Meal Time

Tonight at dinner the conversation meandered through several topics. The kids talked about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) and who identified with which character...and how cool it would be to have our family dress up as them for Halloween. (That works fine with me - there are four of them and we have four kids - done.) We then discussed music for a bit. Jonny said that right now his favorite groups are The Beatles and BareNakedLadies (BNL). There are other groups that he and the other kids like. (I recognized again that our kids like what they like because they've experienced it and made their own decision - not because it's one of the trendy songs on the radio.) I'm glad my kids like what they like. That morphed into the topic of portable devices that one can use to listen to music. Somehow that went to a question about soundtracks...so we discussed that right before heading into plays, musicals, and musical scores. The difference between a soundtrack and a score. Somewhere in there we revisited a topic about a show we'd seen on Friday called 'Leo'. We were all impressed with the physical escapades of the performer. He had to have been all muscle, coordinated, strong, flexible, and graceful all at the same time. The kids tried to do a couple of the stunts/moves we saw him do. We then circled back around to TMNT...the names of the characters, who they're named after, and why...the characteristics of those historical figures. For those who don't know...or need a reminder...the names are Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello, and Michelangelo. (Our kids like 'Mike' the best - well, at least of a couple of them consider him to be their favorite character.) I now have an interest in learning more about the actual people and what they did/who they were and what we can learn from them. We've discovered a few things about each of them. I just don't remember all of it. Time for a refresher. Maybe I'll share a few things with the kids. I love our meal time together.

Beatles and Breakfast

The kids were listening to music during breakfast this morning. I came in the kitchen and the boys had the Beatles on YouTube. Breakfast and Beatles.:} I attempted a picture - but, it didn't quite catch the scene completely. Jonny asked Rachel if she knew who was singing and she responded correctly saying it was the Beatles. I think she might have looked.
Later Jonny said that listening to their songs is like each time you have a new favorite movie..."THIS one is now my favorite.". Good times.

Remote Control Truck

The kids tried out the remote control truck again today. I attempted to get a couple of pictures of Rachel driving it. She was thrilled and loving the experience. I love that she likes technology. She likes to see how things work. She's always coming up with ideas for machines and the things that they could do.
Jonny drove for a bit too. He did more of driving it around and figuring out what he could do with the remote. He attempted a snow bank - didn't work out so well. Rachel preferred to have the truck go the length of the driveway before turning it around and having it come back again. Fun to see the difference in the way the kids do things.

Evening Happenings

The boys had an etiquette dinner and dancing event for Young Men tonight. They had their combined activity with the Young Women. They actually survived and might have even had a good time. They attempted to dress a little nicer than usual. I think I have some good looking kids.
The girls and I were home while the boys went and did their thing. We had a simple dinner. The girls spent most of their time finger knitting. Fun stuff.

Taking Initiative

The boys are watching the Science of Dr. Who right now. It's interesting to me the different things they find that cover so many different topics. I'm glad they attempt to find a variety of things to explore. Well, there's variety - but, they also have their favorite topics that get a little more time. I love that they initiate so much of their learning. I feel like it's understood and remembered better when it's something they're interested in and they're ready to take it in.

Undefeated

The boys had a basketball game tonight with the Young Men. They have a 'season' every winter with the stake. They came home tonight and said they are still undefeated. They're only two games in - but, it's a lot better than the times they'd come home and say how many points they were down at the end of the game. I think it's made a difference that they've played together for awhile - and they're all getting older. They're bigger and not quite as awkward as they used to be. I'm glad they're having the experience. The girls and I will need to go sometime.

Priesthood Duties

The boys did a great job today of taking care of their priesthood duties. Jonny had Bishop's Youth Council this morning. He was the one that found out when the new meeting time was, got himself up and ready, and then walked over on his own. A little while after he got back, he and Jacob walked over to the church in order to prepare the sacrament on time. Jacob made sure he took the bag with him that he'd need to visit 'shut-ins' after church. It's his month (along with one of the deacons) to take the sacrament to those who aren't able to come to church but would still like to participate in the ordinance. He also sat up with those who blessed the sacrament as well today. (He was one of three and didn't actually say one of the prayers today.) I had nothing to do with any of it. I didn't remind either of them, I didn't wake them up, I didn't check to make sure they were ready, I didn't tell them what they needed to remember to bring them - and then make sure they had it. I did make sure to wash any of their clothes for today that made it down to the laundry. But, other than that...it was all them. I love it when they just do things and that they're to a point where they can manage their schedules and responsibilities on their own. My heart is thankful that they are worthy and choose to take on the duties they have committed to do.

Writing

I just looked through some of these posts. I hadn't realized that I had written so much. I'm glad I did. Now I just need to do even more and include more pictures. I liked reading some of the posts, remembering when the kids were younger, and realizing that sometimes I can actually write in an engaging way. Need to do more. Need to share more. The kids are even older and will continue to move onward and upward in their lives. I have mixed feelings about that. I will be forever grateful that I've had a chance to be a part of their childhoods. We were part of a charter school where I was in their classes each week and then we started homeschooling. I don't really want any of that to end.