Back to Our Busy Lives!

Ok.. So I know that I intended to be blogging at least weekly. But when it comes to reality, that is HARD! Weekends, which I planned to use to catch up on this thing, have been becoming busy again... I always forget how crazy the second half of the year gets.

Basketball started up for the boys last month, and games started two weeks ago. That means in addition to two practices each during the week, we have one game on Friday night (Jacob's) and one on Saturday afternoon (Matthew). I have been so looking forward to Jacob playing "pee-wee" basketball- they are always so cute, running up and down the court with their arms in the air. But what I didn't factor in to this season was Jacob's personality. We have had to yell across the court to tell him to "Stop dancing!", "Leave your shorts alone!", "Get on the other side of the line!", and many others. And there's only been two games! Luckily/Sadly, there are just 4 more (depending on how you look at it). I think he is finally "getting it", that the object of the game is to get the ball from the other team. He actually tried to steal a ball at the last game, but he had such a cute look on his face, the other team member just dribbled away from him. (It was almost a "please, can I have the ball?" expression). Anyway, we know from experience that as hard as this first year is, in a year or two he will be infinitely better. Thank goodness!

Matthew, on the other hand, is having a great basketball season. Like Megan, he is mainly a defense player. I don't think he's missed a rebound yet this year, and really seems to be understanding the plays. His team has won both games easily.

Matthew also just decided on a Boy Scout troop to join last night. In February is the Cub Scouts' "Blue and Gold" ceremony, where he will officially move up to Boy Scouts. Unlike Girl Scouts, the Boys have an option of which troop to move into. He is excited about his decision.

Today, Matthew is starting his trumpet lessons! He will be playing trumpet in band next year, but really wanted to get a head start on it.

Megan is still on the Middle School Swim Team. She seems to be really good. I think she is the 2nd fastest in her group.

This past weekend, Megan was a part of the All-Region Honors Band. She was second-chair oboe. They practiced for three hours Friday night, then all day Saturday. Then, they had a concert Saturday night. It was great! The band sounded really good, and they had a great experience. The conductor was the retired conductor from the University here in San Angelo. I think he was having as much fun as the kids.

I have been taking lots of pictures, which I promise to post here soon...

The New Monopoly

Matthew got the Monopoly Here & Now: World Edition for his birthday. I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to play it with him. I remember the Monopoly marathons we played while I was growing up~the game that would never end. But this version is SO much better. First, it's more interesting- The spaces are all cities from around the world; the "Chance" and "Community Chest" cards are based on real-world events, such as, "You profit 2Million from a fashion show in Hong Kong." Then, underneath each card entry, there is a fact about that specific event, or something having to do with the country it takes place in. Very Cool!!!
The most fun change is that instead of money, each player is given a debit card; every transaction takes place with the "banking unit" in the game. No more patiently waiting for young children to s-l-o-w-l-y count each transaction. The best part about the cards is that if you decide to stop playing and play later, the dollar amounts get stored on the cards! No more keeping the money straight, keeping the game out, etc.
Yet, the game has all the parts that make it Monopoly. Still a GO TO JAIL space. Still collect $$ for passing GO (now it's $2Million!) Same basic premise, just updated. Highly recommended.

1st book of the year~ Marley & Me

I just finished reading the book, "Marley & Me." I cheated and saw the movie first, which is usually a huge mistake. But not this time. The movie, while definitely based on the book, was very different. And even after reading the book, I had a hard time deciding which I liked best. The biggest advantage of the book is getting to read John Grogan's writing. He is a phenomenal writer, able to put his reader in the middle of his life. My recommendation: Read the Book AND See the Movie... Not necessarily in that order.