Candy Sales

First, a big thanks to all who ordered candy from Christian and Tori. They each sold 35 boxes. For their efforts, they will receive a candy box, four boxes of candy, three envelopes with $1, $5 or $10, a grab at the cash cube and a chance to win $1000. They will not be the top winners. That prize went to kids who sold 50+ boxes. Christian and Tori were surprised someone sold that much until they added their totals together and realized they sold 70 boxes together! Next year it’s Eli’s turn as Christian heads off to middle school. We’ll see if he wants to go door to door.

Scouting

Christian has had a busy couple of weeks. He went to the police station a few weeks ago for a tour with the scouts and got into the line-up.

Last weekend he went to a camp out in the cold.  The next door neighbor (Matthew) asked our den to join his pack and his brother's troop for a camp out.  Christian had a good time during last spring's camp out so he wanted to go.  We headed out to Jubilee State Park on Saturday at 9 am.  Immediately he regretted his decision.  They were playing kickball and he hates sports.  He participated anyway.  Then he begrudgingly participated.  Very Begrudgingly!  He wouldn't move to try and catch a ball.  He would walk in between bases.  Towards the end of the game he started picking up his paces, but not by much.

We had only been outside for about 30 minutes and he started complaining about freezing.  I told him to run around during kickball, but he refused.  The troop switched activities to work on badges so while they were setting up for that I got Christian another pair of socks for his frozen feet.  I explained that his feet would still be cold, but he'd get used to it.  Matthew's older brother Aaron partnered up with Christian for the other games.  He helped Christian through them all and gave him more confidence.  Lunch time and they needed cooks.  Christian eagerly participated in making both meals.  He stirred the soups to make sure they were heated through and he buttered bread for grilled cheese sandwiches.  He also helped butter bread for dinner and helped make spaghetti and sauce for dinner.  He ate it all and now loves grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken noodle soup and tomato soup.  He surprised himself.

After lunch some kids left for a basketball game and Christian had warmed up, he told me I was right and he had warmed up and wanted to stay.  So he played on the playground with another scout and helped get firewood when it was time.  All willingly!  He kept extending the amount of time he wanted to stay.  The kids returned from the basketball game and the troop went on a hike.  3 miles long!  Amazingly, not many kids complained and they discovered a lot of things about nature and got a quick tour of the old Jubilee college.

He kept extending his time so much that he considered staying the night.  I knew from the morning that it was going to get cold again and he wouldn't be happy soon.  We stayed until about 8:30 along the time he began mentioning he was getting cold again.  A few other scouts weren't staying the night, so it was a good time to leave for us too.  The next day he said he had a good time and was glad he didn't stay the night.  So after a bumpy start, he enjoyed his time and may want to go again!

Smart Alec

While his sister was throwing fits, Christian decided to be a smart alec. He snapped at Tori several times before turning his attention to me. I don’t even remember what the topic was now, but he, too, got into trouble. He had a great day yesterday at the neighbor’s, and I guess that made him extra confident with his comments. He will be going to bed earlier too for his antics.

Mr. Smarty Pants

Christian is very sharp but very literal. He listens closely, and the first time you make a verbal mistake or throw out a phrase or saying, he is on it like a dog. He also thinks he knows more than you do and has no issues letting you know that. He was very much a wise guy this weekend, especially after his grandparents left. He had a lot to say and spent a lot of time teasing his brother and sister. His mouth got him into trouble more than once. It is sure to happen again too.

Homework is heavy now that Christian is in 4th grade and Tori is in 2nd grade. Christian has about 45 minutes every night, but he is getting smarter about it, doing his handwriting at After Care and bringing home the harder stuff. Tori has yet to catch on to that. Sometimes she stays focused long enough to do a bit at after care, but not often. She had her first spelling test today, and while we practiced the words, I have no idea how many she really knows. She was too busy playing around to really demonstrate what she did and did not know. I hope she surprises me and does well.

Good Boy

Christian has a very good teacher this year, and she has been communicating with us regularly, letting us know what a good boy Christian is. We have received two postcards and two emails regarding some questions about an email. We also see her drive to school early every day. I was told this teacher was very strict, and that may be, but she is also a very good communicator.

On another note, Christian is learning cursive and doing it very well. He claims he has poor handwriting, but he is taking his time and it shows. He has better penmanship than me and Huts, and probably will have for some time to come. My father had remarkable penmanship, so maybe Christian will too.

No Thanks

Christian is not one for change, so when I painted his room green a few years ago, he was in it for the long haul. We’ve bought him new furniture and changed things around, but that’s about it. He says he loves his bedroom color, a mossy green, and is sticking with it. I bet that room doesn’t see new paint until he is a teenager or out of the house.

And They're Off

Yesterday was the first day of school, and it was not without drama. The drama started Sunday night when I noticed Christian getting misty eyed. He was nervous about the first day of school and worried he would not get there on time. We assured him everything would be ok, and for him, it was.

We arrived at school around 8:15 on Monday morning. One of Christian’s friends immediately came up to him and asked who his teacher was. They found they were in the same class—first time since kindergarten, and that was all it took. Christian went off with Owen and Huts followed to meet the teacher.

Christian’s teacher called last night to let us know he was good, just tired at the end of the day. Apparently, there are some kids that like to talk. So, the class is getting rearranged today.

Almost School Time

In a week and a half the kids will be back in school. Christian has Mrs. Gallion and Tori has Christian’s old teacher, Mrs. Evans. Christian’s teacher is supposed to be strict but fair—right up his alley. He has no problems following rules. Tori is looking forward to having a female teacher again, and she adores Mrs. Evans. Mrs. Evans has witnessed Tori’s little fits and says that if that is all they are she can handle them. Tori is excited about being in Mrs. Evans’ classroom and back at school with her friends. Christian, not so much. If that boy could, he would stay at home forever and view the world from the Internet!

Growing Up Fast

Christian has spent much of the summer at home, watching TV and playing video games. From time to time, he also wrestles around with Eli. In fact, he may have played with Eli a bit too much, as Eli has become a real pest to Christian. Eli loves his big brother and loves to follow him around all night. Christian puts up with it for an hour or so and then he heads off to his room for some time alone. Eli tries to get into Christian’s room, which starts the fighting. They are only five years apart, but that’s worlds apart at that age.