Finishing up...

Soccer awards

Pinewood Derby

Blake's first Pinewood Derby race!  I think he's enjoying Cub Scouts so far, this was fun creating his car with Daddy!

suckers and Blake

This boy does not bite a Tootsie POP!!  Delaney and Lilli Jane are done in a few bites, he licks the whole thing!

Sweet Blake's Gotha' Day!

We went to dinner, just the 3 of us, to Fish Market in Fort Mill all dressed up.  He ordered an adult Shrimp and Grits, it changed his way of thinking about food.  He LOVES new dishes.

Blake's friends

A few buddies at a birthday party!  David, Myles, and Tristin.

Spend the night party...

Tonight was Blake's first spend the night party at home with a friend that he's not related to.

David Franey and Blake are good buddies that both love God and doing the right thing.

Blake's 7th birthday party

A wonderful party with friends from the past, school, church, and the neighborhood!  Blake had about 20 friends and their siblings to celebrate with at the Winthrop Basketball game today, PLUS, WU WON!!!

Birthday boy!

A great day to have a birthday!  I can't believe my boy is 7!

Blake has come out of his shell this year!  He is independent in many things he does, including personal hygiene, reading silently, playing, and other things.  He recently had his first spend the night party with a non-family member, his friend David from school.  His friend said to his mom, “I like hanging out with Blake because he loves God like I do and he’s kind”.  Oh, what wonderful words for a mom to hear about her son!  He loves to be with his friends and still plays with his cousin, but has new friends from school and likes to include them all.  His birthday party this year was at our local college’s home basketball game and he invited 25 kids!  He wanted them all there and their siblings.  He used to not do well with big crowds even if it was just his family, but he loves his friends and that part of his personality has changed quite a bit.

He’s excelling in school reading above grade level in English and starting to read books in Spanish class too.  He is still in the immersion classes and now his sister is too.  I am hearing him speak more in the language and he can listen to others talk and know what they are saying.  It’s not a translated word for word thing, but an understanding of the language.  His school isn’t far away and I go volunteer once a week so I get to see him interacting with his classmates.  He does well with this and all the kids seem to like him.  His big beautiful brown eyes can light up a room, but when they are angry he sure can show it in those eyes.  He still get real angry at things, but more these days it’s at himself when he can’t do something perfect.  He will tantrum on average once a month, but we have learned ways to get him out of this depression.  Blowing out fake candles, writing words, and when I force a hug on him are all skills we use frequently these days.

He’s playing basketball at church this year and did last year, but he’s cut back on organized sports.  This school year he started piano lessons and Boy Scouts.  Both of these things are important to our family and will give him lifelong skills he needs to succeed in life.  He is learning all the notes on the piano and can hear if it’s right or wrong (one place he gets mad at himself).  He is good at playing and entertained me with Christmas songs this year, however I cant’ get him to play for a crowd.  His dad helps with Boy Scouts and they are enjoying learning together all the ways to be a Tiger Cub, taking care of the Earth, doing good in his community, and honoring God and his country.  He’s a great memorizer and knows the oath and the law well.  He still memorizes Bible verses and enjoys learning them.  He went roller-skating for the first time this year and loved trying this so much he asked for skates (and a skateboard) for Christmas, so of course Santa brought them.   He was good to all three kids this year.  He still loves swimming and started learning strokes this year.  He is a little fish!  We spent 60 % of our time at the beach again this summer and he lived in the pool.  He’s great on a bike and rides it all over the place.  He is still very cautious about everything he does that he hasn’t yet mastered.

He is still a great big brother, but he has started to argue and fight more with his sisters, especially Delaney (5 ½ years old now).  They love each other so much and you will find them wrestling, playing, laughing, snuggling, but then all of the sudden they are yelling at each other.  He even hit her today.  So they are very normal brother and sister.  They enjoy sleeping in the same room lately, but he’s fine alone too.  He likes a little light on and the door cracked open.  He also doesn’t like wearing pjs anymore while sleeping.  He eats well and doesn’t mind trying new things.  Nuts are one of his favorite snacks these days and he enjoys spicy things. 

We go to church regularly and he is passionate about being there.  He attends Sunday School, choir, and RAs (a mission program).  He can tell you about many stories in the Bible and prays beautifully.  He cares about others and wants to make sure he does what makes others happy.  He is such a JOY in my life still everyday and I can’t imagine what life would be like without my precious angel!  We love him dearly and he knows how much Lisa loves him, we talk about her and her other sons very often and pray for them.  We thank Lisa and God all the time for the wonderful gift!

Sick boy

Poor Blake, high fever and just wants to sleep.  He was home for 2 days from school, but we fixed it with some good oils and he was better for ChirstmasVille today.

Ebinport Thanksgiving lunch

Sleeping kids

Lilli Jane's first night in a big girl bed!!!

Notice how messily Delaney sleeps and how neatly Blake does.

Tiger Cubs here we come!

Blake is so excited on his Tiger Cub uniform to be beginning his new journey towards Boy Scouts this year with his dad by his side and a few buddies from school!
Now we are off to sell some Popcorn!

First Day of School

The first day of school was much easier this year on me...I loved seeing them walk in together...I will miss having Delaney with me though.  She was good the first day, then the first few weeks she got upset about going some.  She cried the first 3-4 days, and then when I stopped taking her and Blake walked her down it was easier on her.  She got worn out by 12 though and would cry at lunch some, I think her brain was just tired and it emotionally exhausted her.  She loves school, but in a bitter sweet way in the beginning.

Blake walked right in to first grade and was good to go!

Special Friend

Blake and Aubrey are so cute together...they have a special friendship in the summer, they look at each other different than others...maybe one day?  His CA girl!

Kindergarten

I got a sneak peak into Blake's classes today...

Friends

Callie and Blake have such a sweet friendship.  Tonight they played against each other in soccer....we forget who one, it's just fun having a great friend!

Artist

Our artist!  We purchased his first piece of art tonight at the art show!  it's beautiful!

Kindergarten

Love these kids in Blake's class this year!  A great group of kids