Still Learning Tricks of the Trade

[Could also be title- Can It Really Be This Easy?!]

The newly turned four year olds in our family got these cute stuffed animals that have books that go with them. (Thanks, Great Grandma and Grandpa!) You turn on the animal, read the book, and at certain points the animal speaks up and responds to the story. They are super cute!

Our daughter really enjoys the book and reading aspect. Our son has really become attached to the animal itself. His animal, a raccoon named Watson, helps his friends find things in the story.

Now this particular son is the baby of the family; even though the twins are the youngest together, he was born last. It is amazing how well he can play what I call the "baby card" when he feels moved to do so. One time this often comes up is when he asked to go look for something (his shoes or jacket for example) or when he just can't find something he wants (say, a toy or book). He often becomes "too tired" or just plaing whiney.

(Now to the point of the post...)
For the last few days that we have had Watson, when it is time to find something, I have been sending Watson along with said son and it is amazing how much faster items are found and how much more cooperative (=less whiney) he is.

Moral of the story: If you have a little person in your family who "can't" find things on a regular basis, come up with a helper for him/her to use.

Now we just have to keep an eye on Watson because if we loose him, we'll be in big trouble!

Came across these cute Valentine's lunch box notes while I was searching for ideas for school Valentine's parties. Thanks, Family Fun magazine, for more great ideas. I love you!

Check In Post

I have been keeping up with my Read the Bible in 90 Days, but obviously at the expense of blogging. I am on Day 29 now. I am enjoying it and have found inspiration for Spirit Week - an event I plan for the kids' school so that has been an extra bonus.

I have also found a few interesting stories that I don't ever remember reading or hearing about before. I just might have to share some of those another day.

I have been spending some time sewing. A friend is having a "trunk sale" for homemade items and home businesses (like Pampered Chef, Scentsy, etc.); I have decided to participate, so I have been working on some blankets and burp cloths to sell. It has been fun. It will be even more fun if some of them sell! I will try to post sometime in case anyone out there would be interested in purchasing - I am happy to make and mail!

We have also some snow here in Oklahoma. The kids had three days out of school last week and are out today. If I had to guess, they will probably be home tomorrow too, but we will see.

Our oldest was sick last week with the flu and a stomach thing all at once. Yuck! The youngest likely has/had the flu too although he didn't go to the doctor. I think both are feeling better now finally.

And last but definitely not least, we celebrated the twins' birthday! They are four now which just really seems hard to believe. Four is the age of our oldest was when we moved here and the twins -well, let's just say we didn't even know they were twins at that point!