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.

Theater Box

We were snowed in today, thank you winter storm Q. Alex was very excited to sleep in, wake to snow, play video games, watch AFV and then to create this! 

I was inspired by a craft on Made by Joel. When we used up this lovely tissue box that's silver foil lined, I knew it had to become something awesome.

Alex told the story "The rocket lands on the moon, then the asteroid crashes into Mars." And with the simple slide of a button, his story comes to life. He was very excited and happy with how it turned out. Even 3yo cousin took a turn and loved it.

Sharing with Bobbin

With winter break already here, Alex spent Thursday and Friday with Grammy & Grandpa - and Bobbin, mustn't forget Bobbin!

Grammy said that Alex and Bobbin spent most of the day outside playing, romping in the snow and sunshine. When they finally came in for some food and down time,  Alex decided to share his shows with Bobbin.  So cute.  (I think he wore her out!)

Merry Christmas!

Growing

We recently repainted Alex's room, and covered over the measurements we've taken of him through the years... on his birthday, and on his half-birthday:

4 = 40-3/4"
4.5 = 42-1/2"
5 = 43-3/4"
5.5 = 44-3/4"
6 = 46-3/8"
6.5 = 47-1/2"

He's growing so fast!

The Weekend with Grammy & Grandpa

Alex went camping with Grammy & Grandpa this weekend.  When they got back, Alex helped Grandpa in his wood shop.  

Alex learned how to hammer.  He told me that he knows how to use a hammer and nail to stick to pieces of wood together.  I told him that meant he could build things now.  

He wants to build a chair.  He told me that first we need to measure from his seat to the top of his head, and that he was going to build it with a straighter back than the chair he was sitting in just then.  Cute kid.  Just like his Daddy and his Grandpa - he likes to build things!  

My Toes

He has my toes.  

It's the little things.  Things you can't teach, that remind you that this little wonder came from you.

Without prompting, or comment, my little boy sits down for story time and holds his own feet.  

Daddy can't do this.  

Only Mommy has the ability to pick things up with her toes.  Like my Mama. 

Alex and Meyer (dogsitting)

Good practice for when we get a dog later this year.
Alex says his favorite part of having Meyer is "messin' with him" (playing ball and squeaky bone).
I enjoy watching them play together. Funny boys.

Word Building "ad"

I love his illustrations. Bad, with the guy reeling from a punch. Lad, with a bow tie. Dad, so tall you can't see his head... Love his perspective. So talented too!

Pickle-Nosed Snowman

The first real snow of the season!  February... long overdue.  Alex did all his work at school in record time (so proud of him) and we were still in a sort of celebratory mood when we got home.  I was thrilled to just play for a while.

We got all the snowball parts up and Alex said "now we need a carrot for his nose".  I told him that I didn't have a carrot, just carrot chips... he said "what about a pickle?"  Yup.  Pickles we have.

p.s. He's been planning the whole pickle-nosed snowman thing for a while - it was in one of his stories from school a while back.  Funny boy.

The Daredevil Next Door

A neighbor and classmate we've gotten to know is a daredevil.  She is truly fearless.  The exact opposite of Alex.  Her Mom and I have laughed many a time watching them play - and seeing how differently they react to the same world.

Yesterday, we all ended up at the park together.  Alex rode his bike, still fully dependent on training wheels.  Then she came zipping along without training wheels (day 2 her Mom informs me "I'm going to have a heart attack").  She whizzed past us, eager to show off this new skill.  And then it happened... the wobble. You know, the one that turns catastrophic.  Somehow, she managed to lift her legs and land squatting right next to her bike without a scratch.  Even she was a little shaken by the near miss as she crouched with both hands covering her mouth and her eyes the size of saucers!

Alex's reaction was fast too.  He turned to us and loudly stated "That's why I have training wheels!"

So, her Mom had a heart attack, and I nearly died of laughter.

What's So Special About Kansas?

Aliens, a multi-colored sun, pink trees, trampolines that make you say "we!", giant magnetic... uh, somethings, bees that "BZ!", and box turtles.

Might I humbly add: ALEX!!! One very cool and very creative kid!

January

This unseasonably mild weather called for a bike ride to the park and a snack in the open air. So, so lovely!

Stripes on a Rocket

Alex made a wizard's hat at school, but when it came home it turned into a rocket. For Stripes.

I love that he staged it then asked me to take the picture- I love how her got the perspective in the photo. He even had me take it a second time to get it just right!