The Family Rocks

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Pflugerville Christmas Parade

Poor Brennan was forced into being in the parade with his scout pack. We cosidered letting him off the hook because he really didn't want to do it, but I explained to him that it's important to be supportive. "What would happen if none of the boys showed up?" I asked him. "Then the leaders would know that it was a dumb idea." was his reply. He had a point, but we made him do it anyway. I'm sure that it wasn't all bad.

We hung out with our neighbors to watch the parade. This is Sophie with Collin.

Aiden had his first band concert last week. It's very impressive what the kids can learn in a few short months of school. The band directors hardly let them touch their instruments for the first three weeks of school. The kids did a great job.
Here's a sample. Slow tempo, but very good. It was fun to watch. At least it was for parents. I'm not sure that Brennan and Sophie were all that impressed.

These are the kinds of doodles that I find in Aiden's school notebooks. I wish that I could doodle like that.

This is what Aiden looked like when he got home from school yesterday. You must understand, that Aiden does not divulge much about his life at school, so in my mind, I'm playing through all of the possible scenarios while waiting for him to give me some tidbit of information. Baseball? Mad student? Mad teacher? Some really big kids elbow? Trombone accident in band? Meanwhile, Aiden is laughing so hard that he can hardly breathe. Turns out the theater arts teacher showed them a few stage makeup tricks. The part that surprises me is that Aiden was willing to walk around with a black eye for most of the day. Theater arts is 3rd period for him. At least he thought he was amusing, and it was pretty funny.

Last Minute

So last night at dinner this was our conversation:

Aiden: Mom, would you be super mad at me if I told you that I have a project do in English tomorrow that I forgot about?
Mom: Yes probably.
Aiden: What if it was in Science?
Mom: Yes.
Aiden: What if it was in Social Studies?
Mom: Aiden, don't push my buttons.
Aiden: Okay. It really is for social studies, and it really is due tomorrow.

So, after having worked all day, a big grocery shopping trip, and 5 loads of laundry in between, I helped Aiden work on his project. A mom's work is never done. He had to do an oral report, using props, on Mahmoud Ahmadinejab. For anyone as politically illiterate as I, he's the president of Iran, and not a very likable character.

The best part of this story is that he didn't end up giving his presentation today because they ran out of time in class. He better get a good grade.

Gratitude

I've been reading through various friend's blogs and their postings about what they are thankful for. It's been a good reminder to me of all the blessings that I have. I decided that I should mention a few.

I am so thankful for my children because...

They make me laugh.
Aiden figured out how to use his recorded voice as a ringtone on the cell phone. Now when it rings we hear Aiden saying "Cheesemuffin, cheesemuffin, cheesemuffin".

They keep me humble.
At the conclusion of an acne product comercial on T.V. Sophie informed me that I should buy it. I explained that that particular product is for severe acne, and not the occasional acne that I get. "So what are all those bumps on your face?" she quiried. I didn't reply. I quietly left the room to go and look in the mirror.

They are entertaining.
Brennan was doing some snappy, clappy, repetitive rhythm thing that included kissing Daisy (the dog) on the hip. The really frightening moment came when Daisy turned. He came within an inch of kissing her bum.

I'm thankful for my husband because...
He doesn't get mad when I go see Twilight with a friend while he's at work.
He's willing to let me ramble on about nothing, and pretend that he's listening.
He's willing to listen to my opinion, and often agrees (or at least he acts like he does).
And lots of other mushy gushy stuff that I won't inflict upon any of my avid blog readers (I'd like to think that I have some).

In all seriousness, I truly am grateful for the many wonderful things in my life. I'm grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Without the direction and guidance of a loving Heavely Father I'd be lost in this crazy world. I'm thankful for the wonderful people around me that inspire me to be more loving, generous, forgiving, and all around better.

Isn't life great when we focus on what is really important?