can I get that in writing?

Our twins attend a wonderful school that emphasizes the 4 R's: Respect, Responsibility, Relationships, and Recognition. Every month there is a "Recognition Assembly" where the teachers award students for their efforts, contributions, good citizenship, etc. Even the staff and volunteers receive awards. When Taylor first came to the school she received a "Certificate of Appreciation - in recognition of your contribution to making Connaught a wonderful school!" She has also received the "Helping Hands Award" for volunteering in the school library. This year Mitchell was awarded a certificate after receiving enough "stickers" for things ranging from soccer to attendance, and "math master" to "attitude award." I think it's wonderful that people feel recognized and appreciated.

Today Mike brought home to show us an award that he received at work. It is a glass "trophy" - a la People's Choice Award - a curved glass piece with a carved wave across the slanted top and with the words etched on it: "Exceptional Service Award In recognition of your contribution to CSC" (Correctional Services of Canada)

Taylor's response was: "You get those kinds of things for awards? We just get a piece of paper!" I feel somehow that she has missed the message.

gingerbread houses are good for a laugh

One of our Christmas traditions is to make a gingerbread house. Not the Martha Stewart kind, just the one in the package from the grocery store. We have never had any problems with them in the past, but this year it did not work out so good. The icing seemed really thick, even after following the instructions to warm it with your hands to soften it. It was really hard to apply; thick lines, thin lines, nothing seemed to work well. And when we added decorations to the door, and over the door, they sloooowly sliiiiid down the walls. We decided to add candies to decorate the roof while it was flat on the table. Once they seemed well stuck, I added the icing and had each child hold half of the roof on, waiting til the icing hardened. But it didn't seem to matter, they still sliiiid down. It was pretty funny! The kids were not upset; we joked that it would be easier for Santa to get in, rather than go down the chimney.

Later when my husband came home from work Mitchell said, "Daddy, you have to go look in the dining room at our gingerbread house!" When Mike asked him why he said "I can't tell you. You have to go laugh for yourself!"