Braces, Poetry, and all that other stuff.....

Zander has always been an active boy.  He began playing learning games on the computer when he was 3, started reading and playing soccer when he was 4, had a major obsession with Legos and Star Wars when he was 5, loved his gymnastics classes when he was also 5, became interested in video games when he was 6, had a passion for reading (always), loved playing math games (with his dad, and still does) and being on the math team at school.  He began Cub Scouts in 3rd grade and loves camping.  Now he loves Chess and enjoys that club at school.  Some of these interests have come and gone, but some have remained a passion in his life. 

But recently, Zander became interested in poetry.  Now, we always read ALOT to Zander and he loved Dr. Seuss and enjoyed Shel Silverstein, which were simple forms of poetry.  But when his English teacher announced they were going to do a 6 week survey of poetry, he moaned and groaned.  However, as the weeks progressed and as the teacher began reading some poetry to the class, Zander was hooked.  It was so exciting to see a new "spark" in Zander.  It seems to take a lot now to pique his interest.  Zander began writing poems that were meaningful, insightful, and full of emotion.  These are not words that I would have ever used previously to describe Zander.  Not because he doesn't possess these qualities, but because he simply suppressed these emotions.  Anybody that knows Zander knows that he is a "to the point", "everything is black and white", "bottomline", thinker who excels in things like math and science.  Definitely not creative, emotional, and vulnerable.  But I am so thankful that poetry has opened a door to Zander's heart and has allowed him the opportunity to express himself.  We all need a place where we can purge all those thoughts and put them into a beautiful form. 

Yesterday, Zander's English class put together a Poetry Cafe.  Each child in his class presented their own version of creativity, but his teacher hand selected a few students who got to invite their parents.  Zander got to read his own poems and give a short summary of who they are as a poet.  I sat there watching a young man deliver words that were full of passion and emotion.  Needless to say, it made me cry.  It was neat to see him evolve into new territory. 

Another new milestone occured this week...BRACES.  Since Zander's teeth had fully come in, he has been very self-conscious about this smile.  His bottom row of teeth were incredibly crowded, so much so, that he had 2 teeth growing behind the first row of teeth.  It gave him the appearance of have 2 rows of teeth.  Well, the day he had been looking forward to finally came this week.  He had his braces put on and he was truly excited.  I am not foolish, however, because I know that excitment will wear off soon.  Actually, it already has somewhat.  He is still skiddish about eating and how if feels in his sore mouth. But with time, that will wear off.  In 2 years, my already handsome son will have beautiful teeth.  Hopefully he will feel that it was worth it!


Finally got a good one!!



Zander would not open his mouth for the picture, but Will proudly did.  LOL