Winter Formal 2012

 

Portraits 2010

Don't know that I should be giving them such a fancy name as "portraits" because I took them, and did all the editing myself. I have a lot to learn. Family, I will get some high resolution pics printed up, and I am planning on bringing copies out to Texas (I know you are so shocked right now, please don't pass out), when I come.

Hidden Camera

Sometimes I would just like there to be a reason crazy things happen. Sometimes (not because I love being the center of attention) I feel like there must be a hidden camera following me/us.

Today,
we were late for church. Like five minutes, so still during the opening song, but late is late. I followed Zachary into an empty pew. Where he did not sit down, instead he looked at the stand, and back at me, with really huge eyes, and said, "Oh man, I totally forgot, I am supposed to give a talk today!"
I said, "YOU WHAT!" maybe not that loud, maybe, hopefully. I don't know though.
So he walked up and sat down, and when it was his turn gave a talk. Personally I would have cried and left the room, but he is a better person than me.
Turns out he was asked TWO weeks ago, and Daddy reminded him a couple of times. Of course no one told me, because why would they? I would have hounded Zac about it every day, and possibly written it for him at the last minute. That has been known to happen.

Caleb is a goof ball, he ran up to Ryan tonight with no shirt on, lifted his arm up and exclaimed "Hello, my name is Armpit" in a squeaky voice and then ran off. We laughed.

Zachary

Zachary seems to have disappeared from the blog lately. Yes, he still lives here! He has been keeping pretty busy, with 14 year old boy stuff. He wishes he could ride his dirt bike everyday. The last Saturday of the Christmas break he finally got to do the Jawbone ride. The guys park out at the Bunting's, then ride through the desert to the Jawbone store, where they have lunch, then turn around and come back. It's around 60 miles round trip. He thought it was great. He spent this weekend with Dalton and went to see a super cross race in Anaheim. I think he had fun, he is a little grouchy now from lack of sleep so I haven't asked many questions. His ham radio finally arrived, and he had someone program it, as I type he is sitting in his room with it. It's a little disconcerting to hear strange voices coming from his room. He goes to school and seminary everyday, we just got his report card, and I can say right now I am not sure what he does while he is there. He thinks stake dances are fun, and got to go on a trip to the temple (also over the break) they saw the Christmas lights and did some baptisms. He talks about what he wants to do with the silver truck when he gets his license. I know that seems far away but the year and a half until he turns 16 will fly by I'm sure!

Really?? Yes, really.

Here we are, day three. On time! Quiet house.
And then... suddenly it hits me. I. Have. A child. In. High School. (Even though at this very moment he is in his bed sleeping because he is sicker than sick) I am sad! The little boy I left at kindergarten after he told me it's okay mom, you can go, I will be fine, and I knew what he was really telling me was, mom you will be fine. The boy we dumped into a brand new school at the end of first grade, who came home that first day and told us it was great, everybody was so nice to me! The same boy I watched walk all the way down the street (boy it was nice living right there) into the Jr. High parking lot until I couldn't see him anymore. Just last year another new school, I knew when he came home he would tell me yeah, it was fine, I made some new friends, and he did. That boy, he is the one, the one that is not a little boy anymore. He is almost as tall as his dad, and wears great big shoes, and startles me when he walks up behind me just because he is bigger than I expect. He is setting off down the path that leads further and further away from me. With his own hopes and dreams and memories to make.
and I thought I wasn't going to be emotional this week. HA!

SNAKES!!!

I copied this from Zachary's blog because I was not home when it all happened. If anyone is keeping count (besides me) this is number three in the year and 1 month that we've lived here. All rattlesnakes, no nice ones.
I was getting tools out of the shed to start the pinewood derby car when, Aurora, our black lab came dashing around the corner and started barking at a Rattlesnake, but I thought she was barking at me. So I stick the key into the lock, when I finally hear the rattles I look down and see a snake about 2 feet long, almost a foot away from me! So I hightail it inside yelling at Aurora and Red to get inside. Good thing I know where the pellet gun is and how to cock it. So I load a pellet and go outside to shoot it. As I'm aiming my dad drives up looking at me like "What are you doing with that?" so I start pointing and he finally sees it. So I take aim again after telling him the story and pull the trigger. Dramatic pause.

I miss the head by about an inch and snap the neck. So I run back in to load another pellet. The snake is wounded just enough to cut it's head off with the hula hoe. Caleb got to keep the rattles. No pictures, sorry.

We will only kill the snakes that come right up close to the house, just in case anyone is thinking we are mean snake killers.

Happy Birthday Zachary

14 years have gone by so quickly. He's moving on to another phase in life, High School, Stake Dances, Girls... I know in another blink of an eye he will be driving and heading off for college! But for now he is still our not so little anymore boy. I'm not sure how many times I've uttered the phrase "I don't know Zac, we'll have to look it up" over the years. I know that's why I "research" so much, even now that he can do it on his own. I love how much he loves history, and science, and how excited he gets when he has learned something new. Zachary is a great example to all of us, and an amazingly patient big brother. I love the self conscious little smile he gets and the way he blushes when someone compliments him. I look towards the fast approaching future and I know whatever path he sets himself on he will accomplish great things.

Happy Birthday Zachary. We Love you!

The Mighty Camper is home...

They survived! Sort of (one bike didn't make it) at least no Search and Rescue was called. I picked up boys and gear around noon today, and realized I would much rather be a passenger on that drive, I couldn't enjoy the scenery and views the way I really wanted to, I had to watch the road!
Zachary was not as dirty as I expected and already has a load of laundry going. He enjoyed himself (like always), I think his favorite activities were rafting, canoeing, and eating.They had a paintball shooting competition he did really well in. He finished one Merit Badge and is close on another. He was ready to come home, which is a little unusual, I think that kid would live in the mountains with just a knife and sleeping bag if we let him. He is pretty tired, and there was some discord in the troop (not surprising, I miss our old troop). I am thankful they made it out alive.

I can't decide how I feel about this; he had his cell phone with him, and managed when he had signal, to text the girl he likes, but not us. What am I chopped liver? Of course I never texted or called him either, I didn't want to bug him!

I drove a load of boys and gear up to camp today. They are camping not far from here, at an old boy scout camp that was recently sold and hasn't been maintained in years. "Primitive" camping is way more fun than sleeping all snug in a cabin (okay, maybe in some body's mind, like Zachary's). One of the things that really bugged me as a teenager was, the girls got Big Meadow for camping and the boys got Camp Kern. Now life is finally almost balanced! The area is beautiful and some of the views on the drive up were breath taking. I stopped on my way back out to take a few pictures. I couldn't stop on my way up because, 1. I had no idea where I was going and needed to stay with the group, and 2. one of the boys kept saying "oh my ggggosh" every time he looked up from his video game, I did not want to scare him anymore by pulling over and getting out.
I imagine by the end of the week we may all need a reminder that they were clean when they left.

funny? I thought so...

Zachary has needed a haircut for a few weeks now. He just keeps saying not yet... and it's summer so I don't push too much. (We call him Chia Head a lot). After a few days with the combination of lake water and camping his hair was looking pretty bad. We just didn't realize how bad, until the last day at the lake. He walked a big black trash bag over to the dumpster for us, when he came back he was snickering. "Mom" he asked, "Do I look like a hobo?" What does a mother say to that? "ahh no not really why?"

Because someone approached him on his way to the dumpster and offered their aluminum cans. So maybe he did look a wee bit homeless! He got a haircut the next day.

Graduation

Zachary graduated from 8th grade on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. He is sooo ready to move on to High School. I think I have a slight mental block about that still, my brain just stutters to a stop when I try to picture the next four years! I am not ready. When I was pregnant with him I really wanted a boy, a big brother all his future siblings could look up to. He has filled that roll amazingly well. He is strong and dependable, and he just knows so much. Thinking back to our very first parent/teacher conference in kindergarten, I can remember Mr. Smee pointing out the fact that Zachary is willing to play with any of the kids in the class, but if they are doing something he doesn't want to he just won't join in. He was fine being on his own. He is still like that. Of course his teacher also said his writing skills aren't great and probably never will be, but he has enough other strengths that it's not a big deal. (Mr. Smee said we could blame it on his kindergarten teacher at any future conferences when it came up.) That also still holds true! Maybe all he needs to know, he really did learn in kindergarten. We are so proud of Zachary as he moves past this milestone in life. We are looking forward to watching all that his future holds and are thankful we are a part of it!

It hurts!

Note to myself in the future: When you think it sounds like a good idea to pull the kids out of school early on a special day (like Josh's birthday) to do something fun (like motorcycle riding) DON'T!
Danny had the day off, it's Josh's birthday, and we added a Yamaha TTR 90 to our growing selection of motorcycles. I thought it would be a great idea to take the boys riding, after Josh's awards assembly. They did too. We had fun, Josh loves the new bike, Caleb sat on the 50 and practiced using the brakes, Zachary crashed and hurt his wrist/arm. Off to the ER he and I went. The x-ray didn't show any "major" fractures, but the Dr. splinted and wrapped it and told us to follow up with our Dr. after the radiologist's full report comes back (in a couple of days). He also asked if Zachary's elbow hurt, or if he had ever broken it. We said no, he said the x-ray shows what looks like an old fracture in the elbow. Which of course makes me feel like a pretty bad mom.

If I were a reporter,

This is what I would say:

As the 2008-2009 school year enters it's final few weeks the staff of Wallace Middle School took a moment to recognize some of their students. In a ceremony at the school, Thursday evening May 14, awards were given for outstanding achievement in everything from art and music to math field day and exploring science. Mrs. Mathewson, the 7th and 8th grade history teacher, called Zachary "Ricecake" Reiswig to the stage to receive her "8th Grade History Student of the Year" award. She cited his passion for all things history and how it relates to his own life as a major reason she chose him for this award. She also said he has shown a great aptitude for debate as he has become involved in their debate assignments this last trimester. After fulfilling his own requirements he happily joined other students in need of a partner. Mrs. Mathewson claimed if she could adopt a student it would be Zachary.

It should be noted that Zachary also received "Student of the Month" from 4 of his teachers throughout the year. In September he was recognized by his Language Arts/Reading and History teachers, in December by his Algebra teacher, and finally in May by his Physical Education teacher.

Zachary is looking forward to graduation and starting a new chapter in his life as a freshman at Kern Valley High.

Now back to mom mode... we are so proud of Zac and the young man he is becoming! Good job buddy!!!!

Oh Mom...

I've told just about everyone this story, but if I don't write it down I will eventually forget it and I think it's too funny to lose! While on vacation a couple of weeks ago...
We were almost to the beach, when we had to stop for gas and a "potty break". I hurried the younger boys out of the truck and hustled for the outside bathrooms. We were almost there, when out of the corner of my eye I noticed a man approaching. Thinking he probably needed the restroom as well, I had them go in together so we would be out of the way quicker. He stopped a step or so behind me and I turned to tell him we would be done soon. As I looked up I realized it wasn't some man, it was Zachary.

And for tonight's entertainment...

What's dinner without a little entertainment? Tonight we had grapes with dinner. Ryan was looking through the bunches for the tiny grapes that are sour, he was giving them to his little brothers just to watch their "sour grapes" faces. He held up one for inspection and said "nope this one is almost rotten", his funny man side kick Caleb, points straight at Josh and says "just like YOU!" Then after dinner was over, but not yet cleared Zachary leaned a little too hard on the table and over it went...plates, food, water, cups, silverware, valentine treats, vase and flowers all ended up in a puddle on the floor.( and then he looked at me and said...you aren't going to blog this are you? I was laughing too hard to have considered blogging just yet, but after that comment how could I resist). Happy Valentine's Day!!

When we're helping we're happy...

We are working on a new "household help plan" in our house, we just started on Monday, but so far we are doing okay. The younger boys think it is cool to get to do stuff around the house, and the older ones can be reasoned with (sort of) and they understand if they want "stuff" they are going to have to help. I made a list of most of the chores that need to be done, including things I usually do, and let them sign up for the ones thay wanted. Here are a couple of pics of my happy helpers...

Student of the month

At the end of the trimester the Middle School has an awards ceremony that covers the whole trimester. We got a letter saying Zachary was going to get an award, so I grabbed a camera and went to the school, you can't miss these moments right? and yes for the record I have missed one or two. Each teacher picks one student over all from their classes for each month (Sept. Oct. Nov). Zachary's history teacher chose him as Student of the Month for
September.

They go super fast and I was sitting pretty far back, so the pictures are not very good.

And then.... Zachary's english teacher picked him for Student of the Month for.....

September! She had a really cute Acrostic poem for each name which I of course don't remember.

I am proud of him for being such a good kid and working hard. I think that first month of school everyone is settling in, most kids are still on their best behavior and the teachers don't know everyone yet. It is neat to be recognized right off like that! Twice. Great Job Zachary.

Zachary read this post and then brought me a copy of the poem, here it is:

Z-Zealous football player and dirt bike rider

A-Academics are important

C-Character traits of caring, trustworthiness, and citizenship

H-Has a sense of humor and a friendly temperament

Zach, Wallace is fortunate to have you!

This will be my very last football post of the year! Zachary's team played in the second round of playoffs in Mammoth. I missed it but I hear they tried hard. I talked to the coach yesterday and he said he is very proud of the season the boys have had. They finished 2nd in our division. So I'll say good job Broncos! Zachary showed great overall improvement and we are proud of him for sticking with it and not giving up.

Playoffs

Ryan is done with football (sigh of relief here) for the year. We didn't end on a high note, Ryan was done early in the second quater when he got speared in the side by a helmet. We were a little worried about his ribs and spleen but he is okay. I had a few words for the refs at that point. We all survived and did not get kicked off the field, so I guess that counts for something. I thought having Danny along might mellow me out, because I don't like to embarrass him.
Zachary is going to Mammoth next weekend and is very excited to maybe play in the snow. I think that is crazy, but they all think last week's game in the rain was the greatest. Boys are odd creatures!

We are off to playoffs this morning. Ryan's team ended the seaon in 4th place and will be playing the 1st place team in his division today. I am a little concerned beacause that is the team that I almost flipped out when we played them before. Hopefully we will have different refs this time around. Zachary's team finished 2nd and will be playing the 3rd place team. We've beat them once hopefully we will do it again! Have a good day!