Perfectionism at its finest!

Oh, Nora.  My little Nora is a perfectionist.  Most often, and in the grand scheme of life, it will be to her advantage, but today, at age 5, it can be very trying for all those around her.  Nora has to do all of her work immediately when she gets home: wonderful.  Nora needs everything all lined up: great.  Nora getting upset at everyone in the house over slight imperfections: frustrating!  Nora has been getting mad at Clara and myself when things are not "right."  "I said to do this...."  "Clara that's not right...."  (Sorry to share your faults, Nora, but the story does have a good ending).  We have tried multiple strategies to no avail, but today on a whim, I declared that everyday she will start with 3 stars and if she yells at anyone a star is taken away.  If she has any stars left at dinner, she gets dessert (a high motivator).  So, about 2 minutes later when they were both at the front door getting hats and coats on I heard Nora yell at Clara about something.  "Nora, you lose a star." ...off to school...pick-up at Debbie's....to the car....I had to run back in for something...back to the car...  "Mom, I lose a star because I yelled at Clara when you were inside"  Perfection: a wonderful thing!  (Thank you Nora for being so honest and for just being you!)

ps.  Both girls are growing out their bangs...Nora's new look.

I LOVE TARGET!

Today was a great day, for many reasons but mostly because I got to stock up on EVERYTHING at a Target in Green Bay!

To think, I use to "try" not to go into Target too often,  I never gave a second glance at things like purses or accessories, and I would race past the movies and book section with my kids so we could stay on task.  Well, my friends, when Pamida is the greatest thing for 50 miles around, you find a love for Target that you never knew existed.  I love where we live, the pros significantly out-way the cons.  However, when you are within range of all the modern conveniences and style of Target....the excitement builds.  I am sure most reading this are thinking I have lost my mind, but the choice of Burts Bees lip balm over plain chapstick is all it takes sometimes.  Today I broke my record spending at Target and I think this picture of Clara says it all.  We were there so long, she made herself right at home with her new headbands, video, and snacks for the ride home.

Lake Michigan last week in the wind.

It was reported that we had at least 10 foot waves.  I know that Manistique had 50-70mph wind, just like the rest of the country. 

Happy Halloween!

Introducing Pippi Longstocking and a Japanese princess.

 We went to our daycare lady's house, Debbie.  She has over 30 monsters/guys on her front porch.  Next to us, the "bride and groom" in the driveway, is Debbie's 16 year old granddaughter, Gabby and her best friend, Shelby.  The girls just love them, otherwise there is no way they would be that close to something so scary!

Walking down the streets of Manistique...