Bead Up Your Nose Moment

When Rachel had just turned four, she had a "Bead Up Your Nose Moment."  She actually gave the phrase meaning.  I was very pregnant with Hannah and was in the garage assembling our new triple stroller.  I heard PK yelling for me from inside the house.  I thought he was saying Rachel had a bee in her nose, but he was saying bead.  She had played with beads since she was old enough to string them.  She was never one to put anything in her mouth and I never considered she would stick something up her nose.

The bead was just far enough up her nose that we couldn't reach it, so PK took her to the ER.  The doctor came in with a bag of scary looking tools that he would need to safely remove the bead.  He didn't want to traumatize Rachel, so he had one idea to try before using his tools.  He had Rachel push against the open side of her nose and blow in her mouth as if giving mouth-to-mouth.  The bead flew out.

We knew Rachel knew better than to stick the bead up her nose, so since then when one of the kids does something we know they know they shouldn't have done or their decision lacks common sense we call it a "Bead Up Your Nose Moment."

Aaron had such a moment last Friday.  He came in the front door after school and I told him hello and asked how his day had been.  I received the usual mumble which meant it was fine, but he wasn't willing to admit it was better for fear that I might think he likes school.  He walked into the family room and said, "If you stick an eraser to your face, it leaves little marks."  He was talking about the type of eraser that fits on the top of a pencil.  He was squeezing it and letting it hang off of his face.  This was the result.

It is obvious by his expression that he wasn't bothered.  PK and the girls also found it funny.  I was not amused.  He looked like he had chicken pox or a bunch of mini face hickies.  Luckily, the spots faded in just a couple of days.  All I could really do was shake my head and say, "That was such a bead up the nose moment."

Mr. Gorf

Aaron is taking drama as one of his electives this semester and tonight his class put on a play called Sideways Stories from Wayside High.  It is based on the same title from a series of books.  Aaron played Mr. Gorf and he was phenomenal!!  I was so proud of him, it was all I could do not to stand up and cheer in the middle of his scene.

I had helped him with his lines, so I had an idea of the story.  However, he did not want me to come to any rehearsals and he didn't want to tell me anything about it because he wanted me to be surprised.

There were a few work days which allowed the students to learn about building the set and the preparation that goes on behind the scenes. 

 

 

This is the best action shot I took during the play.  His character possessed the ability to make the students do what he wanted them to do.

 

 

He was sweet enough to pose on set for a picture after the play.

 

He loved being part of this play.  He wants to perform it again and I want to see it again.  It was that good.  I'm hoping he will purse acting next year in high school.

NJHS Induction

This handsome boy is all dressed up to attend his NJHS induction ceremony.  Even though he doesn't like school much at all, he is still one smart cookie!  Noelle was also inducted, but I failed to get a picture of the two of them together.  I'm sure that did not disappoint them!!

Lego Robotics

Aaron was on the Lego Robotics team when we were in Georgia.  Two of his friends, Coleman and Zac, were also on the team which made it extra fun for him.  When we moved here last year, I encouraged him to join the robotics team, but he said, "None of my friends are on the team.  They are all in Georgia."  Broke my heart every. single. time.

I was ecstatic when he announced that he was going to try the robotics team here this year.  He even invited two of his friends to join with him. 

Their competition was today.  They didn't place, but were awarded the judges trophy which signifies creativity, sportsmanship and team effort.  This was the first year the school had a team compete and their first year with a new coach, so there was definitely a learning curve.  Aaron enjoyed it and I was thrilled to see him being involved.

The team competing.  Aaron is on the right hand side with sunglasses on the top of his head.

Parenting Milestones

I have always been a baby person.  I have friends who have kids and those friends couldn't get out of the baby stage fast enough and couldn't be paid enough to return.  I would do the baby years over again, but I have three milestones in my kids' lives that I was really happy to reach because they made life easier on me.

1. When they all became self bucklers in the car.
2. When they were old enough to get up on Saturday mornings and grab their own pop tarts without me.
3. When Rachel was old enough to stay home with the other two long enough for me to run quick errands such as grabbing a gallon of milk.

Well, today I added #4....

The Day Aaron Started Mowing the Yard!!!!

 



Celebrating the Boys

The kids and I will not be home for Aaron's 13th birthday or Father's Day, so we decided to celebrate early. 

Rachel and Hannah made this poster for PK.

Aaron made him a matching survival bracelet.

 

Rachel and Hannah gave Aaron t-shirts and Legos.

 

 



We saved the best gift for last.  PK and I gave him his own laptop!

 

I still can't believe he is going to be 13!  He has reminded me several times over the past couple of months.  He will be camping with his Boy Scout troop from Georgia on his actual birthday.  That is probably the best way he could think of celebrating his birthday.

 

After opening the gifts, we had dinner at our favorite local Mexican restaurant.



His Opinion

Aaron's school has Spirit Week this week.  Each day the kids are given a theme they can choose to incorporate in the way they dress.  One day is 60s day, so they can dress like people did in the 60s.  One day is school spirit day, so they can wear school colors.

I didn't realize it was Spirit Week until Aaron mentioned it on Sunday night.  He told me he didn't have any jeans clean for Monday morning.  Of course, it was about 8:00 p.m. when he had this revelation.  I went into his room and pulled a pair of pants out of his dresser.  This particular pair is more along the lines of Dockers.  I pulled out a sweater I thought would look nice and put the outfit on his bed.  I told him I put clothes on his bed he could wear tomorrow.  He generally has absolutely no sense of what matches or even fits.  He has put on pants that were five inches too short, but insisted they fit properly because they fit his waist.  He has tried to wear a thick vertical striped shirt with plaid shorts because, "They both have blue and red."  I have tried to relax and as long as I feel his choice won't get him beat up, I let him go with what he chooses. 

After he went into his room, he came to me.

Aaron:  Mom, can I please NOT wear that sweater tomorrow?

Me: (In total shock, because I have been quite certain to this point that he would let me choose his clothes until he has a wife to do it for him) What is wrong with that sweater?

Aaron: Nothing.

Me:  Don't you like it?

Aaron:  Tomorrow is Tacky Day.  We are supposed to dress tacky.  I don't have to find something that is tacky, I just think the nice sweater would really stand out on Tacky Day.

Me:  OK.

Aaron left the room and I looked at PK and asked, "When did he get an opinion?!?!?!"  He was the kid who was going to wear whatever I wanted him to until he left our home. 

I guess having an opinion comes with the voice getting deeper and the shoes that are the same size as his dad's. 

Do Plants Love Sweets?



Several months ago, Aaron's science teacher offered his class the chance to participate in a science fair.  In eighth grade, it is part of the curriculum, but for seventh graders it is a chance to get their feet wet and experience the process. 

Aaron's class was working on a large project.  In place of the project the students could choose to do a science fair project.  Whether or not the project was successful, the reward is a one hundred and ten extra credit points on a future assignment.  I told Aaron any time he has a chance for a higher grade or to earn extra credit, he should take it.  Even if he has a solid "A" in a class, it is always possible that he might slip on a later assignment and that extra credit will be helpful. 

He decided to try a science fair project.  He had his mind set on doing something with plants.  We threw around some ideas and he settled, very strongly, on "The Effects of Sweeteners on Plant Growth."  PK and I tried to get him to do something a little more original.  We thought doing something about the effects of video games on kids would be neat.  In the end, it is Aaron's project, so we let him stick with what he wanted to do.  Besides, I really don't like projects that were obviously done by a parent.

He ran the experiment for a couple of weeks and found that their was no effect of the different sweeteners on plant growth.  I'm not sure I would include his findings in a scientific journal or even believe them to be accurate, but he ran the experiment.

I helped him get all of his paperwork in order and turned in by the December 3 deadline.  I thought we were finished.  It was my understanding that the experiment would be reviewed and certain entrants would be invited to participate in the actual science fair.  Wrong!  Aaron brought home the paperwork required for the science fair.

We bought a display board and I gently guided him in getting it set-up.  The science fair was last night.  He enjoyed being there and seeing the other experiments.  He had to explain his project to the judges which he thought was hard, but he was able to do.  He told me that he would like to do a science fair again, but the next time he will pay more attention to the details and try a more involved original experiment. 

That seems like a good outcome to me and he will receive that one hundred on the project and extra credit.  It's a win-win!

What's That Up There?

I was cleaning out the garage earlier today and came across these chairs.

There are two of them and they have a matching table.  I briefly wondered where the table might be and remembered the kids had it out in the shed.  I really didn't give it much thought.

Hannah had also asked me for a jump rope earlier in the day.  I told her I thought she had one and she looked at me with a blank stare.

Later that night I went out to mow the backyard.  I glanced up in the tree and this is what I saw.

The Dora table suspended in the tree with the jump rope

 

Too funny!  Aaron and Hannah spend a lot of unsupervised time out in the backyard.  They are often digging holes or moving scrap pieces of wood to make something.  Just being kids and having fun.  I love that about them.  I know they are going to have great memories of hanging out together back there.  Maybe their mom should pay a bit more attention.  Ha!





Literalist

Aaron brought home a progress report a few days ago.  His grade in social studies was a bit on the low side.  It wasn't awful, but he is quite capable and he wasn't doing his best.  He lost screen time until the grade improved.  The kids' school had an online program that allows parents to see every grade as soon a teacher post it.  I told Aaron he couldn't have screen time back until he had an acceptable grade posted.

Following is the conversation we had this evening.

Aaron:  Mom, can we check online to see if my grade for my essay in social studies has been posted.

Me:  Yes.  What did you do it on?

Aaron:  (In all innocence) Notebook paper.

I laughed so hard I cried.  He wasn't trying to be funny.  I guess I should have asked something like, "What was the subject matter?" or "What was the topic?" 

In his defense, we had talked to him about how sloppy his handwriting can be.  He has been told many times that we don't blame the teachers for giving him a poor grade if he doesn't take the time to do his neatest work.  I'm quite certain that is what was in his head when he answered.

And...because years from now I know I will read this and think, "What was the topic?"  His essay was on the Aztecs and whether historians should emphasis their agriculture or human sacrifice.  His argument was for agriculture.

Black Belt

Aaron started taking martial arts classes after school about two and a half years ago.  About six months into those classes, the instructor told me she thought Aaron really had "true black belt spirit" and she thought he would benefit from additional classes on Saturdays.  We signed him up and he has loved it.

 

His instructor, Jennie, started her own self defense company called Powerhouse Self Defense.  It started out as Power House Self Defense for Ladies, but it soon grew to include men and children as well.  As the business grew, Jennie could not continue with her school.  She took her black belts and her top two students (Aaron and a girl who was almost to black belt) and offered them positions as assistant instructors with her program.  She has been training Aaron privately since then.

 

He tested for his black belt on Christmas Eve.  That boy has some power!!

 

Ms. Jennie presenting Aaron with his black belt.

The fam (Probably wouldn't have worn the cheesy snowman shirt had I thought about a family photo...alas...not about me.).
 

Being silly...the boy is HEAVY!

 

Aaron and Mamaw Annie



Hat Day

Aaron and Rachel were heading to the car for school this morning, when I see Aaron wearing this hat and Rachel slipping him a dollar.

 

"Why are you wearing that hat and why are you giving him a dollar?"  Every week there is a Spirit Day at the middle school.  This particular day was Hat Day.  The kids can wear any hat they want and they pay a dollar.  The money raised goes to a charity.

I think Rachel thought it would be fun to wear this hat, but she was a bit too concerned about what others might think.  Aaron doesn't care what people think and is always looking for a way to make money.  So many life lessons in those two sentences.

They Will Stink

Aaron is in the middle of two of his Scout buds.

Aaron left for his first full week of Boy Scout camp this morning.  He has gone on several weekend trips as a Boy Scout and countless as a Cub Scout.  This will be his first week long trip.

He was not nervous at all.  He loves it!!  The boys were limited to bringing just their footlocker.  They will be sleeping in platform tents and eating in a cafeteria type setting so that saves them from packing some of their gear.

Yesterday, I helped Aaron pack.  Oh...my...word!  He spent most of the time digging through his room hunting for items such as his compass, water shoes and personal first aid kit.  When he comes back from this trip, I am going to help him unpack and then we are going to put all of his gear in the footlocker.  Next time he is packing for a camping trip, he will know where everything is.  P.K. said the next time he has to pack, Aaron will do it himself and then we can check it afterwards.  Sounds like a plan to me.

Of course, he will leave out what I would consider essentials like clean underwear, soap and toothpaste.  I packed him lots of extra socks and underwear, but I know he won't change them as often as he should.  I told him to brush his teeth every day, but, again, I know he won't.  He also has soap, but I'm quite certain he won't use that.  When I go to pick him up on Saturday, I know I will want to tie him to the top of the van to air him out on the ride home and to keep the smell from permeating the inside of the van. 

I also know he will have a great adventure this week.  Each time he goes to a regular weekly meeting or goes on a weekend camping trip, he learns new skills and can explain them in detail.  I know this week will not be any different.  Plus, the camp has a Slurpee machine and the Scouts took along enough cash to buy two a day.  What could be any better?

The Walk of Shame

The kids at the elementary school line the hallways to say good-bye to the fifth graders and any staff who are retiring or moving on. 

It is called the Walk of Fame, but the kids call it the Walk of Shame.  I'm not quite sure why because they really enjoy it.

I went in and stood in the hallway to grab some pictures of my soon-to-be sixth grader. 

I stood with Ms. Shuman's class. 

Ms. Shuman was Aaron's second grade teacher and his first teacher at this school.  She's probably my favorite teacher of Aaron's and she is also a friend.  When she had her baby, I babysat for him when she first returned to work.

The fifth graders were given notecards to write notes to previous teachers.  They passed them out as they processed through the hallway. 

He gave Ms. Shuman a hug.  I told Bekki (Ms. Shuman) that I know Aaron loves her and not to take the lack of a note as a lack of love.  He doesn't like to write.  I saw her after the walk and she told me he did indeed give her a note.  Sweet boy.  He told me he also gave one to Mr. Gentillelo who is a regular substitue and also attends our church. 

This is Mrs. Gentillelo who is the school secretary and married to Mr. Gentillelo.  She sat down to give Aaron a hug.  I think one of my favorite things about this school is that so many of the staff truly love my kids.

This Walk of Fame wasn't as emotional as when Rachel walked.  I think because she is the first and she was more sad to leave.  Aaron is ready to move on.  When Hannah walks, I'm sure tears will be shed.  Not just because she is the baby, but it will be another new season.

I Earned a Medal

Aaron had his Fifth Grade Awards Ceremony this morning.  Like many schools across the country, his school participates in the Accelerated Reader Program.  Each book in the program is awarded a point value based on the difficulty.  After reading a book, a student takes a short test to evaluate comprehension.  Points are then awarded based on the score.

Until Aaron was in third grade, we really struggled with getting him to read.  He knew how to read, he just didn't enjoy it.  I had suggested book after book in an effort to help him find something he might like.  Finally, his Scout leader suggested a series that his boys had read and that is all it took.  Since then, Aaron reads every night.

A few months ago, I challenged Aaron to read the Harry Potter series.  I promised to read them along with him.  I thought it would motivate him a bit and since so many parents have been anti-Harry Potter, I thought I would read along as "Parental Guidance."  He LOVED the series.  He couldn't put them down and scored 100% on EVERY. SINGLE. AR. TEST!  The books are worth a lot of AR points.  After reading the first book, he doubled the points he had already earned.

During the awards ceremony, the Media Specialist awards certificates to the top ten AR points earners.  Once the first five were called and their points announced, I thought Aaron was out of the running.  Names continued to be called.  The top three point earners received a certificate and a medal.  The Media Specialist said, "The third place points earner for fifth grade is Aaron Ray."  YES!!!  That was such a huge accomplishment for him.

Each week Aaron brings home a progress report for the week.  He has to write one thing he thought he did well for the week and one thing he will work on for the next week.  For his thing he did well this week he wrote, "I am proud I earned a medal."

Here he is showing us his medal!

Stinky Boy Scouts

Aaron has gone camping as a Cub Scout many times.  This past weekend was the first time he went as a Boy Scout.  He was a bit nervous, but he had a great time.

He was excited to tell me all about the new knots he learned how to tie, orienteering and cooking in the dutch oven.

As a side not he said, "Oh, there weren't any showers so we didn't shower all weekend and not everyone brushed their teeth."  I just nodded.  What I wanted to say was, "As if I couldn't smell that when you all got out of the cars."

One of the big differences I see between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts is the amount of leadership skills the older Scouts seem to possess.  I was very impressed with the older Scout who was making sure the younger Scouts had all the proper gear.

Here is a picture of Aaron and his best buddy, Coleman, while they were still clean.

Thanks for the Reminder

The kids' elementary school partners with the Kiwanis Club to sponsor a program called "Terrific Kids."  Each month each classroom teacher selects a student who they feel has put for their best effort in an area.  All of our kids have been selected multiple times.

This month was our friendly reminder from our local elementary school and the Kiwanis Club that our kid is TERRIFIC.  Aaron was facing some challenges in reading.  He is a capable reader and exceeded on the standardized test in that area.  He was reading a series of books that was below his reading level and his teacher didn't think it was a very good idea.  I, on the other hand, think that when reading for pleasure one should get to choose the reading material that is fun.  That is another blog post.  Anyway, I told Aaron if he would read the Harry Potter series that I would read along with him.  It became a contest to see who could finish first.  It really doesn't matter who won or how long it took the winner to catch up on chores like the laundry.  Aaron scored a 100 on every AR test he took on the books.

His teacher noticed and chose him to be her Terrific Kid for May.

Our Terrific Kid

All of our terrific kids

Tender Heart

Aaron has been reading the Harry Potter series.  He can't seem to put it down.  He finished book three one night in bed.  He came into my room almost in tears and said, "That was such a good book."  I asked him if someone died and he said, "No, it was just a good book."  He went and told PK and then went to bed and just bawled.

I am reading the series along with him and finished book three a couple days behind him.  There was nothing that was really sad, so I started talking to Aaron about the end of the book.  Without giving away too much of the story line, as a baby Harry is saved from evil by his mother's love and readers find that out in book one.  Aaron said, "It is just nice how love is so powerful."  That is why he was crying.  So stinkin' sweet.   

Arrow of Light

Aaron is in his fifth year of Cub Scouts.  He and PK have enjoyed many scout activities together.  Aaron just received his Arrow of Light award.  This is the highest award a boy can earn as a Cub Scout.  He technically has the rest of the school year to finish up as a Cub Scout, but he and the other members of his den have chosen their new Boy Scout troops.  We will have even more scouting adventures in the not too distant future.

Aaron receiving final awards from his den leader.

PK and Aaron with his Arrow of Light award.

Aaron being accepted by the Boy Scouts.

Aaron with his old den.

You Speak LEGO?

Aaron has always been extra excited when he found out Uncle Brian would be part of the Thanksgiving celebration.  Brian is super kind to all the kids, but I never quite knew why Aaron felt that special bond until...I realized they both speak the same language.

After dinner, Brian was showing Aaron pictures of a LEGO convention he and Cynthia had attended.  Aaron was in his element.  Little did Brian know this would lead to a two hour period of Aaron following him around talking about LEGOs. 

Here is a portion of the conversation that was overheard...

Aaron: I used one of those grey cylinder things and put it on another grey cylinder and put that on another grey cylinder.

Brian:  Oh, yeah.  The one with the four things.

Aaron:  Yes.

Me:  (Laughing to Cynthia)  They speak LEGO.

Brian was nice enough to show Aaron a website where he could construct his own LEGO design and then order it as a kit.