All I Want for Christmas

James' current concern reminds me of the Christmas song "All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth". Except James' remix would be called "All I want for Christmas is my bottom front tooth that I yanked out a decade ago for no good reason". That's right, James removed his own perfectly good permanent tooth. He has recently decided that he needs a replacement. 

Hair on your neck bothering you? Just shave it off...no one will notice.

James picked out our hats for these photo booth pictures at Valley Church's Great Pumpkin Party (special needs night).

James enjoyed handing out candy on Beggars' Night.

Football Aches and Pains

Apparently, working the sidelines can be rough on one's lower back...

For the Love of Football

Today was James' first day of school (Senior Year!) and tonight was his first football scrimmage of the year with an audience. Our family showed up like the paparazzi at a movie premiere. James got in for a few plays and even made a tackle (with some assistance from his teammates). He only strayed away once to talk to the cheerleaders. Overall, a very, very good day.   

The Show Outside the Theater

After a hiatus from the movie theater, James and I returned to see "Epic." In the movie there is an ongoing battle between good and evil. James found a strong analogy to "Cops" provoking him to perform a one-man-arrest-yourself show in the parking lot. I know the theater appreciates our patronage.    

 

I've been trying to get a good picture of James and our niece, Evelyn, to document the size difference. This blurry picture is the best I could get. James has accidentally sideswiped her in passing a few times. He tries to warn her by yelling, "Coming around the corner!"

The Whole Song and Dance

Kenny Chesney wasn't the only country music star in Des Moines on Saturday night. James showed up to East High Post Prom ready to sing and dance. The theme was "Wild Wild East," but James called it a "rodeo." He fearlessly belted out "Boot Scootin' Boogie" on Karaoke and line danced with Vania and our grandma who was teaching the line dance.

Fixation Frustration

James has had a tough couple of weeks. He has been plagued with a fixation surrounding getting a new electric guitar (even though he already owns one and doesn't play). These days are frustrating for him and frustrating for us.   

We've tried to keep his hands busy with pop bottle caps.

James eventually wears himself out but doesn't let the remote go.

Luckily, there are plenty of good days too:

James got to hold a chick at school today. Thanks Abby! He really enjoyed it.

James did a great job helping Mark with dinner tonight.

Track Troubles

Today James earned himself a break from track until further notice. In the beginning of the season James identified a "bully" on the track team. We have no idea why he thinks his teammate is a "bully". Things boiled over today when James got too aggressive with the "bully" and told two girls his current-favorite movie quote, "You are the ugliest girl I've ever seen." 

Stable Eyes the Situation

James detests homework. It is a battle every weeknight to get through it. Tonight I helped James with his history homework. I told him to spell "stabilize". This is what James came up with:

James will work for bribes...I mean rewards:

Eager for Easter

I've had a shadow the last few days...James with his Easter list. It is his belief that every holiday should involve gifts like Christmas. James also thinks the Easter Bunny lives at the mall. Tonight he recited his Easter list to me while I packed for a trip and asked me at least twenty times if I like green eggs and ham.

James gives me a visual of each requested gift.

Holiday Roundup

Smith/Boland Family Christmas 2012 was a success because James received all seven items on his Christmas list. James had to carefully watch his gifts under the Christmas tree because his niece, Evelyn, liked the pretty paper. James tried to distract Evelyn with a book. After the holidays James got back into his school and swim team routine. James has a good stroke but is in no hurry to finish the race. On his birthday James went to Monster Jam. Later that day, James showed his Monster Jam pictures to a cashier at Hy-Vee. Sensing that she was thoroughly impressed, he asked for her phone number.