wow, May just flew by!

This is starting to become a bad habit. Blogging last month in summary at the beginning of the new month. Where did May go? I worked, I completed my ACLS certificate (100% on the written!) I worked some more... Playgroup, farm visit, walk-a-thon, Kite flying, playing at the park and having picnics... going through all our extra 'stuff' and pulling out things to sell at a yard sale or pass on to other moms (to be). Laundry, housework, de-cluttering, more laundry... I washed and scrubbed the outside of my house yesterday too! I guess it can be summed up as a month of spring cleaning. And I only have about half of my 'to do' list crossed off!

Highlight of the month was several forest fires that burned near our area. The one on the settlement scorched a large area but missed all the houses. There were some campers and sheds and cars that were lost, but no homes PTL! I understand that the Caslan Volunteer FD was responsible for the area around the Rodeo grounds. As you can see from some of my pictures, the grounds are still standing! They did a great job of protecting the buildings in that area. The line where the fire was halted was only about 10 metres from the stands. When we drove through the settlement, there were several areas where fire had scorched all around and between several houses, yet they remained unscathed. Already, new shoots of grass are poking through and things are loosing that blackened look.

Evelyn and Ethan are starting to play really well together. She invites him into her room and gives him a role to play in her game. He doesn't always understand what she wants him to do, but he loves that she is playing with him. She has been sharing her toys more willingly and will tolerate Ethan playing downstairs with her.

They gave a little tea party for me the other day. Evelyn set a few bits of 'food' on the table and Ethan brought over some cups. "Ethan is bringing us some tea. Thank you Ethan!" He then brought over some plates, "Thank you for the plates Ethan, now come and sit down so we can eat." "Mmm, good tea Ethan, would you like some food?" He took the offered plastic grapes and proceeded to 'eat' them. Meanwhile, I am sitting there, amazed at the level of play that is going on. When did they start doing this? I love it! Maybe peaceful co-habitation is in my future!

Ethan is doing more signs, more consistently, and says a few more words. So, language is coming along. He loves to sing and will pick up a tune really quickly and hum it by himself. I can usually recognize what he is humming. He has made up one hum that reminds me of "PeeWee's playhouse" where 'PeeWee' sang "Connect the dots, La La LaLa" It is so cute to listen to him.

Evelyn is becoming more caring toward others. She is like a little nurse right now. If someone is sick she'll say "Oh, we need to get them a blanket and a drink to make them feel better". She likes to give us back and shoulder massages, and asks "Does that feel nice? Do you like it?"

When she enters a room with people she does not know, she immediately goes to them and introduces herself. "Hi, my name is Evelyn! What's your name?" If they are young, she'll then ask "Do you want to play?" Most kids are totally taken aback and stand there dumbly (not speaking) while they watch Evelyn have a blast all by herself. I think she could be listed under a dictionary explanation of Extroverted Sanguine! Friends are so important to her! If someone comes to our door, she will answer it "Hi! Welcome to my home, will you please come in? Do you want to see my kitchen?" Her diction is getting so clear that anyone can understand over 80% of what she says.

They have both been testing boundaries the last week or so. Fun. (not really). I am getting tired of constantly having to reaffirm the rules. But, if I cave, then they gain all the power. That is not the way it should be, so, I keep correcting, and hoping they'll give up soon ;-P

Ryan just reminded me that this week marks our 10 year anniversary of starting to date. 10 years!!!!! That can't be right! I'm not that old...am I? So, a date day in the city is planned for Saturday!

Anyway, here are some pictures of the kids. And a video at the bottom of the page.

Here is Ethan's pics in review:

And Evelyn's pics in review:

Scroll over a picture to see the caption.

To upload any pics visit:

http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg163/BevCracknell/



This video is the whole month in under 5 minutes! There is even a tantrum in there for Sarah to enjoy ;-P