Andrew's Pencil of Power

When kids at Andrew's school get recognized for outstanding work in writing they earn something called a Pencil of Power. Andrew was recognized this last month for his story. I have retyped the story below, spelling and punctuation as written.

On one cold night it started snowing lightly. It took an hour and a half to go to sleep because I was tangling with exitment! When I woke up it looked like there was a blizerd last night! I scurryed down my breakfast and put on my snow gear and out I went in a flash.

First I rolled a large snowball then a medium ball and a small ball. Then I planted my large ball and picked up my medium ball and placed it on the large one and pated it down. Finaly I picked up my small ball and placed it on the medium ball and patted it down. I then placed extra snow around the bottem of each ball and your done with the body.

Next I gathered some old materials. They were: half a banana, two brooms, three buttons, sunglasses and five toothpicks. Then I took all my materials outside and it took many trip.

Then I put on half the banana point up for the nose. Then I put on the sunglasses and five toothpicks into a smile. Then I put the buttons in a row and placed the two brooms in the medium ball pointing up. Finily I stood back to examine my work then I named it Bob.

Finily I felt like the snowman myself in my wet mittens and damp shoes. I went inside and made some hot chocolate and drank it down fast! Next I took a warm bath. Last I ate my diner and went to bed feeling good about my snowman.

His teacher's comments were: WOW! You did an amazing five paragraph essay! Outstanding organization and details!

I have to agree.

Mobile Insanity

Reid has become mobile. I mean two footed mobile. He is on the move constantly and is very hard to get on film.

I think he started walking almost a month ago but it has been just in the last few weeks that he has really taken off with it. A nasty cold and a double ear infection seemed to sideline him in the walking department for a few weeks. Now that he is feeling better though, WATCH OUT! He is on the move!!!

Back Outside!

The weather has finally turned. The kids have started playing in the backyard again which makes my house seem 13 times larger than it is. I just added a HUGE playroom! I really do appreciate this type of remodeling project.

Helper Girl

Some days this sweet Lucy girl of mine is the biggest helper in the world. Today she volunteered to put away her own clothing as well as Gwen's clothing. She is often my super folding helper with laundry too. I  completely appreciate all her help because she is a total workhorse when she is in the right mood. It is wonderful to have such a great little helper with the chores around the house!

A Flag Analysis

It is always a curious thing to me how different my kids are from each other. And since I am a sucker for all types of personality tests I give both boys this test to help determine what their main personality types were and what motivated them the most. For the record, I did give the test to Lucy too but she was not quite old enough and I think the results were slightly skewed. But here is what it said about the boys.

Andrew: Perfect Country

Trait that Andrew felt most accurately described him:

Unique: I'm One of a Kind
Definition: You don't like to follow the crowd.You enjoy being different. You march to your own cadence.

Zane: Fun Country

Trait that Zane felt most accurately described him:

Loves People: I Like Everybody
Definition: You enjoy being around people and tend to accept everybody without judging them.

There was absolutely ZERO surprise with either of these two. I full anticipated their answers and it only confirmed what I already knew.

Time to Color

A Cousin!

Uncle Reece and Auntie Angie had a little boy today. I don't think he has a name yet but we are super excited to meet him REALLY soon!

He looks so much like Reece did when he was a baby!

Rory Evan

6 pounds 11 oz
 19.5"