It's CHRISTMAS!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQyXWllz5Ao


Hope you and your families have a great day of joy and fun.

Christmas is almost here!

This is such an enchanting time of the year. The general cheer is brought on by the meaning of the year, the lights, the beautiful decorations.

A week ago we attended Jockey's Christmas Program. Here is a picture of him proudly dressed in his "handsome clothes" as he's called them. Of course, he had to be unique for the program, and there is just one word to describe his performance: spinning. You can imagine what he did by himself two steps to the right of everyone else.

The boys like having the Christmas Vacation. Staying up a little later, sleeping in a bit too. We've done some fun things too. Last Friday we took them to the Children's museum in Everett. They love to run around and trying everything, although they do have their favorites. On Saturday, we bundled up and went to Leavenworth for the city lighting, songs and various munchies (chesnuts, cider, cocoa, brats, etc.) This year the kids were all about the sledding. They were blessed with receiving a sled from Papa Dahl and this year they just zoomed down the hill. They were a little better about watching out for others and now getting plowed into. Jockey still took a couple hits, and was almost done with the whole business until I told him I'd slide down with him. Finally he did say that he wanted to go look at stuff and eat things. It was surprising that he was so very interested in looking at all the things in the stores. It didn't matter if it was a soap store, a painting store, or what. He just wanted to look at everything. Of course, he would frequently land on the stuffed animals. Cats particularly. He has a fixation. Caleb tolerated the food and a couple stores, but really it was all about the sledding and he couldn't wait to get back to it.

So we've spent a couple days back at the house getting things done in preparation for the big

day(s). Projects, cleaning, laundry, walking around the neighborhood looking at lights etc.

The best thing is that I discovered free online Christmas shows/movies. The boys come into the office and choose something and sit with me as I work on projects. Before Christmas didn't seep into the office and I felt like I was missing the season while working so hard for it. That's changed now, the Christmas spirit and cheer has filled the office as we've watch the old favorites and new fun shows with the boys. The boys like choosing a show whenever they want rather than waiting for the tv programming to finally put it on, and I like them with me so I can keep an eye on them while getting things done! Still more work to do, and now it doesn't feel like such a dry task but a near budding Christmas tradition for us.

So the rest of the week: Nothing for the boys and they like it. I work briefly Wednesday and Thursday. Christmas Eve service on Thursday, with a small dinner afterwards at our house. Christmas morning mayhem of breakfast and gifts at our house with Papa & Grammy and Papa Bill and Grandma Judy. Then Christmas dinner with the Surfaces and others. And maybe, like last year, we'll visit Candy Cane lane on our way home from West Seattle. After than, who knows. Rest maybe, just maybe!

Merry Christmas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA

A christmas favorite.

Christmas happens for everyone around the world.

See how they decorate/celebrate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEdy4Cc5m5s

Thanks for looking.

Another Christmas song with a bit more depth than a santa song...

To the loved ones we've lost or who are just away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvWTJ44Am4g&feature=related

Each Christmas, the boys are older, we've all lived a little longer, experienced a bit more of life, view things a little big different or deepr. Being a mom has changed the scape of what christmas looks like. This song gets me every time as a mom.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpkI7GW2V34

Christmas blessings...

1- Despite Jockey microwaving a pancake for 6 minutes causing a microwave fire of 3-4" flames inside the microwave and smoke filling our main level.... No damage, just icky smell. The microwave is not going to come all the way clean, but it does still work. We are all safe.

2- I just got notice yesterday that the boys are now on the WA state medical coupon system!!! We were hoping for their highest tier qualification, but they gave us the mid-tier and therefore even cheaper premiums per month. We just saved 89% per month on the boys medical! Which is such a blessing because we had to cancel their medical due to strangling costs.


I'm a crazy one, hoping for snow this winter, so we are on Snow watch at our house. Should be a great Christmas season. Caleb says that Christmas is his favorite day of winter.

Jockey had a christmas program this Sunday, he still went up and sang despite having said "mommy, please don't sign me up for that". He wore his "handsome" clothes, a suit thing. He loves it, and has worn it several days in a row since Grammy got it for him.

On our way to school today I was giving Caleb warnings about the slippery icy ground, that even if he doesn't see it, it is still there. Jockey promptly asked if ice had super powers like a super hero because it was invisible.

Love to say more, but I have stuff to do.

Enjoy...

http://www.nightingalecreations.com/MerryChristmas2009.html

Merry Christmas

Christmas....

Why do we have to buy new??? Just a thought.

The boys are going to love their beanie babies, regardless of whether they are used or not.

We're back safe from California.

On the plane Caleb said he missed Grammy Bishop. And every time they are down there, they say they don't want to leave and want to stay forever.
They were kept pretty busy in the sun and parks, the McDonalds, and the new toys at the house.

We hit the ground running with school, work, keeping the house picked up, Awana, and projects today. And it just keeps going and going. We might take a breath on Monday or Tuesday!

The Christmas season is upon us fast, and there is much prep to do.

We're still praying for the perfect buyers, the perfect house, the greatest interest rate, etc,etc. Feel free to pray too.

Thanks and good night.

California update.

In the crisp and beautiful days we have taken the boys to the parks.
The boys have hot tubbed. They've played with new toys (legos, rc car, star wars learning laptop, bendaroos, color wonder painting set.) Grandpa Bishop built/set up a computer just for them to use and play their games on (a bit hit.) They've worn themselves out twice at McDonalds, to the point they asked to go home and nap! Grandma took us to the movie "planet 51" and it was really cute and good for a few grow-up laughs too.

On today's agenda , the Sacramento Railroad museum with Papa Bishop.

We've made Grandma Bishop's Christmas present, and the boys helped with that. They were really excited to be a part of the christmas making process.

Santa (aka firemen) drove around the neighborhoods last night and in a blaze of lights, wished everyone a merry christmas while giving out candy canes. The first truck gives the announcement and you have two minutes to rush outside. Grandpa heard that and got us rushing out. We all made it, but Caleb was sans shoes and Jockey sans jacket. But we at least made it.

We had out Thanksgiving feast Sunday afternoon and saw Mr. Phinas and Great Grandma Dyer, as well as a friend named Julie and her grandson Gregory. He, a big 9 year old, captured the attention of Jockey and Caleb for the afternoon. They built things with legos, build forts, watch a pig movie etc etc. They were really happy to have a friend visit them.

Tomorrow we return to Washington late in the evening. (9pm-ish) So we will probably have time to squeeze in some other activity tomorrow too. We'll see.

Jockey has impressed Grandma with his learning. Caleb can read but he's being shy in front of Grandma when it comes to this, but not when wrestling or in eating. Both of the boys decided that their previous shirts were no longer adequate, and with Grandma, they went through her laundry in search of new "yummy" "fluffies (aka shirts)". So now they are both running around/sleeping with the shirts of Grandma Bishop. Of course, last night the request was to tie them on their heads and add eye patches so that they could be Ninja Pirates. Jockey has also lived up to his reputation of wanting to be "handsome" and saying the word "perfect" often. Caleb has cuddled down with them in front of shows too. Caleb and Grandma have had some in depth conversations where Caleb's "been thinking and....". Funny.

So that's what's been up in sunny bright California with the "another grammy" and "another papa" in Jockey's words. More when we return.

We have arrived safely in California.

Although, about 13 hours later than we thought. Apparently they cancelled the flight in early October and just sent an email which I never got.... we found out last night in the airport. Jockey bawled that he didn't get to go to California to see "another grammy". I convinced him we'd really get to go. Lynda drove back and picked us up and we returned to have a bite to eat with Mike and Peter.
Then it was home to bed and early to rise. Had to make the most of "Black Friday". We were at Fred Meyer just after 5AM (with the other insane people). We got some really good deals and were out of the store in 20 minutes. The boys were kept busy and didn't see anything either. We struck out at Walmart... in fact, we didn't even get in the door since it was too early, too dark and too cold to wait in the line that stretched around the outside of the building. Target, we got in the door, but none of the prices were better save on two items, but even those weren't worth waiting in the hour long line just to pay. On the bright side, we browsed Petsmart and had just a fun time looking at animals. (Jockey's idea.)
We were to the airport with plenty of time, rode the "train" for a few loops and the rest was smooth. We are here now and the boys are already settled in and at home using the hallway as a running track, using the special computer Papa Bishop set up, and playing with their belated birthday gifts. Plans for the trip... the railroad museum, Chuck E. Cheese and McDonalds with Papa.
So that's the first update from California.

What would Jesus do????

A harmless question until tonight at dinner.

An incident occurred, regarding farting into the oven. The boys, being boys, thinks this is hilarious. Mommy, being mommy, does not think this is appropriate behavior and thinks we should discuss rudeness. I tried to introduce the guideline "What would Jesus do" as a standard for appropriate action. Did you ever think that you would have to say: "Do you think Jesus would fart into the oven?" Somethings you just can't say with a straight face, even when trying to teach a serious lesson.

It's getting to be that time of year.
"Season of prohibition" on buying things for yourself (or others, if it isn't going to keep until Christmas.) It was a rule growing up, buy nothing between Thanksgiving and Christmas; one year we even waited until after Christmas clearance sales to get our Christmas gifts.
However, today I was at a crossroads. Jockey and I were in the store finishing grocery shopping. He requested to visit the toys, and I said we were just looking... in fact, only looking for brother. So he looked and looked and pointed and "I want this" and "Buy me that please". He was turned away with "I'll think about it", I'll talk to Dad about it, "I don't think so", you won't use that, too many small pieces. etc. EXCEPT for one toy. Of all the games, action figures, hot wheels etc, it was a stuff (beanie babie-esque) cat. A little gray and white striped off-brand cat. I told him it was not on sale, too much, wouldn't be fair if brother didn't get one, way way too much if brother was to get one too. 10 minutes to get him out of the department after "price scanning" it twice to show him the cost. He bawled from one side of the store to the other as if I had cut off his arm. That's all he wants, nothing for Christmas. I'm hurting his heart he says. None of his other toys at home are cute now. He doesn't want to live near me when he grows up now. By now I'm feeling like the worst mother, but a decent budget hold-out. ($7 each, too much for stuffed cats!) I call Mike to be reaffirmed that I'm not cruel and unusual.
In the end, after brilliant parallel parking and a visit to St. Vincent de Paul, and negotiation there.... two stuffed cats (one IS a beanie baby), 2 mini-beanie baby bears, 1 mini-beanie baby dino, and a stashed away beanie baby (WITH TAGS) for Christmas.... $1.63 with tax. 1 christmas gift, 2 happy boys, totally affordable, and a relieved mommy in a pear tree. Jockey said in the car, "Mommy, you made my heart happy". I did have to explain to him that waiting and seeing if Mommy can find a way sometime gets better/more than the thing he cries over right NOW NOW NOW about. He understood. Lesson hopefully learned, even if I was manipulated for $1.63.
A rough but successful mom-ing day.
After last week's MOPS speaker, I'm trying to be more "intentional" in my parenting. Finding what works/lights up my child in their minds and hearts and develope that; working on first time obedience (starting to see minor improvement already, although the frequency of "consequences" has increased). We were encouraged to ask "What did you want from your Mother?" (and I've tried to include father, and want Mike to ask both questions of himself to work from that perspective.) I decided that I would ask the boys that question. Caleb understood a little better (or maybe Jockey does understand, and I don't want to understand his answer.) Caleb said he wants me to take him to the park more and sit with him more, and got to the Children's museum more. OK, Can do. JOCKEY, on the other hand... When I said what do you want out of mommy more, what more do you want from Mommy? Answer: A baby, a baby brother. I'm just closing my eyes and shaking my head. This from the boy who said he wanted to hold his baby brother by the foot/leg upside down so that it won't bite him like the rabbits!

Ok, so that's todays points of interest. Hope it was worth a chuckle.

We made it through last week. All the homework got completed, craft projects were don, school attended, MOPS attended, etc etc.

Now on to this week. Just 2 full days of "normal" until Thanksgiving craziness of packing, flying, driving, eating, Mike' working and whatever else. The boys and I fly out at 7:55 pm from Seatac. They might snag a swim at the club before we head to the airport, but other than that... I think we are going to chill at the house, pack the clothes, and eat McDonalds. I might even slurge for something that is NOT on the dollar menu to make it a "Big" meal that Thanksgiving is expected to be. And maybe a toy for the plane ride will be extra distracting from the 2 hours sitting in one plane seat without moving and (please, God) quiet! We will return Wednesday of next week, just in time to got to work and school the next day! Then MOPS and school on Friday. Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Christmas Tree cutting on Sunday... whew, anyone exhausted yet.

Jockey is trying to learn to write his name. He's trying hard. He has J-O and E-Y. So he is a JOEY. He is suffering from an identity crisis. Joshua, Josh, Jockey, JOEY. How is he ever going to learn to write his name when he has so many! Something that he already needed to work on based on the conference with his teacher. He also has a small class party on Wednesday celebrating Thanksgiving.

Caleb had a "Celebration of Learning" today. (Does that seem Hyper (as in over the top) PC to anyone else?) I made it back from work in time to see him mumble words in front of all the parents. He really doesn't like singing in front of people. I'm wondering if I should even bother with the "around the world" (another PC terminology) December concert. He mumbled last year, and will probably do so again. I don't know whether we should go... I guess that decision is still to come. But Caleb was very happy to have someone come on his behalf.

So that's the update for now. Have a good Thanksgiving.

And a new week begins....

We've started off strong this week.
Caleb's looking over a new-to-him LEGO magazine, and my hope is that he finds he really wants to know what is being written about the LEGOs. One of his chief complaints about school is that they teach boring things... "Who cares about the rat with a pack?!" He seemed to prize the magazine and so my hope is high right now. Unfortunately, that means this afternoon I will be having to read a LEGO magazine. But that's what moms do I suppose.

Jockey is doing well at school. A little girl named Carlee really likes him, and he's indulgent. He lets her chase him. In a dog pack it's the leader who is always chased, a leader never chases. I wonder if the same is true in children?

We toured another house last week. Mike's in love. I'm reserving emotion so that I don't feel the crash of disappointment if it doesn't work out. It would have to be a series of miracles and fulfilled "Ifs" to get it... fortunately, we know and talk with the Master of Miracles, God. It would be a dream because of the size of land and square footage, and neighborhood atmosphere, and schools (basically our choice) and bus service right at the corner of the lot I think. The boys LOVE the big trees, and it comes with a tinker toys style hardy swing set. It's decorated in 1990's... mauves, purples, a poster -style picture in a set of 3 metal tubed frames (found at any value village) would fit in PERFECTLY with this house. But nothing is broken or unsafe! It's all just comes down to personal preference, which means we change it when we can afford it, use it until then. It has 4 big bedrooms, plus a large bonus upstairs, plus an "alcove/library" with built in shelves and a cushionless window set that look out over the entire backyard. It has a goat/loafing shed plumbed with water, perfect to house the rabbits or any future animals we need to breed to eat. The lot is 2.65 acres, house is 3078 sqft, with a 3 car garage. Plenty of room to plant the fruit I want, and already comes with a producing apple tree and 4 plum trees. Two downsides. 1) the taxes on 2.65 acres is obviously higher than our .12 lot; meaning we'd have to look into negotiating with the county (based on the sale price) a lower assessed value. and 2) on the back half of the lot is powerlines; not great for resale...however, at the price we are looking at, we would NEVER lose money, in fact, we'd do very well for ourselves, so that is a moot point for us. Especially since we are thinking we'll be in this house until retirement (barring disasters). So right now we are praying that we will have clear guidance for or against this house. And we are waiting on getting more information from the listing agent.
By the way, the last house I mentioned, the "treehouse", we prayed about and it was a clear no.... and I'm grateful in the end because it really was a lot to bite off and try to fix. Would have been worth it in value, but probably more headache than we should take on. The answer to prayers sometimes is no, and still is a good thing.

The rest of the week we'll just plug along on laundry, work, homework, Awana, finding something to do on Veteran's day, and I'm probably going to go help a MOPS mom with some things at her house. No big plans otherwise.

More later as it occurs.

November Already!



Fall is flying by. The boys and I experimented with dipping the beautifully colored leaves in wax to preserve them. Jockey was way more interested than Caleb. And it turned out well, the ones that were dipped in barely melted wax rather than really hot wax. I think they has just as much fun choosing leaves as doing something with them.



They are all still healthy. Me, my chest still feels like I've run a mile and hurts, and I have a deep cough. But I'm getting better.



We went to the Fall carnival at our church on Friday night for a little fun. We were there almost 2 hours. Caleb ran into his buddy Blake and they ran around with each other a bit. They both had a really good time and found success in the games that were available to play. It was fortunate that they were both in similar skill levels because then I could keep them together in each room rather than have to split them up or take turns on who gets to do things they like. The bouncy houses were of course huge fun. We ran into Emily and Brittany and Brian. Emily was just a bit too small for the bouncy houses, so I guess we'll have to make a point of inviting her over next summer for a bit of fun in our bouncy house.



Saturday we avoided the doorbell ringers by going to Maltby Assembly's Trunk-or-treat (aka, games in the back of trunks outside fun carnival). It was alot of fun. Trunks were set up as Nerf shooting galleries, fishing, hockey, shuffle board, ring toss, pin drop. The hit was a horse trailer converted to a hay maze. The boys spent over 30 minutes going in again and again. They also had a fire truck to go in and a cake walk. It was alot of fun, if a bit wet at times and cold. (not great for my cough, but they had so much fun). We ran into the boys "idol" of Wyatt and they followed him around a bit. It was a good evening and we got home late enough to only have one person to turn away from the door.

Last Thursday, Caleb had a Farm party. Everyone dressed as people or animals found on the farm. Caleb decided that he would be a cowboy. (ok.) He was very insistent that a cowboy had a brown vest with a star on it and of course a hat. So not owning this sort of outfit, he and I headed to the St. Vincents thrift store. I felt like a good mom that day when I turned a $2 girls brown shirt into a boy's cowboy vest through a little turning inside out, snipping of the arms and front, adding buttons and a star from my scrapbook stash. He was happy to be involved in the decision process and the fitting and star position deciding. He wore the outfit for 3 days!

We had conferences last week.
Caleb: Really settling in well. The first part of the year was an adjustment, but now he's in a groove. (I'm wondering if that coincided with the restriction on milk and sodium benzoate?) He's got a couple buddies he plays with, there are a lot of girls in the class though. He is "on grade" with everything, every cateogory. He is a mid to almost higher level in the reading. (WOW, great.) He is decent on number identification, but could use a little work. He is doing ok on drawing, but needs to be able to TRY to write what the pictures show. And Caleb show interest in math. That's Caleb's conference in a nutshell.

Jockey: Surprisingly good at cutting. Can identify 75% of his letters. 50% of his shapes. Plays well, talks well. Still a bit wiggly, but has certainly calmed down from last year. I suppose a class size of 5 (over last years 17) helps. He needs to get some crayon time and draw himself, maybe with hair or something more than sticks. Also, his first response is "I don't know how" or "I don't know/can't, I never learned that". He does it at home, it's a confidence thing because most of the time he can suceed in some degree if he tries. So getting him to try without doubting is a goal for us. And he is learning some sight words which is awesome and above grade for his preschool.

Now it's back into the routine of the week. Work, school etc. No parties, no "no school" days, no long school days, no conferences... Nice. I like a clean calendar. So back at it.

p.s. Mike is back from hunting. No Elk, just a wild hare which was apparently good eating especially since it loaned a break from the chili in the morning, noon and evening pattern. A nice elk-less guys camping weekend.

We are all finally healthy! I'm still a bit raspy/coughy... but definately not contagious. I'm good enough to be helping in Jockey's Awana class tomorrow night. Oh, boy do we have to work on our verses!

Jockey had a "mouse-stache" today. That's how he pronounced mustache.
The boys discussed jail today in the car. And you get to sit in box and do nothing but pray to Jesus that you get out.
I won't repeat the mundane, no sense, viciously repeated babble that they filled my ears with, just know that it was incessant and ridiculous.

Jockey and Daddy carved a pumpkin at school yesterday. Jockey's pumpkin earned the "tallest" or the "skinniest" pumkin. I forget which.

I earn the craziest "make it work" mom award turning a brown girl's shirt into a boy's cowboy vest today. Good thing I have a scrapbook etc jumble of stuff I've hoarded (not packed) in the closet. Hey, Caleb's happy that's all that matters.
We'll be popping a bunch of popcorn tonight for his harvest party tomorrow.
Friday night is the church's Fall Carnival. Indoors, lighted, warm, $2/kid, candy, activities, jumpy houses.... what more could we want! So that's our plan. Mike hunts this weekend.

House News: Patience. Probably going to rescind the offer on the "tree house" just to have a clean slate going forward. Just reduced our house by $2,000 to see what nibbles we get. Tigger lets us know anytime someone is getting a flyer. (eye rolling.) The house is difficult to keep clean, but I have hope that this experience is going to shape cleanliness and clean patterns of clutter pick up into the boys. One of the houses we've been watching, now has a lock box... which means the bank is getting ready to list it. We are watching a few other bank owned ones. Bank owned seems to be the route we will take. Simpiler and easier chance/process than auction. Banks offer good deals, which is basically our only shot. Remember, we are ONLY wanting to do this to get a bigger house, bigger lot, and smaller payments. (Although, if approved for the children's medical that I've applied for... we'll free up some cash that we are considering if it might make sense to put towards a monthly mortgage IF we get a better/long term quality of life. Still undecided though. A vastly better and great quality of life in your home environs still dwells in an unpredictable world where life tends to throw $$$ curveballs that we need to be prepared for with a little wiggle room, not same situation nicer house/yard.)
We'll see. Still refusing to get emotionally sucked into depression/despair/drama.
The boys understand why we need to keep it clean. Caleb has developed set ideas of his own criteria for the next house. Specifically in lot size... as if HE pays the taxes!

Ok, time to cook dinner.

It is so funny how life's events shape the boys. I had to smile today when Jockey picked up his toy today and said "It's a fixer." (Not that there is anything wrong with the toy). But you just know where he picked up that term. It's hilarious to see him use the term and know that he wouldn't have even had that in his vocabulary if it wasn't for this house event. I'm going to have to watch for the other things that shape the boys, and make sure that it's good stuff.

Jockey still has a low fever, but he's feeling good. He'll be fine by the end of the day. So I hope that he can go to the field trip with his school.

Well that's it for now.

Well, last week Caleb was a bit feverish and didn't attend school on Tuesday.
This week, I guess it's Jockey's turn. He was over 102 yesterday, and still hot at 3:00am, so now he's home today from school. I hope that he is better by Wednesday, that is the day of his class field trip to the pumpkin patch. It will be fun to see him do something so exciting with his friends.... if he's well.
Caleb goes to Remlinger this Friday for his field trip. That is a fun, but pricey, place.
Conferences next week, so Caleb doesn't attend school on M, W, F. But Jockey does, except on Friday when they are both out.
There is a fall carnival that weekend to have fun at, otherwise I might've thought about "camping" at the club in a trailer. But we'll make it through the weekend with enough to do I'm sure. Mike is going hunting that weekend and Monday.

So that's the update on the kids, sicky, school and schedules.

The treehouse: We got word that the agent for the other house submitted more than just our offer to the bank (contrary to the information we were told on how things are done). We were also informed that the other offer was about 25K higher than our offer and it has an escalation clause, but it had a low down where as we have 40% down. We've decided more or less to "let it ride". We can't afford to go up 25K (and possibly more with and escalation clause) with the amount of $ needed for repairs. So if we can't go in for a pound, then we can't go in for a penny to my reasoning. We'll just have to let the bank decide. In the mean time, I keep thinking about the amount of work that it will require, and to be honest it is daunting in the volume/type of work. And I wonder about our capablities and amount of time to get it completed in. (and the finished result, we were not trained in construction you know.) So we'll just have to wait and see if this is really what we should have (work included) and if not then I'm sure that we will find something even better (ie LESS work!) God's Will, will be. We are "against the odds" here so it is either a huge area for God to show His work and power, or He is priming our hearts to be endlessly grateful for the final house which ever it is. If we found bigger house, bigger lot, suitable neighborhood, SMALLER mortgage payment, AND LESS work, that would be ideal. God does work in ideals. So we wait, we watch, we pray.

I've gotta check on little buddy now.
Side note: Jockey is so talkative and smart in his deductions. His Awana teacher said he was very smart, even if he doesn't look like he's paying attention. Everything is "booaful" (beautiful). or "the worst day ever" or the "best mommy/daddy/brother/Jesus he has". He asked to be prayed for at 4Am this morning, which was sweet and nice to see he knows whose in charge. Also, Jockey really wants a little brother so that he isn't the baby.
Caleb is ATTITUDE with a capital A. And he seems to think that as a teenager you're suddenly and adult, boy is he in for a shock. He is doing markedly better with his reading though.

So that's the scoop. TTFN