My kids are growing up

Now that Gabriel is nearing seven years old, we can expect him to have more responsibilities around the home. He has had his morning and bedtime routines to maintain for years now and some things we ask him to do as part of the family, but have created a chore chart for him to conduct above and beyond these things in order to earn some allowance money.

Giselle seemed to go from grunting and pointing to talking in phrases practically overnight. Now she speaks in full sentences such as "Mommy, I eat now."

She loves singing her ABC's and can point out many letters....she even read the word Zebra last night, but she might be associating the letter Z with the name Zebra.

Here she is singing them at the piano. I love the "Elmo" P and the "Double X" parts and how soulful she gets towards the end.

Learning through play

Recently inspired by another blog site with a handful of moms who contribute fun ideas to do with your kids as a way of learning through play, we created these squishy bags. Instead of gel, I used corn syrup and instead of neon glitter we used food sprinkles. They mixed nicely together. Realized we didn't need that much syrup so created more bags. Next time I'll use larger bags as it may be easier to draw letters and more shapes. But these were fun.

What's in a name?

They say a name carries with it distinct meaning and importance. Which is why when it came to naming our first born son, I prayed to be led to select just the right one. "His name will be Gabriel" came to me very peacefully and clearly. We absolutely love it. It's beautiful, it means, "man of God" and doesn't reflect a person, but an angel of God. Yet, I still wish I had a sweet, endearing pet name for my son to call him on occasion. The only one we've used other than "baby" is "The Tornado" which to my dismay backfired when he started "acting" out this nickname on purpose. I know these things are supposed to come naturally, but it's been almost seven years and nothing yet.

Not the same for my daughter. We too love her name of Giselle Helena. Which of course we'll use the full name when she is being naughty – that's easy. And the nicknames all came easily too...
Gisellie - given by Gabriel
Gisellie Belly Boo Boo - given by Shawna
Gisellie Bean - given by her daddy
Jelly Bean
Lovebug
Ladybug
Zell Bell
Zellie

Gabe is the obvious one that some folks call him. I don't correct them, but it's not on my radar for him. Do I need to pray in a nickname too? (just kidding) Should I not worry about it knowing Gabriel is a beautiful name? Any suggestions?

What's up with the Petts?

What's up with the 2 year old?
My darling daughter has made me so happy and proud two nights in a row. Last night, allow me to mark the date July 13, 2011 (28 months old) she decided it was time. Time to go potty like a big girl that is. I tried potty training her before and gave up thinking she wasn't ready so we backed way off and prayed that God would have her train herself since she was already introduced to the idea. What a special treat when God answers prayer. We heard some noise in the bathroom so I went to check on her. She moved the stool in front of the toilet and placed the seat ring and sat down. We all heard the tinkle and I got to see how her face changed from one of curiosity to delight when we all praised her. The night before, after reading some bedtime stories and snuggling while putting her to bed. I laid down with her and she said, "Mama, me happy." I'm still melting over how sweet that is. We don't get many affirmations as parents, but that certainly was one, if any, that we must be doing something right. She's turned a corner with talking as well – speaks more phrases and more clearly. It's so cute how she calls Gabriel "brother". She'll say, "Mama, what is brother doing?" She probably wants to know so she can be doing it, too...whatever it is. She copies everything he does. She's getting a little more hair, but still won't allow me to put a bow or make a ponytail just yet. She loves to dance, in fact, we all have been enjoying watching the T.V. show, "So You Think You Can Dance?" I wonder if a preschool ballet class is in our future or if I will teach her? She is one tough cookie, just like her dad. She can crash and instead of crying (or screaming like "brother") she just kind of whines and says "Mama, boo boo." I still need to get her left earring fixed. She's pulled it out and I've been waiting for it to completely heal and will just get it pierced again. For now, we'll just call her "Pirate Zellie".

Here she is wearing daddy's flip-flops, using his cell phone while cheesing it up for the camera.

What's up with the 6 year old?
Gabriel just finished golf camp for the summer. We're trying to decide which activity he'll be doing come fall. Whether it be tennis, soccer, swimming or more golf. We can only afford one right now. Decided to take it to prayer since I can't decide. I'm sure it will be fine whatever we choose. I'm realizing I worry way too much about things. And, we still need to find a piano teacher. Gabriel is a happy kid who likes to be active so he'll be happy no matter what. He's still cracking me up. The other day at Chick-fil-A, we saw a person dressed as a cow and he remarks, "Holy Cow!" And, he understands the pun. My dad passed away ten years ago on July 11th so I stated "Today is the anniversary of my dad's death." Gabriel exclaims, "Can we have a party?" That kid is so social - anything to get together with friends and celebrate. He had been begging to come to work with me. He says so he can be with me but also so he can visit my work friends. I see more and more of me in him and am seeing more of Jimmy in Giselle.

Here's Gabriel with his friend Lydia for "Cow Appreciation Day"

The Daddy?
Jimmy still seems to be in constant pain due to his intestines. Because of it, he can be short and generally grumpier than I'd prefer, but we all make the best of it. I feel really sorry for him making all these wonderful meals for the kids and me and he can't partake most of the time. He's just finished working on the porch, building new hand rails and it looks marvelous! I'm worried about his dad and aunt who are both 93 years old and nearing the end of their life here on earth. We're trying to plan a trip to Detroit to see them in the very near future.

Working on our new porch railings

And the Mommy?
I'm making unsuccessful attempts at working out and losing weight, but at least I'm trying. I got to catch up with an old high school girlfriend over lunch which was incredibly fun. For splinters of a moment, I felt like a teenager again. Other than that, I work full-time, homeschool Gabriel at night along with my every other Friday's off from work. As long as I'm planning the next big thing, I'm happy. Right now, it's a trip to Detroit followed by Gabriel's 7 year old birthday party. Somewhere in there, I want to get the house organized. Otherwise, I may as well sign us up for one of these ever so popular reality T.V. shows about home makeovers or hoarders.

My high school friend Janice and me