Chess Birthday Party

We celebrated Zachary's birthday 9th at the bowling alley. Zachary wanted a chess birthday party, so we did the best we could with incorporating that at the bowling alley. I made chocolate chess pieces and picked up the cake for the party.

Attending the party: (left to right) Mallory & Kieren Pike, Joseph Otto, Nicholas Wilson, Brianna Harrelson, Katie Wilson, Layne McElveen, Aeryn Herbert, Madeline Burke, Bryan Tran, Joseph Shiflet, Shyanne Griffin, and Cole McElveen

Me and the birthday boy. I love this kid!

Austin Trip

We took a quick trip to Austin to see Aunt Ruth's new house and other family. Zachary's school had a few days off during February, so it was the perfect time.

Our first stop on Thursday was to see Traci and the kids. We visited and met their new dog that looks like a polar bear, hence the name Bear. Unfortunately, we did not get any pictures, but Zachary was very interested in Elise and getting to play Mario Cart with Jack.

On Friday, we went to Travis and Cassie's for dinner. It was a wonderful time to be in town because we celebrated Trav's birthday. We ate pizza and Aunt Ruth made a cake. We had Travis's favorite ice cream, Blue Bell Cookie Dough - yum! Zachary was well behaved and played pretty good with sweet, little Alex. I got one picture of Zachary reading Alex a book.

It was a low-key evening. My kind of night. Easy cooking, and easy eating for everyone.

Saturday, we hung out with Lauren and Aunt Kathy. Lauren is the mothering type and very patient with Zachary. I got a small glimpse of what I think it might be like for my son to be married. He will need a take charge kind of girl, but will be a good husband. Lauren was teaching Zachary dance lessons, and he was going right along with it. They played well together all day.

The time went by too fast, but we did a lot. Me and Aunt Ruth stayed in our p.j.'s till the afternoon one morning. We worked on tax returns and visited about family and friends. We even made a run to the outlet mall and I got a few things I needed. It was fun to visit without having an agenda to worry about. My kind of visit for sure. And Aunt Ruth was a great hostess, so we will be back if she will have us!

A new look

Another catastrophe occurred at home, or so in Zachary's mind. A piece of his face mask broke off Tuesday night. "No worries", I said, "we will get it fixed."

At the appointment the next day, they looked and said they felt he was done with the face mask and we could start braces. This was forthcoming at the end of February, only I thought he had to continue to wear the arch-expander. Since they would have to take out the arch-expander to fix it, they simply added the braces instead. Yahooo!!!

Isn't he cute! Two braces on the top with green rubber bands (his color choice) and spacers on the bottom. He has been a real trooper. Only had a little discomfort the next day. We will get the bottom four braces Wednesday, and I guess the other two top ones when those teeth grow in. So far the whole process has been short and painless, well sorta. And I finally get to kiss him good night without having to maneuver around a face mask. Whooohoo!

Calm before the storm

Hmmmm, it has been a relatively quiet week after we got our Science test behind us on Tuesday. I've had time to finish up some things, run errands, go shopping and answer emails. And Zachary is going to my dad's this weekend. This is the first time in a long time, I don't have something I really want to accomplish this weekend. With a rainy wet weekend, I might just stay in bed, but I doubt it.

I'm not sure what the calm is all about, but I plan to enjoy it. The storm (tax season) will be quickly upon me, and then I won't have much time to breath. Just kidding, it is not that bad. Anyway, I better finish up my to-do list for today. I've got some relaxing to do.

A winner!

Pinewood Derby 2010

Was our car a winner, no, not exactly, but a few things occurred, that in my book make Zachary and John winners. First, John spent time with Zachary teaching to him to sand, paint, nail, etc. And just so you know, I secretly posed a challenge. You know, one of those your husband doesn't realize is a challenge, but you are certain he will take it. I asked him if he wanted to work with Zachary on his car, and if not, I would see about my mom doing it. Nothing like being shown up to a girl. He took the bait. That's a winner!

The second thing that happened is that Zachary was excited. He was excited to build the car, to race the car, and to be at the race. You never know what he might particularly enjoy. Also, when his car didn't win, while he was bummed, he was able to enjoy the rest of the race. Yeah, social skills. Now that's a winner!

And the last winning act was of John. I did not get to stay for the race, but John did. The race was from 9:30-2P. I never thought it would last that long, but John stayed the whole time despite Zachary's car being out of the finals. And, he even said he learned a thing or two for next year, so he is willing to participate again. Score! Winner again!

Next, we have Raingutter Regatta. I think it is a boat. And in August they have space ships. I'll let you know how that goes.

P.S. Zachary's number on his car was 91. He said his number was his G.Pop's age. I thought that was cute!

Happy Birthday!

Happy 91st Birthday, G.Pop (my dad's father)! Happy 9th Birthday, Zachary! Happy 91st Birthday, Grandot (my mom's mother)! We've had a lot of birthday's lately.

Birthday's are an exciting event at our house. Zachary loves them, no matter whose it is. It means he gets cake and possibly ice cream. He also likes to say, "since it is so & so's birthday, I get (blank)." This can be any myriad of items...free time on the computer, don't have to eat my salad, get to skip my shower, etc.

We went to Zachary's favorite restaurant, Lupe Tortilla's, for his birthday. We met one of our favorite therapists that still keeps Zachary some. She has a birthday on the 12th, right after Zachary's. They came and did the birthday song, and he was thrilled. He cried out, "I get to wear a sombro!" He didn't want to give the "sombro" back.

We had a nice dinner and good visit with our friend. We will have his party in February.

Happy 9th Birthday, Zachary! Next year will be double digits. :-( They grow up too fast.

Good questions...

So the other night Zachary and I were reading a Christmas story that alluded to the story of Jesus. We then had this conversation:

Zachary: does Jesus have eyes in heaven?”

Me: Of course, he does. Would you like to read about our bodies, and what God says they will be like in heaven?

Zachary: yes!

(So I read Philippians 3:20-21)

Me: That means our bodies will be like Jesus’, they will be perfect; no more scraped knees, no more tears, no more C’s in penmanship, etc. (He seemed to ponder this with a slight smile.)

After this, I asked...

Me: Did you know God is preparing a special room for you in heaven? Kind of like your room at our house.

Zachary: No.

Me: Can I read that to you from the Bible?

Zachary: Yes.

So I read John 14:2-4 about the room in heaven that Jesus is preparing for him.

It was a good conversation. I’ve prayed for Zachary’s relationship with God and wondered if he would understand who Jesus is. I’m so glad he is developing some level of curiosity. I’m even more excited to know one day he will likely make the commitment to follow Jesus. I hate to admit it, but His timing is perfect!