A Dollar Saved is... very hard to part with

Nathan has been saving his money for quite a while now, well over a year. He had over $100 in his bank and has been holding on the $100 bill with a tight grip. At Dinosaur World, he fell in love with this Archaeopteryx fossil replica. It was $70! He has been reading about and talking about this particular species for a few months. It has been described as a transitional fossil between birds and dinosaurs. Technically, I think, it's like one of the first birds. However, it has more in common with dinosaurs than modern-day birds. I think that's why Nathan likes it so much.

Anyway, Nathan decided to part with $70 of his money to purchase this replica. It is now proudly displayed in his room. He actually had about $158 in his bank. When he realized he was going to have to break his $100 bill, he was quite upset. Jason put him on a payment plan for the last $12 and Nathan's $100 is still intact. He will continue to the next hundred, I suppose, on his quest to save $1,000. Wish him luck!

DINOSAUR DAY!

Today we made a trek to Glen Rose. We went to Dinosaur World first, a new attraction that opened last March. Then, we went to Dinosaur Valley State Park. We've been to the park before, but it's been a while - and it started pouring down rain last time. Previous pictures here.

We took a ton of pictures, so if you want to see them, you should probably go here.

Christmas 2008

We went to my parents' house for lunch and played with the cousins - Abby & Emma.

Christmas Eve 2008

We had Jason's parents over for dinner for Christmas Eve. We had Luna's tamales, Spanish rice, and tortillas. Janice also made a wonderful flan. I had promised the boys that they could open one gift on Christmas Eve after dinner. Brandon was losing his mind. He has no patience and he could not take the wait! Brandon & Nathan decided to open their gifts from each other - they had already revealed the contents. I guess opening what you knew you were getting is better than the unknown - a bird in the hand....

They also were privileged enough to open all the presents from Grandma & Grandpa. They already had a full load before Santa came and before opening a single present from us. They are spoiled rotten. Here's some pics from Christmas Eve.

Leo

At the boys' school, each classroom has a pet. Nathan's pet is a Leopard Gecko named Leo. Each weekend, a student will take Leo home and care for him. Over Christmas break, Nathan has the honor of caring for Leo.

Both Nathan & Brandon have been excited about Leo's visit. Brandon likes to hold him and pet him. Nathan, not so much. Nathan enjoys pets from a distance while Brandon has more of a hands on approach.

Nathan thinks that Leo is 14 years old. I just looked up some info on them, and it said they can live to be 20. I'll have to ask his teacher when we return to school. Leo has been eating crickets and king meal worms. He seems to prefer the worms. Leo gave us a show the other day. He shed his skin and then proceeded to eat it. It was interesting - the kids were fascinated by it.

Gingerbread House

Brandon's kindergarten class assembled gingerbread houses on the last day of school before the break. His teacher had collected small milk cartons, hot glued them together and on plates, and then we decorated. She suggested not eating them, but it didn't stop the kids. They were snacking and sampling throughout the decorating process. Lots of parents showed up to help. It was a nice change from our old school. Here's Brandon's lovely house.

Cold Snap

We had a bit of a cold snap this week. We had a little ice on the road, but school did not close. The boys saw a little snow, but not nearly as much as Jason did by his work. We saw freezing fog when I picked the boys up one day from school. That was an interesting weather event. I had never heard of such a term, but when I was in the midst of it, it made total sense.

I bought Missy a new sweater for the week. At first, she was a little apprehensive about putting it on. After wearing it all day, she didn't want to take it off. I took it off before bed and she looked at me like I just took away her dog bowl. She very willingly put it back on and kept it on for a couple of days.

Grandma's Birthday

For Grandma's birthday, the boys and I went shopping. Brandon decided that Grandma needed a new purse. Purses are, of course, a personal item. Picking a purse for someone else is a difficult task - especially if you are a 5-year-old boy. I wanted to make sure that Grandma got something she would use. The boys hunted and hunted for a good size bag with pockets whose color was not atrocious. In the end, we found a nice brown leather purse. Grandma moved into it the next day.

YMCA

I went to Nathan's school because he was giving a presentation over one of his FAVORITE subjects, dinosaurs. It was not for a grade, it was strictly for fun. He and his two buddies, Ben & Dominic, worked on this presentation for over a week. They skipped recess every day to work on this. In the end, the presentation took more than 2 hours. They really had fun and the rest of the class seemed geniunely interested. In the middle of his presentation, we were interrupted by the South Garland Show Boaters. They are a musical group who came to entertain the kids with singing and dancing to Christmas songs. As the group was getting ready, they had music playing. The kids were all coming in, sitting down and waiting for the show to begin.

One of the songs that came on was "YMCA." I was surprised that all these 2nd - 5th graders knew this song. As it came on, the whole room started motioning the letters with their arms. I was just very surprised that they knew it and knew the moves.

Missy's First Trip to the Groomer

Missy went to the groomer for the first time. She was a little excited about the day because she got to go somewhere. I think she's had a little cabin fever lately. When she walked in, she announced her presence and was extremely loud and obnoxious. The lady who checked us in wrote "Beware" and "Warning" on her paperwork. I don't think Missy is a particularly aggressive dog, but maybe she is!

Missy did make the mistake of walking in the office and immediately growling at a big pit bull. I can't imagine what she was thinking.

Anyway, she came home - the lady who groomed her said she was an angel - and she looked very cute in her new bandana.

Christmas Decorations

Christmas decorating... it's a chore, but always looks so pretty once complete. The first photo of our stairs with the lighted garland. The second is from outside. We're a little too chicken to actually do roof lights, but these tend to work out OK for us.

Nathan's 2nd Grade Science Fair Project

Since Nathan attends a Math, Science, Technology school, he is required to participate in Science Fairs. This year is our first. Personally, I never had to do one of these in school, so it's a new experience. Our project was entitled, "Green Saves the Green." You've seen those green bags on TV.... the ones where the food stays fresh longer. We decided to put this product to the test.

We had 12 bananas that we had paired off and put in: a green bag, a brown bag, a Ziploc bag, on a plate, on a banana holder, and in the refrigerator. We then took pictures daily and after 8 days, we did a blind taste test. The results were that the green bag did actually keep the bananas fresher longer. At the taste test, they tasted better than the rest.

Bad news for the banana holder though, the bananas on a plate lasted longer than being hung on the holder. One definite piece of advice, never put bananas in the refrigerator. They discolored quickly and lost their flavor.

Nathan's project is due this coming Tuesday, so we spent several hours this weekend completing the display board, pictured above.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had Thanksgiving at Jason's parents' house. We got both families together, my parents and my sister's family all came for lunch. It was all very good! My niece, Abby, loves the cranberries and couldn't get enough. The rest of the kids didn't eat a whole lot and were hungry when we got home.

Mathews Family Fun Day

Jason got to take a little vacation time this week, so Wednesday we had a family fun day. We started out at IHOP - the kids LOVE IHOP and we rarely ever go. Afterward, we went to see a movie, "Bolt." Nathan is not a big fan of movies on the big screen, but he was a good sport and came along. He really enjoyed the movie, we all did.

After the movie, we went bowling and bowled two games. Jason & I both had an "off day" while bowling - we did terribly! We still had fun though!

That evening, we played a board game, Life. Nathan won with about $2 million in his pocket. His career choice was a doctor and he paid off his debts quickly. Brandon didn't do too badly. He decided to forego college and became a mechanic. He chose a mobile home for his first house. We all sued Jason into bankruptcy, so he wasn't very happy with any of us.

The boys enjoyed all the attention and focus on them. It was a fun day!

Kindergarten Program - Thanksgiving

Brandon participated in his first Kindergarten program. It was a Thanksgiving theme and each child had the choice of being a pilgrim or Native American. They decorated their costumes and sang some songs. Afterward, we went back to the classroom and had a "feast."

I think Brandon enjoyed the program and he really enjoyed his costume - loves those costumes!

Straight A's

Since Nathan was in Kindergarten, we have promoted and encouraged straight A's in school. Nathan had a fantastic two years and Brandon got to join in on Nathan's celebrations. We let Nathan pick out a restaurant every six weeks that he brought home his report card with straight A's. The most recent choices (last year) were to Chuck E. Cheese to play for a while and to Double Dave's Pizza to actually eat.

The first six weeks this year was another celebration - Nathan & Brandon both got straight A's. Unfortunately, our schedule was packed and finding time to go out was not in the cards. Jason bought each of them a new game for Nintendo DS, some Dinosaur fights or something.

They brought home their report cards today with another six weeks of A's. Nathan cut it a bit close with his handwriting and spelling - squeaking by with a 90. But, we are so proud of them! They are both really working on their studies.

Guess we're heading to Chuck E. Cheese & Double Dave's this weekend - it's worth it!

"Uncle" Pogo

Missy (on the left) is our dog. Well, I should probably say "my" dog as she worships me and is my shadow everywhere I go. She is a pound puppy that we have had two years now. She is mostly a Jack Russell terrier and has the personality of one. She's mostly a good dog, but she wants to break out of the fence and she has some type of separation anxiety whenever I leave her.

Anyway, Jason's brother, Danny, has a dog, Pogo. He is also an adopted mutt. When Danny arrived in town, Pogo was Missy's cousin. Well, at least adoptive cousin. Since Danny's new career takes him on the road a lot, Jason's parents have adopted him and he's now Missy's "uncle".

Most of the time, Missy and Pogo get along well. She pesters the poop out of him and for the most part, he is a good sport. We've been taking Missy down to visit Pogo about once a week and afterward, both dogs sleep very well. They play and play until they are exhausted.

This weekend, Pogo came to visit Missy. I'm not sure what either one of them thought about the change. I took this photo as they both stared and begged for an opportunity to come indoors.

Nathan's Field Trip

Nathan had his first field trip at his new school today. They went to Green Meadows Native Lands in Grand Prairie. Grandma & I both volunteered for the field trip and we had a great group. The kids were very well-behaved and they seemed to have a lot of fun. Next field trip is Brandon's on December 5th.

Relaxing day

Today, we went to my aunt's ranch in Sulphur Springs. Abby & Emma were supposed to have joined us, but due to illness, they weren't able to come. Brandon woke up this morning and the first words out of his mouth were, "It's Scruffy day!" Scruffy is my aunt, Mary Jo's dog. Brandon just thinks he's the greatest.

We spent the day eating hamburgers, hot dogs, and cupcakes - and too much of them. The kids played, shot BB guns, fished, and got into the sprinklers. We had a great time and the kids went to bed easily this evening.

Happy Halloween, 2008

Halloween - oh the memories....

This year's costumes were Wolverine, a super hero and Dr. Nathan, Paleontologist. Brandon loves costumes and we buy him different ones year round. Nathan, not so much. This year's costume was chosen almost as a last ditch effort. He doesn't like costumes, he doesn't care for fiction. He is into reality. The reality is Nathan's career choice is a Paleontologist. He's been hooked on dinosaurs for almost 4 years and has no signs of stopping. He told me when we got home from trick-or-treating that he intends to wear this costume next year, and the year after that, and the year after that... Basically until he quits trick-or-treating, he intends to remain in this costume. So be it. He was happy even though some people didn't realize what he was.

Cub Scout Day

Nathan is a Cub Scout. This year, he is a Wolf. He really enjoys Boy Scouts. Recently, they went to Lake Lavon for a day of activities and an overnight campout. They did archery and other fun things. That evening, Brandon & I caught up with Nathan & Jason for dinner and camping out. One of the last events of the evening was the closing ceremonies. I took this picture and thought it was pretty enough to share.

Duck Driver update

We went to the State Fair of Texas as we do every year. We had a great time. While we were there, Jason took the boys on the paddle boats - the ones that look like swans. I've never noticed it before, and it could be because it's the first year, but they had paddle boats that looked like mallards.

Nathan & Brandon had to take the mallard paddle boat out on the pond. As they were paddling around, Brandon looked up and noticed that he was, in fact, riding on an authentic "DUCK DRIVER". He mentioned this to Jason and as I sat on shore, I thought the exact same thing.

Air Show

In addition to our Pumpkin Patch visit, we took in an Air Show in Ft. Worth. This was the boys' first air show. There was a lot of walking and a lot of noise. I think the kids enjoyed it, but they were just tired after a busy weekend.

Pumpkin Patch 2008

Every year since Nathan was born, we have made a trip to the Pumpkin Patch in Flower Mound. This was our eighth year and the boys just love it and have so much fun. Here are just a few pictures from our visit.
Nathan................................................... Brandon

The Duck Driver

Brandon had his first school project. It was a Transportation Project. The instructions from the teacher said that the kindergartener was to create a NEW means of transportation. She didn't want it to become an expensive and time-consuming project and wanted the end result to be made from things like shoe boxes, cardboard, construction paper, cereal boxes, styrofoam or any odds or ends around the house. The first part of the project, Brandon had to answer these questions and I was to write down exactly what he said. Here goes:


1. What is your vehicle called? Answer: Duck Driver

2. What makes your vehicle go? Answer: It runs on duck power.

3. Where does your vehicle go? Answer: It goes to pick up ducks and take them home. It helps find lost ducks.

4. Is it a passenger or cargo vehicle? Answer: It carries ducks & ducks drive it.

5. What special things does your vehicle have on it? Answer: It has ducks all over it.


Brandon also had to draw the vehicle.


So, then, we had to construct this so-called Duck Driver. We went to Hobby Lobby and about $25 later, we had this design. Brandon was SO proud of his project. I'm certain that no one else had a Duck Driver! As I helped him take it to school, kids and teachers alike stopped and stared. I'm sure they were trying to determine what it was exactly.

Winzer Company Picnic 2008

Today was Jason's company picnic at the Dallas Zoo. We had "an adventure" as the boys would say. Nathan & Brandon are very "into" birds right now. We think it has to do with the scientists' current theory that modern day birds are direct descendants of dinosaurs. If you look at some of the photos of raptors and pterodactyls, you'll see a resemblance. The boys really had a lot of fun today. Here are a couple of photos of our adventure!

They are also very much into penguins!

A day in the life of....

Well, today was a mostly typically day in the Mathews family. Boys go to school, grown ups work - nothing really out of the ordinary. ***********PS - Happy Birthday, Papaw!!!********

It's not a big secret that Brandon is having some behavioral problems in Kindergarten. For those of you who looked at his first day of school photo, you probably aren't surprised that we have a bit of an attitude. We've been having a bit of a rough time. We've had notes sent back and forth from teacher to Mom and even a phone call or two from Ms. Todd (aka teacher). Last Thursday, I had the wonderful call from the principal's office with Brandon visiting there early in the morning. There's really no reason to get into the details, but it wasn't pleasant.

We've been doing what we can to encourage, reprimand, coerce, promise, and threaten to keep Brandon on green (translated into a day without discipline from the teacher). We made him a promise this week that he has to stay on green 4 out of 5 days. The fifth day can be no worse than a yellow. If he succeeds, he gets to see the movie "Beverly Hills Chihuahua". He went ahead and got the yellow out of the way today. :)

When I asked what he did, he told me he didn't know and to look at his behavior chart. I didn't do this immediately as we had afternoon plans "surprising" Papaw with a birthday cake. Just before Jason arrived home, he asked, "So, did Brandon stay on green?" I told him no and checked the chart. The reason for the yellow, and I quote, "Put glue in a friend's hair". For some reason, this became quite funny to the both of us. This was not the typical reasons of talking, hitting, or not minding the teacher. No, this was very unusual indeed! I asked Brandon about it. He immediately got defensive and really wouldn't tell me much. In the end, I gathered that his friend, Jonathan, who is not really his friend anymore, called Brandon a "baby". He was offended by this remark and proceeded to squeeze Elmer's glue on the boy's head. The picture in my mind is humorous, but not appropriate. Brandon must stay on green the rest of the week now to see his movie.

Later this evening, Nathan exhibited a lack of control with his anger as well. (This is very unusual!) It was time to go to bed and I asked Nathan to turn off the show he was watching. He refused. ("One more minute, Mom...) I turned it off for him. He then threw the remote control on the floor. Was it serious? No, not really, it didn't break anything. But, he knows better and Jason reprimanded him for throwing it. Nathan was quite upset. He was planning to move out. I'm not sure where he planned to go, but he made up his mind. Brandon was quite upset by his remarks. He looked at me, tears filling in his eyes, and said, "Nathan, you have to stay. I don't know enough about dinosaurs! Who is going to teach me all the things you know?!?" It was touching. The love that little brother has for big brother is just so sweet.

So, no photos for the post this evening. I have a few that I need to update soon. I just wanted to share our day.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Danny!

August 29th is Uncle Danny's birthday. Since he is on the road, we celebrated his birthday a week early.

Jason made Tri-Tip and Janice made baked beans. We had delicious bread and a wonderful banana split cake. Danny got a cooler for his truck and a digital camera so he can take pictures of all the beautiful scenery our great country has to offer. We all look forward to the photos!

Happy Birthday, Uncle Danny! And, congratulations on the new job!