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.  

English Indigestion

Thanks to James, my embarrassment threshold is astronomical:

Thanksgiving Plungathon

James enjoyed his Thanksgiving weekend. On Thanksgiving Day he served himself large amounts of ham, stuffing and pumpkin pie. James repeatedly reminded everyone to eat stuffing. However, he did not catch on to the process of passing the food around the table. On Saturday morning James, our mom and I headed to Minnesota to see our niece, Evelyn (and her parents :)). Likely due to being off schedule, James was not the best traveler or house guest. This is where things get graphic...Venessa and I spent forty-five minutes plunging her upstairs toilet after James used an excessive amount of toilet paper. Of course, I left my plumber in Des Moines, and Jeremy wasn't home. James knew we were upset, so he got even more upset and started calling us a string of obscenities. The next morning he said, "I'm sorry I was rude to you." On the way home we stopped at a gas station with an arcade. James had to stop in to look for Wreck-It Ralph.   

James and his dog friend, Sadie.

Serve the ham and stuffing already...

Evie shows off her crawling skills.

Where's Wreck-It Ralph?

October Update

James is sad that his football season is coming to an end this week but is looking forward to putting his total focus into his Christmas list. Here are some highlights of the past month:  

Homework, always homework.

Supervising horse show preparation at the fairgrounds.

Performing uncle duties.

Go Hawks!