Amy-isms

At dinner time, Amy often comes up with unusual turns of phrases that just aren't the way you'd think a 15 year old would talk. Tonight we were talking about theater rehearsal and she said "Ms. Novi was busy conducting the students" and Tod and I just looked at each other and tried not to laugh. A week or so ago we'd been talking about something and switched topics, then Amy said "I want to circle back to [talk about the first thing]". She feels like we're being mean to her but her vocabulary and use of language is just very endearing. It's a product of being well-read (I should say formerly well-read, because just like Reed she's mostly stopped reading unless it's something assigned for school) so it's awesome. I think her friends notice this about her too, I've heard a couple of them mention her using words they don't know the meaning of. 

I hope she doesn't really think we're being mean or bullying her, because there's nothing but love in our laughter.

And then this happened...

Well how did this happen, that our baby boy got his first college acceptance? He's still got one more application to submit, and three more schools to hear back from, but this feels great!

We won't give him too much of a hard time that the school actually emailed him a week ago with the acceptance, and he didn't open the email. (forehead smack)

Boy do these kids like to know just what's going to happen

When the kids were little, we always read that it would make what they call "transitions" (going from play time to clean up time, going from being at home to getting ready to leave, etc.) easier if you let the kids know what was coming, and when. So we did that religiously. Did it help at the time? Well, it's hard to say since we were good about doing it...nothing to compare it to! 

Even now, they both really really really like to know what's coming up and when, and you really have to give them all the details or they get pretty out of sorts about it. That's part of the reason we have the weekly calendar hanging in the kitchen, so they're able to see what's coming up at any time. We have definitely not raised "go with the flow" kids. Maybe they'll grow into enjoying a little more flexibility and surprises? I kind of doubt it. They seem to be hard-wired for a "need to know" way of life now.

I can't be critical about it for two reasons. First, we taught them this way to be! Second, honestly we're both the same way. Probably me more than Tod, but still. I guess it gives a sense of control if you know what's coming, and you can prepare. So while sometimes their questions about exactly what we're doing and when can be exasperating, we can empathize! 

Proud of Reed-o

This Christmas was a little "off" for obvious reasons (pandemic, health news). Things were a little jumbled when I finally remembered to ask Reed if he had any ideas of gifts he'd like to get Tod. I was very happily surprised when he said "I've got it sorted, Mom" and also said he'd gotten something for Amy. 

He got me a puzzle, which is perfect. He got Amy some candy, not knowing what she really might like. And because Tod has often mentioned how much he loved Top Gun and watched it a million times growing up, he bought him this...

He had done this little shopping trip in secret, and I think was very proud of himself for that. I'm proud of him too!