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.