A few cool things

Ok, so I still don't have video up and I apologize for that, but to put this in perspective let me tell you about my weekend. This weekend I needed to sort through close to 500 studies for 3 different research topics and read (more like browse in my case) nearly 100 studies at about 12 pages length on average. Lets just say I was busy, oh and I also had to study for my first comprehensive exam which I lived through Monday night - but no word if I passed yet - a B is required to pass, and the teacher has VERY HIGH EXPECTATIONS. I am told no one has failed yet, but there is a first for everything right? Today I thought I would recount a few favorite things:
1- C saying "hi big gog" - translated hi big dog every time she walks through the door when we come home. She got this from J who I don't even think realized that he does this until she started repeating it every time without fail. It is half cute, half annoying.
2- Changing leaves - which are nearly in full force. I will try to take some photos this weekend between studying.
3- J's pep talks - this morning it was "You better not quit". Somehow he manages to say things in a way that are not taken offensively even though when I rewrite them it seems like it was offensive. I love his pep talks - HONESTLY! Oh, and for the record I am not quitting
4- C's excitement when she sees buses. She rode a bus for the first time on campus last week, and then again today. She is half thrilled, half terrified with the experience, and she holds on tight.
5- Frolicking chipmunks and squirrels - yesterday I actually felt a little like Snow White because I had so many chipmunks and squirrels as I walked along the path to my office on campus. I don't know if this is a good or bad omen.
6- Foggy mornings - We've been having a lot of these lately and the thrill hasn't worn off. It is very appropriate for preparing the mood for Halloween.
7- Spiderwebs in the field - I noticed this on a foggy morning driving to work past a field. There were spiderwebs in the brush growing the field every couple of feet. It was also a cool thing with Halloween coming and I wanted a photo, but didn't have my camera. It is hard to describe how cool and unreal it looked.
8- Seeing my 2nd live Groundhog. You know this might not seem like a big deal, but we are relatively near to the home of Puxatawney Phil, and all I have really seen of groundhogs is their dead corpses lying in and along roads. GROSS - it is a wonder the famous Phil is still alive. The other day though I actually saw a live Groundhog next to the road. Now I see why they are always dead - find a new hangout guys.
9- One last one, and I know I already mentioned this, but seeing H sound out a new word. This is so fun and exciting and I love seeing his little mind make the connections to read the word. So far he is up to reading 4 books! WOW - Way to go bud!
That's all for now. Back to work!

LOOK AT ME I CAN READ

Ok, so major breakthrough this week. H has been working furiously on his letter sounds. Some are still a bit hard for him to remember, but he is obsessed with spelling words and as I help him sort out the letter according to the sound I noticed he is finally ready to begin reading. Such an exciting time for us! I wanted to buy the Primary Phonics set, as I think my old set was left in Flagstaff with another teacher since it was purchased primarily with district money. When I thought about it I realized that the length of the book would be too overwhelming at first so I bought the first set of BOB books. They were perfect and he can already read the first two books by himself in the set. I will work on getting a video of this as well for now a photo will have to do! Just as a note J looked so proud and impressed as H showed off his skills this week.

Dancing Queen

I am working on adding video, but so far I don't really know how to do that. Lately C has been dancing like crazy. She especially likes an American Idol toy that plays music. She even sings along. I will try to get a great video for all to see. It will likely show just how bossy she can be as well. I keep telling myself that knowing what you want and being a bit stubborn is a good trait, but just not so likable in a 2 year old!

The Perfect Pair

I just have to let everyone know that my obsession with cute shoes is alive and well. I have a 20 pair agreement with John (for the time being) so when the dog ate the heel off one of my shoes I decided to use my chase creditcard points to get a great pair for use on campus. These are perfect because they look professional, but are also super comfortable. Plus since they are leather and Clarks they should last a while. The best part is teachnically I didn't even pay for them. Just look at them! Anyone else think I found the perfect pair?

First day of school

H had his first day of school and I am so happy that it went well. Just look at that smile on his face! His teacher is great. He has a Mr. this year, which is very cool considering the lack of males in early childhood education. As I dropped him off I had a strange thought. We spend 5 years raising our child, protecting him, etc. Then suddenly on the first day of school we drop him off with people we have never met and trust that he will be alright! Doesn't this seem a little contradictory? Well, I did it and I am sure no experience will be quite match that one. I am very proud though - no tears shed by mom! C also did well with her first day of daycare. She already had her first week and no tears at all. AMAZING! I love my kids.