Growing up ~ CALEB ~

Caleb is growing up fast! They all are. It amazes me that not only do I have four children but that one of them is seven! Where does the time go? With each child those baby years go by faster and faster. They are in school in a blink of an eye!

What has Caleb been up to? How has he been? I will attempt to catch you up on Caleb's summer and the beggining of school until now.

Summer Vacation:
Caleb was extrememly excited to be off for summer break. He couldn't wait to have time off of school and be lazy and do nothing. I really thought that this summer we would keep busy and do a lot of things to keep the kids busy. Nothing happens as planned... at least not in my house.

Caleb and Elijah teamed up together and played the Star Wars Wii game and beat the whole game! At first I was not excited about them playing the Wii so much but then I realized that there were a few good things with them playing. First Caleb had to read a lot to know what to do with the game, they both learned teamwork because they could not beat the game without working together, and they learned hand and eye cordination. Am I justifying my lack of my prental involvment to shut of the game and encourage chaos to resume. I just didn't have it in me when the house would get so quite and I could get things done. ...Sigh

It was hot, muggy, and according to Caleb nothing to do outside. I still kicked them out quite a bit, made sure they ran around a lot and got some excersise.

Caleb got to go sking with Uncle Chris, we went to the Discovery Museum, swam at his friend Cole's house, had a sleep over, went hiking, read a little, played with his friend Chandler up the street, visits to grandma's house and play dates. I think he had a good time but was looking forward to school starting. I don't think he realized how bored he could get at home (and mom never realized how much quieter it is when he is not at home :)).

2nd grade - watch out!

Caleb started second grade this year. His teacher is Mrs. Carpenter, and she seems like she is going to be a great teacher for Caleb. Already, his homework has increased from what he did last year. I also see an improvement in his writing (neatwise), and his storytelling. At open house his teacher explained that Caleb was very intriguing in his writing. She said most kids can write the basics, (i.e. I went outside to play with my friends), where Caleb expands and gives lots of expression in his writing (i.e. I zoomed out the door...). She says his writing shows great potential as an author. His grammar may not be perfect but his imagination and play with stories is wonderful! He continues to read well, and still has no trouble with math. I think he is really enjoying school this year.

Hey Batter Batter...

Caleb started palying baseball this year. He had a choice of soccer or baseball and he wanted to try baseball. I am glad he did. It has been fun going to his games and watching him get better, and have fun. The other kids also enjoy his games. They don't sit and watch him but they love playing with the other kid hanging around and have a good time running aruond and playing. It will be a little hectic. He has games Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and practices on Saturdays. Loryn has ballet and tap on Monday's and I am teaching a class right now Monday and Friday nights and will be starting a Tuesday night class next week and possible another private session on Wednesday night. I am still not quite sure how we will swing it but it is a blessing to be getting students.

One of his teammates is in his class, Jimmy,and a few other of his school mates are on other teams. Also his good friend Blake from church is on his team as well so that is making it a lot of fun. Ben stuggles with coaching Caleb, as usual Caleb is stubborn and thinks he knows better than dad. But I think he will come around. Elijah is enjoying practicing at home with dad and is gearing up for his chance at playing tee ball in the spring.

Overall Caleb continues to amaze me with the wonderful person he is becoming. I am hoping to learn ways to focus his stubbornness in the right areas and to help him learn to be more open minded and to have a learning attitude. Any suggestions all you moms with experience? I can always use pointers. In February Caleb will be getting baptized, something I am looking forward to!