Elementary National Honor Society

Last week, Zachary was inducted into the Elementary National Honor Society. The qualifications are for all A's or all A's and one B. We are very proud of him, especially this year since he making the grades without any assistance.

Mrs. Neely is his teacher, and she is the Honor Society coordinator. She has been a real blessing for Zachary this year. She is a tough teacher, but prepares the students for 6th grade.

It took 3x to get a picture with him, and this was the best we could get.

Joseph is one of Zachary's best buddies. He has always looked out for Zachary and is our contact point when we have questions on homework. They both are turning out to fine young boys.

Congratulations Zachary. We are so proud of your accomplishments in Elementary.

We love you,

Mom and Dad

I got my first...

For Valentine's Day weekend, we went to our church for a comedy show. It was hilarious! One of the things the comedian said was that children often have a three-word vocabulary. The first being, "fffsst" with a nose flare, almost like "are you kidding!" The second more being a gaping mouth and an "uhhhh", like "What?!?". And the third being..."whatever!" We laughed so hard!

Well the other night, Zachary was fussing about getting ready for bed. He finally relented after losing 10 minutes of DSi the next day. As he closed the door, I heard "Whatever! Whatever Mom!"

While this year has been good in so many ways, he has continued to develop many typical tween behaviors. And if you want me to be honest, there are a few days I'm not looking forward to the next 7 years, 9 months and 11 days, but whose counting.

Quick Trip

We had the 2nd and 3rd off from school, so we made a quick trip to Austin. We headed straight to Aunt Ruth's on Wednesday after school. We were pretty lazy on Thursday, but we did manage to get out and grab lunch with Aunt Kathy and run a few errands.

Zachary's interests on this trip were Sydney and Ellie. He seems to enjoy Sydney, but we are not getting a bird.

I was so excited that Cassie brought the kids over Friday and spent the day with us. Aunt Kathy joined us too, so I got a double dose. His interest in Ellie stems from his recent iTunes downloads. He downloaded some classical songs that he remembered as a baby, and thought she might like those to take a nap with. He was a little too aggressive for Eliana's taste. But Zachary seemed overall satisfied that he got to show the songs to her.

It's always fun to attempt to get the cousin photo.

We brought Alex a batting helmet. It was a little big, as Zachary made sure to tell him. But Alex was still very excited!

We headed to Traci's after that. I enjoyed watching her kiddos at tennis lessons on Friday evening. We hung out Saturday morning, before we headed to take the girls to a dance clinic. Then we went to kill time in town with the boys. It was fun getting to visit with Traci and the boys. That evening, we played a game or two, hung out with some of Jack's friends, I helped Elise with some homework, and we ate Pei Wei for dinner. Unfortunately, I did not get very many great pictures of the kids. I just got Whitney while we were playing games.

And Traci, playing the guitar Elise made for Jack.

It was a nice trip. I have so many other cousins that live in Austin. I hate that I couldn't see them all. But we have a family wedding in April, so that will be a good ole' Elfert Family reunion. I look forward to it!

Damn or Dam?

The other day Zachary was playing his DSi, and John heard him say "Damn!".

John: What did you say?

Zack: Never mind.

John: We don't talk like that, OK?

Zack: OK, I'll save it for Nana and Papa's.

So then John proceeds to tell me. And later I'm in Zachary's room, and I bring it up. He said, "I didn't mean it in a bad way. Like a dam for a river." "Uh-huh," I say. He then apologizes, and says, "but I still love you Mom."

Now which dam/damn do you think he said?

What's new?

In the car the other day:

Zack: Mom, I'm getting a dog in April.

Me: Really? What kind?

Zack: A black chihauhau.

Me: Those are kind of hard to find, most of them are shades of brown and white.

Zack: Well, that is what I want.

Me: Do you have a name picked out?

Zack: Joseph, after my friend.

Me: (smile), we'll see.

Where does he come up with this? And our poor dog is tortured every night. Zachary makes Pete sleep with him ever since I put Pete out in the kitchen after I found several vomit patches one morning. Who has time to clean that up in the morning when you are running off to school. Zachary came out one night and said, "Mom, Pete is whining. Can he sleep with me?" As if I didn't know Pete was whining, but was trying to ignore him. Rather than ignore him, why not let him sleep with Zachary. Seemed like a good alternative and if he had to vomit, it would be contained to one room that already badly needs the carpet to be replaced. Hmm, a reason for wooden floors.

On Christmas Eve on the way home from church he told he wanted to get a dog for Xmas next year, so this isn't the first time we've heard about this idea. I can't imagine that will happen though. John is not much of an animal person and he is just waiting for Pete to pass. He won't be very compassionate when Pete starts falling apart. I'm not looking forward to that. :-( Maybe if I play my cards right, I can get another dog with a little pressure from Zachary. :-)

It'z birthday bash

Party time: 4-7:30P

Venue: It'z

Attendants: Bryan, Nathan, Joseph, Nicholas, Presley and Zack

Served: Unlimited pizza, soda, and cake

Entertainment: Unlimited video games, go-karts, laser-tag, and mini-bowling

Results: a blast had by all

We kept the party small this year with six boys. I had one mom help transport the boys and then John and I were there, of course. It was a great time to go since the place was virtually empty. We did not have to wait in any lines for the activities. We extended the party an hour since the boys were all having such a good time.

Zack did super good on laser tag. I was rather surprised at his dodging skills. He snuck up on me and John a few time too. We played 3x since all the boys seemed to enjoy that the most. And then at the go-karts, he happened to get the fastest car and lapped all the boys 2 times. It was fantastic!!! The boys enjoyed bowling too.

Everyone left at 7:30, but me and Zack. The party pack we chose had unlimited arcade games. I figured this is the only time he is going to get to play Mrs. Pac-man unlimited. So, I let him play until 8:45P. Yes, I know, I'm a little crazy, but what mom doesn't sometimes allow their child to enjoy his birthday party. Besides, I brought a book and just sat and read. We were both happy.

Here is a link for the boys singing happy birthday. Totally the way boys would sing it too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxOI5TBFy8M&context=C37053cbADOEgsToPDskJK1VL7gIUovKBVTekAOs4b

Look whose 11!

(I know, he looks frightened. He is having issues with the flash.)

We opened a few presents Monday night since we have Bible study Tuesday. He was very excited about a puzzle Aunt Traci sent, a game Lauren sent, and his robe we got him.

This morning was the big surprise. We got him a xylophone for him to play in band at school. He was thrilled, and immediately started playing. After about 20 minutes, I had to crack the whip and head him off to get ready for school.

Part of our tradition is to have cookie cake at school with his class and take him lunch. So I brought him Chic Fa La. He was excited. Funny thing, he asked for a 12 pack. I was very surprised, but later changed his mind to an 8 pack of nuggets. Glad he is eating and growing.

His class sang Happy Birthday and he had a cute little grin the whole time.

We packed up his xylophone, but while I was up at school for lunch, he decided he wanted it at home. I guess we will play with it this week and then take it up to school Monday. I know the other band students will be excited about the new instrument (life in a small private school).

We'll have one of his favorite meals tonight, nachos (Lupe style), and then head to BSF. He begged John to skip his shower tonight since it was his birthday. Not sure what will come of that, but I'm staying out of it and away from any stink. Nothing a little chlorine won't cure tomorrow. We will have his party on Friday at It'z. They have games, laser tag, mini-bowling, etc. We are bringing 5 boys from school, so it should be super fun and relaxed! Will post on that later.

Happy 11th Birthday to my sweet, sweet boy! You are growing up too fast.

PS If the birthday spankings were not in his underwear only, I would post them. John and Zachary laughed the whole time. The pictures are really cute. Zachary is getting to be pretty strong.