You have big arms, big tummy, big wegs... and big shoulders!

The title of this post is courtesy of my 2 1/2-year-old daughter. Who still, adorably, makes the "w" sound in place of "l" sounds. Sometimes I wish I could freeze her -- just the way she is.

My little M-man, too. He is a handful, as always. But conversation with a 4 1/2-year-old boy can be a lot of fun. He makes some really good observations: "Mommy, Darth Vader is a bad guy." "We kill ants only if they're in the house." "Mommy, monsters are just pre-tend."

Or one of our recent favorites: "Would you like some candy?" When we respond affirmatively, he says "What do you say?" We according response with "please" -- we're pushing the pleases and thank yous hard right now with both little ones.His response? "I CANT' HEAR YOU!" So funny!!

M-man has settled into his new school. His teachers are awesome and he appears to be exactly where he needs to be and with the right teachers -- ones who can handle wild boys. Yay! It makes me so happy.

One of his teachers told my husband this week that M-man is "brilliant". Twice. This was after acting up in class and throwing a major tantrum that included ripping some book pages. His homework this weekend: tape up the book. Beaming? Oh yes, I am. He has already completed his task.

The other day I dropped him off at school after a challenging morning of getting ready, and let the teacher know that it had been a little rough going. She said "oh, good, I love a challenge. M-man, say good-bye to Mommy!"

So, so happy.

I love a good challenge, too. Along with my big shoulders and big "wegs" I also have a big tendency to yell at him when I'm frustrated. So, I'm on day 2 of my self-imposed no yelling.

You know, he does seem to calm down faster and listen a teensy itty bit better when I don't yell.

Hmm.

Now, where did I hide those candy corns...