Happy Halloween!

Meet Harry Potter, the cheerleader, and Miss "smartie" pants (see the smarties on her pants??!)!

Pumpkin Painting!

So busy

I left the house at 6:45 AM yesterday. I was home from 3:30 to 4:30 and then not again until 10:15. A LONG day. FE had two teeth pulled to deal with some crowding issues ( or in other words, get ready for me to spend another $5000 on braces!). We had three conferences (not only are all of my kids geniuses, they are incredibly loved by their teachers. And I do mean LOVED). I volunteered at school and met up with some friends for some long overdue chat time. FE had practice and then we had to be at the teenager's school early for Senior Night. Home after the game and up by 6 to get FE to his game by 7:30.

We just got home and are getting ready to take the Princess to a costume birthday party for her friend from dance. Mark and I are going on a well deserved and needed date tonight and tomorrow I am sleeping in a bit before the kids and i make candy and SB has rehearsal, church and youth group. And then it's Monday all over again.

As much as I pretend to moan over my schedule, I really wouldn't have it any other way. This season of my life is a blast. I am trying to enjoy every single moment.

Friday Night Football-Week 9

Final Score:
Us-30 Them- 31.

A heartbreaking game. We should have won. We were up by 18 points at the half. The teenager played his heart out and was so tired because the offense kept making stupid mistakes which means the defense has to play more.

Next week's game is against a power team with a quarterback already signed to a Division I school. They play at a community college with artificial turf. since playing on turf is a lot different than playing on grass, and other teams don't get to practice on turf, it will be tricky. I hear that a lot of players from other teams are getting hurt on this turf. They have been beaten though, and by a team we've beaten, so it's possible.

Last night was senior night though. All the senior football parents met their kids on the field and were introduced over the loudspeaker and presented flowers by their football player. It was awesome and sad all at the same time.

When i think back to a little over 9 weeks ago, we were not at all sure that the teenager would get to play. He's played so much, started a bunch, and still looks good for next week. It has been a really fun, amazing 9 weeks and I'm so glad that our entire family has had this experience. I'm also glad that the teenager has seen how many people love him. There has been the core group, which is our family, my mom and brother and my FIL, but also there have been others. His friends, my aunt and uncle, his junior high teacher, and a few others. Even though he doesn't see us, I know it helps him and his heart to know that there are people cheering just because he's on the field.

One game left. There is still a window of possibility that we'll go to the post season. We won't know until after next week's game. I don't think we HAVE to win it to go, but it sure would be nice.

My Boy!

A great shot of my boy from Friday night. He's number 72.

Well, that stinks!

Traditionally, graduation from the teenager's school is done at a large arena. For whatever reason, they limit each student to 10 tickets which was already killing me because there are more than 10 people who will want to see him graduate. I've been messing with the number 10 for months now trying to figure it out. I mean, when 5 people who need to go live in your home, the options are quickly narrowed.

Well, the teenager came home today and said that for whatever reason, the district is considering moving graduations to the schools themselves. This means each student would get 2 tickets! 2? 2? I can't even wrap my brain around that one... I hope this is not the case!!!

Disneyland-Day 2

This was the day, the big day, the day of the surprise for Mark! We were up and at the park when the gates opened at 8 AM to get on the new Nemo ride. It was awesome and we made it on the first sub of the day, so no waiting in line. Then we went on my favorite ride of all time, Peter Pan. We spent some time in Fantasyland, making sure to ride Alice in Wonderland since it was going to be closed the rest of our trip.


We went on the Davy Crocket canoes for the first time ever. SO much fun!! The guides are goofy like on the jungle cruise and they have large and small oars so everyone gets the right size!

New since our last vist was the face painting booths. Pricey, but very well done. here FE shows off his snake!

And The Princess with her Mardi Gras mask.

We stopped by Woody's Halloween roundup and said hello to an old friend!

And then the moment came. We headed over to Blue Bayou. Mark went to get some fast passes for something and the kids and I went to the restuarant. It had been a crazy day with lots of phone calls while walking. Mark just thought the teenager was having a particularly needy day with so many calls, but he was really being the coordinator and getting everyone into the park and in the right place at the right time. Mark was stunned to see the teenager and his mom and dad and aunt. It was awesome!!! Really amazing. I don't have as many pictures as I would like since I was so in the moment, but really, it was so cool.

With Mark's Aunt.

After dinner, we all 10 went on the Pirates ride. It's a long ride, and I'd been on it already on this trip, so we'd seen the changes. This gave me time to soak in the beauty of this particular go around. The absolute fullness of heart I felt being there with all of these people I love so much. My MIL is not in the best of health and often does not make it to events even here in town, but she was determined to make it for this party. And she had so much fun. I really never thought my kids would ever get to be with her at Disneyland, but they were. My cup of blessings was so overflowing. After that ride, Mark and his parents and aunt and the smaller kids (we only had 6 fast passes) went on the Haunted Mansion ride while the two bigger kids ran over to Splash Mountain and got soaked. Then we headed over to scout our spot for the fireworks. We ended up right in the middle, with two benches and our blanket on the ground. Perfect viewing. I've seen this show several times before, but again, seeing it with this group, and particularly my MIL since I knew she would LOVE it (and she DID!!) was awesome and amazing!

After the fireworks, My MIL and FIL headed back to the hotel. Mark's aunt stayed in the park with us and went on lots of fun rides. Space Mountain, Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear and Autopia. The Princess was very possessive of her and sat by her on every ride and held her hand the whole time while walking. Mark's aunt hadn't been to DL for 25 years and she was thrilled and so game for everything. We finally left the park at about 11:45 PM having been there since before 8 AM. It was an awesome and amazing day. I think, besides my wedding and the births of my children, this may have been the best day of my life.

Disneyland-Day 1

I decided I should break my posts about our trip into days. We took 993 pictures over the 6 day period, so you're getting a lot of pictures! There are 2 day one posts though because I had trouble with Blogger, so scroll down for part 2!



We packed everything up on Friday afternoon and loaded the van so we wouldn't have to do it after Friday's game and could get an early start. After a stop to get gas for the van and a very large diet coke for me, we hit the road at about 6:15 AM. Not too bad considering there were 6 of us to get in the van and another one staying at home to have everything prepared for!



On the drive. FE thinks he's the Karate Kid!

Welcome to California!

We arrived in the park at about 12:30. This was after checking into our hotel and getting our tickets! We made great time. My kids are awesome travelers! Here are the main gates decorated for Halloween!

My Mom and SB.

One of the highlights of the trip for me was listening to the Princess. She's been to Disneyland a lot (this was her 5th trip in her 6 years!) but this time she was big enough to go on most everything. She also found such joy in things she's been on a million times, like Star Tours. She just giggled her little head off during the ride.

Main Street windows were full of Jack-o-lanterns!

Disneyland Day 1 (part two)

The beautiful Princess waiting for the parade.

On one of our favorite rides, Splash Mountain!

FE after the big splash! He's soaked!!

They both sat in front and were quite wet!

A great shot of The Pirate's Lair (formerly known as Tom Sawyer Island) while we waited for Fantasmic to start.

Long day. It's about 8:30 or so here. She's tuckered out. We managed to go on about 9 rides in just the short time we were there on Saturday. That's a lot of walking! Both she and FE woke up for Fantasmic and the fireworks though!

FE was all tuckered out too!

Fantasmic!

A view of the fireworks. We just stayed in our spot where we were for Fantasmic knowing that we would have much better viewing of the fireworks the following night

The Dance!

Our 'Fall Fling" was a stunning success, if I do say so myself. We had 61 of our 80 junior high students in attendance. pretty good turnout! and? Every. single. kid. danced! They were all on the floor together at a couple of points during the evening. Oh, sure there were some boys in chairs on the wall for part of the evening, being boys, but really, there was much more dancing than I have seen at the previous dances I've organized.

As for SB? She had the time of her life. She came home sans voice and with sore feet, but in a completely joyous mood.

Friday Night Football-Week 8

Final Score:

Us-55 Them-35

The teenager started the game and played defense until the score was high enough that the second string defense got brought in. Then he moved over to offense! It was a little sad being at my alma matter and seeing the stands on that side virtually empty. Our stands were completely packed, as usual. One thing I love about the teenager's school in the tremendous amount of school spirit. Our stands are always packed, home or away. That's more than I can say for any other team we've played this season...

Our trip was fabulous, full or blessings and memories. Hopefully someday I'll be able to write about it! But, FE has a double header today and I have a dance to set up for and chaperon and a girl to get ready!

We'll say hi to Mickey!

We're off to Disneyland! See you next week!

Friday night Football-Week 7

Final Score:

Us-9 Them-13

Another loss. We're 5 and 2 now, which isn't bad, but last night was a dumb loss. The boys played their hearts out. The teenager had some amazing tackles, got his name announced a few times. But, the coach? Terrible play calling. Terrible! Too many chances when he should have played it safe. Blah!

Why Mark is feeling his age this morning...

SB got asked to the fall dance by not one, but two boys. One of them is the one who has liked her and she has liked since 2nd grade.

Mark and the teenager are formulating their plans for the dance. I can't post any details in case they might become evidence of premeditation.

Happy Birthday!!

It's my darling hubby's 40th birthday today! Happy, Happy Birthday to the love of my life!

So Tired...

I feel particularly exhausted today for whatever reason, but no rest for the weary! Our teachers voted to have an extra day off at Thanksgiving instead of having today for Columbus Day, and the teenager is on Fall Break next week, so they all have school today.


Fall Break is not really a break when you play fall sports as even though there is no school, the teenager will have practice twice a day all next week. We did manage to get his coach to let him miss one practice, the Monday morning one, by getting him on a flight that gets him back for afternoon practice that day. I wish he could spend more time at Disneyland with us, but he doesn't!lol!


The kids are out of school on Friday for teacher inservice, which is awesome since we're leaving early Saturday morning. We can get all situated before the game Friday night and hopefully be on the road before sunrise!


I'm dealing with hyper excited kids here though, and not just the young ones. The one with a 40th birthday tomorrow is just as excited as they are! Hopefully I'll survive this week with all of them!

Demoted!

Not SB, but a girl she knows. This girl is the same age as SB and last year danced in one of the same classes, but SB moved up this year and this girl did not. She auditioned for Snow Queen though and was cast in the same role as SB, a Maiden. I was sort of surprised by that, as the Maiden role is usually very good dancers. Well, today at rehearsal the girl did not do well at all. Could not keep up with the choreography. They actually pulled her out of the rehearsal and spoke to her and then gave her a different, less dance intensive part. SB was not entirely sure what role she was given as she left crying, but she did have a rehearsal schedule in her hand, so we know she's still in the show.

I find the whole thing kind of sad. I know you want to have a good show. And there are only 6 of the Maidens per show and they are on stage alone for a minute, so you want girls who can dance, but they cast her in that role, whether by mistake or not. And to pull her during a rehearsal seems a little cruel. Just my opinion.

Football-The Flag Edition-Week 3 (and randomness)

We played the team with the insane parents again this week. We beat them 18-6, but who's keeping score!lol! FE is so freakin' adorable out there. He has this "game face" that cracks us all up. I love watching him play. I also love all the time with my family. My brother and my mom and my FIL. We see them now every Friday night and every Saturday morning for the most part. It's awesome for my kids to spend so much time with them and it's awesome just to have the time together.

SB and I went dress shopping yesterday. She has her first dance coming up the weekend we get home from Disneyland and she wanted something new to wear. She's at such a hard stage because the girl clothes are too young, but the junior clothes are too old. We did eventually find something that she loves and is cute. I'll post pictures after the dance!

I made this recipe for dinner the other night. Everyone LOVED it! The Princess and I were watching Food Network last week when she was sick and she was adamant that I make these and YUMMO!! Good stuff. I think I'll do them for our Halloween dinner, but cut Jack-O-Lantern faces in the dough!

This week is all about getting ready for our trip to Disneyland. I'm so excited for a myriad of reasons. I love vacation! I love Disneyland! i love the time with my family, even though the teenager won't be with us for most of the time since he must be here for football. But, he is flying over for a day as a surprise for Mark. And Mark's mom and dad and aunt are joining us as well. he's going to be soooo surprised. And finally I'll be able to stop keeping this secret!lol!

Friday night Football-Week 6

Final Score:

Us-20 Them-8

The teenager played a ton and even earned himself a penalty!lol! Our boys played hard. This win was especially sweet as the team we beat knocked off the number one team last week. The team we play last in our regular season. The team that has 3 of the top 50 recruits in the state. I'm still a little afraid of them, but not as much as I was!

Ewwwwww!!

Anybody want to come do my laundry?

The teenager usually does most of his own laundry, except stray pieces that wind up in the bathroom hamper. BUT, I do the football laundry since the very expensive, we had to pay for them jerseys require special care. It's usually a pretty stinky job. There is much gagging and holding of my breath. But today was the worst. Because all that sweaty mess from last week? Was in the trunk of his car all week. In a bag. I'm going to go die now.

Not Again...

I got a phone call from school this morning after recess. FE got slapped in the face by a kid on the basketball court this morning. On purpose. In front of an aide. The aide actually did her job this time and sent the kid to the office. He's suspended. FE is fine they tell me, although I haven't seen or spoken to him yet. What is going on here???

Mama Bear and Brother Lion

Updated at the end of the post

Something happened on the playground at FE's school on Friday. He was basically assaulted by 4 other boys. 4 boys who are very aggressive normally. They are all related and all belong to some religious sect that no one else on campus can quite figure out. There are more of them on our campus, but these four are in the same grade as FE so they are the ones we're dealing with.

We had an incident with them last week as well, but that just involved name calling. The playground aides were less than sympathetic to FE basically just telling him not to worry about it. Well, on Friday the boys took it a step further. FE was playing football and accidentally hit one of the boys with the ball. At which point all four of them converged on him and started punching him and calling him names. They were conveniently around the corner where the aides couldn't see and as we have some new, exceptionally lazy aides on the playground this year, they were not walking around. Somehow FE got away from the boys and went and told the aide. Who gave the boys 5 minutes off of their recess. WHAT???? 5 MINUTES??? For ganging up on and punching a kid??? IDIOT!!!

When FE and SB got in the car on Friday, I asked FE how his day had been. he said "Kind of good and kind of bad" And SB said "You're going to be MAD!!" He had already told her about it in the pickup line. As soon as he told me what had happened, I turned my car around and went to speak to the administration. FE told his story and they were appalled. I, of course, was close to having a stroke. In 12 years with kids in school, we've never had an experience like this. I felt murderous towards the boys, their parents and the idiotic aides. And when I told the teenager? Let's just say it's really lucky for those boys that football practice interferes with him showing up on campus. Unfortunately, I don't think my 17 year old is capable of showing much age related discrimination when someone picks on his siblings.

This morning I was stopped by FE's teacher, the VP and the Principal all telling me how the situation was being dealt with. including the Principal letting the parents of these boys know that they are very lucky their sons are not being charged with assault. And that they might not be so lucky next time. And the aides are being put on notice as well. One more lapse in judgement like this one and they may well be searching for new jobs. This might be one time that I may play the school board president card.

Update: All four boys received a one day out of school suspension. That works for me.