Typing

Alex got to play on Grandmother and Granddad's typewriter! He would
type a little, then stop and read to us. It occupied him for over an
hour. He journaled a third of a single-space typed page, and in the
end asked if he could have a typewriter for Christmas! I love this
kid!

hacked

Please don't open that last link! -Tracy

First Day of 3rd Grade!

Yes, you heard me right... 3rd Grade!  Multiplication, insects, the solar system... it's going to be a good year.

Sharkie gets a bath!

When you bathe your furry, 75lb, best friend, it's a good idea to just plan on getting wet. Now Sharkie is snuggle-worthy again.

Proud Mama

There are moments in parenting that don't come with photos or mementos, but which you cherish more than gold.

This morning at school I watched the Principal connect Alex's hand with a very scared little kindergarten boy he'd just himself walked across the drive.

I don't know exactly what was asked of Alex, but he turned to the little boy, said something, and the look on that boy's face changed.  Alex had instantly calmed his fears and given control to a situation which had obviously seemed very out of control just moments ago.  They walked up the school path hand in hand.  The Principal waved at me with a smile as I rolled through the drop off line.

And I cried.

I grinned and I cried.  So proud of my son, and what these small acts mean for his growing up.

Here begins a long life of helping others.  Of being trusted by authority to be responsible.  And of doing so proudly and willingly.

Alex Broom Balancing

Alex was helping clean up when he figured out that he could balance the broom - look Ma' - no hands!  

When I get married...

Dinner table conversation that will have our parents roaring... It's only fair that we, who married at 20 and 18 years old, would have a little boy who starts talking about it at 7! 

Alex: I really have my work cut out for me, to get married, 'cause I have 4 girls that I am friends with (implying he has a choice to make).
Me: Well, thankfully you have a long time before you have to make that decision.
Stan: Did you know that I was 20 years old when I married your Mommy, there's still 13 whole years before you're that age and many people don't get married until they are 24 or 25. And, that I didn't even meet your Mommy until I was 14.
Alex: No, that's (counting on fingers) still 7 more years.

Then, out of curiosity, I asked him what he thought would be important for a wife: "caring for people, inventing stuff, helping fix and invent stuff, nice to me" so I asked him, can I add one more thing to that list? He nodded yes, "she should love God too", to which I got a big, happy grin from both of my boys.

I'm proud of Stan and I for holding it together during this precious moment!  And so blessed that our relationship is one that makes our son look forward to his own marriage at the tender age of 7.