Five on Friday

After a little break, I am linking up with April and the Ladies for another Five on Friday.

Cheers to the weekend!

One

My car is officially paid off. One step closer to paying down our debt.

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Two

I am really enjoying (most of) this phase of toddlerhood. I am trying to soak in all of her facial expressions, gestures, and love of all things. 

I have learned what words I overuse - my favorite is 'enough'. I say it when the dogs won't stop barking. Now Sophia says 'nuff' anytime the dogs bark or do things that bother her. 

Three

On a warmer day this week we made a trip to the zoo to see the penguin parade. It wasn't anything fancy, but Sophia was thrilled to waddle along with the penguins.

Winter at the zoo is a little disappointing. Most of the animals are away for the season. The train and carousel are not running. Looking forward to our next visit in the spring.

Four

I promised myself I would read more books for pleasure in 2014 and I have already read more books this month than I did last year. I have a bad habit of getting totally lost in a book and MUST finish it as soon as possible. I usually read fiction, but if you are an educator, parent, or anyone who cares about the state of the schools in the United States, you have to read The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way. I was shocked to read about education (especially the technology piece) in other countries and how sports and schools are separate.

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Bottom line: Parents need to read to and with their children daily AND read for pleasure. Teachers need to be HIGHLY educated and hold high standards. Mathematical content needs to be a larger, more rigorous focus in our schools.

I'm currently trying to convince the husband to move to Finland (not really). 

Five

I am so excited about The 52 Project. I stumbled upon the hashtag on instagram and I am looking foward to taking intentional portraits of Sophia with a camera (yes, I'm a little obsessed with our little lady). We've had our dslr a little over a year and I am thrilled with the progress I've made and hoping to continue to improve. I'm also saving for a new lens, which will make me enjoy this little project even more.

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