Reading Lessons

My camera is currently out of commission, but I promise to someday post pictures again. Life has been pretty hectic around here. I started my first week of classes and teaching. I am currently making lesson plans, taking a full load of classes, and preparing a research grant proposal. I am at the point where I am asking myself, "What are you doing?!?" But I know that in a few weeks I will get into a rhythm and it will all be ok. On the plus side, last semester was the fastest four months of Dan's residency so far! I am hoping that the next three semesters of chaos will make residency just fly by :)

I am currently trying to teach Grace and David to read. I have the book "Teaching Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons." Have any of you ever used it? I would say the lessons are easy for me to teach, but not always so easy for the kids to learn. They are both doing pretty well. It is kind of hilarious because they both have entirely different strengths and weaknesses. They are about as different as two kids can be in their learning approaches. It's fun to watch them figure things out, and to learn more about their personalities as I watch them approach this difficult task. I keep reminding them that this is probably the coolest thing they will ever learn (I may be a little biased.) Grace keeps telling me she doesn't want to do it because it is hard. I am glad that I can tell her about the hard things I am learning in school and remind her that we all do hard things, and it's ok to mess up sometimes.

One thing I have definitely been reminded of during this process: I was not meant to be an elementary school teacher! I have very little patience, and so admire those who can do this every day, all day. I am working on it, but oh boy. So, I am looking for some supplementary materials to make this process a little more exciting. Any ideas? Does anyone have any very early reading books to recommend?

Things not to say to your kids

Dan and I have a little book where we keep cute family stories, particularly funny things that the kids have said. Many of you may have seen some of the entries in our "Year in Quotes." Here is a little quote from Mommy...(which will not be featured in the book.)
"You don't have to wear underwear. I go without underwear all the time!" Heather yells in exasperation as she tries to herd the family down to the pool, complete with warm clothes to change into, after 30 minutes of trying to get everyone and their stuff rounded up. I don't know where that came from or how it slipped out, but I have a feeling it might come back to haunt me someday.

Thanksgiving in DC

I finally got a hold of Dan's camera. So here are a few of our pictures from the wonderful Thanksgiving we spent in DC with Dan's sister Natalie and her family.

The kids at one of the Smithsonians

Charlotte snoozing.

Lunch at the mall

David playing a game.

Faith helping with the dishes.

Relaxing after a fantastic dinner.

Grandpa Tom and Faith.

The kids preparing to feast!



All ready!


Natalie and Heather, hard at work in the kitchen.

As promised, pics from Boston