As I mentioned before we had all sorts of soccer going on this past weekend. Both Max and Rebecca had soccer tournaments, his in Stafford, Va and hers in Virginia Beach. Obviously one parent couldn't do both, so Larry took Rebecca and I took Max.
It was a good weekend for soccer with the seemly weekly wintery mix of doom holding off until Sunday night. It was relatively warm on Saturday and I got this great shot of Max moving the ball down the line. It was taken during the first game that they lost 5 -2, however the team's play was much better than the score showed. In the second game of the day they completely shut out their opponents at 5 - 0!
Sunday was grey and cold with the parents all huddled on the sidelines. I
was a little less inclined for photography and the best I got was the
team banding together before the game. The cold didn't seem to bother them and the coach urged them on by telling them they still had a chance for the playoffs. They played hard and won again, this time 3 - 2. Unfortunately by the way the tournament was scored, they just missed qualifying for the play-offs. However, this was by far the team's best showing. This seasons looks to be quite promising.
Showing posts with label Max. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Max. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Artist of the Week: Snow Guard
You would think with all the snow we have been getting that at least one snowman was made and you would be right. Max made at least two, one of which was in a hidden spot that I saw quite by accident. There may have been more, he likes to make small ones and hide them, a very Max thing to do.
Thus with his snowman building Max is the artist of the week.
The picture of Max was taken Thursday morning last week. I'm not sure what he is thinking of, probably what a huge amount of snow we got and how it hasn't stopped snowing. Regardless, it is a could shot showing his more contemplative side.
Meanwhile the snowman, or rather snow guard, has a far happier seeming pose. Max constructed him while clearing the driveway with Rebecca. Max constructed a wall surrounding his creation so that it appears to be guarding the entrance to the front walkway. It is not a large, at most it was two feet tall, which is again just like Max. He loves making small snowmen, usually 8 inches an under, thus making this a big one for Max. It is hard to see, but the snow guard has a stick by it's right "hand." This gives it the look of being on guard. I like it's cheerful expression. Sadly it is long gone, snow doesn't last very long around here, even if it is on guard.
Thus with his snowman building Max is the artist of the week.
The picture of Max was taken Thursday morning last week. I'm not sure what he is thinking of, probably what a huge amount of snow we got and how it hasn't stopped snowing. Regardless, it is a could shot showing his more contemplative side.
Meanwhile the snowman, or rather snow guard, has a far happier seeming pose. Max constructed him while clearing the driveway with Rebecca. Max constructed a wall surrounding his creation so that it appears to be guarding the entrance to the front walkway. It is not a large, at most it was two feet tall, which is again just like Max. He loves making small snowmen, usually 8 inches an under, thus making this a big one for Max. It is hard to see, but the snow guard has a stick by it's right "hand." This gives it the look of being on guard. I like it's cheerful expression. Sadly it is long gone, snow doesn't last very long around here, even if it is on guard.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Sweet Rewards
We got 4 1/2 inches of snow yesterday. Then it rained, sleeted, and lord knows what else during the night. As a result we woke up to a big sloppy mess that was "only" two inches and very heavy. I knew with the deep freeze predicted for tonight it would turn into a sheet of ice and the driveway would be a mess for quite some time. So I proposed to the kids, if you shovel the driveway I would bake a rat from them. Max and Rebecca lit up at the offer and were soon outside and shoveling away.
It was hard work and they were not so thrilled with the bargain. I sweetened the deal by offering to bake two treats, Max would get his beloved pumpkin pie and Rebecca would get a chocolate eclair pie.They worked hard for about ab hour and got the large area outside of the garage cleared away. They came in to rest and get some lunch. I tossed all the wet gloves and Max's jacket into the dryer, which was much appreciated when they went back outside.
I'm not sure how long it took, but they did clear the whole drive. I went out afterwards and I was really impressed. They did a terrific job and certainly earned their treats. Unfortunately we got another inch or so of snow, but it isn't as wet and Jacob has already volunteered to clear it away. He wants in on the baked goods and is willing to work for food.
So while all that shoveling was going on I was inside baking away. I ended up halving the recipe for the eclair pie I made for Rebecca's birthday last year. I think it came out even better this time. As fr the pumpkin pie, well it's an old favorite and very dependable. I think I will even let the dynamic duo enjoy their respective pies for breakfast tomorrow, sine we of course don't have school.
It was hard work and they were not so thrilled with the bargain. I sweetened the deal by offering to bake two treats, Max would get his beloved pumpkin pie and Rebecca would get a chocolate eclair pie.They worked hard for about ab hour and got the large area outside of the garage cleared away. They came in to rest and get some lunch. I tossed all the wet gloves and Max's jacket into the dryer, which was much appreciated when they went back outside.
I'm not sure how long it took, but they did clear the whole drive. I went out afterwards and I was really impressed. They did a terrific job and certainly earned their treats. Unfortunately we got another inch or so of snow, but it isn't as wet and Jacob has already volunteered to clear it away. He wants in on the baked goods and is willing to work for food.
So while all that shoveling was going on I was inside baking away. I ended up halving the recipe for the eclair pie I made for Rebecca's birthday last year. I think it came out even better this time. As fr the pumpkin pie, well it's an old favorite and very dependable. I think I will even let the dynamic duo enjoy their respective pies for breakfast tomorrow, sine we of course don't have school.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Artist of the Week: Jingle Bells
Max and his middle school beginning band are this week's artists. The picture I have here is Max at one of his final regular season games.
He is not the best player on the team, but he has a lot of heart and loves soccer. He understands that practice is something you have to do to get better. His first year of travel soccer has been very challenging, but has remained undaunted. Hopefully this same perseverance will carry through in his other endeavors.
Case in point band. This is not the best rendition of Jingle Bells you'll ever hear, but it is remarkable considering way back in the beginning of September the students were picking out their instruments. It is hard enough to learn to play an instrument and read music, adding in learning how to play in a band makes it even harder. A sort of musical sink or swim situation. so I'm very proud how the band was able to make it's way through Jingle Bells, squeaky clarinets and all. Oh and Max, he is playing the glockenspiel off in the back.
He is not the best player on the team, but he has a lot of heart and loves soccer. He understands that practice is something you have to do to get better. His first year of travel soccer has been very challenging, but has remained undaunted. Hopefully this same perseverance will carry through in his other endeavors.
Case in point band. This is not the best rendition of Jingle Bells you'll ever hear, but it is remarkable considering way back in the beginning of September the students were picking out their instruments. It is hard enough to learn to play an instrument and read music, adding in learning how to play in a band makes it even harder. A sort of musical sink or swim situation. so I'm very proud how the band was able to make it's way through Jingle Bells, squeaky clarinets and all. Oh and Max, he is playing the glockenspiel off in the back.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Happy 12th Birthday to Rebecca and Max
Today marked the 12th birthday of my favorite set of Twins. They didn't get to go to the beach today, but they did not so long ago. We had just the two of them and they had a great time. They did separate things, building sand castles for Max and goofing off in the waves for Rebecca, and came together to bury each other in the sand. It'd max's turn here and a short while later Rebecca was buried by Max.
It's nice to see them play so well together. They bicker and argue, but that's what siblings do. The main thing is that deep down they do care for each other and get along fairly well. They are separate individuals and they make that clear on a regular basis.
Take for instance their birthday treats. We have a long standing tradition that on your birthday you get some sort of treat for breakfast. It can be cookies, cake, what ever you want within reason. Max was easy to guess, he loves pumpkin pie and that's all I needed to know.
Rebecca was a bit trickier. I knew chocolate would be involved, but what form? She spent a day mulling it over and came back to me with a request for a chocolate eclair pie.
Ooo a new challenge!
I spent some time searching, it was hard because most recipes call for instant vanilla pudding and graham crackers. Which, for me, is a big no. I knew there had to be at least one from scratch recipe and after some careful searching I found it over at Food.com, Delicious Chocolate Eclair Pie.
It was pretty easy to make, just time consuming. I got a little taste of it while assembling and it is well worth the extra time, it tastes just lke an eclair.
unfortunately it wasn't quite what Rebecca wanted. The dessert she had in mind was more of a double crusted custard pie with chocolate drizzled on top. She at first rejected it, but after a bit of pressure from to at least try it before condemning it, she gave it a shot. Turns out she liked the pie despite it not being quite right.
It's nice to see them play so well together. They bicker and argue, but that's what siblings do. The main thing is that deep down they do care for each other and get along fairly well. They are separate individuals and they make that clear on a regular basis.
Take for instance their birthday treats. We have a long standing tradition that on your birthday you get some sort of treat for breakfast. It can be cookies, cake, what ever you want within reason. Max was easy to guess, he loves pumpkin pie and that's all I needed to know.
Rebecca was a bit trickier. I knew chocolate would be involved, but what form? She spent a day mulling it over and came back to me with a request for a chocolate eclair pie.
Ooo a new challenge!
I spent some time searching, it was hard because most recipes call for instant vanilla pudding and graham crackers. Which, for me, is a big no. I knew there had to be at least one from scratch recipe and after some careful searching I found it over at Food.com, Delicious Chocolate Eclair Pie.
It was pretty easy to make, just time consuming. I got a little taste of it while assembling and it is well worth the extra time, it tastes just lke an eclair.
unfortunately it wasn't quite what Rebecca wanted. The dessert she had in mind was more of a double crusted custard pie with chocolate drizzled on top. She at first rejected it, but after a bit of pressure from to at least try it before condemning it, she gave it a shot. Turns out she liked the pie despite it not being quite right.
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
Artist of the Week: Even More Sand
A very cheerful and wet Max is the Artist of the week.
I was only able to get this picture of him not building a sand castle by snagging him while he was tearing about. As you can see he was more than happy to oblige me and my camera, then he was off running about, in and out of the water. He and his brother Nate are both studies in motion. they need to go, go. go and get very fidgety when forced to keep still. Mind you if they are involved in a book or a project they can settle right down, but if their mind isn't engaged they can not throttle down the activity levels.
Case in point, when we went to the beach on Sunday Max spent most of his time building his sand castle/city. He was very upfront bout his plans when we were packing to go, I had him pick out which boogie board he would like to take. He pointed at one and said he didn't really need it since he was planning on building in the sand and would not be using the board very much.
And that was exactly what went down. He spend a brief time in the water, but most of his time was spent digging, shaping, and moving sand. Max is very passionate about his sand creations and will happily spend hours mucking about on a beach.
And passion is what you need to create art.
I was only able to get this picture of him not building a sand castle by snagging him while he was tearing about. As you can see he was more than happy to oblige me and my camera, then he was off running about, in and out of the water. He and his brother Nate are both studies in motion. they need to go, go. go and get very fidgety when forced to keep still. Mind you if they are involved in a book or a project they can settle right down, but if their mind isn't engaged they can not throttle down the activity levels.
Case in point, when we went to the beach on Sunday Max spent most of his time building his sand castle/city. He was very upfront bout his plans when we were packing to go, I had him pick out which boogie board he would like to take. He pointed at one and said he didn't really need it since he was planning on building in the sand and would not be using the board very much.
And that was exactly what went down. He spend a brief time in the water, but most of his time was spent digging, shaping, and moving sand. Max is very passionate about his sand creations and will happily spend hours mucking about on a beach.
And passion is what you need to create art.
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
Artist of the Week: Soccer Tourney
This week's artist, or rather artists are Max and Rebecca.
I took this picture of them at the county fair. It was far less than ideal weather, what with the periodic downpours', and yet that made it all the better. There were no lines and for once it didn't feel like we were on the surface of the sun. They both had a wonderful time and were even willing to go on the rides together.
This past weekend they also spent some time together. Both of their soccer teams were entered in a tournament over in Williamsburg. We headed over on Saturday and were on the soccer pitch bright and early for their first games. Rebecca's team had another game shortly after and in the short time between their second games , I scooted over to the hotel we were staying at to check in. When we came back after Max's game we relaxed in the hotel. Rebecca hung out with her teammates and Max spent time with his teammate that was staying with us (he's a great kid and is Max's best friend. His mom was stretched mighty thin last weekend and I offered to take him in. At this point in the tourney both teams had one loss and one win. putting Max's team second place in its bracket.
On Sunday Rebecca had two scheduled games (for the girl's team it was round-robin affair) while Max's team had made it to the semi-finals, if the boys' win, then they would play in the finals. Unfortunately it was not to be and they lost. However it was not too shabby for a team that up until Saturday had yet to of played a game together. As for Rebecca's team, they hung in there and played some very tough competition to a tie and lost to the team that completely dominated the game. Both Max and Rebecca conked out in the car during the ride back home. It was an exhausting weekend.
I took this picture of them at the county fair. It was far less than ideal weather, what with the periodic downpours', and yet that made it all the better. There were no lines and for once it didn't feel like we were on the surface of the sun. They both had a wonderful time and were even willing to go on the rides together.
This past weekend they also spent some time together. Both of their soccer teams were entered in a tournament over in Williamsburg. We headed over on Saturday and were on the soccer pitch bright and early for their first games. Rebecca's team had another game shortly after and in the short time between their second games , I scooted over to the hotel we were staying at to check in. When we came back after Max's game we relaxed in the hotel. Rebecca hung out with her teammates and Max spent time with his teammate that was staying with us (he's a great kid and is Max's best friend. His mom was stretched mighty thin last weekend and I offered to take him in. At this point in the tourney both teams had one loss and one win. putting Max's team second place in its bracket.
On Sunday Rebecca had two scheduled games (for the girl's team it was round-robin affair) while Max's team had made it to the semi-finals, if the boys' win, then they would play in the finals. Unfortunately it was not to be and they lost. However it was not too shabby for a team that up until Saturday had yet to of played a game together. As for Rebecca's team, they hung in there and played some very tough competition to a tie and lost to the team that completely dominated the game. Both Max and Rebecca conked out in the car during the ride back home. It was an exhausting weekend.
Tuesday, September 03, 2013
First Day of Middle School
Today I can really and truly say I have no more elementary school aged children. After 12 (!) years of having at least one, and for a few years three, in elementary school I'm done.
I guess it is a little bit sad, but I'm so done with it all. Don't get me wrong, I love our school. We had wonderful teachers and the staff was terrific, particularly with Max. However I'm so glad to be closing that chapter in our lives.
As for my middle-schoolers, they were nervous, but excited. Their seemly sad expressions are more about the much earlier bus schedule and the far longer walk to the bus stop.
Oh and silly mom having to take yet another picture.
I guess it is a little bit sad, but I'm so done with it all. Don't get me wrong, I love our school. We had wonderful teachers and the staff was terrific, particularly with Max. However I'm so glad to be closing that chapter in our lives.
As for my middle-schoolers, they were nervous, but excited. Their seemly sad expressions are more about the much earlier bus schedule and the far longer walk to the bus stop.
Oh and silly mom having to take yet another picture.
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Artist of the Week: Sand Huts
Max is this week's artist and he is pictured here with the coaches from last week's British Challenger soccer camp. Originally Jacob was to be the one attending the camp, but the Thursday beforehand he did something wonky with his foot and was unable to attend. As we were trying to figure out to do Max mentioned that he wished he was going to te same camp.We didn't sign him up this year because his travel team has a team camp scheduled the following week. Since Max and Jacob are in the same age group we substituted Max for his brother.
The coaches were fine with the idea, but suggested that maybe on the following day Max should come back and be with the earlier, younger group. I told them to just let him give it a try, Max may be small, but he is a good player. When I came back three hours later to pick up Max the coaches agreed that Max was in the right group, he would be running rings around the younger kids.
Which brings me to Max's sand constructions, he is a good little builder that likes to make rings around his buildings. We had gone to visit friends in Syracuse, NY and went to a couple of lakes in the area. Max always views a beach as an opportunity to build. He made a series of small huts or caves with well defined moat surrounding them. Off to the upper right side you can see a field where the crops are grown. He then went on to make bigger and better structures which I did not photograph. Silly me, I wanted to swim and socialize, not stand around and take pictures. But really he made quite a complex, which was very challenging considering how crowded the beach was at the time.
The coaches were fine with the idea, but suggested that maybe on the following day Max should come back and be with the earlier, younger group. I told them to just let him give it a try, Max may be small, but he is a good player. When I came back three hours later to pick up Max the coaches agreed that Max was in the right group, he would be running rings around the younger kids.
Which brings me to Max's sand constructions, he is a good little builder that likes to make rings around his buildings. We had gone to visit friends in Syracuse, NY and went to a couple of lakes in the area. Max always views a beach as an opportunity to build. He made a series of small huts or caves with well defined moat surrounding them. Off to the upper right side you can see a field where the crops are grown. He then went on to make bigger and better structures which I did not photograph. Silly me, I wanted to swim and socialize, not stand around and take pictures. But really he made quite a complex, which was very challenging considering how crowded the beach was at the time.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Cathedral of Trees
I can't believe it, we got an actual sunny day. An event that has been far too infrequent this summer.
I took this picture of Max up at my cousins on another of those rare dry days. We had climbed the hill behind the house and found a short track in the woods. It was at most 50 yards, but the effect was almost cathedral like.
The tall trees reaching up and arching overhead enclosed an open area within the woods. It was cool and inviting after the hot and open field. I would have lingered longer, but Max had other places to go off to.
I took this picture of Max up at my cousins on another of those rare dry days. We had climbed the hill behind the house and found a short track in the woods. It was at most 50 yards, but the effect was almost cathedral like.
The tall trees reaching up and arching overhead enclosed an open area within the woods. It was cool and inviting after the hot and open field. I would have lingered longer, but Max had other places to go off to.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Artist of the Week: Castle
This week's artist is Max, pictured here during the class field trip to DC. He is posed in front of a sculpture of a triceratops skull in front of the National Museum of Natural History (very interesting story about the skull). The triceratops was at one point Max's absolute favorite dinosaur, so it struck me as the perfect backdrop. Max agreed and happily stood in front of the bronze replica.
Anyhoo, this is about the little castle Max made in art class. It just came home yesterday, but I took this picture almost two weeks ago when it was on exhibit at the main administrative building for the school district.
It was a lovely little thing, perfect with a myriad details. There is a cluster of small buildings within the castle's walls and an aqueduct brings water to into the castle complex.
Anyhoo, this is about the little castle Max made in art class. It just came home yesterday, but I took this picture almost two weeks ago when it was on exhibit at the main administrative building for the school district.
It was a lovely little thing, perfect with a myriad details. There is a cluster of small buildings within the castle's walls and an aqueduct brings water to into the castle complex.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
A Quiet Place
I think one of my favorite places on Friday was this quite little garden just to the side of the main entrance to then National Gallery.
It was cool and shady with comfortable benches facing the fountain. Max and I relaxed there after all the activity and walking in the Museum of Natural History. The National Sculpture Garden between the two was nice, but this spot was a better place to rest.
It was cool and shady with comfortable benches facing the fountain. Max and I relaxed there after all the activity and walking in the Museum of Natural History. The National Sculpture Garden between the two was nice, but this spot was a better place to rest.
Friday, May 17, 2013
A Capital Field Trip
Today was the big fifth grade field trip to Washington DC and I got to spend the day playing tourist with Max.
Our school does the big DC trip a little differently than most others. Instead of large groups of students being herded about on a set schedule we have as many parent chaperons willing to come allowing us to scatter to the for winds. Each chaperon has one, possibly two students, we are dropped off at the Museum of Natural History at roughly 10 and picked up at the Air and Space Museum precisely at 2:30 pm. DC traffic being what it is if we are just 5 minutes late on our departure another hour is added to the drive.
As a result the kids get to go to the museums they want.
Max chose the Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery, and the Air and Space Museum. The later was only the result of A) we had lunch there and B) that was our pick up point. He really wanted to go to the Lincoln Memorial, but with a half hour hike to and from he decided it wasn't worth the effort. The weather was perfect, not at all the scorcher that was originally forecast. I had a good time as did everybody else on the trip.
Our school does the big DC trip a little differently than most others. Instead of large groups of students being herded about on a set schedule we have as many parent chaperons willing to come allowing us to scatter to the for winds. Each chaperon has one, possibly two students, we are dropped off at the Museum of Natural History at roughly 10 and picked up at the Air and Space Museum precisely at 2:30 pm. DC traffic being what it is if we are just 5 minutes late on our departure another hour is added to the drive.
As a result the kids get to go to the museums they want.
Max chose the Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery, and the Air and Space Museum. The later was only the result of A) we had lunch there and B) that was our pick up point. He really wanted to go to the Lincoln Memorial, but with a half hour hike to and from he decided it wasn't worth the effort. The weather was perfect, not at all the scorcher that was originally forecast. I had a good time as did everybody else on the trip.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Genius
Max has to take a boat load of medicines everyday. Most are daily , but there are exceptions. He really tries to be responsible for his meds and for the most part he is successful. It's the oddballs that throw him off, in particular the one he takes Monday, Wednesday, an Friday.
After one of our many, "I'm not sure if I have, or oops I took it" conversations I decided tit was high time do something to help him. Namely a pill organizer. We could load it up each week and he would be good to go.
I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before. My mother has had one for years and years, so it's not a new idea. It has been wonderful for Max. He knows exactly what to take and can see if he has. So far he only has to worry about his medicines at bedtime, but it would be easy enough to get one for both morning and night. This will also be helpful when we travel.
It is a great thing when you can find an easy and inexpensive solution to a big problem.
After one of our many, "I'm not sure if I have, or oops I took it" conversations I decided tit was high time do something to help him. Namely a pill organizer. We could load it up each week and he would be good to go.
I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before. My mother has had one for years and years, so it's not a new idea. It has been wonderful for Max. He knows exactly what to take and can see if he has. So far he only has to worry about his medicines at bedtime, but it would be easy enough to get one for both morning and night. This will also be helpful when we travel.
It is a great thing when you can find an easy and inexpensive solution to a big problem.
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Artist of the Week: Golden City
First off, no we did not get more snow. The picture is from back in January and I just plain like it. The weather has been far more seasonally appropriate and I think it's pretty safe to say that winter is really and truly over. Although I was able to pull a minor prank on Rebecca Monday when a gust of wind blew white petals towards us as we ere driving along. As we drove through the swirl of white I said "What it's snowing again?!" and for a brief moment I had Rebecca thinking it was snowing.
Anyhoodle, snowy picture aside, this week's art by Max is not snow based.
A couple of weeks ago was the annual "do a craft with your parent/guardian" at Sunday school. The kids have fun and it's a way for the parents to meet each other. He have made things from illuminated manuscripts, challah covers, to candle stick holders. This time around we would be making "The Golden City" aka Jerusalem at sunset.
The blocks of stone used used to build the walls of Jerusalem have a golden glow when the light of the setting sun strikes them. Thus Jerusalem is nicknamed the Golden City.
We were given a blank sheet of paper with the instructions to color it like the sky at sunset. Then we were to cut out three layers of the city that were printed on various colored papers. Then he picture was to be decorated using glitter and glue.
Max was less than thrilled with the coloring, cutting, and pasting. He does not enjoy crafts. The highly structured aspect of crafting goes against his grain. He likes to do things his own way with full freedom of expression. So it was a slog getting through the first parts of the project. Max, however, perked right up when he got to the glue and glitter. It was strongly suggested that the layers be outlined with the glue and glitter, but thankfully not required. So Max went to town, filling the sky with glitter.
The end result was rather pleasing and Max was vry happy that he got to express himself.
Anyhoodle, snowy picture aside, this week's art by Max is not snow based.
A couple of weeks ago was the annual "do a craft with your parent/guardian" at Sunday school. The kids have fun and it's a way for the parents to meet each other. He have made things from illuminated manuscripts, challah covers, to candle stick holders. This time around we would be making "The Golden City" aka Jerusalem at sunset.
The blocks of stone used used to build the walls of Jerusalem have a golden glow when the light of the setting sun strikes them. Thus Jerusalem is nicknamed the Golden City.
We were given a blank sheet of paper with the instructions to color it like the sky at sunset. Then we were to cut out three layers of the city that were printed on various colored papers. Then he picture was to be decorated using glitter and glue.
Max was less than thrilled with the coloring, cutting, and pasting. He does not enjoy crafts. The highly structured aspect of crafting goes against his grain. He likes to do things his own way with full freedom of expression. So it was a slog getting through the first parts of the project. Max, however, perked right up when he got to the glue and glitter. It was strongly suggested that the layers be outlined with the glue and glitter, but thankfully not required. So Max went to town, filling the sky with glitter.
The end result was rather pleasing and Max was vry happy that he got to express himself.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Artist of the Week: Ecosystem Cube
Well I tried to post last night, but it was a huge struggle just getting the pictures up and I just plain threw in the towel and went to bed.
Anyway, Max is the artist in all his wrapping paper glory. I don't exactly remember why he was wearing the wrapper paper, possibly a disguise featuring a beard? All I can do is put it down to the mysteries of the eleven year old mind. The end result, however, is a very silly picture and the wrapping paper really brings out the blue in his eyes.
As for the art, it was a school project focusing on an ecosystem. Each side would detail a different aspect of the ecosystem, from adaptations, life cycles, human impact, and so on. Each side has illustrations depicting the various aspects and a few lines of text.
Max's cube is all about swamps.
I've always loved swamps. I found them to be fascinating places teeming with life. Across the road from our house there was a smallish pond chock full of frogs that was bordered by a swamp. I spent hours in there scrambling along the downed trees. So I can certainly understand why he picked a swamp, that and the whole turtle thing.
Max did some very nice illustrations and put a great deal of thought into the project. I didn't know it was to become a cube until the day he brought the finished project home. He got a solid B, mostly due to the fact he forgot to add a couple of elements. I think next time he will read the rubric a little more carefully.
Anyway, Max is the artist in all his wrapping paper glory. I don't exactly remember why he was wearing the wrapper paper, possibly a disguise featuring a beard? All I can do is put it down to the mysteries of the eleven year old mind. The end result, however, is a very silly picture and the wrapping paper really brings out the blue in his eyes.
As for the art, it was a school project focusing on an ecosystem. Each side would detail a different aspect of the ecosystem, from adaptations, life cycles, human impact, and so on. Each side has illustrations depicting the various aspects and a few lines of text.
Max's cube is all about swamps.
I've always loved swamps. I found them to be fascinating places teeming with life. Across the road from our house there was a smallish pond chock full of frogs that was bordered by a swamp. I spent hours in there scrambling along the downed trees. So I can certainly understand why he picked a swamp, that and the whole turtle thing.
Max did some very nice illustrations and put a great deal of thought into the project. I didn't know it was to become a cube until the day he brought the finished project home. He got a solid B, mostly due to the fact he forgot to add a couple of elements. I think next time he will read the rubric a little more carefully.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Meet Mr Shoesly
This is Mr. Shoesly (pronounced shoes-lee) and he is currently living in our freezer.
Max made him about a week ago from our last snow storm. Since it was well known that warmer weather was on it's way, we're talking mid 70s, Max asked if Mr. Shoesly could live in the freezer. Obviously the answer was yes and he has been there ever since.
He doesn't take up much room and doesn't leave any sort of mess now that he is rock hard from freezing solid. I'm not sure how long we will have him, but as long as we have room, he is welcome to stay.
Max made him about a week ago from our last snow storm. Since it was well known that warmer weather was on it's way, we're talking mid 70s, Max asked if Mr. Shoesly could live in the freezer. Obviously the answer was yes and he has been there ever since.
He doesn't take up much room and doesn't leave any sort of mess now that he is rock hard from freezing solid. I'm not sure how long we will have him, but as long as we have room, he is welcome to stay.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Artist of the Week: Gingerbread Houses
Last year I featured a picture of Max making a gingerbread house at school for the tradition" challenge. I always meant to show the finished products, but then I got side tracked. To rectify that oversight Max and Rebecca are this week's artists for gingerbread houses.
Technically they did not make gingerbread houses, instead of gingerbread, graham crackers glued onto milk cartons were the base. You can see what the blank houses look like in the portraits I took of Max and Rebecca. I almost didn't take any pictures that day, I had left my camera at home and it took me a moment to remember that my cell phone could work in a pinch as a very basic point and shoot camera.
As you can see each child was issued a house, an ice cream cone, and a snowman marshmallow Peep all on a small foam tray. A cup of icing with a plastic knife and a boatload of candy rounded out the decorating supplies. The kids were left to their own devices, the parents were there to keep them supplied with candy and hunt down any special requests like green sprinkles.
The kids took it pretty seriously. Oh there was plenty of snacking on the supplies and chatting, but they all worked hard on their houses.Houses that were as individualistic as the kids that made them.
Rebecca's house was very neatly done. She is experienced in working with frosting and was not afraid to pile it on. She kept her design very clean and simple. It's hard to see, but there is a very thick layer of frosting on the tray. She wanted a snowy yard for her ice cream cone tree and snowman. Necco wafers were used as roof tiles and to give the snowman a rounder top hat.
She was very happy with her house and as a result Rebecca has had a hard time nibbling on any of the candy. Ultimately we'll have to toss the mess, but for now her house is relatively intact.
Max, on the other hand, had a far more splash-dash approach. He didn't care for the frosting and tried to use as little as possible.I think it is a combination of not liking the taste and not wanting his hands to get all sticky. The candy was fairly easy to knock off. The original plan by the organizers was to have the students carefully bag their houses in plastic for the bus ride home. I tried to slip it in the bag, but it was pretty obvious that the candy would get knocked off while squeezing in the house. So I told Max to skip the bag, I would just bring his house home in the car.
I think Max was only mildly interested in the project. However, he did enjoy picking off some of the candy once he was home and using the tree as an ice cream cone for his after school snack.
It was a fun project and a nice activity for the last day of school before winter break.
Technically they did not make gingerbread houses, instead of gingerbread, graham crackers glued onto milk cartons were the base. You can see what the blank houses look like in the portraits I took of Max and Rebecca. I almost didn't take any pictures that day, I had left my camera at home and it took me a moment to remember that my cell phone could work in a pinch as a very basic point and shoot camera.
As you can see each child was issued a house, an ice cream cone, and a snowman marshmallow Peep all on a small foam tray. A cup of icing with a plastic knife and a boatload of candy rounded out the decorating supplies. The kids were left to their own devices, the parents were there to keep them supplied with candy and hunt down any special requests like green sprinkles.
The kids took it pretty seriously. Oh there was plenty of snacking on the supplies and chatting, but they all worked hard on their houses.Houses that were as individualistic as the kids that made them.
Rebecca's house was very neatly done. She is experienced in working with frosting and was not afraid to pile it on. She kept her design very clean and simple. It's hard to see, but there is a very thick layer of frosting on the tray. She wanted a snowy yard for her ice cream cone tree and snowman. Necco wafers were used as roof tiles and to give the snowman a rounder top hat.
She was very happy with her house and as a result Rebecca has had a hard time nibbling on any of the candy. Ultimately we'll have to toss the mess, but for now her house is relatively intact.
Max, on the other hand, had a far more splash-dash approach. He didn't care for the frosting and tried to use as little as possible.I think it is a combination of not liking the taste and not wanting his hands to get all sticky. The candy was fairly easy to knock off. The original plan by the organizers was to have the students carefully bag their houses in plastic for the bus ride home. I tried to slip it in the bag, but it was pretty obvious that the candy would get knocked off while squeezing in the house. So I told Max to skip the bag, I would just bring his house home in the car.
I think Max was only mildly interested in the project. However, he did enjoy picking off some of the candy once he was home and using the tree as an ice cream cone for his after school snack.
It was a fun project and a nice activity for the last day of school before winter break.
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Artist of the Week: Skeleton
This week it is Max's turn to be the featured artist.
I got this picture of Max last year as he was enjoying his very first waffle from his waffle maker. Since then he has had waffles more often than not, though usually it is just a half waffle. His siblings have been very much enjoying the bounty on the days Max decides to have waffles. This was clearly one of the best presents ever.
Anyway, let's move onto the reason Max is being featured.
Before winter break Max came home with a variety of school papers. Most of it was junk, various work sheets that were destined for the recycle bin. Amongst all the dross were a few bright bits that I set aside. One of which was a writing project that he did around Halloween.
An articulated cut out of a skeleton is attached to the following story:
I copied it word for word, rocky spelling and punctuation intact. I think it is a good story for someone who regularly announces that they hate writing, it is fun and inventive. I'm particularly proud of the fact that he used its and it's correctly. No mean feat in this modern age.
I got this picture of Max last year as he was enjoying his very first waffle from his waffle maker. Since then he has had waffles more often than not, though usually it is just a half waffle. His siblings have been very much enjoying the bounty on the days Max decides to have waffles. This was clearly one of the best presents ever.
Anyway, let's move onto the reason Max is being featured.
Before winter break Max came home with a variety of school papers. Most of it was junk, various work sheets that were destined for the recycle bin. Amongst all the dross were a few bright bits that I set aside. One of which was a writing project that he did around Halloween.
An articulated cut out of a skeleton is attached to the following story:
Click I woke up,I felt different. When I moved I heard clicks. So when I got up I noticed my hand was just bones. Soon I realised I was a skeleton! Aaahh I screamed. I remembered that I died fighting a monster in the forest. Well. I would of won if it wasn't for its tail it felt like being hit by a horse.
It would of been a terible life as a skeleton. A smart thing to do is to jump into a lava pit. Fortunately I found my sword and shield, also the monster lives near a lava pit. Conviently I died near where the monster lives. Also I could see the cave it sleeps in.
Raaaa I heard a roar, thth there was rustling, I prepared. 12 deer jump out. Bang the monster jumped out and hit my shield. Shing I cut its tail off. I hit with my shield. Chomp it bit my arm off that was holding my shield.! Owww I screamed, it felt like hot lava burning my arm! Hu I tackled the monster into the lava pit.
In the last few seconds I thought it was good I came back to life. Quickly I jumped to cling on a root, so I can think was that all I came back for? It's not worth finding out I thought. Snap I, well I might as well join my friends.
I copied it word for word, rocky spelling and punctuation intact. I think it is a good story for someone who regularly announces that they hate writing, it is fun and inventive. I'm particularly proud of the fact that he used its and it's correctly. No mean feat in this modern age.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)