What We Learned in 2011

(1) Mutton chops are always a bad idea.  Always.

Scott had the chance to play Teen Angel in his school's production of "Grease".  This meant that he needed to grow out his facial hair to accommodate the look of that time period.  The growing it into a beard part was fine.  He then trimmed it into the mutton chops (we also called them lamb chops or pork chops) a few days before the performance.  I've always thought my husband is quite dashing, but I can honestly say that when I saw him with Those Things, he looked horrible.  Quasimodo-like.  I couldn't stand to look at him.  Thank heavens the part lasted just a few days.  I will never understand how Those Things became popular.

(2)  Devvin is capable of eating an entire box of Goldfish crackers in one sitting.  On his own.

As we traveled half the country this past summer (see here if you want to know more about That Adventure), the kids got to choose their favorite snacks at various grocery stops along the way.  Devvin chose Goldfish every time.  He opened up a box and started munching as we settled in for a day of driving (and watching movies to pass the time).  When we reached our destination later that day, I discovered that Devvin had devoured the ENTIRE BOX of crackers.  Needless to say, he wasn't too hungry for dinner that night and had a bit of a tummyache.

(3)  A change of scenery can be a good thing.  It's a fresh start.

Brianna changed high schools this year and is now a sophmore at our zoned school  She has turned into quite the performing-artsy person.  She is participating in drama club and has been cast in two plays so far.  She is also singing alto in the Clark County Childrens Choir.  She wouldn't have either of those opportunities at Clark because she was in band (which is all she had time for).  Legacy High School does not have a band program and the choir program is subpar, so being in the choir has expanded her musical horizons and theater has shown she is quite the actress.

(4)  We have a sharpshooter in the family!  And we are not NRA, gun-toting people.  Go figure.

Zacharry had the chance to go to Scout camp this past summer (with Scott) and earn quite a few merit badges.  One of them was Rifle and Shotgun Shooting.  He started off a bit rocky, but once he listened to the counselor, took his time and figured it out, he turned into quite the marksman.  He was the only boy in our troop that was able to earn this merit badge.  It was one of his proudest moments of the year.  More importantly, it taught him that patience and persistence pay off.

(5)  The Eiffel Tower is absolutely beautiful at night.  But I wouldn't know.  I've only seen pictures.

Scott went on a class trip this past spring to Barcelona, Paris, and London.  I stayed behind because (1) I was in the thick of classes, and (2) someone has to stay home and take care of the children.  As Scott was traveling from place to place, he would text me occasionally to tell me what he was doing or eating.  The meanest thing he did came while I was in church during Sunday School.  It was a picture of where he was at that moment.  It happened to be the Eiffel Tower.  At night.  I made sure to show everyone who asked how Scott was that picture, just to show how heartless he is.  Tell me where you are, but don't rub it in my face like that.  Hmph.

Those are just some of the important things we learned in 2011.  I know there are some fun adventures in store for us in 2012, and we can't wait to see how it all turns out.