Jacob's 3rd Grade Self-Portrait

Jacob Should Be Sleeping

But he's not.
He's reading a book with his flashlight.
How can you get upset with the boy when he's reading?
Sweet dreams Jacob.
I hope you dream of gods, goddesses, and demi-gods.
I'm glad you love Percy Jackson.
I'm glad your imagination is running wild.
I'm glad you are 8 and thinking of magical things.
I love finding your bed looking like this in the morning because I know what you've been up to.
And it's good.

Daddy Daughter Dance

Thrilled is not even close to describing Kate's reaction when she found out that she could go to a school dance with her dad.
Of course she had to wear her best dancing dress-her Christmas dance recital costume.
She loved when her dad lifted her off the ground and spun her in the air.
She loved dancing on the stage with "the big girls".
She loved seeing her friends all dressed up and chit chatting with them like a group of teenage girls.
It was a magical evening for her.
Even better than Cinderella's ball.
Thanks for being Kate's prince charming Andy.
I think her smile and twinkling eyes will stayed photographed in my mind forever.

Joshua's Chocolate (POOPY) Ice Cream

Joshua chose to take me out for ice cream. He chose chocolate with sprinkles. His face got messier than I've ever seen it. (Bummer no camera!) I am not exaggerating when I say we used at least 30 napkins. While devouring his treat, he happened to wipe one of his chocolate fingers on the wall.

"That looks like poopy!"- loudly with super big smile.

I laughed so hard. I NEVER laugh about poop. My least favorite topic is poop. I've Dealt with it a lot with 5 children. Joshua made me laugh. He always can make me laugh.

We cleaned it up right away. No one wants to think they are looking at poop while eating ice cream.

This week's biggest accomplishments:
*Joshua got himself completely dressed for church, minus shoes, including his shirt buttons (tiny things and fingers, very difficult for him).
*Joshua can buckle his own seatbelt.
Joshua has been working on both tasks with much frustration, for a very long time. Super job Bubby! High Five!

All You Can Eat

When Grandma and Grandpa Maxfield came to visit. They took us out to eat at a buffet. Grandpa doesn't like to wait and there are plenty of choices to please everyone at a buffet. Taylor and Jacob thought it was the greatest place ever! So many choices, so many plates.

They both requested that when it was time for their alone time they wanted to hit the buffet. They chose Andy as their meal mate. I guess its not much of an experience watching mom eat salad and water when you can be eating fried chicken and an icee.

Both boys talked Andy's ear off. Taylor about everything and Jacob about Percy Jackson (his new favorite).

Both boys came home with full tummies. Taylor a little too full. I'm glad the boys got to experience the unique American all-you-can-eat buffet. Those places always remind me of the Simpsons for some reason.

Taylor's Basketball

Taylor wanted to play hoops this year. He has been having so much fun and loving every bit of it, practices and all. He loves going to the park and playing with his dad. I have admired his work and dedication. Being 10 has brought out Taylor's responsible side and I love how he has been taking charge of himself and activities. His coach called him the greatest defender on the team. He knows how to stick with his man. We love to go watch him play as a family. We love being his cheering section. The kids love getting treats at the gas station before each game. I love how when Taylor is interested in something he puts all of his energy into it. It's one of his greatest qualities. I wish I had such focus. Go Taylor!Go Firebolts!

Sportswoman of the Year

Summer went out for the HJHS cross country team. She told us that she was just doing it for fun and exercise because she isn't a competitive person. I thought once race day came Summer would get some of that competitive spirit. Who of us doesn't, when we are racing to win, better our time, or just do to our best?! Summer doesn't. Summer was all about exercise, friends, and fun.

Every race
Summer started running.
She would catch up or slow down for a friend.
She always ran with a friend.
"Some friends need someone to run with."
Some friends need someone to help them keep going.
Summer was all about fun.
Whenever Summer ran pass the stands
We yelled "Go Summer!"
She always smiled and waved to the crowd.
Sometimes waving her arms up in victory.
Everyone could tell Summer was having fun.
The last leg of the race Summer always gave her best.
Her friend would sprint.
Summer would sprint.
Sometimes the friend finished before Summer.
Sometimes Summer finished before the friend.
She never cared what her time was
Just glad she finished.
Red hot, sweaty face, lots of panting.
Always a smile on her face.
Never a complaint.
"I love it when it hurts!"
Always cheering on those still running
"You can do it!"

Summer never won a race, but I would say that she must have won the hearts of many, as she always seems to. Once again I have learned that we can all be a little bit more like Summer. My children remind me again and again how fun life really can be and what is really important in life. That's why I nominate her Sportswoman of the Year!

I don't talk very much.

This weekend Joshua was hanging out with his dad and brothers. Andy was trying to ask him something and he just kept pursing his lips and shaking his head no. A minute later he got a piece of paper and marker and wrote this down-

He gave Andy a big smile. It made us all smile. Shortly afterwards, he started talking to us again. We love hearing whatever Joshua has to say, in any form. I was so proud that he even remembered the period.

Lost Dutchman Park

Joshua with a constant smile on his face.

Taylor at the top.

The kidos minus Summer. No photos of people over 12.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day we had no school and decided to take a little hike. It was a bit cold for the Phoenix area, in the 50s, and it had just rained. So we were being pretty daring. I had a great time! There was a bit of whining at times. Andy said next time he is bringing his earbuds and music. I just love watching the kids in nature. Joshua talked to practically every cactus. Summer and Taylor were the front runners. Jacob went back and forth. Kate didn't stop once, except when she had a little fall and cried. She took 3 steps for everyone of ours. We ended the hike with a sandwhich feast, including lots of chips, soda, and oreos. That made everyone happy and I learned never to leave the oreos in front of Joshua. I think he ate a whole row by himself before I noticed a third of the oreos were gone. Oh well! We burned a lot of calories and needed the extra fuel. It was a great outing and everyone was happy at the end.