Two new Stahls!

Here are the first pix of the new Stahls! Brother and sister cats, 2 years old. Free off Craigslist. What do you think of them? They come when you call, "Here, kitty," and both of them are very tame and snuggly. They jump on the counters (Miley does this, but not when we are home) so we have to train them to stop that kitty business.

Charlie is the all black cat and KC is the female black and white cat.

Alannah and Katie Cat

Pix of the Office

Two garbage bags and several Freecycle listings later, this is what my and Alannah's office looks like. I created a little homework corner for her and showcased some of her kindergarten and first grade artwork. I called her on the phone at my mom and dad's house so she could see the make-over while she was on vacation, and she was thrilled!

Pix of the Chicks

We gave the chickens a watermelon rind and some cobs of corn and they were over the moon for them. They are so funny to watch! I gave them ramen noodles for a snack and laughed out loud as one would grab a noodle and make a beeline away from the rest of the flock. Two or three would give chase. Meanwhile, the bowl of noodles was full and unnoticed by them. Too funny.

Vacation

So my kid is safely ensconced to her grandparent's house, and I officially miss her. She's having a blast with them and her cousins, just like I knew she would. Mom taught her how to sew a little dress for her stuffed rabbit; she used the machine and stitched a snap. How cool is that?!?

My favorite story so far is from the bike ride they took on the rail trail. Mom said there was a dead mole on the path, and Alannah exclaimed, "Look Grandma! A real live dead rat!" Later she wished the mole was still alive so it could be her pet. Ewww.

These photos are from when we met my parents and niece at a hotel. Alexa was happy to pose for some pix, and she reminded me that she doesn't look like the kid in the scrapbook I made of her. Sounds like a project to me!

To Grandmother's House We Go

So next Monday my kid heads to my mom and dad's house for a month. She did this last year and had a blast, and we made immediate plans for trip #2. I'm gonna miss her! She's gonna have another amazing experience there. My mom is going to teach her how to sew!!

Anyway, last year Alannah came home from there loving some new foods, including cucumbers and baby tomatoes. Mom would make her a salad with those items and olives and she would eat everything but the lettuce. Too funny. So tonight I mentioned, "Alannah, I wonder if Grandma will teach you to like any new foods this year." She immediately answered, "Probably salad! She can put sugar and butter on it and I would love it!" Well, what a great idea, Mom! Can't wait to read that recipe!

Talk for the Baby

For five years Alannah and I have been playing "Talk for the Baby" - a name she made up to describe our activity of her being the Mom and me talking for a stuffed animal. The past couple of years she has grown to love this game, particularly when she suggests that one of them has a problem or issue for her to solve/discipline. Sometimes she gets frustrated at Teddy's antics or upset when White Bear doesn't listen or raises her eyebrow when Loving complains about not getting her way. I love this game because I get to hear Alannah mimic my expectations of her. Sometimes I have to step in and say, "That's not how a child talks to her mother," and then she'll straighten her shoulders and say, "Loving, that's now how a child talks to her mother." She gives clear directions and consequences, counts to three, explains the rules of the house, forgives - - - all the things I do for her.

This week Pony was especially troublesome for Alannah. Pony said, "I'm so cute and smart! I'm the cutest and smartest!"

"Wait!" said Alannah, "are you bragging?"

"Well, wouldn't you brag if you were as cute and smart as me?"

She pushed harder, "Are you bragging?"

Pony was oblivious, "Anyone as cute and smart as me would say so!"

A couple more rounds like this were very difficult for Alannah. Tears welled in her eyes. She said softly, "I can't believe one of my children would talk like this. We do not brag in our house. Bragging makes other people sad and jealous. I don't want to hear you talk like this again."

Pony immediately was remorseful about her ignorance! She apologized and promised to not talk that way again.

Later I asked Alannah where she learned that bragging makes other people sad and jealous. This issue is not one I've had to teach Alannah since she is not a bragger, and I was curious. She said, "I was gonna say from YOU!" I think she is one amazing kid, and I hope that doesn't sound like I'm bragging!