My baby turned 12!

It's true. Yesterday he officially became a 'preteen.' Now what? Do our long and deep conversations get better or worse, longer or shorter? Will he ever become embarrassed if I see him in his boxers or better yet his boxer briefs? When will he have his first "real" crush? How many more months till he's taller than both Mike and I? All these unanswered questions. I'm actually excited for this next phase, I love learning things right along with my kids. It makes it so real. So raw and interesting. But for now, I know he still looks up at me with his big beautiful soulful eyes and knows,I am here for him. My life is for him; that everything is just fine.

Landin's celebrations started early, (last weekend) with his honorary birthday visit from Pop Pop. Good conversation, Jets game, a new Jets jersey and playing football were a few of the visits highlights. Landin spent his actual Birthday, in his words "just right." He started by going out for a pancake breakfast with Grandma and Kian. Then the four of us went to see the movie "The Express" (great movie btw.) After that we met Grandma, Grandpa Den and Grammie at our house for a delicious homemade Lasagna dinner and Ice cream cake dessert. He ended the night at Grandma and Grandpa Den's for a "sleepover." I'm so glad he still loves those so much. They are such special times. Landin received some great gifts. Ranging from clothes he wanted to Penguin tickets to a cell phone. Yes, we finally broke down and got him his very own cell phone. Sigh.

This year has been a ever changing for Landin. He continues to amaze us. He's gone from giving small class presentations to full tours as an ambassador for his school. He's thoroughly enjoying middle school and just recently was asked to participate in the John's Hopkins's University Talent Search, for gifted and talented kids. He continues to love most sports and any book he can get his hands on. He has a new favorite interest as of late. I think obsession would be more appropriate; the Election. I think he could out argue/debate the average adult and he'd definitely kick butt on Jay Leno's "J-walking." He's actually quite the inspiration. I wish I would hear more kids his age talking about character/democracy/liberty the way he does. He's so interested in the world and how it works, it's such a breath fresh air from the standard pop culture.

So, I guess you could say this has been a fabulous year for Landin. He's growing up, fast. Mike is doing an excellent job in teaching him how to be a honorable young man. Cheers to you my sweet Landin!

I've been tagged. . .

OK, this post is long overdue. My friend Julie tagged me almost 2 months ago. I'm suppose to write 6 random AND interesting things about yourself. Anyone that knows me knows I'm not all that "random", I do most things purposeful. I'll try to do my best, though. I went with a few "in the moment thoughts" Here goes. . .

1. I have only owned 1 brand of cars (Acura/Honda) and 1 shade of color (grey/silver). I guess one could argue that when you find something that works you stick with it. Or one could argue I'm a boring car person!

2. I was married on the playground in 5th grade. He even gave me a ring, I was shocked! We don't need to mention the ring turned my finger green, 3 days later. I was scared to death he was going to try and kiss me! Fortunately, it started pouring down rain towards the end of the "ceremony" and the teachers called us in. Thank you Mr. 5th grade teacher!

3. I'm a complete pen snob. I love to write, the actual art of writing. I often write out my blogs before I type them. I will not write with a pen that has a point bigger then .05mm. And of course it has to be gel. My current favorite is Pilot G-2 .38mm. It's a clicky one, even better!

4. In 2002, I entered one of my photos of Kian into a contest and it wound up winning a place in the Library of Congress Photography book.

5. I've never lived alone. I went from home, to college with roommates, to living with my hubby.

6. Up until I was about 10, I use to be able to bend my right middle finger all the way back to touch my wrist. Kind of gross and cool all at the same time. Kids would come up to me randomly and say "do that cool thing with your finger." I still wish I had that flexibility.

Accepting the Fall

Hey fall, please don't take my forced smile and phony enthusiasm too personally. I'll come around. Eventually. I really will. Once the trees really start in with all the glowing and the leaves do that thing where they float and dance around in the air and crunch under foot, I'll soften. When I've baked my first real loaf of banana nut bread and cooked up my first pot of chili, I'll feel better about you. I promise. A new pair of boots wouldn't hurt your case either. And if you really want to seal the deal, throw in a couple pairs of new tights. That might do it. Because you were made for tights and boots. And sweaters. Oh, sweaters. It's all that crisp air, you know. You're sort of famous for it. So I think I'm starting to warm up to the idea of you. Just don't be so stingy with the sunshine. All bets are off when you start messing with my sun.
P.S. you smell good. I'll give you that.

Devoured!

Landin completed this 784 page book in 6 1/2 hours!!

For those of you who don't know, this is the 3rd book in the Inheritance Cycle, and one of Landin's favorite authors. Mike started reading the 1st book, Eragon when Landin was in second grade. By third grade the 2nd book, Eldest was released and Landin started reading these books on his own. Last year Mike started reading this series to Kian, so the release of the newest book couldn't have come at a better time!

Working hard. . .

Highs and lows of Middle School:

High: The Friday night dance he went to.

Low: Getting use to homework on the weekend, especially the algebra, ugh!

Kian wanted me to try and get this entered into the Guinness Book of World Records (one of his favorite books) for:

"Most held rubber animals in one small kid hand" I think he held 23 of them!

I told him he may need to settle for self publishing, aka this blog!

Ahh, to be 7 again