Smarty Pants

Hayden's teacher came out to the car with him when I picked him up. She said she needed to "brag" about him. Oh great, was my thought. His Pre-K class is working on number spelling recognition, like one, two, instead of 1,2. So they made a book "One, Two buckle my shoe." Mrs. Thompson was reading it to them and pointed out that the number 1 starts with an O. Hayden raised his hand and said "Yeah, but if it's the won like you won a game it starts with a W." She was stunned and then had to explain that some times if a word has two meanings it also has two spellings. There you have it, we have a very smart 4 year old in our house.

Visitors

We had a few unexpected visitors in our backyard this afternoon. They were right by our deck. By the time I got the camera and walked out back they were in the "woods", but still close enough to get pictures. Now we can add deer to our long list of critters we have seen back there. The kids were sad they missed them. "maybe when they come back, we can see them," Hayden said. Hopefully.

Easter Sneak Peek

One down one to go.

Why I say?...Why?

Today I had a few errands to run in Little Rock. I loaded the three little ones up (Drew 2 1/2, Halle 2, and Aiden 1) and headed out for the morning. Post office. Dry Cleaners. Target. Let me just say that trying to do those things was next to impossible with Halle. The boys were fine, but Halle was a disaster! She wouldn't hold my hand, she climbed out of the cart, and when I strapped her in, she screamed at the top of her lungs. People were looking at me like I was a crazy person. They are probably right!

It was getting to be lunch time and I thought, "I'll hurry and feed them so they will be full and sleep in the car, then I can just go park and wait for the big kids to get out of school." I was close to McDonald's and it was one with a playground (hard to find around these parts), perfect. I took the kids in, holding Aiden, Halle holding my other hand, and Drew holding Halle's. We get in with no problems. Then Halle runs. She knocks over a "wet floor" sign, and pulls down a poster hanging on the wall. I haven't even ordered yet! I grab 2 high chairs, put Aiden in one and Halle in another. Ordered. Got our food. And sat down. Aiden ate, but I think more food was on the floor than his mouth. Halle is mad because she can't get out of the straps on high chair. figures it out and is trying to climb over the bench and runs to the play area. Then there's Drew (he's a bit on the "different" side). He's sitting with his head turned to the wall staring at the bricks. He won't eat. he won't play. he won't talk. Just staring. Won't acknowledge me at all. Yeah, a little different. I thought he would be different at McDonald's, he's dad says he loves it. not with me.

Why do I do this to myself!!??

I called it a day. They did ALL fall asleep in the car, so I sat parked for an hour an a half. Made a few phone calls, read some scriptures. Enjoyed the peace.

Halle and her Princess Cup

Halle has become obsessed with her "pincey cup". She hasn't put it down since I gave it to her for our special Princess Lunch.

"Want moke in pincey cup"

(cough) "Oh, I choke on my moke, want choco moke."

"I yike choco moke."

Does he look SMARTER?

Not the greatest picture. I had to sneak up on him to get a picture with his glasses on. Nana has been asking. He can now see things much clearer and actually prefers to wear them even outside of the classroom.

Princess Day

Today is a special day for two special reasons. First, it is Vicki's birthday! She is the best Nana my kids could ask for. We are privileged to have her as our Mother and Nana. Secondly, Nana declared her birthday as the official "Gardner Family Princess Day". This day is a day to celebrate the Divine Nature of the princesses in our family. Last year she gave each of the girls a book called "The Parable of the Princesses" by Jenny Phillips. It is a book about a King who has three daughters, each one a Princess. He sends them out to a build their own kingdoms. They are faced with temptations and trials, dangers and deceits, challenges that will test their resolve and their commitment. Just like us! This is a book that every girl and women needs. It is a reminder that we are all Princesses of a King and we truly have a Divine Nature.

In preparation of Princess Day, I made the girls skirts. They opened a special gift from Nana.

Princess charm bracelets, of course. To remind them who they are.
Then Caite helped plan and make a Princess lunch. Heart shaped PB&J's, yogurt pretzels, and chips, and lemonade in their special princess cups. Isn't that what all Princesses want for lunch?
Halle thought it was really fun to eat on a special table in the living room. I think she liked drinking from her special cup the most.

We had a little Prince who felt a bit left out. So the girls made room for the Prince.

Even if he was a little silly and made some rude noises.

They got tiaras and candy necklaces

And some pink cupcakes for dessert!

Here's the book. it really is a must have.

We have had a perfect Princess Day. I hope as we continue this tradition and continue to read the parable, that my girls will develop a strong sense of self and KNOW that they are a Princess in every sense of the word. I know that as they grow and continue to learn, they will understand their relationship with Heavenly Father and their roll as His daughters.

Thank you Nana for giving us a WONDERFUL day to celebrate!