Schoology

The boys' schools use Schoology.  It's kind of like Facebook for school.  Teachers post links to assignments, reminders, and kids can ask homework questions.  Teachers have really stressed that this is NOT Facebook, and that kids should not be using it in that way.

Parents have access to the site to check up on their kids.  I went on the other to look at Ben's recent activity, and this was his post for the day.

Ladies and gentleman, are you tired of posting messages on Schoology asking about homework that you know annoy everyone? Well do I have a product for you! It's called the Daily Agenda Calendar! With this calendar, you hear straight from the teachers on what's due tomorrow and the days to come! Now you might be asking yourself, "I can't find the calendar." Here's what you have to do: 1) Go to the endeavor house Schoology page 2) Click on resources 3) Click the folder that says Daily Agenda Calendars and behold all the classes that you could possibly have! Now ladies and gentleman are you ready for the best part..... IT'S FREE!!!

So no more posting those messages that no one answers, go to the Daily Agenda Calendars today!!!!!

It's nerdy, but I love it!  I laughed out loud and applauded him for his creativity and excellent writing skills.  He's gotten many "likes" on his post, including some from teachers.  

Ben said his goal this year was to get a teacher to "like" his post.  Mission accomplished!

Basketball at Target Center

Ben's basketball team had the opportunity to play on the Timberwolves court at Target Center.  What a great experience for these boys!  The team played well and won the game!  Brian and Uncle Robert were able to be there and capture the moments.

I'm not sure if the link below will work, but the boys got an NBA like introduction.  So much fun for them!

Game Introductions

Team Phot

Warm-ups

Playing hard

Waterpark of America

Grandma and Opa gave our family a generous gift of money to use for Christmas.  We decided to surprise the boys with an overnight at the Waterpark of America.  On Christmas morning, they found a large candy cane filled with gumballs and clues.  They had fun opening the clues and guessing what the final gift would be.  They were excited to learn that they would spend New Year's Eve at the waterpark!

Blurry, but I love Luke's face!

All of my boys...plus a few extras

Taking a break

The surfing simulator was a big hit with Ben and Adam.

After a few tries, Ben was able to lie flat on his stomach, roll over, and return to his stomach.

These two had fun playing on the bunk beds in our room.

This kid cracks me up!

And so does this one!

In addition to the waterpark, our package deal included arcade games, a room service pizza, and a movie in the hotel room.

Brave Adam

Christmas Break Activities

Ben could do science experiments all day!

The year of the Rainbow Loom.

Feed My Starving Children with Nana

I loved them watching work together to accompish a goal.

Proud of my boys!

A visit from our IA cousins.

Look at how totally DRENCHED they are!

 Ice Skating

Blurry Ben

Matt eventually skated without the pusher.

These kids are growing up too fast.

Christmas 2013 Recap

It was a nice, relatively low-key Christmas this year.  But in all honesty, I felt quite stressed.  Money is tight, and so we made the responsible choice to keep gifts under control this year.  It is hard to see disappointment in the boys' eyes,  but it was there.  Ben especially really wanted an iphone.  Besides not feeling like we could afford it, we also felt like a 13 year-old with a school ipad and a phone already (albeit not a smart phone), didn't need an iphone yet.  Despite feeling disappointed that they didn't get their "dream" gifts, the boys had great attitudes, we made some great memories as a family, and we enjoyed celebrating another wonderful Christmas.

Our new Black Friday ping-pong table

A slight mishap

My SIL shared an idea about the "Mini-Van Express".  We joined up with Holly's family and my parents for a night of looking at lights.

Treat bags for the car

Each boy found a ticket in his treat bag

Heading out to look at lights

Big Decision

In just a few days, I need to submit a letter to my District Office either requesting to stay part-time, or asking to be reinstated to a full-time position.  Financially, we could really use the full-time pay.  Emotionally and logistically, I'm not sure I'm ready to tackle teaching full-time again.

I've been doing lots and lots of praying for peace and guidance in this decision!

Teenager

How is it possible that Brian and I are the parents of a teenager?  Only old people have teenage kids!  Whether we like it or not, on 12-15-13, Ben officially became a teen.

Honestly, it was a tough birthday for me because THE ONLY thing he wanted was an iPhone.  Not only did we not want to assume the cost of the monthly data plan, we also felt like an iPhone was not something Ben needed just yet.  He has a phone (albeit not a smartphone) that rarely gets used, and he has a school issued ipad.  All of the capabilities that he would have with an iphone he has between these two devices.

Brian and I prepped Ben weeks ahead of time, letting him know that we were not going to be getting the phone for him, and we weren't trying to trick him.  So, what on earth do you give a 13 year-old boy?  We decided to give him cash, but tried to come up with a fun way to have him open it.

I typed up 13 tasks he had to complete, and after every few, he was allowed to open a gift.  Each task represented something special or unique about Ben and things that he has loved over his 13 years of life.  Here is a sampling:

In the end, with combined money from us and relatives, he had $100 to do with what he wanted.  He opted for idea #2 on this list...trombone refurbishing.  I just picked up his spiffed up trombone today, and when he saw it, he said, "Whoa!  That's actually a nice birthday present!"

Happy 13th Birthday, Ben!  We are proud of you and love you very much!