Thursday, May 15, 2014

Whew...time to catch up....

Time for some bullet points on what has been going on in the Horn house.......

  • I got my plants in the ground.  My kids love Brussels sprouts so when I was at the store and saw a box of them, I grabbed it and the other one too.  They were the last two so I figured I should grab them because I doubt that they are going to restock those.  It was only later when a friend pointed it out that I realized that I brought home 18 plants.  Yes...18.  I meant to purchase several, but not quite that many.  Hopefully, they freeze well.
  • The boys have been arguing over who gets to mow the lawn.  It could have something to do with the fact that we are paying a little bit of money for it to get mowed.  Nahh...I am sure they are just being helpful and enjoy the accomplishment.
  • Sara has a social studies teacher who enjoys quizzes and tests.  She has actually learned A LOT this year.  So have I as I am the designator "quizzor".  For example, did you know that before Springfield was the capital of Illinois there were two other cities that were.  Kaskaskia and Vandalia.  How do we remember "Vandalia" for the test?  It is an onion that drives a van.  Get it?  I thought that was one of my better memory triggers for her.....
  • The winter was hard on us in more ways then one, but specifically it was hard on our waistlines.  I think we must have all just sat around and ate while it was freezing cold outside.  So we have been enjoying the outdoors and "enjoying" our current workout schedules.
  • We've been hanging out in the school gym bleachers lately between concerts and award ceremonies. I have a tip for some of the others out there doing that.  Don't spend an hour planting your garden before you then go and sit in the bleachers at a band concert for almost two hours.  Your back will thank you if you take my advice.
  • Speaking of awards, here's a summary of what my blessed and gifted children have earned this year:

  • Both girls won "Unsung Hero Awards" from our local Optimist Club.  Sara was nominated by the sponsor of the Team TRRFC club at school and Ashley was nominated by her teacher Mr. Webb.  It was a great honor for both of them.
  • Nathan won the Sparky award in AWANA for completing all three Sparky books.
  • Sara won Outstanding Musician for the 7th grade for this year.
  • Sara was also chosen as Honorary Usher for 8th grade graduation.  So proud of her for being selected.  You have to have the grades, character and be nominated by the teachers.  It is a great honor for her.

AWANA 2014

AWANA is over for the year.  The boys had an awards night.  John received his book award for finishing his 2nd TNT book.  He is well on his way to the Timothy award....he only has two more books to complete. Nathan received his Sparky award for completing all three books.  I can't believe I don't have any more Sparky kids.
Love this unprompted hug by the brothers after they got their awards. 

In the background of this one you can see our newly remodeled youth room

Scholastic Bowl spring 2014

Both the girls were able to be on the scholastic bowl team this spring.  Normally it is just 7th and 8th grade, but since Sara was the only 7th grader, they allowed the 6th graders to participate.  It was hard to get pictures during the matches because I was always afraid I would interrupt their concentration. So I had to settle for preparation for a match. They had a great year for it being their first year and they were basically a team of 6th graders going up against 7th & 8th graders. Next year they should have a phenomenal year.








Nathan's spring concert

 The second and third graders at Nate's school always do a spring concert.  I think this was the highlight of Nathan's 2nd grade spring.  He LOVES performing.  I was going to get a video of a cowboy dance number, but unfortunately, my battery ran out just as it started.  You will just have to trust me that it was epic.







An early spring hike

A few weeks ago (actually it may be longer than that.  I just realized it was before Easter) the boys and I went for a hike in the woods.  I grabbed my camera and took a few shots while we were out and about.