A story

Mieke has been writing stories for a while now, almost every week we bring home a new homemade book from school. She has written non-fiction pieces, such as the one about bees and their habits, but also is learning to create fictional stories which have a beginning, a middle and an end.
This is a recent one from her 'collection' which made me smile as she read it. Her intonation and facial expressions during story sharing are very entertaining. (The exclamation marks and question marks are all hers, though the question marks are back to front).

The cat sat on the mat but what did it do? The cat chewed the mat! I likd that cat so I broot a cat my salf. I like my cat but my cat ran a way! Where is it? Sum one fed it sum millk and took it for a wok. My cats name is flafey.

There is an element of truth in this. Our cat took off the day after we moved last November and we haven't seen him since. Mieke talks about him quite a bit.

Sleepovers

This is Mieke and Frederique. They are only 10 weeks apart in age and have known each other since birth. Although they don't see one another often, both are skilled at picking up just where they left off, there is never any awkwardness or reaquainting necessary. Both are energetic, strong willed, determined, charming, imaginative and articulate. I remember many a time during toddlerhood, pulling one off the other after scratching, biting or some other physical 'incident'. They have always had a rather intense relationship, one which continues now, however has evolved into a deep fondness that I think is captured here.So tonight we had our first sleepover. Well, Fred has stayed before but her parents have also been with us. This was her first solo stay. Elated little people have been making cubbies, 'baking', racing through the house and finally piled into the sofa bed way too late (it's 10pm now and they've only just stop talking). These are exciting days. I remember one of my first sleepovers, how we lay practically nose to nose for hours, making up stories and talking about our parents. I think I was about 8. Sleepovers were a special event, one which held for me anticipation and a definite buzz. I don't recall ever having a negative experience, sleepovers definitely contributed to a most positive part of my childhood.

It's so lovely to watch Mieke's friendships take on their own nuances. Even though I've got nothing to do with the way they take shape, I'm proud and invested. I feel particularly protective of this one and really hope it keeps flourishing the way it has to date. Can't believe she's 6. Whee!

Sweet dreams kiddies. xx

Quinnisms

Some award will be issued for the person with correct guesses as to what these words are:

teenaga meninja turtle
effalump
poz
uncun justin
cokowdoyle

I told him it was bedtime the other night. His response was "No it's not. You think it is but it's not".