Empty Threats Maybe They Do Work!

I doubt anyone even reads this anymore due to my lack of posts and everyday life stuff. I have turned it into more of a journal for the kids which is why I am including this post.

Preston and Harrison:

You drive me crazy! You fight in the car, you call each other names, you raise your voice at each other, argue who is going to give the prayer and where you will sit in the car and what color place mat you have and who won the race and who gets to pick what movie. Harrison you always want what Preston wants which drives Preston beyond CRAZY and he then changes his mind and you quickly follow which drives him even MORE CRAZY. With all of that said here are two emails that I received with in the last two days.

This is from someone at church that is a grandma and a teacher to another class in Primary:

Every Sunday in Primary I am so impressed with both of your boys. It’s easy to see they have been taught the gospel principles in the home. They volunteer so readily and when they say prayers they know what to say and what is appropriate for opening or closing prayer. They know the songs and sing them out.

And this is a great year for Preston as he’ll be baptized soon. He seems ready in every way.

This is from a teacher

Hi Dana, I just wanted to take the time to tell you that you are doing a fantastic job raising those boys! They are just the highlight of my days. They have great manners, they are so kind, and so eager. It is so refreshing to see two boys have so much fun yet be learning so much at the same time and have such great attitudes about everything. They are truly a joy to have in class. You are doing so well with them. You should be very proud of yourself for having such confident, polite, joyful kids. :)

I was thinking all of that today, so I thought I would share it with you. :)

My response

thanks for such kind words, it is hard work but so worth it. I get discouraged as a mother sometimes (okay... a lot) and will surely keep this email to reflect on!

Thanks again

Dana

Teachers Reply

No doubt about it that you would get discouraged. I can't even imagine. But having worked with over 600 students, believe me you are raising little gems. You and your husband should be very proud of that. I have never sent an email to a parent like this before. So it should count as something very special. P and H are proof that your hard work is paying off. :)

As we drove in the car tonight we laughed at the thought of read such emails while listening to you both laugh and fight in the back seat. I guess the constant threats of beatings and making you walk home if you don't start behaving is working. I told Dad "maybe we should come up with a different way to try and make you boys behave besides empty threats (you have never been beaten, but for some reason it gets your attention sometimes). He replied "I guess its working, why change a good thing?"

We love you both and are very proud that you make wonderful decision in other people's care. We are okay with you behaving for everyone else and saving up your energy and childhood behavior for home!

I still think it's a little weird that I would get 2 emails within a couple of days of each other, maybe someones telling me everything is going to be okay after baby #4 comes. Let's hope

Snow Days

Lovin' some iciclesCozy after a long day of playing in the snow.
Harrison and his hard work.
That's a mighty snow ball Emma!!!


Looks like he has someone in mind for that snowball!

We enjoy going to Big Bear during the Winter. This year there was a ton of snow which made the trip 100 times better. The boys went sledding while Emma and I stayed at the cabin and sipped hot chocolate.

Tutu's and Ties

Emma turned TWO! I can't believe it, well actually she already acts like she's 12! She talks up a storm, can count to 20 almost, holds her own with Harrison and has Preston rapped around her finger. She loves to jump, ride her scooter and just plan being outside. She has a love for sugar candy too which I don't get. She will randomly ask for a sucker a hundred times a day! I say no and she continues to ask. We love you Emma more than you know. You have changed our lives forever and are so grateful for you.
Here she is loving to jump.
Turns out Preston had strep throat. Poor thing, we joined us long enough to sing happy birthday and eat a cupcake. Then went back to bed.
Very excited to blow out her candles. She sang to her self too!

My little Pilgrim

Harrison truly enjoyed his first school program. It is one of my favorites too. Something about sign language and kids singing at the same time just touches my heart. You did a wonderful job Harrison!

To My Future Grandchildren

I let your parents make HUGE messes and you should remind them of this if they ever deny you the opportunity to spend the afternoon with a little play dough. Here is the proof! And be sure in the middle of your creativity that you don't worry about the floor, they will clean it out of the carpet later when you go to bed! Also remind them that on a hard day McDonald's lunch makes it that much easier. With all my love, grandma

Sometimes You Just Need a Diet Coke

This is what I found in my shower. We all use the same shower and by the looks of it I would say it was Emma. No one in the house is safe taking a shower....if she hears the water running her clothes fly off and the diaper ripped off on one side and then shaken off! Normally you will find all the the items in a trail on the stairs.

BEWARE!

Preston has been constantly sick this school year! So much that when I go into the school to help in the classroom I bring disinfectant wipes with me and wash EVERY ONES desk. If they all stay healthy so will Preston. One day I found this sign on his bedroom door. These are the moments that I do not want to forget. Notice the signature - he is "practicing" his cursive handwriting.