Our new pet

This afternoon, I was in the kitchen with Tanner helping him with his book report. All of a sudden we heard this loud bang against the window. It was a very familiar sound, the sound of a bird flying into our window. This happens fairly often at our house - we believe it is due to the fact that our windows are huge and cover the entire back side of the house. Tanner commented that it was probably a bird, but still went over to the window to investigate. Sitting just outside on the step was a little cockatiel. He said to me, "Mom, that bird looks like the cockatoos we saw in Australia". I, of course, didn't really believe him. So off I went to see for myself. There sat this adorable cockatiel. I went out, picked him up and the kids were hooked. We fed him some birdseed and the kids made a little cage out of Annika's doll pack-n-play. The kids named him/her Pippi, made a few FOUND flyers with a picture of Pippi (although they are secretly hoping no one claims their new pet). Now we are wondering what to do.....

My white-haired boy

My firstborn, white-haired boy, is such a great kid. Now anyone who knows him knows that he is not an easy child, nor has he been easy to raise thus far. He is intense, determined, mischievious and craves attention. He LOVED being an only child for the short time that he was one. After the twins were born, he truly became the naughtiest little boy ever. It is a good thing he is so cute! However, I have managed to break his spirit.... (out of necessity), and turn him into a reasonable citizen. With that said, I want to mention that the decorative pillow he made me for my birthday is beautiful and probably the best gift I have ever received. And here is the Mother's Day poem he wrote for me:

Mom

Her Sky blue eyes,

and high happy laugh,

makes me want to

sing and dance.

Her small soft face

and wavy nose

makes me smile,

she is:

Meaningful

On top of everything

Magical

But most of all,

very fun. Oh how I love this boy.

Piano recital

The kids take piano lessons and recently played in a piano festival and a piano recital. It is so fun to see the progress they make as well as see them enjoy playing. Tanner is actually getting quite good and will soon surpass me (which isn't too difficult, they get their musical talent from their dad & grandpa). Annika loves to play and is very dedicated. Arik is probably the most naturally gifted of them all (very nice for him since many things are so much work!). Here are a few pictures of them with their teacher, Corinne, and playing at their recital.

Books, books, books

I am not sure how successful my mothering has been thus far, but I do feel like I have seen the light at the end of the tunnel in one area - reading. I started reading books to my kids the day I brought them home from the hospital. I would show them pictures and let them drool on, touch, and even eat the pages of books. I LOVE to read and so wanted all of them to love reading as well. Tanner & Annika both loved to read early and it came easily to them. Arik was a little different story. His letters were often jumbled and I worried that reading would be a chore instead of a love. Recently, he found what he likes to read and it has paid off - all he ever wants to do now is read (or play sports, of course). Thank you Calvin & Hobbes.

So, Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers who dream that their children will love reading as much as they do!