Thanks for the Memories...

Today was Morgan's last day at _________ Elementary. They wrapped up the last day with yet another awards assembly (5th Grade Recognition) and a dance after lunch. Morgan received a few more awards and officially attended his first "dance". As you can probably see from the picture, the girls dressed up in little cocktail style dresses and had curls in their hair. The boys (including my own), on the other hand, were dressed as if it is was any other day at school. I did talk Morgan out of wearing his jean shorts and his Phillies jersey and putting on plaid shorts. However, it was a "no go" on the polo or nice top. I had been told that they had slow dancing and everything. So, I had prepped him on that the night before. He just laughed at me and said he would "just hang out at the punch bowl". Well, there was no punch bowl. He said they just walked around and did the Cha Cha Slide. So, from what I can gather there was no slow dancing (Shew!) and there were some group dancing opportunities. I think I am ready for him to go to middle school, but not quite as sure about this growing up business!!

This past week has been pretty fun as we have reflected on his 6 years at _______ Elementary. How in kindergarten he always brought in something sports related in his letter box each week. His first ride on a school bus when he went on the kindergarten field trip to the pumpkin patch.

The first two weeks of 1st grade when he insisted that he should only have to go half a day and would refuse to get out of the car and once out would tear down the hall after Mike throwing a fit!














All the class plays that his 2nd grade class performed. Too numerous to count!











In 3rd grade, he learned how to keep a assignment book. The pressure of testing "officially" began! This is the year he met his buddy who has just transferred in.











4th grade. KY History - Capitals and states - Right up Morgan's alley!! Lots and lots of projects and the KY Opry.











Aaaah... The memories made within the walls of that school!

2 More Days...

until the 2009-2010 school year is officially over for Morgan. A 6th grader, I can't believe it! I know he will miss his elementary school dearly, but know he is looking forward to middle school and the opportunities available there. I am so thrilled that he was able to spend his elementary years in one school and with such a wonderful group of teachers and staff! We feel so blessed. Today, was a busy day as he had an awards assembly this morning. I am not one to brag about my children to the world over every little accomplishment, but he deserves a little bragging on today! He received numerous awards for the 3rd and 4th quarter: Grades, Accelerated Reader recognition (ranked both in his grade and school wide), Student of the Quarter, and Attendance. Hard to believe he got an attendance award- Now that he is in 5th grade, I believe he has finally acquired a strong immune system as he not only made it through 9 weeks, but 18 weeks without getting sick (or going to China). :o)

This evening was the annual 5th Grade Tribute. Don't these teachers realize that we parents know how quickly they are growing and we don't need these emotional moments!?! There was a slide show chronicling their years at the school, they signed "Because You Loved Me" dressed in black with white gloves with a black light, recited the presidents/Preamble/part of the Declaration of Independence, sang a few songs, and had a talent show. It was a fun and sentimental night!

"The" Time Is Coming...

Yesterday, it really hit me - We are getting ready to make some serious transitions in the coming months. Morgan is getting ready to leave elementary school and will be moving onward to the middle school. We love our elementary school and he has had such wonderful teachers and a great group of kids. So, going into the "great unknown" is a little unnerving. We know the biggest key will be helping Morgan find his niche. He is not much of a talker and I know that we are going to have to work at getting him to open up to us more during this upcoming stage of his life!! While we are preparing him and ourselves for middle school, the little ones are on the other side of the spectrum and are both getting ready to head to kindergarten. Yes, that day is just around the corner - Many days I thought the day would never come. I am excited for them both, but at the same time selfishly sad. Yes, it will be a 3 hour break each day, but you have no idea how long it has been since I have that length of time everyday without a child to care for... 7 years, I think. Yesterday, Rylee and Ryan had their kindergarten eye exams in preparation for kindergarten registration. Between their exam and all of the end of the year 5th grade activities, I have had to take a moment to let it all sink in. Eye exam results: Rylee is in good shape and the doctor has asked us to bring Ryan back in June for a follow-up when he is "fresh". So, we will return one morning in June when Ryan is a bit more attentive. He believes that he might need some correction... Just one problem, he has very little area in which he can attach glasses to between his ear and nose structure(ethnic related). Poor lil' fella!!! The child is going to have all these straps going every which way attempting to hold on glasses and his BAHA... Won't be a problem after surgery, but we might have to be creative prior to surgery if this is the case!! Yikes!!

Opening Day 2010!!

It is that time of the year again... After weeks of 3-4 practices per week, the Indians took on the Yankees! We are so excited about baseball this year! Morgan has several wonderful coaches that are committed to the kids and are teaching them skills. Although the team lost today, they did well. Being his first game of the year, Morgan did quite well. He is one of those kids that gets his "mojo" later in the season. Today, he had 1 hit and 1 walk (only up to bat twice). He also stole three bases and made several put outs in the field. We are so thankful as he was a little discouraged after the season last year. It was a little sad to see him up to bat, however, as he has dropped his Ryan Howard stance when he is at bat. Go Indians!!!

A Running Theme...

Morgan came home with yet another school project. This year he has had his share of projects, but we are thankful that the teachers give lots of options and more than ample amount of time to complete the project. Ample amount of time, that is... If you get the homework assignments you missed while out sick one day the previous week! We had a "teachable moment" as we would call it in our home tonight!! This new project is writing and presenting a commercial for a product that the students have created. Morgan, as is true to Morgan's style, figured out how to incorporate the Phillies into yet another school project. A true genius, I tell you!! :o) I really should have started tallying the number of projects that he has been able to incorporate into his obsession with sports and the Phillies. From topographical islands with landforms named after Phillies players/baseball terms/etc , solar systems created with sports balls, and now on to a detergent called "POWER!" for those grass stained uniforms featuring the Phillies. Obsessed, I tell you - But, oh so Morgan!!! Anyone out there know anyone that plays or works for the Philadelphia Phillies organization?!? If so, please call me!!

Membership: Free

Everything else may be out of control around here lately, but one thing has remained consistent and that is that the "Cocoa Club" has met nearly every weekday morning (give or take a two or three days) for the last 4 weeks!! I don't remember when I posted about my quest to do my daily bible study and I can't find it in my anywhere in my archives. So, it must have been awhile ago... But, getting up to do my quiet time before the house begins buzzing has always been a struggle for me. That is until the Cocoa Club formed. What is the Cocoa Club? Two individuals that strive to be in the Word everyday and who meet every morning at 6 am at the kitchen table with a warm cup of hot chocolate/cocoa (skim milk, of course). I will tell you one thing that will keep you accountable - Being accountable to your child. Morgan is my cocoa buddy and what a great feeling it is to be growing in the Word alongside your child!! We strongly encourage you join in! If you join in, a special treat will arrive at your doorstep or in your mailbox to help get you started!! Membership is free and the rewards are priceless!!

Proud to Be An American!!

This project is one reason I have not been keeping up with the blog. Morgan has been working on this video and I have been serving as his technical assistant. Enjoy the show!! Thanks Grams and PaPa for the awesome trip!

Reporting Live from the Heart of Washington D.C.

We have received a daily report or two from Morgan since he has been gone. Here is a quick rundown of his reports:

Thursday - Arrived in Washington D.C. After much frustration and chaos due to the CI* and National Security scrambling the GPS signal, they eventually located their hotel along the Potomac River. Their first and only stop was a visit to Arlington. They saw the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visited my dad's uncle's grave site. Several funerals were going on. So, Morgan was able to hear the 21 gun salutes and see the coffins being pulled on horse and carriage.

Friday - The weather was not cooperating. So, they began by riding the subway for the first time and visiting 2 of the Smithsonians. Morgan reported that he saw the Hope diamond (we learned about it this summer), Seinfeld's puffy shirt (Yes, he is his dad's son!), the dresses worn by the First Ladies, Julia Child's kitchen, the ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, and the flag that Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangle Banner about (I think that is what he said). They also saw the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. During their travels that day, they were stopped as the president's motorcade passed by. Morgan thought that was really cool and supposedly video taped it!!

Saturday - I received a call from during their March on Washington excursion. Morgan was enjoying that and I was told he was even chanting with the crowd. Oh my!! He told me he was carrying a yellow flag that said "Don't Tread On Me". Instead of pronouncing it "t-red", he was saying "t-read". After I told him how to pronounce it, I asked him what that meant. He said he didn't know. So, his assignment was to find out what the phrase meant from his PaPa. Nothing like carrying something and having no idea what it means - teachable moment #2! ;o) I know that they stopped by the White House during their walk and made their way to the capital building, but am not sure what else was on the agenda for the day.

That is the trip thus far as it has been reported from our lil' roving reporter. Pictures and more details to come as he is due home tomorrow night.

The Last First Day of School at _______ Elementary!

This morning:

Today, was Morgan's last day of school at _______ Elementary. I would be extremely sad if it were our last year there, but with two more headed down their hallways we still have 7 more years to enjoy it! Oh my goodness! You know, that will make a total of 13 consecutive years having children in that school - As much as I hate to, I should put a disclaimer on this: Unless God calls us elsewhere. We love the elementary school and feel so fortunate to have been blessed with such wonderful teachers and experiences there!!

Morgan was quiet nervous this morning at the breakfast table. He was fidgety and kept asking me why I was "staring" at him. Let's just say, he was perched in his chair like a bird and constantly moving about... Ummm... Not sure why I was "staring" - You couldn't look anywhere, but at him because he was soo not himself!!

We took our annual "1st Day of School" picture out in front of the house. Once again, his clothing pick for the 1st day was his Phillies jersey. I swear the child has a closet full of clothes - You would not know it from the blog, however. I have realized that we get our monies worth when we do invest in the jerseys!! Mike also mentioned taking him to breakfast before school and Morgan chose not to go - Evidently, he suddenly does not care for McD*n*ld's breakfasts. So, he is there now and we are anxiously awaiting for his report on the 1st Day of School. This morning:

This afternoon:

He made it home and back. Our lil' guy of so many words didn't have much to say. I do know that one teacher is "strict" and that he changed classes with lots of different kids. Last year, the 4th graders went to homeroom and then got into different groups. The groups then traveled together throughout the day until homeroom at the end of the day. This year, it sounds as if they are getting them adjusted to the transition to middle school where they all move about to different classes and are not assigned to one travel group. He was bummed that his buddy wasn't with him the whole day, but I think he liked the fact that he was pretty much with every person in 5th grade at some point during the day. Other than the fact that he is tired, that is about all the scoop from the Big Guy!

Hitting The Double Digits

I can't believe Morgan is 10!! God has truly blessed us and taught us so much about parenting and love over these last ten years. Morgan is what I would refer to as our "breath of fresh air". He has always been a happy child and always greeted us from his crib with a big smile. Although he does not always greet us anymore with a smile in the mornings, he is still a happy child. He has always been a content and simple little boy and those characteristics remain today. God continues to work in his life and we look forward to seeing what He has instore for Morgan in the coming years! We love you lil' fella and are so thankful for these last 10 years!!

No year is complete without something baseball or Phillies related. This year was no exception. Morgan wanted to go to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory for his birthday. So, we all went to Louisville for the day. While Mike, Morgan, and Nathan (Morgan's friend) were touring the factory, my parents and I took the little ones to the Louisville Zoo. At Louisville Slugger Morgan was thrilled as he got to go on a special tour of the corporate offices and got to hold Mickey Mantle's bat. He also got to see the bats used by each of the Phillies players during the World Series. That thrilled him to no end!! The Littles had a blast at the zoo. I must say that Rylee quite enjoyed watching the zookeepers work! While in the gorilla exhibit, the gorillas were putting on quite the show. Everyone was gathered around watching them in one area and we look over and there is Rylee looking at the empty exhibits watching the zookeepers clean and set out the food. She was especially fascinated with the woman washing the windows. Morgan ended the day with a little mexican food, his Wii controller birthday cake, and Blue Bell ice cream - YUM!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MORGAN!!

Out of the Mouths of Babes II & Other Ramblings...

It's been awhile since I wrote some of Rylee's "Out of the Mouths of Babes" moments. Before I forget them, I need to get them documented...

Our latest happened today and thus prompted me to do this post today...
After returning home from church and while Mike and I were trying to prepare lunch, Morgan saw Rylee's papers and a bag of rice that she had brought home. So, he said "Joe (his nickname for her...see below), what is the bag of rice for?" Her response to Morgan was "We will discuss it after lunch." Hmmm... Wonder where she has heard that response!?!

A month or so ago, my parents were over and we were just hanging out in the living room talking. Out of the blue she begins talking about Andy Warhol. I am all about teaching them new things, but I do not recall ever bringing up his name. I was blown away and she says she got it from her "Fancy Nancy Goes to the Museum" T*G book. I have yet to find it anywhere in there.

A little while later that same day she got mad and stormed out of the room and said very loudly "UNDERSTAND YOUR PURPOSE!" Are we raising a little Confucius?















Oh, yes.. I could not stand the long hair any longer - It was driving me crazy... She wouldn't put let me put it up and I hate dealing with long, stringy hair. So, we decided to cut it and I just love it like this. She seems to like it, too. I wish I had a camera with me that day because when our friend turned her around where she could see the mirror you could see the shock on her face. Miss Rylee will not sit still while getting her hair cut and is constantly checking herself out in the mirror (making faces, moving her eyebrows up and down, checking out her profile, etc) so, we have to turn her away from the mirror to cut her hair.

Side note: Morgan and his nicknames... Morgan has a nickname for the little ones and rarely uses their real names. He has used their names for years. Believe it or not, both of them actually respond to their nicknames and Mike and I find ourselves calling them by their nicknames as well. It is amazing how they rattle off Morgan's tongue like they are their real names. Occasionally, Ryan will tell Morgan that is not his name. Rylee is known as "Joe" for Joe Montana and Ryan is known as "Bill" for Bill Walsh. No surprise there is an underlining sports thread there - classic SF 49'er history!!

A Word from the "Guest Writer"

Camp was so awesome! Our days were so packed that we were asleep by the time we got in bed! We selected P.O.I's (Point of Interests) online to do at camp. The camp selected 3 of your P.O.I's to do on two of the days. My P.O.I's were Field Games, Basketball, and Climbing. In field games we played toilet tag and mouse trap. In basketball we did basic stuff, Knockout, and then 3 on 3. I made the winning fade-away shot for my team. In climbing you had to climb a rock wall, I didn't really enjoy it. I probably got 1/4th of the way up there. Every morning we had Bible study with kids from other churches who were in 5th or 6th grade. The Bible study leader was somebody that was staff at the camp. My Bible study leader was Josh. He was a big guy! His nicknames were Fluffy and Tiny. He liked being called Fluffy so I called him Fluffy. He was really funny. In worship, before Bible study we sang songs and listened to the camp pastor. The camp pastor was very good. We got in the lake. There was a zip-line that dropped you into the water. There was the famous Blob where somebody would jump off this diving board and land on an inflatable thing and somebody be at the end of it and go flying.

Thank you Grandma for sending me to camp!
-Morgan

Officially An "Experienced Camper"

Morgan arrived home this afternoon. He had a great time and is glad he went. I asked him if he would want to go back next year, his answer was "Yes." I don't want to give too many details tonight as I want him to blog about it tomorrow. I did want to clarify, however, that I was looking at the wrong child in the camp picture. He was actually mushed in between two girls (girl with black shirt next to girl in coral colored shirt) below the other child I though was him. You can barely see his little face... But, I can tell you that this, this being my, child is smiling. If I had known that there was a little face in there and it was him I would worried much less while he was away.

Hmm...What to do with my night - It is only 8:20 pm and everyone has crashed and the house is extremely quiet!! Crazy!!

Word from Camp

Whew! It is getting a little tough with Morgan gone. We purposely have not emailed or sent letters as we did not make it harder on him. I am hoping that he is having a great time, growing stronger in his faith, trying new things, and meeting all kinds of new people! The camp finally posted to their blog and photo site with pictures and a synopsis of the happenings at camp. It appears that there are 24 churches represented in this session and 8-10 of them are about the size of Morgan's group. Here is the group photo I got off of their site. I think I have found Morgan, but have no idea as that is not what he wore to camp and I don't remember him even packing anything similar. I believe he is next to the two in green toward the back. We have heard from our "spies" that he is doing well. So, we know he got there! Don't know anything more than that - Oh, I did hear that there might have been a pink eye case in his cabin. Other than that, I guess I will have to wait to find out more when he arrives home tomorrow.

Officially a "Camper"

This afternoon, Morgan headed off to camp for the first time ever... He will be gone almost exactly 3 days...That is equal to 72 hours or 4320 minutes or 259200 seconds. We could tell he was a bit apprehensive because on the ride home from church he created a huge hole in his papers from Sunday school. He never expressed to us that he was apprehensive or nervous, but we know him well enough to know that it was on his mind the entire way home. Mike drove him back to church to get him on the bus so that it would be easier as he tends to feed off of my emotions. I must admit that I am a little nervous for him, but so excited that he has this opportunity to grow and learn! The send-offs both here at home and church went well. We can't wait to hear what he learned and experienced while away. Once he returns home, I will have him be the "guest blogger".

Last Day of School!

Morgan's last day of school was today. It was the last Awards Ceremony for 4th grade. After all the anxiety of anticipating 4th grade, it was a an absolutely wonderful year with amazing teachers. Morgan will tell you that this was his favorite year -- Goes to show that children like to be challenged and will thrive under reasonable, yet high expectations!! At his awards assembly, he received a few awards for his grades, but also received an award/cash prize for being one of the top 3 AR readers for the 4th grade - He placed 2nd. I had to post this picture as it was kind of funny! Note: That is his principal behind him. He told Morgan not to let his parents spend his money. Oh, and he ended it with a BANG! I got a call from his teacher that he was having some sort of allergic reaction so, I ended up going to pick him him up from school right before dismissal/ This was my first "Sick Child At School" call. It was just his allergies (which have been horrible this spring) acting up so, I came to school armed with allergy medication and a drink hoping for quick relief. Poor little fella - his eyes were so red and puffy!

*Newsflash* Morgan Bought A Goat!

Morgan finished his "Read to Feed" project earlier this month! Today, he sat down and ordered the goat and wrote his check for $120.00 to Heifer International. He has read over 6,000 pages since November alone and is pretty proud of his accomplishment. He chose the goat because it was an animal that could feed the family, provide offspring for another family in need, and it could be used as income for the family. I guess you could say that it is a "gift that keeps on giving"! Thank you Grandma and Grams & PaPa for helping support his project!

Opening Day

Today was Opening Day for the local little league. Morgan has been very excited about playing and the prospect of possibly being one of the team pitchers. Due to lots of rain, the team has not been able to practice as much as we had hoped. Hopefully, with a few games under their belt they will all begin to get into the groove! Oh, the coach is kinda' cool...

The Opry!

The 4th graders at Morgan's school have been preparing long and hard for their Opry performance. They have been studying our state for a month or so now and the grand finale was this performance. They sang songs about the state and by famous musicians that were born and raised here. It was great and so wonderful to see so many kids showcase their individual talents throughout the performance! We live in basketball country so, the show started off with a university fight song and excitement about the new coach that is the talk of the state! Yeee Hawwwww! Oh, Morgan is the one in the red hat - That is him "dancing".

Sippin' Lemonade

Oh, how I wish I had some lemonade on hand...The moment has finally arrived! For years now, Mike has told Morgan that when he gets old enough and tall enough to reach the pedals on the lawn mower, he would kick back and sit on the deck sippin' lemonade while Morgan mows. Tonight was another M.I.T moment. Morgan although he is as light as a feather - just recently broke the 60 lb. mark - he is tall enough to reach the gas pedal and is out mowing the lawn. Mike got it started for him and then spent a good 1/2 hour walking beside him guiding his path. Then, Mike sat and watched him for awhile from the front steps. A tall glass of cold lemonade with a slice of lemon hanging off the side would have made the moment even sweeter!