My little wizard

Caden is growing up so fast and like I have said before, I have to remind myself that he is only 3 (and a half).  There are days I wish we could fly through this stage but maybe 3 is the lesser evil to some of the stages to come.  Other days I wish time would stand still and he would stay just like this for.ev.er.
here are a few funny and smarty pants things he has said in the last week or so.

1. Tonight (he told David) I have been with too many people today, I need some alone time.

2. While eating dinner he noticed he had 2 ice cubes in  his drink and (long story shortened) he said, "maybe there were four and two melted and two were left!"

3. in the car he stated he had one cracker in his school and 3 in the car...that makes 4.

Really...is this my 3 (and a half) year old saying this things?

One Proud Momma

Caden's preschool does parent teacher conferences. I don't know if all daycare centers do this but I love it.  I hate leaving him all day every day in the hands of other people. And being a teacher, it kills me that I want to be the one preparing him for his next 13 years of education (and then college).
  We loved his teacher in the Two's room and weren't so sure we were going to like his current teacher as much but Caden loves her.  He comes home with all sorts of stories that start with, "Mrs. M says... or Mrs. M told me...." I love it. I recently read a mom's blog about how much she hated her sons teacher because he looked up to her so much and she felt replaced.  I understand but don't agree.  I am thrilled that he respects his teacher and he learns from her.  He gives her hugs and talks about her all the time.

This was our second conference at his school but first with this teacher.  I already know my son but to hear someone else talk so positively about the attributes that we have worked hard to shape in him leaves me speechless.
"He is kind."
"He is curious in a patient way, he waits, watches and then asks questions."
"He uses his words to get what he wants."
"He uses words to solve problems and tell peers/adults how he feels."
Then there were things like, he has good balance (REALLY??? the kid that falls over ALL the time?) he has good gross and fine motor skills.

The one and only concern she stated to me was that she sees him being very vulnerable to behaviors good and bad. He will do what others are doing, good or bad. and I agree. It is the one thing that I want to work on. I don't want him being the kid that can be talked into doing naughty things....and right now that is him.
I have no worries about his academics, he already knows all but 3 letters and most his numbers to 10. He is showing interest in writing his name. He can count to 10. All I want from his time at pre-school is to learn how to be kind (check), to share (check), to question (check), to sit and listen (check) to use his words not hands to solve problems (check).

Caden you make me one proud Momma!!

Happy times

This weekend was fun and what I wish every weekend could be.  Happy kids, fantastic weather and fun times with some of my favorite people.
I have not been able to spend enough time outside getting my yard looking good again.  The grass is green after a nasty hot and dry summer. The gardens are starting to look better after some serious pruning and weeding.  there isn't enough time in the day to get it all done...play with the kids, clean the house, do the yard work.

Sunday we made it the pumpkin patch with our favorite friends.  Caden was beyond excited to pick out a pumpkin every one we passed was his new 'flavorite.' (it is much cuter when he says it)  Coleman was also very excited but preferred sitting in the wagon munching on kettle-corn...a boy after my own heart.  Here are some photos of our day