Lesson of the week.

I realized something this week.

Negative reinforcement comes when children interfere with our world. Positive reinforcement comes when we venture into our children's world.

Maybe I need to restructure my time.

School and friends.

Ashton: Mom, if I didn't go to school, could I still play with my friends?
Me: You mean, if you stopped going to school, would you still be allowed to see your friends there?
Ashton: Ya.
Me: Well, yes. Are you thinking about dropping out?
Ashton: Yes.
Me: Well, you would still be able to see your friends. But if you didn't go to school you wouldn't have met them and there are a lot of other friends you wouldn't ever meet. Besides, do you want to learn how to read?
Ashton: Ya.
Me: Do you want to learn how to do math?
Ashton: Ya, but I already am a good scientist.
Me: Scientist?
Ashton: I mean, artist.
Me: That's true, but even artists go to school. They go to school and practice a lot. That's how you become a true artist.
Ashton: Oh. OK. But I'm a really good artist already.
Me: Yes you are. Now go to sleep.

Accessorizing!!!

My little 11 month old loves to drape things around her neck and cruise around with it for the day. This is her new necklace/scarf/accessory thing she found this morning.

OH, and if you notice the cut on her forehead... her brother was nice enough to open the front door for her while she was leaning against it. He was just paying it forward though, because that's exactly how he loosened up his front tooth a couple of years ago.