Student of the Month

Yesterday Max came home from school and announced that he had been named the Student of the Month! That's right, he's been a student for all of one month and he already claimed the Student of the Month award! I know we're talking about Kindergarten here, the Ivy Leagues haven't called yet, but, darn, I'm just so proud of that boy! I'm not even exaggerating when I say that Max truly is just a really GOOD little boy. He didn't do anything extraordinary to earn his award, he was just acting the way he always does--obedient, friendly, and awesome! To celebrate, Max got to choose the ice cream flavor (moose tracks) and topping (Reese's) for our FHE treat last night. 

This is my first handwritten little love note from Max. So precious!

Competitive Soccer

I'm feeling a little guilty about blogging from my warm car while poor Hank is outside playing in the cold, dark, and wet outside. That's soccer for you. When we decided to put Hank on a "competitive" level team we weren't entirely sure what we were getting into. I mean, the kids are eight, how "competitive" could it be?! Overall, the experience has been great--Hank's coach is great, he's made some good friends on his team, and his skills have developed a lot--but, after driving Hank to and fro to practices three times a week and scrambling to feed everyone before weeknight games and watching him play in the dark, I'm glad that this is the final game of the season. There has been a few times I've had to spring from my chair to offer Hank a little constructive feedback, but I'm proud of Hank for working his very hardest. I remember trying out as a freshmen for the high school soccer team and surprising myself by being able to walk on to the varsity team with very little skills or experience. Over the course of four years of varsity soccer, I'm not really sure I was ever that great of a player, but I know for certain that no one out worked me. I know that Hank will continue to be successful at whatever sport--or anything else, for that matter--if he gives it his very best and works hard. Great job, Hankie! On to basketball...

Robyn's Birthday Adventure

Technically, we were celebrating Robyn's 30th birthday, but I think Mindy and I had just as much fun taking a night off from Mom duty, going out on a little adventure, and enjoying some girl time. 

We surprised Robyn with a zip line adventure! I'm not usually much of a risk-taker, but zip lining to me didn't feel very risky. Sure we were suspended a few hundred feet up in the air by two thin cables as we flew 45-50 mph towards a small platform, but instead of feeling scary, it was really just serene and breathtaking to soar above the trees and feel a little wind rush against your face. I love it and I'm proud of us chickens for doing it!

After our zip line adventure, we treated ourselves to a yummy dinner and dessert. 

Happy 30th, Robyn! This one is going to be pretty hard to beat!

Pinewood Derby

Having zero outdoors/camping background whatsoever, I've been nervous about entering the intimidating world of scouting. It's hardcore! Pack meeting, den meetings, camps, badges, pins, uniforms, etc. I decided that when Hank turned 8, I may as well make the investment in figuring it out since scouting will inevitably be a big part of our lives for the foreseeable future. I'm pretty proud to say that Hank and I have been working together every Sunday afternoon to pass of achievements towards his wolf ranking and, only two months into the program, and we're nearly finished! I did defer to Aaron when it came to building Hank's pinewood derby car, though. Hank and Aaron designed, fabricated, and painted Hank's little muscle car. Unfortunately, there were 37 other racers and Hank did not place in the top 4. Poor Hank, these are our experimental years--by the time Joey and Rocky are scouts, we're going to OWN the pinewood derby (you would think, since we'll have at least one car in the race for the next eleven straight years, right?!)!

Reminder

Sometimes I get caught up in the daily tedium of life--the never ending "to-do" list, the battle to just keep my sanity amid the voices of five little people all fighting and fussing at once, and the millions of different directions I feel pulled in trying to take care of everyone--that I forget to be grateful for this life that I've created. Benny always helps me remember. He reminds me that a smile really can make everything better. He reminds me that it's ok to slow down a little; I don't have to rush through everything. He reminds me that doing my very best is enough. I love this little boy for so many reasons, but especially for his constant reminder to me that what matters most usually isn't on my "to do" list at all.

Benny got to participate in his first primary program on Sunday. He was nervous, but he did great! His line was, "John the Baptist was baptized."

Bros

For all of the fighting and wrestling, bugging and annoying, these brief little moments of loving, teaching, learning, and sharing make me feel like maybe these boys really do love each other.

Max is 6!!!

I love this boy to bits. Max is a really special kid. One of the reasons that I love Max so much is that he naturally possesses many of the qualities that I have worked by entire life to develop without much success. Max is very generous. If his teacher gives him a snack at kindergarten or a treat in primary, he always asks for a second to give to his brother. He will use his own allowance money to buy a treat for someone else. He will happily share his last skittle or sip of pop. Max is very slow to anger and quick to forgive. It makes my heart break a little when, out of frustration about something, Ben will hit or push Max, and instead of react, Max will just turn away. If I ever become upset with Max, he will apologize with sincerity and then ask me to forgive him. Max is fun to be around. Whenever I feel like taking a walk or need to run an errand in the evening, Max is my go-to buddy because I just like his companionship. He's always upbeat, always easy-going, always happy. See what I mean? Max is just a genuinely good kid. I am so proud of this little boy and so blessed to call him mine.

After our Mom Date and learning how passionate Max is about golf, Aaron got busy finding a new set of clubs (his old set was too short) for Max to use while he played a birthday round of golf with Aaron.

Of all the places he could have chosen, Max picked to have his birthday dinner at Chuck-a-Rama. I recall eating at Chuck-a-Rama 20+ years ago when we'd go visit my grandparents--they loved the tapioca and the senior discount and I liked to serve myself soft serve ice cream. My memory didn't fail--we were the only diners under 60. Max sampled a piece of pizza and a few french fries, but was most excited about the all-you-can-drink chocolate milk and the slurpee machine. If I don't eat at Chuck-a-Rama for another 20 years, it'll be too soon.

I think Max is saying, "awwwwesome!"