Jamie seems to innately know when someone is feeling down and will clown around to cheer them up – or give one of his amazing hugs to make them feel better. His smile radiates through his face and his laugh is infectious. He loves computer games, yes, but he also loves playing board games and playing outside with friends.

This year, he had a couple of friends over for a sleepover this weekend and tonight we will take him to the Melting Pot for his birthday celebration dinner. I cannot wait to hear his antics over dinner. He’s always got something funny to tell us about and make us laugh.

A big big big Happy Birthday to my “little” guy. We love you, Jamie!

So, let’s see… Jamie turned 10 (when did this happen?!?!) October 17th. He’s such a wonderful young man that I’m proud to be his mother. He’s very empathetic towards everyone he meets, just an amazing boy. A few months ago, we took him to be evaluated and, while I wasn’t completely on board, he has Inattentive ADHD (the difference is that he really doesn’t have the hyper part, just the inability to focus). He’s been on medication for two months now and (again) I wasn’t completely on board until his teacher grabbed me during a school event last month and told me that she has seen such an amazing real change in him and how he’s able to finish his work on time, get his math worksheets done and she’s not constantly having to keep in on task. We’ve noticed some changes here at home too. He doesn’t take it on the weekends or days off from school. It’s really to help focus during class. He brought it up yesterday, actually, and said that he likes that he’s not in trouble so much for not doing his work and he doesn’t feel like his brain is “crazy” (whatever that means). I know it’s the right decision, but it still bugs me a little. I still think ADHD is over-diagnosed. So, I suppose I’m still leery overall, but it’s made a BIG difference for him. Contradiction, much?

We spent Christmas in South Carolina again. I love spending the holidays with my mom and sisters. I think next year we might stay home though. It’s a trek and really wore us all out. We drive (yes, 1250 miles one way) and we take the dogs (Leo cannot really handle being boarded) so it’s kind of crazy.

Cassie. Oh, Cassie. Cassie turns 8 this week. Cassie is a bright and lovely young lady. She’s very responsible and likes to keep people on point. She likes to snuggle up as much as she likes her independence. She made it into Robotics (see my previous post – LOL) and is having a great time. She’s also doing REALLY well with violin lessons. Something clicked for her a couple of months ago and she’s finally getting the rhythm parts and a few pieces are actually really pretty sounding. She’s an amazing student, but works hard to achieve her goals in school. She’s so serious sometimes that I feel like I have to remind her to have some fun too. Perhaps responsible was an understatement. Militant might be more accurate. *laughing*

Our biggest news lately is that Tom got a job! He’s teaching 5th grade and loving it! It’s hard work, but he has great students and is enjoying following his dream. It’s been nice to have group insurance and a FSA again too, I won’t lie. It’s been a big adjustment for us both. I’ve had to do all the daily running around while trying to keep my neck above water in my business, but we’re making it through pretty well.

Me? I’m doing okay. I’m finally getting the allergy testing (and hopefully shots) I’ve been wanting to do for many years. Living in Austin is rough, I have allergy issues 10 months or so out of the year and I’m hoping this will help a little. I just need something to help me get it under control and livable. This year was really bad during cedar season. Otherwise, it’s been pretty much the same old same old.

I promise to make more of an effort here. I tend to update on Facebook more often, but I know this is more permanent so I’ll try harder

Tom rocked, the cakes turned out fabulous (although I kept making boob comments cuz I’m 12). He copies the designs from 2 of Cassie’s favorite bakugan ball things.

Here’s the party crew checking out the cakes

Cassie, of course, blew out the candles

She opened gifts

The all posed for a silly picture

I kinda got told to go away during the sleepover. Oops.

… and Daddy made pink heart-shaped waffles for breakfast the next morning. Yes, he is awesome.

Jamie’s Class

Cassie’s Class (that’s one her BFFs)

And one of the cows at the arboretum. Heh. Just cuz.

Watching Tom try to make the Xbox 360 work on mom’s TV was HILARIOUS. We did bring all the right parts, but he couldn’t get it to turn on. I think he came close to just throwing the whole thing out the front door.

Even more funny was watching Marcy try to figure out how the heck to make Penbo (the peguin robot) do what Cassie wanted it to do. I think they are trying to make her give up her egg here.

Anyway, the holiday party is always a lot of fun, fishing, bean toss, etc for little prizes, there’s usually free food, face painting, crafts, sack races… and Santa goes around in a classic old firetruck throwing candy through the streets. Yes, I’m serious. It’s a lot of fun. We, of course, went, had a great time and came back with photos.

Fishin’ for prizes

Cassie and the girl next door are very serious about their crafts

I had to convince Jamie to do it, but he loved the sack race!

What party would be complete without face painting?

Tom explained that the Christians believe that on Easter, Jesus rose from the dead and etc etc. He thought it was going pretty well until…

Jamie looked at him and said, “Dad, that’s nasty, so he’s like a zombie, right?”

LOL LOL. I swear, we didn’t say anything around him, but I always proclaim today to be Happy Zombie Day.

Awesome, as if the religious family members don’t already think we’re weird enough. And zombies are really big at school now. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.

I think it’s safe to say that we’ve been through the best and the worst of times, but we’ve always managed to do it together. Someone asked me last month how we manage to stay happy together and it’s not an easy question to answer. I think the big thing is that we laugh together – a lot. We laugh at ourselves, each other and at our own inside stupid jokes. If we are angry, we usually say what we have to say and move on – agreeing to disagree. We argue, but usually about stupid stuff.

More importantly, he lets me win a good bit. Hey, he’s not stupid, right?

Happy anniversary, Tom. Love you, babe!

It says:

February 12, 2010

Dear mom,

Happy valentines!!!!! I love you so much. You help me make my lunch. You are my hero always.

Love,
Cassie