My Family and Other Animals

Have you seen that movie? Love it!

Emily

• Needs to practice the piano and trombone at least 5 times a week.
• She has piano practice at 4:30 at the neighbor's house. Send her out the door with her books at 4:25.
• Needs to take her trombone to school every other day. She keeps track of this well herself.
• Spelling test is on Friday. Practice her words with her throughout the week.

Aleah

• Hates waking up in the morning. We find carrying her downstairs and helping her dress makes the morning go more smoothly, but maybe she will behave for you.

Colleen

• Likes to do almost everything by herself. If she doesn't cooperate when you ask her to to something, wait a few minutes and she will usually decide to do it herself.
• She takes care of her bathroom needs herself and rarely if ever has an accident. All you have to do is empty the potty. If she says she doesn't have to go she really doesn't -- forcing her before bedtime does not work. If she has gone within two hours before bed she will be fine.

Kate

• We are working on getting her up off the ground and on her feet - i.e. putting play things on the couch where she stands to play with them or taking her on "walks" while holding on to her hands.
• She love to sit up on the counter while I am making dinner and has never (ok, only once) fallen off.
• She eats by herself, insists on have a spoon or fork, but still needs a sippy cup.

The Chickens

• AM: Check their water and food. Bring in any eggs.
• Afternoon: Check for eggs. Eggs need to be gathered twice a day or they will freeze and crack.
• Scraps: Feed them scraps in the morning so they don't become a frozen clump overnight. They enjoy eating: greens, rice, bread, pasta, beans and cooked fruits and veggies. They do not like: onions, peels, apple cores and citrus.

National the Cat

• Colleen is in charge of keeping her fed and watered and gets upset if anyone else does it.
• National does her business outside and is very good about letting you know if she wants out.
• She can force the back door open from the outside, so if you are leaving to run errands make sure she is in or the top of the door is latched.
• She can claw the fabric couch but don't let her use her nails on the leather couch - give her a good hard whack if she does.
• She sleeps inside.