Samantha and Girl Scout Cookies.

Samantha is completely focused when she is selling something. We went from house to house selling cookies. She drags her brother along for the cuteness factor, and three legged Tucker for the pity factor so she can sell more cookies. SHe has dragged me out in blizzards to sell cookies because people will feel sorry for her and buy more. She went up to an elderly neighbor's home, all the while saying, yeah, old people are suckers for cute little boys. C'mon Josh, ring the bell! She cracks me up, although I do wonder what she will be like as an adult. Yikes! I told Matt's dad about Sam's selling, and he was very amused.

Sam is very polite with the neighbors and keeps very good track of the kind of cookies and the amount of money. She really does all of the bookkeeping and paperwork herself. I am very proud of her.

And if anyone wants to order any cookies, we are in business!

Ratticus Deux

Yes, there are now two rats. I didn't think it was possible, but Angelika got Hermione out from under the fridge and into a box. Hermione is now in a bird cage in Samantha's room. I am concerned that the bird cage is not secure enough for our bright and determined Hermione, but it was the best I could do on short-ish notice. Angelika tells me that Hermione had a short detour through the walls, but she ended up safely caught in the end. I hand fed both of them tonight to help get them used to humans and appreciate our care. I think some very quiet time is in order for both, and I must say, both Samantha and joshua are cooperating very nicely. THey are desperate to pet the rats, but are respecting the rat's boundaries very nicely. I am very proud of my children. I do not think they can keep up this will to behave, but I appreciate the effort they are putting in for now.

Matt got home tonight. I had hoped that Josh would keep quiet. You think about the rats? No, that wasn't it. I did sort of get permission from Matt before bringing them home. No, this was about Joshua telling me he forgot about Matt while Daddy was away. I asked Joshua to keep this to himself, but no, he just had to share that little nugget with Matt almost the second Daddy walked in the door. Poor Matt. What a homecoming. We all really did miss him, but five year olds are not the most eloquent speakers in the world. Matt got the most gorgeous t-shirt for Samantha, and sweatshirts for both of them that fit perfectly. Good job!

Ratticus

Our friends, the Leventhals, bought two rats. One ran away fro Oliver and hid under the fridge, and as a joke, Angelika told Sam she could keep the rat if she could get it out from under the fridge. Sam almost got her, but she is very elusive. She was so excited about the rat, we bought one yesterday. Yes, we now own one white rat, one cat and one dog. I hope they all get along. I hope it isn't sick or anything. Sam would be devastated if it died right away. She has named it Carrot, for the rat's love of carrots. It seems like a friendly little thing. I hope Talia the cat doesn't terrorize it.

Matt in England

Matt has been in Ireland the last week. He attends a show, Phantom of the Opera, in a few hours in London, England. We miss him very much here. Joshua in particular seems more prone to upset and both of them refuse to sleep in their own beds. [sigh] Joshua simply must tuck his toes under something. I don't know why his toes must tuck under something, but they must. I am well reminded of when his toenails need trimming, I can tell you that.

We are off for a busy day today. Samantha is training for cross-country skiing season, so we will leave in a few minutes for that. I bring Tucker with me now, pretty much everywhere. Joshua comes too and we will walk on the edge of the golf course near the river and the trees. Lots to sniff for Tucker, and lots to explore for Joshua. Samantha will be running like mad the whole time. Then we get Dim sum at Great Wall in Bedford and head to Samantha's riding lesson. After that, I am hoping for a *peaceful* afternoon with a fire and maybe some s'mores. I said *peaceful* and hopefully, *quiet.*

I hope your days are all good too!