SportBall

Matthew admiring Samuel's ribbon.

Samuel was first to cross the field, run around the perimeter, catch the "donuts".

Renee's "participation".

Riding Horses post-haircut

Conversations

In the morning, we let the kids watch TV while we get ready.

Renee: I want to watch Barney
Matthew: I want to watch Supe Ero Sqad (super hero squad)
Me: you have to agree, talk to each other about what you both want to watch. (This usually works with one of them changing their minds)
Renee, sweet as pie: Matthew, want to watch Barney?
Matthew: No, I want to watch Supe Ero Sqad
Renee: Mami, Matthew's not talking to me.

The quest for a family picture

We have, maybe 2 pictures of the 5 of us. So when I got an on-line coupon for a photo shoot and prints I booked a session right away. I choose white shirts and jeans for everyone to wear (and argued with 4 family members to get their compliance). Brushed hair, washed faces, cleaned nosed, socks matched, all looking good. Until we went to the studio. Renee look one look around went into the corner and repeated, between tears, "no pictures, no smiles, no people". She warmed up half an hour later but by then Samuel had reached his limit and did "spy eyes" (when he pulls his eye lids down so the bottom of his eyeballs are visible) for most shots. Within 20 minutes of the end of the shoot, they called to offer a complimentary re-shoot.

We booked the reshoot, but had to cancel due to Matthew's black eye. I had the idea to let the kids wear pajamas to the shoot and choose colour coordinated ones. But when the day of the re-shoot arrived, and no one wanted to wear the pre-selected pajamas, I focused on the desire for a picture of happy kids and not matching clothes with "no smile" and "spy eyes". Want to wear those pajamas, wear those pajamas, they don't match? Doesn't matter, you don't want to brush your hair, that's ok. And red socks, of course.

Fathers Day 2011

One Friday morning

The kids at Samuel's school are encouraged to wear white shirts on Shabbat (Friday). i try to do the same with Matthew and Renee, usually to no avail. Except this one Friday a few week back :)

Samuel is proudly holding pictures from his recent trip to Ottawa.