Loving Frank & Grandparents

My mom gave me this book by Nancy Horan about Frank Lloyd Wright and his mistress Mamah Borthwick. At first, I thought it was just a fictional novel about a woman's relationship with him . Then, I found out she really existed and the relationship really happened. Although it is a fictional account many of the events are true, including her and her two children's murders. What a shocking ending to say the least. Still, it was a very interesting story and very well written. I would definitely recommend it.

On a completely different note...a while ago my parents sent these adorable gift bags for the kids. (There were four, but Will dug into his right away.) They were filled with the usual assortment of Halloween goodies and plenty of candy, of course. My favorite were these foam picture frame kits the kids decorated. Aren't grandparents the greatest?

Random thought #3. Yesterday Jimmy had his Fall Dance at school. He was so cute. (Can you still say that about an eleven-year-old?) He went from not wanting to go to 'can we please hurry up so I'm not late'. The dance started at 3PM right after school, but he wanted to come home first and change/brush his teeth, etc. So grown up. He mostly hung out with his friends eating and playing pranks but from what we can gather there might have been a girl he wanted to dance with. Oh no! Maybe that's what all the teeth brushing was about. My Jimmy likes a girl! I'll be alright...someday.

there he goes.

My little Jimmy heading off to another day of middle school.

He's been doing great this year. He gets himself up in the mornings (what?) , comes to the breakfast table, gets ready and heads out the door...without being asked. Then, he comes home, gets started on his homework and has it done by dinnertime...without being asked. Hey, it only took 11 years.

My mom thinks maybe it's because he has more independence this year. The responsibility is on him to get to school, get home and get his homework done. That and also maybe he's growing up. Sniff.

Jimmy has a Fall Dance at school on the 21st. At first, he said he didn't want to go because he didn't know how to dance. We told him you don't have to dance if you don't want to, just go and hang out with your friends and have some pizza. Then he said he would go. Of course, we couldn't leave well enough alone and start asking if maybe there's a girl he likes and would like to take to the dance. Bad idea. Hopefully, we'll learn.

at the pool

Last week we took the kids to the community pool after school. It's so nice to have access to a resort-style pool. During the week it's not crowded (which I love) and we pretty much have the place to ourselves. We usually bring dinner with us. Last time we grabbed a couple of pizzas from Little Caesars, this time we brought our own subs. The kids just love swimming. Now Will is starting to get into it. At first he wouldn't even put his feet in and now he loves taking rides around the pool, especially with big brother Jimmy. Helen and Alex usually just go up and down the water slide.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeh!

She's Six.

This little girl is now a full-fledged six year old. Can it be that long ago I brought an adorable baby girl home from the hospital? Helen is such a wonderful daughter. So full of joy and energy. Embracing life head on. I just love it.

She decided to go to McDonald's for her birthday dinner. No home-cooked meals for this girl! Of course it had to be the one with playground, not the new one by the house. The kids ate their Happy Meals and played in the tubes.

Then we headed back home to open presents. This year Helen decorated with the Littlest Pet Shop. This was also the year of Barbie. She wanted everything Barbie. We got her the Barbie show horse, the Barbie vet and the Barbie carry case. We got a few other items but as you can see, Barbie was a hit.

Next came the cake. Or should I say cakes? We couldn't decide between coconut or chocolate...so we had both! I don't think Helen minded having to blow out candles on two cakes.

I hope you had a wonderful birthday. I love you, Helen!

Back to School

The kids started school a week ago today. Here they are all ready to go on their first day. We met each one's teachers and they all seem very nice. I think this will be a great year.

Helen starting 1st grade

Alex starting 4th grade

Jimmy starting 6th grade

the end of summer

(Alex at Amhurst Park- 8/09)

So much happening lately now that the summer has come to a close. After the boys came back from camping (they said it was really hot and they couldn't go in the springs near their camp) we headed off to the beach. We left Wednesday to meet Yiayia and Papouli in Vero Beach. So relaxing spending time together. On the way home we stopped by to visit with Aunt Doris and Uncle Randy who also live in Vero. The kids had a great time playing with their dog and swimming in the pool.

Sunday I turned 35. Not much different than 34, so far. Just a few more wrinkles and gray hairs.

Monday, Helen and I went back to school shopping. We went to Wal Mart and got all of her school supplies, a new backpack, lunch box, a few outfits and some shoes. Then we went out for lunch (she chose McDonald's). It was so great spending time together just the two of us. A very rare occurrence with four kids. Definitely something I will plan to do more of in the future with each child.

Tomorrow we will head off to the middle school for Jimmy's orientation. Then on Friday we go to the elementary school for Alex and Helen to meet their teachers. Only 5 more days until school starts!

Eleven.

Silly Jimmy (eating candy from the pinata)

Modeling the new shirt we got him.

Enjoying his birthday dinner.

My Jimmy turned eleven yesterday. Wow. Eleven. I still can't believe it. He's growing up so fast. He decided to have Chinese take out for his birthday dinner. His favorite is the chicken chow mien (mine too).

Jimmy said, "All is want for my birthday is a pack of playing cards and a little bit of cash." OK, check. He also said he wanted a pinata. Check. After dinner the kids each tried to crack open the pinata. After several turns Jimmy was the one who finally got it open.

Next, Jimmy opened his presents. Yiayia and Papouli sent a new shirt, some books and the always welcome, cash. Aunt Mary and Uncle Dave sent a card and a check. We gave him a new outfit (shown above), a journal, the new Harry Potter book, a Sudoku book, some camping gear, a motorized scooter and of course, a pack of playing cards.

Then we sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed a delicious chocolate cake.

Today Jimmy left to go camping with his father up near Wekiva Springs. They'll be gone until Wednesday. He left this morning and I miss him already.

Happy Birthday, Jimmy. I love you.