14 Years

Brian and I celebrated our 14 year anniversary yesterday.

Back when I was 16 and we started dating I never thought that we would have this much of a life story together! I thought that Brian was cute and fun to hang with but would have no idea that he would become my husband.  Fast forward a few years and here we are.  Thank you Brian for putting up with me all these years.  I can't wait to live more our of life together.

14 Years Married- traditional gift is animals.  I thought this one fit us this year.  We have 2 newer dogs this year and our 3 boys are sorta like animals?!

1st Lost Tooth!

Look who lost his first tooth!! It has been wiggly for a few weeks now and the new tooth is already starting to come in. Growing up so much! Makes me a little sad- now my baby has big teeth! He was SO excited for the tooth fairy to come last night.  I love the phases of kid magic. So much fun!!

Tagging the Snow

 We tried playing in the snow with some food coloring.  It didn't work like we wanted but it was fun to mix colors in to the snow.

Baby A in his snow suit

 I think we are done with winter! It has been way to cold out lately. 

The Clip Chart

The Behavioral Clip Chart

Let's talk about the clip chart.  It helps set rules and hold the kids accountable for behaving in class.  You can see on the bottom the key for the colors.  (I've heard from other parent's that their school uses this too?)
How it works:
Each kid starts at Green- during the school day you can get clipped up for good behavior or clipped down for not so good behavior.  As you can see Axel struggles with the clip chart.  Each day we talk about what color he ended up on and how it happened.  It has gotten to the point that he has more 'bad color' days then 'good'.  I ask Axel each day the reason for getting clipped down.  He ALWAYS gives me the same answer.
Axel: For talking and turning around in my chair.
Me: Why do you continue to talk when you know you are going to get in trouble and clipped down?
Axel: Because I have a lot to talk about.
Me: Your buddy Andrew, does he talk so much?
Axel: No
Me: Why don't you follow his lead and learn when not to talk?
Axel: Mom, I'm my own individual person- You don't want me to be just like some one else do you?

No Axel, I don't! Of course I don't.  I struggle myself with this darn clip chart.  I understand that the teacher needs to set rules and guidelines for the day.  I hate that each day when Axel comes home it becomes all about the darn clip chart and his behaviors.  I know he's a good kid.  He doesn't mean to interrupt the class- He's just very chatty! I have no idea where he gets this? Oh he is so much like me. :)  

I believe that he won't become a criminal in life just because he talks a lot in first grade. Right?! I want him to learn that this is a time and place for energy and a time and place that we need to be calm.  There are times when we have to conform.  To listen and do what is told to us. But there also are times when our voice is important and should be heard.  How do I teach him this?  To follow the rules that school encourages but also encourage him to have a free mind/spirit.  I tell him some day he can get a job that involves talking and he can do it all day!  Luckily academically he is doing very well.  

Now it's at the point of what do we do with the information of the clip chart.  How much do we let it affect our time together at home.  I have tried a few different 'punishments' : taking away TV/electronics, grounding from favorite toys, more homework, time outs and early bedtime.  I don't think any threat or punishment at home really changes how he behaves at school.  I'm sick of having a bummer night at home because of a clip chart.  At least we haven't gotten any Red this month- On that one you get an email from the teacher!

I hope some day I'll look back at this posting and say "Oh, yeah that silly chart! I barely remember that thing!"

Dear Axel,
All Mom is asking is that you get on a Green! Please stop talking so much at school.
Love you

11 Months

Ansel is 11 months:
I can't believe that we are only 4 weeks away from celebrating Ansel's 1st Birthday! Man this year has gone so fast.  I think Ansel's first year has gone the fastest out of all the boys.  Maybe because he is the third child and we are busy with so many other things. I love this phase- the start of getting independent.
What he is up to:
Crawling every where! Crawling up on hands and knees now too.  Pulling himself up on things. Pulling self to knees and feet- all the way standing.  Using a sippy cup more- at each meal and when in the hi-chair. Starting to work on using  a spoon when eating- Oh so messy. 2 teeth so far. I think I can officially write that his first word is "Ma ma"!! (# 3 child- finally got Ma Ma instead of Da Da) I love when I walk in the room and hear him say it.
Sleeping:
Of course you have to talk about how the baby sleeps. (Sad that in a few months I won't call him a baby any more) Ansel does not sleep well. There I said it! Ughh.... I know this phase ends but it sure is hard when your in the middle of it.  Ansel goes to bed well- lays down awake with a bottle.  His issue is staying asleep.  He likes to wake up 1-3 times a night still! Most of the time he just wants reassurance that some one is there- likes his back rub or hand held.  Yes, it sounds sweat until you do it every night at 11pm, 2am and 5am.  I haven't figured out the best way to keep him sleeping all night. I've tried- baths before bed, bottles, staying up later, even not allowing an evening nap.  None of it really seems to help.  He does normally take a good 1-3 hour nap during the day.  This is when I can finally get some homework done and think about getting on the treadmill.  I just keep reminding myself that kids do eventually sleep.
Personality:
Ansel is a happy baby. Might not sleep but at least he is super chill and happy.  I have to say he has been the easiest baby we have had.  Not sure if it's because Brian and I are more broken in or if it is him.  He likes to play with toys.  Climb around on things and do any thing his brothers are doing.  He loves playing with the tupperware and pots and pans in the kitchen.

The Love Of Reading

Getting ready for bedtime

Our recent books

I hope to teach my boys the love of reading.  I have always enjoyed a good book and have learned so much from taking the time to read.  I should do it more often- right now it's all text books for me. It seems like each night I end up reading two or three little kids books to the older boys.  I have decided instead to start reading small chapter books. (like around 3rd grade level)  The boys have started to learn how the story continues through out the book and enjoy it's characters.  I love that they ask me each night "One more chapter!"  The Big Fat Zombie GoldFish is the most recent one.  (of course there is always a dino book sprinkled into the mix!)  Who doesn't love a story with zombie goldfish and evil eels? :) I hope I can instill a life long love for books!
(my new obsession with the TV show Walking Dead may have influenced this choice!)