They grow so fast! Everyone tells you that and it is true - they grow too fast. Audrey is taking a moment to write a lengthy essay on "why". Just "why". That is her favorite question; although it is commonly asked in a very whiney tone. It is also asked in response to anything I say. Today she started asking why and then answered her own question by saying "Because." Perhaps that is an overused response in our house. I finally understand why my parents said, "Because I said so." Sometimes that is the only reason.

Audrey is a handful. Yesterday she decided to try the top of her Grandma S's coffee table for clogging. Maybe tap dancing. Whatever it was, it was done with a smile on top of the table. I hate it that it is funny when she does these type of things. It is so hard to correct a child while you are trying not to laugh. She also does whatever she can to torment Alex (or "Bruder" as she calls him). She will grab his cup and take it to wherever he is. Instead of giving him his cup she waits until he notices that she has it and then she takes a long drink. When he tries to get it, she runs. Please let it be noted that she does all of this with a smile on her face. The picture above would indicate that the child is quiet, easy going. Oh contraire, mon ami. In fact, the picture actually tells a completely different story. Audrey has a pen that she knows she shouldn't have. She has swiped a piece of paper from my desk. In addition to her thievery of the pen and paper she has also swiped the wagon from her brother. She is sitting in it so he cannot take it. Perhaps she is writing her memoirs. Ah, they grow so fast.

Audrey is a smart bean in spite of her nuttiness. She knows her shapes and the letter "A". Yes, she is gifted. She knows much more and is sure to let me know when she thinks I am wrong. In fact her favorite phrase to me is, "No, mommy. No." Not angrily, just matter of fact like.

Dear God, please help us when this child is a teenager. Amen.

Alex is just as smart. He has written the letters A, B, D, F, R & O. Brilliant! He is trying to read, too. It is so awesome to hear him starting to sound words out. He says, "Turtle is for the letter T." Perhaps a little backwards but he gets the idea. Yes, he is gifted. He sings loudly, all of the time. He makes up songs, funny songs - or so he tells us. I really can't understand a word he is yelling. He is starting to come up with some funny stuff. His favorite question to ask is "So...what are your plans, mommy?" He talks about hyenas a lot too. Hmmm.

All is quiet here. The children are all snuggled safe in their beds. And now I am off to do the same.