Keri and Kaci came back with us to visit for a few weeks. (They are Kirk's little sisters adopted from China.) They enjoyed games, monopoly and swimming and visits to Sea World. Shopping for back to school, shoes, and looking at stuff. Some hair braiding too. When the visit was over they flew home, and we were sad.
July - August
Nick played basketball for the first time in a team with the YMCA. He really enjoyed it and learned much.
In July, Kirk enjoyed his birthday cake specially designed for him with contributing ideas from Kaci. He had a special ice cream cake, with a brownie base and a cookie dough ice cream layer, with chocolate drizzles over the top and down the sides. He loved it.
School... when will it start?
Is it time yet?
Time to shop for back to school?
You want how much, for what?
Do you really need that?
School starts, bank account shrinks… I cannot believe how much money one could spend on all the things required, requested, and recommended around here from the schools. Seriously. I have never seen so much stuff come home for every program under the sun, t-shirts, PE Uniforms, fee for this and that, donations, etc.
Cub Scout Begins again
Oh, no. I am the Cub Scout Den Mom. Around here cub scouts is cancelled all summer long, except for Day Camp. Last I knew I was called to teach the Bears but somewhere over the summer, and all of a sudden I now have the Wolves too. How can this be? Two books, two sets of achievements to accomplish. Is my head spinning? It feels like it after den meetings.
The Big One. The Only One. He had thought of the violin or cello but his teacher recommended the Bass for him. Not many play it. Not all can. Did I mention it's big? After much thought and consideration Nicholas chose the Bass. There were a few perks to the Bass. The rental was from the school and was one fee, not a monthly one, so much cheaper. Also he could keep it at home. No lugging an instrument this size back and forth to school. No way. It is huge. Kirk and I have enjoyed him playing it. There are no high pitched twangs or squeals just mellow deep notes. Not sure how people could endure beginner violinists without a few headaches.
He’s in Strings II what happened to Strings I? Because of Nick's schedule he had to begin with those who had already played in Elementary school. His teacher did her best to get him to speed and he has done great. His Strings teacher awarded him with a Panther Pride award, a rare and prized honor at Lopez Middle School.
Nick's in 6th grade, Middle School already? Here in Texas 6th graders go to middle school. Lots of classes. Orchestra, PE, GT English, GT Math, Social Studies, Health, Reading, and another. Lots of homework.
Isaiah’s fish 6 neon tetras, 2 molly’s and a sucker fish (the algae eater) in a ten gallon tank.
Glinda's a Scentsy Consultant Now
I joined Scentsy in August. A friend of mine, Becky Sattler, in Idaho introduced me to Scentsy. No one around here had it, so I signed up. I liked the idea of no flames and no smoke and great scents. I rarely light candles around here with all the boys around. That would just be asking for trouble. They make so many scents, in a room spray, car candle, and wax bars to warm in a warmer or plug in. One day I had Sugar Cookie scent in the warmer when Jonah came downstairs and asked if I was making cookies. "No honey that's Scentsy", I told him. "Is that okay?" "Yeah", he said. Good, I thought I may have some trouble but had none. He was content.
Dad’s a primary teacher for the children turning 8 years old, and cub scout committee chair person.
September--It’s nice and quiet once again! Next year Tom... SCHOOL.
Oct. Nicholas turns 12, is ordained to be a deacon at church and now passes the sacrament, and attends Young Men's activities. Has a UIL competition and wins 6 ribbons. Has a cheesecake birthday cake and presents -- special thanks to Perry and Cristian (friends here), and Grandparents Hill & Smith.
Halloween! Trunk or Treat at the church parking lot one night and Trick or Treating in our neighborhood on Halloween. Below is Jonah and Thomas, I think they were tired out from so much trick-or-treating.
Jonah loses a tooth (first) and starts wearing a fingerguard to help him stop sucking his two fingers. So far it is working. We have another week to go.
