Sophie is actually having a great second grade year so far, despite the occasional day of moodiness or silliness. She has kept her eye on the ball and is moving ahead nicely. This is a picture of Sophie and Wilson examining their “balloon solar system” in our basement. Today, Sophie is going to get a big surprise. Her name is on the front page of the local section in Rock Hill’s The Herald newspaper. Click the link to read it.

On Monday, while looking a the weekly weather reports, Sophie noticed that several planets would be visible this week. She asked me where to look, and I had no idea. I also had no time to look it up. So, I did the next best thing. I told her to write a letter to the editor of the section to see if they would just print the information in the weather report. Well, they did so much better than that. Parts of her letter, and the answers that she was seeking, are on the front page of the Local Section today.

Thank you Mr. Charles D. Perry for a great article, and for helping Sophie.

I read this article about teens and their development while waiting for Sam and Sophie at the dentist’s office. We don’t currently have a “teen”. I think we’re on the cusp of having a “pre-teen”. Anyway, the article in this month’s Smithsonian Magazine was very encouraging to me as a mom. It appears that not everyone thinks the teen years have to be bleak and angst filled. The title of the book written by Richard Lerner The Good Teen probably gives more info than you’ll find in the article. If you’re a parent, check it out and be encouraged!

If only it were this easy. Take the test and see which candidate meets your criteria. Click the link below. I had to read a little about mine since I hadn’t heard of him. Mark says he may not have a chance and I should have a back-up plan, ha ha. Have fun!

Choose a candidate for 2008.