Critter Chronicles
The Critters
Brenna Bits: On Sickness and On Hair
She’s been sick for a week now, my Brenna. She awoke early last Thursday morning nauseous and vomiting, so I kept her home from school that day. And then again on Friday. And yesterday, Wednesday. If she hadn’t had Monday off for Presidents Day, and Tuesday for a teacher workday, and today for a snow … Continue reading
One Bite: Week Seven
Bite Number 41: Create A Chore System That Works For The Whole Family As with quite a few of the ‘Bites’ in this book, this was something I had planned to do before I purchased the book, and it just works out for me that I can use this as one of my tasks this … Continue reading
Second Grade Performance
I love Brenna’s school. In addition to providing what I consider to be a high quality academic education, they stress citizenship and character in their students, as well as promoting the equality of all. In honor of Black History Month the second grade had been preparing an evening concert in tribute of six lesser-known but … Continue reading
Karate Kid, Part 3
Back when we lived in Okinawa, Brenna began taking karate lessons the summer before beginning kindergarten. She practiced the martial art for nine months, testing first for her yellow belt and later for a second stripe on that belt. (I’ll wait while you read those posts and look at the pictures and weep with me … Continue reading
DIY: Rainbow Crayons
Those of you who know me may know that I’m not a huge fan of the holiday that occurs today. I find it silly to set aside a single day of the year to profess one’s love for another, and even sillier that kids are brought into the hype and expected to participate in what … Continue reading
Eating My Words
I had a parent-teacher conference at Anthony’s preschool yesterday. It was… good. And important. For the record, I think communication between parents and teachers is incredibly important and should never be underestimated. But I’ve never needed these conferences before because Brenna has been an exemplary student all along, at the top of her class and … Continue reading
On Manipulation, with BONUS! Recipe: Toast Ouef
He calls me Mama now, instead of Mommy. I don’t know when he decided to make this switch, but I simultaneously love/hate it, because I’ve been Mommy for the past eight years and fully intend to never allow my children to call me Mom. It’s just not who I am, mostly because at thirty-one-and-a-half I … Continue reading
Video: Ant’s Karate Showcase
Anthony had his mid-season showcase for his karate class last week, and I’m continually amazed at how different my children are from each other. And also at how different boys are from girls. And what a difference a few years makes in terms of being able to sit still. And listen. This video is longer … Continue reading
Video: Gymnastics – An 18 Month Update
The Critters’ gym is having their midway showcase for the season this week; Brenna’s was last night. She’s been taking gymnastics at this non-competitive facility for eighteen months now. When she started her classes at the beginner’s level she could do a partial cartwheel and a forward roll. And now, a year and a half … Continue reading
Ready, Set, Kindergarten
Last year, right around this time, I was freaking out about The Critters’ next steps in school. In the past twelve months I’ve chilled out some; Brenna very successfully transitioned back into a classroom and loves it. Anthony went on to do three mornings a week at his preschool, and loves it. You’d think I’d … Continue reading
