Official move

The last month Faith has been sleeping on Champ's floor on a mattress. They both enjoy having each other in the room together. Champ is often found sleeping in her bed in the middle of the  night or early morning. However, her loft bed continued to sit in her room. I spent $200 for that bed and it isn't being used. I'm so mad. So I decided that maybe if we moved it into Champ's room than she would feel like she had her own space but still had someone to sleep with. For several years she has talked about wanting to have bunk beds with Champ and share a room with him. Yesterday the move became official as the loft bed moved into Champ's room and all the stuffed animals returned to their rightful home, her bed. Champ's toddler bed fit right under her bed and now he has his own space too.. We call the bed a "bunk bed" now although it is not actually one. It sure sounds cool though to both of them and they are excited to be moved in together. Her bedroom will be changed into a kid space. Pa Pa is building a set of bars for them to hang and swing on for Christmas. The extra twin mattress is now acting as a trampoline and a slide will be placed in the middle of the room. I am excited for this space which will be decorated with a nature theme; cool grey blue top half and blended into warm tan for the bottom half along with silloettes of trees on the walls courtesy of Pa Pa's art skills. I have one week to get it done and I am hoping to get it knocked out so for Christmas vacation they will have their new space to be in to play. Some kids like toys, other kids like mine like to flip and jump. Gymnastics is my kids' toys.

Lamby returns

Well after only a week of being gone Lamby has made a return to Faith's bed. I thought that we would try the thumb guard without Lamby but she struggled to go to sleep. It would take her 45 minutes or more so the thumb guard was fixed to cover her thumb completely and Lamby was allowed back into bed. Lamby and the thumb go together so it is hard to tell if her habit will be broken. She woke up one morning and she had taken her thumb guard off and was most likely sucking it. When the thumb was covered all the way I caught her sucking and as of tonight I think that she chews on the fabric to fall asleep. Champ does the same thing. I can't stand the thought of taking her favorite toy away from her but I hope that she can take that big step to keep her thumb out of her mouth. Faith was so excited to have Lamby back in bed. She gives her this mouth nuzzle that only she can do. If Lamby were to talk, she would tell Faith that she loves her.

Parent teacher conference

Well, conferences have past and Faith sure is doing well; as expected. She is reading at a level 20 which is typical for the beginning of second grade. Although this represents her reading level is does not represent her reading ability. Faith often reads from a higher level due to wanting to be challenged on reading but struggles to understand some of the words used. Her favorite stories are about puppies, fairies, or weird topics like Vampires don't need a computer or Werewolves don't go to school. She doesn't really like the endings to these types of stories. They leave her hanging and don't answer the question at hand....is the character a vampire or not. She likes it cut and dry with a set ending. Faith will read in her bed for 45 minutes or more each night until she is forced to go to sleep. She loves her books. Her teacher says that if they were to come to class and be told that they were going to sit and read all day, Faith would be so happy to spend her day that way. Her teacher told us that she has a great ability to understand math and explain her thought process on finding the answers to problems. She got all of her questions right on her evaluation test which tested her on place value, adding, subtracting, writing digits from the written number, writing new numbers from three numbers (ex. 5,7,1= 571, 157, 715). She has mastered 66 out of 100 addition problems on her five minute timed test. This was several weeks ago and as of last week she said she got through 80 or more problems. She moves on to subtraction next. Over Christmas break we are going to start working on times tables again so she is ahead of that when they are introduced in the spring. Faith continues to struggle in writing. She just doesn't like it or get excited about it. She is working on brainstorming characters, plots, and settings currently and will move forward as she works towards writing a story. Her current story is based on a place called Cupcake land. I can only guess what this story is going to bring about. Her spelling is good. She flip flops between regular spelling lists and challenge list each week. This last week she had the words spaghetti, confetti, exceed, freedom, brief, and other words that have a e sound in them. She got them all right. Faith really makes Bud and I proud. She is really going to grow up to do something special.

Thumb guard

It is time for Faith to move on from sucking her thumb. What was cute when she was a baby and even a toddler, is now an addiction that she can't overcome on her own. She has an attachment to her Lamby and unfortunately her thumb is attached to her Lamby. The two go hand in hand with each other. For six and a half years the only way she has been able to go to sleep is with her thumb in her mouth. Although some nights are better than others, she has to have help in order to overcome this habit. Her permanent teeth are now coming in on the bottom and her top teeth are getting ready to come out here in a few weeks. This step is crucial for her. After pricing thumb guards and then passing out over the price, I examined my favorite one and decided to make a pattern for it and sew it myself. With a little help from Pa Pa and three tries later, I was able to replicate the HandAid thumb guard. The first night it went well however it fell in the toilet that morning as she took it off to go potty. That was exciting because she brought it to me and gave it too me while I was still in bed. "Mommy, here is my thumb guard. It fell in the toilet." Little did I know that it fell in the dirty toilet water. Night two was a little more difficult. She couldn't go to sleep. It took her over an hour to fall asleep and that was only after she removed it and sucked her thumb. Night three, Lamby came back to bed with her but also did the threat of yucky talcom powder on her thumb. I told her that if she was not willing to work with me and stop the thumb sucking for a month than she would get some yucky stuff on her thumb in the middle of the night. So night three went well. The thumb stayed out of her mouth all night and Lamby was glad that she was back in bed with her best friend.

Tuesday night gym class

Tonight on the bars Faith was told by her coach that she and her friend would be the only ones competing on the bars at the meet this Saturday because they were tight on the bars and the routines looked pretty. Although this made her really excited to know, it was a tactic used by coaches to get the others to improve. I told her last night as she was telling me the story that whenever a coach tells you this she is only trying to get you to improve. She is using fear to get you to improve. I let her in on the secret that if she is signed up to go to a meet than it doesn't matter how bad she is performing because she will compete on every event. Only in the Olympics or college meets can a coach not allow you to compete. Personally if I would have been one of the other girls I would have felt terrible if my coach had told me this. So, I am  not excited about this technique used to make the girls feel like a loser. This coach in particular has a hard time with these level 4 girls and needs to coach another level permanently.

First meet of the season

Our home gym had a fun meet this last weekend. I had a feeling that Faith would not be ready for the travel meet due to the fact that she is really young and not ready to compete yet so instead we boosted her confidence with a fun meet. This meet was great for her. She has learned to point her toes and straighten her legs on floor, complete her Level 4 dismount without any help on balance beam, keep her hands turned backwards on her mill circle on bars, and squeeze her butt to avoid piking on the vault. She was rewarded for her hard work with three blue ribbons and a red ribbon (on balance beam due to being shakey and scared). She will get better but she is scared of not winning anything at a meet. Last year it was all about learning the routines and doing all the skills. This year it is all about learning to straighten the legs, point the toes, cheer on teammates, and improve on the amount of deductions each time. She doesn't understand how routines are scored or that they even are scored, she just knows she needs to be better than the other girls in order to earn a ribbon, whatever the place. I hope this year will bring out a competitor in her and she learns about the sport. After this meet Andma Pat took us out to dinner at Big Boys, a favorite of hers. Pa Pa and her played the box in the bus game while the food was being prepared. She ordered a grilled cheese and fresh fruit. I was so proud of her; she passed on the french fries. Faith wore her team warmup in along with having it unzipped to show her leotard. She wore her medal around her neck and was just so proud of herself. I hope she has this feeling after every meet. It is sad to hear that she is scared to compete out of fear of failure. Failure is necessary in order to succeed.

Special visitors

Andma Pat and her friend Terry visited this last weekend. They do not stay very long, usually only one and one night. Andma Pat works two jobs and so she is incredibly busy. Faith loved playing the card game 500 with her. Bud taught her 500 and Yukor several months ago. She continues to practice and is getting better. I love seeing her win on her own without any help. Faith is really good at math and numbers. Her teacher told us that on her math test which evaluated her skills she has learned from the beginning of year, she got all of them right. Andma Pat also visited in order to see Faith at her first gymnastics meet of the year. Visting only one day makes it difficult to do anything together or fun but we are always happy that she comes to see us. She brought her Christmas presents also so our tree is looking happier.

Visit with Santa

Faith and Champ visited Santa last weekend but Faith wasn't too keen on the idea once we were there. I'd like to hope that she is excited about Santa bringing gifts here in about two weeks. I think that she was shy when sitting on his lap and Champ was right there with him. She refused to tell him anything knowing very well that he should already know because she wrote him a letter. He hadn't received it yet though when we visited him. Speaking of letter, Santa wrote her back. She doesn't know that it arrived yet but she will find out tonight when she tucks herself into bed. We included an envelope for him to mail a letter back. Santa must have the best job in the world making all the kids in the world so happy. This year Faith has asked for a stuffed cocker spaniel puppy just like the one she read about in her Puppy Place books, a high bar, and something else. I wasn't allowed to read the letter so I'm not quite sure everything else she wanted. I know she has wanted a high bar for two years so this doesn't surprise me. This year Pa Pa is going to build a bar for her room. Her room is getting renovated and turned into a play space. I hope it gets done in the next to two weeks but it will be a challenge. I am hoping for paint this weekend followed by the painting of the trees next weekend.

A time to give thanks...Thanksgiving

I am thankful to have had both my mom and dad here this year to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family. I am thankful to have them living nearby and seeing them almost daily. My life really is blessed by having them here. I hope that life has become a little happier for them since moving here although unexpected challenes have arose. I am thankful to have been able to try to stick my hand in the wrong hole of the turkey this year looking for the gizzards along with making grandma's homemade stuffing. I am thankful Faith like pumpkin pie this year although she needed alot of whipped topping to go with it. I am thankful that Bud was home and the kids were well behaved. I am thankful that Tucker helped with the cleaning up of the food on the floor so I didn't need to vacuum as much. I am thankful for each Sunday that my parents come over to eat family dinner together. It will be a tradition here as long as possible and I hope that Faith and Champ will grow up remembering all of the Sunday dinners with grandparents. I love this time of year but most of all I love being with my family.

Following Thanksgiving we moved right into Christmas mode as we set up the tree and played Christmas music. This time of year is by far my favorite as all the houses are lit up and everyone is so happy and willing to give. I am really beginning to enjoy seeing each of my kids take an understanding of holidays. Although this year the tree is set up in our cold sun room due to the puppy destroying everything he finds, we are sure to warm it up with some cheer. Faith decided that she should put on her ninja turtle outfit to decorate this year. Champ was a lion. I'm not sure whose idea this was but it was cute to see them both dressed up. Andma and Pa Pa donated their big tree to us since they no longer have room in their little apartment for it. It looks wonderful in the sun room with the tall ceilings and all. Faith's favorite part of decorating the tree was hanging the tinsel. She loved the sparkle that the tinsel gave.

Puppy love

Tucker waits for Faith every day after school. He sits and looks out the front window for her to come home. When she comes in the door he stands on his back legs and smothers her in kisses. I've never seen a dog love his owners as much as Tucker loves each of us. He runs to the van each morning and circles around as only a happy puppy can in hopes of being invited to drop off Faith at school. He whines and cries when she leaves. He really loves her. Every morning he wakes her up by running into her room and jumping on her. He quickly takes her stuffed toys and tries to escape the room without being caught. He knows he is going to get in trouble but that is half the fun. I have to admit, he is quite the little stinker. He will purposely bring me her Lamby and look at me saying, "Look what I have." Tucker eats breakfast with Faith, but not his food. He patiently waits for her to drop crumbs and quickly gobbles it up. I know she feeds him despite being told not to. Oh well. As expensive as he is to care for, I wouldn't have chose another dog to be in our family. He really is the best.

Bracelets for friends

Ever since the pajama party Faith has been hard at work making friendship bracelets. She loves choosing the colors out and different amounts to make a different looking bracelet. All the girls at school like them and ask her for them. She feels good to know that she has something they all like. Each day she comes home and tells me that another girl wants a bracelet and she likes these colors. So, she sits at the table and gets to work. I taught her how to make knot bracelets which are more complicated and then how to make V bracelets which are even more complicated. I remember making them when I was little too. It was always fun to share them with other girls.

Brownie pajama party

Faith's brownie troop went to a pajama party hosted by a girl scout troop earning their bronze award. Everyone had so much fun. I think what Faith enjoyed most was the cupcake. I wasn't there to see it but was told that she scarfed it down pretty quick. The girls made catnip mice for a local organization, made friendship bracelets, donated new pajamas to young children and teens, played bean bag toss and turned the lights off for a disco light dance party. I arrived just in time for this. Faith and I tore up the dance floor. Maybe me more than her. I can't say but I love dancing so that was my forte and better than a date night. Brownies is so much fun this year. Of course, I am co leader with Kaitlyn's mom, Cary, being leader. We have come together pretty good and are enjoying being with the girls. In two weeks the girls will finish up their first journey which results in four badges being earned and a community service activity being implemented. Faith is the only one from her school to be in this troop. The other girls all go to school together but I feel that Faith is included in the group. She just couldn't make it to Brownies here on the island with her gymnastics schedule. I can't wait for the next few months. We have so many fun activities and badge earning opportunities coming up. Also, cookie sales start in three weeks.

A day at the mall

I look back upon the month of November and realize that I didn't have one post. I suppose it due to busy schedules however it is no excuse. I sat over and looked at Faith tonight as she read blog book part 1 tonight in bed. She will finish by the end of the week if she decides she likes it. I had better get caught up on this part. November brought many family activities. We started off with a  fun trip to Auburn Hills where we went to Bass Pro Shop, the carosuel, tot playland, and the Disney store. I love this mall. It is so open and big that Bud and I can usually wear out both kids in just a few hours. Faith really enjoys the monstrous fish tank at the Pro Shop. There is even a concave window in which she can sit in and feel like she is in the fish tank. There are taxidermy animals everywhere. The big black bear was a favorite this time around as he really looked real. Faith was amazed at how big in size he was. After walking the mall for an hour or more we made our way back for lunch in the courtyard. Today's choice was pizza. It amazes me at the serving sizes for people nowadays. A serving of pizza is three slices. Lunch was good but what Faith looked forward to most was the play area. This area is a germ infested area just waiting for some more sickness to come in. In case you can't tell, I hate these types of play areas. However Faith had a good time climbing over the rubber climbing areas and crawling through the tunnels. There was a giant hotdog and bun to climb on, ladybugs, and cupcakes. We finished off the morning with a  ride on the carosuel. Faith was excited knowing that she could ride by herself. Today she chose not to ride on a typical horse, she rode on a spinning teacup. By the time that ride was over I'm not sure how she could still manage to walk. I was dizzy just looking at her. The mall is definitely a cheap outting for the kids.