Kelsey-My Other Twin

Kelsey is my other twin. She reminds me so much of myself when I was her age. She's just a much better version. She teaches me everyday that I have a lot to improve on. She is still writing poems. Her latest was for Ryan. Although he teases and tortures her endlessly she really tries hard to overcome her frustration with him. I'm sure this is one of the reasons she wrote this poem. It's too long to post but are a couple stanza's

Ryan, My Brother

I have a special brother, whose name is Ryan

He is so cute and funny, he'll leave you sighin'

He has bright blue eyes you could swim in,

And a cute smile that he keeps hidin'

But best of all, he is my brother

But our favorite stanza is

I have a special brother, whose name is Ryan

He tells people he's not that good at reading, but nobody's buyin'

He loves to read and read and read, and we are proud'

Cause he is on Harry Potter 5, which means he isn't loud (so true-love quiet time)

But best of all, he is my brother

This past week Kelsey participated in Solo & Ensemble. She ended up with 4 first Superiors. I thought I played well when I was her age but it just goes to show you I was only warming up the clarinet for which Kelsey now plays.

Kelsey also likes to play with my camera. Let's see if this will stop her!

Kate

Kate is turning into a young lady. She's excited about shopping and baking but NOT cleaning. She still struggles with this daily! On one of their snow days Kate and her friend decided to make their families dinner. They wanted us to get to know each other. Amanda's mom and I talk every week. But I guess they felt they needed an excuse to get together and that's the best they could come up with. But really, all she needs to do is mention that I don't have to make dinner and Amanda is welcome to move in. I took them grocery shopping and then they spent the whole day making dinner and dessert. Chicken Roll-Ups and Cheesecake. YUM!

Ryan

Trying at times and funny at others. Our favorite time is when he is reading because he's not teasing or tormenting or reminding me that he doesn't want to go to school. Instead he's just quiet. He's in love with the Harry Potter books and since they are so long it's perfect! He's in basketball right now and at his last game shot 2 baskets. This age is still learning the basics, passing excluded. No one wants to pass off the ball when they can try for a shot. It's all about making a basket. What I like about Ryan is that he's excited when anyone does well.

Since turning 8 in January Ryan joined Cub Scouts. He can't seem to get enough of his Cub Scout book. That first week he was always shoving it under my face to sign something off. I know I need to encourage this behavior while he's still excited but . . .

He has his first Pinewood Derby Race a few weeks ago. Our hometeacher came over and helped Ryan with his car. It turned out great but Ryan was a bit disappointed with it's speed on race day. Who knew there was so much involved in making a car go fast!

Jenna

She is growing so big physically and intellectually. These days our conversations consist of me trying to answer her "Why" questions. They are endless and I am obviously not smart enough to satisfy her. My favorite thing that Jenna says to me is, "I'm a good listener." Because right at that moment and only at that moment is Jenna actually listening!

She still loves Dora and trips to the library to get Dora DVDs. She's into friends and I love hearing who her "best" friend is today. Her feelings get really hurt when her friends tell her that she's not their friend. But she's also very forgiving when they tell she's their friend again 2 seconds later. Life can be very difficult for a 3 year old.

Eric

Anyone have ideas how to get Eric to stop playing in the toilets. We have 3 and he knows where they all are. I just know I'm going to have plumbing issues soon. He likes to tear little pieces of toilet paper and then throw them in the toilet. But what's really fun to him is fishing them out and throwing it all over the floor. Gross!! I know. Help! He still has a love affair with his blanket. He leaves it on the floor, goes off to play and then when he sees it again falls all over it as if he hadn't seen it all day. Eric also loves his shoes. The first thing he does every morning is go into the hall closet and fetch his shoes. Of course if he has his shoes on then that means we get to go outside, right mom. He can't wait to roam free. We've had a few warm days (up to 60) and Eric took advantage and spent the WHOLE day on the back porch. Both he and I loved it. Unfotunately, Eric doesn't understand that when the temp drops back down to 30 it's too cold to go outside. I get these puppy dog eyes and it breaks my heart. I try and distract him but he just stands at the door looking out at the fun I'm keeping him from. Already at 1, I'm a mean mom.

Sister Photo Op

Whenever Traci visits we never seem to get away for more than a trip to the grocery store together. So our last morning together, after stopping at Wal-Mart I told Traci we needed to get a few pictures before she left. We headed to a nearby park and took a few. It was the best we could do with my camera timer on and a barricade.

Good-Bye

Because we're twins and we think alike I'm just going to echo my sister's blog and add a few pictures from our visit. I'm so glad we got this assignment. Heavenly Father knew I needed my sister!