Kool Aid Club

Jackson came to the car with his shoulders slummed and head down the other day.  He was disappointed that he wasn't part of Prince's "kool aid club."  Supposedly he didn't pass the test.  A few minutes later Leighton got in the van with Prince.  The club expectations were explained a little further and I piped in with my opinion.  Leighton wasn't near as bothered as Jackson.  When we got home I asked Leighton if he was a part of the club and he said, "Mom, when Jackson and I enter those gates, we go our separate ways.  We don't do much together at school.  But when we come home, we are the best of friends.  Don't worry.  We have each others backs."

I was surprised at his response but relieved at the same time.  I am glad they have their individual place at school and feel unique then can still be best friends and look out for each other.  Lately, Leighton is Mr. Politician and Jackson is Mr. Cool.  I really don't want them to be part of any club so hopefully that idea has subsided.

In other news, my friend Kristine sent this text to me today after she walked the JAWS track at school with Boston: "I had a great conversation with Boston today.  He told me about his 9 girlfriends.  He then told me he had to dump one because she wasn't hot enough.  Her name was Taylor Swift." Boston is giving me a run for my money as the club he belongs to is his own fan club :}  He's Mr. Casanova.  Please join me in keeping him humble.

Going private

The day has come.  When you see inappropriate sites being viewed by your blog, you know it's time.  If you'd like to continue to follow our blog, please leave me your email so I can include you.  I will change over in a week or so.  Thanks!

V.I.P.

Boston was selected to be the Very Important Person in his class last week.  You don't realize what a big deal this is to your kids until they are the one picked.  Everyone likes to feel extra special every once in a while.  He got to bring in this poster board representing what he likes to do and what he's all about.  There was a big focus on sports, friends, being goofy, his hair when it was short and his family.  He placed the pictures where he thought they belonged and our family picture was front and center.  I was pleasantly surprised at that gesture.  Below is the letter that his teacher read to the class:

Boston almost wasn't Boston.  His dad wanted to name him Diego but his mom won out with Boston Johansen Bateman.  A few years ago a friend asked Boston what his name was and he said, "Boston Massachusetts Bateman."  He really thought that was his middle name.

The first word Boston said was "Ball."  Imagine that?  First it was a liking for the soccer ball, then the football, then basketball and eventually the baseball.  Baseball has developed into his favorite sport but he loves to play all sports and be active.  You can find him riding his bike, shooting baskets, playing catch, socializing with friends young and old, jumping on his pogo stick or playing the drums when he has nothing else to do.  Rarely does he sit and watch tv or play video games.  He's like the energizer bunny.  He loves to entertain with his dance moves which lately include Gangnam style.  I am sure he would be happy to show you all!  He would be content to live off orange chicken if I let him.  He also likes to each pizza, chicken nuggets, chips and french fries but not much else unless it has sugar in it.

Boston shows his sweet side through little notes he writes to his family members and close friends.  The other day he cleaned his 14 year old sister's room and left a note telling her how much he loved her, all without telling anyone.  I have come home from a date with his dad to find my bed made and a sweet note from Boston waiting for me on my pillow.  He likes to act cool but deep down inside has a real soft side.

I am so lucky to be his mom and glad he was chosen to be the VIP.  When he came running to the car the day he found out, he had the biggest smile on his face.  He couldn't wait to tell me the good news.  I will always remember that toothless smile :)  Congratulations Boston.  I love you!  Love, Mom

He was able to bring in something special for show and tell and he brought in his biggest trophy which he won with his most recent flag football team.  He said Ruby helped him dust it off and everyone wanted to touch it.  Funny the attention a trophy can bring.  I contemplate throwing all the trophies out once a week because of the dust and amount of space they take up.  I guess they are good for something.

Boston has had a great 1st grade year and is flourishing in math and finally reading but seems to enjoy his social life more than anything.  Life father like son...

The Perfect Grandma

That is not an understatement.  She didn't have a mean bone in her body or a negative thing to say.  Grandma Jenks (Glenna Virtue Orton Jenks) passed away January 1st.  She was 88.  Her birthday would have been February 17.  My sister Shannon spoke at her funeral (the oldest living grandchild) and commented at how she thought she was always grandma's favorite but eventually learned that we all felt that way.  She had the ability to make you feel like you were her favorite.  I was born on her birthday almost 40 years ago and will forever share that bond.  When no one else would watch me when I was little, she was there (supposedly I was difficult - imagine that :).  She had the patience of Job.  She drove a school bus, decorated cakes, grew a garden, canned fruit and vegetables, worked alongside with my grandpa and 8 children on their dairy farm, but the one thing she loved the most was to have her family together.  We gathered for birthdays, Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, Memorial Day, baptisms, baby blessings, weddings, family reunions and any other excuse to get together.  She never forgot a birthday.  We received a card with a certain amount of money, depending on our age, and a personalized message.  She continued with this until a couple years ago when she couldn't remember if she sent you a card.  Dementia runs in the family.  I was glad she couldn't remember much in the end because she always feared she hadn't done enough in life and was worried about death.  This way she didn't have that fear.

My grandfather died last March and I am sure he was anxious to have her with him.  I was sad when I learned of her death, but rejoiced at the thought of the reunion she would have with her parents, siblings, son, granddaughter and husband that were waiting for her.  She lived a life full of hard work, perseverance, and love.  When I think of charity, I think of my Grandma Jenks.  She will always have a special place in my heart and be a constant reminder of how I should be living my life.

Fourteen

Kennedy is celebrating her 14th birthday today in style.  Grandpa and Grandma Bateman are taking her to lunch and we're are enjoying an intimate family dinner tonight at Grimaldi's.  We gave her a choice of a birthday party or cash, and she was very wise and took the cash.  The above door sign was made by her and a few friends at school with the theme of "Pay it Forward."  She brought it home and put it up in her room for a couple months (until I could not longer take the dust it collected).  It's a good reminder of how we should live our lives and how Kennedy lives hers.  Some highlights from her year....

Comparing herself to the size of a gorilla at the Santa Barbara Zoo

Being goofy.  She enjoys doing that.

Winning 2nd place for the reading competition at Greenspun.  A BIG accomplishment.

At the beach being goofy

He Hawaiian sandals were a special order.

The RV trip we took as a family

Making lots of Pinterest recipes

A visit from her cousin Hunter

Girls Camp - "Oh the Places You'll Go!"

Grace

Kelsea

Last minute costume as Fiona

Having fun playing volleyball

Look at those green eyes!  She's a beauty!  Happy, happy Birthday Kennedy!  We love you.