Ooof, forgot, 2nd quarter report cards!

Natalie had a fabulous report card! We're so proud of her. All 3s and 4s (As and Bs) - quite a few 4s, and a few in areas where her teacher says she doesn't often give them out at this point. She's on level, or proficient in every area that is graded. Her teacher says she is the type of student who makes teaching fun.

Mrs. K also told me that Natalie is quite the rule-follower at school, and gets irritated when other kids don't follow the rules. She said she'll look over at Natalie when someone else isn't following the rules, just so she can see Natalie rolling her eyes. LOL

Natalie also passed her belt testing last semester - she's now a green belt, and will add in sparring within the next couple of weeks. We just need to get her equipment.

Smooth talker

Oliver has been big on compliments lately. "I like your laptop, Mommy. It's beautiful!". "I like your cute shirt".... However, the best was a couple of days ago. I was getting dressed when Oliver burst into my closet (I had on underwear) and exclaimed "I like your cute hiney, Mommy! It's beautiful!".

He likes to receive compliments as well... If I tell him he's cute, he'll usually reply "Uh huh. I am cute".

And, I think I've mentioned his chocolate milk dance - he's been doing this since he was a little over a year old. When he wants chocolate milk (and when doesn't he?), he does a bouncy little dance, while chanting "choc choc choc choc". About a week ago, he was doing his choc dance, and I wasn't giving in. So he switched it up a bit. Got right up in my face and said "I LOVE chocolate milk, Mommy! It's my FAVORITE. Mmmmmmm *rubbed his belly*". I caved.

Holidays

This will be brief - wanted to write something before I forget it... Just said good-bye to Grandma this morning (we miss her already!) - had a great week with her here in AZ!

Christmas was wonderful - the kids were so excited - had such a lovely day. But what I don't want to forget is... Little Man didn't get a nap on Christmas, so by the end of the day, he was just done. I found him sitting under the tree just before bedtime, eyes glazed over, mumbling repeatedly "Wanna open more presents". LOL

Happy New Year!

Happy 6th Birthday!

Natalie turned 6 today. It doesn't seem possible! Had a nice day... Picked my mom up this morning (still can't drive after her recent surgery), and she sat in the house while Oliver slept, so I could take birthday treats to Natalie's class. Came home, Natalie opened her presents, then we went out to dinner. Mom couldn't make it - some issues with her surgical site (but was checked out and is fine!) had to run her home so Jim (was supposed to be heading into work - graveyards) could take her to her doctor, so Natalie's best friend's mom let Trinity come with us. Went to a local pizza place called Organ Stop Pizza - good pizza and an incredible organ that comes up out of the stage, light show, puppets, can't really describe it well enough to do it justice. All three kids had a blast - the only time Oliver was unhappy was during The Phantom of the Opera - that scared him. But, the organist played O Holy Night (my favorite carol), and it was the most beautiful version I'd ever heard. Got a Happy Birthday played for Natalie as well!

Overall, a good day. We missed Mitz, Natalie was quite distraught, but at least she got to spend several hours with her this afternoon.

Had her friends birthday party this past Saturday - at Build A Bear. 16 kids from class came! Had a big group, but they all had a blast!

And Happy Birthday to Aunt Annie as well! Missed her call, and got home late, but will hopefully catch up tomorrow.... Which happens to be Grandma's birthday!

"Is Natalie there?"

First phone call from a boy. Ooof. Not sure I'm ready for this!

It was too funny though... Natalie got all girly and giggly when I gave her the phone. Wasn't much of a conversation, apparently Josh just wanted to know her birthday, then "gotta go". She was a little confused at how abruptly the call ended, and the look on her face was hilarious!

Looked him up in last year's yearbook, remarked that he's cute (has a great smile). Natalie said "YEAH. He's CUUUUTE".

Road Raging

Oliver and I were waiting to exit the freeway yesterday, stopped at a redlight behind a line of cars. All of a sudden I heard "MOVE IDIOT BUTT" from the back. I asked him "Did you just say 'move your butt, idiot?'". He grinned, said "Uh HUH! Like Mommy do!".

Bring a gas mask

Natalie told me the following just now (triggered by me having Oliver pulling my finger, mass hilarity for both kids!):

"I farted a lot in school today. Some were quiet, some were loud. Chloe thought it was funny. Elise said she never farts, she holds it in. We need to let Elise borrow Oliver's 'The Gas We Pass' book, because she doesn't know you have to pass that gas".

She kills me! I should add... She wasn't farting in class to be disruptive - both kids have been pretty gassy this week!