Behind the Wheel of a Car

Sometime towards the end of September 2016, I was at work and got a text from my sister.  Her friend was selling her car.  It was a little older, had some miles on it, but over all would be a great first car.  Lana thought, "Well, Austin will be driving soon.  I wonder if Mike and Amy are interested..." I talked it over with Mike and we decided to go look at the car the beginning of October. (we did not let on to Austin what we were doing)  We took my dad, so he could thoroughly inspect the car.  Dad gave the final okay, and we bought the car.  We were not able to bring it home that night, so we took several pictures and headed home. We knew it would be a little till he could drive anyhow.  We just could not pass up this deal!

Once home, we found Austin sitting at the table doing his homework.  Mike and I told him where we were and what we got for him.

This was about as much excitement as I got.  

Then he had to pass the learners test.  

He finally got that precious piece of paper last week.

That evening he was ready...

...to start practicing with Mike.

And they headed out.

He seems to be doing okay so far.  I have gone with him once or twice, but still prefer Mike to do this stressful part of parenting.

Hard Working Man

Several months ago, Austin was talking to his friend Jacob about his summer plans.  Jacob said he was going to be working for his grandparents.  Austin was wishing he could get a job.  But he is not able to drive, and a lot of places won't hire kids who are not 16.  Last Saturday Jacob was at our place, and he asked if Austin could start working with him.  Austin was so excited!  

Jacob's grandparents have a wooded area that they want cleared.  The boys are moving rocks and sticks.  They end up burning the sticks.  (I really don't know what they are doing with the rocks).  It is very physical labor.

Austin already had a morning program that he was doing, but he worked it out to go to work right after the program.  He was able to get an idea of what he needed to do, and he got a few hours in ;)

I think even just working a few hours really took a toll on Austin.

There were several afternoons that I found Austin like this.  Then I was taking him to work on Friday and he showed me that he had a poison ivy rash all over his arms.

I am very proud of him for being willing to work and earn some money this summer. 

NYC

Several months ago, Austin started talking about a friend of his.  He called his friend "Miller."
I thought,  "What an interesting first name to give a child."  It took a while, but it came out that Miller's first name is Jacob.  Apparently, Jacob was a common name the year that he was born, so friends at school have taken to calling the Jacobs by their last name.

Several months ago, I got a call from  Jacob Miller's mother.  She was thinking ahead to his birthday in April.  She wanted to take him to NYC and wondered if Austin and I would like to join them.  We thought that sounded like a lot of fun.  Plus, they were wanting to do some things that we did not get to do when we were there last July.

Yesterday, was the day that we had been planning for.  We got on the bus at 4:45am.  Luckily, we were able to sleep a little on the way.  We got dropped of in NYC around 11am.  We thought we would go and do some of the things that were a little farther away from our bus stop first.  We got taxi and went to battery park. (At this point the weather was a bit drizzly, but our cab driver assured us that by 2 it would be clear and a lovely day.  Looking back he was exactly right!  At 2 it had quit raining, and was a really nice day weather wise.)  We wanted to see the Statue of Liberty, but really did not want to spend so many hours on the tour, plus that would have been another ticket to buy.  We went to battery park and we got a decent view of the Statue.  It would have been better if the weather had been more clear, but Austin and I had the Statue of Liberty experience in July, so we were fine with this choice.

After the Statue, we wanted to go see the Freedom tower.  It was a reasonable walk from one area to another, so off we went.

Jacob's mother, Bobby Jo, and I thought we should have at least one picture of the boys together.  They were not excited about that, but humored us.

There is the Freedom Tower.  I think it is such a beautiful building.

Near the Freedom Tower, there is a wall memorial about 9/11.  It has different scenes from the horrific terror attack that NYC had experienced 14 years ago. There was a really interesting man that was cleaning the memorial.  He would answer questions, and tell facts that few people knew about.

This was not the boys first choice of a place to visit, because it is "depressing," but we thought that this is a part of the boys life history, one day they may appreciate that they had been taken here.

Then we went to site where the twin towers had stood.  They have a really nice memorial there.  They have names of those who lost their lives along the edge,

a double waterfall fountain is in the center.

When we were at the fountain, we were able to get a really great view of the Freedom Tower.  It is just amazing.

We were fairly close to the Brooklyn Bridge.  So, we headed over there to see that.  Since we are not there day in and day out, we decided to take a short stroll of on the bridge.  The boys got bored with that, so we had to cut it short, but at least we got a good look at the first pillar.  (It was a bit unnerving to walk on this path and have traffic flying on both sides of the dividers.  I guess New Yorkers gets used to it!)

Several years prior to ever going to New York, someone told me that we should visit Little China, and Little Italy.  We had wanted to eat in Little Italy, but in order to get there we had to walk through Little China.  It truly was like tiny replication of what I imagine those countries to be like. 

After lunch, Jacob and Austin wanted so true Italian Gelato.  I thought, "Well, we might as well make the most of this experience."

After lunch, we headed to Central Park.  We weren't sure what we should see (Central Park is a very big area).  This guy started talking to us about bike tours.  It was a tour guide that has a 2 seat carriage on the back.  The tour guide tells you things about the park, that would not know otherwise.  Plus, we got to see a lot of more the park this way.

Jacob and Austin got a carriage, and Bobby Jo and I got another.  The tour guides stayed together so that we would be able to experience this with our boys. 

One of the first thing they pointed out was the building with 2 towers in the background.  That building is the building they used in the movie Ghostbusters.

The bridge in the background here is the bridge they used in the spider-man movie.

Then we went by the fountain that was used in the beginning of the show Friends.

Then we were taken to another area in the park, where there is a memorial for John Lennon from the Beattles.  It is just a short distance from the apartment building where he had lived.

Had to get a picture of Trump tower in case he would be our next president.

There is a Christmas movie called Elf.  In that movie there is a snowball fight scene.  This bridge is where the snowball fight took place.

One of the things the boys really wanted to do was to go to the top of the Empire State Building.  We bought tickets prior to our trip that allowed us to go to the 86nd floor and the 102nd floor and not have to wait in lines.  The only condition was that the boys wanted to see the city at night.  So, this was the last thing we did.

This is the view of the 86th floor.

And the 102nd.

Shortly after we did this we headed back to our bus to come home.  

It was a busy day.  But it was filled with experiences that I hope Austin will remember to many years to come.

Art

About this time every year, our local library displays art made by the students of  area schools.

One day, a few weeks ago, I got an email from our art teacher asking if I could help her.  I didn't really understand what she needed help with but I agreed.  As it turned out she needed help get the art mounted so that the pieces could be on display at the library.  

I was working and getting a good bit done.  Then, she gave me some "stuffed animals" to mount from a sewing unit they did.  I looked at this one that was to be mounted and knew right away that it was Austin's.  

 

The project was to have 3 parts of your childhood and put them into one stuffed creature.  Austin's creature is a small dog, whose body is a video game controller.  On the ear of the dog it has a blue canary (from a song he likes).

I thought it would be great to get a picture of  him with his creation at the library, but he didn't agree.  I think he did a great job!

14

WOW!!!  14....why does that number seem so big?  It is really only one more than 13, but it seem like this year it was a big jump for Austin from 13 to 14.

To celebrate his birthday he wanted to have 1 friend over.  He requested that they go to Taco Bell for supper (we  had VBS at church that week, so I was not there for supper--church commitments  :), so Mike took care of that...Thank you, Austin, for making it easy on me!)  Lukas spent the night.  They stayed up super late, had snacks, and laughed a lot.  These are the kind of birthday parties that I like!

Austin, you have been teaching me things since...well, before you were born.  When I went into pre-term labor, I learned that I should not have things mapped out all the time.  With kids, you have to learn how to go with the flow.  Every first you had growing up, I had that first too...as a parent.  I had to learn from you how to deal with all the things that you go through.  We go through it together!

There are so many things I love about you.  I love how you love to laugh.  I love your passion.  You have recently found that you love to go to the gym, and you have kept me accountable to going. You compliment my cooking  -even when it is not so good!  You are a joy to have as a son!  I love you!!

Dam Fieldtrip

It is the end of the school year, so to finish off the year the grade levels go on different "big" field trips. 

On Monday, Austin's class got to go to the old McGaheysville dam.  Once upon a time a dam was there.  As the story goes, about 6 months after it was built a storm came through and it never worked again. 

There were several stations to participate in.

The first one Austin's group did was go in the water and try to catch some macroinvereabrates.  They took a flat net into the water.  Then the stirred up the bottom, and tried to catch the stuff that got stirred up.  The caught some pretty impressive things! 

After this, they went to the tree station where they looked at different trees and different characteristics of the tree.  It was interesting, but I do not think that it was a favorite.

From there we went to a station that talked about the layout of the land.  Looking at a map of the land and what all the markings on the map might mean.  Discussing why certain things were placed where they were.  At this point everyone was getting hungry, so I don't think they enjoyed it as much as they could have.  I found it very interesting.

Then we had lunch.

After lunch, we went to see what they caught from shocking the water that morning.  There were several types of fish and an eel. 

Then we FINALLY got to do the main event.  RAFTING!!!  We, it was me and 4 7th grade boys, climbed into our raft and went about 3 miles down the river.  It was exhausting, but a lot of fun!

I would have loved to get tons of pictures from this trip, but by the end of the day I was totally soaked  and so glad that I did not have my phone with me! 

I do wonder, in 20 years when Austin's wife is reading this, if he will remember what macroinvertebrates are, or will he have to google it?

I know my time is running short on him wanting me to join him on field trips.  I was so glad that I was able to go on this one with him.

Genetics

Genetics are truly a funny thing.  One child can look like one parent, while another can favor the other.  Some kids are a unique blend of both parents.

I have said since Austin was very little that he is ALL his dad!  Now, Mike's mother would often correct me and say, "Austin has your button nose."  Okay, all except his nose, is his daddy!

The other day Mike was looking for something in the basement.  He came across some pictures.  I was looking through them, and saw this one.

I thought, now if that doesn't look like Austin I don't what does!  Just to prove my point I took a picture of Austin to compare.

Yep, I'll claim the nose, but other than that...He is his daddy's son!

A new sort of milestone

Austin hit a new sort of milestone this week.  He is at the stage in his life where he...has no more baby teeth!

He lost #20 this week.

What amazes me is that the boys are being watched by an orthodontist.  Last time we were there, she said, "I want to see them back in the summer.  Austin will have lost all his baby teeth by them."  I thought-certainly she doesn't know how slowly my boys got their teeth and how slowly they are losing them!  Boy, will she be surprised.

Nope, I was the one that was surprised! She really knows her stuff.

When he lost the tooth, I put it by my computer so I would remember to put it away and record this momentous event ;)  Yesterday I was walking by and something went flying on the counter that my computer sits on.  I looked and the tooth had split in half!  WHAT!?!?  I don't know what caused that, but I'm glad it didn't happen in his mouth ;)

...And Then There Was 1

I've said this before, this is not for interesting reading--I promise!  This is for future reference for my lovely future daughter in law ;)

Austin lost another tooth this week.  Seriously, I do not remember my teeth bothering me, like his loose baby teeth bother him.  One evening at dinner he told me he was sooooo hungry because he was barely able to eat his lunch.  Later that he evening I saw him really working on that tooth.  No too long later he came with the tooth in hand.  He was so happy to have that out of his mouth!

This is tooth number 19.  One more baby tooth, then I guess we are pretty set for orthodontics.

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!

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.

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  ;)

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.

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.

Toothless

We went to Grandma and Grandpa W's this past weekend.  Austin lost a tooth each day we were there.  I joke with him that if we had stayed longer he would have left toothless.  These are the 13th and 14th teeth he has lost.
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The other weekend Austin was having a pain.  He told me I should call Carol since she is a nurse.  I had already done this, but she didn't know much about this area (ortho)  I explained to him that she was Oncology.  He said, "Oh, is that one of those nurses that doesn't go to College?"  I was so confused, but then I heard it like he did "Un-College-y"  I don't think I will ever hear that word the same again.

Sometimes Austin really surprises us!  He is able to wear jeans and a t-shirt to school but every now and then he dresses like this...

I'm not sure what inspires him to wear a tie and suit coat to school and certain days, but I will not argue!  I think he looks quite handsome. 

And Then There Were 8!

In the past few months I have taken the boys to a couple of orthodontist so they can start watching them. That way they can best advise when to put braces on.

When we went to the first orthodontist, as she had Austin climb in the chair, I told her he still has several baby teeth.  She looked at me like, "OK, I've seen kids this age before......"  She looked in Austin's mouth and said, "WOW!!  he still has lots of baby teeth.  He still has 9 to loose!  I responded with, "Yep!  My babies were late teethers.

Austin has had a tooth that has been wiggly and a bit annoying for some time.  (We are the type of parents that will let the child decide how hard they want to work on their loose teeth.  Having a loose tooth won't harm them and it won't make them feel any fear in telling us about their loose teeth that we might come after them to pull it out.)

The other morning Austin walked out of his room and came into the kitchen where I was.  He started talking about the day ahead, and what he wanted to eat for breakfast.  After about 5 minutes he tells me, "Oh, I finally got rid of that annoying tooth."

WHAT?!   I would have thought that would have been the first thing he told me!

He had 9 baby teeth, but now there are 8.