Fort Hood Shooting

We are all home and safe. Abe was not on-post when the shooting occurred. As far as we know the incident does not involve anyone from Abe's unit. Thanks to everyone for checking in on us.

Birthday Boy

Our Zane is 6 years young today. He left for school in an awesome mood. We let him choose a restaurant to eat at tonight so of course we are going to Chuck E. Cheese. We're gonna let him open his presents from us today. I'm going to bake a batch of the best cupcakes ever for him. Then we'll be doing some more celebrating with friends and family the weekend of the 24th.

The above pic was taken at his first soccer game a couple weeks back. To see more from that day, click here.

Don't Be Silly

Had to get this quick story down so we don't forget about it. Now Brody, when you read this years from now, keep in mind you weren't even 2 1/2 years old yet...

Brody was pretend playing with his Wolverine, Spiderman and Incredible Hulk figures in the car the other day. Abe heard him say "de nada" which is not something we had heard him say before. He asked "Brody, did you just say de nada?" To which Brody replied "no, Wolverine said that."

For My Non-Facebookers

One of the many reasons I don't play the piano much these days....

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Forgive Me While I Brag

Believe it or not we are nearly at the end of 5 weeks already since school started. I thought I'd give a little "progress report" on how Zane's doing with Kindergarten.

First of all, he is pleased as punch that they don't have naptime. That was his one and only complaint about Pre-K. They do rest on mats for 30 minutes each day but they watch a video at that time and aren't expected to sleep. He has PE and music every morning, recess every afternoon and computer lab every day. He goes to the library on Tuesdays and is now allowed to bring his book home with him rather than leave it in the classroom. He brings home a LOT of papers that he's completed throughout the day. By the looks of it, they have very little time to get into "trouble". He has the occassional homework, too.

Every student in his class will be given the honor of being the "Star of the Week". Zane had his turn on week two. He answered a sheet full of questions such as "favorite food", "favorite book", etc. And he was able to bring in his favorite book and 5 or 6 photos to share with the class.

At the end of last week Zane brought home a folder with a book and some worksheets in it. On the front was a letter explaining that he had been selected for their "Star Reader" program. It's something they offer to challenge students that are reading above their grade level. That was a pleasant surprise especially since we weren't really aware that he was reading at all. We pulled out the reader and he read about 90% of it without any assistance. Granted the words are all 3 letters or less but wow, that was impressive.

We have a conference scheduled with his teacher at the end of next week. So far his teacher has said "he's a pleasure to have in class". And everyday he comes home with a smiley face stamp on his daily behavior calendar. He's even been sent home with a "caught being good" certificate pinned to his shirt a couple of days. I'm looking forward to hearing more details about how he's doing in class. Specifically in the area of mathematics because the child is already doing a lot of multiplying and dividing. I think we can credit his Leapster for that.

Here's a picture taken yesterday at his school assembly. Zane was given a Citizenship Award. He is sitting with the group of kindergarteners that got the same award.

Geez, now that I've typed this all out it's apparent Zane has had a busy and productive first 5 weeks. I'd say as of right now he has a great attitude about school. We'll take it as long as it lasts.

Oh and his school has wasted no time when it comes to fundraising. I know most of you have other kiddos to support but if you are interested in helping "enhance the learning experiences for all the students" at Clements/Parsons Elementary then by all means click on this link. Go to "online ordering" and log in with the following: School Code- FRCRCCT and Seller ID- 50354. They have everything from jewelry to magazines to wrapping paper to pizzas and cookies. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Orders are due by Tuesday, Sept. 29th.

Can't Sleep

I seriously need to update my banner. The boys look so young in those pics. Weren't those taken like yesterday? Geez, where does the time go?

In one month, Zane will be turning 6. SIX! for crying out loud. This watching-your-kids-grow-up is rough stuff.

How's That Again?

Abe asked Zane if he knew the months in order...to which he replied:

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, December, October, Thanksgiving.

A Birthday Solo

My nephew turned 6 a couple days ago. I handed Brody the phone and said "you want to talk to Jake, today is his birthday" so he busted out with the singing right away. This clip actually starts about 2 minutes into the singing. In fact I think Jake had already handed the phone off to his big brother. Brody is such a character.

Happy Birthday, JAKE!!!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com