Karate Kid

Andrew has been asking to do karate off and on for several years now. Apparently, I was not working towards the mother of year as I brushed him off each time. After the twentieth request I figured he was serious and really, really wanted to take karate. He could not be more thrilled. He was grinnng from ear to ear. He has one private lesson each week and up to three group classes he can attend...and he goes to them all. There is a lot to be said for desire; while he is starting older, he is progressing very quickly. After only a couple weeks, he earned his yellow belt. (I think that is pretty fast but I'm not sure since we are new to the karate world) I am glad I finally listened to him. It makes me so happy to see him so happy. It makes me wonder...would he be enjoying it this much if he hadn't had to wait? See, maybe my parenting strategy wasn't so bad afterall!

Another teenager?!!!

Yes, we have another teenager in the house. I 'm not quite sure we will survive. ;) I seem to think of Andrew as a perpetual toddler...after all, he was the world's cutest baby. My mind's eye still has a very clear picture of him: big head, big blue eyes, blond hair and chubby cheeks...in overalls and a striped shirt. I still expect to find those little boy clothes in the laundry basket. How quickly the time has gone. I am thanking Dr. Suess for my mantra this year; "Don't be sad that it's over, be glad that it happened." Yes, I know things are far from "over," but I swear I only blinked once and here we are.

In spite of my efforts to stop time, Andrew on the other hand, is very excited to be a teenager. He has taken to Jr. High and teenage life without a hiccup. He maintains straight A's and loves the increased freedom and privileges he is earning with friends (cell phone, later bedtime, night games, etc). And, he might even think there is a cute girl at school (but you didn't hear that from me).

He had fun celebrating this year. He chose to go to Moochies with the family for dinner (good choice!) and had a great party at the Rec Center with his friends. Mustaches compliments of mom. ;)

A highly anticipated visit...

We were so excited to have the Ellis family (well, most of them) spot by on their way home to Colorado. Sarah had been talking about seeing Christen for months now. She was so excited she went out and bought matching lockets for them with her own money. We had a great time going to the movie, eating out and mostly just hanging out. I love that friendships continue through distance and time!

*I love the little "friends" in the photo that Sarah and Christen created from taffy.

The Medeiros Family Thespian Club??

It seems many members of this family have been participating in theater activities as of late. This is a new thing for us and it's been fun to try new things.

In January, Sarah auditioned for West Jordan's production of "There's a Monster in My Closet" and was given a great part (with 60 lines!). She is loving every minute of memorizing and rehearsing as she gets ready for the April performances.

Before Christmas, Andrew auditioned for his class' production of "Macbeth" and was asked to play the part of Macbeth! His teacher had written a comedic adaptation of the play. The part would be shared between the 2 Acts with another classmate. In true Andrew style, he dug right in and quickly began memorizing his lines. I was so excited to see him perform especially since he wouldn't let me practice with him at home. I couldn't wait to see how he would project his lines. It was so fun seeing him up there giving his lines without a single stutter! It was wonderful to see how well prepared the kids were....and how much humor there was. Well done, Andrew!

Every year, our elementary puts on a Kindergarten Operetta and it really is highlight for the kids and parents. This year, "Jungle Book," would be performed. It has been so cute to see Jenna's anticipation and excitement as her class has prepared. She was asked to be a snake dancer. They danced with little ribbons attached to a stick and I tell, Jenna was right on! She was whipping that little ribbon around right on beat, all the while her shy smile peaking from underneath her hat. What fun!

Milestone birthday!

Happy Birthday Andrew! I can hardly believe he is 12 years old. Of course we parents say that with every birthday, but it's the truth isn't?! I can still remember him as a toddler with a cute (big) head and angelic (big) eyes and now he is ready for mutual nights and passing the sacrament. He has been working hard to be prepared for this next step (of receiving the priesthood) and I know he is ready. This year, his birthday just happen to fall on Tuesday, which, coincidentally, is mutual night. He was so excited to join the ranks of the youth in the ward.

A new beginning

For the last 5 years (time flies!), we have been attending Jordan Ridge Elementary. We really loved that school and had a great experience there. However, I felt it was time we returned to our neighborhood school. For my kids, I felt strongly that they needed to be among their ward/neighborhood friends. Not that my kids can't have friends outside of neighborhood and school boundaries, I just feel that once Jr.High and High School roll around, I want them to have good friendships that are easy for me to watch and be a part of. Not that education isn't important, I just feel strongly that friends can have a great impact on educational successes. As a parent we all try hard to make the best decision, but we never really know which way that choice will go. I hope the thought and prayer we've put into this move will serve my children well.

With that being said, there were a few extra butterflies on this first day of school. It's never easy being the "new kid" and Andrew and Sarah really had brave faces and positive attitudes today. I am proud of them for handling this change so well and I hope it continues to be a positive experience for them. I am thankful that there are some neighborhood children in their classes and I hope they will accept them into their circle of established school friends. After kindergarten testing, Jenna will have her "first day of school" next week (waahhhh...my baby!!!) There were so many things I loved about our previous school, but we are looking forward to becoming part this school's community.

Time well spent...

Megan and Cameron asked to take Josh and Andrew camping with them. They don't have kids of their own yet so this is either good practice or good birth control. Well, actually, for the later, I need to give them one of my younger kids. I digress. After picking up some much needed supplies (Pop Tarts), they headed for the hills of Timpanogos and the waters of Cascade Springs. Megan and Cameron didn't take it easy on the boys...they backpacked in for about a mile. As you can see, they found a beautiful spot to set up camp. This was Andrew's first official camp-out and I know he a great time. Thank you Megan and Cameron!

Moving up the ranks...

 Andrew just received his Arrow of Light. In spite of not being the most "scoutly" of families, it has been wonderful to see him working hard on his scouting requirements. It seems like just yesterday I was buying Josh's first little blue Cub Scout shirt  and now, Andrew is wearing the more mature khaki shirt of the Boy Scouts. There was a wonderful ceremony for the boys receiving their Arrow of Light. Scouts dressed in full Indian dress conducted the ceremony. It was really fun for all the scouts to watch. At the end of the program, he was given a ceremonial arrow as a keepsake to remember his achievements. Well done Andrew....congratulations!!

I'm sailing away....

One of my favorite Styx songs is all too appropriate for the send off of my boys "little boy" room. If you know me, you know that I've always loved a good nautical theme for a boy. A little boy. Not a big boy and certainly not a teenager. Yes, my boys are growing up and it's time to let them move onto older themes. sniff sniff  The sailboats have more than done their job...they've been used in three house. It was time to let them retire. I actually had a hard time putting together their room. If you have boys, you know there seems to be limitations on what you can do for a boy. Once they get older, you can't let a theme (ie. sailboats) over take the room and yet, I didn't want the room to be consumed by a boring color palate.

Enter navy, green and orange. I think I found a good middle ground. And can I just say, I love the green on the walls....it's a great green....a boyish green. I have two favorite finds for the room. Can you guess what they are? The lockers and the Times Square photo. The lockers were another awesome KSL classifieds find. Cost me all of $100. They were a minty/appley green...nothing a little navy spray paint couldn't fix. (If you ask me, spray paint can fix just about anything) And that cool wall art, you ask? My beloved IKEA for a mere $60. Love, love it...feel like it brings just the right amount of cool to the room. The metal bookcases (had to saw the legs down to make them the right size) and the navy ledge shelves by their beds (perfect for Ipod and book holding) are other IKEA finds. I also love Josh's little music/lounge corner. I just knew my old paper rack could be put to good use...perfect for holding all his music and magazines. I also love the guitar hanging on the wall...useful art!

Lest you think I'm a ball of energy and just completed this, dont worry.  I did this almost a year ago, but never got around to photographing it! See the "very clean" before photo? Well, I thought of not including that and letting you think my kids rooms are always clean by using only the cropped shots. That's why I never got an after shot...the room pretty much always looks like that and you just can't have a messy after shot, right? So, today, after a big family cleaning rally, I knew my photo-op had arrived and it would quickly pass if I didn't take advantage of it. SOOO....there you have it, the boys (not so) new, improved,  and more grown up room!

In America's history, I see a light of liberty....

Today was the 5th grade program. This program was about America and it was full of history and patriotism. Andrew's favorite song was the one in the title of this post. I, too,  loved this song. There were a couple others that were new to me as well. They also sang the "Star Spangled Banner"(two verses!), "Fifty Nifty United States" (who can forget that one!), "This Land is Your Land" (a childhood favorite). Andrew was part of the "history police." He delivered his lines perfectly and with feeling, it was adorable. The program ended with a touching tribute to all those who have served and are serving in the armed forces.

A week of celebration!

I think it's safe to say Andrew had a good birthday this year. After all, the celebration stretched throughout the week! Monday, we celebrated as a family, Tuesday he had a special dinner date with G'ma and G'pa Jensen, Friday he had a bowling party with friends and that night he had a birthday sleepover with Grammy and Papa in Provo.

Andrew just turned 11....

...and he still has a twinkle in his eyes. Seems that not even age can dull that angelic twinkle.
How can it be that 11 years have passed since my "Angel Andrew" was born? His entrance into the world was a bit rough for mom, but he has more than made up for it. Andrew is my "pleaser" child; always wanting to do exactly what he should. Well, I guess I should be a little more clear: he does exactly what he should when it comes to schoolwork...not so much when it comes to housework. ;) We all need something to work on, don't we? Recently, at parent-teacher conference, his teacher wished she had "twenty-five Andrew's." I'd have to agree, the world would be a little bit better with more of us like Andrew.

Andrew started out his birthday with waffles and bacon served on the special red plate. On the way to school, he was serenaded by the carpool. Seeing Sarah whispering to the others to organize the singing brought such a smile to my face. Andrew chose Training Table for dinner....he's a burger and fries kind of boy.

The celebration will continue through the week with a dinner date with G'ma and G'pa Jensen, a bowling party on Friday and sleepover with G'ma and G'pa Medeiros. Happy Birthday, Andrew....we love you!!!

Andrew takes the D.A.R.E. pledge

You know the school has a successful program when your child comes home talking about it. For the last three weeks, Andrew and his fellow 5th graders have participated in the D.A.R.E program. This is an anti-drug program that teaches kids the dangers of drugs and ways to cope with the pressures they will face. I tell you, Andrew sure loved this program and took it very seriously. (That's my Andrew!) Each of the students were asked to write an essay about what they learned. Two children were chosen from each class to read their essay at the assembly...and Andrew's was chosen. (That's my Andrew!) Like I said, Andrew took this program to heart...so much so, that he even wanted to include it on his Valentine box!
I could tell Andrew was very excited about the assembly...he only asked me three different times if I was coming and if I knew what time it was at. The assembly was really fun for the kids...complete with Miss South Jordan and the Jazz Bear. Andrew did a great job reading his essay and even received a goodie bag for this recognition. After the diplomas were passed out, the parents were treated to a performance of the D.A.R.E. song. Good job, Andrew and always remember what you learned!

 

With the month of December comes the inevitable round of recitals. Josh and Andrew did a wonderful job...getting better and more impressive each recital. And speaking of impressive, Josh is really mastering the slumped-over-I-don't-care teenager position...love the picture of him "enjoying" Andrew's performance. Sarah recently joined the ranks of those required to take piano. She is taking from our neighbor and my friend, April. She is an excellent teacher...and wonderfully patient with Sarah. A week or two before the recital, I wasn't too sure how her performance would go. I must say, she really stepped up and we were very pleased and proud of her performance.

Am I that gullible?

As we were climbing in the car after one of our Sunday dinners in Kaysville, there was some sort of commotion between the kids. No surprise. Chad turns to Andrew and says, "You're the wizard of getting people in trouble." Andrew blurts out, "No I'm not!" And then with a little mischeiveous smile growing across his angelic face, "Well.......kind of."   Ahhhhh-ha! The tricks of a middle child. The master of deflecting to the older sibling. I can't believe I was so gullible all this time. Or was I? For the record, Andrew does have a record...very good record. He's not perfect, but we don't call him "Angel Andrew" for nothing!

Chad and I have often said that we don't need our kids to be better than everyone else at what they do...we do, however, want them to work hard and do their personal best. It is so exciting when we catch little glimpes of this inner drive at work. It's no wonder that Andrew exhibits this so well. He may not always love playing soccer, but while he is there he is 100% committed and determined to do his best. I'd like to think that he's not only doing his best for mom and dad, but for himself. Andrew is not  aggressive by nature and it's taken a couple of years for some aggression to develop on the field. I have loved seeing him stick with it...and I have loved seeing his upward climb of improvement. These characteristics are very evident in other areas of Andrew's life, especially his school work. Determined and committed to do his best work (and he does!). Hmm...maybe we can work on spreading this attitude to keeping his room clean? ;) Keep it up Andrew...you're awesome!

Schools out for summer...NOT

If you are detecting a hint of bitterness over the start of school today, you would be correct. Year round school? I'm so over it. I miss traditional school. I am just not ready to put on my "responsible mommy" hat (not that I wear that one well). Reading minutes? Volunteering? Lunch money? Car pool? I just want to be left alone. I want my kids to sleep in and stay up late. And the fact that Josh and Jenna have traditional schedules only makes it worse.

Complaining over.

Don't Andrew and Sarah look so cute for their first day of school? Yes, I know, they are looking so old!!! In spite of a short break from school, they were excited and ready to head back. Something about fresh crayons, new pencils and friends that always makes you excited for the first day of school!

Such a cool kid...

Yes, Andrew is one cool kid! Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to go on a field trip with him. We went to the "This Is the Place" monument park. It is "so much more than a monument," as the commercial says. lol I haven't been there in years and it has changed a lot. The kids had a great time pulling handcarts, attending the "Deseret School," dancing, watching the tinsman work and seeing the baby animals. I loved watching Andrew dance. I think one of the girls in his class thinks he's cute. She ran straight for him when they were picking partners. She claimed it was because they were both wearing yellow shirts, but I know better. ;) I had some great photos of all these fun activities but would you believe I accidentally erased them when I got on the bus? I stopped it just in time to save the last couple. Total bummer. At least I have a few to remember what fun time I had hanging out with Andrew and the rest of the 4th grade. How wonderful to spend the day with him and watch him interacting with his classmates. Andrew, you're so cool. :)

Spring sports in full swing....

Spending lots of time running from one grassy spot to the next...mostly in the wet and wind. Spring in Utah. The kids are having a great time (mostly). Jenna has taken to soccer more than I thought (look out Aunt Megan). Josh is having a great baseball season...still being a lefty short stop and doing some pitching. Andrew is working hard on defense, working on the aggression...he's had some great blocks!

PS...The "diet coke thing" is having some success. While I have decided not to turn my back completely on it, I have cut back dramatically. Better yet, I have increased my water intake...I try to get over 60 oz a day. I've been saving diet coke for weekends or special treats.

Double Digits!

Happy Birthday to ANDREW!!

He turned 10 years old today! Never again to return to the age of a single digit. Wow! Time flies!
Andrew picked his favorite dinner...french toast and sausage. We had a little Andrew movie night, watching footage of when he was born and toddling around. Can I just say, he was the cutest baby! (I also need to say, the mom overalls were waaaay overdone! ugh!) I remember his bright blue eyes and cute, round head like it was yesterday. He was an angel as a baby and still is (mostly!). He is a model student. He follows the teacher and rules to a "T" and is very diligent with his homework. I even have to encourage him to loosen up a bit! Right now, he enjoys playing with and collecting Webkins and playing the Wii. Both wishes were fulfilled with a new Wii game and three new Webkins (yes, this is the new Beanie Baby craze). Later this week he will enjoy dinner out with the family and friend to finish off his birthday celebration. Andrew, we love you!!