MJ the Actress

Morriah played a lead role in the Myrtle Farm Montessori skit about a Mother Bear who lost her cubs - and the Measuring Worm who climbed El Capitan to rescue them. She practiced a ton and did an excellent job. We were impressed because we didn't realize that she was the only character to stay "on stage" the entire time! We're so proud of you, Morriah! (12.20.13 - Age 5)

-Love,
Mom & Dad

5 years... Already?!

My twin darlings,

You girls are the best gifts that I have ever received, and I am grateful to God every day for blessing me with you both.

Morriah - you are an exceptional artist and creative lyricist. I love how you sing all the time because you truly have a musical heart. You think outside of the box and answer questions in your own perfect way (ex: "what's your favorite color?" "RAINBOW!"). You are sensitive and patient and intelligent beyond your years. Keep your heart open and soft, and seek out humility. I love you with my whole heart!

Mirabel - you are the most playful spirit I have ever met. I love how you wrestle and pillow fight. Your sense of humor is perfect and you bring joy to everyone who knows you. The way you jump & bounce makes me happy too, and I love hearing your words and thoughts and feelings. You exceed my expectations and will surprise the world (I know it). Keep on learning and persevering. I love you with my whole heart!

12-10-13 : your Dad.

The Chance Chapter in Our Family Story

We found a little lost puppy who turned out to be deaf, and adopted him. Naming him Chance, he quickly won us over with his gentle and playful temperament - but adding more special needs to our family (while it makes for a great story) was not ultimately sustainable.

You can't tell a deaf dog to get down, off, drop it, come, etc... And since neither my wife or kids had experience with a dog - our loving Chance was a bit of an uncontrollable handful.

We found him a new home with a family that has another dog and some kids, so we feel good about his next family - but within a month's time you can really grow to love a dog!

So now we're collectively grieving through our first loss as a family - remembering the things we loved best, and consolidating the lessons we need to learn before finding our next dog.

Morriah renamed her blanket from "kitty" to "chance", and shed the most tears over him.

We love you Chance, and will never forget you as our best first dog ever!

Lessons learned:

Next dog needs to be:

-gentle

-playful

-small to mid size

-trainable / obedient

-smart

-short fur

We need to be:

-able to give commands and all enforce training

-kids able to help take care of themselves and the dog
-past small toys (or at least not leaving them out)

-kids must be bigger than the dog so they can confidently control him (not scream or run if the dog jumps to play)

-free of other pets: Rabbit, (current) Cats... this way there is one pet to worry about, and it has free reign in the house and yards.

-prepared to battle fleas

-ready to attend dog training classes