Final weekend of 2007

Yesterday after a severe FARINE fit, the Beaver family removed all Christmas from the house. My living area is back to normal! Ray and the kids left around 1pm and didn't show back up until 7pm. I scared them off with all the screaming and cleaning.
Colleen is going to swimming for a few hours and then boys and I will come home and watch football.
We had a Wii miracle on Friday. Conlan's best friend who has not been in our house for over three years b/c of the dog, came over to play on the Wii. It was a very big moment. His dad brought him with his two younger brothers to protect him from Cece. Jaylon said he would come over again, but I am sure he will never show up without plenty of warning!!

Christmas

A Wii Christmas!

Santa brought the kids a Wii! The kids have had so much fun the last 24 hours. We have even witnessed cooperative play between the three of them. I think Ray enjoyed the day more than anyone. He didn't take off his pj until 2pm. He actually relaxed! I think the couple of days in NJ and two days at home as been wonderful for him to just slow down. Colleen and him did get up at 5:30 to go to the Y. Colleen swam for 3 hours and Ray worked out for 1 1/2 hours. They are currently on their way to do some hunting. Unfortunately it is raining, so I don't know how long they will last. Colleen might have web feet!
The best gift of Christmas is the birth of Jesus. I pray that my kids will always remember that is the most important.

NJ in December!

Early Christmas in NJ

We spent the weekend in NJ to visit the Devos Family. Ann looks beautiful, but she feels awful. She will have a baby boy by Jan. 5. Ann and I finished the baby getting ready stuff. The kids had a great time playing with each. Louis and Ray did some male bonding over making moose jerky, shopping and drinking a wee bit.

Didn't she get her shots?????

I was discussing with Colleen and Rachel about Jamie Lynn Spears being pregnant. Conlan was sitting in the chair listening and then ask "Why didn't she get her shots?" Conlan might be in need of THE TALK, or at least be told pregnancy is not a virus!

Tuesday

I have to get motivated and do some Christmas shopping today. I have been subbing and haven't had time to get things done.
Our weekend was pretty uneventful. Colleen's swim team had a speaker that is the Redskins team nutritionist. She talked about healthy eating and what not to be putting in their bodies. It was very interesting. I think I got more out of it than Colleen. D-man had a soccer game and they won 3-2. Colleen also won her soccer game 9-2.
We have also had an extra child the last few days. Rachel's parents went off to celebrate their 20 years of marriage. Rachel is a great kid. She doesn't cause a moment of trouble. Her and Colleen have been best buddies since 2nd grade.

odds and ends

The next couple of days I get to be the PE teacher. Conlan said "I will be so embarrassed!" Oh well! We are going to try and do the Christmas tree tonight.
Basketball started for Colleen last night. She said she had fun, she is with the same group of girls she has been with the last four years. She also talked one of her best buddies into playing with her.

Happy Birthday Donavan

My baby boy is 7 today.

A Speedo swimsuit and a fishhook!

Conlan went to swimming on Monday night. While swimming he noticed something poking his leg, when swimming was over he decided to check it out. There was a fish hook snagged in his bathing suit! I was so thankful he didn't get the hook caught in his skin. Ray and I have always called Conlan "Angel Bait", little did we know he actually is bait being watched over by angels:) We have no idea how the hook and swimsuit met, maybe they hooked up in the washing machine!
I have been volunteer person this week. We are having our Santa workshop at school this week and I am in charge of making sure there are plenty of volunteers there to help out. Also I am volunteering with the Salvation Army Christmas Tree program and I am working on the Parent Advisory Council for Title One schools for the county. I don't know how Ray expects to go out and work! I am getting in a little sub. time today, get to teach Spanish to first graders and kindergartners. I get to have D-man's class. D's class is the special class, half are very bright and well behaved and the other half is EXTRA SPECIAL. D on most days is in the bright, well behaved half:)

Thursday night madness!!!

We had a free night. Conlan and Ray watched football while, Colleen taught D how to dance. Their musical ability is why they do sports!!!

Thursday

It has been a quite uneventful week so far. Colleen and I did some girl bonding over shopping on Tuesday night. She is a character, she talked nonstop for 3 hours and stopped long enough to ask what can we talk about now. I am glad that she shares what is on her mind. She also showed more Aunt Annie and Grandpa tendencies. When it was time to eat she picked the place with the less cars in the parking lot. She definitely doesn't like crowds! The boys of been getting some Daddy time.
I have been doing well working out. I have been trying to go step or kickboxing class at least twice a week and I ran a whole mile without stopping this morning! Slow baby steps but at least I am off my butt.
Ray and I did some Christmas shopping today. Actually got somethings accomplished. First time Ray had been in the mall since last Christmas.

Hunting in MD

Nice quiet weekend

Ray went off with Conlan to MD for some male bonding hunting time, leaving me home with Colleen and Donavan. We did a little shopping on Friday, my kids have that Farine gene that keeps one out of stores that have more than 5 people. We were looking for Colleen a pair of shoes, since she only has one pair of tennis shoes that fit her. We had no luck. After a few hours we came home and started watching the RAZORBACK game. It was half time when it was time to go swimming. I asked the Y to switch one of the TVs to the game. By the end of the game there were a whole group of us watching the game, not working out just leaning on treadmills and sitting on bikes. What a great game! GO HOGS!
We did stop at Marshall's on the way home and found not one but two pair of shoes for Colleen, which made her much happier. Saturday morning Colleen got guilt ed into going to swim practice. Her coach "forced" her to go since she didn't go to Friday morning practice. (Morning practice is much longer and harder than night during holiday times) It wasn't nearly as bad as she thought it was going to be, but I have to admire the girl for swimming 4 to 5 miles everyday during a school break. Donavan had a soccer game. His team won 10-4. The other team only had three players show up so D's team gave them two of their players. It was a fun game to watch. The kids and I went and saw the movie AUGUST RUSH. That is a good movie. We were all in bed by 8:30 and didn't wake up until 8 this morning.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We had a nice Thanksgiving! The kids and I went hiking, saw Ray at work and then went to Uncle Ken's for dinner. Aunt Sandy did a terrific job feeding all of us.

A nice family day

Today was a nice quiet day. The kids didn't have school and Ray was home. Colleen swam this morning, but the boys and I just hung out. I did those exciting things like laundry and cleaning bathrooms!
This afternoon we went and saw the movie Enchanted. A great family movie. Very sweet and lots of fun....Since Ray works tomorrow we had a nice family dinner tonight.
I not only talked to Sarah and Ann today, but also had a nice conversation with Jane, even chatted with Jenny. It is nice to talk with the people you don't get to talk to on a regular basis.
Not too much is been going on the last few days.
Tuesday...I had lunch with my dear friend Darlene. Since she has moved and gotten a full time job we don't time as much time together, so it was nice to spend a couple of hours with her. We also had a Thanksgiving celebration for D-mans class. He has a wonderful teacher and that is something I am very thankful for this year.
Sunday...Colleen and Conlan both did best times for swimming. In a couple of weeks they will be swimming in Annapolis against teams all up and down the East coast. Conlan and I made a stop at Potomac Mills on the way home. He is too funny to shop with, he has definite ideas about what he likes and dislikes. It was nice to spend quality time with just him.

CHAMPIONS!!!!!

Conlan's football team won 19-12! It was a great 2nd half game. The first half was filled with penalties and the other team scoring. The half time score was 0-12. Conlan said the coaches yelled at them so loud that the coaches lost their voices and couldn't breathe. Apparently it worked b/c they came out the 2nd half playing great. Conlan did a wonderful job. In the last couple of games Conlan was tight end and linebacker. Today during the 2nd quarter they moved him from linebacker to noseguard! WOW! By the 3rd quarter he had it down and was the tackle machine. It was great hearing "#77 Beaver with the tackle" over the PA. Conlan also continued to play tight end and almost caught the ball for a pass. We are so proud of all the boys and so appreciative of having such great coaches.
Conlan continued his winning ways and scored a goal in his soccer game. His team also won. D-man's team wasn't so fortunate.
Tomorrow is swimming. It will be a long day.

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Trying new things

Yesterday was an eventful day. First Ray and I took this exercise class at the Y called DRUMMING. (Yes I am still in the quest of a more toned less body) Drumming consist of a large exercise ball , drum sticks and a very enthusiastic instructor. It was a blast. Ray's shirt was soaked with sweat so it did the job for him.
After that I had my first substitute job, 7th grade Spanish. I luck out and knew the "cool" girl from swimming so it set the tone I was a human, not a thing to be tested by the wilds of 13 year olds.
Then Ray and I finally had a conference with Conlan's teacher. I have been trying to get the ladies attention for 2 weeks finally after a visit with the asst. principal I got acknowledge. Conlan's teacher is a year from retirement and is very stuck in her ways. I knew I wasn't going to change her, but I was hoping for a little tiny budge. NO CAN DO! I am going to try the back door approach to get what I want ,go thru the speech therapist, and not waste my time trying to move a mountain.
Last night Colleen went to swimming and I did my regular Wednesday step class. My thighs are still screaming. My body was yelling at me that we only exercise two or three times a week ,not twice in one day!
This morning the kids went to morning practice. AS hard as it is to get up that early all three seem to enjoy it, plus today Conlan's best buddy was swimming so life was great. Tonight is the last night of football practice, since it is raining they called to say it was going to be in a gym for only an hour. YIPEE!! Life will be a bit easier once football is over. Once less place to be three days a week.

Laundry, Wal-mart and a Nap

Ray and I were living the high life today while the kids where at school. I folded laundry while he paid bills and then off to Wal-mart to buy food. We did get to have a nice lunch together downtown. Tonight the kids only have swimming, and with Ray home, the boys can come home early and not wait for Colleen to finish.
Indoor soccer results.....Donavan's team won 6-1. He scored a goal. Conlan's team lost 11-5. Colleen's team won 11-1. Colleen was the only girl on the field. She held her own against the MONSTER boy. He was 6ft and at least 180, and Colleen collided with him more than once. She said she was scared but she wasn't about to let him get pass her.

Conlan Tackling

Super Bowl Bound- Peewee Style

LINEBACKER!

Ray is in the chain gang!

Waiting to play

Conlan's football team won 12-6. It was a very close game. With 2 minutes left the other team was 4th with 35 to go, low and behold they run it to the 10 yard line. Longest two minutes of football! Conlan played linebacker mostly, but was on the field the majority of the game playing both ways. He did an excellent job. He did get confused about when he needed to be playing since he isn't use to playing so much defense. It was funny watching him, one time the team had to call a time out to get him out on the field. His dad said he was reliving his own football memories! Next week they play in the Championship Game.

BRAGGING ALERT!

The end of the first nine weeks......


Colleen not only made all A's, except for the B in science, but she was picked by her team of teachers for earning the RESPONSIBILITY award for the nine weeks. Only 3 sixth graders out of more than 275 got the award.
Conlan did well on his report card also. We saw lots of A's and B's and of course he is so well behaved and courteous. He is still working on his reading skills, but we are seeing progress.
Donavan is fooling his teacher and making her think he is wonder boy. He had lots of E's and a few S's on his report card. Most impressive with Donavan is he is reading and math seems to be a natural thing to him.

Tomorrow Conlan has the semifinals playoff game for football in the morning and a soccer game in the afternoon. Donavan has a soccer game in the morning. Colleen got a new queen size bed this week so she has to clean her room after Ray and I destroyed the whole upstairs trying to make room for the bed.

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SHE IS PREGNANT!

Ann is 31 weeks prego! Looking great! My internet service is being screwy so you will have to check back tomorrow for the slide show from NYC.

We're Back!

We had a great time in NJ. The Devos family is doing great. Ann is beautiful with her BABY BELLY. I hope to get the pics up tomorrow. Ray and I took the five kids to NYC for the day so we have lots of pics of the day. I manged to get a couple of pics of Ann and the belly.
Also Conlan won his football playoff game, so he plays again on Saturday.

Busy Day

We are going to NJ today to see the Devos family. but first we have football and soccer games to attend. I need to finish packing instead of playing on the computer. Hopefully we will have lots of pics and lots of stories to share in the next few days.

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Grace earned her wings!

The Oughton family posted the following

At 6:23 this morning, October 29th 2007, Grace Lindsay Oughton earned her wings and is at peace in the arms of the Lord. She fought much harder than we could have and we are so very proud of her. She was an inspiration to us and to so many others. She is our princess and our hero.

Please keep the Oughton family in your prayers. As sad as they are I am sure they are rejoicing that Grace is with Jesus and not fighting this awful cancer.

A fun Sunday on the farm

Day at the Pumpkin Patch

The kids and I went to the pumpkin patch today. We had a great time. The kids played on the rope swings, go-tractors, slides and we got lost in the maize. I have one more week at the pumpkin patch, then it will be time to find another job.

The joys of reading!

Colleen has to do 9 weeks worth of reading in 4 days, at this rate she will not get very far. Hopefully she has learned her lesson and will start reading at the beginning of the grading period instead of the end.

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It is Raining!

Finally after months w/out rain, it is raining and raining some more. I might even get out of work today!
Ray made it home safe and sound yesterday. He got right back into the swing of homelife taking kids to their activities and doing homework. He got the boys while I opted to go w/ Colleen to her schools SOL KICKOFF. They fed us and then we did four different quick activities dealing with SOL stuff. Colleen and Rachel loved playing with the dry ice in the science section. I enjoyed getting a quick tutorial on the EXCEL spreadsheets.
Ray went back to work this morning, but he will get to be home all day tomorrow. YEAH!

Happy Birthday Tony

Jane's husband Tony is the big 40 today! Life is great in the 40's :)


The 2nd step of the new wall hanging took place today. Ray took his deer to a taxidermist today. Thankfully it is in AR so that will prolong the hanging for a little bit longer.
Donavan came home with a fever and sore throat. Made a quick trip to the doctor and no strep! Just a virus. Conlan had football, so Colleen and D-man took the night off. We are all waiting for the return of Ray. Conlan says we don't have to clean when daddy's home b/c he does it for us. D-man likes the fact his daddy is always making sure he has food to eat. Colleen misses being Princesses C. Besides the paycheck he brings home, his family needs him for all his love, cooking and cleaning:) Ray is definitely the glue that keeps us one happy family!

Mission Accomplished!

Ray and my dad got their deer. Ray was all excited when he called but he also was not in good cell range, so much of his story telling was not understood. I am sure the story will be told many times over the next 50 years. I know the deer has nine points and daddy's has eight. I am sure I will hear more details today.

The swimmer, football player, hunter and pj man

Swimmer- Colleen went to her first swim meet w/o her mommy today. Apparently she does not need me to do well. She said she took off time in the 4 events, 100 breast, 50 & 200 back and 100 IM. Tomorrow her and Conlan go back to swim some more.
Football Player- Conlan won his football game 6-0. Offense was on the field most of the game so Conlan saw lots of play time, even got in a few plays of defense. I think he played his best game yet. He is getting much better in his blocking. If they win next week his team will be seeded #1 for playoff time.
Hunter- Ray is in southwest CO. As of this afternoon he still hadn't shot the BIG ONE or even a little one for that matter. He is having fun, I think Daddy has only yelled at him and John once so far.
PJ man- Donavan's idea of the perfect day is to never get out of his PJ's. He made it to 9:30 this morning b/f Gram told him to get dressed. He spent the day with Gram while his siblings did sporting events. He told his Gram he was afraid he was going to be bored, but that he had a great day with her.

Sad News

ON the blog there is a link to the Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation. Grace has neuroblastoma, cancer of the nerve tissue. For almost two years the Oughton family has been fighting this cancer with all their might and many prayers to God. Today they gave the following update

During Grace's admission, a follow-up CT scan showed evidence of suspicious soft tissue areas, that appeared consistent with metastatic disease, in multiple locations in Grace's abdomen. Further investigation confirmed it's presence in and around multiple organs. It is now assumed that Grace has metastatic disease on her liver, right kidney, and her aorta. One doctor's statement that "her abdomen is a mess" fits it best. Since these findings, Grace's liver has begun to fail again. There are few options for soft-tissue disease that progresses during chemotherapy, but with Grace's liver condition and nutritional status, there are no options at all at this point.
We are home now. We have come to the realization that this disease is going to take our daughter from us. The small chance that her liver failure and nutritional status will turn around enough to administer a chemotherapy, whose goal is only to try and stabilize the disease, is not even comforting anymore. We don't want to torture our little angel anymore with no real hope of cure. If Grace is going to die of cancer, we want her to die where she is comfortable...in our home, in our bed.
We appreciate so much the calls and emails of support and prayers. We would ask that you, who have supported us so fervently, would now respect that our family time is so precious, and that any communication during this extremely difficult and private time be via email. Thank you so much for all you have done for our family. Please pray now for a painless passing, guidance, and strength for our family to endure.

Ray use to work with Alec, the father, and they are a wonderful family. If you could keep them in your prayers. I know the hell they have been living the last two years is only going to get worse in the next couple of weeks. Their faith in God has been tremendous. Many days when I have been frustrated I just read their blog and realize God has blessed me and my family.

Still Summertime

It is still Summer here. Today was in the mid 80's as it has been all week. My kids have only worn long pants once so far since school started. I have a better tan now than I had all summer. Got to give the pumpkin patch the credit.
Ray was in OK at 7 this morning. He was all excited, of course very sad his wife and children are not with him. NOT!
Tonight Conlan has football practice, the other two have decided they need quality time with Gram and Papa. I am going to take my book and go hide, and enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet.

Is he packed yet???

Ray is leaving for AR for the big Colorado trip tomorrow. He is just now starting to get packed. He did work for 36 hours straight and came home to do football practice so he hasn't had lots of free time.
D-man had his soccer party tonight. Fun Fun...Before that I took Colleen to swimming and did a KICKBOXING class. My arms were aching.
I plan on enjoying my day off tomorrow besides taking Ray to the airport, I might have to take a little side trip to Potomac Mills and do some shopping!

Swim and Swim Some More

Today was the first swim meet of the season. It was in a complex next to FEDEX Field and it was a great facility. Highlights of the day.....Donavan won both the 25 and 50 freestlye in the 6 and under group. He took off lots of time and looked very impressive! Conlan got 3rd in the 50, and two 6th places for the 100 and 200 free for the 10 and under group. It was the first time he ever swam the 200! He also took off time in all three events. Colleen swam well also she was in the top ten for the 50, 100, 200 and 500. She didn't do as well as she wanted. She stayed close to her times from Junior Olympics(AG Champs) in April. Now that soccer is over she plans on putting all her efforts in swimming. We were very proud of all three of them.

football

Football and Hunting

Conlan's football team won 20-6! Conlan played well got to play tight end and a little bit of defensive lineman. Ray was part of the chain gang and Donavan played in the dirt. After we got home the boys got on their hunting clothes and left for the woods. Poor Colleen has out grown her hunting clothes so she is going to go shopping with her mommy. Her father promised to take her to Gander Mountain for her own hunting apparel this week. Tonight will be the Razorback game and carb load for the big swim meet tomorrow!

End of outdoor soccer

Today was the last of outdoor soccer. Their team lost 2-1. Colleen scored the lone goal. It was great having both Conlan and Colleen play together. Indoor soccer starts in less than a month....

I am already on the fast track at the pumpkin patch. Last week I was scooping manure this week I have my own walkie-talkie! I am the "GateKeeper" I help keep all the classes organize until they are ready to go to their activities. Sound easy?? Tomorrow we will have 70 classes to get organize. This week has been more fun, I am constantly busy and have made a friend or two.

A couple of prayer request...Mr. Keen- he is a swim dad that is going to have to have open heart surgery on his aorta in the next couple of weeks. It looks like he will be having the operation in Cleveland, OH so they are waiting for the date.

George Burton-(had been married to Ray's cousin Karen) George has stage 4 prostate cancer. and it is not looking good for him. Please keep him and especially his kids in your prayers.

Is it bedtime yet?

Goodness what a day! I did my farm work. A nursing home came today so I helped with them. That was a learning experience, they are more work than a bunch of four year olds. I did enjoy my time with them especially a couple of the elderly men. Also it made me realize I will not be applying for a nursing home job!
This afternoon we had D-man's parent teacher conference. Miss Costa only had great things to say about Donavan. We are very proud of him and can only pray he can keep it up for another 12 years:)
Tonight, Ray and the boys did football and Colleen and I did the PTO Bingo night. I am the Volunteer coordinator for the PTO and one day, when I am not tired, I will get on my soap box about VOLUNTEERING! Because that could be a page blog with in itself. I can only thank my mother for that volunteering gene.

Mountains

Today we took a trip west and went to the mountains. It was a beautiful day. We did some hiking and viewing of the scenery. I took lots of pics with my video camera, but I haven't figured out how to down load it on my computer. May be in a few days I will have the pics up..in the mean time I put up pics from Ocean City. I couldn't let Sarah out do me.

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Conlan- Super Dual Athlete

Conlan had football this morning. They won 28-12. Conlan made some great blocks, went up for a pass but he missed it (pass interference according to Conlan's version). lol... He also got to play defense the last series and had two open field tackles. He was so excited. He is growing tired of playing tight end and has been begging to play defense.
This afternoon Conlan and Colleen had their last regular soccer game. They played the only undefeated team in the league. Conlan played super in goalie saving goals right and left. Then the fourth period came....A break a way..kid comes down hard with the ball and Conlan dived for the ball and accidentally hit the kid in the knee with his head, but the ball still went in the goal. Then Conlan has an heartbreaking ESPN moment....rolling and grabbing the ball thinking it was saved and then it got popped out and the team scored a goal. They lost 2-0. Their team has three great defensive players but lacking in all other areas. Colleen played a terrific defensive game. The following were remarks overheard by the opposing coach and parents.

1. Take her out
2. Trip her
3. She's a girl for god's sake
the best one...
Don't be afraid of her she is a human being just like you!

Ray and I get the night to ourselves. Ray's parents are taking the boys and Colleen is going to spend the night with her friend Alexa. YEAH! We haven't decided what we are doing, but I think staying at home and watching a movie is on the top spot!

ps...Donavan won his game 3-2. Donavan scored the first goal of the game. A great Saturday of sports!

Ray does have a heart!

Not only that, but his heart is working fine and dandy! The cardiologist couldn't find anything wrong with him. Yipeee! Thank you for your prayers.
Colleen had her first middle school dance yesterday. Their school has dances right after school, so she was picked up at 5 and scooted over to swimming. (Which she was not happy about until she saw her buddy than life was grand again.) Apparently her and her friends danced the whole two hours. She said the boys went to the gym to play basketball. I told her that part of life will never change!
Today is Donavan's last soccer game for the season:) Colleen was asked to play on a COED indoor soccer team. It is a boys team but the indoor changed the rules this year and said COED meant a girl had to be on the team and had to playing on the field at all times. The coach was teasing Colleen that if he had to have a girl on his team it might as well be her. ( he probably wasn't teasing) lol It is hard on these die hard "real men coaches" that girls have to be included. Colleen has played for this coach in the past so she pays no mind to him.
Last night at swimming the swim coach said he thought it was time to start moving Conlan up to the next Age Group. (Football is putting a cramp in his swimming practice time) The next age group meets at a later time but he would be finished at the same time as Colleen. We have our first meet next Sunday. So instead of soccer reports you will start getting swimming times!

Echocardiogram

Ray called and said that went off with no troubles. The technician that gave him the test said it looked good to her. Ray is waiting to hear from the cardiologist, so maybe by this afternoon we will hear the good news. I am off to the pumpkin patch! Whoo HOo...I don't think I care for this working thing:)

Hectic Thursday

I did luck out today and got to leave the pumpkin patch at 12. It gave me time to pick up the house and then I had a nice lunch with my friend Jennie. Then the total madness started, in a two hour period I picked up the boys from school, came home got soccer stuff together, went and got Colleen from a middle school basketball game(15 miles away) and dropped off her friend, and then went and coached D-man's soccer game. They lost their game 1-0. Saturday will be his last game. Tomorrow is suppose to be busy at the pumpkin patch. I like when we have things to do, I do not like standing around. I got to shovel the cow manure today brought make memories of the county fair! I got offered a long term substitute job today, but it is a 40 minute drive and I still don't I want to work everyday.
Ray's appt. is at 6:30 in the morning, so hopefully we will know something first thing. Thanks for your prayers.

Have to wait till Friday

Ray's appt. was rescheduled for Friday morning. He will have an echocardiogram and talk to the cardiologist.
D-man had his flu shot today, Ray and I went to Lowes, and later this evening we have soccer, football and PTO meeting. I am looking forward to hanging out w/ other adults and letting Ray figuring out how to get everyone where they need to be.
Last night I did I new exercise class at the Y. It is called the sports wall. It is kinda of like the a vertical spider stomp (game at Chuckie Cheeses). You use various objects to hit this electronic wall. It was fun. I think I am sore from doing lunges while waiting for my turn.

Back to work

Busy day...We had Conlan's IEP meeting at 8 this morning and then off to work I went. Today was slow on the farm so we got to watch different stations. It is quite a production, besides getting to go to the pumpkin patch, they have a talk about honey bees, how pumpkins grow, animal farm, corn maze and a market. Today I was with the animals. They have pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, bantam chickens and a heifer. My feet hurt from standing for so long. You got to know that people working there have issues. Diabetic woman wouldn't shut up about her medical issues, but once she got moved to the hand washing station then the fibromyagelia lady started on all her troubles. I tried to hang with the stay at home moms and the old man.
Our weekend was busy with sports. D-man won his soccer game and scored a goal! Colleen lost their soccer game, but she played extremely well. Conlan's football team won. Football is so much more time consuming than soccer, but Conlan loves it and that is what matters. While Colleen was griping, I reminded her we spend hours driving to swim meets to watch her swim 35 seconds. Of course that is different!

Not the perfect life

When you read my blog do you wonder if I live in this little perfect world..... Great husband, three wonderful kids, stay at home mom. Jane made a comment that you don't want the world to know what really goes on in your life. It is true, I think about what I want to write, careful not to let anyone know I had a bad day, yelled too loud at a child, didn't accomplish any housework or didn't take time to just sit and listen. I am going to try and let some emotions show. That I get mad, frustrated and somedays just cry. I watch Colleen go thru these preteen years trying to figure out who she is, trying to fit in, trying to please her family etc... and it makes me realize that I still have days that I am a preteen. Maybe preteen and pre-menopausal are the same nasty hormones:)

Soccer Sunday

Due to the Jewish holiday on Saturday, we played soccer on Sunday. Colleen and Conlan were first. They both played excellent. Colleen was the kicking machine on defense and Conlan was a super duper goalie. They still lost 2-0. The two goals Conlan missed were kicked way over his head. Donavan's team tied 4-4. Donavan and a couple of his buddies are developing a new sport that involves rolling and crawling with a soccer ball. The video clip is of Donavan playing soccer.
We enjoyed a rare evening at home as a family. That was the best part of the day!

Saturday Football

Conlan had a game at 2. We had to be there at 1 and it was only 91 degrees! At least I wasn't there in pads and a helmet. Conlan's team lost 19-0. Conlan plays tight end. He actually had a pass thrown to him. He dropped it. I asked him if he was surprised, he said he knew the ball was coming to him, he just didn't expect to be hit when he was trying to catch the ball. Later in the game he was open down field, but the quarterback got sacked and fumbled the ball.
Weight watch.....2
Conlan in the video is on the far side tallest kid

Soccer

We also had two soccer games last night. D-mans team lost 1-0. Colleen and Conlan's team won 1-0. D-man is a bit taller than the rest of his team, but still one of the younger ones!

The Verge of Popularity

Colleen had her back to school night. She was not happy when she realized the boys were going to be coming. "Mom, I am on the verge of popularity, the boys will send me back to dorkhood for the rest of my life!" Unfortunately for Colleen this has become the running joke of the family. I do have to give her credit, after making sure her brothers and I were dressed appropriately and we didn't make a fool out of her. She commented on the way home " I don't know why I was so worried about the boys, Mario had his five brothers and sisters and they couldn't even sit still! At least Conlan and Donavan are quiet and well behaved." The trails and tribulations of being eleven!

Ray's Physical

Ray had his yearly physical for the firedept. today. The doctor detected a heart murmur, so he goes to a cardiologist on Oct. 2. The doctor didn't think it was anything, but he needs to have it checked. We will pray that it is nothing! His BP was good, which is always his main concern. He has had numbness in his heel for the last couple of weeks. He had gone to his regular doctor, he had thought it might be a disc in his back pushing on a nerve. Recommended new running shoes....the doctor today didn't think it was his back , since he has had no back pain...probably a injury to the heel. GO BUY NEW RUNNING SHOES! Hopefully today Ray will go get his new shoes and that will take care of that problem. 40 is hitting Ray hard!

Atlantic City

Wow!

We had a great time. Gin and I left early Monday morning and drove to NJ. We arrived around 12. Gin didn't know we were staying at Trump Plaza so she was quite surprised when I pulled in to the valet parking. I had gotten a "cheap" rate so I was thrilled when we got to the room and had a ocean view! We walked down the boardwalk and lunch and hit different casinos. We might be lucky in love, but neither on of us is lucky w/ slot machines.

The last time Gin was in Atlantic city was 42 years ago. This is a picture of her and the hotel she stayed in. Can you believe things have changed in 42 years???? I think what upset her the most was the slot machines. They are computerized now and $5 is the minimum you can put in a machine. You get a ticket when you cash out, not a bunch of coins falling out indicating that you won.

I loved the Shops at the Pier. 2 levels of "fancy mancy" shopping but the third level was a place you could stay for days. It had several restaurants, but the neat thing was it overlooked the ocean with huge plate glass windows and they had a "fake"beach along the windows that you could sit in chairs and just watch the water. We had breakfast at the Taj Mahal on Tuesday. Gin thinks they had the ladies from the RED HAT Society decorate it. Lots of purples and reds.

I got home just in time to go to Colleen's soccer game. The team played a great game until the last three minutes when the goalie let a couple of balls go pass him. After the game I went to the elementary school to back to school night. Donavan got a 100 on his first spelling test! It was posted proudly on the board. They are awarded pennies when caught doing something good or at least doing what they are suppose to be doing. He had lots of pennies, so apparently he is behaving. Conlan's teacher seems like she is going to be a great teacher for Conlan. She is going to push him, but of course that makes Ray and I very busy with trying to make sure he has gotten all his work completed and done correctly.

Last week Conlan was studying the planets. He comes home saying Pluto is no longer a planet we don't use Pluto anymore when doing planets. So on the worksheets when asked to put planets in order or what is the smallest planet we left out Pluto. He brings home the paper and it is wrong b/c we left out Pluto. I asked Conlan what was up with that He said the test still have Pluto so we have to use Pluto. I asked his science teacher about how he was confused, and other parents piped in and said their kids also did the same thing. She said she change their grades and gave them credit for it since she had told them originally to leave out Pluto. Funny how Teachers don't teach to the TEST, but will continue to give kids the wrong info b/c that is what is on the TEST.

Redneck Suday

After church today, the whole family including Ray's dad went to redneck heaven. There is this place that you can shoot, do archery, fish, and canoe. Ray and his dad try and take the kids once a month. I have always opted not to go and enjoy my peace and quite at home. Today I took the plunge. It was fun. Everyone shot 22's at the gun range. I had never shot a gun before (maybe once with daddy). Ray and his dad were very patient with me and the kids. The kids are pros. They know the drill. Everyone stays behind the stand until the last person is finished shooting, never wave the gun around, SAFETY FIRST. After an hour the kids started getting bored so Ray took them down to the pond and they also shot the 410. Ray's dad stayed with me and taught me the fine art of shooting the 22 and pistol. It was fun. I was pretty good if I say so myself. Conlan said " You are better than daddy." Colleen was learning to work the canoe by herself. She thought she was a baton twirler with the paddles. She is too funny. One minute shooting a gun and while waiting for her turn she is practicing her model walk. She is the perfect girl.
Tomorrow I am off to Atlantic City with my mother-in-law. I will make sure I take pics!!!

Colleen's Soccer Game

They lost 1-0. They played a tough game. Colleen did an excellent job playing midfield and defense. Not one to brag but she is the best player on the team. Conlan played backfield the first three quarters and then got to do goalie the last quarter. He was super at that position. He has that football mentality that you dive to the ground and get the ball.

Busy Saturday

It rained last night so Conlan's football game was canceled. Which worked out for me since I help coach D-man's soccer team and it was scheduled for the same time. Donavan's team won 3-0. Donavan played a great defensive game. Colleen and Conlan have a game at three hopefully I will be able to get a couple of pics to post.

Colleen's friend is spending the night tonight so they can work on their Spanish project. They had to choose a Spanish speaking country to do make a food from that country and do a report. Colleen's friends mom is from Panama, so they have the inside track.

Where did the last 6 years go??

This week I have done activities I haven't done since Donavan was born. I went and got myself not just one job but two. It is difficult to fill out job applications when you haven't worked in a while. Diplomas? College transcripts? Social Security card? Past employer info??? Can't they just look at me and tell I am a good catch?? I am going to start being a substitute teacher for the boys elementary school. For the month of October I am going to help with school tours at a pumpkin patch.
The other activity I did that I haven't done for years was Step Aerobics last night. OMG! did I ever sweat. I am on a mission to lose weight and get in better shape. I have been doing water aerobics with the senior citizens ( who are a bunch of great ladies), but Colleen brought to my attention I was not old and needed to do exercises with people my age. Of course after my knees hurt last night I realized why I started doing water aerobics. I am going to do a weight watch but I am only going to post the last number of my weight. So this morning it was 4.

I want to be just like Sarah

Sarah has inspired me to try this blogging thing. I hope I can share with my family and friends all the "stuff" that goes on in our lives.