Benjamin is growing up.

I'm one of the toughest cat's around when it comes to expectations. But I have to say that my oldest son has exceeded my expectations. At mid-term he brought home 6 A's and a B+ that is hundredths of a point away from an A. Now, I know it's only sixth grade, but that's pretty darn good. I think that's great, but that's not all. He's been working so hard on practicing his Trumpet almost every evening that I've seen an immense improvement in his playing. He had his first concert of the year two weeks ago and he did a wonderful job. I'm so proud of him. But the one that trumps everything is that this year he's been waking up at 6am all by himself and getting ready to go by 6:45. You see, he's been going in early at 7am for Jazz band. He hasn't needed any nudging or prodding, or coaxing to hurry up. He's just flipped a switch ala' Stallone in "Over the Top" in his brain and he's doing it. My son is growing up.