The kids

I feel badly that I haven't posted more about the kids lately.  Part of it is that they are older and honestly, spend less time at home.  Part of it is the fact that, along with having their own lives, they have their own stories as well, and they aren't necessarily mine to tell...but I do want to update.

Robert is enjoying high school and is involved in everything.  We keep telling him he doesn't have to try to fit four years of activities into the first semester!  He really enjoyed cross country and LOVES marching band.  I think what he enjoys most about that is the hours and hours of freedom from us that it gives him.  We had anticipated attending a competition or two during the fall, but that isn't going to happen.  For one thing, they aren't near by, and admission prices are at least $8, and in some cases $10.  We could leave the younger two at home to save money, but they would need a sitter that would far surpass the cost of admission...and $40 to see a band competition is not how we choose to spend our money.  They will perform their show for parents in November so we will see it then.  He has also been elected the President of the freshmen group of the FFA...another VERY time consuming event.  He is thinking about trying diving as a winter sport, but we'll see what happens about that.  He has also found an Eagle Scout project for himself and is beginning the process of getting that approved and underway.  He is doing a very decent job of managing his time and school responsibilities.  I'm enjoying this phase of his teenage years.  It is so fun to see his sense of humor and a glimpse into the person he is going to be.

Catherine is definitely entering the middle school phase of life.  Ugh.  Andrew tells me middle school=brain dead, and I am often astounded by the poor choices made.  On the upside, she is still very responsible and organized and takes a great deal of pride in that.  I don't think she was sad to see cross country end, and we were very proud of her improvement.  She has joined the school's online newspaper and is also going to be trying out for basketball this year.  We know she is very far from being the most talented, but apparently only 14 girls are trying out and the expect to keep 12.  I would hate for her to be one of only two girls who don't make the team, but she has also put absolutely no effort into developing her skills.  She is strong defensively, but is short, can't make a shot, and has poor ball handling skills so we'll just have to see what happens (and please understand, I am not writing this to be overly critical of  my daughter...I would LOVE for her to make the team but want to paint a clear picture of the situation).  Her scout group was going to disband and reform as a "Frontier Girls" group, but the leaders have all been busy, and since it is a 45 minute drive we haven't pushed the situation...it isn't like we are sitting around with nothing to do!

Thomas is also doing well in school, and while still the typical "baby" of the family, his responsibility level has increased.  He is playing rec basketball again this year and is also still in scouts.  This is the final year of cub scouts before he crosses over in February.  I'm not sure if he is really going to want to continue but we'll figure it out as we go.  He started art lessons this past weekend at the local university.  It is six weeks of a children's art class.  He absolutely loves it.  He is such a perfectionist though, and is easily frustrated if something doesn't work out the way he thinks it should.  Other than that, he's pretty much going along loving life like he always has!

I am so grateful for this time in life, and I am so grateful that I'm able to really experience it.  My kids are amazing!