Christmas Play

We have some amazing people at our church!  Every year, this wonderful lady does a Christmas play, where she works with about 60 (maybe more) kids!  Some years she has even written the play!

This year Adam was a Roman census taker.  He got to check Mary and Joseph as they came in for the census.  His character had trouble finding them in the books, but it didn't take long and he found them.  When he found them, his line was, "ah, very well."  It tickled me, because whenever he said this line, it sounded like he picked up some sort of British accent.

I tried to get a picture of Adam in the play, but I was not at a very good angle to have good lighting.  I did get this picture of Grace and Adam at a dress rehearsal.  I had trouble getting this picture, hence the blurry Adam...we will take what I can get.

The kids last year to be in the play is their 5th grade year.  This will be Adam's last year to be in the play.  The boys have had doing these plays over the past 4 Christmas'. 

But now we get to go watch Lana's kids be in the play.

Band

At Austin's school, they are required to take an instrument during their middle school years.  Austin chose the trumpet.  I have grown to love the sound of the trumpet more than I thought I would.  

 Every December they put on a Christmas concert.  I know what the songs sound like with the trumpet, but it always amazes me what they sound like with all the instruments.  They always do a great job!

He wants his next musical adventure to be the guitar. 

Another one...

Yep, another tooth...

Austin is my child who did not get his first tooth until he was 10 1/2 months old.  To me, that has always seemed like he was a "late" teether.  I was fine with that since the longer they stayed in his gums, the longer I knew those teeth were not my responsibility.

This morning, Austin came to me and said, "Lost another tooth."

I had no idea he had any that were loose!  I guess this makes about number 18!

This one must have been a hard one to get out.  He reported to me that in order to get it out, well...there was blood all over the sink.  YIKES!  I told him he was the lucky one that got to clean that up.

I had to look back and see how many teeth he has lost since school started, because it has seemed like a lot.  Since October he has lost 4, and he tells me another is on the way out!

Height

I am not one of those mom's that is good about recording my children's height.

I decided on Sunday that it was time to do it, because I had not done it since.....well.....since October 22, 2013.

I had Austin stand by my silly little paper growth chart that I have used for years.  (The chart does the job...It's not pretty, but it works).  As Austin stood there by the chart, I discovered he had passed the top of the chart by a few inches.  I guess it's time to move on to measure him with a tape measure.  He is roughly 5'2".  I realized that in about 2 inches I will be eye to eye with him!

I decided to go ahead and measure Adam since I had a grove going.  He was still on the chart (but not for too much longer).  He measured at 4'11".  It won't be long and he will surpass me too....

17th

I have been posting this month about teeth.  I know that is not the most interesting things to tell about my boys.  However, I am doing this for my record keeping.  That way, one day many years down the road, when my daughter-in law asks about her husbands tooth loss experience, I can say...They lost 3 teeth this month, then they went 9 months without loosing any....

So, for my daughter in law, here we go...

Austin had a very concentrated look on his face last night as we were eating dinner.  I asked him what he was thinking about.  He said, "Nothing really, I just have to chew on one side because this tooth is so loose."

Really, I don't remember this problem when I was loosing my teeth.

This morning, I was getting ready for church, he came to me--tooth in hand.  Apparently last night after he went to bed, he finally got it out!  :)

Well, we are on 17, I guess we don't have that many more to go  :)

16th

Yesterday I posted about Austin loosing his 15th tooth.  At the end of that post I made a statement that "I don't think the 16th is too far behind."

I finished the evening, and headed to bed.  I remember that Austin came to talk to me, but really I couldn't remember this morning what he came to talk to me about.

I came to the kitchen getting things set up to make pancakes, and then I remembered.  He lost his 16th tooth.  How did I remember?  He laid it very nicely on the kitchen counter. 

I honestly don't know the story of how he finally got it out. 

All I know is that I saw this one coming  :) 

I realized this morning....he is getting to the end of his  baby teeth.  Not too many more to loose.

Hat

Several years ago I heard about these looms you could buy and it was an easy way to "knit" a hat (since I am not talented in working 2 needles I thought this might be fun).  I went to our local craft store and found the looms.  There were 4 in the package, so I bought it thinking one day...

 I made a couple of baby hats and had a great time doing it, then I put the looms away.

Last winter we had a lot of snow.  Not just a lot, but A LOT of snow.  At one point Adam needed something to do.  I sat and thought...the looms!!!  So, I got them out and he started a hat.  Spring came and the hat did not get finished.  I tucked it away somewhere and did not think about it again.

Recently, I was working on a craft project.  Adam came to me and said, "mom, when can I learn to crochet?"  Well, I am ready to teach him any time he wants, but that moment did not work.  So, I thought about the looms again.  I pulled it out and he started right where he left off.

 He would work on it after school, and I think he even got some work done in the morning before school.  He was very dedicated and had fun doing this.

After several days, I looked at it and told him the good news.  "It's done!"  It is such a good feeling to complete a project!

I had to get a picture with the final product.  It is a loose knit, but it is made with love that will keep the head and ears warm.

I just may have him work on one for me next  :)

Molars

I have no recollection of losing my molars. I'm sure I did at some point, but if I had to tell of my experience, I just couldn't do it.

Austin came to me the other day completely baffled by something.  Turned out he had a molar that was ready to come out and he just could not get it out!  He tried one thing, then another.  He worked for a long time in our bathroom with the floss.  Finally, on Tuesday he came to the kitchen and said, "FINALLY!!" and put something on the counter.  At first I wasn't sure what it was, then I realized...it was his tooth! 

His 15th tooth came out!  (and the way it looks 16th isn't too far behind  ;)

Simple Prayer

Sometimes when I put Adam to bed I do the night time prayer.  Sometimes I tell him to start and I end up finishing.  Sometimes he does the entire prayer.  When he does the entire prayer, more often than not he will pray this...

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for all that you have done for us today,

Thank you for all that you have done for us in the past,

and whatever you will do for us in the future,

and Thank you for what you are doing for me right now,

and for everyone else.

It is a simple prayer, but it really does cover it all.

Safari Park

Since Jason is living with us, we have tried to think of some things to do with him that may not be in the ordinary for him.  We decided that we should go to the Virginia Safari Park.

We always enjoy getting on the wagon and feed the animals from there.  It gives us the opportunity to hear a bit about the animals from the tour guide and...

 It protects our cars from horns like this...

When this guy came to the side of the wagon, I moved to the center.  Those horns were HUGE!

 The boys got to feed lots of different animals,

  but, llamas were the most common.

 I was able to get one picture of my 3 boys.

After the wagon ride we were walking and looking at some of the animals that were free roaming on the trail.  They had something out to pet, so we investigated.
  

It was a huge python of some sort.  I even was able to touch it for a moment.  It felt much different than I thought it would. 

I was a beautiful day for a fun trip  

Science

As we were making grape juice today I looked out the window to see this:

Knowing this is an Adam thing, I had to wonder about his thought process.  So I asked Lana who was outside with him.  She said, "It is a Science experiment.  He wants to know if an upside down umbrella holds water.  His hypothesis is that it will." 

He happened to be right. 

He keeps me on my toes!

Adam started Middle School

In our area, Middle School starts in 5th grade.  Adam just happened to be entering that grade this year.  I knew this would be a big adjustment for him, but I knew he could do it. 

The week before school started, The schools hold an open house where the students can come find their classes, meet their teachers, and find their lockers.  Adam came and he was so overwhelmed!  It was anything but a wonderful experience.  I was a bit concerned about how the year would go with it starting out like this. 

The first day of school came.  Adam went to his hallway, and I did not see him all day.  (I work at that school).  After school, he came bouncing into my room, telling me that he got his locker open all by himself, his classes are wonderful, he wants to try out for a play.  He LOVES school! 

I am so glad that even though it was a bit rocky at the open house that he was able to find the good in his school and enjoy the moments he has.

Quick Vacation

We wanted to take a bit of time this summer to see some new things, but we didn't want to go really far, or spend too much money.  Hmmmmm.....what to do.  That seems like the impossible vacation.

In May, some of Mike's college friends came over.  One of them lives right outside of D.C.  Before she left she said, "You should bring your boys up sometime."  After they left, I looked at Mike and said, "Let's go to D.C."  So we set it up.

On the way up to her house we stopped at the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space museum.

We rode a simulator.  We wore 3-D glasses and watched a movie as to what it is like to be in a plane.

 I had to get a quick picture of Austin.  He is starting to not enjoy his picture taken so much.  So, I take them when I can.

 This museum has an observation deck.  (Adam was letting his true colors show while we waited for our turn).  It was really beautiful up there.

 Adam insisted we take a picture so we can show how far up we were :)

 And Adam wanted to take a picture of our car.  (It is on the left side, on the other side of the tree, between the red and white car.  The blue SUV)

This museum is near Dulles airport.  From the observation deck we could see planes.  I told Mike I just wanted to see some take off or land.  Before we left I saw 2 take off and 1 land.  I felt like that was a successful trip.

After we left the museum we went to Jen and Darron's house.  We made plans for the next day, had dinner, then we went blackberry picking.  I was really surprised to see how excited the boys were to pick blackberries. It made for a wonderful evening walk, with the  bonus of fresh blackberries to take home.

Monday we went to the International Spy museum.  We were to choose an identity and be tested on it later.  I did not remember all my information-it's really tough!   They also had a section on bugs and had sections where someone could go talk and someone else could push a button and listen to the bug they are talking near.  They had fake bombs that needed to be detonated.  The part you pull up could not touch the sides.  Again, I might say that I did not do good at this.  The boys were able to do it, but not me.  They had keypads where you had to find the code  and put it in correctly into the keypad.  This was a really fun museum that I had never heard of!

We went to the gift shop and found...

 How cute is that?

Then we went to the Air and Space museum in the Smithsonian.

 I had to get a picture of my boys with Wright brothers.

The funny thing was they got so excited about......

 ....escalators!  Oh to live in a small town with no escalators!  Really they enjoyed seeing the rockets and airplanes, too.

Then we headed to the American History Museum.  That had a little bit of everything from American History in it.  It was truly amazing.  It had president's coats and hats.  The ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz.  Trains, cars, buses, etc.  They also had sections on TV cooking shows.  Really this museum had everything!

 Again, Adam showed his colors and posed with this statue.

We then went to Union Station, had lunch, and looked around a little.  We thought about going to some of the monuments but the boys were so tired we decided to head back to Jen and Darron's.

Adam fell asleep on the way back.

 Then he ended up like this...

 and slept that way the rest of the way back to their place.

Tuesday we got an early start and went to the Washington Monument.

 I think that is such a beautiful monument.

 This is inside the doors of the monument.

To the east we saw the capitol building.

To the south we saw the Jefferson Memorial.

To the North is the White House.

To the West is the Lincoln Memorial.  Amazing views!!

As we walked to our next stop, I saw these pillars with different states on them.  Virginia was right next to a section that was roped off.  It was meant to be!  

I had to get a picture of my boys by Virginia.

Our next stop was the Einstein Memorial.

We hung out with Einstein for a bit.  ;)  Really it is beautifully done.  It was nice that it was on our way to our next stop-The Lincoln Memorial.

Just beautiful!

From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial I got this picture of the Washington Memorial. (still my favorite!)

Adam was starting to slow down a bit so from time to time, as we needed time to catch up, we would find Mike and Austin like this.

Our last stop was to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

One picture with the Washington Memorial in the background.

From the front.

We drove past the Jefferson Memorial and got a quick glance at him standing inside. This is a picture of the outside of the Memorial.  We were not able to fit it into our schedule to go inside, maybe next time.

This vacation was a whirlwind, but we did so much and had a great time.  That is what counts the most.

Austin's week at Camp

Austin was scheduled to go to camp July 13-18.  I was a little concerned that they would have extremely hot weather, as it is July....  The cabins at camp are not air conditioned and they spend most of their time outside.  As I dropped him off is was a "on the warm side" kind of day.  The counselor told me they would do their best to keep them cool.  Swimming, playing the in creek, etc.  

As the week went on, they had the most beautiful weather!!!  I was so glad!  

Austin did not talk as much about camp as Adam did when I picked him up.  But I could tell he had a great time.  

Adam also had one of the counselors that Austin had this year, Greg (on the left).   Steven (on the right) said he had Adam a few years ago.  I don't remember.  They both said they saw our last name on the list and knew the family immediately.  I thought, "WOW!!  what do my boys do at camp that make them remember us."  But I think it is more that we have an odd last name.

I am so appreciative of these guys who give their summer to working with kids.  They set a great example for the kids how they can grow up, have fun, and still have great Christian values.

MTC Academy

A year or so ago, my sister told me of this program she had signed her son up for.  Austin was not yet of an age that he could get into the program, but as soon as he could I wanted to sign him up!

Our local Vocational School has an 8 day "camp".  The child can choose from cosmetology, to welding, vet assistant, engineering, fire and rescue, or visual arts and 3D projects.  I'm sure there are more that I am missing.

Austin chose the Visual Arts and 3D projects.  This did not surprise me at all-it is right up his alley!

On the first day of this program we happened to be talking about what he wanted to do when he grew up.  He told me he thought a science teacher is what he was going to go for.  When I picked him up, one of the first things he said was, "I changed my mind--No more science teacher--I want to do this!"

They did several sketches and had them printed on a 3D printer.

 He also designed a few short cartoons (maybe 2-3 seconds) but I was very impressed at what he could do! 

The last day they had the parents come and see what they were doing in the classrooms, then there was a short ceremony.

 Each child got a certificate for being part of their program.

They also got t-shirts. 

Then after the program there was a picnic for everyone. 

I asked Austin if he wanted to do this again next year.  Without any thought he responded "YES!"  I was surprised that he wants to do the exact same program as he did this year.  We will see what he thinks over the next few months until I sign him again.

If nothing else, it gives him a taste of what career opportunities there are out there.

Haircut

Adam has a swim cap that he wears to swim team practice.  Earlier this week, he tried to put this swim cap on, and found it could not go on--He had too much hair!

Adam decided he needed a haircut.  I asked if he wanted to go to the barber shop or if he wanted me to give it to him.  He said, "No, I want to give it to myself."  

I have never been in this situation before, so I had to think it through.  I decided "fine, if it gets messed up, it's only hair and it is summer..."  so I said, "Fine, go for it."

So he did!

He did a fine job with the front and sides.  I had to do the back for him (and only get a few long spots he missed.)  I guess if cutting his hair is the most major thing he asks for, I think we can do it.

EMHS

Last weekend, Mike's parents came to visit us.  Since they were last here, Mike had changed teaching jobs and schools.  One item on their agenda while here was to see his new classroom and shop.

While there the boys got a little silly and started scooting around on....are they scooters??

Mike's mom had said at some point that she thought it was so neat that Mike is now teaching at EMHS.  He attended EMHS  for her junior year and senior year of High School.  Of course, then it was not in it's current building, but it is the same school.

I thought how rare it is that someone goes to a certain High School and years later her son gets a job there.  Not only that but her grandson is also attending that school.

I had to get a picture of the 3 of them at the school sign.  I'd say that is pretty special.

Adam's Camp Week

At church, Adam is in a Sunday School class where there are several boys, 4 of  these boys are the best of friends.  They have started at this church at different times and just joined into this little group.  

We started at this church about 4 years ago.  Adam and Noah (2nd from left) became quick friends.  They were also in class together at school and Noah lives just up the hill from us. Noah has gone to our church his entire life.  Both of his parents have also attended this church for most of their lives.  About 1 1/2 years ago Jonathan (orange shirt on left) started coming.  Jonathan's mom is from Bolivia.  His parents moved down there for several years in order to adopt him.  As soon as they could they moved here with him.  Christian (far right) moved here last summer as his dad got a job here.

Over the winter we started talking about summer camp.  All the boys wanted to go together.  So, we made it happen.  All 4 boys were in the same cabin.  They had a fantastic week!  This was the first time that Jonathan and Christian had gone to this camp, but they enjoyed it so much.

 I know these 4 boys can have a lot of energy when they are together, so I can only imagine what it was like with those 4 for an entire week! 

However, at the end of the week, the counselors looked...

happy and still full of energy! 

The boys love going to camp so much and I am so pleased at what all they learn while there.  That is one summer activity I will always try to make available as long as the boys want to go.

Swim Team

I feel it is very important for my boys to learn to swim.  I said they needed to take lessons until the passed a certain level.  Austin passed this level when we took lessons in the fall.

This spring I got an idea!  I told Adam he could either take lessons OR he could join swim team.  Swim team meets every evening for about 2 months.  After we talked, we decided that he would probably make more progress with swim team than just 2 weeks of lessons.  So, I signed him up.

 They swim laps, work on different strokes, and in general have fun.

They have swim meets against other swim teams.  It's always fun to add a little competition!  Adam signed up for 1 race.  It was free style.  Little did I know that free style was one of the last events in the swim meets.  We were at the pool for close to 4 hours before he finally got to swim in his event!  He waited patiently (most of the time).  I have to admit, it did feel like a long 4 hours.  He was a good sport!

 

Our local pool just got a rock climbing wall.  Adam was so anxious to give it a try.  The swim team had a pool party.  PERFECT!!  Adam can try out the climbing wall....so he did!

 

He went right to the area where you wait for your turn...

Jumped right in and swam to the wall.....

 Made his way up the wall....

And gave a big thumbs up to show how he really feels about this wall!  :)

I have to say, I think Adam spent most of the evening right here at this wall.  He had a great time!