Strengths

I'm constantly after the kids to get dressed, pick up their toys, set the table, and eat their food. So it catches them off guard when I tell them something good they've done or what I like about them. Kids are no different that grown ups -- we all like to hear good things about us.

Hudson is master of compliments, and very sincere ones. Not a day goes by without him telling his sisters that they look cute or that my hair is beautiful or that dinner is good. Dalanie loves it so much that now when she gets ready she anticipates what Brother will say.



He has also become quite a little crafter/environmentalist. He's constantly on the lookout for things he can repurpose. So much in fact, I've started to throw things away when he's not looking, otherwise he finds a use for just about any container or box.

Hudson also enjoys using new vocabulary. It's surprising the words he picks up from PBS and can use in context. A lot of times he'll ask me what words mean.

-He likes making up his own songs for FHE and calling on people to say prayers when Brent isn't home.
-He loves primary and takes his teachers words as gold. If they make any announcements, he makes sure to remind me.
-He adores his sisters and loves to express his affection.
-He enjoys visiting and is good with names.

And Dalanie, oh my Dalanie. I once heard that things we view as our children's faults are actually their best strengths. This couldn't be more true with this girl. Her independence and determination have found plenty of trouble along the way, but what great characteristics she possesses.

She loves to help--whether she's fetching Ruby's diaper, feeding the chickens, or helping Dad. The other day Brent was assembling some chairs and she wanted to help. He gave her the assignment of putting the lock washers and washers onto the bolts. He showed her the order they needed to be in and she never missed one. She's always been good with communication even if she didn't say a word. Her speech has improved quite a bit over the past few months. I love listening to her put words together. "Mom, do?" "Me help Dad." And the notorious "What!?!" that is part pterodactyl screech.

As independent as she thinks she is, she still is very much in need of her mom. Especially at bedtime or when the babysitter gets here. I still rock her to sleep for her nap. Deep down I've decided it's okay for her to need me (guilty pleasure) because all too soon she won't.

One of my favorite things about Dalanie is that she is great about anticipating others' needs. One day she was into Brother's drawers and I asked her to get out. She replied with an irritated "Mom" and showed me an armful of clothes- shirt, pants, socks, and undies for Hudson who just happened to be in the bath.

-She loves to tease and can get into a giggling fit that is contagious.
-She loves to get in on the wrestling matches although she usually comes away squished.
-And of course she's pretty darn cute. I keep trying to remind her that it's more important to be pretty on the inside though.