they make my heart happy!

I love how the kids can make me laugh...all the time! They really are such sweet children who get along VERY well and they both love to love! I can't tell you how my heart melts when Hunter randomly walks up to you and says "my love you". And then there is Hope. I am not sure what she is going to do when she grows up, but whatever it is, she is going to do it for the good of others! She walked in the living room the other, pushing the grocery cart full of things. She stops to tell me not to worry, she will put everything away in a little bit. I asked what it was and she informed me that she had collected things to take to the "shop" so that all the poor kids could come and get stuff for free. Now, of course, she could have said it in a different way, however, her actions and thoughts say it all! I just love her spirit! Here is a funny story about her-...Hope was playing with Cam, her BFF, this weekend, and walked out, in this hippie-type way, short skirt over a leotard, a purse with a long strap that went across her body and hung at her hip, and a carrying a guitar...can you picture it? She announces her name is Ruby. Ok...Ruby Dawson (which has now changed to Ruby Nicole Dawson). Kind of catchy, isn't it? I really think I do like it-for an alter-ego type thing. "Hope, where did you get that name?" I just liked Ruby (I can go with it). "and the Dawson?" Well, that is D****'s last name (only I could really appreciate this). I say that because D***, is a student in her class that has been diagnosed with Autism. She knows that he learns differently than us because we have talked about it before. Anyway, I just love the name Ruby Nicole Dawson (and ironically, Nicole is her BFF's middle name, coincidence? I think not-hehe).
I will say that I am impressed with the learning taking place in our house-Craig is doing VERY well in his EMT class and I enjoy helping him study (making note cards floats my boat)! Hunter is coming home stating more about letters and numbers and days of the week and LOVES school! It typically is his favorite part of the day. And Hope continues to do extremely well in 1st grade. Her latest project: a PowerPoint presentation on segregation in schools and Brown VS. Board of Education. Craig told Hope that his first PowerPoint presentation was in college-my how times have changed! I was very impressed with her group of 4 that worked on this project, as was her teacher! Much to Hope's dismay, we did not participate in the science fair. Honestly, it was because I didn't want to do it. It is the same time as her birthday and I am usually busy planning that and then there is life itself and it is not mandatory, so.... (I know, I am bad). However, Hope and Mrs.Shearin (our next door neighbor that the kids like to play with on a daily basis-I have to remind them she is not a kid) did their own project. So...in our window are three pots of a variety of soils and plants...we are watching them to see if/how/when the grow. Thank goodness for neighbors that challenge the kid's minds!
ps-we are tired of the rain and can't wait for the sun!