We just returned home from a wrestling meet (or match - I don't know the lingo) in Woodland. My right ear is still ringing from sitting too close to this lumberjack-of-a-man that kept yelling, "Crush him! Destroy him! Grind his head into the ground!" I couldn't help but wonder if we were watching the same little boys wrestle, or if he thought it was the WWF. Regardless, for those who don't know, Isaac decided to go out for wrestling at school. We were really proud of him - we suggested he should try it, and the next thing we know, he comes home from school with a uniform. He is, of course, in the absolute lowest weight class - but he is having a good time. He called me today from school in a hushed voice: Um, Mom...this is Isaac. Um...I..um...I forgot something I need for the wrestling meet. Um...ahem...I need my...uh...tightie-whities. Can you bring them to me? And Mom? Please don't let anyone see them. After a good laugh, Dave and I very discreetly and covertly delivered the tightie-whities to his school (he wears boxers, but you can't in those revealing uniforms). The first meet we went to was a bit of a shock for the other kids. We walked in, sat down, and their jaws just dropped as they watched what I 'm sure they thought was these boys struggling for their very lives. Parker then came home with a flyer from school advertising a wrestling class for elementary kids. He brought it to me, bug-eyed and frantic, and said, "Mom - I DON'T want to do this!"

As for Taylor, I am continually amazed at what a self-sufficient and independent kid he is. He takes regular showers without ever being told. Does his homework the moment he gets home. He has even created a homework folder - something of his own design that he keeps at home and uses to keep track of his work. He completes school projects the very day they are assigned, makes his bed, etc. Where did he come from?

Aside from Parker's fear of wrestling, he is doing well. He still confuses his words, and it's just so cute, I don't correct him. He recently got a thermos for school - Taylor talked him into having soup for lunch instead of boring sandwiches - and he calls the thermos a portal. So - on mornings when he is running late, he can be heard shouting, "Mom - get the soup into my portal!"

Morgan is a Chatty Cathy. She talks my ear off all day long. But I am trying to savor it since there may come a day when I can't get her to talk to me at all. The other day, she and Dave were wrestling, and she threw a "fart ball" at him. When we asked her where she learned that, she replied, "The brothers". Awesome. I wonder if that will impress her first boyfriend.

I can't believe Thanksgiving is only a week away. We are going to Stockton. My grandpa is likely to pass soon, so I'm not sure how festive the trip will be, but I need to be there. I hope everyone has a good holiday. Brooke - when I read that you may be venturing home for the holidays, I was so excited. Though I don't envy that plane trip, it would be great to see you and the kids. If I were independently wealthy, I would fly out there and fly back with you - I'd do it in a heartbeat. I know you have a great help in Jane. Either way, should I hold on to your kids' gifts? :)

This is too long. Love you all - take care.

Adina