First Day of School 2012

This week I am playing catch up.  I have to document life around here someway or another.  So here we are way back to the beginning of school.  Samuel started 7th grade this year and actually is enjoying school.  Okay, maybe not school, but what it has to offer.  Here, well into the school year, are some of the things he's up to:  Got a part in the school play, "Clue".  (he's the Cop)  He just made an exciting cut with the school choir and gets to go on a three day trip to the other side of the Kingdom in an all Kingdom competition.  (he was very excited to be the only 7th grade boy to make it)  He's running cross country and actual really likes it.  He's very busy in Boy Scouts, Young Men's, and hating- or I mean - taking piano.  And, he's VERY proud to report that he has a B in math, that is the first time above a C, in middle school history for him.  He's REALLY growing up and such a wonderful help.

These two cuties are getting bigger each day.  Simon is in 4th grade this year - but seems like he should be in 9th.  And Ruby is the perfect 1st grader - nothing but ooohs, aaaaws, and giggles.  Simon played baseball in the fall and decided to sign up for drama club twice a week during the lunch hour.  He reads.  A LOT.  And then some.  He also builds anything and everything you can think of.  Between legos and his all time favorite book "Mini Weapons" he's very busy.  And trust me, don't blink, because he will quickly swipe any kind of paper clip, string, pencil, pen, rubber band, empty box or anything else he can get his hands on to build something with.  He's still the brightest bulb in our lamp - and still the most loving and easy going child.  A delight.

Ruby is a true red head, as we've some to find.  She is sweet and kind, and feisty and fiery.  She loves to read, as well.  (Sam does too, just not as obsessively as these two)  She reads every chance she gets, like Simon.  If she's not reading, she's looking at herself in the mirror.  She LOOOOOVES to admire herself.  Who wouldn't?  She IS adorable.  She loves American Girl dolls and babies, and still loves to dress up.  Right now she is playing soccer, her dad is her coach.  She is fast, but needs to put the full fire from her red hair into the scuffles.  She doesn't want to hurt anybody, so she backs off a little.  But she's the tallest and cutest first grade soccer player I know.  She also takes Yoga one day a week after school and LOVES this!  She's still in Girl Scouts and  - again - loves it.  This year I am one of her scout leaders and am really enjoying being with her in this part of her life.

Oh Chach.  He's is SO cute.  Sorry to say.  But we can't get enough of this stinker.  His cheeks still jiggle when he runs.  I mean?  Does is get cuter?  No.  He is loving his pre-K program at the elementary school, and loves being with Roo and Si at school.  He has a gazillion friends and has more play dates than anyone I know.  He is such a fun person.  We call him "The Great Gambini" as he is always, tumbling, flipping, and karate kicking.  (Gid is hot on his heels with this same behavior)  Sol's teacher tells me he's such a very nice child at school.  He includes others and plays with everyone.  Maybe that's why he has so many friends?  I get to be with my four youngest each week in Primary, and Sol never ceases to crack me up.  He only sings every fifth or so, word.  And that's with his big yell.  Yesterday, Giddie was sleeping during sharing time, and Sol had him lay his head on his lap, and let him take a little snooze.  It was so cute.  Those two LOVE each other.  Chach is in soccer for the first time this year.  He scored a goal his first game, on his 5th birthday.  And he scored three goals this past weekend.  He's fast and aggressive.  It's so fun to watch him play!

Giddie is 'home schooled', as the older kids like to tell him.  Next year he will be in preschool, and I am loving having home so much.  He is such a fun and loving child.  He always checks up on me.  If I look serious, he says, "Mama?  You mad?"  He loves to kiss, but NOT cuddle.  When I lay down with him for his nap, is the only time he snuggles.  He twists and turns until he is directly as close as can possibly be.  Then he sticks his thumb in his mouth and rubs my cheek with his snuggie.  I love it.  As of late, he has picked up whining - a lot.  I have to walk away, as it makes me nuts."Why? Why? WHY?!" His favorite word.  He also ALWAYS wants a snack - so does Chach.  Giddie is a total Mama's boy.  He wants me ALL the time.  And since he's the youngest, get's it WAY too much.  He will be three in April, this is the longest time I have ever gone without having a new baby.  It's strange, and sad, and kind of nice.  But I do love the babies.  Gid will just have to stay little longer - that's all.  In recent news with him, he moved out of his 'baby bed' and is in a big boy bed.  I felt sad seeing the crib go.  Almost 13 years of a crib in my house; that's a long time.  But a good change.  On other news - Gid has no interest, at all, in potty training.  Dang it.

There you go.  Pics from the Fall - update from the winter.  I love each one of these monkey's SO much.  I am so proud to be their mom.  I am a very lucky woman and feel so blessed each day to have them in my life.  People tell me this time will go so quickly.  Most days, I can't believe that - then I look at Sam and think by the time Gid is that age, Sam will be long gone from our little life here at home.  And those years have flown by.  I remind myself to enjoy each fleeting moment.