Janssen Family: September 2009

Robert Wilkie, 6th grade

Amazing...Rob seems to have undergone this metamorphasis this summer taking him from boy to well, I don't know...he's not a man, but he's not a boy...is this what they refer to as "man-boy"? His voice hasn't changed, but his demeanor has. He's beginning to think before speaking, not always mind you, but the occassional act of courtesy is much appreciated. He offers to help (sometimes) instead of grudgingly agreeing after ignoring simple requests. It's as if he's beginning to realize we're all in this together. These are great milestones which make a parent's heart proud, however, it also tugs at a mommy's heartstrings.

Here's a Rob funny to let you in on his growing personality...He & I took Ben & Ali to join Chris at North Fulton's football game last Friday night. (Tom & Jac were livin' it up at a sleepover.) Rob headed to the concession stand, so I asked him to get some popcorn for Ben. When he hadn't returned in a considerable amount of time, I wandered over to check in on him. He was around the corner at the door - it was taking too long at the windows :) (You seriously wouldn't believe the line unless you'd been there!) I joined him there just before his popcorn arrived. Much to my pleasure, he was being complimented on his patience. About that time Pam (Chris' coworker) delivered his popcorn & laughed saying, "Jody, I didn't know he was yours. I told him I appreciated his patience & he said, 'That's okay, it takes me 15 minutes just to ask if I can watch tv - there's 5 of us kids in our family!' " and that's our oldest boy...

Thomas Garrison, 2nd grade

Jaclyn AnnMarie, 2nd grade

Benton Alfred, 21 months

I almost felt like I must have been running my own preschool for one just trying to keep Ben entertained while the big 3 were gone that first day & it was only until 11:30! And to make matters worse, they had play practice that night so they were off without him again...poor guy! Enter color wonder paints & sidewalk chalk!!