Category: Kids

A Mini Christmas Break

I got two whole days off work so I started a sweater. I love this pattern and wish I had more time off so I could finish and wear it for New Years. You can find pattern information here.

August had a wonderful first Christmas! She loved running through wrapping paper and playing with her new toys! I still can’t put into words how much we love having this snuggly ball of sunshine in our home and as a part of our family. It is nearly impossible to be sad when she is licking your face and bunny hop running around in the living room.

Christmas was good, Brad and I kept gifts pretty simple following the four gift rule something to read and something to wear, one thing you want and one thing you need. The kids had lots to unwrap from family and had a lot of fun.

Ellie received a lot of fun things to wear and decorate their own room with. E is living their best life, doing really well in school, has a significant other, and is writing a novel.

Emily was gifted a keyboard so she can take her music mobil, this will be fun when our extended family has jam sessions. She is getting better and better all the time. Em is also doing great in school and doesn’t have or want a significant other!

How was your day? What did you do?

Are you met with grunts after school when you ask what did you do today? I have been lately. I don’t know whether it is because I no longer have the little girls in this photo, they are all grown up and in the teenage years…but since I have been asking different questions I have been move beyond the “fine” and “nothing” answers. I have also been starting the conversation with an anecdote from my day. Here are a few of my favorite conversation-starters:

  1. Tell me about the best part of your day.
  2. What was the hardest thing you had to do today?
  3. Did any of your classmates do anything funny?
  4. Tell me about what you read in class.
  5. Who did you play with today? What did you play?
  6. Do you think math [or any subject] is too easy or too hard?
  7. What’s the biggest difference between this year and last year?
  8. What rules are different at school than our rules at home? Do you think they’re fair?
  9. Who did you sit with at lunch?
  10. Can you show me something you did today?