Halloween

My nieces Gabrielle and Darby looked soooo  pretty.











Mike decided he was going to make the kids' costumes this year.  He was going to have Stafan, Shepard and Pryor be three Kings (as in Kings in a deck of playing cards) and Lyric and Cokie be three Queens.  Boone was going to be the Joker.  I'm no Poker player, but Mike told me three Kings and two Queens is called a "full house" in Poker.  Get it.  We have a full house.  Ha ha.  Well as you can see below, we got shorted a King when the cards were dealt.  What happened, you ask?  Keep reading.











So, if you read my blog below, you know why Mr. Boone doesn't have a costume.  Well, Pryor didn't either.  They both stayed home.   Pryor's teacher wrote something like this:

As Pryor is becoming  stronger and more confident in academic areas, we are seeing inappropriate behaviors such as blurting out and rudeness of not following  directions.

So they stayed home while the other kids went trick or treating with the Kings and Queens costumes (which, by the way, apparently were quite a hit based on what the kids told us people said to them).  Anyway, I think my punishment may have worked.  Pryor and Boone were NOT happy.  Hopefully, Boone will think twice before grabbing another girl's sandwich and sticking it in her beans (I swear, I can't say those words out loud without cracking up).

No Halloween

for you Mr.  This is what I received from his teacher today: 

Boone was caught cheating on the challenge spelling test today. He had the paper by his feet. He was also sent to the reflection table at lunch because he took another student's sandwich and put it in her beans.




And, if you think it was possibly because the work was too difficult for him, let me say he had just gotten 12 out of 12 on his spelling test that he learned in 1 hour.  Plus, just last night I had told him he didn't even have to test the Challenge words.  Apparently, he does enjoy spelling tests though.  : - ) 




Could this be my fault?  Could it be I laugh at him too much?




Could it be I spoil him?



Could it be I just think he is too cute?





Whatever, the boy has to be punished.   Sigh... 

This is what my friend wrote me:

 Mr. Boone.....your Jerry Lewis days are coming to an end.

Bret is a puzzle.  She is quiet, but not shy.  She is quiet, but fun.  She is quiet, but cool.   She is quiet, but always willing to help.  There is a reason her Dad often says, "There ain't no thing like a Bret Bai Ling."  It is so true.  Her Dad also likes to call her "Miss Guangzhou." Bret was born there.  We also have two other girls from Guangzhou, but Bret got the title. 













Last Saturday I was tired, was busy, had plans that evening, and just did not want to do anything, but take my time doing what I needed to do.  

Me:  "Bret, you're the Mom today."

Bret:  "OK, but you better tell the kids to mind me."

Stafan:  "Noooo!  Not Bret!  She yells too much."

OK, every now and then she surprises me--and she likes being the mom.  : - ))) 





Fresh picked apples are a healthy snack, 

But sometimes they seem to lack,

That little something to make them sweet,

And turn them into a special treat.

So I dipped mine in caramel, after adding a stick.

That's the apple I wish I could pick.

I guess I could roll it in nuts while it's cooling.

Mmmm. It looks so good that I'm drooling.

I should add chocolate because I'm not too far,

From making a made at home candy bar.

Drizzled all over both dark and white.

I'm getting close. This is almost just right.

Sprinkles! They'll add some nice color.

Wow, this is huge it seemed much smaller,

Before I added all of the candy coating.

If I eat all of this it's probably worth noting,

That I will surely become nauseous.

So I must remain cautious.

If I start I won't stop 'til it's done,

And this is way too much food for just one.

There's only one answer. I'll host a brunch,

And serve it in slices with a healthy lunch.

  

Raising boys

1. Boys need to work and do their share of chores.

2. Teach them to be respectful to you and others.

3. Listen when they speak.

4. Give hug and kisses

5. Tell them when they do a good job.

6. Teach them:

 "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"  Luke 10:27

Last

Sunday



My niece Jenna.







Nieces.  I'm so blessed. 

Missing cousin

About two years ago I was on Facebook and I noticed a picture on my nephew's FB.  I saw a picture that made me think,  "Holy cow!  That guy looks like my Dad!"   Turned out he is a missing cousin named Jerald.  I had vaguely heard that my Dad's brother had been married before and had two children by that marriage.  Unfortunately, and for no apparent reason, Jerald and his sister were never brought around any family reunions.  




Jerald

 


My Dad.

 

My Dad on the right with another brother.  There were 10 kids all together.  Didn't everyone have 10 kids back then?!   




Lael and I with Jerald this last summer.  Since, I first heard of, or figured out who he was, we have met up several times including just one week ago.  Jerald is a retired school principal.    He is really a nice person, and we definitely have a connection.  We have lots and lots of things to talk about--and a lot of catching up to do.  We can't get back the time we lost and should have been together as cousins, but we're sure trying!   

For the first

time ever in Cokie's young life she can see her nose when she looks down at herself.  The fluid her doctor pumped into her head for the surgery has moved into her face.  Today we were in the car and Cokie said, "Whoa I can see my nose!"  Yes, we all know Chinese have flat noses.  As a matter of fact, I sometimes like to call Lael speed bump.  Seems only fair since when we are in China they love to make fun of Americans' big noses!  And, the truth hurts.  : - ) 



The normally beautiful Cokie.



Saturday



And Sunday



It has actually worked out great for Cokie.  Since, at first we were a little shocked and concerned we've taken her everywhere we go.... out to dinner, movies etc... And today I let her stay home from school.  Meanwhile, we keep texting pictures of Cokie to Dr. Fisher. 



This man will forever be loved by this family!!



This is where the reporter tells us to just act normal--yeah right. 













Except for Boone of course.  OK, kid this time it is not about you. 





Because Dr. Fisher shares the waiting room with another doctor we cleared out.  We had breakfast while Dr. Fisher performed his magic on Cokie.  Let me tell you Dr. Fisher is GREAT!!