Busy! That's an understatement!

At the conclusion of the tax deadline, Boy Scouts bombarded our little lives. We had Scout Fair, which is where every part of Reliant Arena is stuffed with Boy Scout packs from all over Texas plus other vendors with endless activities for the boys to do. Needless to say, after four hours, we were exhausted. Then we faced the flooding, but we made it home safely.

This past weekend, we had our first Boy Scout camping trip. I was a little concerned since I hadn't been Girl Scout camping in 25 years. They do it a little different with the boys, but some luxuries are allowed. We did sleep in tents and had blow-up mattresses for our comfort - THANK YOU!!! Despite the downpour Friday night, we had a pretty good day Saturday. I thought my heart was going to implode when we were playing soccer with the boys.

Zachary was very anxious about getting his Bobcat and Wolf badge (the major badge for 2nd grade). He was ready that morning, but I told him it would be late that night before the ceremony. When the boys started getting dressed in their uniforms, he got a lot more excited. He then started pacing asking when the ceremony would start. I wish I had a video of the award ceremony. He got called up, and me too (and how gross did I look). I had to pin his badges on his shirt, which he insisted they be in the correct place. He kept almost singing under his breath, "I get my Bobcat. I get my Wolf badge." His face was just adorable. He was so proud of himself, and so was I.

We left camp Sunday morning after cleaning up. I was at complete exhaustion and don't think I have fully recovered. How do mother's with multiple children do it? I have a lot more respect for you all. Needless to say, no sooner were we in the car, when I received a few instructions regarding plans for when we got home that afternoon. Like camping wasn't enough!

Pawn, rook, bishop...

What does all of that mean? When my brother was younger, he had a chess set my mom made him. I always envied it, but I'm not sure why. Chess seemed way too hard. Those names of the pieces were enough to put me to sleep.

One afternoon Zachary suggested he go to the Chess Club meeting. My first thought, "um, no, you have therapy after school." I hated that for him, but figured, I could help him learn at home first. So for his birthday, he got a small Chess game. It was hard playing at first because there was so much for Zachary to learn. But it did not take long. Come to find out, they have a chess set in his classroom. He started playing some with John, and before too long, I found out he was teaching others how to play in his class.

So, we broached the Chess Club subject again. I got approval to 'skip' therapy and use the time as a social opportunity. The Chess Club teacher was a little apprehensive, but after the first meeting mentioned how impressed he was with Zachary's behavior and skill.

We attended our second meeting this week, and Zachary was paired with a 4th grader. And you know what...he beat her! He's beaten his dad a few times too. I'm very proud of my little chess player. I don't think we will try any tournaments until next year. In the meantime, anybody want to play chess?

Easter weekend

Did the rabbit visit your house? He did ours, and it is never very exciting to Zachary. I think it is a really an excuse for me and John to eat candy. This year, I didn't even hide eggs. It is like pulling teeth to get him to find them, so why bother. I began to think about how I've conjured up this idea of what Easter is supposed to be like...and that idea is not my Zachary. So we kept is simple.

Yesterday we finished up an Easter project and then dyed eggs last night. He found an Easter basket with candy and pretzels this morning and a set of Resurrection Eggs. He was in heaven because he didn't have to work to get any of it. For Zachary, everything can be a reinforcer, so when it comes free, it must be something really special. Anyway, we ate some candy for breakfast and went through the Resurrection Eggs (set of eggs that tells the story of Holy Week). After a simple breakfast, we were off for church.

The new Easter outfit, and a smile to boot.

We returned only to have John's favorite sandwich...the butt sandwich. That is what I call it because it stinks. He used some of Zachary's dyed eggs to make egg salad. Zachary unwillingly tasted it and then asked for a drink of water. That is how I feel! Yuck!

We've been lazy this afternoon, doing a little school work, watching the Master's, and finishing up a few projects. We'll have a nice dinner and conclude our holiday weekend. Simple, just like the message of Jesus...simple, yet it can have a profound impact on your life. He is Risen!

Love, The Sansing Family

From the mouth's of babes

A while back, my mom sent a video clip of a sweet little girl reciting Psalms 23. I thought, now there is something my boy can do. Zachary has a memory like no other. As a matter of fact, he can tell you things that happened on certain dates several years ago. Just this evening, we were reading a book about snow and he recalled a snow ball fight he had with his sister in 2006. He doesn't always get all the dates right, and thank goodness. I began to wonder if he would also remember all the times my parenting skills were less than perfect. That would be an appropriate pay back. 8-)

Each week at school, the students have to memorize a bible verse. I love that he is learning and hiding God's word in his heart. I'm learning too (one of the benefits of playing mom and tutor). Anyway, I figured I would record him reciting this little passage. At the end, I cut it off too early...he was saying, "I'm all done." It was cute.





And might I add, I memorized it too. My friend Brenda and I laugh at how easily it seems the young can memorize and how we struggle. I guess a little practice goes a long way. Note to self: memorization is not just for the young.