Things I never thought I would say

"You cannot tango on the coffee table"

Gemma performs

The coffee table is the perfect stage!

Fondue

The last few years, we have made a pot of fondue cheese and had ourselves a fancy dinner at home. We invite the kids eat with us and in previous years none of them were a fan. This is fine because that leaves more cheese for me.

For the first time, William decided this was good and he inhaled a large pile of apples and cheese, some bread and an impressive pile of broccoli and cauliflower.

Amelia and Gemma were happy to use the special fondue forks and eat their dinner. Amelia gave the cheese a try, but decided she liked everything better plain. Maybe next time!

Happy Valentine's Day!

A day late, of course. We have been busy with parties, work and a surprise ear infection (Gemma). William did karate Saturday morning and then Kelly had to go to a professional development class in the afternoon.

We tried for a kid picture in between and got a couple of cute pictures, although it wasn't the gorgeous shot I was hoping for!

Puzzles with Gemma

I sat down this afternoon with Gemma for a few minutes.

She requested puzzles and selected a few she wanted to complete. 

She took the lid off the first puzzle, dumped the pieces out and then flipped the box over.  She carefully examined the back of the puzzle box.

"I reading the directions mom" she told me as I started to flip the pieces over so we could begin.  I started to sort the pieces into identifiable characters.

Several moments later, Gemma started to nod her head.  "You need to put the pieces together mom.  I read the directions.  They say put the pieces together, mom."


Thanks sweetie.

Gemma

#1

It was cold here last week and john went out to wait for the big kids at the bus stop. Gemma stay snuggled up with me on the couch.

When John walked in, all bundled up, Gemma started to giggle.

"Daddy! You have on your ear muffins!"


#2

I was tucking Gemma in this weekend. I read her a book while snuggled up in her bed as our usual custom requires. We sang our song and then I kissed her goodnight.

As I got ready to leave her room, Gemma sat up in bed.

Gemma: wait! Wait mom!
Mom: what is it?
Gemma: I need ...something
Mom: (clearly, this is a delay tactic). What is it you need?
Gemma: I have a question.
Mom: okay- one question
Gemma: ummm.....ahhhh....um.. (Looks around, clearly she is not prepared for this conversation and she is making it up as she goes. After several long moments, she finally answered). Why people walk on their feet?
Mom: (totally out of the blue, this question makes me laugh). Well, we walk on our feet because it would be hard to walk on our hands. Can you walk on your hands?
Gemma: (giggles) noooo
Mom: goodnight Gemma. I love you.

#3

The kids were up playing duplo blocks this morning in the living room. By early, I mean before 7 on a weekend. I heard some raised voices in a disagreement. It was too warm in my bed, I was still sleepy, and the argument wasn't heated enough to pull me out of bed.

Suddenly, running feet. Then Gemma appeared at the side of the bed.

Gemma: I have problem!
Mom: oh? What is the problem?
Gemma: William and Numna not share Legos with me. I want all pink Legos and they not share them to me.
Mom: oh? Hmmm?
Gemma: mama! Get up!! You come with me. You tell William and Numna no no! You tell them no no and share with Gemma! Come on mom!

She wandered away, and I meant to follow. I just wasn't quick enough. A minute later, she was back at my bedside.

Gemma: mom! Get up! I hungry! I want cereal in a bowl.
Mom: ok. Here I come.
Gemma: this cereal. I want this cereal. ( Gemma hands me a giant Costco sized box of cereal)
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Amelia on the super bowl

Amelia was the first one to be ready (bath, homework, chores, etc). She snuggled up next to john on the couch and dutifully tried to figure out what the whole thing was about.

Note: we don't follow football. We aren't against watching it, but don't make a point to watch any games. As a result, our kids don't watch either.

Shortly after Amelia sat down, the half time show started. I wasn't sure that was something kids should be watching, but John reported it seemed okay.

The game continued and I heard Amelia asking questions about the game and what was happening.

John said about 20 minutes after the half time show, Amelia asked, "when is that singing girl coming back? I liked her better than this."

Despite this, John reported she stayed by him the whole game until I called up to go to bed. Then, she was given a choice:

A: have a book read to her as our usual routine.

B: watch 10 more minutes of football.

She chose 10 more minutes of football.

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