Student ID photos

I had to take pictures of my kids so that our charter school could make student IDs for them, because we are trying to do the dual enrollment thing. They will take a few college courses online and they will count for both high school and college. Way to go guys!

His latest plan!

As I was preparing dinner tonight, Ben was talking with me. He had some pictures out that he had drawn in Dominica but didn't sell. So he starts talking to me about his new idea to have a shop full of his stuff to sell. We have talked about the different environment here - the kids can't just sell stuff on the side of the road like they did on the island - so he came up with the new idea. His shop would have his stuff for sale. He even went on to talk price. If it took him an hour to draw a picture, then it would cost $1! The smaller ones that take less time would cost less. He has even gotten into the movie making business. Well, he's working on his first script. He talked about making copies and so he's really thinking it through. My funny little business man. Do you know what he wants to buy with his money? A fishing pole.

Spotlight

At the Pack Meeting tonight they had each of the boys share a talent or hobby, gave awards, and parents talked about each boy. I should have written what I wanted to say down because I'm not good at remembering in the moment and I'm always sorry after. So, let me try to do a better job now...




Here are some things about Ben...

• He loves to play games like Risk, Axis and Allies, and Settlers of Catan.
• He's a great reader of any type of books.
• He likes to help me in the kitchen with cooking or dishes.
• He does not like mashed potatoes.
• He is very creative and imaginative.
• He is doing great with reading the scriptures and trying to apply it to himself.
• He tries to figure out how things work.
• He likes to work with his family in the garden.
• He's very friendly with other kids or adults.
• He would like to go fishing.
• He still likes to snuggle with his mom.
• He's dedicated to trying his best.
• He is very hard on himself when he tries something new and it doesn't come easily.
• He uses his hands when he talks about airplanes flying in the sky (like all fighter pilots do).
• He takes good care of his sisters.
• He loves his family and we love him.

Maybe that wasn't better but I feel better. He earned his second bead and two belt loops. Way to go little Wolf! We are so proud of you! For his talent he played a version of Old McDonald on the piano. I didn't take any pictures because I was afraid I'd make him get nervous or mess up and when they were giving his awards I didn't give my camera to anyone and I was up with him so I took a picture when we got home.

Video Game Memories

While we lived on the island, Ben had the pleasure of playing video games at a friends house a few times. Since we don't have a gaming unit of any kind he was not very experienced in any way. He still enjoyed it. Today, while eating lunch, he shared a memory with me. He was going on and on about a game where there seemed to be a lot of killing/shooting. Then he said there was one game that didn't have much killing. "There wasn't any killing, except for one part but it was in defense, mostly. You tried to stay alive but I wasn't very good at that." I just thought it was funny.

Moving right along.

Ben earned his first bead in Cub Scouts at the April Pack Meeting. That means he has completed three of the 12 requirements. He is close to getting a second bead at the May Pack Meeting so he's moving right along. Once he completes the Wolf requirements, he'll move on to the electives to earn the arrow points. Those will have to be sewed onto his shirt so he'll have lots of practice sewing. Way to go Ben!

Congratulations Benny Boy!

Yesterday was the Pack Meeting at Cub Scouts. The whole family went to see Ben get his Bobcat and Tiger Cub awards. It was fun to see him be recognized. (You know I was there because the pictures got taken - I was in no condition to have my picture taken.)

He mentioned first thing this morning about getting his patches put onto his shirt. I finally sat down with him after lunch and gave him a couple options. He chose to hand sew them on so he could still use his pocket. I threaded the needle, started him off and he was on his way. He went all the way around the patch and did a great job. I tightened all the stitches and tied off the end. He decided to do the Tiger Cub patch tomorrow.

He's really a hard working boy! Now he's all excited about getting things done so he can get a bead at the next pack meeting - maybe even two!

Only 5 days late!

Happy Birthday to my boy! He turned 8 and we had a great time celebrating. Balloons were handed out after breakfast - they were in my pocket but I forgot about them.

Breakfast was the normal pancakes with ice cream. His choice of ice cream was Cookies and Cream. I also had Vanilla just in case but it turned out yummy. (Of course.) We made buttermilk syrup, too, and that was a wonderful treat.

My parents drove up from Iowa to help us celebrate. They arrived Tuesday evening and we had a wonderful time playing with them. My younger sister and 4 of her children arrived Friday evening and I let them surprise all the kids. I thought it was a bonus birthday treat. (Thank you for making the effort to come out and celebrate with us.)

Ben wanted a jet cake so I did my best. I was just glad it tasted good. He decided to have the candles hanging out the back end of the jet and Kevin flew it into the living room so he could blow them out. It was fun to have some extra family around to share his special day.

Kevin did a great job with the presents. Ben's favorite was the Cub Scout uniform. He is so excited that he completed Tiger Cub and is already passing things off in the Wolf book. I just need to make sure I keep helping him so that he doesn't lose the desire.

It was a fun day and I'm so glad all my kids enjoy Taco Salad - I love it and so do they! That's what Ben picked for his birthday dinner and I was more than happy to make it.

Thanks, Bud, for being so great!

B is for boy.

So our oldest said a couple funny things today...

"Will someone please play with me? I promise I won't beat you up."
(I had to laugh right out loud.)

"We keep buying ice cream but we never get to eat it. Why do you guys keep eating it all yourselves? Are we ever going to eat any ice cream?"
(Kevin and I enjoy a bit of Ben and Jerry's from time to time. I guess Ben is picking up on that and is deciding to make his voice heard. He's tired of being left out. I wondered how long it would be...)