Pre-School Celebration

Devin's class (minus 2 kids) singing "I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee...."

A rose for all the Mommies!

4 Generations!! My grandmother, My Mother, Me, and Devin!

Devin and his Godmother, Erin (aka Aiyah)

Devin and the beloved Miss Emily! We will definitely miss being in Miss Emily's class. We have had a great year with her and think she's awesome!

And off to the 4/5 year old class he goes!
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Karate/Behavior Update

We have had some really nice days with Devin since Tuesday. Each day getting progressively better. By the time we got to Karate on Friday, Devin couldn't wait to see Mr. N.

"I've been a good boy!" he happily told Mr. N.

Hooraaaaayyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Emotions on My Sleeve

I must have had the "PLEASE HELP ME" look on my face today!

Devin and I were the first to arrive to karate class today. As we entered, the owner (Mr. N.) was standing by the door and asked how Devin was doing. "Has Devin been listening at home Mom?" he said, as if I had called him up ahead of time and prepped him for this conversation.

When I said that Devin had not be listening/respectful he asked Devin what was going on. Devin, of course, did not want to answer him. Mr. N. asked us into his office and Devin tried to hide behind me. I did not let him, and neither did Mr. N. A nice conversation followed. Mr. N. spoke to Devin about respect and listening. The same things that I say, but now it was coming from someone who is not Mommy or Daddy.

Mr. N. also has the power to withhold belt promotion. Devin is due to test for a yellow stripe belt for promotion at the end of June. Behavior and respect are just as much a part of this as karate skill.

I knew I would like this karate thing!

It's True What They Say

Terrible Twos
Trying Threes
Effin Fours


Just sayin'.

Four

I was looking up the word "four" and came across this interesting definition:

The phrase "four-letter word" is used to describe most swear words in the English language, as most swear words do indeed possess four letters.

I think that this definition is most appropriate for the age of four. Not that my 4 year old swears, but he sure makes me want to!! I love the age of 4 for so many reasons: ability to reason, understand, and negotiate, can play games like Yahtzee Jr, Chutes and Ladders, etc and be a part of something larger (karate/swim class/pre-school) while asserting his independence and skills. Devin is learning more and more everyday!

The independence also makes me want to scream sometimes! Devin wants to do everything himself, no matter what. Unless he doesn't feel like it. Then he wants Mommy to do it (get him dressed, put on his shoes). He tests and tests- particularly with his mouth. We have heard so much back-talk and "freshness" lately. Such an attitude that I think a teenager lives in our house. Devin tends to think he is the boss!!

Is this normal 4 year old behavior? I have no idea. I tend to think it is...others have told me similar stories about their children. But I do know one thing, the buck stops here Pal! We are not letting Devin get away with any of it. It will only get worse if we don't do something now. Yikes!

Time out here comes Devin!

Brave Enough

Devin just became brave enough to jump in the pool. He is even putting his face into/under water now! Boy, how much they grow in a year's time!

Wordless Wednesday~ Buddies