Is Mr. S real or not?

We told Zack this year. But all season long there seem to be some additional thinking as he saw Santa and other Xmas paraphernalia.  Christmas Eve was no different. He found the Santa Tracker on Google.  He couldn't stay in bed that night. He kept checking the computer to see where SC was.  I tried to ask various questions about the logic, but it seemed he wanted to believe.

Well, then, I found a way to send Zack an audio from Santa.  The message made several personal comments, & ended with "hurry to bed before Santa arrives".   Off he darted, only to be heard from one time to make sure we were in bed for the impending delivery. 

It was hard to let go of his delight and excitement, especially with his understanding of the magic coming a little later than most. Despite being almost 12, he still has the innocence of a younger child at times.

We enjoyed my parent's company at church, dinner, & opening their gifts to Zachary.  Lauren stayed the night & Christmas was over by 8:54 am the next morning.  

Opening his Oboe 1-3 books so he can work on being an oboe teacher.  Thanks Pops and Granmommy.

Opening gifts, having a jolly ol' time!

Happy Lauren on her new iPad!

Grandad stopped by to deliver goodies too.

The most desired gift...R2D2 Star Wars Lego set, only 2,167 pieces, recommended ages 16+.

Today we find the beginnings of an oboe teacher.  Using the white board for instruction.

And his new companion, which seems to be moving from room-to-room.

He became Famous!

Saturday we had plans to attend the Hip Hoppin' Nutcracker by the Houston Symphony.  This would be our early Xmas gift and I knew Zachary would be excited.  It was a surprise until we picked him up from school play practice.  As excited as he shows, he was all in for the trip.  And then I told him that they had asked him to meet the maestro and to conduct a song.  Again with the modest response, but a level of excitement known only by a mom.

I really had no idea what to expect.  The lady met us in the lobby and then took us all (me, John, my mom and step-dad, and Zachary) back stage.  He got to meet the conductor and visit with him a bit. He was quite cute, asking his favorite restaurant, and telling him that he had played oboe for six months.  The conductor said oboe was his instrument.  Zachary then asked, "Are you good?"  The conductor, Maestro Franz, chuckled and commented that he used to be.  They exchanged a few more questions and answers, and then Adam Dinitz (English horn) was passing by.  Zachary called out to him, and introducted my mom as "Granmommy".

Granmommy meeting Adam

Zack talking with the Maestro

Then we went out from Maestro Franz's room and he met other musicians, asked them to play a few things, and they did.  He also took a few pictures with the maestro and Adam. 

Not the best picture as another flash was going off.

And then the moment we've all been waiting for...the opportunity to conduct.  Now, I just want to tell you that I was nervous.  Zachary does not do as many unexpected things as he did a few years back, but with this, I just did not know.  To my amazement, he did great!  The cool part was as we were leaving, musicians and attendees recognized him, and said that he did a good job.  I'm not the best camera woman, especially when I'm trying to watch and video, but here we go...

http://youtu.be/vEfVIoQP3vI


He was funny when he got back to his seat.  He said something about thank you letters, and I figured he was asking to write one.  So, I hushed him so he wouldn't disturb those around us.  He had written a thank you note to Adam after he met him the first time.  So later he said, "the musicians will all send me thank you notes now since I conducted for them, right?!?" 

We've been published

Back in June, we went to a free Houston Symphony concert at a local church.  I sent a thank you afterwards because a young lady made a special efforts to bring a bassoon along for Zachary to be able to handle.  That simple letter has turned into many opportunities for Zachary, including going to shows with tickets received as gifts and getting to meet certain musicians.  We owe the young lady who has taken interest in Zachary.  And now, she has gone and printed the thank you letter plus other correspondences in the December Houston Symphony magazine.

I'll be the first to say I'm no writer, but they said they would make it sound real good and the picture would look good too.  I'm hear to tell you, they must have forgot to do both, but then it is not about me, is it?  You'll have to click on the picture to be able to read the article.

And he wonders why the dog growls at him!?!

We passed a billboard sign the other day that said, "A+ Obedience School," which happens to be the school Pete attended as a puppy.  Zack said, "We need to take Pete there so he will listen to me."  Zachary's attitude toward Pete is often changing.  He likes him when he sleeps in his bed or sits with him in the chair.  But as soon as Pete growls or runs from Zachary, which is most of their interactions, Zachary says, "we should get rid of him!"  Or, Zachary wants another dog so the second dog will like him and mind him.

On this day, I guess he was liking the dog.  I'm not sure Pete was liking Zachary.  This was over Fall Break, and I limited Zachary's electronic time.  I guess this was one of his alternate forms of entertainment.

Rice University

On Monday, we decided to take a little adventure in to town and "explore" (as Zachary put it) Rice University.  Let me say, what a beautiful campus!  The first question I expect running through many of your minds is, "what about A&M?"  I've long since realized my Aggie legacy will have to carried on through cousins, rather than my son.  Zachary's love for music prompted him to chose a school his band teacher rated as high for this area and then he found that several musicians from The Houston Symphony had attended Rice as well.  The second thought that might have already ran across your mind is the expense since it is a private university.  Well, I've been told by two separate musically talented adults the oboe often gets scholarships since not many play it.  So score for us if he gets a scholarship.  And last, we have 6 more years to figure out what he wants to do and where he wants to go.  There's no telling if he will change his mind.  He may be attending Houston Community College for all I know.

Fall "Sports" Banquet

They call it the Fall Sports Banquet, but I think it could be called the Fall Activity Banquet.  This pleasant dinner quickly honored the students that participated in football, volleyball, cheer, and band.  Zachary actually said he wanted to go, and it was a good experience for him as he has never been to a group dinner like this before. 

Anyway, he received his little certificate and his face said it all...{that's it!}.  Yep, that's all you get.  He wasn't impressed, except with the rolls and brownies. 

 

 

Marching band, small school style

This is the bands first year to march on the field.  I could not begin to imagine what they would do having come from a 5A school and Texas A&M, especially with only 31 members and about 80% of them were Jr. High students.  Many are just learning their instruments so to add marching to it, you would expect a possible disaster. 

Well, here is what we got...

CLCS Eagle Marching Band

I guess you have to start somewhere, and I know Mr. Hernandez was proud of their hard work.  Later in the season, we got a percussion circle in the middle and they marched in pairs around them.  Good memories are being made.

Possible disappointment

I found this the other day on Zachary's desk.  He wants an English Horn, and the cheapest he has found on eBay is for about $3,000.  He said, I'll just ask for it for Christmas.  When I told him people do not normally buy gifts that expensive, I guess he decided on this plan B.  It's the last item, in between the marked out items.  I think he may be a little disappointed when he doesn't get the 5G's he's hoping for. 

A little reminder

I found this the other day in the back room.  As a matter of fact, he wrote it out on paper and posted it in the living room for his dad.  I know I could use this reminder too.

"But I wasn't doing anything wrong!"

That answer unfortunately did not line up with what the teacher said and the pink detention slip we got last week.  I have to tell you, he was pretty sweet about it after it was all over with.  He was bawling about it when he came in the library.  Apparently, he was not following directions.  I expect there was a little class monopolizing going on.  Mr. Hernandez was ready to play and Zachary was "tuning up", or so he said.  This led to his name on the board, and then the commotion started.  Needless to say, the detention slip says "being disruptive," "talking without permission," and "being disobedient and disrespectful".

When I asked him what happened, he said, I was tuning up, like the players at the Houston Symphony do.  I told him that is a good idea for Houston Symphony players, not CLCS band students. 

Later that evening was the football game and so the band played.  I asked Mr. H when his detention was and noted he had not put a date on the slip.  I said, he must not have meant to give it to Zachary.  He smiled and said he would let is slid this time.  When I told Zachary, he said, "so it is like a warning detention."  He was very pleased about Mr. H's change of heart.  I'll be pleased with a change of attitude in Zachary, and then we will all be good.

We met a rock star!

The other day we received an email from a contact at the Houston Symphony.  She had free tickets to offer us for an upcoming performance (8th row, $116 each - wow!).  That in itself was pretty cool, but then she worked out meeting a rock star.  OK, so Adam is not a rock star, but he is a symphony star, or an oboe star or even an English horn star in Zachary's eyes. 


I was just about as nervous as a cat.  You never know what Zachary is going to say, and men do not tend to be as patient with kids that are different.  Zachary on the other hand was very excited!  He was talking a mile a minute and the Mr. Dinitz was very patient and calm with him.  He made Zachary an oboe reed, played a few songs Zack requested, and then they played some music back and forth.  Zachary asked a few questions he had thought of before our meeting, and they visited about the English horn.  Adam gave him a few pointers on holding his oboe & how long to practice each day.  I was busy taking pictures and video, and just beaming at my little man.

The meeting

 

Photo opp - he wore his hair like Adam's too

You may be wondering why I did not put my video on here.  Sadly, my phone crashed and these are the only two pictures I have.  Mr. Dinitz was nice enough to tell Zachary he would be glad to see him at any performance.  Maybe I can get some video next time.  I did asked about Zachary's abilities.  He said 9/10 is ear, and Zachary has that.  He just needs some discipline. 

First project

We've already had our first project, and actually it was due the Monday after Labor Day.  We, I'm sorry, I mean he, had to build a volcano and make it explode in class.  Here are a few pictures of the process.

pouring the vinegar

adding the vinegar, water and dish soap

ready with our baking soda

And he said his volcano exploded, so I guess he got an A!

National Anthem at the Football Game

Texas football is always a fun past-time, even if it is 6-man football.  Being a private school, the fields are not always great, and apparently, we have a pretty good one.  So we managed to get 9 home games.  Yep, nine! 

Here we are playing the National Anthem, and Zachary got pulled out to play with the high school students.  I'm so proud!  Check him out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gSN2rEel48&feature=plcp

I'm sure you won't get teared up like I do, but there is just something about hearing our National Anthem that makes you proud.  And now my boy is involved...kinda cool!

The routine

Third week of school, and we are finally in a routine.  Not much is happening, and to be honest, I'm not too upset about that.  To give a little praise report for our Zachary, he is doing really good in Jr. High.  He is remembering his assignments, completing his work at school, and hasn't been coming home with a bunch of homework.  He has been able to finish most of his homework in his study hall period.  And a huge improvement in his ability to articulate the teacher's assignment or recall what a teacher said about a project or homework, especially when it is different from the teacher's web page.  We are not deep in to school, so there is no telling what the first nine-weeks will bring. And so far, his only struggle are still those pesky 'how' and 'why' questions.  Anyone out there with a good explanation on how to explain how to answer these two questions is welcome to advise.  I'm open to suggestions.

Since we haven't had any great events or exciting new things happening, I've decided to post some miscellaneous pictures...

Found this cute, old lady at South Padre

A lesson in paddle boarding with a great friend

My sweet, old dog, Pete

Surrounded by cool friends, unable to defend himself

Portrait for bio on Houston Symphony web page when he is hired to play English Horn

San Antonio/Austin whirlwind

We made one last trip before summer was over, and yes, I'm finally posting.  We started at Eric and Jennie's and had lunch, swam, played games, rode in Katie's golf cart, and all in about 5 hours. 

From there we headed to stay the night with Ryan, Micki and the beans.  Poor Nolan wasn't feeling well, but Olivia was a hoot.  She climbed right up by me and became an instant friend, and Zachary claimed Ammo.

The next morning, we headed over to Traci's.  We had some early birthday presents for Jack and Whitney.  We went to eat burgers, and then swim at a really cool pool.  No good posed pictures, but several of Traci in a bathing suit.  I'm afraid she kill me if I posted them, even though she is a hot mama!

Next we headed to Aunt Ruth's to stay the night.  We slowed down a bit here.  We ate dinner and after dinner decided to go swim.  Uncle Steve got right in the pool and Zack and him had a good ole time.  Of course, Zachary brought up music, and Uncle Steve made the mistake of saying he still had his clarinet.  And the next thing I knew, the boys were playing together.  It was like Uncle Steve was back in the 2nd chair in the high school band.

On Saturday, we made a quick trip to see Nicole.  Luke and Madeline were so sweet.  Didn't stay too long because it was nap time, and by the looks of this pictures, we couldn't keep anyone still.

Back to Aunt Ruth's for dinner and an early night to bed.  And off we went to Lanie's in the morning for lunch.  I had wanted to see her new place.  It is super cute!  I highly suggest a stop by!  We went to a fun restaurant and then a really neat toy store.  I'm sad I didn't get any pictures of her or her place. A must see next time you are in Austin!

Next stop was Amy's to stay the night.  Her place is cute too!  We weren't there long before we made a quick jaunt to Space City Taverns. Neat place.  Zachary kept an eye out for bats.  Luckily the kids didn't notice, but Amy and I thought we were going to hurt our tour guide.  He was literally the lamest guide ever...totally monotone, no personality, no fun, not sure he even knew what a smile was.  We had a good time despite mud tracks from our rears to our feet.

Off to dinner at Aunt Kathy's.  A little more time with Lanie too.  Aunt Kathy cooked a nice meal, and I hated that we didn't stay longer.  Amy had to work so we figured we better get back.  We had to tear ourselves away from the Olympics, and make ourselves go to bed because we kept visiting once we got home.

Two more stops....
When Amy left in the morning, I headed just up the road to Cassie and Travis' to see my little friends and meet their brother.  Jacob is the sweetest, mild mannered baby.  Just a doll!  Travis came home for lunch, but before that we played light sabers, soccer, and had our own little jam session.

From there, we headed to my mom's.  Her birthday was Tuesday so we stayed the night on Monday.  Aunt Ruth helped me secure a bat house for her, and she was so excited!  The best part was the gag gift of salad hands.  It was a total joke and Mom was just as gracious as ever.  Later she admitted she wasn't very excited about them.  Ha!

Teeth and eye check-ups, and we finally headed back home.  All that in 5 1/2 days.  Some kind of craziness, but it really was fun to see that many people and get one-on-one time with each family I visited.  Summers over, and we are back to school.  Life has settled back down. 

First day of Junior High

He picked out his Converse tennis shoes & chose his outfit the night before.  He was ready to get help with his hair.  He gets to sit on the other side of the bleachers with all the secondary students.  He has a top locker with a friend. (sigh) 

His classes are going really smooth so far.  He's only had a little homework, but I know things will get busier.  We start swim team next week and then bible study the week after.  Overall, he has done really well, and his teachers have been super supportive of trying a few things to help him.  Surprisingly, they seem to be working too.  I think we are off to a great year! 

So many years of hard work, and finally a wonderfully relaxing summer.  I'm looking forward to this new school year.  I hope I'm still saying that in a few months.

"I have bad eyes"

I've heard about Zachary having "bad eyes" for more than six months.  He has bad eyes when he gets problems wrong in math or when he doesn't understand the directions in English.  There's all kinds of reasons he has "bad eyes".  So I decided it was time for an official eye exam at Dr. Spitzberg's office.

He was a stellar patient.  Did very well with the eye charts both far and up close.  I actually began to wonder if maybe he was having trouble seeing, but then the doctor said, "As I expected.  The data is conflicting, so I don't think there are any issues."  They took a picture of the inside of his eye, which was a little tricky with the bright flash (he says a flash can damage his eye too).  Nonetheless, his eyes were healthy on all points.

However, he still insisted he needed glasses and decided to try a few on.  These of course had no prescription, and he said "he could see better".  After having already lost a retainer, I opted not to buy another item that wasn't needed and could likely be lost too.  But he sure looked cute...

Mature hair style

 It was time to get Zachary's haircut after a short cut for the summer.  With his obsession with the Houston Symphony, he decided he wanted a hair style "like Adam Dinitz", who happens to play the English horn.  I know it is a little weird that he knows his name, but they published it in the program.  Should have figured he'd have them all memorized in due time.

Nonetheless, we took our picture and the stylist cut it and fixed it all cute.  We were successful at home the next day, so now I needed to teach him.  After his shower, he got out, and made his own first attempt.  Can you see the hilariousness of this picture!  A huge glob of gel is placed pretty much only at the front, and no where else.  He's got two spikes rather than a messed up look, and it was hard as a rock.  There was no moving this hair.

He's playing a video game & wouldn't look.

 I'll aim to get a good picture on the first day of school so you can see the real Zack Sansing, next Houston Symphony oboe player!  I know you will be surprised with the first day of school outfit, same old uniform.

4th of July in South Padre

We made our annual trip to S. Padre the week of 4th of July.  It was big fun!

We started with a trip to a souvenir shop I had always wanted to stop at because it is huge!!!  Now tell me if this doesn't attract you...

 

Inside the store we found some fun too!  Starting with hat fun...

 

Dead baby sharks if you wanted a souvenir - gross!

And who passes up the pirate picture...

We left with an Aggie coffee cup and a surprise for Granmommy...

While there we tried something new.  I read a story in my Aggie magazine about an Ag having worked down in S. Padre with the sea turtle rescue and release.  So the plan was to head over and find out when the turtle release was so we could plan to go.  Nature had other ideas.  The only day of a 7A release was on Monday which I had planned to call that day and find out all about it.  Drat!

This is Allison.  She has one fin and a prosthetic fin

Largest sea turtle species is approximately this long - wow!

Crush, from Finding Nemo

Two crazy turtles

We also got to go over the 4th of July week.  John has a friend that lets us use their condo, but they are normally there that week.  They had bought a house down there, so we both were there that week.  That was fun for many reasons.  John played golf with his friend, and then Mike, John, and his friend went on a day fishing trip.  John made the big catch.  For the 4th, the Ravenberg's had us over dinner and to watch the fireworks.  Wow, what a show (pictures never turnout)!

Little hermit crabs without their shells

My boys!

My parents!  So glad they came!

 And then we did some of what we always do...

Mom and I did a puzzle - thank you A. Kathy

phone games and couching

more couching by Pops

watching sunsets

Even a noodle can be a horn.

Look at the size of this "child's" size hamburger

Zachary swam as often as we would go to the pool, we rented movies most nights, and ate some delicious food!  All and all, it was a nice trip.  Zachary left The Ravenberg's a note in their Guest Book.  They are planning on selling the condo, so Zachary stressed coming back to the condo rather than their house.  Cute.