Oh ya...they started school

I should be ironing all of Adam's shirts right now--and there are a lot of shirts--but instead I am sitting in front of the computer trying to decide where to start my game of "catch up" with the blog. However, can I first say that it is funny what I consider a great accomplishment these days. For example, I really want to give myself a pat on the back for the things I accomplished between 3:30 and 7pm today. I picked Grace up from school downtown, came back home and walked to the bus stop to meet Grant (yes, they both started school in August even though you wouldn't know about it since I NEVER blog), we then came home for a quick potty break and a snack and then headed to the playground. After that we collected leaves for Grant's "homework" (assignments I give him each night), came home and completed the "homework", did some art work--Grace used herself as a canvas...good times, made dinner, ate, had dessert, bathed all 3 kids, read books, sang songs and had them all in bed by 7. Oh and throw in--fed baby--a few times during that time period as well. I know, big deal, right? To me, it is a big deal so excuse me for a moment while I give myself that pat on the back I mentioned...

First day of school

Anyway, I guess I will start playing "catch up" by posting some pictures from the kids first day of school. Grant is really enjoying kindergarten although he often tells me he isn't learning much, hence the "homework".

Also, he is reading like a champ! He loves to read scriptures with us in the morning and is constantly trying to find books or signs or the newspaper to read as well.

He also loves to draw and write. I love how he spells things. When we tell him how it is spelled correctly, he always asks "Why?" Good question buddy...I think 5 year olds should have decided how to spell words because the way Grant spells words makes much more sense!

Grant with his buddies Hayden and Tripp

I really am so proud of Grant and how well he is doing. He is a little smarty pants.

First day of school

Grace also LOVES school. She loves to carry around the pictures of her classmates (there are only 7 total in her class). We are so blessed to have her at such a wonderful special needs school

Her teachers tell me that she is recognizing some shapes and colors! They also say that she uses her signs one on one but she will not sign or make any sounds during group time. She will make sounds during lunch though. She supposedly has little "conversations" with her friends. I wish I could be a fly on the wall.

She is also learning to communicate using the iPad. Oh how I wish I had the money to buy one and to buy the $180 app that she uses. When I went in to meet with her teachers last week, they showed me how she communicates with it and I was almost in tears...if she continues to learn how to use it, she will be able to communicate with people other than me, Adam and Grant! That would be a great thing.

This is what she does when you tell her to say "Cheese"

My favorite part of the day is when I get to go and pick her up. I LOVE to see all of those special little kids come walking around the corner from the playground. It is hard to explain the joy it brings me. They are so easy going. They are usually all looking around in different directions, staring at the sky or the trees, or their own hand, while they hold on tight to the rope their teacher is holding and leading them with. I love that Grace is in her own little world, sucking on her tongue, and then all of a sudden she sees me and gets a big smile and comes running towards me. Pure joy I tell you!

Sorry it is sideways

And we can't forget Amelia Jane. She is loads of fun and is surviving all of Grace's "beatings". Let just say, she will be one tough cookie.

Alright, I've got to stop typing and get up and iron those shirts because I am pretty sure they aren't going to iron themselves!