Summer Challenge

In an attempt to stay busy at work for the next twelve days but more importantly document the crazy things two toddler boys say or do each day, I am going to try to blog (mini posts or pictures) every day for the summer (well, lets try June and see how I do).  I can't claim this as an original idea as Grandpa Dean did this last summer.  It was fun to look at his blog each day to see what photo or comment he had about his day adventures.

So here goes June 1...

Snuggles and cartoons with Daddy.

 Goofy photos of the boys enjoying their snacks yesterday afternoon:

 

Why?

It has been a year of reflecting.  Not that other years have not been as reflective.  But I think the nature of my job this year has caused me to be more deliberately reflective both professionally and personally.   I have realized the power of reflection - taking time to yourself to just think but also the way it can drain your energy.

As the school year is winding down and my time feels more flexible and open, I find myself just staring off into space thinking.  I have reflected on this school year.  Questions like...
How have I impacted students?
Have I made a difference for teachers, classrooms, kids?
Am I a better mom because I don't worry about grading and lesson planning when I come home?
Am I better mom and person for doing a job that I don't necessarily love?
Why do I feel a strong desire to go back to the classroom despite the negativity that circulates the profession?


Then I begin to reflect and my thoughts quickly switch gears, especially this week, to my family.  And questions like...
Why are people's health being challenged right now?
Why do people's health ever have to be challenged?
Why do I feel that when life seems to be going so well for long periods of time that an abrupt slap-in-the-face has to occur?
Why am I so thankful for the reminders of the appreciation of little things in life and the things that truly matter?


I started this year (school year) with my motto being "why" (it played in well to my job of asking "why").  In looking back I have learned that there are two kinds of "why" - those that are easily, well eventually, answered and those that are philosophical and may never be answered.  It is those philosophical "whys" that create the greatest angst and emotion as well as the greatest desire to have them answered.

Most importantly everything seems near perfection when these two little guys smile or wrap their arms around you and say "I love you."

  

The Throne

We have yet to actually use the throne for its true purpose however Ethan and Owen do enjoy trying while passing time with a good book.  The only true accomplishment we have had on the toilet is Ethan figuring out that tooting makes a funny noise when atop the porcelain.  

 

Sharing the experience.

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day

The boys celebrated St. Patty's Day much more deliberately at Miss Char's house today.  However we tried to do our part by at least dressing them in appropriate attire.

 Notice the shaggy hair on both boys! 

Today at Char's she made green eggs for everyone.  Ethan and Owen were the only two at daycare that did not seem cautious or concerned about green eggs.  It was food  - eating is all that matters to those two.  The boys also helped make sugar cookies with green shamrocks.  They each got their own baggies of two cookies when we left this afternoon (all cookies were consumed before we crossed France Avenue).  The fun activities at Char's were unfortunately not documented by photos. 

Cute story about Ethan today too - as we were playing outside this afternoon he stopped to point to an airplane.  I told him that Grandma Jill and Granpappy were on an airplane to North Carolina.  Without hesitation Ethan shouted, "Hannah!"  It was fun to see his connection that the mention of North Carolina = Hannah.

Apology Accepted

Owen received this letter last week from a friend at daycare.  Apparently Owen reacts in a very outward way when things don't go his way or friends are doing things he doesn't appreciate (as we all can attest to this past week at our house, Owen is dramatic and has mood swings like a 15 year old girl).  Well Jack realized he could push Owen's buttons quite easily and get him going late one day at Miss Char's.  I don't know who requested the apology letter but it is something to pull out at high school graduation.  :)


Some fun photos from a difficult Gustavus picture attempt to get all four smiling in the same direction: