Bragging Rights

There was a contest. But first there was {or rather is} a test. It's called the T.A.K.S. test. And you need to pass it in order to advance to the next grade. Starting in third grade. This is our first year having to deal with the Test. I am now convinced that they do nothing in third grade except prepare for the Test. The homework is practice tests, the school work is practice tests, recesses are skipped to take practice tests. It is a big deal. {Although, on a side note, I don't think it should be such a big deal since it seems that all learning except for T.A.K.S. learning is on hold.}

So - There was a contest. This contest was to design a picture for the T.A.K.S. test. The winning drawing would be made into a shirt for the children to wear on Test day. The art teacher picked one drawing from each of the five third grade classes. Then the students got to vote on which drawing they liked the best. Sam was one of the five drawings. Much to his devastation, he was not the winning drawing. The winning design said "Rip the T.A.K.S." and showed a test booklet being ripped in half. {I think the kids probably voted for that one because they were so sick of all the T.A.K.S.ing that they wanted to rip up the test!}

I know I am speaking from a mother's perspective, the artist's mother's perspective, but I think Sam's drawing is great. It's creative. It's fun. And it's aggressive enough without the gory details {which I'm sure would have been included if it weren't a school project.}

Good luck on the test Sam. I hope you slay the T.A.K.S.!

Life Lessons from a toddler

Here are some lessons Ellie taught me this week:

1) Rubbing Alcohol will remove lipstick from clothes.
2) Hairspray will remove more lipstick from clothes.
3) Dawn Dishsoap will remove LOTS of lipstick from clothes.
4) Make-up remover does not remove large amounts of lipstick from cheeks, arms and necks.
5) 18 month old babies do not listen well when told not to touch mommy's lipstick.

6) Parents who buy their children clear lip gloss are geniuses.
7) Girls and boys are different -- boys get into things. Girls get into expensive, sure to stain your new clothes kind of things.

Thank you, Eliana.

Oh wretched Texas weather

When you've got Alaskan in your blood, not even nasty Texas cold can get you down.

Happy Birthday Benjamin!

So, so late . . .

Benjamin's birthday was a week ago. He turned 7. It's crazy how fast they grow. Here are some fantastically random facts about Benjamin.

1. The only thing he wanted for his birthday was a guitar. He wants to be an orchestra conductor or professional musician when he grows up. And boy does that kid have a talent for music!
2. Benjamin can spell any word. Seriously - any word.
3. Benjamin has the ability to block out the entire world when he plays his nintendo ds. It's uncanny. I think the house could catch on fire and he wouldn't notice. The ds has to be taken away at regular intervals so that Benjamin can rejoin the living.
4. Our sweet little Benjamin loves girls. He has so many girl friends I've lost count. Yes, he is a lover, not a fighter.
5. Benjamin can't handle disappointing people. He falls apart if he thinks he's done something to make his parents upset. It's actually an annoying talent of his because he often gets in trouble for crying so hard when all I asked was why he didn't put his clothes away when he was asked to. I've got to learn to appreciate this ability of his better.
6. Benjamin loves having a little sister and takes great care of Ellie. He will sit and play with her forever. He is a big help that way. He also hopes that her dark hair turns blonde so he won't be the only blonde in the family. . .
7. Benjamin is a good sport. He'll try any new food. And even if he doesn't like it, he'll say something like - "Well, it was good, but I don't want any more." He'll help out with chores even if they are bad . . . like cleaning pee off the toilet. It goes along with number 5 - he really wants to make me happy. I hate cleaning pee off the toilet. That's one thing that comes with having 3 boys - extra toilet pee.

Happy Birthday Benj! May your time being seven be memorable!

Here are some shots from his loud party.