Little Reads: Martha Doesn't Say Sorry

Martha Doesn't Say Sorry by Samantha Berger
5 out of 5 stars

Hyrum, why 5 stars?  

Because I love it!

Why do you love it?

Because I love all the pages!

What's your favorite part?

When her little brother says "Fwaa?" 

**A note from Mom**

I've been waiting for Hyrum to develop the pre-reading skill of "retelling a story."  So often I would ask him to read a book to me or Lindi, only to hear the response "I don't know the words!"  No matter how much I told him that he didn't need to know the words, that he could just describe what was happening in the pictures, he wouldn't do it.  Much to my delight, he started doing it this week with "Martha Doesn't Say Sorry."  I think it is a story that he can relate to...what four year old doesn't struggle with saying sorry?  This, coupled with the fun story, makes it a great story to "retell."

Interactive questions:

What did Martha do to her dad?

How softly/loudly can you say sorry?

Why do we need to say sorry? 

Premature Hair Loss

It's probably necessary to record that today Lindi experienced premature hair loss. I was in the office getting Hyrum some "scissor skills" worksheets.  When I came back, Lindi was holding a chunk of hair and said "Hyru cut my hair."  It took me a few seconds to realize that it had actually happened.  

I think Hyrum had had enough of Lindi's teasing lately.  She made him cry not twenty minutes before because "she's bothering me!"  There's been a lot of that lately.  There probably will continue to be a lot of that.  I hope it doesn't result in anymore hair loss.

All things considered, it could have been worse.  It really wasn't a large section of hair.  It still fits into a ponytail.  Don't ask if we'll need to have a hair cut to help it blend.  I haven't been brave enough to figure that out yet.

I also want to applaud myself for dealing with the situation quite calmly.  I told Hyrum that cutting his sister's hair was not okay.  He needs to know that.  However, I told him that I forgave him and that hair grows back.  I also made him promise not to ever do it again.

Pirates and Donuts

We're suckers for free things and especially free food.  Oddly enough, when "Talk Like a Pirate Day" actually came around, neither Tony or I was feeling up to the task of dressing kids up like pirates and heading to Krispie Kreme for their free dozen donuts.  But, as all parents know, you can't say anything about anything to your kids (even days beforehand) if you're not sure sure sure that you want to do it.  These kids wouldn't let us skip pirate day.

It ended up being a fun family activity and we enjoyed eating donuts for a few days.  What other free food traditions does your family have?

The Bigs

When Ellie was born, we started calling Hyrum and Lindi "the bigs."  They're my big kids now.  They are becoming pretty good buds, too.  I love when they get along and play well with one another.  I also love when they stop and pose for the camera!

They love Grandma and Grandpa's new trampoline.  They also like going on adventures with me.  Today we discovered "turtle bridge." Seeing these two love each other makes me think of my brother.  I think we were pretty good buds, too.  He's still my bud.  I wish he lived closer!  I can't wait to see him and his beautiful wife again!

Fingers and Toes

Miss Ellie Bean found her toes. She likes them. She also likes eating Mom's fingers. No teeth yet, thank goodness.

Isn't she the cutest toe sucker ever?

Little Reads: Frozen

Frozen - Big Golden Book
5 out of 5 stars

This one is pretty self explanatory.  If your kids loved the movie, they will love this book!

Who is your favorite character? Why?

Hyrum: Elsa, because she has icy powers!

Lindi: Anna! Because! Elsa! Because!

Do you have true love for someone?  How do you show true love?

Hyrum: I love Dad.  I show I love him by playing with him. 

 More interactive reading questions:

Anna's hair is turning white. What else on this page is white?

How is Kristoff a good friend?

If you're going to buy the book you better buy the soundtrack as well.  We're going to have to do it because you can only borrow it from the library for so long.  Plus, if we don't have it in our possession Lindi cries "I want my Anna music!"

So Long Daddy-o

I captured this tonight after Hyrum made the realization that the fall semester for BYU-Idaho started today. 

The beginning of a new semester means Dad's free time becomes severely limited.  This semester he is teaching Entrepreneurial Management and Pathway Life Skills, so he is double busy. 

Yes, Hyrum, cry on. Even if I don't show it, I feel the same. 

Lindi Caught a Sick Bug

We're going on day three of fevers for Miss Lind.  Darn it.  She's been a trooper, even though she doesn't feel well.  This kid has really had it rough the past two months between ear infections and now this nasty bug.

Luckily the rest of the family has avoided the yuck so far.  We're praying it stays that way.  In the meantime, Lindi's getting in lots of good sleep, watching "Frozen" everyday, and missing out on some pretty beautiful weather.

Little Reads: Meet Dizzy Dinosaur

I'm going to try out a new thing on the blog.  I'm calling it Little Reads.  Who better to review children's literature than the kids themselves?  I'll also give a few interactive reading questions or hints to go along with the book.  Interactive reading is one of the best things you can do for your kids!

Meet Dizzy Dinosaur - by Jack Tickle
5 out of 5 stars

A cute, interactive story about a stegosaurus named Dizzy.  If you have a hard time keeping your little one engaged while reading, this book is the perfect fit!

What's your favorite part of the book?

"That he fell in the water!" Hyrum  (I know this is true because he loves shaking the book to dry Dizzy off.)

"Tickling him."  Lindi

 Interactive reading questions:

What color is the dinosaur?

Dizzy is running too fast!  What do you think will happen?

 How can we help Dizzy out of the tree?

What kind of dinosaur is your favorite?  If you could be a dinosaur, what color would you be?

Washington with Pops

**I just found this old post in the draft pile.  It never was posted!  Can you believe how small (but chunky) and bald Miss Lind is??  Man, this trip was so fun!**

The kids and I really enjoyed our one on one time with Pops when we took our trip up to Washington.  He's a fun guy.  We really like him.

A lot of our time was spent just hangin' out at Grandma's house.  Pops taught Hyrum cool tricks, like turning oneself into a punk rocker.

We enjoyed the cool weather and Grandma's wagon. All the old people in the complex loved to say hello as we walked by.

We ate lots of yummy treats, like ice cream at Zip's.  Even better were the hamburgers, onion rings, and salted caramel shakes from Dicks.  We went two nights in a row.

Hyrum got to try out Uncle Joe's motorcycle.  We also spent lots of time at Grandma's house, emptying out the basement in order for her to sell the house.

We spent a day at Riverfront Park, complete with the merry-go-round and Radio Flyer.  I lost some of my pictures when my phone went swimming later that day... so sad.

These are the lilac blooms that Bloomsday is all about.  Beautiful, huh?

Feeding the garbage goat!  I remember visiting these places when I was a kid.  So fun to share them with my kids!

My Mother Heart is Overflowing

My heart is just filled to the brim. I have such a happy life!

I got to go to the temple with my love this morning. Kristen watched my kids. Ellie slept for her the whole time. At first, she wasn't going to sleep like I said she would, so Kristen asked Hyrum. Hyrum claimed that I just lay her on the bed (which I don't).  Regardless, she went right to sleep. I tried it again this afternoon and, sure enough, it worked! I told Kristen I liked the magic spell she put on her. Hyrum and Lindi got to make bracelets and play Play-doh. Tony and I were able to seal four couples, eight daughters, and six sons. It was a good temple day. I love doing family history work and taking those people to the temple.

I am also so happy that my kids love each other. Lindi just said "I love you Hyru" totally out of the blue as they were munching apples together.

I have opportunities to serve others all lined up. I get to take a couple of girls to preschool in the morning since their mom is in Europe. Another friend just called and asked if I can watch her girls next Friday so she can go to Time Out for Women. I know for certain that if you ask for opportunities to serve, the Lord will give them to you.

I have a play date lined up for Friday with my other best friend Adrienne on Friday afternoon. I have so much to be thankful for!

Hiking with Children

We've gone hiking three times in the last two weeks.  We go down to Rowlett Creek Preserve, pick a trail, and have an adventure.

Lindi still fits in our hiking pack.  She makes a heavy load for Tony, but he likes the workout.  I strap Ellie to me with the sleepy wrap and Hyrum is a great little hiker.

Our first time out we hiked 1.86 miles.  The second time we went 2.18 miles.  This last time we went 2.7 miles because Hyrum wanted to double back and cross the creek.  Both girls fell asleep that time. 

We have so much fun hiking as a family.  It makes me anxious to go hike around D.C. or something. We have fun discussions while we hike.  We quiz Hyrum on his math facts or make up stories (we each take turns adding a sentence to the story).  I can't wait to add some more miles to our log!

Six Sisters' Stuff

I have a best friend.  We're best friends because I drove her to the emergency room once.  That'll make you friends real lickety split.  Since then, she's shared her paddle boards with us, I've watched her kids for three days, taken her to and from the airport, had play dates, you name it.  I really like her.  She's a neat gal.  She's also famous.

Have you heard of Six Sisters' Stuff?  Kristen is one of the six sisters.  They have a blog that they update with recipes, fun ideas, and so much more!  If that wasn't cool enough, they also have published cookbooks.  She gifted me with one of them after her last business trip.  (I'm totally claiming best friend status!)

She gave me the "Sweets and Treats" cookbook.  I have never wanted to run to the store immediately to stock up on cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk, but I do now!  I can't wait to try some of these new recipes.  If you're in the market for a good cookbook, a chocolate splurge, or you just love simple, straightforward, but delicious recipes, then you need this book!

Guess what else?  She invited me to her newest book release party later this month!  I am so excited!  I'll fill you in on that later!

A Little Bit of Crazy

I spent the first half of this week trying to be a mom of six.  This included getting the two oldest to and from school.  How do you moms do it?  I could do it for three days, but how do you do it five days a week for an entire school year??  It sure made me grateful for our decision to homeschool.

My kids enjoyed having friends over so much.  We made a trip to the splash pad one day and a trip to a new park the next.  They thought they were in heaven!  During the day I was able to accomplish more than I thought I would because having a buddy to play with meant they didn't need to pester Mom! 

I'm so glad I was able to help out a good friend.  I know she would have done the same for me.

Yesterday was a good day because we had our daddy home all day.  We started off with a hike.  We went two miles.  We really had a lot of fun. Add to that a lunch date, some grocery shopping, and stake volleyball...perfect day.

Today was a little rough to start.  I crashed while running and the road ate me for breakfast. Dang it!  Still, the tractors are digging a huge trench through our front yard today (they're installing a water main) so the kids should be adequately entertained,  They've posted up camp chairs by the office window.