Back to School

It's school time!

The boys had their first (1/2) day today and all went well! 

On Monday we were able to go into the school, find classrooms, meet teachers and drop off school supplies. I know some parents don't like that and do not participate - but I think it is super helpful. One reason being the kid does not have to lug all the supplies to school on the first day - especially since it is more that what can fit in a backpack! And most important, I think, is that it's gets the kids a bit more excited! Once they see their friends (and for my boys, their lockers) - they are all smiles. 

See what I mean?

And here is the official 1st day of school pics....

They both really had a great day! Although, I think Zane is becoming shy. It's hard for me to imagine my kids being shy but recently I have noticed that Zane does not want too much attention pointed at him. Here is what caught my attention - Zane's teacher sent home a bag with each kid on Monday and asked that they place 3 items in that bag that tells something about them. When I asked Zane to get his items together he hesitated and told me he did not want to do it. So much so, that I ended up picking out 3 items and placing them in his backpack. I told him I did it, but let him know he could tell his teacher if he really did not want to participate. Guess what? After school I asked him about it. And he DID NOT participate. So weird, right?! 

Zane also has not wanted to wear glasses... for months now! We cannot get him to wear them. I think he is just self-conscious and does not want to draw attention to himself. We can all relate in some way, right?! Haha! That's a problem for another day...

Anyway - happy first day of school to my boys!

P.S. Yes, Zane has green hair. On purpose. 

Zane’s Best Life

Guess who missed Jaxen the most while he was away at camp? Zane. But don’t worry - Zane was living his best life every evening - at the POOL! Zane wants to go to the pool everyday - Jaxen does not. It’s been a bit of a struggle this summer. But when Jaxen left for camp (Sunday afternoon) - we hit up the pool. Then again Monday and Tuesday nights. 

My view most of the time…sitting in the shade watching Zane do tricks... or reading a book.

He will talk me into throwing him in the pool or throwing the football at least for awhile :)

It’s really sad he has no personality! 

Jaxen at Camp

Two weeks ago, Jaxen was away at our church’s District Kids Camp. He went for the first time, last year and was really looking forward to going back.

Here are some pics I received…

And that afternoon, we had an errand to run and this is what Jaxen looked like:

Haha!

This past Tuesday, the kids were invited to the opening service of our District Assembly to sing one of their camp songs. Jaxen was ready to go!

It’s really hard to pick him out unless you know exactly where he was standing - but look at that huge group of kids singing!!

Jaxen (and now Zane) are already talking about going next year!

Life Lately

Here is a peak at a little life lately…

We hit the road over the July 4th weekend to see some grandparents!

 

While there, we hit up a splash park one afternoon.

I love watching my boys do things they love. This summer it has been basketball. I have been watching this particular team (Jaxen’s) for a few years now and I am so proud of every single one of them! So far this summer season, they are undefeated. Only 3 more games!

The boys and I went to watch a baseball game one night. The team we were watching had 2 kids on it from Jaxen’s basketball team and one other kid we knew. It was a beautiful night for a ball game. Plus I met some new people!

I have started working from home 1-2 days a week and so I decided to set up my home office downstairs (away from the noise of my boys during the summer!). Please notice the colorings Zane added to my space.

Here I am, after my birthday wearing a new nail polish and smelling my new candle, while working in a sweatshirt (because downstairs was nice and cool)!

Jaxen has been trying out photography lately and having a great time taking shots and making mini-movies.

Lastly, some of my co-workers went on a trip to West Africa. This is one of the pictures we received - a  showing of the movie JESUS, to the locals. This is the ministry I work for! The vision is to give every person an opportunity to hear about Jesus. How cool, right?! 

 

Zane: Well-Check

Zane had his 6-year well-check today.

He is 47 1/2 inches tall (77%) and weighs 49 pounds (61%).

Overall, he is a healthy and active boy! 

The only concern was a sore spot on his head. 

We are treating it with antibiotic cream and will keep an eye on it. 

Zane loves trying new foods. Here he was sneaking some of my cabbage!

What a cute picture of 2 of my 3 boys!

This is Zane. Otherwise known as Sonic!

My Birthday!

I am 41 now 😐

But I had a good time the last week celebrating 😀

Saturday the boys and I went to a neighborhood garage sale where we all scored BIG TIME! Zane got a "Sonic" costume (hopefully he can still wear it at Halloween). Jaxen got a drawing book, a wallet, and a couple of games for his (hand-held) Nintendo. I purchased both boys new backpacks for school, new pants for Jaxen, new shoes for Zane and new shin guards/soccer socks for Zane. 

Then we headed to the grocery store and hung out that afternoon at the pool. It was a beautiful day and we thoroughly enjoyed it! 

Sunday I cleaned the inside of our van because we are getting ready to sell it. It took me a few hours to clean and vacuum every nook and cranny - but it looks amazing now! 

 

 

Nik and Zane went on a motorcycle/sno-cone run.

Sunday evening, we headed out to watch basketball practice at coach's house (he even gave Zane some practice drills). It was a beautiful evening and these boy worked hard!

Monday morning I woke up to presents....earrings and a new bag!

 

I took Monday off from work. So that morning, we headed to Chicken and Pickle - where we played Pickle Ball, Ping-Pong, Giant Jenga and had an amazing lunch! Guess what their special was.... a cheeseburger and tater tots (my fav)!

 

 

   

That afternoon the boys let me nap then I spent some time reading outside before our normal night routine of bath/showers/chores before the start of my (4-day) work week. 

Nik brought me my requested birthday dessert (Andy's Frozen Custard) before he left for work so I had it while reading my book before bed. Perfect!

It was a wonderful day, celebrating 41 years of life with my family!