Project 19 to 19: Day 14

Easier Than Breathing

From the earliest of days, Wonder Boy has been comfortable with numbers. Long before he could write full sentences, he could add, subtract, anddeal with fractions. He has always taken to math like a duck to water, or as I explained to the review board for the gifted and talented program at his middle school, math comes to him like breathing to you or I.


The Boy's prowess with numbers truly became obvious as he entered middle school. He tested out of 7th grade math and jumped ahead a year, finishing his first year of high school Algebra by the end of 8th grade. He spent a summer at Mathematical Problem Solving camp. And again, in high school tested out of pre-Calculus so he could get two years of calculus under his belt before leaving high school

His academic success in the mathematical arena has been fun to watch, but honestly, it is the countless hours of independent study he has put in over the years that always boggles my mind.


His favorite summer activity was watching math videos on YouTube and working his way through his favorite proofs and theorems. He filled his whiteboards with his favorite proofs and problems. And he couldn't wait to explain the things he learned to those he loved the most.

These days, his whole world is about independent learning. The years he spent researching subjects he enjoyed and pushing himself to understand all that he could, is paying major dividends these days. His transition to virtual learning has been much easier than many of his classmates because of this.

Even now that he is in college and already in his second semester of calculus, he happily works through this more advanced text book he requested as a gift last Christmas. He has set himself up for success all while enjoying one of hif absolute favorite topics. That sounds like a formula for a lifetime of happiness to me!

Project 18 to 18: Day 14

Two Boys and a Blanket

We've always had dogs in our home. Many years before the Boy came along, we had pups in the house. So the Boy has never known home without the influence of some mutt or another by his side.

But even with that said, I don't think the Boy knew what having a dog was truly like until Wonder Mutt joined our family! Wonder Mutt is Wonder Boy's dog through and through. He will allow behavior from the Boy (mostly in the form of the Boy picking up the Mutt and carting him to wherever the Boy feels is appropriate) that he would never tolerate from the rest of us.

When the Boy is home, they are together. That is just a given and it has been that way from Day One.


The other element of the equation is the blanket! These two just LOVE to snuggle up under a soft blanket. There doesn't have to be a chill in the air like our flashback photo. We're experiencing way above average temperatures this summer/fall-so-far and still, you will find these two wrapped up like burritos each and every morning!

Their favorite is the grey blankie you will see in today's snap, but any blanket will do in a pinch!

Project 17 to 17: Day 14

Holy cow! We're already at the 2 week mark of this project! Only a few days to go!

Today I want to show you all my world:


Oh these two! These two characters are my everything!

A lot has changed since that snap from 2014. Wonder Boy now has over an inch in height advantage over his Dad, for example. But there is so much about these two and their relationship that has not changed. I love to hear them laugh and tease one another. They crack jokes at the other's expense and love to pull pranks on one another as well.

But despite their buddy-buddy attitude, Wonder Boy knows his dad is so much more than someone to pal around with. Wonder Dad is our safe space. He has always taken the job of protecting and providing for his family as a super serious endeavor. And he has never let us down in those respects. Wonder Dad sets a great example for the Boy. And every day I see Wonder Boy picking up something else from his Dad, in addition to his sharp wit and easy smile.

Wonder Dad would move heaven and earth for our Boy. The Boy, in return, is the best at coaxing those giant belly laughs from his Dad. I'd say they're a matched pair for certain!

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!

Project 15 to 15: Day 14

We're nearing the end of this year's birthday countdown project and I have really been enjoying it!

For Day 14, I wanted to highlight another musical part of the Boy's life: his piano


Wonder Boy loves his viola, but I have to admit, what I love to hear him practice is the piano! I don't care what time of day or night he wants to play - if he's in the mood to play, I'm in the mood to listen! His skill has grown quite a bit over the last few years and it is a true joy to listen to him play. He's not a big fan of jazz, but he loves classical music and some ragtime as well. Honestly, I don't care if he's just practicing scales, it's all music to my ears!

In looking back to 2014, I wanted to share this snap of the Boy at the start of a summer camp on the campus where his dad and I work:


There is so much I love about this snap. This camp started a string a summer camps that has truly brought Wonder Boy a lot of joy over the last few years, for one thing. And it opened his eyes to University life. He's talked about college since kindergarten, I think, but there was something about attending classes on the TAMU campus that really awakened that desire in him. Right now, he says he wants to go to college right here at dear, old TAMU, which is where his dad and I both went to school. It would give me great joy to share that with him some day. But I really and truly just want him to go where his heart leads him. And I know Wonder Dad feels the same way.

Project 14 to 14: Day 14

Today, on the Boy's last day as a 13 year old, we will be sharing some "words of wisdom" found safe inside some crunchy cookies:


These came from a special almost-birthday dinner of take out from of our favorite places. And really, I wish the Boy could have seen these the day BEFORE this special dinner. Because, unfortunately, these are lessons he had to learn the hard way this morning - especially the top "fortune."

Since the Boy's birthday falls on a Monday (and a very busy one at that), we had hoped to spend the day celebrating his last moments as a 13 year old. But instead, we spent a large part of the day in discipline mode. BUT, in the end, we all came together for this special dinner and we got these wonderful little reminders of how the world really works.

We all have bad days. Even on "special" days. But love, especially the love of one's family, is just the fire to keep us all going.

At least, that is the message that I hope the Boy will take out of this day.

In our look back to 2014, about a month before the Boy's 13th birthday, we see BOTH of my guys together:


This little snap shows the guys enjoying a new family hobby. For Wonder Dad's birthday that summer, the Boy and I surprised him with a bow. It's something Wonder Dad had always wanted to try. And he had SUCH a great time with his bow, that it didn't take long until the Boy was clamoring to join him at the range. So, we invested in a second bow and let the Boy give it a try as well. Some of our best times (when the weather is not too hot) come out at the archery range these days. It is my hope that the boy will long enjoy this sport.

And with this share, we wrap up this project for the year.

Tomorrow the Boy will celebrate another birthday. And I'm sure that I will again wonder why it is that time has to march on so quickly.

But for today, I am going to sit back and enjoy knowing that, even on his not-so-great days, Wonder Boy is a good kid, with a good heart. And I hope that, as he looks back on this day, he will understand that he has a family that loves him no matter what.

Spring Recital

Showcasing their UIL performance pieces, this week we got to enjoy the full school orchestra playing together. That is, all 7th and 8th grade orchestra students (both Symphonic and Philharmonic groups) came together for tonight's show.

As is usually the case, hearing the full concert piece of music is quite thrilling. We generally only get to hear Wonder Boy's line during his afternoon practices, so when the full group comes together, it's always a treat. But this concert was exceptionally enjoyable since both groups played together. Below you can watch the full performance.

Spring Orchestra Full Concert

The first 3 pieces played are the ones they performed for UIL. The others were recruiting pieces they played at area elementary schools this spring to encouraging in-coming 5th graders to give Orchestra a try.


We are so proud to report that the group did very well in competition this year, earning a superior rating for both their UIL performance as well as their concert at the Bluebonnet Music Festival in San Antonio. And while we are a little sad to be attending the final show of the school year, it sure gives us something to look forward to for next fall.

Reflections and Resolutions

As is my tradition on the first day of the new year, today I am sitting back looking over snapshots from the last 12 months. And, as with years past, I cannot help but marvel at how much things change over the course of those 12 short months.


There are several things that pop into my head as I look back at 2014. The first is how much Wonder Boy has grown. As we were closing out 2013, he had just passed me up in height. But since then, he has sprouted another couple of inches and is starting to gain ground on Wonder Dad now! Even when I am in my tall shoes and he is barefoot, I know I will have to look up in order to make eye contact. *sigh* And while there is a big part of me that remembers him fitting perfectly in the crook of my arm, there are some nice advantages to having a strapping young man around the house. He kills spiders for me, reaches for things on the top shelf of the pantry, and even pumps my gas. A mom could get spoiled with help like that.

2014 saw all 3 of us branch out to learn new things. For example, we enrolled in a new martial arts class, Modern Arnis, this past summer. We have all really enjoyed the class, but Wonder Boy has taken to this art like a duck to water. For me personally, I struggle with some of the coordination needed to be successful in Arnis, but neither Wonder Boy nor Wonder Dad share that particular challenge. We were also introduced to archery with a couple of compound bows. Wonder Dad has always wanted to learn, so the Boy and I got him a starter kit for his birthday. And we had so much fun just watching him with his bow, that it wasn't long before we picked up a second one for the Boy and I to share. Wonder Dad is the natural at this new endeavor. His bow seems to just be a part of him. And I gotta tell you, I really love the sound when the arrow is released like a little carbon fiber missile streaking for the target.

Due to some changes at work, we didn't have quite as many adventures in 2014 as I had hoped. So now that my gaze is turning to 2015, with the hopes and dreams a new year brings, my resolution - if you can call it that - is to step out of my comfort zone and embark on more adventures. I need to break away from my desk, my computer, and even my phone and GET OUT more. No excuses! That is my goal for 2015.

What are your goals for 2015?

Whatever your set your mind to do, I hope that you find the time, the motivation, and the resources to follow through this year.

Happy 2015 Everyone!

Happy Ho, Ho, Ho!

This holiday season, once it got ramped up, was about a 5 day extravaganza! We visited with friends, had quality time with family of all shapes and sizes, and still managed to garner some special just-the-three-of-us moments as well. I took a BOAT LOAD of photos and have a few here to share. You will see that I had a hard time cutting down what to post. But I just didn't want to leave anyone out!


Honestly, I couldn't cram half the pictures on here that I really wanted to share. So for now, this will have to do.

We enjoyed a small gathering with friends the weekend leading up to Christmas. We spent a wonderful Christmas Eve with a traditional-for-the-three-of-us feast. And then Christmas day almost all of my family made it in for a wild and wooly lunch with kids ranging from 2 to 13 running, playing, joking, eating, and infecting everyone with a good dose of holiday cheer.

I don't think I could have scripted it any better - aside from some family members that need to pay more attention to their watches *ahem* and the addition of a couple of folks who couldn't make it this year. It was a good day. A very good day!

I think what I will remember most about Christmas this year is the feeling of contentment from being around those that I love and who love me back in return.

Merry Christmas! And may God bless us, EVERYONE!

Sights & Sounds of the Season

Our tradition is that, the day after Thanksgiving, we kick off the Christmas season by putting up the Christmas tree. We rushed that by a day this year since Nanny was in town for Thanksgiving and starting dragging out boxes and lights and tinsel as soon as the turkey feast was cleared from the table.


I'll admit though, despite all of the Christmas cheer around the house, I have had a hard time getting into the spirit this season. I'm not really sure why that is the case. We did our shopping early, so I'm not dealing with the stress of holiday crowds and frenetic shopping. Maybe it's work. Maybe it's just the hot-then-cold weather (but that's pretty typical for TX at this time of year). I don't know. I've just had a hard time FEELING IT, this year.

But that has all changed in the last few days.

So what sparked the big change, you ask? It's actually a very simple answer - Christmas tunes! Wonder Boy loves everything Christmas: the lights, the tree, the specials on TV, the PRESENTS, and Christmas carols! He belts out his holiday favorites in the shower, in the car on the way to school, judo, and anywhere else we might travel. He even reads (in his head) questions on his math test to the tune of his favorite holiday anthems (he admitted to that one yesterday when I asked about the math test)!

So I wanted to share with you a few of the tunes we are enjoying this season. Hopefully they will inspire you the way they have our family!

Straight No Chaser - The 12 Days of Christmas:

Straight No Chaser - The Christmas Can-Can:

Straight No Chaser - The Nutcracker:

The Bobs - Mambo Santa Mambo:

Los Straightjackets - God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen:

Los Straightjackets - Feliz Navidad:

There are many more tunes, of course. But these are the ones that are being played (& belted out) most often!

Take care and Merry Christmas to you all!

Dia De Los Muertos

The Mexican Holiday of "Dia de los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead" is celebrated on November 2nd each year. The holiday is a celebration to remember friends and family members who have passed away.

A few days ago, on Oct. 31st, I lost my maternal grandmother. She passed peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

So this year on Dia de los Muertos, I would like to pause a moment to reflect on both of my grandmothers.

First, I'd like to introduce you to my paternal grandmother, my Granny.


This lovely red-haired sweetheart was simply known to me as "Granny." She lived on the top of a hill in the piney woods of Texas, was a fabulous artist, a writer, a teacher, a wrangler of grand kids, and an amazing woman of God.

When I look at picture of her, I conjure the scent of fresh coffee since she always had a pot at the ready. Saturdays, Sundays, and summers of my youth she took care of at least 6 of her 8 grand-kids and managed to do it all without bodily harm to any of us. She could tell a fantastical story, entertain us on the piano, and throw together lunch or dinner for a sudden crowd without a second thought.

But one thing that always sticks with me is that she was always teaching. Teaching was actually her chosen profession, but by the time I came along, most of her teaching came from within the walls of her own home. She had the uncanny patience to work with a reluctant writer, was always explaining her way through her day, and was always quick with a tale or Bible verse to illustrate a point.

She left us in September of 2008 and there has been a huge hole in my heart ever since.

Next, I'd like to acquaint you with my maternal grandmother, my Memaw.


As I mentioned above, she has only just recently left us. And she has been on my mind almost non-stop since I received the news.

I miss her already.

It's true that, with the severity of her illness, the Memaw from my memories has been gone for a number of years. But there is just something about hearing the end has come that drives it home all over again.

This little lady was the living spirit of "spit fire." So much life in such a tiny package.

When I look at her pictures, the first thing to come to mind is the scent of Chanel No. 5 perfume, specifically clouds and clouds of Chanel No. 5 powder.

If you knew my Memaw at all, you would know that she was a sports fanatic. And she loved all teams from Houston, her favorites being the Houston Astros (baseball), the Houston Rockets (basketball), and the Houston Oilers (I don't know if she ever warmed up to the Texans).

She also loved to make things. Arts and crafts were a constant part of her life.

It is from Memaw that I developed my love of elaborate holiday preparations. I don't recall ever walking into her home at Christmas without seeing at least 3 trees decked out with sparkles of all kinds.

In her earlier years, when my Papaw was still in the Army, she developed a love of travel. But for me, she will always be a symbol of home. And it didn't matter where she was at - wherever she found herself, that was home. I think that is why I feel a little untethered at the moment.

I have been very blessed. My grandparents (all 4 of them) were a huge part of my upbringing. These 2 ladies were at the center of that experience. And while they no longer walk this world with us, I carry them with me wherever I go.

And for that, I am even more blessed.

Birthday Blessing

Today, our dear Wonder Boy turns 13 years old! I have been sitting here trying to come up with the words to capture all that is going through my heart and mind, but I just can't seem to find the right words.


So ... for now, at least, I will borrow these words - from an anonymous source on the web - with a few modifications of my own - in the form of this birthday blessing for Wonder Boy:

Happy Birthday! You're now thirteen,
It's such a special age,
Choices and plans, what will you be,
A doctor, an engineer or sage?

It's quite okay if you don't know,
It's more important to live each day,
Take each challenge one step at a time,
Learn and enjoy, your work and play.

Live each moment, do all things well,
What's inside you, are things that last.
At home, at school, wherever you are,
we are so very thankful you're growing fast.

Happy Birthday Wonder Boy! and many thanks,
You've been blessed in many ways,
We pray He bless you all through your years,
And guide and guard you all your days.

Today we have enjoyed a family-focused day, which is what Wonder Boy requested. We slept in. He opened gifts. We had great food. Watched fun movies. Played games - inside and out. And just did our best to make this day last as long as possible.

Happy Birthday Wonder Boy! We love you more than you will ever know!

Project 13 to 13: Day 13

Well here we are ... on the final day before our dear Wonder Boy becomes a teenager. I cant' believe this day has come so quickly. We've had a fun and full day. And we are looking forward to tomorrow's celebrations.

But first, we got back on track today and grabbed this snap of the day at today's soccer game:


We had some GREAT soccer weather today and the Boy and his team battled hard against a very strong opponent. They didn't come away with a win, but we saw them playing better as a team than last week. I believe they will continue to grow and develop as a team. There is a lot of talent there. But they have only had 3 practices together so far. And to see how much they have gelled already is very promising for the rest of the season and beyond.

For our look back today, we only look back a few months:


Late last spring, Wonder Dad traveled to an out-of-town conference and brought back a "pyraminx" - which is a triangular prism Rubik's "cube." And with that one puzzle, Wonder Boy become obsessed! He worked tirelessly until he could solve any mix-up. And then he moved on to making patterns (& solving them). Not long after that, he invested in a traditional Rubik's cube. And he has done the same with it - worked and worked at solving it, until no mix-up is too complicated, and then moved on to creating patterns. Maybe we should call him "Kid Cube" instead of Wonder Boy.

Whatever we call him, this kid - soon to be teen - is a lot of fun! And I know there are plenty who cringe at the thought of living with a teenager. But Wonder Boy doesn't inspire that kind of fear (not yet, anyway). And besides, family is family - even when hormones are raging. After all ... Wonder Dad didn't hide from me when pregnant with Wonder Boy all those years ago. And surely teen hormone swings can't compare with pregnancy mood swings!

Project 13 to 13: Day 11

O.M.G. ... it's day #11 of this "13 to 13" project!

Again today Wonder Boy was super psyched about our featured photo of the day:


This was SUPPOSED to be another installment of pictures about how much music plays a leading role in Wonder Boy's world (see the trusty iPod in his hand?).

But when I see this image, despite the tell tale white ear buds, what I see is his expression. Can't you just hear him saying "Really, Mom? Really?"? We hear this ALL THE TIME! It's usually followed by an eye roll or a deep sigh, but that look is SO QUINTESSENTIALLY Wonder Boy that it brings a smile to my face. THIS is the look of my very-soon-to-be-teenage son.

But back to the music ... you cannot just assume what music Wonder Boy will have queued up on his iPod. One day it will be Elgar's Enigma Variations and the next day it will be KC and the Sunshine Band. This morning, however, it was "Hooked on a Feeling" by Blue Swede, as featured in one of the Boy's favorite movies from this summer - Guardians of the Galaxy.

I like that the Boy's music tastes are all over the place. Wonder Dad and I both have rather ... eclectic ... taste in music as well. Maybe it's a dominant gene.

Today's look back is from this same date in 2012, just a quick snap before school on picture day.


It's funny - I love the playful grin on the Boy's face, but what really catches my eye is just a tiny little detail - the para-cord bracelet on his right wrist. That summer, Wonder Boy learned how to make them at camp and then, on his own time, took it to the next level with elaborate patterns and custom color combinations. I still have the bracelets he made for me - Wonder Dad has his too and we both wear them whenever possible. Because who knows when you might just need to tie something down? Right?!

Project 13 to 13: Day 10

I'm having a little panic attack at the fact that this project has hit double digits. On the one hand, I have been able to feature 10 sweet flashback photos and 10 up-to-date snaps of Wonder Boy. But on the OTHER hand, that means there is only 3 days left until my guy turns into a TEENAGER! AAARRRGGGHHH!

I think I'm going to live in denial and just ignore that for now (we'll all be better off if I do) ...

So ... back to business ... today's featured snap is a fun one! See!


So far, this project has been entirely for my benefit. Wonder Boy has begrudgingly allowed me my snap each day. Sometimes my request has been granted among exasperated sighs and exaggerated eye rolls, but it's been granted none-the-less. And I have been thankful. What you see in those snaps is my Boy, exactly as he is at this point in his life. The REAL Wonder Boy, not some overly nostalgic version that I cook up in my head. And that is SO true for this photo.

You see this photo is ALL Wonder Boy's doing. He came up with the idea, the pose, all of it. OK. I added the processing - kind of an "acid wash" for PhotoShop - but I think it goes with the attitude he was showing off. Wonder Boy styled the wrap around shades (which are actually just those flimsy things the eye doctor gives you after they dilate your pupils) and donned his head phones, parked himself in his computer chair, crossed his arms, and instructed me to snap away. This is his "DJ look," he tells me. And I just LOVE IT!

I also love that he's in his TAMU Engineering t-shirt. Today is "College Gear Day" at his school. And I think he's geared up quite well. Maybe one day he'll be an Aggie Engineer. Until then, he's still my favorite engineer!

Our flashback snap for today is another favorite of mine, taken on his first day of 4th grade in 2011.


That was a fun school year. It was his last year at the neighborhood elementary school. And by that time, he and his classmates probably felt like they owned the place. He had a confidence and a swagger that we hadn't seen before, when it came to gearing up for the new school year. That confidence has followed him through Intermediate School and even on into Middle School. I hope we continue to see that grow in him each and every school year.

Project 13 to 13: Day 9

For today, we get to see Wonder Boy acting as Leader of the Pack:


Wonder Mutt has boundless energy. And Wonder Boy has stepped up to take a leadership role in the pack when it comes to helping drain some of that excess energy. The Mutt is often at his most boisterous in the mornings before the heat saps even the most enthusiastic of hearts. So once the Boy is packed and ready for school, he will often take the furry family members outside for a little rope time.

Wonder Mutt is seriously athletic and can easily jump as high as Wonder Dad's head, but this is the Puppy Princess's favorite game in the world! She may not have the hops that the Mutt has, but she makes up for it in sheer determination. And once they have their teeth on the rope, it can take a while for Wonder Boy to wrestle it back away from them. It's good exercise for ALL THREE of them!

For our flashback today, we are only going back a few years to 2010 when a nearly 9 year old Wonder Boy was enjoying a summer of Muay Thai kickboxing lessons:


By this time, Wonder Boy had several years of karate and judo under his belt. But he really thrived under the instruction of Coach B. His hands were fast, his kicks came with surprising power for such a small guy, and he just soaked up all that Coach B could pass on. We were sad when Coach B moved on to other endeavors, but Wonder Boy learned his lessons well and still carries them with him today.

Project 13 to 13: Day 8

It's Day 8 of this little project and today Wonder Boy let me snap a photo that is SO ABSOLUTELY Wonder Boy ...
Of course, it's hard to say "no" to mom and her camera when you're asleep.

For those that don't know ... Wonder Boy isn't what you would call a "morning person." In fact, from Day 1 the Boy had his days and nights backward. He wanted to be up at night, cooing and playing when we most wanted to be asleep. It took almost 3 years to get him on a good sleep pattern, but to this day, he is much more alive later in the day than early.

Looking back to 2009, we see the Boy with his puppy princess:


Not much has changed between these two since 2009. Wonder Boy adores his sweet puppy girl. She seems to thinks of him as a litter mate, just another puppy in the pack. They play and cuddle and otherwise really seem to enjoy one another. I hope they have many more years together!

Project 13 to 13: Day 7

For Day 7 in this project, we see Wonder Boy in his most natural state:


This snap was taken up in his "man cave" (i.e. the bonus room at the top of the stairs where he has his stash of legos, his keyboard, his video games, and all things boy). With his PlayStation controller in hand and his Nerf rifle at his side, all is right with his world.

Looking back to 2008, a few days before his 7th birthday, we see a much more animated Wonder Boy!


This snap was taken after school as we discussed plans for his upcoming birthday celebration. Just look at that hole in his smile - that will never fail to bring a grin to MY face. He's also sporting his Ecuador soccer jersey, which he wore proudly to soccer practice that night.

Big or small, Wonder Boy has always been a lot of fun. Some days, that means energy oozing out of his every pore. Other days, it means cuddling on the couch with a good book. But regardless, it's always fun!

Project 13 to 13: Day 6

It's Day #6 and a very exciting day at that! It's Kick Off Saturday for Wonder Boy and his soccer team! WHOOP!


It was a VERY exciting game between two pretty evenly matched teams. Wonder Boy and the gang in blue came out with a 5 to 3 victory, but it was tense from start to finish. Wonder Boy played pretty well and had an assist in the first half. We are looking forward to a very fun and exciting season!

Looking back on this same day in 2007, this time we see Wonder Boy kicking back with a good book:


There is so much I love while reflecting on this photo. This snap came about a week before his 6th birthday, near the end of his first 6 weeks as a kindergarten student. The book is one he fell in love with at school: Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? This book led him to others in the same series and really kicked off his push to be a super reader. He had always loved for us to read to him, but opening to door to reading on his own was a whole new experience. And it started largely with this book.

Project 13 to 13: Day 5

Woo Hoo! It's Friday! And around these parts, we have made Friday extra special by dubbing it "No Homework Friday." Unless Wonder Boy has a very big project that cannot otherwise be completed on time, Fridays are reserved for fun activities only.


The Boy is nearing the end of his first 6 weeks marking period at school. If things hold steady, he'll be on the honor roll to start off his 7th grade year. So I think taking Fridays off for some relaxation is well in order! On this particular day, the Boy and his dad are enjoying clips from John Oliver's "Last Week Tonight" show.

Fun with Wonder Dad is nothing new though. From the earliest age, no one could get a smile from Wonder Boy like his Daddy. Dad is good for rough housing, help with history and language arts, building anything, planning and executing the best practical jokes, reading, reading, and more reading, and let's not forget nightly silly time!


I see seeds of Wonder Dad starting to grow in his Boy and few things give me greater joy. With these two, life is a constant adventure - and I, for one, wouldn't have it any other way!