Jaxon's Sports - Eighth Grade

WOW. Do I have a lot to catch up on. I'm not even sure how I'm going to go about this....it's been so long, but I want to add family pics that will otherwise get lost by the wayside.

Eighth grade was an awesome year for Jaxon. He started at an academically rigorous school called Arizona College Prep. Best thing I ever did for him! I only wish I'd signed him up a year prior when I first toured it. ACP is such a good match for him, he's challenged and surrounded by peers who take their studies as serious as he does. 

While it was a great year for him, it was also extremely challenging not just the academics, but he grew in many areas, and really pushed himself in athletics and socially. He quickly built a good name for himself and was recognized by teachers and coaches as being 'that kid you want to be like'. I know this sounds arrogant, but I'm very pleased with the way he conducted himself in several situations, and what started out as a rough couple of weeks with no friends and a lot of anxiety (for both of us), turned out to be his best year yet.

Besides doing wrestling, he also did cross-country and flag football. My parents made it to several of his cross-country meets which was fun, especially since Kimball was busy with school. 

 The temperature for fall sports was CRAZY as in, flag football in August was 110 + degrees and he handled it like a champ. 

Jaxon didn't make the team at first, but worked his tail off so much during practices, the coaches ended up playing him quite a bit and using him as an example time and time again. It was pretty cool to see. I can't tell you how much my heart sank that first game when I showed up and saw he didn't get to dress. I felt so bad for him, but because of his hard work and determination, he changed all of that! I'm so proud of him!! It is truly a privilege to be his mom.

xo,

He Did It

Our sweet little Kade scored his first goal ever!! He's played soccer on and off since he was 3 yrs. old, I'm usually the one pushing him to do it but this season he's totally blossoming. He loves his team, practice, games...all of it. I don't know what the difference is, he says it's just a fun group of boys, he's loved it since his first practice. I'm SO SO happy he's finally enjoying it, and even better that he surprised us yet again and scored his second goal the next week! Wow. So proud of you Kade. You couldn't be sweeter and I love your work ethic. I couldn't ask for a better son.
xo,

Summer Happenings - Baseball Fashion & Puppy's

Movie day/play/diamand backs/library/camps/visit from texans/Utah trip

Unfortunately since I took a blog break all summer I rarely thought of taking pictures. I guess I just needed a break from my photographer/family historian job for a bit. I managed to get a few so are you ready for total randomness?

Just an ordinary day where Sophia tries to pull a Punky Brewster and then go out in public.

It's summer time here in Gilbert, Arizona and we are having a good time. I am enjoying the kids at home. As always, we made a list of fun things to do this summer. Last week we went to a Diamond Backs baseball game, actually, it was just Kimball, Kade and I. Soph got in a lot of trouble and Jaxon didn't want to go so I had him babysit her. I feel that sometimes the punishment has to be harsh in order for them to really get it, so even though we all really wanted her to go, I think it worked! She is being good to Cash finally and doing a lot better at telling the truth.

Kade on a date night with just Kimall and I. He LOVED having one on one time and being spoiled for a night. He had been wanting to go to a Diamond Backs game for a long time...it was a blast.

We rode the Tram into Phoenix. It was kind of fun until you remember it stops a zillion times and you could have just driven there and actually seen the first pitch. Oh well. :)

I'm really going to miss living in Arizona. I love having a professional baseball, basketball & football team. Games or so fun.

It was an incredible game. After like three or so over times, we got a home run. It was the hot guy with the tattoos is all I remember. :) They followed it up with a fabulous firework show with Star Wars music playing in the back ground. Kade. could. have. died.

Of course we logged a lot of hours in the pool. Sophia couldn't get enough, the boys had to be forced most times...I don't get it. I spent my summers at Super Sliders from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. every day that I could as a kid and loved every second of it.

Kade snuggled with Johnny Cash to no end. One day he even took a full on bath with him. It was disgusting...the water was totally merky and Kade came out smelling like a wet puppy, but they are soul mates. Lol. Cash also sleeps with Kade every night. They are both major snugglers so they're perfect for each other.

xo,

Follow This Mother

I was recently asked by the author of Another Mother Runner if I would be this weeks Follow This Mother. My husband's response was, "Do they know you're not a runner?" Ha! Well, I'm no marathoner, and I never said I was a "runner", but I guess everyone starts some where. Oh, and I'm down 11 pounds now, but who's counting?!?!?!? :)

If you follow along on this blog, you'll notice I'm not around much so it would be awesome if you'd follow my fitness blog so we can stay in touch. Now go check it out...Thanks!!

xoxo,

What I Love Wednesday #7

I decided to write a post showing some new Things I'm Loving and join the linky party.

Earrings: Alora Handmade (given to me at Blissdom...thanks!!)

Camera Strap: Eclectic Whatnot (met Ruthanne at Blissdom, love her!!)

Peacock Socks: Target

Scarf: Paperlili (another V-Day gift from Big Papa, softest scarf ever!!)

I'm also loving the extra hour and a half I have each day now that the boys ride the bus and I ditched Facebook. Kade working hard to advance to swim club, (nice work Kade) and the fat tax return we are getting this year! I'd love to take that European vacation I've been wanting but with age comes wisdom, so we'll keep saving away.

Click HERE for more What I Love Wednesday.

xoxo,

We're Back In Business

Time to let the cat out of the bag...Riverside Scholars is back in business. We've decided to homeschool Kade again, (you knew we'd be back)!! We both missed it so much and though he liked his new charter school and was getting all A's...he still enjoyed homeschooling more. Teaching a 7 year old is pretty easy, especially when I don't have an 11 year old too. It's actually totally fun...I missed learning with him and watching him grow. Kade's always had an awesome attitude, he really makes each day a delight.

This week, we've been taking advantage of this warm Arizona weather, it's been in the 70's. We're going on daily walks, having picnics at the park and reading on the swings. Sophia seems to enjoy having him back home. She squeals every morning when we drop off Jax and she realizes Kade (or Red as she calls him) gets to go back home with us.

Now for our curriculum...well, I'm working on it. Luckily, I still have plenty of materials and for what I don't have I will just use free sources online or from the library. Kade's such a positive, snuggly little guy, it's hard not to love every minute of it! He wants to run a race with me too, so we will be signing up and getting ready for that. SO FUN!

Jaxon is still happy at school, he has 3 BFF'S that all seem to be great kids. He's getting good grades and is  learning a lot. As for his book club...it kind of dissolved. I think it was hard for the kids to keep up with the reading schedule (I warned them it was too tough), and it was hard getting everyone together for the monthly meetings. Maybe we'll have to try again when they have their own drivers license. :) Jax invited me to do a little book club with him. Our first book is The Trumpet Of The Swan. He really liked it and is waiting for me to finish it so we can have a discussion. I decided to read aloud w/ Kade so he can join in on the fun, he is also loving it. Kade just finished James And The Giant Peach and is now starting Farmer Boy for his free read.

Flag football just finished up but will start again next month. They loved it and are hoping Kimball will be the coach. Oh, and I've rehired Kimball as the Spanish tutor, nothing like having your Hot Latin Lover hanging around a few times a week! :)

IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING ME ON Riverside Scholars, COULD YOU DO ME A FAVOR & SWITCH TO http://www.these-are-the-days.com/ I'm no longer posting at Riverside Scholars.

We're Back In Business

Time to let the cat out of the bag...Riverside Scholars is back in business. We've decided to homeschool Kade again, (you knew we'd be back)!! We both missed it so much and though he liked his new charter school and was getting all A's...he still enjoyed homeschooling more. Teaching a 7 year old is pretty easy, especially when I don't have an 11 year old too. It's actually totally fun...I missed learning with him and watching him grow. Kade's always had an awesome attitude, he really makes each day a delight.

This week, we've been taking advantage of this warm Arizona weather, it's been in the 70's. We're going on daily walks, having picnics at the park and reading on the swings. Sophia seems to enjoy having him back home. She squeels every morning when we drop off Jax and she realizes Kade (or Red as she calls him) gets to go back home with us.

 Now for our curriculum...well, I'm working on it. Luckily, I still have plenty of materials and for what I don't have I will just use free sources online or from the library. Kade's such an obedient and positive little guy, it's hard not to love every minute of it! He wants to run a race with me too, so we will be signing up and getting ready for that. SO FUN!

Jaxon is still happy at school, he has 3 BFF'S that all seem to be great kids. He's getting good grades and is  learning a lot. As for his book club...it kind of dissolved. I think it was hard for the kids to keep up with the reading schedule (I warned them it was too tough), and it was hard getting everyone together for the monthly meetings. Maybe we'll have to try again when they have their own drivers license. :) Jax invited me to do a little book club with him. Our first book is The Trumpet Of The Swan. He really liked it and is waiting for me to finish it so we can have a discussion. I decided to read aloud w/ Kade so he can join in on the fun, he is also loving it. Kade just finished James And The Giant Peach and is now starting Farmer Boy for his free read.

The boys just finished flag football but will start up again next month. They loved it and are hoping Kimball will be the coach. Oh, and I've rehired Kimball as the Spanish tutor, nothing like having your hot Latin lover hanging around a few times a week! :)

Lounge Lizards

This week was awesome, we lounged around lazily reading, playing, and whatever the heck we wanted. It felt like a good time to ease up for a few days, and sometimes you just need to go with that feeling.

Kade had fun at his new play group, he also had a doctor appointment for a strange lump on his tongue. The doctor wants an MRI of it, so we'll see how that goes. I read a great book called My Sister's Keeper, and started The Boy In The Striped Pajamas. I also went on peaceful, long walks each morning. I decided summer would be perfect for me to take a little more time out for myself. I love summer mornings in Arizona!

Friday night, Jaxon received his purple belt in mixed martial arts. He was very happy but learned a tough lesson. He had to perform at the graduation and had a really hard time remembering what came next. He was really wanting to impress his best friend who had come to watch. I felt so bad for him, his eyes were teary and he was so mad at himself for not practicing. I remember back in my cheerleading & drill team days, how awful it felt to be unprepared. Kimball and I are hoping next time he'll take our advice and practice. I was holding off on this post because I'm waiting for a guy to send me better pictures of the graduation. I'll just post what I have for now and add the good ones later.

This is Ryan, Jaxon's fellow class mate. He is much bigger than Jaxon and is also on the elite team, meaning he goes 4x a week rather than 2x. Jaxon is always matched up with him because he's the closest in size/ability. It's pretty cool that Jaxon manages to beat him once in a while...he may be small but he's super aggressive!

Sophia is "Little Miss Independent" and has to help in any way she can. It's SO cute. She seriously just goes around looking for ways to help. If you're tying your shoes, she's right their tightening the laces. If you're putting on your socks, she's tugging on them too. She insists on being the one to hold the sippy cup as we fill it with milk, and gets great satisfaction out of it. I just love watching her grow. Unfortunately yesterday, Sophia had some bad luck. She stepped on another bee and got stung, she ran into our patio furniture and got a black eye, and she hit her forehead on our lazy boy and got a purple goose egg. Poor girl. We made it all better by taking her swimming.

As for our summer schedule, we'll just be finishing up math books (for a few more weeks), doing lots of free reading, going on some fun field trips, knocking out scouting, playing with friends and cousins, and a whole bunch of swimming. We'll still be doing devotional each morning, a. because I think it's important to stay on a routine, and #2 because it helps keep the Spirit in our home. I will be attending the local home school conference, preparing for our next school year, I've always wanted to make lots of homemade bread, so I'll be perfecting my bread making skills and learning how to use my sewing machine.

BTW, I love getting all your emails with home school questions. It's great to see so many of you are going to take the plunge. It's worth it I promise!!

Swim Lessons

This is Allison the boys awesome swim teacher. Kade finally got his ear tubes out so for the first summer in forever, he doesn't have to wear plugs and a beautiful head strap. He was SO excited about this. The boys are making great progress in their swimming. Allison's mom Kim used to teach the boys when they were younger but then we moved farther out and I didn't want to make the drive. I decided this year it was worth it. I think they get more out of 3 weeks w/ the Neville's than they did all summer at the city pool. I just don't want to commit so much time to lessons again this year. I just wish I would have had Sophia take too. I thought she'd be too shy/chicken, but she wants to jump in so bad. Poor thing just has to sit on the step...it's torture!

Mom School
Pledge, pray...
Gospel: Book of Mormon (Helaman ch. 16), story from the Friend magazine.
Read Aloud: The Little House On The Prairie ch. 15
History: Final chapter of Story of the World vol. 1, & learned about Roman gods & Roman inventions.
Memory: First Presidency & Quorum of the 12 Apostles
Art: Pencil sketches of Visigoths invading Rome & colored a picture of a Visigoth warrior.
Science: Learned about Malaria
Jaxon
Math: Saxon 5/4 lesson 87 & 88
Science: ant & fly experiment...the effect cinnamon has on them vs. sugar (his idea).
Assigned Read: Work & The Glory vol. 2 (30 min.)
Free Read: Re-read some of the Magic Tree House books, Beyond The Dragon Portal (1 hour)
Writing: Wrote a blog post about Malaria & the fall of Ancient Rome.
PE: Swim lesson

Kade
Math: Count vacation $(change) and do different equations.
Assigned Read: Young Reader's Bible Stories
Free Read: Buffalo's Before Breakfast 2 chapters
Writing:
PE: Swim lesson

Jessica
Read: The Chosen, The Well-Educated Mind
Exercise: Run/walk 3.1 miles. 33:33 min.
Writing: Chapter Summary (The Chosen), journal & wrote letter to grandma Betty in cursive,
Gospel: Doctrine & Covenants ch. 6 &7, Bible Luke 4, 2 LDS General Conference talks (am I crazy, or were these talks written just for ME?)
Library: Picked up books on the 5 presidents we are studying and other misc. books. I watched a great DVD called Ronald Reagan A Legacy Remembered. It was fabulous, I was sobbing by the end. I really liked him, and think he is the best president our country has had (in my 32 year life), and definitely in the top 4! It's heartbreaking that he had to die of Alzheimer's, what a shame. It's also sad to me that his children had different beliefs and values (from what I gather), that must have tore him up inside. Here are just a few of my favorite quotes.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. Ronald Reagan
Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15. Ronald Reagan
Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged. Ronald Reagan
For more great Reagan quotes click HERE.

Today's sparks: As we were reading in The Little House On The Prairie, Jaxon showed interest in learning more about Malaria, how it's spread, how many die from it etc. We then studied it a bit on Wikipedia and so for part of his writing, he made a blog post about it. It was very interesting (though most of it I already knew), it's crazy to think it infects around 250 million and kills approximately 1 million annually. Jaxon also expressed interest in learning more about genealogy, so I'll try and tackle a little of that tomorrow.
BTW, here's a link to my friend Celeste's blog. It's addresses frequently asked questions we get.

One Last Hoorah!

I'm so sad to be going private, I'm already regretting it. I tried going private a while back and then changed my mind, maybe I'll be the 'girl who cried wolf'. I don't know, it's hard because I love all my online friends who I won't keep in touch with otherwise...and it's fun and helpful sharing homeschool ideas. I'm so indecisive. Maybe I'll try it for a while and switch if I don't like it?? Anyway, I just wanted to show you this cute craft we did and give you the link if you want to do it. The day's not over yet and I'm sure you have paper plates and construction paper.

Click HERE for the pattern.

The kids had a lot of fun and I learned I'm not cut out for crafts 'n kids. I'm such a frustrated perfectionist, I don't know how school teachers do it with 30+ kids...bless their hearts!!

Our day has been fun, we started out w/ green lemon muffins and then went to our homeschool soccer day at the park. The kids had a blast and the weather was perfect. Sophia is definitely into soccer, she shadowed the goalie for the longest time and got quite a bit of exercise runnin' the field. The dad who coaches it is very good with kids and makes it totally fun for them.

We had devotional, learned the history of St. Patrick's Day and some fun Irish facts, I'm learning right along with them! We've also been enjoying some beautiful Irish folk music. Jaxon has gotten in a lot of trouble lately, it finally dawned on me that maybe his 'laziness' is actually caused by boredom. I just don't think he's been challenged enough so today he's doing some free online placement tests. Looks like I need to move him up a grade in each subject. Let's hope this does the trick or else he's TOAST! Other than that, we are pretty much taking it easy. Kade is on spring break, Jaxon...notsomuch!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Boys Gold Belt Ceremony

Tonight was the boys gold belt advancement. They tested the other night and after a lot of trial and error they got it. Kade was pretty pooped, it took about 2 1/2 hours to pass. Eventually we'll get with the program so we're aware of what they'll be tested on ahead of time. I missed the last one but I don't think that will ever happen again. It is SO fun to see these cuties yell, fight and roll around on the mat. Jaxon is begging us to let him do the elite Storm Team but we are going to make him hold off. It's a huge commitment (financially and time wise) and although it's a great way for them to learn leadership skills and community involvement, it's a bigger commitment then we need right now. I am just so happy they love it so much. Getting good pictures was an impossible task, my camera's seriously on it's last leg (hint hint K - man) so please be patient. I've been a very good girl this year so I'm pretty confident Big Santa will get me a good one for Christmas.
Here's Kade coming up from the old 'duck & roll'

Kade accidentally hit this boy in the face when demonstrating a defense move...oops!


Yay! I was so worried Jaxon would advance without Kade, there's just so much they have to learn. I'm sure it will happen eventually but not only will it be sad for Kade but then they'll have different practice times too...ugh! The good thing is, it's only 5 minutes from our house.
Jaxon escaping a two arm grip.
Just taking care of bidness! Whoo Hoo! Jaxon's taking this all so seriously, he has never been much of a sports fan besides swimming so we're all loving this!!

A big thanks to Jaron Carmichael for supporting the boys by coming tonight. He is our home teacher (from church) and is so great with them. Jaxon emails him on a regular basis. It takes a village right?

One super tired Mama. My kids are always taking extremely close up pictures of me at the computer, please forgive the crows feet and sun spots.
We're anxious for our Thanksgiving guests who will be arriving tomorrow night & Tuesday night. Two of my brothers are coming, it should be fun. I've been busy cooking, cleaning, decorating and meal planning. No homeschooling today but we'll make up for it tomorrow...that's right Saturday!

Side note: I'm actually sick just remembering it but tonight I was in a rush to grab dinner before running out the door and I accidentally ate a hot dog. I thought it was a Jennie O turkey one (Kimball had grilled them) and it WASN'T!! Can you say dry heave? I'm not being dramatic, I haven't eaten something like this for I don't know 15 years!?! I think I'll just go back to the no animals of any sort diet...much safer. BTW - If I knew how to make myself vomit I would have. I guess it serves me right for going cheap and buying the 69 cent ones.

Boys II Men

On Jaxon's 10Th birthday I gave him his first deodorant. He's looking at me like, "what?". Then he was in panic mode because he knew it would eventually make it on the blog. I should have handed him some shaving cream and a razor too.

Last week Jaxon received his Bear award at scouts. He (and I) worked very hard for this. Anyone who thinks an Eagle Scout does it on their own are sorely mistaken! Thanks also to his fabulous leaders who help him in scouting.

My Manly Man Kade reading the cartoon section. Back to the deoderant. Kade has been wearing it more than Jaxon. In fact, he puts it all over his entire upper body...seriously! When I tell him it's only necessary on the arm pits he replies, "I am a man!"

Brave Kade at the doctor's office. Oh if only he had always been this calm at his ear appointments!! He was getting a check up on his ear tube. It's been bothering him lately and we were hoping the doc would say it'd fallen out, but unfortunately it is clogged and not working. Since we have a $5,000 deductible we are praying that he can make it until spring without any ear problems. His ear drum should be healed by then. If not, he will go in for his 3rd hospital proceedure and we'll be forking over our deductible for the 3rd time. I know it's worth it but we are going to try and avoid it if possible. Cross your fingers.

The Man of the House playing a little hoop with his city league team. This is Kimball's second season on a city league. He really enjoys it. The picture is poor quality, sorry my camera's about dead!