Proud Mommy Moment

It wasn't that long ago that Elijah started playing basketball and Gabe had to tag along to every game.

Now, after years of waiting (not so patiently), it's finally his turn.

Saturday was Gabe's very first basketball game.  It was quite the family affair, with Joe coaching, Elijah refereeing and Isabel and me cheering.

Although he didn't get any slam dunks (much to his chagrin), he did score four points and did an amazing job at both offense and defense.  I had this image of both kindergarten teams just standing there, not knowing what to do, but we were all pleasantly surprised at how well they actually played the game.  It was adorable!

I wish I had a video of Gabe jumping up and down, guarding his "man" (who was sometimes a girl), calling out, "I'm open, pass it to me!".  The lighting in the gym is not the best, so these pics will just have to do.  If you ever need to put a smile on your face, though, I strongly suggest watching a kindergarten basketball game :)

Gabe and his classmate, Cian

Striking a pose for Mom

The ref, explaining the rules

Elijah, the big brother ref (and some cheerleaders)

Coach Daddy/Joe, passing out game stars

Upward is an organization that emphasizes learning a sport in a Christian environment.  Every practice involves a scripture lesson, and after each game, the boys are given special stars according to best effort, best defense, best offense, most Christ-like and best sportsmanship.  The boys all made it through the game without tears, without a fight and with a good attitude the whole time.  Joe did a great job as coach, keeping a smile on his face and encouraging the little guys on a game well-played.  Saturday mornings are going to be a blast for the next two months, for sure!

Where I'll Be...

This quarter of school has the potential to really kick my boo-tay.

I am taking seven credit hours of Community Health Nursing and Transitions to Professional Nursing.  Both of which require lots of weekly assignments, group projects and pages upon pages of papers written in APA format.

Doesn't the mere thought of that make you cringe?

I don't mind the work, the professors are actually very interesting and nice, but combining college with work and home life is going to be a challenge, I can already tell.

So, if you don't see me much around these parts these next 10 weeks, you know where I'll be...

That makes one of us.

Every winter, this hawk (or one of his relatives, perhaps) returns to our neighborhood, soaring above the houses and yards, coming to perch in our trees or on our rooftop.

He is beautiful.  He is magnificent.  He is clearly not taking advantage of his abilities.

Me?  If I could fly anywhere in the land, it would NOT be to Ohio in the winter.  I'd be in Texas, or Arizona, or California.  Somewhere warm.  Somewhere without snow and ice.

Just sayin'.

Where would you fly?  Or do you like winter in your neck of the woods?  What do you do to survive a season that you can't stand?

New Year's Recap

I love hosting New Year's Eve.

This year there was plenty of yummy appetizers (thanks for the recipes, Julia!), 

plenty of new cocktails to try...(Rock Lobster and Royal Flush were the favorites),

plenty of grown-up friends for us,

and younger friends for these guys,

old friends and new,

lots of noise while watching the ball drop (look at Gabe in the center...cracking me up!)

a new drink every hour had us feeling good and tipsy,

and lots of sugar had these guys wild and crazy!

All in all, a great way to end one year and start off another.

Any New Year traditions you have to share?  Did you make it til midnight?  Can you believe Dick Clark is still alive?!

Please, Mom and Dad...

This kid came home with papers about the 8th grade Washington, D.C. trip in the fall.

This kid, who doesn't ever like to spend the night away from home, has decided that he really wants to go.

There is a parent meeting this Saturday.

Is it crazy that I am actually considering letting my firstborn get on a bus and drive to the capital, without me?

I went to Washington on a school trip, and I still remember it (19) years later.  It was an amazing experience.  One I want him to have the opportunity to experience as well.

But seriously, am I crazy?  It's so hard to let go.  How on earth can I have a kid this age already?

Would you let your firstborn go?  Have you ever gone?  Do you struggle with being overprotective?

How to live up to a word.

2010 was the year of frugality, in which I learned to clip coupons and use sources such as couponmom.com and CVX Extracare Bucks (thanks to Brandy).  I vowed to use the things I had on hand and not buy extra, whether it was clothing or scrapbook supplies (I did fairly well with that vow).  Although we did vacation, it was with a timeshare company for one trip and a budget off-season family package with the other.  We managed to pay cash for Christmas (other than using our Kohls card for the 30% off).  All in all, I feel like I did a pretty good job living up to my word.

And now I must admit that being frugal pretty much sucked.  And I'm super glad that I can move on to another word for 2011.

Being a part of a new church has inspired my word this year.  The church of Antioch focuses largely on charity and missions, both local and worldwide.  While my dream is to serve on a mission, I'm not sure if I'm ready for the reality of leaving my family quite yet.  Instead, I am determined to find ways for my whole family to live out the word of charity, according to this definition:

char·i·ty

 noun \ˈcher-ə-tē, ˈcha-rə-\

1

: benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity

2

a : generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering; also : aid given to those in need

b : an institution engaged in relief of the poor

c : public provision for the relief of the needy

I'm excited about teaching my kids about the joy of giving, especially when we have been given so much.  My goal is to find one charity-focused event every month for us to participate in as a family, along with activities that will instill in their hearts a need to give to others who have less than us.

If you have any good ideas about this, please feel free to comment!  And if you have a word for 2011, please share!

You say goodbye, I say hello...

Dear 2010,

I must admit, I'm a bit sad to see you go.

There have been some years that I was glad to close the door on, but not you.

You saw me through my goal to become more frugal.

I started back to college after fifteen years, and it hasn't been (that) painful, actually it's been refreshing to stimulate my brain again.

All three of my babies are in school.  One in junior high, one in middle school, one in kindergarten.  Straight A's and good behavior from all of them.  Makes this mommy very proud.

My mom moved closer to me, and eliminated a lot of drama from her life.  My kids love having both of their mamaws less than five minutes away.

Joe's dad survived his open heart surgery and is recovering well.  He is determined to make some major life changes to stay healthy and live to see his grandbabies grow up.

Joe fulfilled a lifelong dream and started his own company, doing ceramic tile and general home repairs.  He is still teaching, too, until the company takes off.

2010, you have continued to bless me and my family with good friends, health, a good job that I love, and a realization that God has had His hand on us from the beginning and will until the end.

Though I'm sad to see you go, I'm ready for your cousin, 2011, to carry on in your example.

Goodbye, 2010; hello, 2011!