She is 6 already?

   Today is Girly Monkey's 6th birthday. I can't believe that she is so big already! I miss the cuddly little infant, the gentle little preschooler, the assertive little kindergartner. In their place I have a young lady that is so much more. She has grown to be a lovely person on the inside and outside. She is kind, smart, a really good friend, a nice sister, a perfect daughter. Here is a picture trip though the last 6 years with Girly Monkey. Happy Birthday to a young lady that 6 years ago stole my heart! I love you very much!

Happy Birthday, Girly Monkey!!!!

What you need to know about living with a 3 year old ... and why you need to know it!

Three year olds need to be number 1!

   The last few weeks have been really challenging for me in dealing with Little Monkey. I am not sure if the "back-to-school" routine is getting to him, or if the impending arrival of his baby brother makes him crabby, but he has has more tantrums and behavior issues lately than he has had in months. Don't get me wrong, I love my son with all my heart but sometimes he can drive me "coo-coo". There are numerous times when I really want him to go and join the circus for a little while and come back when he can behave better. OK, maybe I don't really want him to go off on a world adventure, but I do want him to listen to his parents and be polite, and well behaved. And then I remember that he is three , and that is a big thing to ask of a three-year old. But understanding any creature (even the unruly 3 year old) requires a guide, so one can navigate the uncharted territory of living with a three year old. Since I highly doubt that I am the only one in this boat, I have compiled a list of things you need to know about 3 year olds so that you can live in peace and harmony with them (or at least so that you don't send them off to live with the circus as their newest "untamable child" act).