Monday, January 25, 2010

We Need Your Help

Zane came home with a packet of info/forms from the Gifted Education teacher at his school on Friday. We are going to proceed with the testing process but we have to complete a Parent Rating Form before that can happen. This form contains 12 traits that we have to rate from 1-3 (1=small degree, 2=moderate degree, 3=great degree) AND we have to relate an example for each trait. No big deal, right? That's what I thought until I read through them AND the form needs to be returned by Thursday. Yikes!

So what does this have to do with you? Well Abe and I were thinking that some of you might be able to come up with examples to help us out. Since we are around Zane all the time and are used to his quirky ways, we are having a difficult time thinking of examples of how he might be exceptional. Whether you simply follow the blog or have regular contact with Zane, perhaps you can recall a story that can be used on the form. Of course, if you think Zane is a complete moron we could hear about that, too.

We would greatly appreciate any assistance you may be able to provide. Please feel free to leave a comment here or email one of us directly.

Here are the traits they want to hear about:

1) Is mature beyond his years.
2) Has many different ways of figuring things out.
3) Has interests of older children or of adults in games and reading.
4) Is observant.
5) Is aware of problems others often do not see.
6) Wants to know how and why.
7) Asks a lot of questions about a variety of subjects.
8) Is able to plan and organize activities.
9) Sticks to a task, once it is begun.
10) Has a wide range of interests.
11) Sets high standards for self.
12) Chooses difficult problems over simple ones.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Four-Legged Visitors



It would appear we have taken in a couple of strays for the night (or two, with the holiday tomorrow). Abe spied them in our front yard. When he opened the door, they ran right in. They are very clean so I don't think they've been on the loose for long. One of them has a collar with a couple of tags. They only have vet and animal control info, though. They are well behaved and...



very friendly. The boys have enjoyed playing with them. So far, we've kept them in the backyard but we'll have to set up something indoors for them tonight so they don't get too cold.

Before you get attached, WE CAN'T KEEP THEM! We have an international move coming up, remember??? And besides, they're small, furry lap dogs. My future great dane would eat them.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Damn You, Texas and Your Confusing Weather

Forgetting to winterize the sprinkler system + freezing temps =


Our "to do" list just got a little longer. Unfortunately, we've made this costly mistake before. Will we ever learn???

Monday, December 28, 2009

Storytime with Brody

This is currently Brody's favorite book. He actually does get a lot of the words right.

Monday, December 21, 2009

This is What Happens While Mommy Naps

In the clip you will hear Abe say something about Brody's trick making his heart stop, but that is putting it mildly. He later told me he had to get a pair of pliers to remove his nuts from his body cavity.

Boys, boys, boys.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

The Beans Have Been Spilled

So we were just breaking the Korea news to Zane and Brody. I told Zane that we now know where we are going and when. I said "we get to live in another country". Zane's face lit up as he gasped with excitement. I said "which country do you think it is?" He said very excitedly "I think we're gonna live in Wisconsin!"

Fortunately, he was equally as excited about Korea as he was at the thought of living in Wisconsin. They both took the news well. Let's hope the adventure is as great as we predict it will be.

One Example of the Magic of Disney

I'm in the process (still) of editing our Disney pictures. I just finished up with a few from this show at Hollywood Studios. Zane is a big fan of Indiana Jones so it was on our "must see" list.


The pictures of the show aren't anything spectacular. But this next one means so much to me and I'm so glad I captured it...

I am not exaggerating when I tell you, this look was plastered on Zane's face for the entire show.

Monday, December 14, 2009

We Are Officially Going To Korea

Truth be told, that's a lie. It's not officially official since we don't have orders in hand. But we have the next best thing, a Request For Orders. The RFO outlines all of Abe's training dates and locations (Alabama, Toronto, Canada and El Paso) and tells us which unit he'll be reporting to in Korea. He'll be flying these. And we'll be stationed here. If the Army is kind, they will let the boys and I move over there on their dime. We'll live there for a minimum of 2 years. It will be 3 if we indulge in the bonus money the Army dangles in our face for committing to that third year. So provided nothing major comes up before the orders are cut, we will be shipping out next September.

We are super excited, a little bit nervous but mostly, ready for a new adventure.