Afternoon at Saguaro Lake

Well we got to take advantage of my telecommuting this last week, and hit the lake Tuesday afternoon! It was great. The weather was fantastic and there was NOBODY on the lake. I suppose it was worth it to start my work day at 6:30 am., so that when Cam got home from school, we were able to take off! Dad had been in town for a few days, so we all had fun taking the boat out. Bryan got to wakeboard with his new board - finally - and had some pretty darn good runs (and flips!). Age catches up to you though - he gets back in the boat and is beat. He informs us that it's harder when your older and fatter. :) Still looks good to me. Cam also gave it another shot - he's trying so hard, and almost has it. It was also the first time for Cam driving the boat - all by himself. He did awesome, and thought he was just tough you-know-what. We weren't out there too long, and the timing was just right. The dark storm clouds were moving in as we were heading off. See the pics below!

2 weeks down ...

and approximately 37 more to go. Of third grade, that is. :) Well Cam's first week of school was fantastic. He loves his teacher, loves his class, and has not once said "I don't want to go to school." the only exception was that it was too easy. Always good to hear. However, I reminded him that it was only the first week, and they hadn't gotten into the good stuff yet. Give it time. I'm sure you'll change your mind.

So apparently they ... "get candy, like, everyday, and play the funnest games like 'heads-up-7-up' and 'around the world math' and get to be at recess with the older kids and not the little kids, and now we can play ping pong, and I need more in my lunch because they don't give us a morning snack anymore! so I might need to bring something to eat on my "morning break," and did you know that the left side of your brain controls the right side of your body, and the right side of your brain controls the left?" Phew. I'm telling you. Okay, so that was the first week. And it was great. Fast forward to the second week.

Started out great, but then Tuesday rolls around and we have a very sad 7-year old on our hands. He had three great buddies at school, Chase and Brady, twin boys, and Tyler. The first two didn't come back this year, because of the cost and that they could attend the school their mom teaches at. That was hard for Cam. Well Tuesday rolls around, Bryan goes to pick him up, gets home and says that he's had a REALLY bad day. Of course, I think the worst, and ask if he got into trouble, etc. Then Cam gets out of the truck and is just bawling. Red face, and the biggest crocodile tears. Just the saddest cry ever. It seems that Tuesday was Tyler's last day because he was going to a different school also. His family lives about a half hour away, at least from the school, and mom - with two toddlers besides the three that went to Cam's school - was tired of the drive twice a day. So ... he literally lost his best friend. Broke my heart and even more so on Wednesday when he said he cried in chapel because he was sad. How do you not feel for the poor little guy? I was talking to dad on the phone earlier and he hit it on the head when he said that you live your childhood through your kids' ... I remember the days when it felt like the end of the world, and there was absolutely nothing that could make things right. He had a better day Wednesday and Thursday, but still "doesn't want to talk about it." He asked about another school, and whether we could check out the teachers and the playground.You know, the important stuff. But then again, he "loves his teacher, and it would suck to get another one that was mean." Bryan and I had thought about another school for him - and maybe this was the timing we were waiting for - but mostly because of the size of the current one. His class is 14 students or so, 5 are 2nd graders, and there are only 4 boys or so total in the 3rd grade. Doesn't give you much to choose from in regard to friendships. And they are very limited on activities offered. But we're playing this one by ear, and just gonna see how it goes. The public schools in our district are not an option, so it would have to be another private or charter school. At any rate, he's coping, and I suppose dealing with one of the first of many heartaches and tragedies he'll endure. :)

First Day of School!

And the first day since Cameron's been out of school, that I've been able to take a REAL lunch hour - hence the afternoon post. Yahoo! I used my "lunch hour" to take Cameron to skate camp this summer, and then drive home again, so this is great to have some down time again! Anyway, back to the original topic ... First Day of School!

Here it is … a day that ALL parents look forward to. Do not kid yourself; we all look forward to the routine and structure that accompanies the first day of school! Two months of summer vacation goes pretty fast, especially when it is jam packed with all the necessary activities: vacations, staying up late, summer camps, swimming, and “I’m bored …” ☺ Despite the readiness for school to start up again, it is truly bittersweet.

This morning Kailee and Alex came over, so I got to drop all three off for their first day of school. The kids all had pancakes, took turns getting their hair “done” and were so good and patient to take the infamous first day pictures. See below – they are GREAT! What a treat to be the one to experience this with them. My niece and nephew started Kindergarten and Preschool, and even though they went to the school last year, this is a new year. More kids attending and new teachers. They were very excited. And even though I have gone through this day for the past few years now, it is still hard, and I still managed to have a few tears in the car on the way home. After all, my baby started 3rd grade today!

I know Cameron all too well, and was not surprised that he “didn’t want to go back to school”, yet he had a stomachache yesterday because he was excited and had a hard time going to sleep last night. I know he is anxious for the adventure to begin; anxious to see his friends; anxious for the organization of a school day/week that he needs to stay focused. I knew that with all the chaos going on at school, and that he would be so excited to get out and see his friends that I probably wouldn’t get my usual "morning kiss in the car when I drop him off." I walked all the kids onto the school playground, and by the time I had set Alex’ bag down and turned around, he was off with his bud Tyler. I made a bold move for a mother of a 7-year old … I walked out onto the playground where they were all playing. I know. How embarrassing, right? I was prepared for the reception that I figured I would get, but did not care. Chatted with the two boys for a minute, unthinkingly asked if they wanted me to take a picture, and … check the weather forecast in hell because … Cameron said yes. What? Who are you? Not MY son … not the one that hates having his picture taken, and more often than not, refuses to smile. ☺ Picture was taken, (also see below), covered my bases with “Be Good” and “Have a Great Day,” one more kiss from Kailee and Alex, and I was outta there. If the response to my question this afternoon of “How was school?” is any different from the normal “Fine” or “Good” … then I’ll be sure and post details. But don’t hold your breath. Oh, and that usual "morning kiss in the car when I drop him off"? I got it on the playground. ☺ Happy First Day of School!

First Day of 3rd Grade!

First Day of Kindergarten and Pre-School!

Thanks for my AWESOME Nike's Aunt Heather!

Damn good looking group of kids. :)

Shelby making sure Alex doesn't fall over!

Oh Auntie!

Ahem. Um, patiently waiting for me to find my car keys.

Cameron and his buddy Tyler at school

Wakeboarding Video

A couple of weeks ago we took the boat out, and Cameron tried wakeboarding again. He did great! Hopefully you can see this video clip. He got up on about his fifth try, even though it wasn't for very long. Honestly think he was so excited and surprised that he was up, that he forgot to keep going! Try and tune out the background whoop from me ... sorry, I got a little excited! After all, he achieved more than I did! (ie: torn ACL from MY first - and last - lesson.)

Cameron's Journal

A while back (See the post from May 27th) I mentioned that Cameron had to write in a journal in his 2nd grade class. He brought it home at the end of the year, and gave permission for us to read through it. Some of the entries are so touching that I truly cried. Others, well lets just say that I cried with those too, but only because they were absolutely hilarious ... typical of a 7 year old, typical of Cameron. :) It appears the entries were written about whatever happened to be on his little mind at the time. As promised, two months ago, here are some of Cameron's journal entries, written EXACTLY as he had written. This is a long post, but so worth it. Enjoy!

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Today is Tuesday, September 11, 2007. If I could change one thing in the world, it would be everything is a dollar.

Today is Friday, September 14, 2007. Saturday mornings are great for playing video games.
Today is Monday, September 17, 2007. My favorite food is nachos. I do not like green beans.
Today is Monday, September 18, 2007. I am happy when my dad gets a new truck.

Today is Monday, September 24, 2007. Over the weekend I went to LegoLand.

God made Wednesday, September 26, 2007. In chapel I learned how to Praise the Lord.

God made Friday, September 28, 2007. I like Friday because tomorrow is Saturday.

God made Monday, October 15, 2007. On Fall Break, I went to Las Vegas. I went to the shark reef, and I went to Peter Piper Pizza, and I went to the park.

God made Tuesday, October 16, 2007. Yesterday I learned how to eat a root beer float.

God made Thursday, October 18, 2007. I am a friend because I teach them how to skateboard.

God made Tuesday, October 23, 2007. I like the fall weather because I can skateboard.

God made Wednesday, October 24, 2007. I learned in chapel about Mr. Potato Head.

Good morning God! I love you. Today is October 29, 2007. My hallelujah is my family.

Good morning Lord! You made Tuesday, October 30, 2007. This is what I looked like on Crazy Hair Day.

Good morning Lord! I love you! Wednesday, October 31, 2007. In chapel I really learned nothing.

Good morning Lord! I love you! November 1, 2007. My hallelujah is for my mom and dad.

Good morning Lord! I love you! Today is Friday, November 2, 2007. Today Heather is coming to my house.

Good morning Lord! I love you. God made Tuesday, November 6, 2007. I love to eat nachos on Thanksgiving because they are good.

Good morning Lord. God made Wednesday, November 7, 2007. The Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower.

Good morning Lord! God made Tuesday, November 13, 2007. The Mayflower is a ship that sailed in 1620.

Good morning Lord! God made Wednesday, November 14, 2007. It is more important to give than receive because, I don't know.

I love you Lord! God made Monday, November 19, 2007. At our Thanksgiving play, I will dance.

I love you Lord! God made Tuesday, November 20, 2007. I am thankful for my Family!

Good morning Lord! God made Tuesday, November 27, 2007. We always thank Jesus because he first loved me.

God made Thursday, November 29, 2007. I wish I could fly to space. Mars is my favorite planet.

God made Monday, December 3, 2007. My favorite holiday cookies are pumpkin.

God made Tuesday, December 4, 2007. The gingerbread man was getting eaten and then he died.

God made December 13, 2007. Christmas means 3 things to me. Jesus' birthday, getting presents, spending time with my family.

God made Monday, December 17, 2007. The best part about the Christmas play was sitting down.

God made Wednesday, December 19, 2007. I believe Jesus died on the cross.

Monday, January 7, 2008. On Christmas Break, I did many things. One thing was I got Rock Band. I liked it because you can play the drums and base and sing. I went to my Grandma's house on Christmas. The best part was when I got to see my triplets. It made me so happy because I got to play with them.

God made Tuesday, January 8, 2008. In wintertime, this is how I make a snowman. First, you roll a snowball. Second you roll another snowball. Third you roll another snowball. Finally you put the eyes on, then you put the hands on and you put the hat on and you put a mouth.

God made Thursday, January 10, 2008. If I were a rich person, I would buy a viper.

The Lord made Wednesday, January 16, 2008. Today in chapel I learned nothing about nothing.

The Lord made Tuesday, January 22, 2008. I have learned two interesting facts about Australia. One fact is a Coocaburra catches fish. The second fact is a dingo is a dog in Australia.

The Lord made Wednesday, January 23, 2008. I learned in chapel two things. One thing was nothing. The second thing was nothing.

Praise the Lord for Monday, January 28, 2008. I am very happy when I go to San Diego because there is lots of skate shops.

Praise the Lord for Thursday, January 31, 2008. Dear mom and dad, you are the best mom and dad in the world. I love you more than anything. I wish my family would be alive forever.

Praise the Lord for Wednesday, February 6, 2008. We learned in chapel that Pastor Cal has five dollars.

Praise the Lord for Monday, February 11, 2008. Three things I know about love: God is love, love is strong, and love is peace.

God created Tuesday, February 12, 2008. If I was the President, I would make bowling alleys free. I would change the cars.

Praise the Lord for Wednesday, February 20, 2008. Today in chapel I heard Pastor Cal say that Jesus is important.

Praise the Lord for Monday, February 25, 2008. This weekend I got a new skateboard. And I got signed up for skateboard camp. And I saw my Grandma.

Praise the Lord for Tuesday, February 26, 2008. I will follow directions because Jesus wants me to. And I want to obey because I can get a coin in class.

Praise the Lord for Thursday, February 28, 2008. If I made a playground it would have skateboard ramps.

Praise the Lord for Tuesday, March 4, 2008. We live in Arizona. Arizona has Cactus Wrens. It is different from Alaska because Alaska is freezing.

Praise the Lord for Thursday, March 6, 2008. I will obey today because I do not want to stay in at recess even though I already am.

God made Tuesday, March 25, 2008. My parents are good. I thank the Lord for my parents.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008. I want to know more about Jesus. One question I have about God is what is it like in Heaven?

Praise the Lord for Thursday, March 27, 2008. Yesterday at skateboard lessons I went down something bigger than my dad.

Praise the Lord for Monday, March 31, 2008. Tomorrow is April Fools Day. My joke would be I would make a mushroom cookie for my dad because he hates mushrooms.

The Lord made Thursday, April 3, 2008. The carnival is April 18. The funniest part will be putting Mrs. Lorts and Pastor Cal in jail.

Praise the Lord for Monday, April 14, 2008. On the weekend I went to my award ceremony for skateboarding. I learned how to drop in on something 9 feet tall.

Praise the Lord for Tuesday, April 15, 2008. I am a smart person when I think.

Praise the Lord for Wednesday, April 16, 2008. In chapel today, Pastor Cal said that we were being good. He gave us candy because we were good.

Praise the Lord for April 17, 2008. A person without self-control is like the devil.

Praise the Lord for Monday, April 21, 2008. My favorite three things at the carnival were: 1. Obstacle course 2. Slide 3. Paint ball

Praise the Lord for Tuesday, April 22, 2008. If I could be anyone in the world I would be me because I like being me.

Praise the Lord for Wednesday, April 23, 2008. I learned in chapel to have self-control. I like to learn what the Bible says because I like to learn about Jesus.

The Lord made Thursday, April 24, 2008. Sunshine is hot and sweaty. It makes me hot and sweaty. I already told you that!

Praise the Lord for Friday, April 25, 2008. Five things I would do with $5,000. 1. Buy new skateboards. 2. I would buy pencils. 3. A hat. 4. New shirts. 5. New shoes.

Praise the Lord for Monday, April 28, 2008. Over the weekend I did 3 things. I went to see my Grandma and Papa, I got Mario Kart Wii, and I got to go to Desert Devils.

Praise the Lord for Thursday, May 1, 2008. Today is National Prayer Day for the USA that people will love Jesus.

God created today, Tuesday, May 6, 2008. Jesus is really good. I am good too. My parents are good too.

God created Friday, May 9, 2008. Yesterday I learned multiplication. A few facts are:
4 + 4 =8, 4 x 2 =8, 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 =10, 2 x 5 =10.

God made Friday, May 16, 2008. Yesterday, Water Day, was very fun. The best part was when we got the water balloon fight. I got Santino in the back 4 times with water balloons.

God created me and Monday, May 19, 2008. In the play, I am from China and say ni-hau. There are 7 continents and are named Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, North America, South America and Antarctica.

The Ten Commandments:
1. I will love God more than any toy or anything else.
2. I will not make skateboarding in my life more important than God.
3. I will always say Gods name with love and respect.
4. I will honor the Lord by worshipping God on the 7th day.
5. I will love and respect my Mom and Dad.
6. I will never hurt anyone.
7. I will always be faithful to my wife.
8. I will not take anything that is not mine.
9. I will always tell the truth.
10. I will be happy with what I got. I will not wish for what others have.