Evett Family Farm Animals

 

Dear Peeps, 

Its been a month now that we have had this happy little farm yard in our suburban existence.  I wanted to say I was proud of the way that you make sure your animals have water and food and that you care so much about them.  Although its hard to play with the chickens, they have had the good grace to sit quietly as you both carry them around the house  and pat them.

Thank you for taking on your new responsibilities with such gusto.

Hugs Mummy

The popular vote

I am so proud you Mr Morgan.  Last week you came home and announced you wanted to nominate yourself for the school student council.

I nearly cried when you said you wanted others to respect you and see you as a big boy.  I helped you fill out your nomination form and was so delighted to hear you speak about the environments and of what teamwork and friendship meant to you.  It was hard for Mummy not to add her 2c worth - but I kept strong an only transcribed your words.

Today was the student rep vote, where all the students had to stand in front of their pods and give a speech.  I helped you prepare with prompt cards. As you are still a beginner reader, we used pictures as well to help you remember what you were going to talk about.

I am so proud that you felt you did a good job - them best you could - and that you didn't hesitate or umm or err during your talk in front of nearly 100 children.   I heard from your teacher that she was very surprised that you had nominated yourself - given that year 3s are usually the ones from the pod who do so.  She confided in me that it would be doubtful that you would be chosen by your peers. Although she didn't say it - we all know that these things are really a popularity contest. It breaks my heart to see you so eager and enthusiastic about the voting, hoping you will be chosen for the depth of what you have said; when I am steeling my heart to console you when you are not voted in.

I held a tiny glimmer of hope today when I picked you up from school and saw your beaming face. I am proud of you Morgan. Proud that despite gaining no votes, you felt you had done your best. I am still struggling to explain to you how it all works - the whole popularity vote thing....Even sadder to hear that the person they voted in you held little regard for as they weren't kind to others nor listens to people.

So well done my son. I am and always will be proud of your achievements.

Out of the mouths of babes

The innocence makes one want to weep.

At the Pet store, whilst browsing for squeaky toys for the new hound, Morgan came across a box of live crickets.  He was so excited. "Oh aren't they cute? Don't they sing well? Can we have one as a pet?"

How sad to have to tell him - that, "Sorry mate, we have wandered into the reptile section and those crickets are food."

To give Morgan his due credit - he processed the information quickly and took it with grace.

First Day at School

Dear Peeps,

Today was Lillys first day at school - and for you Mr Morgan a new classroom and teacher as you go up into junior school to year 2.

Gosh - I can't explain how proud I was with both of you - how you Morgan looked after your little sister and did everything you could to make sure she was calm before we went.   Thank you too for breaking the rules ( I know you shouldn't have - but you were concerned about your sister) and going into the lower junior area and finding Lilly for morning tea and making sure she knew how to open her lunch box and had someone to sit with. 

Thanks for following all the things we talked about - making sure you rlunchboxes were taken out of your bag and water bottles refilled and getting out of your school uniforms without being asked.  It makes my life so much more easier.

Your enthusiasm about school is infectious - both of you - and I delight in hearing you talk about your friends and what you learnt or saw.

I wonder if I spent enough time wiht you both before you were set off into the education system, was I a good enough mum, did enough craft or skills, read to you enough?

I was ok until Miss Lillys teacher gave me a small plastic bag -  Inside the bag was  teabag, a cottonwool bud and a tissue and a note:
"Here is a little gift for you as you leave your precious one with us on the first day of school. As you hold this cotton ball in your hand, the softness will help you remember the gentle spirit of your child.  After you 've gone home and dried your tears, make yourself a cup of tea.  Put your feet  up and relax. remember that together we will work for you child to be the best we can be."


I had to say good bye quickly and go outside and cry.


I think I have done the best I can - but was it and is it enough?


love always Mummy.

AFL season - well nearly!

Dear Peeps,

Well - today heralds the beginning of the AFL season - well nearly anyway. I am so proud of the way both of you were so keen to get in and learn new skills  - despite it being hot and heaps of other kids there.

It was pure joy to watch both of you practicing and trying out the things the coaches were telling you. I was also delighted to hear you were very keen on what the Lions players were saying as well.  I have been impressed with the Brisbane Lions and their marketing and today was no different. Their season tickets are so tempting, but perhaps we might wait another year and drop big hints to family about buying them for Christmas this year huh?

I am looking forward to you, Morgan playing fixtures. Your willingness to do whatever it takes for the team will make you such a asset - you really do understand the value of team - rather than prima donnas and the limelight.

I am also very proud of you, Miss Lilly and your tenacity and focus.  I think you will surprise us all with your game.  Thank you for looking after Xander when he was so unsure with all those children about.  Your kind spirit and beautiful nature is such a blessing to me.

The photo was taken as the groups of children went to thier different stations.  Lilly is holding Xanders hand and helping him find the place.  Morgan is in the green shirt with a blue cap on in the distance and waiting ot be told where his age group is to meet.

Cold Winter Walks

Write from Karen is hosting a photo competition again this quarter. This time the theme surrounds "Winter."  

Its mid summer here - so I have riffled round my June photos from last year and found this.  Morgan and Lilly are having a bit of a rest on one of our famous - half hour walks  when we go camping... the half hour sort of stretches to several hours - but we always see great things, wildlife and get to talk alot!

I remember this walk was really cold - sub zero - thus the get up the kids have on.

Thanks kids for just tagging along, not complaining (too much) and just enjoying the beauty we discover on our walks.

Competitions - who wins?

Dear Peeps, I am so proud of you both and for different reasons.

Firstly, Congratulations Miss Lilly!

We always enter lots of colouring competitions and both of you have been so lucky this year to be recognized in one and getting a prize each.

Yesterday Miss Lilly won her age groups colouring in comp at the local mall.

When Mummy got the call about it , she was so torn as what to say. Morgan had put in such alot of work with his entry and although its not to say Lilly didn't either - his heart was set on winning the big toys prize. With Lilly at 4 years old, she was still in the youngest category, Mr Morgan has bumped up into the bigger ages and competing with much older children.

Mummy decided that it would do no good, nor benifit to either of you to pad it down - or pretend this sort of thing doesn't happen all of the time. Sadly - not everyone can be a winner and Mummy doesn't agree with the whole philosophy of giving every entrant a prize. ( don't get her started on the pass the parcel fiasco)

Mummy is so proud of you Morgan, and of you Lilly. Lilys first reaction was to put her hand on Morgans and say - "I'll share all my toys and lollies with you."

Although a split second on sadness crossed your face, Morgan, you were congratulating Lilly and excited for her.

Daddy took time to talk about how competitions run and sometimes the best person - in one person mind - doens't always win - its up to the judge and what happens at the time. Its just the way of the world and its a good lesson to learn early.

Dissappointment is so hard to handle - and I am so proud of both of you for meeting it with grace and love.

Here is a picture of Miss Lilly and her Prize.