Invention Convention

Helping a fifth grader "invent" something that they can make, demonstrate how it works and explain how to market it is only slightly easier than....

helping a third grader "invent" something that fits the same criteria.

Both projects were about as meaningful as nailing jell-o to a tree.  There.  I said it.




I HATE Invention Convention.

All third through fifth graders were required to complete the assignment.
Let's not kid each other.
That is "teacher speak" for the truth...which is all PARENTS of third through fifth graders were required to complete the project!!


Grace designed a Baby Bubble Bath Bag.

 

The idea was to keep babies warm and covered while bathing them.

I got an A on the project.  She got an A on the project.

Don't judge.

Grant invented the Dock N Lock Device.  It is used to keep teenagers from driving while using their cell phones.

Our resident engineer was called in to consult and advise on the wiring for Grant's project.

David and Grant received an A on their project too.

Working on the presentations....

 

 

Not my finest parenting moment by a long shot.  Maybe I'm experiencing school project burnout.  Maybe I'm getting old.  I did not want to do this project.  With two months to work on the project, we started and finished the entire thing in less than a week. If it weren't for wanting to set a good example for my kids, I would have boycotted the entire assignment!

Actually I'm trying to clinch the nomination for parent of the year.  This should pretty much guarantee me the title.

May Is A Whirlwind

It has already begun...parties, promotions, awards programs, concerts, more parties, more programs.

I would like to complain, but it seems ungrateful to complain about these things.  I will content myself with the business and help celebrate the things our kids do well.

Anyway,

John was the first to have an awards program this spring.  Tuesday was the awards program for ROTC.  David and I were both in attendance.

John received several awards...overall GPA, top ten percent in his class, and a couple more that I cannot even remember.

The big award was given at the end of the program.  John was selected to be Command Sergeant Major of the Male JROTC program his senior year.  I am not literate in the way these things work....(John gets tired of explaining these things to me over and over.) But if I understand correctly, this puts John in charge of all cadets in the program at Male High School next year.  That's pretty exciting!

Here he is receiving his awards...

 And here is when he was announced as the CSM for next year.

Being congratulated by his classmates.

 

I informed him that he should not expect his parents to leap to our feet and salute as he enters a room from now on.

He agreed that we would be exempt from such obligations.

And in the world of Latin.....

 Emily has spent the better part of a week working on a project for Latin class.

 This

is the Basilica Ulpia of Trajan

 Due to the complexity of the project, Emily enlisted the assistance of our resident engineer...

who happened to be wearing an engineering shirt.

With much laughing and silliness, the project was finally completed!

Way to go, you two!  Job well done!

 

Belated Birthday and Belated Easter

The rest of Grace's birthday celebration....

And here are the presents we finally let Grace open last week belatedly.  She will have to show them  to you when we see you, Grandma Simms.  Grace sends her thanks.

And another birthday cake on her special day....

Easter pictures...

Grumpy Kitty...as if we needed another cat of any kind!

Goofing around after church...trying to get a picture.  Emily is missing because she stayed at church to work in the nursery during the next service.

Well, okay, this was as good as it got.  No one else would cooperate!

Almost caught up on pictures.  Maybe we can stick with current events going forward.  And maybe I can even post them while they are still current!!!

Happy Monday!! And Happy Birthday, Cale Simms!!!!!

Moving Day and Moving Kids

After twenty-five years and what seems like twenty-five moves,

we have become expert packers and movers...

as is evidenced by this expertly packed car....

Let us know, Cale, if you would like assistance moving.  

You can see the high quality of our work.

These pictures were taken a couple weeks ago when we finally emptied out the old tack room and

FINALLY

moved things into the new barn.

Old tack room once I had it emptied and swept out...

Let the sorting and cleaning begin!!

Progress!!!

And finished!!

Last skating party of the year...White was the theme of the evening again....

Do you know how difficult it is to take pictures of children on wheels in a dark skating rink??

Based on the poor quality of these pictures, it must be PRETTY DIFFICULT! 

I'll blame it on laziness and not lack of skill.