The Untold Story...

     As September winds down, I find that I am not even close to being in a "groove" yet.  The routine and schedule I was craving in the summer seems to instead be that there is no routine.  No two days are exactly alike.  There are not days to regroup.  The closest we've had in awhile is...TODAY!  Somehow, the stars have aligned and today there is no football practice, no band, no soccer.  I feel better after being sick for three or four days.  And, wouldn't you know it, my husband returned from an out of town business trip today.  Today -- the day that pure chaos is not the norm!!  Of course, he thinks it's been like this all week!!

     Hang on while I take you on my own little merry-go-round of life!!!

Jacob's football season kicked off to a good start (that's Jacob, literally kicking it off!!)

 

  

THE UNTOLD STORY:  I missed the kickoff because I was down the street waiting for Megan to get out of physical therapy.

By the next game, I arrived to see my baby boy (who happens to be 13) sidelined with a tailbone injury...  I could see him struggling to hold back the tears through his helmet. 

Broke my heart. 

He should be able to start practicing again tomorrow.

 

 

In our spare time, we finally picked out a grown up shiny new refrigerator.  As you can see, we were "old school" for a long time.  

     THE UNTOLD STORY:   The morning delivery was scheduled, my husband texted me that he had turned off the water supply so that Lowes could hook up the ice maker.  They quickly found out the water supply was not shut off...

 

and now I know why I had a hard time getting a firm measurement commitment from my husband as to whether the new refrigerator would fit in our allocated space.  It did not.

 

 

But after removing some trim later that evening, he was able to slide the new refrigerator into the space! 

 

Things have been so crazy, I even resorted to doing this since nobody else seemed to have time for almost two weeks.

 

 

THE UNTOLD STORY:  When I cut the grass I had to work around this

which made it a lot more work. 

 

 

 Two days later, I was left with only this and the memories of my kids playing on the play structure.  Our well deserving friends came and picked it up.  (Truth is, I was a little bit sad, but mainly I regretted not waiting a couple more days to cut the grass.)

  

 

Then, should we even talk about the ongoing outdoor deck project.  Tons of progress was made Labor Day weekend and then...slowed considerably. 

 

 

  THE UNTOLD STORY:   Some of these boards are not nailed down...  Progress has slowed considerably, and on one recent stormy night Kristin and I were forced to try to save our gazebo (which was not weighted down like normal) from bending, breaking and blowing away from high winds.)

 

 

On a recent Saturday afternoon, we went right from a soccer game to the mall as it was Megan's only window for homecoming dress shopping.  Kristin came along to help.

THE UNTOLD STORY:  By the end of the night...closing time...this is how we all felt - exhausted, exasperated, hopeless!!!!  (No this is not the dress she ended up with!) 

 Yes -- she does have a dress!!

 

Kristin was trying so hard to be supportive of her sister at the mall...she was patient...

for so many hours

 

 

THE UNTOLD STORY:  By the end of the night even her sister agreed I should buy her those combat boots she wanted so badly.

 

 

We have only had one home football game so far this year and this rainbow appeared right before the game started.

 

THE UNTOLD STORY:  The band may have played harder than the team that night --

and we lost the game :(

     Kristin again tried out for the middle school volleyball team this year.

 

 

THE UNTOLD STORY:  She did not make the team...and, perhaps worse, a part of me was relieved because our schedule is already very full.  I am hoping her getting cut had more to do with the fact that she did not touch a volleyball for a year

(and not my already full schedule). 

 

Kristin went to the neighborhood church fair with a friend.  I ran down the usual rules with her, but apparently I didn't think of one...

 

 

THE UNTOLD STORY:  She came home with SIX goldfish.  I have honestly never been a big fan of portable fairs and rides...this didn't help! 

 

 

 As with many schools around the country, the football players wear

 a shirt and tie to school on game days.

 

 

THE UNTOLD STORY:  I honestly don't know how to tie a necktie (I know, that's terrible) and my husband was out of town.

Jacob quickly learned how on You Tube yesterday morning.

 

 

This week, with my husband gone and me being sick and all, I am grateful that Megan has been getting lots of rides to and from school and extracurricular activities.

  

  

THE UNTOLD STORY:  The rides are from one of her BFFs who just got her driver's license on Monday, and I am trying so hard not to be nervous!!

  

I went to the middle school and high school curriculum nights without my husband this year.

  

 

THE UNTOLD STORY:  I like it better when my husband goes along because then I can chat with the other moms and I don't have to pay attention to finding the classrooms --

I just follow him!!

 

 

We all have uploaded iOS 7 to our iPhones and iPads and I am liking it so far...

 

 

  

THE UNTOLD STORY:  I, for once, secretly wanted to be the first one

in our family to get it, but Kristin beat me!!!

 

If you're still here...thanks for following and playing along with THE UNTOLD STORY!!!

 

He's Nice, Not Mean & Now He's 13!!

     As you may or may not know.  I have boy-girl twins, Jacob and Kristin, who turned 13 in June.  We knew we wanted to do something special for the kids becoming teenagers.  You can read about Kristin's birthday celebration here, but now it was Jacob's turn!!! 

     While I was keeping the girls entertained, my husband took Jacob and a couple friends to our place in Lexington, Michigan (on Lake Huron). 

These Boys Are Great!!
Who's Birthday Is It...This Guy's!!!

  The invitations were given out...
 

  

  On the way up north, they stopped at C.J. Barrymore's for some go-kart and arcade fun!!!! 

 

Hunter is gaining on you, Jacob!!!!


The boys hung out in the Lake and on the beach.  They went to the Drive In and saw Fast and Furious 6 and World War Z.  Rumor has it some of the boys fell asleep in the truck!  They also went putt-putt golfing and had lunch at the local A&W, which is still the old style drive in type.  The boys also made their way to the country store and made out with lots of penny candy (which isn't a penny anymore!!).  They had fun being boys!

From what I heard, a good time was had by all.  My husband mentioned he was especially grateful (or not) to me for getting whoopie cushions for the boys -- apparently they provided hours of entertainment.  Some things never get old!!! 

 Sadly, this is pretty much the extent of the pictures -- remember Dad

was in charge of this little celebration!!! 

The Golf Dudes

 One of Jacob's favorite gifts was his remote control helicopter...which I didn't

really realize he would be using indoors!!  He assures me that because of his expert flying skills, I have nothing to worry about -- why does that make me nervous!!!??

The Birthday Pilot

 Jacob also made a point of spending some time with a younger friend who

was out of town for Jacob's birthday.  They had some fast food, did some golfing,

and topped it off with a trip to DQ!! 

 

 

 All is well with this birthday teen!!!!

 

 

Silent Sunday, Easter 2013

 

 

 

Reflecting on 2012 on New Year's Day...

   
     Well, I may be a day late (and a dollar short), but this ol' blog helps me reflect on the days, weeks, months, and now even years gone by.  Although I haven't been as disciplined about capturing everything I would like, I do love all the connections I have made, pictures I would not have otherwise taken, and memories captured here.  I am definitely going to keep at it!!

     2012 was a good year and a pretty busy year.  Here are some highlights:

     We went on a family trip to the Scottsdale and Sedona, Arizona areas which I blogged about here.  We love Arizona and had a great time!!

     There were, of course, several things that came up with regard to my mom and caring for her.  One of the more alarming days was when I picked her up for a doctor's appointment and found what she had done to her hair.  I am sure my blood pressure was through the roof that day.  Then, there was the call I received when she fell and was taken to the hospital while I was up north with my family.  That was scary and has a sense of deja vu to it.  I think a lot of us remember this past summer as being especially HOT HOT HOT!!  We got a surprise call that the power was out at my mom's senior apartment complex, so Grandma came over for a sleepover with us and we helped her "keep cool".  We were also very happy to celebrate her one year anniversary of living at her senior living apartment.  There were times we were not sure it would work.

     I was proud and lucky enough to travel to Orlando, FL to see Megan perform with the high school marching band at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.  It was a fun getaway and a once in a lifetime trip for Megan.  Megan also survived her freshman year of high school and hasn't looked back.  She also took driver's ed and is driving with a permit.  She was very busy with soccer, marching band and her heavy class load.
     Jacob and Kristin turned 12 in June and had a small celebration with some friends.  They survived their first year of middle school, played soccer, volleyball, and football, and kept good grades during an extra busy fall.
     We did not get to our place up north as much as we would have liked.  However, we did have a great time when we did as shown here and here.
     The highlight of our summer was traveling to the East Coast for a family visit.  The weather was noticeably cooler and more bearable and we all had a great time!!
     All of the kids and the parents were exceptionally busy during September and October.  The past four months have gone by super fast.  You can always check out what Megan was up to.  Megan remains a very responsibly student.  She loves anything to do with One Direction (obsessed) or music and her friends from school.  Jacob kept busy, too and enjoyed his first year of middle school football.  He has developed quite a sense of humor and I am enjoying watching him become a young man who is also smart, polite and sensitive.  Kristin is always happiest hanging out with friends, but kept super busy with soccer and volleyball this past fall.  She is kind hearted, diplomatic, and has become quite creative with her arts and crafts this past year.  We laugh together a lot!
     Once November hit, things really went by fast preparing for the holidays, going to concerts, a visit from my mother-in-law, and some post season football games.  It's all been quite a ride and we look forward to a clean slate in 2013 and making the most of all the new year has to offer!!!

     Looking forward to following you on your journey, too!!

 

 

Silent Sunday

 

The Christmas card photo a certain boy did NOT want us to use.......!!! 

The mom loves it!!!

 

Wordless Wednesday

Kristin - 7th Grade - Volleyball

Jacob - 7th grade - Football
 

 

Halloween 2012

     I wasn't going to post about Halloween 2012.  My kids are older...the cuteness is somewhat gone.  We barely carved two pumpkins...on Halloween day after school.   
     However, at the last minute ALL of my "kids" decided to go trick or treating.  The only one who planned to all along was Kristin, the kitty cat.  I did not make bloody finger cocktail weenies, or float an iced hand in punch, or bake pumpkin seeds...or any of those things.  I was actually a little embarassed shocked that my 15 year old went out.  I am quite sure this was finally her last year.  She knows I thought it was a bit much...and only a very small percentage of her friends went.  Thus, the last minute "costumes".
     We had a total of 25 kids at our door this year.  Ever since they built subdivisions adjoining ours...with sidewalks and houses closer together...everybody goes over there.  More bang for your trick or treat mile. Plus, we live in a cul-de-sac so apparently nobody wants to bother much anymore...  When we moved in 15 year ago, we got over 100 kids...everybody's growing up!!

Yeah, I got him this shirt on clearance last year...

 

     It was a pretty quiet and subdued Halloween.  I drank my Witches Brew wine and had some leftover Fritos.  The years of school parties, passing out the cute little favors I used to put together, putting major thought, planning and money into costumes.  Well, those days are over.  I would like to have a Halloween party for some of the kids next time Halloween falls on a Friday.  Movies, treats, costumes,carmel apple bar,  bonfire kind of thing.  That would be fun!!!
     What age do you think is too old for trick or treating?  I remember wanting to give a midget tootsie roll to the big high schoolers who just wore their football jerseys...  Now that my kids are older...I kind of get that some of them want to drag out their childhood as long as possible.  Who am I to say?? 

 

 

 



Kristin the Cat



Jacob, the "locked out" hockey guy

Megan, the 15 year old Cowgirl...?

To Me, this just says "I want CANDY!"

Mr. Living...and his "Lucky" dog!

 

 

Wearing #79...Jacob!!

     As I am sure I eluded to at least once when Jacob had two a days in the summer, he went out for the football team this year for the first time -- 7th grade JV football to be exact.  He had played "flag" football in elementary school and that was it.  It is definitely a commitment.  A few weeks of practices during the summer, several hours each day. 
     Then, practice right after school five days a week getting home after 6 pm.  One game per week, getting pulled out of school early to prep and/or travel to away games.  All the while, showers, dinner, homework, practicing the trumpet.  Trying to head to bed by 9 pm...but many times later.
     Jacob played mostly Left Guard Offense and Left Tackle Defense.  I know that because I just asked him.  Unfortunately, with the girls schedule almost always conflicting with Jacob's football schedule, I was only able to get to maybe 2 1/2 games.  Of course, they were the freeeezing cold ones!!  My husband picked up from most practices and attended all of his games.  I was usually at a volleyball game and/or taking Megan and Kristin to soccer practices and marching band practice. 



A freezing cold game day -- creepy sky -- don't let the peek of sun fool you!!

     In the end, I think Jacob did really great!  I saw him make some tackles, and he truly seemed to love the camaraderie that goes along with the football team.  The "team" eats lunch together at school and seems to support each other on and off the field.  I think that is just as important, if not more, than the games themselves.   He also seemed to LOVE the "role" of wearing his game jersey to school on game days, a tie for away games, and his jersey for the high school football games while "milling around" with his teammates during those games.   
     Again, I do not know their record.  I know they won some games, and lost some games.  I know I am proud of the commitment and discipline that it took and that Jacob kept up with his schoolwork without complaining. 
     We actually had our football banquet before the season was over, since the district ended up adding one more game post season.  It was fun to see Jacob enjoying his teammates.  He made some new friends that I had never met before, and I frequently heard "the guys" calling his name when we were out and about.  Me and his sisters loved saying , "Hi Jakeeeeee" in front of his teammates and watching him try to be mad, but seeing him crack a smile!!!  

We love our #79!!!!!

 

 



Snapped a picture of the winning scoreboard while running to the car for warmth!



Jake Getting Snapped the Ball on the sidelines (Center Position??)



Jake, Mommy Wants a Picture of the Front of You...

Jake is in there, tackling.  Pink socks worn by some for breast cancer awareness...

Jake in the center, down low for the tackle...

I'm Not Really Comfortable Telling My Kid to Knock Another Kid Down....yet

#79...Jacob

Time Out...

The Last Game...only time both sisters could make it. 
October 29th -- Hurricane Sandy was well on her way...even in Michigan...COLD AND WINDY!!!!!!

End of Game Coaches Talk

Father-Son Coming Back to the Car -- Which I Was Already Warming Up!!!
(Love this pic taken out my car window...)

The Guys-The Football Banquet
(Jake Far Right)

Head Coach Speaking to Kids and Parents at Banquet
(Everyone secretly waiting for the Tigers World Series Game)

The JV Guys -- Hooray!

Supportive Football Sisters
(Isabella and Kristin)

Thanks, Jake!!

The Assistant Coaches