a blast. Here's the boy in a hilarious outfit that makes him look like a trapeze artist. I'm trying to keep him protected from the sun (sunscreen is expensive!) and I didn't have many choices. Seriously, flames? He's cute though.

He's seven months now and crawls like a champ and pulls up and walks along the furniture. His balance still leaves much to be desired but he is starting to learn how to get down after he gets to a standing position. He's growing up too fast!

Are My Kids the Problem, or is it Just Me?

I am coming to realize more and more that my attitude as a parent has a huge effect on the way my child is behaving. I found this great parent/caregiver checklist that I refer to on our "off" days.

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Parent/Caregiver Self-Check

Sometimes when we are having problems with our children the problem is really with ourselves. Children are quick to pick up on our emotions and our inner state, and that often affects the way they behave. So next time when your child is acting up, being wild, or just plain naughty for “no reason” try to check yourself out before you check him into time out.


· What attitudes am I sending out?

· Am I thinking that my child is in my way/a nuisance rather than a contribution our family and me?

· Am I angry with my spouse or myself?

· Am I behaving in an addictive way (such as spending too much time on the computer or procrastinating or getting sidetracked), which tunes me out from my child’s signals?

· Am I uncomfortable with my child’s display of emotions?

· Am I being unfocused, indecisive, wishy-washy, asking too many questions (to child)?

· Am I being impatient with myself?

· Am I trying to accomplish too many things around the house and not taking time to smell the flowers, smile, laugh, dance?

· Am I being resistant of my child's love, respect and adoration of me?

· Have I kept us in the house all day (no fresh air, people contact, physical activity)?

· Is it a boring day?

· Am I not taking responsibility for my own happiness?

I can promise you that when my child is "acting up", the answers to at least one of these above questions is "YES!" Notice that none of the questions have *anything* to do with what my *child* is doing/saying/being.

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6