Thanksgiving hussle and bussle

Forgot to take pictures, but we had a nice T-day with my dad and family. I most enjoyed visiting with my 92 year old grandpa. We had a good talk about life. He is still sharp as a tack, and has slight vision and hearing loss.

Shopped with Mom on Friday for eleven hours. Nearly everything we got used a coupon or a discount. And I think we did pretty good not to buy any nonsense. Only about five items left, and I am done...woohoo!

Got the tree up, lights on the house, and a little time to rest and relax. We are looking forward to some Xmas fun in the coming weeks. I have gotten to where I do enjoy this time of the year, despite all it has become. I think it helps me to keep my eye focused on the Savior, and simplify. Less presents, less parties, less events...keep it simple and enjoy the things I really think are important for me and my family. Hope you all can do the same this season.

Webelos Woods

This weekend was Webelos Woods. This is where the boys show what they have learned as they prepare to bridge over from Webelos to Boy Scouts. It was a little competition emphasizing team work in various areas. We were so proud of boys. They placed 9th out of 53 Webelos I patrols (5th grade are Webelos II). They placed 2nd in Camping and one of the leaders attributed that success to Zachary's efforts. Goooo Zachary!

Despite the freezing weather, which I slept in 3 layers with 3 layers of covers and never got warm, and that 2 boys had nightmares and screamed out in there sleep, we had a pretty good time. Zachary slept in a tent with another boy, so I was a little stressed the first night. But he really showed improvement at this camp out as far as staying with the boys, and I did not worry as much about him wondering off.

Van Gogh

Zachary has taken interest in Van Gogh again. He asked to help paint our last room in the house. He insisted he wear a hat like Van Gogh.

Brain scan

The other day I was visiting with Zachary's doctor, and he wondered if Zachary was having seizures. He did not seem real concerned, but thought we should have him tested to rule it out completely. It's always something.


So after visiting with a pediatric neurologist, he felt like a brain scan would be the next step, but he too did not feel like this was anything more than ADD. Zachary has been to soooo many doctors, that he did not even complain. He was concerned about missing school, but he let them do there thing and did his best to comply.

20 little brain scanners attached

wrap him up to keep it all in place

Thankfully all was normal. And we are back to the same old routine.

The Boy that Cried Wolf

Zachary was busted on Friday for lying about completing his school work. He has told "little" lies about having his school books or planner packed. And I've questioned whether those were lies or maybe he wasn't sure. He used to say yes, and sometimes still does, to any question if he is not listening. We've discussed these possible lies and how people will not trust you, and that it is not acceptable behavior.

On Thursday, his teacher asked him twice if he had his unfinished school work packed. Both times, he looked right at her and said, "yes ma'am." When it was discovered, he confessed that he did not want to take it home because he did not want the extra homework. While disappointed about his decision, I can see the positive. Now work with me here...as different as Zachary already is, I see this as a sign of becoming more and more like one of the other children. Obviously, I don't want him lying, but as he matures, he continues to behave in many typical ways.

Nonetheless, my "date weekend" turned into a homework weekend. He worked all weekend long, and believe it or not, did not complain much about the amount of work I piled on. We read "The boy that Cried Wolf" and discussed all he missed out on since he wasn't truthful. And he confessed he wants God to help him not to lie. So he has something to pray about, and so do I.