Finally a Bobcat

Here is a quick post of Parker (finally) getting his Bobcat. Yes, he has been 8 since May, but his mother just recently purchased his scout book. We have been lazy scouters.

I'm looking pretty guilty in this pic...maybe I'm just not happy about having my picture taken.Here he is "pinning" mom. Congrats, Parky!

Tri-Times

I always feel busy, but never feel like I am doing anything. Here is a glimpse of our last couple of weeks...busy, but fun.

On Saturday, September 27th, two of our four children participated in a kid's triathlon. The event was put on by our local YMCA was well organized, about 90 children participated. The day was beautiful, bright...a perfect race day. In this triathlon the children participating swam 100yds. biked 3.1 miles and ran a mile. Abby wanted to try it and Parker decided he wanted to do it too.

Eyes are closed, but this is the best we have. This was taken pre-race. You can see some of their gear behind them in the transition area.This photo was taken after both were recovering after crossing the finish-line, which unfortunately I missed. I was so impresssed with their focus and determination. I'm not sure why I didn't expect the kind of effort they gave. I know I'm the parent, but they inspired me with how hard they worked...lots of hugs and kisses at the finish. Just no pics. This is Parker during the run.

When they crossed the finish line, no one really knew how fast or slow he/she was. While the event was chip timed, the results of the race were not given until the post-race awards cermony in the gym. Both Abby and Parker had different goals entering the race: Abby didn't want anyone to pass her and she really wanted to beat the 12 year old twin boys who live in our neighborhood; Parker said he just wanted to finish the race. Well, no one could have been more surprised when they handed out the top three finisher awards for each age group and they called the names of both Abby and Parker for first place! Yeah, I'm bragging...but it's family.

Looking Back

I am pressed for time this week, and although it is only Wednesday, I don't see the situation improving. I've decided to include some photos of Kate DiCamillo with Abby and her friend Aubrey. Kate DiCamillo has written several books including Abby's favorites: The Tale of Desperaux which is currently in cinematic production so no release date has been set, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and Because of Winn Dixie (I've only read Desperaux and loved it). Kate visited Tulsa to receive the "Zarrow Award" named after a Tulsa philanthropist who is a great supporter of the arts in this area. This year Louis Sachar probably best know for his book Holes came to address an audience at the public library and sign some autographs. I missed his remarks, but Cris said it was wonderful. Unfortunately, the camera was on the blink.

While Kate was here, she told an extremely amusing tale about a witch story she "wrote." Actually, as a child she copied it out of a children's literary magazine, because she liked it so well, while she was home sick one day from school. She never intended to pass the story off as her own, but The Witch Story took on a life of its own, attracting to her all kinds of attention, some good, some not so good. In the end, she said she learned about the power of words and the power of a good story.

If you ever have the chance to see either of these authors it won't be a waste of your time.

Evidence That Your Children Have Been Playing With Your Camera

I went to upload some photos the other day and found these...

This is a mere sampling of the photos I discovered on my camera. You can be glad I spared you the series of blender photos.

Follow The Prophet

I have thought more than once about publishing this post. Before I go on, a little background is helpful. When I was younger, my siblings and I thought it was great fun to take the old TV Book and with an eraser and pen in hand, look for photos of various people/celebrities to "alter." It is the only explanation I have for this...

This is a photo of the cover of our church program. Our congregation has started using artwork from the Primary children on the program covers. After the congregation was dismissed to their classes, I started cleaning up the debris our family had left behind on the pew. I found this. Parker evidentely thought this artist had left a few things out. Yes, it says (among other things), "I'm thinking Arbys." I don't think he was trying to be disrespectful...just Parker.

To School

Our three older children went back to school a little over 2 weeks ago. Claire, who has been chomping at the bit to join them finally had her chance last Monday.

Here she is on her first day of pre-K.

Here she is with her teacher, Mrs. Schuler, getting her nametag.

Because the "waiting is the hardest part," we made a pink and purple chain to count down the days.

This was the last link.

A Cut Below the Rest

For our children, school started exactly one week ago. That involved, among other things, trips to buy school supplies, registration at three different schools with schedule pick up, meeting teachers, dropping off the elementary supplies (all 8lbs of it for one child and one school), and back-to-school haircuts. The latter is where things went horribly wrong...



It all started innocently enough. Wanting to save some time and money, I decided the boys just needed their shaggy hair "trimmed." I could do that. Parker was first. No problems. Except in this photo, his eyes are closed and he insisted on syling his hair himself.



Gil was next...his hair was longer. I could try and get into all of the technical issues of his "trim", but I don't entirely understand them myself. Basically, round one left him with what my children call a "chilibowl." Which I guess is not desirable. I tried to blend it in during rounds two and three, which were all unsuccessful. At this point it was obvious what would have to happen. Take it all off with the number four. This is the result.



In his defense, he was good-natured and sweet about the entire situation. We told him how handsome he looked, and how it brought out his eyes. However, after it was all done and the hair had settled, what was left of it, the reality of what he was going to have to face the next day sunk in...attending his first day of high school virtually bald. There was weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Gil's response basically says it all, "Mom, no offense, but I never want you to touch my hair again." I don't blame him.