Olivia: "Do 'Bih-yee' saht wih dis yetter?" (holding up a "B" in the bathtub)
Me: "Yes!! Good girl!"
So the one day of being "Billie" at school** did stick a little bit...smart girl!! :)
She was determined to finish spelling "Billie" despite the fact that we have only one 'L' and one 'I.' We substituted a '7' and a 'Y' respectively.
**For those of you who missed The Saga, here's what went down:
Olivia is darn cute and LOVES to talk a lot (Grandma Marty can account for 30 minutes+ of Olivia's jibber jabber on the swing recently, and Nana and Pop recall the car trip to Georgetown during which we could barely cut into her monologue). We don't, however, understand all that she says, as her articulation is not fantastic.
Last April we had her speech evaluated, and heard she was "on track." Kids develop at different rates, and many sounds are not mastered until age 7.
At her preschool this fall, however, the Speech & Hearing Screen determined she should have some further evaluation. We took her back to Child Find for a more in-depth eval, and they decided she was on the cusp of needing some assistance. If we were interested in switching her to a public preschool, she'd receive free preschool and some speech intervention.
I visited the new school without and with Olivia; it is almost exactly 4 miles from us (and very near a drive-through Starbucks and "the Red Park"). The director and her assistant are fabulous, and the philosophy and activities are too. On the day we visited together, Olivia jumped right in and began shaving "Steve" the mannequin head, with real shaving cream (glad the school thinks that mess is fun!) at the salon learning center and she LOVED playing cashier, selling candy and real popcorn at the movie theater learning center.
Hoping this is all for the best, but sad to leave friends and teachers at the old school, we decided to enroll O at the new school, excited that she'll be getting intervention early.
A couple of cons to the sitchiation: 1) Zach now attends school five mornings a week from 8:30-11:15a, and O attends 4 afternoons from 12-2:30p. That doesn't leave much time to try to make O eat something for lunch, and does add up to some quality car time. 2) Before her arrival, there were already two 'Olivia's in her class. The teachers wondered if our O had any nicknames, and I shared that I call her "Billy" (not having ever spelled it, and mentioning that she wasn't super-thrilled with that name when I asked what she wanted to be called at school) or we could go with "Olivia Cate."
On her first day, the teachers greeted us, with, "Why, hello, Billy! Are you excited to start school here, Billy? Here's your coat hook, Billy." (Said coat hook was labeled "Billy.")
Gulp.
Olivia said, "My name is not Bih-yee. My name is Oh-yih-via, but you can cah me "Bih-yee." Sweet girl!
Despite her ready attitude, my stomach began to drop. "Billy" flashed at me on her attendance plaque, and play plan sheet, etc. They asked how I was feeling about her nickname, and I asked that we be allowed to think about it, and in the mean time please change it to "Billie" with an 'ie.' No problem, they said. "Billie, we'll just show you around..."
Talking to Scott ("Hmm, I'm not sure we want her to be called 'Billie' just because two other Olivia's beat us to her class") and friends ("She'll be like Miley Cyrus in a few years, legally changing her name because she's always been "Billie"), and chewing it over, I decided we needed to go with "Olivia Cate." I mean, otherwise she'd have been learning to spell and pronounce her name as "Billie." I started picturing her years down the road, in 6th grade and at graduation, introducing herself as "Billie." Personally, I LOVE the nickname, but I didn't want that to be her name officially unless she chooses to be that later in life.
So, identity crisis *hopefully* averted, she remains Olivia Cate. And she appears to be thriving in the new class. :)
January 28, 2011
January 20, 2011
Writing Tips
http://www.poewar.com/fifteen-craft-exercises-for-writers/
http://www.poewar.com/12-exercises-for-improving-dialogue/
http://www.poewar.com/12-exercises-for-improving-dialogue/
January 18, 2011
Kid-isms
January 6, 2011
Olivia: Mommy, when you go anuhduh baby in uhs sommack, can you put a Inkedibuhs [Incredibles] suit on it? Cuz I want uhs hoe famy to be Inkedibuhs foh Hahyoween.
Me: Hmmmm, we'll see, Olivia. But I don't think we're going to grow another baby.
* * *
Later, and *completely* unrelated:
Olivia: yay! Maybe means yes. ( glass is half full for her)
* * *
After dropping Olivia off at her afternoon preschool, Zach must have been comparing how he's in school in the AM and Olivia's in the PM with how college classes can be scheduled flexibly as well.
He asked me, "Mom, do you think I should go to college in the daytime or at night?"
Me: "I think during the day."
Zach: "I think at night, so I can spend all day with you."
SWEET, SWEET boy!!
* * *
It had been a long week of Scott traveling, and I decided to try a new tactic. ;/
When the kids (read: Olivia) were having a hard time cleaning up, after several warnings, I finally went into her room with *The Pillowcase.* Duh-duh-duuuuuhhhh.
I put a few toys in it, saying, "You are not cleaning up, so I will take some of these for you."
She Freaked.Out. Crying, screaming. Quite unusual for her. (Now, several days and lots of TLC and fluids later, I realize she was probably heading for the flu. Poor thing.)
Anyway, she continued to cry, saying she'd pick up her room. I left her to it. But, meanwhile, next door Zach was done cleaning his room, but began crying himself.
"But, Mom, she loooooooves Doggy! Can I help her earn him back?"
Why, sure, Zach. You can help her clean. (And I don't have Doggy, btw. But you guys clean a bit, and I'll let you know that later.)
Can you see the red horns on my head??? Ugh. Oh, well. There are many things I could do better in hindsight. This episode was probably one of them, but I'm okay with instilling a little accountability.
Olivia: Mommy, when you go anuhduh baby in uhs sommack, can you put a Inkedibuhs [Incredibles] suit on it? Cuz I want uhs hoe famy to be Inkedibuhs foh Hahyoween.
Me: Hmmmm, we'll see, Olivia. But I don't think we're going to grow another baby.
* * *
Later, and *completely* unrelated:
Olivia: yay! Maybe means yes. ( glass is half full for her)
* * *
After dropping Olivia off at her afternoon preschool, Zach must have been comparing how he's in school in the AM and Olivia's in the PM with how college classes can be scheduled flexibly as well.
He asked me, "Mom, do you think I should go to college in the daytime or at night?"
Me: "I think during the day."
Zach: "I think at night, so I can spend all day with you."
SWEET, SWEET boy!!
* * *
It had been a long week of Scott traveling, and I decided to try a new tactic. ;/
When the kids (read: Olivia) were having a hard time cleaning up, after several warnings, I finally went into her room with *The Pillowcase.* Duh-duh-duuuuuhhhh.
I put a few toys in it, saying, "You are not cleaning up, so I will take some of these for you."
She Freaked.Out. Crying, screaming. Quite unusual for her. (Now, several days and lots of TLC and fluids later, I realize she was probably heading for the flu. Poor thing.)
Anyway, she continued to cry, saying she'd pick up her room. I left her to it. But, meanwhile, next door Zach was done cleaning his room, but began crying himself.
"But, Mom, she loooooooves Doggy! Can I help her earn him back?"
Why, sure, Zach. You can help her clean. (And I don't have Doggy, btw. But you guys clean a bit, and I'll let you know that later.)
Can you see the red horns on my head??? Ugh. Oh, well. There are many things I could do better in hindsight. This episode was probably one of them, but I'm okay with instilling a little accountability.
January 12, 2011
So Stealthy...
She was so quiet over near the sliding door, as I finished up MOPS minutes.
"Wow," I thought. "She's being so good."
I even had a tinge of PMS-induced emotion. "She's getting so biiiiiiig. Going to school four days a week, keeping herself occupied, treating the cats more gently."
Looking more closely at her, crouched on the doormat, I caught sight of the pink XO goodie bag I brought home from the MOPS retreat. It's filled with M&Ms and peanuts and candy.
!
She said she was feeding Sumo. How nice of her.
December 11, 2010
for Springtime - mark your calendars
Doesn't this look fun? I would bring these in for preschool snacks!
Source: Family Fun Magazine
Sorry!
This is becoming my online filing system of sorts. Oh well, it's my blog, right?
I know we need to get TONS of pictures up here because the little shorties who live here are getting SO big. And darn cute. And SMART. (and...all sorts of other nice and naughty things).
We'll have to make sure they hear from Santa (http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/home) so we can play up the NICE.
But, I digress, actually began this post to document an idea I love from Family Fun Magazine. They have a Family Traditions column, and I love the idea of Our Own Family Holiday. The featured family includes events such as:
* Kids vs. Parents competitions (think FearFactor-ish digging for jellybean "bugs" in oatmeal, or bobbing for malted milk ball "cow eyes" in chocolate pudding pies.)
* Kids-pick-the-food menu (donuts or French toast for breakfast, out for lunch?, homemade favorite for dinner)
* Hand-crafted cards made a couple of days ahead of time with supplies on-hand
* Small gifts for the kids, family t-shirts
I know we need to get TONS of pictures up here because the little shorties who live here are getting SO big. And darn cute. And SMART. (and...all sorts of other nice and naughty things).
We'll have to make sure they hear from Santa (http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/home) so we can play up the NICE.
But, I digress, actually began this post to document an idea I love from Family Fun Magazine. They have a Family Traditions column, and I love the idea of Our Own Family Holiday. The featured family includes events such as:
* Kids vs. Parents competitions (think FearFactor-ish digging for jellybean "bugs" in oatmeal, or bobbing for malted milk ball "cow eyes" in chocolate pudding pies.)
* Kids-pick-the-food menu (donuts or French toast for breakfast, out for lunch?, homemade favorite for dinner)
* Hand-crafted cards made a couple of days ahead of time with supplies on-hand
* Small gifts for the kids, family t-shirts
November 06, 2010
20 Awesomely Untranslatable Words from Around the World
From Matador Network.com: Words
Shared by my friend Kristen, the ultimate German translator!
We love words!
Shared by my friend Kristen, the ultimate German translator!
We love words!
November 03, 2010
Olivvy and Zach talk 7/8/10
Talking about a "Old Grandma" who passed away last March:
Mama: She's up in heaven.
Olivia: "Wif Desus and Dod?"
Zach: "Yep."
Olivia: "I wuv Desus and Dod."
Zach: "They're the best."
* * * * * *
Later, driving along 9th Street in Great Falls:
Zach: "Isn't it awesome to just pass by Wallace Marine?" (Grandpa's boat store)
Mama: She's up in heaven.
Olivia: "Wif Desus and Dod?"
Zach: "Yep."
Olivia: "I wuv Desus and Dod."
Zach: "They're the best."
* * * * * *
Later, driving along 9th Street in Great Falls:
Zach: "Isn't it awesome to just pass by Wallace Marine?" (Grandpa's boat store)
Zachism 6/15/10
Kjirsten: "What a beautiful night!"
Zach: "Yeah, there [sic] no tornadoes and a pretty sky.You see all the way up to heaven."
Zach: "Yeah, there [sic] no tornadoes and a pretty sky.You see all the way up to heaven."
October 23, 2010
Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
WARNING: This recipe makes about 6 dozen cookies, which is A.LOT. So, while they're good, maybe bring along your calculator and halve the ingredients? Just my thinking.
For the Cookies
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ¼ teaspoons coarse salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 ¼ teaspoons ground ginger
¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 ¼ cups packed light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups (14 oz.) canned solid-pack pumpkin
¾ cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Icing
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
10 Tablespoons (1 ¼ sticks) unsalted butter
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon evaporated milk,
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1. Make cookies: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a medium bowl; set aside.
2. Put butter and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in eggs. Reduce speed to low. Add pumpkin, evaporated milk, and vanilla; mix until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add flour mixture; mix until combined.
3. Transfer 1 ½ cups batter to a pastry bag fitted with a ½-inch plain tip. Pipe 1 ½-inch rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through, until tops spring back, about 12 minutes. Cool on sheets on wire racks 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks; let cool completely.
4. Make icing: Put confectioners' sugar in a large bowl; set aside. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling pan occasionally, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Immediately add butter to confectioners' sugar, scraping any browned bits from sides and bottom of pan. Add evaporated milk and vanilla; stir until smooth. Spread about 1 teaspoon icing onto each cookie. If icing stiffens, stir in more evaporated milk, a little at a time. Cookies can be stored in single layers in airtight containers at room temperature up to 3 days.
For the Cookies2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ¼ teaspoons coarse salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 ¼ teaspoons ground ginger
¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 ¼ cups packed light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups (14 oz.) canned solid-pack pumpkin
¾ cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Icing
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
10 Tablespoons (1 ¼ sticks) unsalted butter
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon evaporated milk,
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1. Make cookies: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a medium bowl; set aside.
2. Put butter and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in eggs. Reduce speed to low. Add pumpkin, evaporated milk, and vanilla; mix until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add flour mixture; mix until combined.
3. Transfer 1 ½ cups batter to a pastry bag fitted with a ½-inch plain tip. Pipe 1 ½-inch rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through, until tops spring back, about 12 minutes. Cool on sheets on wire racks 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks; let cool completely.
4. Make icing: Put confectioners' sugar in a large bowl; set aside. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling pan occasionally, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Immediately add butter to confectioners' sugar, scraping any browned bits from sides and bottom of pan. Add evaporated milk and vanilla; stir until smooth. Spread about 1 teaspoon icing onto each cookie. If icing stiffens, stir in more evaporated milk, a little at a time. Cookies can be stored in single layers in airtight containers at room temperature up to 3 days.
October 08, 2010
Zachisms
7/15/2010
Zach: "I had so much fun with Livia when she was a kid. Ya know why?"
Me: Why?
Zach: "Because I made her laugh."
My favorite part is the old-man perspective. "...when she was a kid." Like how old is she now? How old are you, Zach?
He does often try to help his friends or Olivia when they're sad or scared or upset, making faces, or bringing them toys he thinks they might enjoy. Like the infant he practically smothered with huge stuffed animal. I kid, there, but he does have a great, big heart.
Love him.
* * * *
7/21/2010
Zach: "Mom, you know what?"
Me: What?
Zach: "I practiced writing my name and I assume I did a good job....Mom, what does 'assume' mean?"
Zach: "I had so much fun with Livia when she was a kid. Ya know why?"
Me: Why?
Zach: "Because I made her laugh."
My favorite part is the old-man perspective. "...when she was a kid." Like how old is she now? How old are you, Zach?
He does often try to help his friends or Olivia when they're sad or scared or upset, making faces, or bringing them toys he thinks they might enjoy. Like the infant he practically smothered with huge stuffed animal. I kid, there, but he does have a great, big heart.
Love him.
* * * *
7/21/2010
Zach: "Mom, you know what?"
Me: What?
Zach: "I practiced writing my name and I assume I did a good job....Mom, what does 'assume' mean?"
October 04, 2010
I Am Going Camping
Jeesh! Has another summer passed without our family officially going camping? Well, with the temperatures continuing to break record highs, maybe we still have a chance. I'd like that, though I wish we weren't quite so hot and dry. Last night we had one of those incredible neon pink sunsets granted only when forest fire smoke clouds the horizon. Terrifying beauty.
If we do make it into a tent, maybe we can Griswald-ly sing this song. It was on one of the many coloring sheets that arrive on my kitchen table from somewhere. I'm copying down the lyrics, so this sheet can become tomorrow's grocery list.
We have had some great "day camping" experiences. You know, when you don't have to pitch the tent only to a) get a few hours of fitful sleep after finally deciding who's sleeping on which stretch of lumpy ground and several hundred trips to the bathroom in the great outdoors, or b) unpitch that tent by flashlight and firelight at 11pm, while trying not to wake the kids who just got to sleep but one of whom seems to have developed a forest-fever delirium.
Oh, that's just our family? Huh.
Kay, we'll have to try again.
If we do make it into a tent, maybe we can Griswald-ly sing this song. It was on one of the many coloring sheets that arrive on my kitchen table from somewhere. I'm copying down the lyrics, so this sheet can become tomorrow's grocery list.
I Am Going Camping
(to the tune of I'm a Little Teapot)
I am going camping (point to self)
Time to pack (look at watch)
My tent, my bedroll, (make tent with hands, then fold hands)
And a snack. (pretend to eat)
I'll sit by the campfire (warm hands over a fire)
Its glow so bright. (wiggle fingers for fire)
Then snooze in my tent (pretend to snore, head on hands)
'Til the morning light! (open eyes wide, forming sun over head.)
We have had some great "day camping" experiences. You know, when you don't have to pitch the tent only to a) get a few hours of fitful sleep after finally deciding who's sleeping on which stretch of lumpy ground and several hundred trips to the bathroom in the great outdoors, or b) unpitch that tent by flashlight and firelight at 11pm, while trying not to wake the kids who just got to sleep but one of whom seems to have developed a forest-fever delirium.
Oh, that's just our family? Huh.
Kay, we'll have to try again.
September 27, 2010
Halloween Costumes
I heart these!
Could we be the space cadet family this year? Doubtful. There are waaaaay too many specificly *Star Wars* chromosomes floating through our bodies. And by "our," I mean everyone but mine. Even the BiddleDollit says she wants to be "Pin-sess Yay-yah."
We'll see what happens.
September 21, 2010
Almost A Month Has Passed...
...so I now have some perspective. And I realized that I went to three book stores on Mockingjay Day.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Right?
Huh.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Right?
Huh.
- HearthFire Books, Evergreen
- Borders Books, Lakewood
- Boulder Book Store, Boulder
Below are a few Mockingjay Moments, but to view the whole slew, click here.
September 02, 2010
Breakfast Talk
Zach: It stinks in here. Do you smell it?
Me: No. What does it smell like?
Zach: I don’t know.
Olivia: I taked a bath because my bottom sinks. (i.e. wadn’t me!)
(9/2/10)
Me: No. What does it smell like?
Zach: I don’t know.
Olivia: I taked a bath because my bottom sinks. (i.e. wadn’t me!)
(9/2/10)
June 02, 2010
Herbs
I can never remember which herbs go where, so here it is to help me.
Depending on how big your container is, here are some herb combinations that will all grow well together as companions in pots:
1) Sage, rosemary, lavender, thyme and germander.
2) Cilantro, oregano, lemon balm and basils.
3) Oregano, thyme, lemon verbena, lemon balm, parsley, cilantro.
4) Thyme, mint, basil, oregano.
5) Growing basil in the same container (or plot) as tomatoes will improve their flavor.
A few herbs, like dill and fennel, need quite a bit more room and grow better in beds. Most herbs, however, adapt very well to pots and containers. You might also consider scented geraniums, tricolor sages and trailing herbs like penny royal, prostrate rosemary or cat-mint for hanging baskets.
*Source*
Depending on how big your container is, here are some herb combinations that will all grow well together as companions in pots:
1) Sage, rosemary, lavender, thyme and germander.
2) Cilantro, oregano, lemon balm and basils.
3) Oregano, thyme, lemon verbena, lemon balm, parsley, cilantro.
4) Thyme, mint, basil, oregano.
5) Growing basil in the same container (or plot) as tomatoes will improve their flavor.
A few herbs, like dill and fennel, need quite a bit more room and grow better in beds. Most herbs, however, adapt very well to pots and containers. You might also consider scented geraniums, tricolor sages and trailing herbs like penny royal, prostrate rosemary or cat-mint for hanging baskets.
*Source*
May 08, 2010
March 18, 2010
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