Tag-Archive for » Josiah «
Josiah went all out again for school spirit week . . . Wednesday was “Christmas Character Day”. Dan did an excellent job on make up and costume assistance. Teens in school told the “old man” they liked his hat, and didn’t realize he was a student! He was excellent in looks, character and walk. In the middle of the day we took him to the orthodontist, where he went in complete character too!. His graphics teacher didn’t recognize him and wanted to know if she could help him. That’s my boy, going all out!
Red & White day of Homecoming Week is the biggest and best . . . We were up late last night gathering parts for the costume, trying them all, and rejecting many combinations that just weren’t right. Josiah & I had fun with scissors, trying to get the cuts in exact circles (sort of) and making little “snips” in the surrounding areas. The sock combinations and shorts to go with the main element of the slitted shirt came together nicely. Then the head . . . his favorite red afro wig was not to be found, too much loaning out and no returning. So new options were tried, ending with a knit scull cap, which was the perfect one to go with the socks.
This morning came, and the outfit pieces that were laid out for the night were jumped into. Breakfast was consumed, and the artist painting of the TARGET began. Josiah was cushioned with the sheep skin and blankets laid on the table. Josiah was laid out, so he could hold still. He said it is much better than sitting in a chair. Dan made the beginning outlines / design in white. I painted white “M”s for “Marlette” on his already red fingernails and they were laid to dry on his belly. Then together, we both painted the red (notice I am not in the photos because I am the photographer). I did the red outlines near the white, and Dan filled in the red.
Kyle Mero (dressing up as Leaf Ericson) arrived and put his touches on his Leaf / Viking outfit. Dan & Josiah designed and created his shirt last night for him. He arrived to announce that it is “awesome”. We learned that Christopher Columbus gets a day for his discovery of the USA, where it was actually Leaf Ericson long before who was the original discoverer. So Kyle (who looks much like a hippee today) was celebrating his day. No red on him . . . but that is OK Kyle is an original.
I had to jump out from behind the bush as the two of them were walking to school . . . neither of them could stop for a proper photo of the full outfits. The one here was taken of them walking backwards, so they could get to the school in time to strut their outfits!
As Dan & I stood in the kitchen looking out the window at them entering the High School . . . we commented, “one more homecoming week has come and gone”. Only 3 more of these to go. There probably isn’t any other parents more involved in the preparation for Homecoming as we are. We also love this week. It isn’t only Josiah the TARGET! 
Today in Spirit week is “Rock Star Day”. Here is my “Rock Star”. Be sure to notice the bright red tie and fadora hat with the read feather . . . Ooo Laa Laa!
Last night and this morning, I was pulling things out of the archives that might make Josiah look like a “real woman”. The outfit we came up with, I just might try on a date night out with Dan (with a few less bling bling accessories).
As I was painting his fingernails bright red last night, I noticed what a great shape his nails are.
This morning as I was putting on his “smokey eyes” make up and lipstick, his gorgeous features were quite nicely accented. Good he wasn’t a girl, I am glad for my boy.
He headed out early to school, so he could walk the halls in his outfit of the day. Today is bigger and better than the other days . . . what will come tomorrow and Friday? It will be fun.
I love to see Josiah go all out for it . . . totally, holding nothing back!
You go Schmoke!
In planning for the outfit of today, many options were available. Grandpa, across the street offered his sweaters of choice if needed (fully knowing that one of his favorite sweaters could have been chosen as an “ugly sweater”. I offered my sweater pile to choosing, but Josiah didn’t even look at it. Dan went down to Heaven Sent (our local thrift store) to choose an “ugly sweater” for Josiah. When Dan came back with this light blue button up cardigan, I assured him that Josiah would not find it an “ugly sweater” but one he would actually wear and like. Dan said, “no way”. Sure enough, when presented with this blue choice, Josiah loved it. I showed him an old sweater of when I was a baby in the 60’s and the outfits that my parents were wearing with me in their arms was the era of this sweater. It became his choice of the day. Funny how what goes around, comes around.
Yesterday his outfit of choice, that he felt quite swell in is this dark pinstriped suit with the fidora hat. When posing for this photo he said he couldn’t smile, because this was not an outfit that one smiles in. This was what he had planned to wear to help Neal, his friend make a video for school. The plan was to go to Walmart for the setting of this video. They didn’t end up making the video – something about the camera wasn’t working . . . but Josiah was ready!
Today begins the week long preparation for the “Marlette Raiders Homecoming Football Game” on Friday night. Each day at school they have a special theme, where the students & teachers dress up. Today was “GET UP AND GO” day. Many of the students wear their pajamas (of course they have to be decent), but the usual is to wear flannel trousers / pants.
This is one week where Josiah shines at Marlette Jr / Sr. High School. He likes to go all out. Of course Dan also loves to pull things out of trunks, think of more parts to add to the costume, etc. Josiah boldly goes into the school totally decked out. Today was no exception, after he was 100% sure that it was actually “GET UP AND GO” day.
Those with good costumes are sent to the central place for judging. Josiah was the one sent from his class, and of course was the winner. Yeah Josiah!
One thing we do miss is having Joshua and Will Eppenbroch joining us for going all out on costume day. Maybe Josiah will find other brave ones to go for it with this year!
Darwin came back to Marlette, MI to visit us after his first visit here for imagiNations 4 years ago! Tonight was the last night he has with us and we celebrated by eating at Treves Pizza. He heads back to California where he is a Tennis Coach, and soon to be student there. We have been able to see him almost every year since we first met him in Uruguay for TeenStreet about 6+ years ago now. We have been able to have him as another “son” living with us for nearly 3 weeks.He and Josiah spent most of their time together and it was great for both of them. 
We enjoyed him too! He also was able to go to all the Soccer Practices for Josiah’s Marlette Varsity Soccer Team . . . and be a great encouragement and support to all the guys on the team! We will miss you Darwin, come back and stay again anytime!
Josiah's Raz-Ma-Taz Scooter
Dan & I went to the Stock Yard in Marlette this morning on our walk with Champ. The place was packed, because it was such a sunny, gorgeous day! There we found some great finds. The best one was a scooter for Josiah.
Now he has wheels. It was a riot for us all to try riding it around town. It is a smooth ride, and easy to drive. Some of the great features is that it gets 110 miles to the gallon, it only goes 35 miles per hour max, it mixes gas and oil (and we learned how to put it in), and it is Josiah’s wheels!
Now he can get around town and just out of town on his own until he gets his driver’s license. We are all excited for him.
Thanks Dad & Mom Potter for sharing the cost with us!