Thursday, October 5, 2017
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 16
I had always planned to take this photo for our last day of this project. It was planned to contrast with our last post from our P15-to-15 last year. As you can see, we have traded places in the car ride to and from school.
The Boy got his learner's permit back in January and starting in earnest this summer, has worked very hard to be ready for his driver's test. Due to the upheaval in our schedules, it will be another couple of weeks before we take him to the DMV for his test, but he's ready.
On the other hand, *I* am not ready! Yes, I have every confidence in his driving, but I do not trust everyone else on the road and it's like a knife in my heart just THINKING of him pulling out of the driveway without his dad or I at his side.
However, I have a couple of more weeks and I'm going to push the thought from my mind and enjoy the status quo while it lasts.
In our look back, we see one of my all time FAVORITE photos of Wonder Boy! He's always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie, but I think white water rafting may just deliver the biggest rush he's had to date!
Even though he was tossed from the boat, got stuck underneath it, and nearly gave me a heart attack waiting for him to reappear, he L-O-V-E-D it! He loved it so much that he begged us for another day on the river after this excursion, in a more difficult class of rapids even.
I am thankful we got to share this wild ride with the Boy (though I would have preferred he stayed in the boat the whole time). I know the day is coming when he'll be off on his own for this kind of adventure.
And it is on this note, that I close out this project for the year.
As happens every year, as I look back, I simply marvel at how far our Boy has come, how much he has grown, and fast he has changed. He is my all time favorite nearly-16 year old in the WHOLE HISTORY of 16 year olds!
And I hope he knows how much he is loved and cherished!
The Boy got his learner's permit back in January and starting in earnest this summer, has worked very hard to be ready for his driver's test. Due to the upheaval in our schedules, it will be another couple of weeks before we take him to the DMV for his test, but he's ready.
On the other hand, *I* am not ready! Yes, I have every confidence in his driving, but I do not trust everyone else on the road and it's like a knife in my heart just THINKING of him pulling out of the driveway without his dad or I at his side.
However, I have a couple of more weeks and I'm going to push the thought from my mind and enjoy the status quo while it lasts.
In our look back, we see one of my all time FAVORITE photos of Wonder Boy! He's always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie, but I think white water rafting may just deliver the biggest rush he's had to date!
Even though he was tossed from the boat, got stuck underneath it, and nearly gave me a heart attack waiting for him to reappear, he L-O-V-E-D it! He loved it so much that he begged us for another day on the river after this excursion, in a more difficult class of rapids even.
I am thankful we got to share this wild ride with the Boy (though I would have preferred he stayed in the boat the whole time). I know the day is coming when he'll be off on his own for this kind of adventure.
And it is on this note, that I close out this project for the year.
As happens every year, as I look back, I simply marvel at how far our Boy has come, how much he has grown, and fast he has changed. He is my all time favorite nearly-16 year old in the WHOLE HISTORY of 16 year olds!
And I hope he knows how much he is loved and cherished!
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 15
Our dear Papi (my dad), passed away today.
So please forgive the lack of a photo for today or even a look back to 2015, which is what we were due to post.
Our hearts are just too heavy.
Instead, here is a snap from 2009 of Wonder Boy with Papi. We love him and miss him and ... well ... words fail.
So please forgive the lack of a photo for today or even a look back to 2015, which is what we were due to post.
Our hearts are just too heavy.
Instead, here is a snap from 2009 of Wonder Boy with Papi. We love him and miss him and ... well ... words fail.
Monday, October 2, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 14
Here on Day 14, I wanted to show the Boy's stack-o-screens. And of course, this doesn't count his computer at home or the ones used at school. But at any given moment of the day, it's a pretty fair bet you'll find the boy on one of these screens. I'm actually a pretty big fan of the digital revolution (thus far). For the boy, this little stack of screens means that information is always at hand and he uses it fairly wisely. It seems he's always researching something or another.
Of course, he's not ALWAYS learning. He also loves watching videos of just "random stuff" (as he puts it) - things that make him laugh. And I'm glad he has access to THAT material as well.
In looking back to 2014, we see the Boy with perhaps his favorite family on the planet outside of our own. These kiddos are as close as family for him (and for the rest of us).
There is so much I love about this snap. It was taken on the day we first got to meet their new baby brother, born 2 months prior. We had a great meal and then made a quick stop at Buc'ees before we had to part and head back to our separate corners of the great state of Texas. It was a good day and looking back on it always brings a smile to my face.
But what I love most about this snap is seeing the silly side of our Boy - IN PUBLIC!
Everyone needs someone (or someONES) with whom they are so comfortable that it's OK to be silly, even when out and about in public. And I'm just glad the Boy chose this particular group to let his silly side shine!
Of course, he's not ALWAYS learning. He also loves watching videos of just "random stuff" (as he puts it) - things that make him laugh. And I'm glad he has access to THAT material as well.
In looking back to 2014, we see the Boy with perhaps his favorite family on the planet outside of our own. These kiddos are as close as family for him (and for the rest of us).
There is so much I love about this snap. It was taken on the day we first got to meet their new baby brother, born 2 months prior. We had a great meal and then made a quick stop at Buc'ees before we had to part and head back to our separate corners of the great state of Texas. It was a good day and looking back on it always brings a smile to my face.
But what I love most about this snap is seeing the silly side of our Boy - IN PUBLIC!
Everyone needs someone (or someONES) with whom they are so comfortable that it's OK to be silly, even when out and about in public. And I'm just glad the Boy chose this particular group to let his silly side shine!
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 13
For day 13, I wanted to hit the lighter side of things when examining our Wonder Boy. And honestly, this is something that tickles my funny bone on a daily basis.
BATH TIME!
Yes, I'm serious. Bath time. Or, more specifically, shower time.
Not a day goes by that the Boy doesn't put up a fuss when we tell him it's time to get clean. We get the stereotypical exasperated sigh, usually accompanied by an eye roll, and the ever constant question "Do I have to...". Every. Single. Time. *sigh*
But once he's in the shower, he steps into another world! We don't really know what is going on in there - some kind of one man play is the best we can guestimate - and it's probably best that we DON'T know what is happening. Even when we warn him to "be quick about it," his showers rarely run less than 20 - 30 minutes as he sings and chats and who knows what else the time away. And while I am so pleased he is squeaky clean, it's something that makes me shake my head and giggle just a little every day.
In our look back to 2013, we see they Boy and his dad on the hiking trail - one of our favorite places to be! This particular snap was taken on Good Friday that year when we visited the Huntsville State Park.
If you were to ask Wonder Boy straight up, he would tell you that he doesn't enjoy hiking. But his actions on the trail usually speak louder than those words.I find there is something really wonderful about unplugging and spending time outside. And while he may not want to leave his screens behind, he always seem to relax and have fun once we are out and about. I hope that, as he matures, he will understand that these trips are the kinds of memories that feed our souls.
And who knows, maybe one day, he'll drag a reluctant teen of his own on the trail as well.
BATH TIME!
Yes, I'm serious. Bath time. Or, more specifically, shower time.
Not a day goes by that the Boy doesn't put up a fuss when we tell him it's time to get clean. We get the stereotypical exasperated sigh, usually accompanied by an eye roll, and the ever constant question "Do I have to...". Every. Single. Time. *sigh*
But once he's in the shower, he steps into another world! We don't really know what is going on in there - some kind of one man play is the best we can guestimate - and it's probably best that we DON'T know what is happening. Even when we warn him to "be quick about it," his showers rarely run less than 20 - 30 minutes as he sings and chats and who knows what else the time away. And while I am so pleased he is squeaky clean, it's something that makes me shake my head and giggle just a little every day.
In our look back to 2013, we see they Boy and his dad on the hiking trail - one of our favorite places to be! This particular snap was taken on Good Friday that year when we visited the Huntsville State Park.
If you were to ask Wonder Boy straight up, he would tell you that he doesn't enjoy hiking. But his actions on the trail usually speak louder than those words.I find there is something really wonderful about unplugging and spending time outside. And while he may not want to leave his screens behind, he always seem to relax and have fun once we are out and about. I hope that, as he matures, he will understand that these trips are the kinds of memories that feed our souls.
And who knows, maybe one day, he'll drag a reluctant teen of his own on the trail as well.
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 12
Day 12 has been a pretty sedate day around here. The first grading period is over for the boy and as such, he came home with only a few minor assignments for this weekend. So we have taken the opportunity to sit back and relax most of the day.
Just before we called it a day today, I caught Wonder Boy and his boy snuggled up on the couch with the grey blankie. They both love this blanket. It's soft and comforting. Sometimes, when they've been cuddling under the blankie and the Boy has to get up, he'll swaddle Wonder Mutt in the cover to keep him warm and toasty until he can return.
In our look back to 2012, we see the boy again working out his creative juices, this time by putting together a Harry Potter Lego set. That year, he spent his spring break working on all of the Harry Potter Lego sets he had received for Christmas. By the time spring break was over, he had all of Diagon Alley put together!
He doesn't spend much time with his Legos any more, but we kept some of his favorite sets and we hope to share them with his children some day.
Just before we called it a day today, I caught Wonder Boy and his boy snuggled up on the couch with the grey blankie. They both love this blanket. It's soft and comforting. Sometimes, when they've been cuddling under the blankie and the Boy has to get up, he'll swaddle Wonder Mutt in the cover to keep him warm and toasty until he can return.
In our look back to 2012, we see the boy again working out his creative juices, this time by putting together a Harry Potter Lego set. That year, he spent his spring break working on all of the Harry Potter Lego sets he had received for Christmas. By the time spring break was over, he had all of Diagon Alley put together!
He doesn't spend much time with his Legos any more, but we kept some of his favorite sets and we hope to share them with his children some day.
Friday, September 29, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 11
In years past, I've talked about the Boy's "uniform." On any given day, you'll find him wearing just about the same thing: khaki cargo shorts, t-shirt (blue, red, grey, or black with very little decoration), black crew socks, and athletic shoes.
I've got no problem with this "uniform." He's comfortable. He makes sure his things are clean and well cared for. And it makes getting dressed a quick affair since there are not a lot of decisions involved.
But I *DO* have a problem with one article of this uniform ... his shoes.
Since he was very young, the Boy has always hated getting new shoes. Like his uniform, once he finds something that works for him, he doesn't want to put in the effort to find anything else. So he will wear his shoes out until they could get up and walk to school on their own.
Now, let it be known, he HAS many pairs of shoes from which to choose. We like to have at least a couple of pairs to cycle through to keep the shoes fresh and make them last longer. But even with a closet full of shoes, these are the only ones the Boy wants to wear.
His orchestra is doing a shoe drive as a fund raiser for their trips and this particular pair will most certainly be in the donation pile before all is said and done!
In our look back today, I couldn't resist sharing this little snap! That is my sweet little Wonder Boy snuggled up on the couch one frosty morning with his Sack Boy. For those that are not aware, Sack Boy is the hero of the Sony Playstation game "Little Big Planet." LBP was *B*I*G* for Wonder Boy when it came out. He fell in love with the game and with this adorable character, Sack Boy.
This photo was taken right as the game makers released the sequel, Little Big Planet 2. Wonder Boy was *so* excited that he saved his money and paid for his own "special edition" copy of the game that came with this prize, a stuffed plush version of Sack Boy.
Wonder Boy took Sack Boy everywhere with him (that we would allow - sadly, Sack Boy was not allowed at school). But in the mornings before school, he would crawl out of bed and snooze on the couch before breakfast and I routinely found him cuddled up with Sack Boy just like this.
This little Sack Boy came into our lives as Wonder Boy was moving away from being drawn to fictional characters like this. He was pretty much done with his super hero phase. And he didn't want us to pick out backpacks, lunch boxes, school supplies, or even t-sirts with any characters on them. But Sack Boy was an exception to this new rule. And as such, it served as a reminder to us that, despite the fact that he was trying so hard to grow up, Wonder Boy was still a young man. It was a chance to hold on to that part of him and I, for one, held on to it for as long as I could.
And in some way, I'm not alone in that... even today, Sack Boy is one of the few plush toys from this era of his life that STILL has a place of honor in the Boy's room!
I've got no problem with this "uniform." He's comfortable. He makes sure his things are clean and well cared for. And it makes getting dressed a quick affair since there are not a lot of decisions involved.
But I *DO* have a problem with one article of this uniform ... his shoes.
Since he was very young, the Boy has always hated getting new shoes. Like his uniform, once he finds something that works for him, he doesn't want to put in the effort to find anything else. So he will wear his shoes out until they could get up and walk to school on their own.
Now, let it be known, he HAS many pairs of shoes from which to choose. We like to have at least a couple of pairs to cycle through to keep the shoes fresh and make them last longer. But even with a closet full of shoes, these are the only ones the Boy wants to wear.
His orchestra is doing a shoe drive as a fund raiser for their trips and this particular pair will most certainly be in the donation pile before all is said and done!
In our look back today, I couldn't resist sharing this little snap! That is my sweet little Wonder Boy snuggled up on the couch one frosty morning with his Sack Boy. For those that are not aware, Sack Boy is the hero of the Sony Playstation game "Little Big Planet." LBP was *B*I*G* for Wonder Boy when it came out. He fell in love with the game and with this adorable character, Sack Boy.
This photo was taken right as the game makers released the sequel, Little Big Planet 2. Wonder Boy was *so* excited that he saved his money and paid for his own "special edition" copy of the game that came with this prize, a stuffed plush version of Sack Boy.
Wonder Boy took Sack Boy everywhere with him (that we would allow - sadly, Sack Boy was not allowed at school). But in the mornings before school, he would crawl out of bed and snooze on the couch before breakfast and I routinely found him cuddled up with Sack Boy just like this.
This little Sack Boy came into our lives as Wonder Boy was moving away from being drawn to fictional characters like this. He was pretty much done with his super hero phase. And he didn't want us to pick out backpacks, lunch boxes, school supplies, or even t-sirts with any characters on them. But Sack Boy was an exception to this new rule. And as such, it served as a reminder to us that, despite the fact that he was trying so hard to grow up, Wonder Boy was still a young man. It was a chance to hold on to that part of him and I, for one, held on to it for as long as I could.
And in some way, I'm not alone in that... even today, Sack Boy is one of the few plush toys from this era of his life that STILL has a place of honor in the Boy's room!
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 10
Double digit day. That officially marks the end stage of this project, but I can only say that in a whisper as I am still in some serious denial!
Today I had the Boy pull out a stack of his various notebooks. He has the white boards in his bedroom, but that is for only the most recent ideas floating around his head. He needed a more permanent solution for holding onto his thoughts. So he has a stack of notebooks. He has some small journals, some bigger notepads, and a closet full of old spiral notebooks. And in these books, he records proofs for various formulas and math theorems. Others hold programming notes he wants to have at his fingertips come competition time. And some are just random logic points he wants to work through.
I wish I had been this organized in my thoughts at the same age!
For our trip back down memory lane today, I wanted to share this little snap with you! What do you do when you live in an area of Texas that has you wearing shorts and shades more often on Christmas Eve than a sweater? You create your own snow storm, of course!
This snap was taken in December 2010. We had just finished painting the Boy's room. We painted it blue because he had read that the color blue fosters creativity and we were happy to oblige. The painters finished right after Thanksgiving and to give his room a "holiday feel" we spent days cutting out giant snowflakes to adorn his walls! The whole family jumped into this project and we left it up until early spring the next year.
Looking at this photo makes me think we might need to do something like this for our holiday decorations this year too!
Today I had the Boy pull out a stack of his various notebooks. He has the white boards in his bedroom, but that is for only the most recent ideas floating around his head. He needed a more permanent solution for holding onto his thoughts. So he has a stack of notebooks. He has some small journals, some bigger notepads, and a closet full of old spiral notebooks. And in these books, he records proofs for various formulas and math theorems. Others hold programming notes he wants to have at his fingertips come competition time. And some are just random logic points he wants to work through.
I wish I had been this organized in my thoughts at the same age!
For our trip back down memory lane today, I wanted to share this little snap with you! What do you do when you live in an area of Texas that has you wearing shorts and shades more often on Christmas Eve than a sweater? You create your own snow storm, of course!
This snap was taken in December 2010. We had just finished painting the Boy's room. We painted it blue because he had read that the color blue fosters creativity and we were happy to oblige. The painters finished right after Thanksgiving and to give his room a "holiday feel" we spent days cutting out giant snowflakes to adorn his walls! The whole family jumped into this project and we left it up until early spring the next year.
Looking at this photo makes me think we might need to do something like this for our holiday decorations this year too!
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 9
Today has been a long day. We've all been battling some kind of a virus. The Boy and I are finally on the mend, but Wonder Dad is still somewhat under the weather. And even though I am feeling better, I am certainly not ALL better just yet.
But with that said, it's been a long day for us all. And to top things off, the Boy has a very full study schedule for tonight! Assignments in 3 classes and his first cumulative exam of the semester!
We are learning that the secret to a successful night of school work is the proper FUEL for the Boy's brain! Now, don't get me wrong, we make sure he eats plenty of good-for-you-foods during the day. But we don't mind indulging him these kinds of snacks if it helps him focus on the work at hand.
In our look back for today I wanted to share one of my all-time favorite snaps of our sweet boy! I wanted these photos to use as a special gift for Wonder Dad. But by this age, Wonder Boy was very tired of me pointing my camera at him at every opportunity. However, I was in for some serious luck this afternoon! The Boy was in a mood to tell me knock-knock jokes. And while he really needed to work on his delivery, just the act of telling the jokes had us BOTH in stitches throughout the little photo shoot!
This is one of those afternoons that I will never forget! Just the sight of his smile in this snap and I can literally HEAR him giggling as he tried to surprise me with the punchline for his next joke. He laughed before he ever got the words out and that made CERTAIN that I too would double over with laughter!
Sometimes looking back on these photos is bitter sweet, but with a memory like this one, it's just plain sweet!
But with that said, it's been a long day for us all. And to top things off, the Boy has a very full study schedule for tonight! Assignments in 3 classes and his first cumulative exam of the semester!
We are learning that the secret to a successful night of school work is the proper FUEL for the Boy's brain! Now, don't get me wrong, we make sure he eats plenty of good-for-you-foods during the day. But we don't mind indulging him these kinds of snacks if it helps him focus on the work at hand.
In our look back for today I wanted to share one of my all-time favorite snaps of our sweet boy! I wanted these photos to use as a special gift for Wonder Dad. But by this age, Wonder Boy was very tired of me pointing my camera at him at every opportunity. However, I was in for some serious luck this afternoon! The Boy was in a mood to tell me knock-knock jokes. And while he really needed to work on his delivery, just the act of telling the jokes had us BOTH in stitches throughout the little photo shoot!
This is one of those afternoons that I will never forget! Just the sight of his smile in this snap and I can literally HEAR him giggling as he tried to surprise me with the punchline for his next joke. He laughed before he ever got the words out and that made CERTAIN that I too would double over with laughter!
Sometimes looking back on these photos is bitter sweet, but with a memory like this one, it's just plain sweet!
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 8
Wow! It's hard to believe that we're already more than a week into this project. And even more unbelievable is that there is barely more than a week to go until our countdown comes to a close. That's not helping my denial any.
For today, I wanted to show off another form of the Boy's creative side.
As I have shown in years past, the Boy likes to paint, he likes to draw, he likes to build ... he just plain likes to CREATE! And that is something I truly admire!
It may be hard to tell, but in this snapshot, Wonder Boy is playing around with his Wacom tablet. He's been playing around with this toy for a number of years, but in recent weeks, he's really started trying to learn how to use it properly. I love watching him create. He gets in a zone, focused on the end result. And when he's done, he gets down right giddy until he can show off his latest work. There are not many things that bring out that kind of enthusiasm in our Boy, but creating is always a good bet!
In our look back to 2008, we get the chance to see that giddy smile on his face! This time it was due to being recognized by his first grade teacher (Mrs. Good) for being the first student in class to read 100 chapters for the school year! She gifted him with this little monkey which he dubbed "Friendly, the Monkey." He kept that monkey in his room, in a place of honor among his pillows throughout elementary school.
Mrs. Good has retired now, but she lives in our neighborhood so we get the chance to run into her from time to time when she's out walking her dogs. She will always hold a special place in our hearts for igniting a special spark in our Boy. She showed him that, not only was it OK, it was ADMIRABLE to be an academic all star! The Boy is not ultra competitive in most areas of his life, but when it comes to his grades, he takes great pride in working hard to achieve his academic goals. And THAT makes us all smile that giddy smile!
For today, I wanted to show off another form of the Boy's creative side.
As I have shown in years past, the Boy likes to paint, he likes to draw, he likes to build ... he just plain likes to CREATE! And that is something I truly admire!
It may be hard to tell, but in this snapshot, Wonder Boy is playing around with his Wacom tablet. He's been playing around with this toy for a number of years, but in recent weeks, he's really started trying to learn how to use it properly. I love watching him create. He gets in a zone, focused on the end result. And when he's done, he gets down right giddy until he can show off his latest work. There are not many things that bring out that kind of enthusiasm in our Boy, but creating is always a good bet!
In our look back to 2008, we get the chance to see that giddy smile on his face! This time it was due to being recognized by his first grade teacher (Mrs. Good) for being the first student in class to read 100 chapters for the school year! She gifted him with this little monkey which he dubbed "Friendly, the Monkey." He kept that monkey in his room, in a place of honor among his pillows throughout elementary school.
Mrs. Good has retired now, but she lives in our neighborhood so we get the chance to run into her from time to time when she's out walking her dogs. She will always hold a special place in our hearts for igniting a special spark in our Boy. She showed him that, not only was it OK, it was ADMIRABLE to be an academic all star! The Boy is not ultra competitive in most areas of his life, but when it comes to his grades, he takes great pride in working hard to achieve his academic goals. And THAT makes us all smile that giddy smile!
Monday, September 25, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 7
Today marks the end of the first week of our big countdown. I am glad that I have this to distract me from the realization that my "little boy" is turning 16 in a matter of days!
I'll be honest, again today the photo of the day is not exactly what I had PLANNED to share today. I'm going to hope that I can work that idea in later in the week, but this is still something I wanted to highlight.
Just look at my boys! Wonder Boy simply ADORES his Wonder Mutt. And the Mutt most certainly reciprocates! This snap was taken just before bed tonight. The Mutt is funny, by the time he finishes dinner, he is pretty much ready to turn in for the night. He sleeps in Wonder Boy's room and if we leave the door ajar, he will sneak in there and try to turn in early. In comparison, Wonder Boy is NEVER ready for bed. Now, once he gets to sleep, he is a champion sleeper who can rack up more than 12 hours in the sack with ease (if we let him). But despite that fact, he never wants to concede to sleep. I'm not really complaining as he DOES go right on to sleep. It just strikes me as funny that a kid who likes to sleep so much would fight going to bed.
In our look back to 2007, we see our favorite kiddo doing one of his favorite things - creating! These neat building toys are called "Zoobs" and I can't even begin to tell you how much fun he had with them over the years! He and Wonder Dad were able to build all KINDS of cool creations from helicopters to a great white shark to these cool dinosaurs!
Eventually we passed on these toys to some friends with kiddos who also have a passion for creating. I hope they have gotten as much fun out of them as we did!
I'll be honest, again today the photo of the day is not exactly what I had PLANNED to share today. I'm going to hope that I can work that idea in later in the week, but this is still something I wanted to highlight.
Just look at my boys! Wonder Boy simply ADORES his Wonder Mutt. And the Mutt most certainly reciprocates! This snap was taken just before bed tonight. The Mutt is funny, by the time he finishes dinner, he is pretty much ready to turn in for the night. He sleeps in Wonder Boy's room and if we leave the door ajar, he will sneak in there and try to turn in early. In comparison, Wonder Boy is NEVER ready for bed. Now, once he gets to sleep, he is a champion sleeper who can rack up more than 12 hours in the sack with ease (if we let him). But despite that fact, he never wants to concede to sleep. I'm not really complaining as he DOES go right on to sleep. It just strikes me as funny that a kid who likes to sleep so much would fight going to bed.
In our look back to 2007, we see our favorite kiddo doing one of his favorite things - creating! These neat building toys are called "Zoobs" and I can't even begin to tell you how much fun he had with them over the years! He and Wonder Dad were able to build all KINDS of cool creations from helicopters to a great white shark to these cool dinosaurs!
Eventually we passed on these toys to some friends with kiddos who also have a passion for creating. I hope they have gotten as much fun out of them as we did!
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 6
This is the stage of this project where, when you see the Boy in our "look back" photo, you can see at least a little bit of the "big guy" he has now become. It starts right around the time of his 5th birthday, around the time he started "grow up" it seems. It strikes a chord with me that it would be his fifth year where that he had so many milestones (the "Big 5" birthday, graduating preschool, starting martial arts and team sports) that his "big kid" personality would start to shine so brightly, but it certainly does!
I'll be honest, this was not the photo I had planned for today. I really wanted to see if I could bribe my guys into re-creating at least the pose from our flash-back photo. But in the end, I think this is the right look at today.
I snapped this right before bed tonight. The Boy had a full day. He's been helping out a whole lot around the house as both his dad and I have been under the weather. And he had a viola lesson this afternoon. And top all of that off with a good-sized stack of homework (which is certainly becoming the norm for this school year) and really, this was always going to be the photo for today.
I think it has surprised Wonder Boy that the course work has increased by SO MUCH this school year. It increases every year. He's come to accept that. But I truly don't think he was prepared for a jump in workload of this magnitude. He is beginning to adjust. We all are. But it has taken a bit longer than any of us could have anticipated.
In the end, we know this is a good thing. He needs to be prepared for when he goes off to college where the workload will be considerable, but there will not be anyone "cracking the whip" to make sure he gets it done. While I would love to lighten his load, I am thankful that working for the grades he wants to achieve will not be something new when he moves on to that next level.
Our flash back is one of my all time favorite photos of my guys together. It was taken on Father's Day 2006. Wonder Boy was at the height of his fascination with "the Incredibles" and he dubbed his daddy "Mr. Incredible" just as quickly as he assumed the role of "the Dash." We couldn't find any "Incredibles" shirts for Wonder Dad that summer, so we made our own! It became Wonder Dad's soccer jersey that fall and that made the season that much more special for Wonder Boy and for us all really. Wonder Boy really DOES have the most Incredible Dad ever!
I'll be honest, this was not the photo I had planned for today. I really wanted to see if I could bribe my guys into re-creating at least the pose from our flash-back photo. But in the end, I think this is the right look at today.
I snapped this right before bed tonight. The Boy had a full day. He's been helping out a whole lot around the house as both his dad and I have been under the weather. And he had a viola lesson this afternoon. And top all of that off with a good-sized stack of homework (which is certainly becoming the norm for this school year) and really, this was always going to be the photo for today.
I think it has surprised Wonder Boy that the course work has increased by SO MUCH this school year. It increases every year. He's come to accept that. But I truly don't think he was prepared for a jump in workload of this magnitude. He is beginning to adjust. We all are. But it has taken a bit longer than any of us could have anticipated.
In the end, we know this is a good thing. He needs to be prepared for when he goes off to college where the workload will be considerable, but there will not be anyone "cracking the whip" to make sure he gets it done. While I would love to lighten his load, I am thankful that working for the grades he wants to achieve will not be something new when he moves on to that next level.
Our flash back is one of my all time favorite photos of my guys together. It was taken on Father's Day 2006. Wonder Boy was at the height of his fascination with "the Incredibles" and he dubbed his daddy "Mr. Incredible" just as quickly as he assumed the role of "the Dash." We couldn't find any "Incredibles" shirts for Wonder Dad that summer, so we made our own! It became Wonder Dad's soccer jersey that fall and that made the season that much more special for Wonder Boy and for us all really. Wonder Boy really DOES have the most Incredible Dad ever!
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 5
It's Day 5 of our count down to Wonder Boy's big day. And today I am going to again talk about something of which I have mentioned every year, I am sure: the role that music plays in the boy's life!
For the past few months, the boy has started playing around with this classical guitar. He starts official lessons in a few days, but he had made some really incredible gains on his own. And, at present, I enjoy hearing his guitar practice more than any other instrument he plays (& that is saying something because I really love them all)!
Looking back, we see our dear Boy in 2005, conducting the soundtrack to the movie Fantasia. Even at such a young age he was drawn to classical music. As the movie began, he would take center stage in the living room, raise his hands with the conductor, and completely steal the show for all of us present. As the screen faded into the cartoonist's interpretation of the notes, Wonder Boy began to dance and sway around the room. It was a show I truly miss seeing. But more than that, I think it was a glimpse into the importance music will always be to our Boy.
I am glad the Boy has music in his life. I have seen it bring peace when he was troubled. I have seen it echo the joy and glee felt on the best of days. And I have seen it focus his thoughts when he was anxious or having trouble getting settled.
And maybe the best part is that music is a blessing that can be shared!
For the past few months, the boy has started playing around with this classical guitar. He starts official lessons in a few days, but he had made some really incredible gains on his own. And, at present, I enjoy hearing his guitar practice more than any other instrument he plays (& that is saying something because I really love them all)!
Looking back, we see our dear Boy in 2005, conducting the soundtrack to the movie Fantasia. Even at such a young age he was drawn to classical music. As the movie began, he would take center stage in the living room, raise his hands with the conductor, and completely steal the show for all of us present. As the screen faded into the cartoonist's interpretation of the notes, Wonder Boy began to dance and sway around the room. It was a show I truly miss seeing. But more than that, I think it was a glimpse into the importance music will always be to our Boy.
I am glad the Boy has music in his life. I have seen it bring peace when he was troubled. I have seen it echo the joy and glee felt on the best of days. And I have seen it focus his thoughts when he was anxious or having trouble getting settled.
And maybe the best part is that music is a blessing that can be shared!
Friday, September 22, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 4
Today's photos seem very stereotypical for kids of Wonder Boy's generation. Technology has been, and continues to be, a huge part of his life!
We know, when we are not sure where to find the Boy, there's a strong possibility we'll find him in the computer room, engrossed in some program, some video, or some tutorial.
There are many reasons to limit and monitor the use of technology, but at the same time, it is an amazing tool!
When we were young, if we wanted to learn anything outside of classroom material, we needed a trip to the library or we hoped some family member had a fairly recent set of encyclopedias. Today, when the Boy wants to check out something new, he need go no further than his computer! He spends more than his fair share of any given day parked in that chair, but he doesn't just wile away his time. Most days, we find him engrossed in some new math concept. He has been very driven to learn concepts of differential calculus for the better part of the summer and continuing into this fall (despite the fact that he is just taking Algebra II at school).
He loves all things math, but he passed up Wonder Dad's and my level of expertise many months ago. So we are very thankful that he has a place to research his favorite topic!
In our flash back to 2004, we see our little guy happily enjoying a few moments of screen time. We can't see the screen here, but my guess is that he was playing a Micky Mouse alphabet game - it was his favorite back then. What I love most about this snapshot is the the look of pure joy on his face.
As you can see, the computer has been his "happy place" for many years now and that shows no sign of changing any time soon.
We know, when we are not sure where to find the Boy, there's a strong possibility we'll find him in the computer room, engrossed in some program, some video, or some tutorial.
There are many reasons to limit and monitor the use of technology, but at the same time, it is an amazing tool!
When we were young, if we wanted to learn anything outside of classroom material, we needed a trip to the library or we hoped some family member had a fairly recent set of encyclopedias. Today, when the Boy wants to check out something new, he need go no further than his computer! He spends more than his fair share of any given day parked in that chair, but he doesn't just wile away his time. Most days, we find him engrossed in some new math concept. He has been very driven to learn concepts of differential calculus for the better part of the summer and continuing into this fall (despite the fact that he is just taking Algebra II at school).
He loves all things math, but he passed up Wonder Dad's and my level of expertise many months ago. So we are very thankful that he has a place to research his favorite topic!
In our flash back to 2004, we see our little guy happily enjoying a few moments of screen time. We can't see the screen here, but my guess is that he was playing a Micky Mouse alphabet game - it was his favorite back then. What I love most about this snapshot is the the look of pure joy on his face.
As you can see, the computer has been his "happy place" for many years now and that shows no sign of changing any time soon.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 3
It's day 3 and today I am reminded of one of the BEST PARTS of this yearly project - when looking for my "flash back" photo, I stumbled on a photo that I had completely forgotten about and it brought a HUGE smile to my face.
Our snap from this morning is our dear Wonder Boy with his puppy princess. Neither of them are what you would call a "morning person" but the Boy has learned that the mornings are probably the best time to get in some cuddles with his best girl. She's really started acting her age as of late and I think we're all trying to soak up whatever cuddles she feels like sharing.
Our flashback to 2003 is my smile for the day though! I had completely forgotten that the Boy went through this phase where he wanted to do everything upside down! I drew the line at letting him eat while upside down, but it wasn't worth the fight to ban him from watching TV or listening to one of us read to him in this manner.
He really was a fun little guy who always kept us on our toes!
Our snap from this morning is our dear Wonder Boy with his puppy princess. Neither of them are what you would call a "morning person" but the Boy has learned that the mornings are probably the best time to get in some cuddles with his best girl. She's really started acting her age as of late and I think we're all trying to soak up whatever cuddles she feels like sharing.
Our flashback to 2003 is my smile for the day though! I had completely forgotten that the Boy went through this phase where he wanted to do everything upside down! I drew the line at letting him eat while upside down, but it wasn't worth the fight to ban him from watching TV or listening to one of us read to him in this manner.
He really was a fun little guy who always kept us on our toes!
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 2
For those that know him well (or those who have heard my lament when trying to find pants that fit this kid), you won't be surprised when I mention that Wonder Boy is a .... let's call it "selective" eater and always has been.
He has ridden the same 25th percentile for weight since the day he drew his first breath (his height is another story though). And finding nutritious foods that he enjoys eating has always been a challenge.
I am pleased to say his menu is considerably more diverse than it was in his younger years, but compared to the vacuum cleaners that characterize so many teenage guys, Wonder Boy is still rather choosy when snacking.
In the top photo, you see the Boy's favorite food of all time - carnitas! He could (and sometimes DOES) eat carnitas at every meal. It's the one food that I know he will never turn down (and if he ever does, I'm taking him straight to the doctor). As a matter of fact, he had a couple of carnitas tacos for dinner last night and then again for breakfast this morning. And as we were leaving for school, I caught him checking to make sure there would be more for dinner tonight (there are!).
When he was small, he preferred chicken, especially chicken strips. He still enjoys those, but he's become a bit of an aficionado and only likes certain chicken strips. His favorite come from Cane's. He also really liked the chicken and waffles sliders from a local joint called Micky's Sliders, but they closed down just this week (so I guess we'll have to come up with someplace new for his birthday dinner).
In our look back, we see the Boy just before his first birthday at what was probably the time in his life in which he was most adventurous when trying new foods. Back when he first started enjoying solid foods, we could get him to at least TRY pretty much anything we were also eating. We can thank pasta and veggies for this fun little snap.
Wonder Boy has been learning to make all of his most favorite foods, including the carnitas pictured above. We all want to make sure he'll be able to fend for himself when he goes off to college!
He has ridden the same 25th percentile for weight since the day he drew his first breath (his height is another story though). And finding nutritious foods that he enjoys eating has always been a challenge.
I am pleased to say his menu is considerably more diverse than it was in his younger years, but compared to the vacuum cleaners that characterize so many teenage guys, Wonder Boy is still rather choosy when snacking.
In the top photo, you see the Boy's favorite food of all time - carnitas! He could (and sometimes DOES) eat carnitas at every meal. It's the one food that I know he will never turn down (and if he ever does, I'm taking him straight to the doctor). As a matter of fact, he had a couple of carnitas tacos for dinner last night and then again for breakfast this morning. And as we were leaving for school, I caught him checking to make sure there would be more for dinner tonight (there are!).
When he was small, he preferred chicken, especially chicken strips. He still enjoys those, but he's become a bit of an aficionado and only likes certain chicken strips. His favorite come from Cane's. He also really liked the chicken and waffles sliders from a local joint called Micky's Sliders, but they closed down just this week (so I guess we'll have to come up with someplace new for his birthday dinner).
In our look back, we see the Boy just before his first birthday at what was probably the time in his life in which he was most adventurous when trying new foods. Back when he first started enjoying solid foods, we could get him to at least TRY pretty much anything we were also eating. We can thank pasta and veggies for this fun little snap.
Wonder Boy has been learning to make all of his most favorite foods, including the carnitas pictured above. We all want to make sure he'll be able to fend for himself when he goes off to college!
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Project 16 to 16: Day 1
It's here! It's here! My favorite photo project of the year!
I know I have been more than negligent about updating this blog, but it's time to dust it off again as we count down the days to Wonder Boy's 16th birthday!
On the left, you see Wonder Boy this morning. He was a bit rushed and didn't really want me to take his picture this morning. But it's picture day at school and even if I were not starting this project, he would have had to endure me and my camera. He knows it and accepts it even if he doesn't like it.
Wonder Boy is a few weeks into his sophomore year of high school. Every day he seems taller, more mature. He's been a bit stressed by the increased workload at school this year, but on the whole, I think he's off to a good start this fall.
Looking back (or at least to the photo on the right), we see that tiny little bundle of boy. Blue is still his favorite color to wear. And I can even find him crashed out on this couch from time to time.
I've said it before and I'll say it again here, I may miss holding that little warm newborn of ours, the smell of his hair after a bath, or even walking the room with him late at night begging him to go to sleep. But I would not turn back the clock to those days, even if I could. I wouldn't trade our bedtime reading or even watching him wolf down his favorite foods. But I do appreciate being able to reflect on these moments and remember the joy, the trials, and everything in between.
I know I have been more than negligent about updating this blog, but it's time to dust it off again as we count down the days to Wonder Boy's 16th birthday!
On the left, you see Wonder Boy this morning. He was a bit rushed and didn't really want me to take his picture this morning. But it's picture day at school and even if I were not starting this project, he would have had to endure me and my camera. He knows it and accepts it even if he doesn't like it.
Wonder Boy is a few weeks into his sophomore year of high school. Every day he seems taller, more mature. He's been a bit stressed by the increased workload at school this year, but on the whole, I think he's off to a good start this fall.
Looking back (or at least to the photo on the right), we see that tiny little bundle of boy. Blue is still his favorite color to wear. And I can even find him crashed out on this couch from time to time.
I've said it before and I'll say it again here, I may miss holding that little warm newborn of ours, the smell of his hair after a bath, or even walking the room with him late at night begging him to go to sleep. But I would not turn back the clock to those days, even if I could. I wouldn't trade our bedtime reading or even watching him wolf down his favorite foods. But I do appreciate being able to reflect on these moments and remember the joy, the trials, and everything in between.
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