Little Things

Our hotel has a sports court in it. The kids have had a great time playing basketball, soccer, and softball.

This reminded me of a quote I saw recently.

Speaking of big things, Ethan beat Esteban in a pick up game of basketball. That is a huge moment for anyone to beat big brother. Way to go Ethan!

Fall Fun

This past fall was spent outdoors and in the car. We had games and practices every night of the week. Aaron and I spent our time driving to and from games, getting kids to practice, and coordinating our efforts. It only lasts a few weeks so we can handle it but I tell you by the end, we are exhausted. It takes a few family dinners afterwards where we sit around the table and reintroduce ourselves to each other. Life is so hectic this time of year but, in many ways it is so worth it to have an active family.

Este played sophomore football this year. He worked really hard his freshman year so the coaches would learn his name. Those coaches transferred to other schools so he was back to square one. He worked hard and had another frustrating start to the season. He finished it not only starting JV but also on the varsity team. His team only had two loses and continued to dominate on the field. He is number 38.

Then there was the freshman team. They were winless this season. While watching them, the crowd cheers for good catches or tackles. I pointed out to Aaron that they always did better the second half. Aaron pointed out that when they are down 30-0 at half time, the other team puts in the second string. This is how  Ethan spent most of the season. He is number 67.

For Ethan, he just enjoyed being part of the team. He looked forward to game day when he could wear his shirt and tie to school.

When he did get out on the field, he did great! It made all the practices, training, and brutal workouts worth it. He had a great season and can't wait to do it all again next year.

Then there was soccer. Lots and lots of soccer. AJ, Savanah, and Este continued to play on their teams.

Vanessa was content to take it easy this fall. She counted down the days to the arrival of her newest cousin, baby Logan. Lauren and Ammon welcomed their first baby and Vanessa was happy as could be.

Talented!

The children's organization at our church recently had a talent show for the kids in our neighborhood to participate in.

AJ did a card trick for his talent. It didn't work the first time but, the second time, it worked like a charm.

Savanah couldn't think of a talent that she wanted to share. At the last minute she decided to make no-bake cookies and share the recipe. She wanted to take a cookie for everybody but, I told her that would be too many. I suggested she just to take a little plate for demonstration. During the show, there was a little girl who went before Savanah who made brownies. She had enough for everyone. Savanah gave me the dirtiest look that has ever crossed her little face. After that, she made me go up with her to tell how she made the cookies. I think that was her form of punishment for me being such a bad mom. I didn't have time to do anything with my hair since I went to the talent show straight from the shower. Therefore, it was more of a punishment then it would have been otherwise.

I was surprised when Vanessa announced to the leader that she was going to tap dance for her talent. As far as I know, she's never even seen tap dancing let alone taken a single class. We invited Vanessa's best friend, to participate. Madi wanted to do ballet. I think she at least has some formal training in the subject. Madi wore a lovely tutu and Vanessa wore her favorite gown.

Since Vanessa didn't announce any dance routine to me before we left home, we had no music for their performance. Luckily at the church there was some music but only a limited supply so, they danced to the song "Follow the Prophet". As Madi pirouetted around the floor Vanessa "tap danced" in which she merely tapped her toes.

For the grand finale, Vanessa did a little turn and that was the end of their performance. It was lovely!

I'm so grateful for such talented kids.

End of the Season

The soccer season came and went. At the beginning of the season, I looked forward to sitting in the warm sunshine watching the games from the sidelines. Mother Nature had a different vision. The majority of the games were chilly, rainy, and even snowy at times. I didn't get tan lines, I got soaked. We all survived and actually had fun in the process.

Este's team finished their season in the middle of the pack. This is pretty good considering it was their first year in the state Division 1 category.

He had a great season and finished second in the league in scoring. He was two goals behind the leader and 7 goals ahead of third place. What did that accomplishment earn him?

We again hosted the end of the season party. Of course, weapons were involved as always. (Come to find out most 14 year old boys have aversions to getting their pictures taken. Therefore, there are no photos from the party.)

AJ also played a good season. There were several games where they didn't have a full team so he played the entire game. He is a good ball handler and loves the sport.

Savanah finished the season with new enthusiasm for the sport. By the end of the season she didn't play goalie and spent more time out on the field. She didn't care as long as she got to play soccer. Then she totally suprised me by saying she wants to take dance instead of playing soccer in the fall. Seriously?

Then there is Vanessa, who was far more interested in the team cheer and the treat than she was in the game. Her team was named the Pink Cheetahs. The boys on the team didn't care one bit. I did notice, however, when the dads substitute coached they would just yell, "Go Cheetahs" leaving out the all important pink part of the title.

Speaking of substitute coaching, I took my turn. I learned that coaching is harder than you think even at the U6 level. The kids didn't really listen to me before the game during our little practice drills. I meant to put our leading scorers in to start the game but, somehow they stayed out. The score was quite lopsided at the end of the first quarter. Our best scorers went into the game in the second quarter, I knew that was our chance for a comeback. Well, that's also when in started to get really cold and rain really hard. The game was called 2 minutes into the 2nd quarter. We lost and we lost miserably all because of me. That's precisely why I do not volunteer to coach. I really appreciate those who do, but it's just not for me.

Here is a few examples of her great soccer skills. Just look at that form.

Here she is strutting down the field. Notice her shin guards became calf guards part of the time.

She didn't know there was a number on her jersey until she was co-captain with her friend Livvy.

Ethan chose not to play soccer this year. Instead he has been going into the gym with Aaron and I three mornings a week. I figure exercise is exercise. He seems to enjoy the one-on-one time even if working out with Aaron insures sore muscles for a few days after. (I'm trying to figure out how to get photo of him in the gym without him or anyone else noticing me with my camera.)

Now that soccer season is over we are all in better shape, have a better appreciation for good weather and family dinners with everybody present, and we're a month behind on our yardward. Time to move on to the next adventure.

It's That Time Again

It's that time again. The new school year has arrived. I'm not sure that I like it. I love having my kids home all summer. Sure, nothing stays clean, there is more food to cook and clean-up after, and the house is always noisy. There is also no homework, alarm clocks, or schedule. Yeah!

Esteban is in the 8th grade. He is starting Jr. High. He is stressed that his locker doesn't lock and the teachers are going to pile on the homework which may interrupt his soccer schedule. Instead of catching the bus on our corner, he rides his bike a mile to his friend's house so he can ride the bus with his friends.Ethan is in the 7th grade in the middle school. He can remember everything he hears or reads. He can't remember to turn his homework in. Frustrating! We are hoping this year is better than last. He loves, loves, loves his ceramic class.AJ is in the 5th grade. This is his last year in elementary school. He has the teacher I wanted and the friends he wanted in class this year.

Savanah is ecstatic to be going to school all day in the 1st grade. She was excited to eat school lunch but, I think she is learning it's not all that it's cracked up to be. She is happy that her teacher is nice. She was so worried about getting a mean teacher. Vanessa is starting preschool. I kept all my other kids home for preschool (I have a hard time letting my kids go so I delay it as long as possible). Vanessa will be our first child to be home alone. All the others had at least one sibling with them. Not only is Vanessa alone, she is the youngest (code for spoiled), and she needs to learn that she in not the center of the universe. (Something I struggle to teach her.) So, today she put on her backpack and Tinkerbell shoes, applied a layer of lip-gloss, and off she went.

Now I'm left alone for the first time in almost 14 years. I have a long list of things to do yet, I don't know where to start. I guess I'll start by updating my blog.

The Look

I'll admit. I'm having a hard time letting go of this holiday season. I'm kind of glad I haven't posted about it yet. That means I can keep dragging it out longer (even if it is just in my mind). I realized this year, for me, Christmas is all about "the look" on the kids faces as they open presents.

We decided to go to my parent's house on the 24th before another winter storm hit that night. We didn't want to haul all the presents to their house so we opened the presents under our tree early. The kids did not complain. My only complaint was that Aaron made us each choose a Christmas song to sing before we could open presents. (I think he did this just to torment me. He knows I'm as excited about the presents as the kids are, maybe even more so.) Anyway, we all survived singing Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but only just barely.The kids were all happy with their gifts from Aaron and I, plus movies from Grandparents but, their favorite gifts were the ones purchased at the dollar store by each other.I soon noticed there were presents missing. Where could they be? The only place missing things are in this house, Vanessa's closet. Yep, she took almost half of the presents to her closet and opened them herself earlier in the day.Of course, I used the last of the wrapping paper to wrap the last present. Once we discovered the open presents, we had to just hand them out to the other kids. I guess that's life with Nessa.

Once we arrived at my parent's, it was the night of Christmas eve. All the kids were able to open one gift from Grandma which was new pajamas (a family tradition). They were happy the next morning when they found that Santa was able to find us at my parent's house. He is such a smart man that old St. Nick! The kids didn't care where they were. It was just as exciting to dig through their stockings.

My siblings and their families came over so the unwrapping frenzy continued. My sister gave this to my brother. It is a T-shirt supporting local businesses in Austin, Texas. It is such a fitting gift for my brother named Austin.
I have lots of pictures of my boys on this post. They normally don't let me take pictures of them. They were either feeling really festive or they were worried I would take back the presents if they didn't let me use my camera on them. I just want you all to know that I really do have 5 kids.

A picture of my boys is rare enough but add "the look" and it's priceless.