Meredith lost a tooth last Friday. Daddy and I were still in Texas so she decided to wait until we got home to put the tooth under her pillow so we could see it first.
She proudly displayed her tooth to us on Tuesday after school. Then she put the tooth under her pillow. We have the kids put their lost teeth in a plastic baggie so the Tooth Fairy can find it easier when its under the pillow.
Some good it did... Stupid Tooth Fairy forgot to show up last night.
Meredith took it very well. She said sometimes the Tooth Fairy had a lot of teeth to collect and she was sure that she would show up sooner or later. (I think this was the story that Hayden told her the first time the Tooth Fairy didn't show up on time and she was very upset.)
When she got home from school, the tooth was still there.
I know! Stupid lazy forgetful Tooth Fairy.
Meredith was still okay with it though. She said the Tooth Fairy must be really busy right now.
Don't worry though. The Fairy managed to get off her sorry butt real quick after that.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
An Odd Punishment
Meredith hasn't been practicing her guitar like she should. Meaning she hasn't been doing it at all. So tonight I did something most parents would never dream of doing. . . . I told her if she didn't practice her guitar, I wouldn't let her read.
Do you even understand that I can forbid reading as a punishment? I know a lot of kids think reading is the punishment. Thankfully, I don't have that problem. Granted ~ they don't just sit around reading during the day, but I let them read awhile in bed at night.
Who knows? Maybe they just read then to put off going to sleep?
Whatever. It seems to work. Meredith reads a book a night. Hayden reads bigger books but he reads about 45 min to an hour a night. Stephanie is chomping at the bit wanting to be able to read. I picked her up some beginner readers and showed her that she knows a few of the words so she can look for them while she "reads" at night.
It's 9:20pm and Meredith is just wrapping up her guitar practice. I made her stay up since she hadn't practiced. She did a good job so I'll let her read 20 minutes in bed now.
Do you even understand that I can forbid reading as a punishment? I know a lot of kids think reading is the punishment. Thankfully, I don't have that problem. Granted ~ they don't just sit around reading during the day, but I let them read awhile in bed at night.
Who knows? Maybe they just read then to put off going to sleep?
Whatever. It seems to work. Meredith reads a book a night. Hayden reads bigger books but he reads about 45 min to an hour a night. Stephanie is chomping at the bit wanting to be able to read. I picked her up some beginner readers and showed her that she knows a few of the words so she can look for them while she "reads" at night.
It's 9:20pm and Meredith is just wrapping up her guitar practice. I made her stay up since she hadn't practiced. She did a good job so I'll let her read 20 minutes in bed now.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Friday, July 02, 2010
Books and Heartbreak
Today my baby brought me 4 books that she read today.
"Otherwise Known As Sheila the Great" which is 118 pages
"Little House on the Prairie" - 335 pages
"The First Four Years" (also a Laura Ingalls book) - 134 pages
"The Princess School" special edition - 424 pages
That's a lot of pages for a 1st grader to read in one day. I can't read that much in one day even if all I did was read. And she was out with her Daddy half the day.
Can you say, "Hmmmm?"
So I had her come over and tell me what the books were about. Let's just say it sounded suspicious so I flat out told her it's okay if she didn't read them, I just don't want to put it on her GoodReads account if she didn't. And she started crying.
She only read the "Sheila the Great" book. She didn't want to read the two big books because they have too many pages. And she really wanted to just read the books she picked out yesterday but I had asked her to read these books first because they needed to go back to the library. (I had picked out these other ones one day when I was at the library myself.) Basically, she didn't want to disappoint me by not reading the books I picked out for her. (Yeah - great job there, Tami.)
So we had to go into a big long discussion about how I just picked those out because I thought she would like them but it's okay if she doesn't or if she just doesn't want to read them right now. I told her the main thing is I just want her to like to read and didn't want to pressure her into reading books that were too big/old for her. (Honestly, I was kind of concerned that if she was already reading these big books now, what would we find for her to read in a few years?!?!) So I reminded her that she just started reading chapter books this year and if she would rather read smaller books for now, that was just fine. She is only 7, after all.
Then I told her that when she's in school, she might have to read books she doesn't like because it's part of the class but at home, we read what we want to! I told her I got a book not too long ago that I hated so I just took it back to the library without reading all of it. And some of them I take back because I don't have time to read them. I've decided I'm only going to read books I like and once I get thru all of those, then I'll go back and read the crappy ones!
So. We will forgo the Little House books for now. (I'm sure she'll like them when she's a little older. I can't remember how old I was when I read them but I know I was older than SEVEN!) And I'll stop getting the big books. She does want to read anything Tinkerbell (of course), Junie B., and Nancy Drew. (Did you know they have "Nancy Drew Notebook" books? Where Nancy's a young girl in grade school?)
"Otherwise Known As Sheila the Great" which is 118 pages
"Little House on the Prairie" - 335 pages
"The First Four Years" (also a Laura Ingalls book) - 134 pages
"The Princess School" special edition - 424 pages
That's a lot of pages for a 1st grader to read in one day. I can't read that much in one day even if all I did was read. And she was out with her Daddy half the day.
Can you say, "Hmmmm?"
So I had her come over and tell me what the books were about. Let's just say it sounded suspicious so I flat out told her it's okay if she didn't read them, I just don't want to put it on her GoodReads account if she didn't. And she started crying.
She only read the "Sheila the Great" book. She didn't want to read the two big books because they have too many pages. And she really wanted to just read the books she picked out yesterday but I had asked her to read these books first because they needed to go back to the library. (I had picked out these other ones one day when I was at the library myself.) Basically, she didn't want to disappoint me by not reading the books I picked out for her. (Yeah - great job there, Tami.)
So we had to go into a big long discussion about how I just picked those out because I thought she would like them but it's okay if she doesn't or if she just doesn't want to read them right now. I told her the main thing is I just want her to like to read and didn't want to pressure her into reading books that were too big/old for her. (Honestly, I was kind of concerned that if she was already reading these big books now, what would we find for her to read in a few years?!?!) So I reminded her that she just started reading chapter books this year and if she would rather read smaller books for now, that was just fine. She is only 7, after all.
Then I told her that when she's in school, she might have to read books she doesn't like because it's part of the class but at home, we read what we want to! I told her I got a book not too long ago that I hated so I just took it back to the library without reading all of it. And some of them I take back because I don't have time to read them. I've decided I'm only going to read books I like and once I get thru all of those, then I'll go back and read the crappy ones!
So. We will forgo the Little House books for now. (I'm sure she'll like them when she's a little older. I can't remember how old I was when I read them but I know I was older than SEVEN!) And I'll stop getting the big books. She does want to read anything Tinkerbell (of course), Junie B., and Nancy Drew. (Did you know they have "Nancy Drew Notebook" books? Where Nancy's a young girl in grade school?)
Sunday, June 13, 2010
June 12th Softball Game
We got to the game early because they were supposed to take pictures before.
But there was a threat of rain all day so the photographers bailed.
It never did rain during the day.
But now I get to try and get everybody there a half-hour early next week also.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Getting ready to bat.
She doesn't need to warm up.
She already knows how to bat!
And she actually did hit the ball off a coach pitch.So there.
In this league, the coach pitches 4 times.
If they don't get a hit, then they hit off a tee.
There are no strike-outs.
Which is good, because they still usually have
to be reminded to run the bases!
Catcher.
Yeah. No mask needed. Apparently.
All the other kids were there also.
Cheering on their sister.
No photo of Hayden for some reason.
All the other kids were there also.Cheering on their sister.
No photo of Hayden for some reason.But if you can read the sidewalk, it says:
"Hayden N. Russell was here!!!"
Sunday, June 06, 2010
1st Softball Game - June 5th
Coin Toss
That's Meredith in the red shirt and braids.
Playing Shortstop.
Stephanie entertained the troops.
She simply cannot understand why anyone would want to watch their kid play ball when they could be talking with HER.
Running bases.
Up to bat.
This was the "Cyclones" very first game.And the very first time they were on an actual field.
They did very well.
Meredith really enjoyed herself.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Friday, May 07, 2010
Soccer Game #4, May 3rd
Warming Up
Going after the ball.
Ummm. . . Contemplating the sport?
Throwing the ball in.
Good game, Girl! 
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Skating Party
For Meredith's 7th birthday, we finally gave her a REAL party. Meaning she got to invite her friends. And we had to go somewhere.
So we went to Skate Zone. . .
Meredith gave out invitations to her entire class. Only 3 showed up. (Thank God. - Because that was enough to satisfy her and because we only had to pay for the ones who showed up ;) plus our 4, of course.)
We bought the cake on the way there. I was going to make cupcakes to bring along but John and I stayed up way too late the night before working on something and we were both too tired to even think about baking a cake.
Here's the friend shot. Aren't they so cute!
Yep. Big Brother was there too. Look - his face is all flushed. He was out on the rink almost the whole time.
And - Little Sister found a boyfriend. He was there for his 8th birthday party. These two could not stay away from each other. She even shared some of her candy with him. Look at him - looking at me with those big innocent eyes. And then look at her. Daddy had better be keeping an eye out.
So we went to Skate Zone. . .
That is Meredith in her new outfit that Grandma R gave her. She got to open that present in the morning because I thought it would be a super cute skating outfit.
Meredith gave out invitations to her entire class. Only 3 showed up. (Thank God. - Because that was enough to satisfy her and because we only had to pay for the ones who showed up ;) plus our 4, of course.)
We bought the cake on the way there. I was going to make cupcakes to bring along but John and I stayed up way too late the night before working on something and we were both too tired to even think about baking a cake.
Here's the friend shot. Aren't they so cute!The one on the left has a sister just under a year younger who's in the same grade but a different class. I let her mom know she was invited also but she was sick so I'm glad at least one sister made it!
The girl on the right fell towards the end of the day and hit her mouth and knocked her two top teeth loose! Luckily, they were still baby teeth but the poor sweetheart was crying so hard. Good thing her Grandma stayed at the party with her.
Baby Brother got out on the skate floor. He went with his Daddy, he went with me, he went with Hayden, he went by himself! When they turned on the disco lights, he and Stephanie danced around in the center. The party lasted 3 hours. He lasted 2.75 hours - then he required someone to hold him til the end.
Baby Brother got out on the skate floor. He went with his Daddy, he went with me, he went with Hayden, he went by himself! When they turned on the disco lights, he and Stephanie danced around in the center. The party lasted 3 hours. He lasted 2.75 hours - then he required someone to hold him til the end.
Yep. Big Brother was there too. Look - his face is all flushed. He was out on the rink almost the whole time.
And - Little Sister found a boyfriend. He was there for his 8th birthday party. These two could not stay away from each other. She even shared some of her candy with him. Look at him - looking at me with those big innocent eyes. And then look at her. Daddy had better be keeping an eye out.Second Soccer Game 4-19
Meredith's 2nd game started at 5:30 and we had to be there at 5 for pictures. And she and Hayden had after school clubs until 4:45. Oops!
So I threw Meredith's soccer gear in the car, picked the kids up from clubs a little early, dropped Hayden off at home to watch Philip who was still napping, and took Stephanie along to Meredith's game.
I forgot the camera. Actually, I didn't forget it but I didn't have time to look for it. So no pictures.
Meredith was really excited for the game though. She got to play all but the first few minutes. There were only 5 kids on her team and in Micro they play 4 on the field. But the coach's kid was having a bad day. Every time she went on the field, she got hurt.
Meredith was hot, sweaty, exhausted, and elated by the end of the game. She even made a goal! Meredith's team is called "Freedom" and they scored a lot of goals this game even though every single one of the seven members of the other team were taller than Meredith! And Meredith is pretty tall. I was wondering if maybe we were playing 2nd graders. Didn't matter, I don't think those poor kids scored at all. They were fast though.
On the way home, I stopped at the Dollar Store and bought each of the girls a coloring book. Meredith chose a word search book. She's just like her Mama!
So I threw Meredith's soccer gear in the car, picked the kids up from clubs a little early, dropped Hayden off at home to watch Philip who was still napping, and took Stephanie along to Meredith's game.
I forgot the camera. Actually, I didn't forget it but I didn't have time to look for it. So no pictures.
Meredith was really excited for the game though. She got to play all but the first few minutes. There were only 5 kids on her team and in Micro they play 4 on the field. But the coach's kid was having a bad day. Every time she went on the field, she got hurt.
Meredith was hot, sweaty, exhausted, and elated by the end of the game. She even made a goal! Meredith's team is called "Freedom" and they scored a lot of goals this game even though every single one of the seven members of the other team were taller than Meredith! And Meredith is pretty tall. I was wondering if maybe we were playing 2nd graders. Didn't matter, I don't think those poor kids scored at all. They were fast though.
On the way home, I stopped at the Dollar Store and bought each of the girls a coloring book. Meredith chose a word search book. She's just like her Mama!
First Soccer Game 4-12
She thought soccer season would NEVER get here.
Practice
Game On!
We're serious about this sport, folks.
That's my Girl! Monday, April 12, 2010
She's 7!!!!
Yesterday was Meredith's 7th birthday!
It seems kind of surreal that she should be 7 already.
We had a skating party for her and some of her friends. (I've got tons of pictures and with any luck I'll get some posted today.)
And today she got to take cupcakes to school!
More later.
It seems kind of surreal that she should be 7 already.
We had a skating party for her and some of her friends. (I've got tons of pictures and with any luck I'll get some posted today.)
And today she got to take cupcakes to school!
More later.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Reading
Meredith has picked up her pace reading chapter books lately. She's read 8 for the year so far and she is loving the Junie B, First Grader series. Last night she finished one at 11pm and then brought it out to me. Then she asked how many Junie B books there are. (I had no idea she was still reading that late! I put the door on their room and now I don't notice if she still has her light on.)
Anyway, the books she reads should pop up on the side of this blog. Just scroll down a little. Every time she reads a book and I update Goodreads, her book list on here will update too.
I need to get back to the library this weekend and get her some more books.
Anyway, the books she reads should pop up on the side of this blog. Just scroll down a little. Every time she reads a book and I update Goodreads, her book list on here will update too.
I need to get back to the library this weekend and get her some more books.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Third Time is a Charm?
So...
Meredith kissed Juwlien for the 3rd time last Friday.
Now she says she is going to marry him.
I wonder how he feels about this.
We've already advised her she has to graduate from college before we'll be sending out any wedding invitations.
Meredith kissed Juwlien for the 3rd time last Friday.
Now she says she is going to marry him.
I wonder how he feels about this.
We've already advised her she has to graduate from college before we'll be sending out any wedding invitations.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Spring is Coming!
Meredith keeps asking me when Spring is.
She is anxiously awaiting Spring because that is when soccer starts.
Plus, she keeps reminding me, she needs new shoes for soccer.
She is anxiously awaiting Spring because that is when soccer starts.
Plus, she keeps reminding me, she needs new shoes for soccer.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Fun Run
Meredith and Hayden are in training. They are running in the Mayor's Run on May 1st so I'm having them do a mile on the treadmill. We just started this on Saturday. Hayden has done the Pumpkin Run before but that mile took him by surprise so I just want them to get used to exactly how long a mile is! And used to the idea that pacing yourself is a necessity.
I'm thinking I may run the mile with Meredith. If Grandma/John will keep the younger 2! (hint! hint!) So I should get on that treadmill too.
I'm thinking I may run the mile with Meredith. If Grandma/John will keep the younger 2! (hint! hint!) So I should get on that treadmill too.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Valentine's Day
Do you know that my Little Meredith is the sweetest girl ever?
Stephanie, Philip, and I went to pick the kids up from school yesterday. Meredith got in the back seat beside Stephanie and she had a Hello Kitty sticker on her hand. So Stephanie immediately had a fit and Meredith said, "I put this on my hand so I could give it to you."
Then when we got home, Meredith divided up her candy, her cards, and her stickers to share with Stephanie because she "got so much" and Stephanie didn't get any Valentine's.
Meredith also got a special Valentine's card from her 2nd boyfriend Khai. He moved away a few months ago and sent her a homemade card at the school.
I'll scan it when I get back upstairs.
Stephanie, Philip, and I went to pick the kids up from school yesterday. Meredith got in the back seat beside Stephanie and she had a Hello Kitty sticker on her hand. So Stephanie immediately had a fit and Meredith said, "I put this on my hand so I could give it to you."
Then when we got home, Meredith divided up her candy, her cards, and her stickers to share with Stephanie because she "got so much" and Stephanie didn't get any Valentine's.
Meredith also got a special Valentine's card from her 2nd boyfriend Khai. He moved away a few months ago and sent her a homemade card at the school.
I'll scan it when I get back upstairs.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Valentine's Day
It's a very special day at school today. It's the Valentine's Day Party. Meredith has been looking forward to this all week!
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Sleep Time
My sister got Meredith some Tinkerbell pajamas for Christmas. She also got her some matching slippers and this eye mask. This is Meredith actually sleeping with the eye mask. She loves it!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
More Kissing News
I picked the kids up from school yesterday and took them with me to make a delivery. On the way there, Meredith announced that she's already kissed Juwlien 2 times and if she kisses him a third time, they will have to get married.
I said, "Wait a minute! When was the second time?"
"Ummm. The day before yesterday."
"Where were you this time?"
"In the gym. But nobody saw us."
"You have got to stop kissing that boy at school!"
I just know she's going to get suspended one of these days.
I said, "Wait a minute! When was the second time?"
"Ummm. The day before yesterday."
"Where were you this time?"
"In the gym. But nobody saw us."
"You have got to stop kissing that boy at school!"
I just know she's going to get suspended one of these days.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
First Kiss
I worked on Monday so that means I drove the kids to school. It's a very short drive but on the way there I learned that Meredith has already had her "first kiss."
It was last year in Kindergarten with Juwlien. On the lips. In the classroom. While the teacher was busy doing something else. And nobody else saw them. She made Juwlien promise not to tell.
. . .
We have our work cut out for us here, folks.
It was last year in Kindergarten with Juwlien. On the lips. In the classroom. While the teacher was busy doing something else. And nobody else saw them. She made Juwlien promise not to tell.
. . .
We have our work cut out for us here, folks.
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