initiation into the family---

With lots of new faces at Thanksgiving, many boyfriends/girlfriends of teens, there's always a bit of a "initiation" into the Borchers clan. Either naming off every family member and telling them there will be a quiz at the end of the evening or my uncle, who is a very good magician, does a few tricks at their expense (with them walking around wearing a pencil hooked to their shirt because they have no idea how to get the darn thing off).....this year Erin added a new one.
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While one cousin's boyfriend was using the restroom, the one with the lock broken, Miss Erin decided to walk in on him. "Um, excuse me, could you close the door." With a little chuckle Erin finally did close the door......leaving herself still in the bathroom. A very uncomfortable boyfriend finished up his business and quickly opened the door, hoping that nobody saw him in the bathroom with a 6 year old little girl.
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An embarrassing moment for sure but one that will never be forgotten!!! ---TJ, welcome to the family! ;)

8 turkeys

50 lbs of mashed potatoes

lots of sweet potatoes

green beans

stuffing

pumpkin pie

many card games played

a few naps taken

scavenger hunt for the kids

football

first snow fall

and

147 people well fed

all in one farm house

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Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I believe that Erin is the only child

I have ever seen

sitting Indian style while on the toilet.

A cherished moment--

The other evening the Minster Academic Boosters sponsored a community potluck dinner to congratulate everyone on the success of Minster schools and the recent "Excellent with Distinction" rating--if I get this right I believe that Minster school is rated #4 in the state of Ohio, that's awesome.
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Anyway, Erin saw many of her classmates there. One classmate came to Erin and asked if they could walk around together--how cute! They went to everyone they knew to say hi, I even noticed that Erin stopped at a few tables herself to introduce herself in her own way--too funny!
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It's moments like that that I just cherish! Seeing smiles on strangers faces because of Erin! Seeing the acceptance of little kindergarten students who don't give a darn that Erin doesn't know how to pronounce their names correctly! To watch Erin be a child, a normal child that she is!!

Teeth problems--

All day yesterday Erin complained about her tooth. I noticed that her teeth were very crowded in that area and her gums were swollen, I also noticed that the tooth was wiggly. To be on the safe side I scheduled an appointment with her ped. dentist for this morning--we have the best here in Minster, and I believe that we give him the most business. ;) He confirmed my suspicions, it's just the wiggly tooth in a crowded space that is giving her trouble, if she would only pull that sucker out everything would feel much better.
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Later this morning she was messing with her tooth and yelled, "OUT TOOTH!" She's pulled four out by herself already so I wouldn't be surprised if she came home this afternoon with tooth #5 pulled out.
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On her x-ray this morning I saw quiet a few adult teeth that are planning on coming in sideways-ouch! I know with the help of the ped. dentist we'll catch this disaster before it actually happens and help a few of her adult teeth come in like they are supose to--probably pulling a few in the process. Thank God for Dental Insurance!!!!!

A mother's perspective

This evening we spent the evening at my parents, enjoying cards and eating pizza. While we were there a few of Erin's cousins came over, it was great seeing them again. They played so nicely outside, but while watching from a distance I noticed that the younger cousins started to watch Erin and laugh at her. I could tell that Erin enjoyed the attention, doing silly things to get a laugh, but as a mom I was a bit saddened, were they really laughing with Erin..............or at Erin.
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As my heart sunk I couldn't help but stop the situation and call for Erin to come inside. Was I wrong? Was I being too protective? Maybe, it was just an innocent 6 year old goofing off to get laughs and I just need to chill out!!!!!

9 week update:

Kindergarten is still doing great! Erin surprises me everyday with what she learns. The other morning we did patterns and she knew exactly what came next, I was so thrilled!
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A few things are getting a bit more difficult for her; like two digit numbers or sight words but I know that she'll catch-on...on her own time. She has a wonderful teacher and a fabulous aide who really expects the best from Erin, and I really think that's key. If you don't expect it they won't produce it!!!
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Erin was chosen the "Citizen of the Day" Wednesday. The criteria is that they need to stand tall and say the Pledge while keeping their hand on their heart and eyes on the flag---and yes, this is a great accomplishment for Erin! Way to go, Erin!!!!
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I'm so darn proud of her!!!