Children ages 3-5

This is a typical "preschool" age group. The 5 year olds are at an age where they are so independent. They are willing to venture out on their own, making friends, and making their own choices and exploring their atmosphere. The 4's are at the point where they are ready to make friends but are still learning the process of social development. They are competent to usually control their words and actions and have come to the point of knowing that their behavior effects others. Then there are the 3 year olds. Yes the three's. What makes this age so fascinating is that one minute they are the sweetest snuggle bugs, and then the next they are quiet little instigators in a catostrophic classroom breakdown. And strangly enough, this is my favorite age to work with. Why? I'm beginning to wonder. So I examine myself.
1. They love to sit on your lap during a story time.
2. They're fascinated with songs and music.
3. When you come through the door in the morning they run to you with hugs yelling "Miss Kelly!"
4. Most are really curious and eager to learn at this age.
5. They love messy art and don't care about paint on their clothes.
6. They're language is still developing, so you get things like "tookie" and "yogoot" or "pincess"
7. They love when you get down on the floor to play with them.

These are just some of the things I love...but in the very next moment...Hailey strangles Audrey, Christopher pushes Matt, G.G. throws a tantrum, Katie won't wipe her snotty nose, Aaron pee's on the blocks, Gavin and Jordan ignore your directions, Sophia pulls a friends blanket, Audrey bites Hailey's arm, Devon scratches Ryan's neck, Savannah won't share, Ryan throws a block, Audrey pulls out Hailey's hair, and Alyssa steps on Matt's fingers. Wow. This was my classroom this week. It's amazing that I only get a 10 minute break in the morning. 17 three year olds in one classroom should be illegal. Especially with that many personalities....

Yet in my heart I know that sometimes the most difficult children to love, are the ones that need it the most.

It is sad and yet not surprising that this video is trying to be banned for a lack of "political correctness"

Brussels Griffon Search!

Ok I am on the look out for anyone who owns or knows someone who owns a Brussels Griffon Terrier. They're not that popular of a breed but I am looking to put a collection of photos together, along with clips about their owners! Please let me know! Or pass my contact information along!

SOCK FIGHT!!!

Growing up Dad started a crazy yet hysterical activity called sock fight. My brothers and I always participated in this with Dad whenever Mom was away from the house. We had a box of old socks, you know the ones that are missing a match? well we had a perfect use for them. I can remember being 10 years old and defending myself from the "wicked one" (usually 2 or 3 socks stuffed in one). And tonight....it all flooded back, and I realized, you're never too old to have a sock fight with Dad :)

Ok so tonight Dad began his annoying little poking and pestering and Mom told him to go outside and get rid of some energy (I think the Christmas cookies we made had waaay too much sugar for him) So he walked down the hallway.... then out of the clear blue I get hit with a stuffed turtle dog toy. He retreated to his room, and as I ran in to get him back and what flew at me? A massive wicked one. I'm talking 4 socks stuffed into one...and THUD hit me right on the side. I fell to the floor in laughter.

The fight was on.

I ran back to my room and made as many sock bombs as I could before slinking down the hallway... meanwhile Mom is in the office calling out things like "don't break anything" or "Your gonna hurt yourself" and Molly and Abbey couldn't figure out what to chase! I cornered him on the stairs and let him have it. My entire family can attest to the fact that I am a horrible aim, I try to block while throwing. This is where I lose, because I end up with everything back at me before I can get them all out of my hands!

Well about 30 minutes later neither one of us could stand from laughing so hard and we collapsed on the couch just in time for Ruth our next door neighbor calling to ask if she could come over with her Christmas cookies...we had to quickly compose ourselves before answering the door!

So ends the battle for the evening...although we aren't sure where half our sock bombs are...I do have 2 sitting here, waiting to be thrown, whenver Dad leasts expects it.

Julie Baraichi Photography

My good friend Julie is a photographer. She has an eye for framing, loves the joy of photographing people, but most of all, kids. She recently did a photo shoot for me for Christmas and took some with me and Josh and of course me and Molly. I wanted to share some of those, as well as some of her other photos. Check out her website, there is a link to the right to her site!


And here are a few of her other photos.....

Prayers for our Soldiers

This is my dear friend and fellow brother in Christ, who is currently overseas in Afghanistan. I received an email from him this morning from a German camp, and was able to get online to send me a quick email. I was glad to hear from him, and immediately bowed my head to pray for him. And I was convicted. How many troops of ours are still "fighting" overseas, and how often have I prayed for them? Rarely, if never. Join me in keeping our troops in our prayers, as well as my friend Sean. If you are encouraged or led to write to him, contact me and I can give you his email address or mailing address!

Love

I've experienced a lot of different kind of "love" in my life. I loved my 3rd grade crush, he was so cute and funny, I'd make him chase me around the playground in order to kiss me, though I never would let him. In junior high, I was this awkward, permed hair, with glasses, freak that started to fall in love with the cutest boy at the school, though he didn't even know I existed. High school rolled around and I loved my boyfriend. He was my best friend and we spent so much time together.

As time went on, I married a man I loved. When that fell apart, it took me a while to love again. I found another best friend, goofy and fun, whom I loved. I then started to just give up on loving. Then in my mid twenties, I found myself loving someone more then I thought I could. But there was just one problem. The same problem since 3rd grade. It was all wrong. I have loved. I love with all my heart, not half heartedly, and with each love I learned what love was not.

Love isn't watching your crush walk away to another elementary school without saying goodbye, love isn't a note in passing in the hallway then flirting with other girls, and its not choosing drugs and partying over your girl. Love isn't making someone feel they have no right to feel, or have emotions, and love is certainly not ignoring the aches of a tender heart.

I've loved. But it wasn't until now, at 26 that I have learned what love truly is.

Love is saying good morning each day, saying good night with a kiss and a hug. It's a trust that couldn't be broken. It works, its practical, and yet its romantic and fun. Love is holding hands while watching a movie, and feeling safe. Love is being assured that no matter what, I'm loved, and accepted, quirks, emotions, bad habits and all. It's late night giggles over something that's only funny past 10pm, or long stem roses just because. Its picturing for the first time, someone you could have a family with, and be with every day, brushing your teeth side by side. It's patience and kindness, taking time to listen and understand. Growing and changing, serving and respecting. And so much more...but above all, love is knowing that God Himself brought it together.

Josh, I love you. Truly.