Around here...

Gracie has listened to The Sound of Music soundtrack on Daddy's record player about 100 times this week.  She keeps asking me about the lyrics or the characters, but I simply don't remember the film as much as the music.  She's certain she will love it - so we are on the lookout for the film.  Besides, it's fun to say 'auf wiedersehen'.  With the turn over on her chapter books these days, it's confirmed that she loves to read - which brings a smile to my face.  There's nothing more empowering than the ability to learn on your own.

Peter has been so tired and complaining of aching legs.  Poor kid is growing so fast it's hurting him!  We talked about bones growing and how much energy it takes to make our bodies grow.  I asked him if he thought he'd be taller than me soon.  He said he's sure he'll be taller than me, but not too soon. (what a relief).  For weeks he had been contemplating sharing this song with his classmates, but he kept saying he might be too 'nervous'. He finally decided it was worth it, and decided to share a song with his class this week.  He sang it through once slowly, so they could hear all the words, then he sang it fast so they could hear how They Might Be Giants sing it on their album.  Again, he was the talk of the class - and he's been asked to share that song in their next Kindergarten program.  He hasn't decided if he's ready for a performance, but he is proud that his teachers and class liked the song so much.

Ella got her ears pierced, as per her own request for her birthday.  She was so brave and in control, while she sat in that big chair waiting to get her first ear pierced.  When the woman took the gun from her ear, I thought maybe it had misfired, because Ella hadn't so much as flinched! The next ear was the same reaction.  Sheer determination!  Also, Ella likes to pretend like she's grumpy... and there's only a couple ways to make her smile.... hair mustache is an instant hit - try it, you'll like it!

Iris Jane is waving a lot this week - it's her new greeting, request, sign of excitement and trick.  We've been trying to teach her to blow kisses, but she mostly likes to make raspberry noises and laugh.  She isn't crawling, yet - but that's not so uncommon in this house, with nearly all floors being hard surfaces, she mostly pushes herself backward - then gives up and rolls wherever she wants to be.  She also rolls into a sitting position, which is quite impressive - so maybe she can join the circus later, with that trick in her repertoire.  

We had a strange week, with kids on break for parent/teacher conferences - so we enjoyed some time together that we don't usually have mid-week.  Peter and I baked bagels on Thursday morning.  We started the dough on Wednesday night and boiled and baked them the next morning.  He loves to be in on the whole process, and he was so proud to make his favorite bread.  We used this recipe and I will use it again.

See that little kitchen?  Yep... that's where all the magic happens around here - in spite of it's ridiculous size.  One day, we will remedy that - in the meantime, we'll just do what we always do... the best we can with what we've got!

Happy Weekend Everyone!
*I noticed I had set the comments section of this blog, to not allow comments from non-blogger-members - I have adjusted that, I hope it's helpful for you.