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.

Prankster

Christian participated in his sister's party too.  He, however, had devious plans in mind.  He and his friend Matthew were going to prank the girls.  Of course it was 9-year-old pranks, but they were pranks.  He'd knock on the door and run while the girls screamed to quit it.  He begrudgingly sang and had cake and ice cream without much complaint.  He also slept in the living room with the girls.  A decision he'd later regret because the girls kept him up!  Maybe next year he'll be able to have more than a couple of kids come to his party.  By then we might all have recovered.

Too Much

The kids spent last week in KC, and they were tired. We got them on Sunday, and they spent much of that day in the car. We got home around 5 and the next morning they were off to camp at the Riverplex. We knew they were tired, and this morning, they gave out. Christian has got the beginnings of a cold and decided to stay home. Tori is also feeling puny and stayed at home—we knew she was tired because she didn’t even want to go to the sitter’s to play with the girls. Eli was the only one feeling like himself and off he went to the sitter’s.

Happy As A Clam

The kids are on day 4 at Grandma and Grandpa’s, and as far as we can tell, they are having a ball. Sunday, they went to an old homestead. Monday they went shopping for birthday presents—trains, an angry bird, some dolls. Tuesday, they went swimming with their uncle, ate lunch with him at Sonic and visited with their great-grandpa. Their cousins also came over to spend some time with them.

Christian gives us an update every night on the iPad. He talks to us for about 30 seconds before the others take over.