friends

Mozart has more energy than even Sophie can keep up with.
Whenever Koda and Stanley are up for a walk we jump at the chance.
I think MO's favorite part of life is tumbling with these boys!

Saturday chores

...being part of a family who loves you

It had been a long day for all of us. We seem to be headed to bed later than we want to every single night.  I was hoping to kiss them good night with a prompt lights out!  Something told me to sit at the end of Sophie's bed and ask her more about her day.  "Sophie, tell me one of the feelings you felt today..." I prompted.  She had been happy at home since arriving home from school, I wasn't worried about anything in particular.  "I felt sad."  She described a small problem she had with a friend at school.  Although I knew it was small and would probably be different the next day without any action from her- she felt like it was a BIG deal...and was truly heart broken.  Given her happy demeanor at home I had no idea how sad she had been just a few hours earlier.  I was so grateful for that prompting to sit, ask and listen.

After she and I talked about it for a few minutes- I asked her big sister if she had ever had a similar experience.  She shared some feelings about friendships that let Sophie know that she wasn't alone- is there anything better than being part of a family who loves you?  I feel SO lucky to have this family of ours.

pigtails and puppy dog tails

my valentine~

What would I do with out you in my life?

love you forever

photo credit: Jefra Starr Linn

all you need is #LOVE

It may have been the Valentine boxes she brought to school- a shoe box with a rustic hole cut from the top wrapped in red wrapping paper done by herself.  Each box she brought was significantly inferior to her classmates masterpieces.  When it was time to plan Valentines for this school year Ellie jumped on Pintrest to save them from the humiliation she suffered in elementary school.  She gave me the list for supplies...and put these beauties together the night before their parties.

ALL YOU NEED IS #LOVE

but a puppy never hurts

strum

 She walked in the door after school, made nachos & then STRUMMED.

"today is a gift"

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

A new week

a fresh start

and a better perspective.

She had 28 missing assignments last term.

She came home last week with her first update of this term and had six missing from the past two weeks.

We canceled all extra curricular activities and got serious about school.

She came home today knowing exactly what she needed to get done.

She worked hard and fast!

She will figure out 5th grade in her time...which will be just fine.

Namaste

honey butter popcorn

When you come home with 11 missing assignments just 2 weeks into the term...at least you have honey butter popcorn to snack on while you sit at the counter for HOOOOUUUURS.