New "Do's"

Kieran's hair was getting out of control again & Dannik was in need of haircut, so Daynen gave the boys both a haircut last night. I was a little sad to see Kieran's shaggy look go and a new "big boy" look take it's place. But, I do have to admit that my boys look very handsome in their matching hair do's! All I can say is, good thing it's still hot outside!

Kieran before:

Dannik before:

All my handsome men!

Mommy moments:

While talking to Dannik the other day he figured something out by himself and I asked him, "Dannik, how did you get to be so smart?"

Dannik looks at me and says, "Oh, I've just alway been that way!"
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While cleaning the bathroom last Saturday, Markay said, "This is hard work, Mom! Just like on Dirty Jobs!" Then after a minute, "Hey! They should come to our house!"
Hopefully our house isn't that bad!

First Day of School

My big boy started kindergarten on Monday! I can't believe that he is so big.

The first day was actually just an hour long orientation. They got to meet the teacher, Mrs. Erickson, find their seats, cubbies and coat hangers. They drew pictures of themselves and learned about the things they were going to be doing in class this school year. One of Dannik's favorite parts was when Mrs. Erickson had them sit on the rug and she read a story to them. "The Kissing Hand" by, Audrey Penn. It was very cute. I would definitely recommend reading this with your youngsters, especially if they are feeling nervous about being away from you (for school, or daycare, church etc).

Tuesday we went back for an assessment test. I sat outside the room while Dannik went in and talked with his teacher. When she came out she looked at me and said, "Wow! He's a bright kid!" My mommy heart SWELLED with pride! He's such a great kid! Because he has already started reading at home, she sent home some books for him so that he could begin reading to us each day. She seems like she will be a great teacher and really help him to keep his love of school.

Last night at dinner, Daynen asked Dannik what kinds of questions his teacher asked him. Dannik said, "She asked me all the stuff I already knew!" Daynen said, "Those are my favorite kind of tests!"

Dannik putting his name on the board, finding his cubby, and drawing a picture of himself.

Dannik listening to instructions, posing w/ Mrs. Erickson and Mommy.

Hugs and kisses

(Picture taken July 2007)

The other night as we were getting ready to go to bed, Dannik refused to give Markay a hug. It really hurt her feeling. She got over it quickly as I offered to give her an extra hug from me. Dannik, it seems, didn't. As I was tucking the kids in and doling out more kisses and hugs, Dannik was looking grumpy.

"Dannik," I asked, "why are you grumpy?"

"I'm not grumpy, Mom. I'm sad".

"Why are you sad?" I inquired.

"Because I feel bad inside."

"Why do you feel bad inside?"

He started to tear up and then said, through his tears, "Because I didn't give Markay a love".

What a sweet little guy! I am so thankful that he loves his little sister and cares about how she feels ...most of the time. Feelings were mended as he got up on the bed and gave Markay the hug and kiss he'd refused earlier.

Our Family's Got Talent

Today we had a Mother/Child activity at the church where the children put on a talent show. Everyone was so cute. And though I may be bias, I must say, my kids are SO talented! To prepare for the show today, we talked about talents in our Family Home Evening last night and let the children practice their performances for us. As we talked about the different talents that each of them possessed, Dannik was amazed at how many talents we all had. I hope that they never lose that confidence & remember how special and wonderful each of them are!

Watching the big kids

Kieran is still a little too small to have developed performing talents, but of course he is very smart, and cute, and has a special talent for loving others. He loved watching his brother and sister and all of the other cute little kids share their gifts!

Poetry in motion

I missed the beginning of Dannik's performance, but he did a few nursery rhymes with actions. He did a great job! If you hear me whispering in the back-ground, we changed the order at the last minute and I was reminding him which order to say them in. Such a cute kid.

I'm a star!

I was a little worried about Markay, because she tends to get a little shy when performing in front of people. She started out quietly (and again you can only hear me) but she finished wonderfully! She LOVED singing for everyone, and again, did a great job! She even wanted to do it again... guess she did inherit my performing bug after all!

Little Fish

The mess one little Kieran can make

Now that Kieran is walking all over, it is not uncommon to come into a newly cleaned room to find a mess similar to this! One of his favorite new past-times is to pull all the books off a bookshelf, or all the videos and DVD's off the shelf and out of their cases.

Markay and Dannik just finished their first swim lessons this week. They loved it, and they both did very well. Dannik who would not put any portion of his face in the water to begin with, is now going all the way under and has started to learn free-style! I am so proud of him!

Markay absolutely adored her teachers and took great pains to follow their instructions and do whatever they asked. She is now very comfortable in the water and loves jumping in and making big splashes.

The kids were both very dissappointed that this session was over. Once I find out what kind of schedule we will have when school begins, maybe I will enroll them for another round!

Mommy moments:
Markay singing "Jesus Said Love Everyone"

"Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly too.
When your heart is filled with love
BROTHERS will love you..."
-Can you tell who is important to her?

Tonight we were doing a "dog-pile" on Dannik and he says to Daynen.
"Daddy get off me, your as heavy as a book shelf!"