Homework and the holidays

Mason has homework every day this year, at minimum it is reading for at least fifteen minutes and at most we've had spelling, vocabulary, sight words, math and reading. It seems like so much to me! He is reading better than ever and seems capable of all that has been thrown his way, so I think it's a necessary thing. We scored two perfect student drafting desks from Uncle Brad this weekend and set them up in the boys' room today. They are the perfect separate-but-equal (and we all know how important that is) homework spaces for each boy. Ashton doesn't actually have homework yet, but he likes to pretend he does when Mason does, and often practices his printing while Mason works on his assignments.
Yesterday was Suepy's birthday (Happy Birthday, Suepy!) and Mason was so excited to give her his gift. What it is, I can't really say, but I can tell you that he knit it himself, wrapped it up himself and finished it off with a homemade card. Truly it is the thought that counts, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of all of the little-boy joy that was wrapped up into the preparation and presentation of that gift. Ashton missed breakfast because of his last soccer game (which was rained out) but is excited to celebrate with Suepy too at When you Give a Pig a Pancake. Mason, Ashton and I are taking Suepy, but poor Mimi has to stay back with Blake. Today was a wet and chilly day again, and we only left the house to visit with Grandma and Papa for a while. We had a wonderful visit; the boys made blanket forts, rode on the gator, and were all ready for a nap by the time we left.
Halloween is the other constant theme in the household (aside from homework). So far the line up is:

• Max, from Where the Wild Things Are played by Blake
• Wolverine, of X-Men fame played by Ashton
• Wolverine/Ghost/Devil/? played by Mason

I'm still rooting for Mason to be Harry Potter, but the coolness factor of Wolverine's claws seems to be higher than Harry's wand. Mason decided the house needed a little more Halloween ambiance, and so took it upon himself to decorate. He found the box of decorations we had left over from his haunted house birthday party, and we to town. It is very... festive.

Sean is leaving before the crack of dawn on Thursday for his tournament, so send some good luck his way, and some patience mine.