Political Season

Sorry, no political rants this year- my positions haven't changed over the past four years, so what I said then still remains the same.  I will say that I can't wait for it to be over.

But I have realized this year how much I influence my children's view of politics.  Which is funny because I honestly don't remember my parents ever talking about politics.  I was at least in high school before I determined which side of the aisle my parents were on- and I was grateful that it was the same as mine, since it eliminated the need for a new conflict.  But I digress, I'm writing about my children...

Grace is addicted to TV.  She will watch whatever is on- even the news.  So she watches the news with me.  Four years ago she was only four and I remember even then she wanted the same candidate as me.  They had a mock election in her class last month, after which she and her friends discussed politics at the lunch table!  Once, recently, I had to correct her when she tried to deface a Newsweek picture of the President.  I explained to her that regardless of who we want to win, that the office of the President of the United States deserves respect.  I don't agree with his policies, I told her, but he is still a man who loves his family and is trying to do what he thinks is right.  He is a person, and that in itself deserves respect.  Hopefully she heard the bigger lesson that I was trying to teach- disagreement does not have to mean disrespect. 

But I can't begrudge her what she did this morning.  There was a pile of junk mail out- ready to go into recycling.  She saw a familiar face on the top and got very excited.   She grabbed it, as well as the one underneath it and ran them upstairs to her room.  When I put Violet down for a nap, I happened to glance over to Grace's picture holder on her wall.

There are two pictures of Mitt Romney on my eight year old's wall.

I just can't hep but to laugh.

She has a Record Now...

I got a call from the assistant principal this afternoon letting me know that Liliana was written up last Friday for throwing rocks at another student.  Yeah.  I asked if it was intentional, and she said that it seems that way- it was a substitute that wrote it up, so she couldn't easily follow up.  She had to call Liliana to the office today to discuss how we treat others and what is and is not appropriate behavior.

On a lighter note, the assistant principal said she had a hard time disciplining her because she was so cute and funny.  Liliana told her that when her three year old sister hits her, she has to do squats.  Ms. Kazemi had to ask what those were and Liliana proceeded to show her.  It's a good thing she knows what they are because she might be doing some when she gets home.

* So, we had a good chat about not throwing rocks and she was informed about her punishment.  (She says that she threw the rocks because she was afraid.  Not sure if that's true or it just sounds good- either way I told her she needs to find a teacher next time instead.)  She cried, she wanted loves, and then she went to get a snack. 

NOW, she is making a picture for the assistant principal because Liliana thinks she is nice.  Hmmmm... interesting response to being sent to the office... not sure how to take this....

Apple Eater

It's apple season! I love it when the prices drop in the fall and I can buy bags of fresh apples for cheap. Which I did today. Sadly, they didn't last very long. As I was unloading groceries from the car Violet found the bag of apples and proceeded to eat them; well, eat one or tow bites from one apple, and then do the same to another apple, and another (till about 5 or 6). Too bad my kids don't like apple desserts- I could make some apple cobbler or something...

You've been X'ed

Ah the joys of raising girls- where insults are more painful than punches.

The new insult in our house is being X'ed. It's quite traumatic. Moira was just explaining to me before quiet time that Liliana had X'ed her this morning and that she would have to X her this afternoon. I asked her if that would make Liliana sad. She matter of a factly answered "Yes."

They even try to use it on us (the parents). For example:

Moira: Daddy, you need to stop saying that or I am going to X you.

(Daddy says whatever he was saying again.)

Moira: Ok, Daddy, I am X-ing you. (She proceeds to draw an X in the air with her finger. Moira adds an extra "something" by squinting while she does this, making it SO much funnier. She then nods her head with satisfaction, smiles are her accomplishment, and carries on.)

Moira and Violet

School is back in session which means backpacks, paperwork, lunches, and schedules- even at home! As the dust settled from the chaos that is the first day of school, I realized that Moira and Violet play really well together when they are alone. Violet is finally old enough to interact, and Moira doesn't feel the need to terrorize her for whatever reason. Nap time is quiet. Going out isn't as hectic. We like school. :)

Moira has joined a playschool that my friend started up. I think she was expecting something more like what her sisters do, but she still had a great time playing with friends and learning the letter A. I treated the special day just like the other girls had, with a picture outside:

As much as we like our quiet time at the house, we also like it when the girls get home. I open the door when it gets close to bus drop off, and this is often what is awaiting our homecomers:


Now tell, me if she still looks like a baby to you....

because she's starting to look all grown up to me...

School Again!

School has started! I have to say I am excited this year; the girls were getting antsy and sadly, I was, too. I love my kids, but it's hard to meet all their needs at once. They're at the age that they need more than me. Plus, Moira is a whole other child when the older ones are not here (ie sweeter). So we put the girls on the bus today and started a new routine.

I can't believe how much these girls have grown!
New 1st Grader!

New 3rd Grader

Liliana's 6th Birthday!

Liliana woke to to the traditional McInelly decorating.

Presents with Pop.

I've given up on making fancy cakes.

Her princess party was a hit!

Happy Birthday Liliana!

Grace's Baptism

Grace was baptized a member of our church on July 14th. It was a wonderful day filled with planned visits from Grandma Susie, Grandma Elyse, Aunt Angela, Pop and Grandma Brandi, Uncle Frank and Aunt Georgie, and cousin Wendy. We got a last minute visit from Uncle Gary and Aunt Eileen. And then we got completely surprised by Jocelyn, John, and Maddie, as well as Uncle Ron! It was a full house for our Chinese dinner pre-baptism and a nice reception afterward for dessert. My one regret was that I never got everyone together for a massive photo!

Grace was baptized and confirmed by her dad :)

Grace's friend Mary was baptized right after her.

At least I got a picture of us :)

Overall it was a very special day for us, and we're very proud of Grace for making this choice! She is a remarkable girl and we love her more every day!

Family Pictures: The Parents

Family Pictures: Violet

Family Pictures: Moira

Family Pictures: Liliana

Family Pictures: Grace

Family Pictures: The Girls Together

Family Pictures!

I love having photographer friends! I asked my friends Megan of Poulton Photography to do our family pictures this year. It was long overdue- our last one is when Moira was 9 months old! Megan did a fantastic job- especially considering the 4 smaller subjects she had to work with!

I'm gonna break these up so that they're easier to download. I'll start with the family pics.