Yesterday the boys and I hit up the school's annual book fair.  As we walked into the school, I got caught up in a conversation with Jbird's teacher.  The three boys headed into the library without me.  A few minutes later, JB emerged with books spilling out of his arms.  I told him to go back in to the library, put them on the counter and then I would come look at them and help him decide which ones we would buy.  By the time I made it to the library, the librarian was cracking up laughing.  Seems that JB just got in line with everyone else with all his books.  When he got to the cash register, a volunteer rang him up and then realized that his adult was nowhere around.  So she wanted to let me know, as she laughed, that he had $55 worth of books!  It was quite the conversation to get him to understand that we could not keep all the books!  Mom, who had the checkbook, finally won!

The boys are getting excited about a new Lego movie coming out later this week.  They are determined to go see it.  I love conversations like this because when they really want something, it is a great time for me to remind them about how much things cost.  Do they want to each buy a ticket to the movie or each buy a pizza.  Would they rather take that $45 that would be spent on movie and snacks and go to the hot springs instead.  Or maybe they would rather buy a big Lego set.  Just amazes me how they have no concept of money and at this age, probably should not.

When B was talking about the movie, he told me it was one of the cheapest movies ever made.  I asked him how he figured that.  He said all the characters are lego people and not actors.  Then I asked him who provided the voices for the Legos.  He was shocked to think that people would get paid for using their voice  when they did not even have to act.  He has started helping me write checks to pay bills.  I think this summer I am going to give him a set amount of cash for school clothes, shoes, supplies, etc and see how he does with it.  My hope is that he will at least learn to look for sales and think through his purchases.

The other day I was helping JB get ready to catch the bus for school.  I don't remember the particulars, but I had asked him to do something and then I would do x for him.  He was not at all happy with it and proceeded to throw a tantrum.  I told him I would help him but he first needed to obey.  He proceeded in his anger to tell me how rude and mean I was. Well, the bus pulled up and he begrudgingly walked to the bus, with big ol tears.  As he was getting on the bus, he turned to me as and said 'bye' then took his seat and proceeded to wave at me as the bus pulled away.   It immediately hit me how quickly kids forget grievances.  Man, when somebody makes me mad, I try to stew about it and replay it over and over.  Not JB.  He was very angry with me, but when the situation was over, he just moved right along and acted like nothing ever happened.  The lessons we learn from the kids!

Last week I was not able to hook up with my personal trainer...our schedules just conflicted.  Yesterday we touched base.  She suggested I weigh in and take more measurements.  I was not real thrilled about this, as I had been periodically weighing myself at home.  I was not expecting much.  Turns out, I gained a pound but lost 6.75 inches.  That is some serious muscle I am building!  Today she put me through the fitness test again.  I almost doubled the amount of push ups and sit ups.  We got on the treadmill for 10 minutes and I was able to go .98 miles.  That was so close to a 10 minute mile!  I was not even upset that I officially missed the mile mark...I was about to drop.  Seems there is a nice running store in the neighboring town.  They take all kinds of foot measurements, video tape you walking and running on a treadmill, etc.  All to help you determine what type of shoe/arch support, etc you need.  I think a trip into town is on the docket for the weekend!

Well, need to get some sleep.  It has been awful cold here - currently minus 15 - so sure makes it hard to climb out of bed in the mornings.