Saturday, October 9, 2010

Braces and Boggle

Boy, I thought I was excited when I got my braces off earlier this year. But when I saw my son, Chad, with his upper braces off - I was SO thrilled! He has grown so much these last two years, his face has changed and matured since he first got his braces on. What a joy to see those upper teeth so straight. He has a great smile. It's all been worth it. He's been good about wearing the retainer - it helps that I'm wearing one, too. He's learning how not to lisp when he has it in. My husband still makes fun of me when I sound funny talking with my retainer in. I have learned how to whistle through it - such talent.

Chad will get his lower braces off in a few months. Alec will be next. We are waiting until he turns 13, which he will this January. I was shocked when I realized how soon that was. It doesn't seem right - Alec just can't be that old!

We are settling into our school week fairly well. Chad's math is going slightly better, his attitude has greatly improved. Alec and Carmen are using a math program that I am not too pleased with. Bummer. Math seems to be the subject we all barely tolerate in this house. Todd loves it - too bad his enthusiasm can't rub off on the rest of us!

Our first gnarly Northwest storm arrived today. Days of wind and rain. I like listening to it at night, sort of nice to fall asleep to.

This summer, after dinner, we spent a lot of time going for walks and playing Yahtzee. I think everyone is tired of those activities - I can't get the kids to play anymore (Todd will when he doesn't have to work). Our newest phase is Boggle. Carmen wants to play all night. The boys aren't too keen on this game (the boys in this house seem to prefer number games). But Carmen and I will play game after game. I love word games and she is enjoying learning new words. She asked if this game was educational - I asked her if she was learning anything. She answered her own question. We get out the dictionary for her to look up words, we talk about definitions and different spellings, we have fun. I love easy learning!


4 comments:

Cat said...

How exciting getting the braces off! B is off to the orthodontist tomorrow morning and we are hoping that it won't be too much longer before hers are off (she has bottom teeth ones). She'd like them off before she is 18 in Dec!

Paula Vince said...

Yes, that's great news! I'm back doing short blogs again, as I find I rarely get around to visiting if I'm not actually blogging myself, no matter how good the intention.
We're moving into a warm spring after a lovely wet winter.

jugglingpaynes said...

If you like Boggle, you might enjoy Bananagrams too. I like the versatility of it.

Do look up the Fibonacci numbers. They are a lot of fun. I even found a picture book about him at the library. My kids were hooked with the rabbit problem!

My word verification is quark. Awesome!

Peace and Laughter,
Cristina

Mama Self said...

Ahh, braces. John found out that he'll get his off early, and Randy will get his on within a year. I must say that I'll be SO glad when we're finally done!

Trey and Randy and I played a long game on Saturday afternoon called Settlers of Cataan. We checked it out from the library. The game wasn't that great, but we enjoyed each other's company.


Enjoy the rest of your week!