Lit at both ends

The ZOO With Reid

Reid and his Buddy

This frog cracked me up....thinking I am so outta here....dang that glass was clean

Playing with friends

Cool Jaguar Up Close

So Lit at both ends....not literally lit... But physically and mentally ...SOOO on fire.

This week is the last of regular season football and cheerleading...YEA! Reids team has secured their spot in playoffs, Dale's team will secure theirs on Sunday, and Macy has cheerleading competition on Saturday. So hopefully after this week we can take a breath, eat at a normal time, and make my house a home and not a drive thru....what am I saying we have playoff practice...maybe my pipe dream will be a reality by Thanksgiving.

I am not saying I do not love football and I can divulge here that to watch Dale play is nothing short of amazing. That kid GETS football, and he is good, quick, fast, and smart. I know I am bias but I even have other kids parents who are impressed by him...crazy but fun. He knows I am proud of him, but has no idea the satisfaction I have when he takes out a kid 2 times his size, or blows past tackles that should have stopped him. So to have it end is bitter sweet, but to have back a normal week will be nice.

Last week I was super mom, on Thursday I went to the zoo with Reid and his class, very fun to see the animals that were out and the SA zoo is under renovations but it was fun. That night, I dressed the crew for football and cheer, and Duke took them to practice, and I went to see the SO funny Kathy Griffen. She was funny and had lots of political material, and I found it interesting that she will insinuate inappropriateness in celebrities without a thought, use EVERY word under the sun, but referred to the N word as "the N word"....so that is apparently the ONLY word off limits. Not that I approve of the word or usage but when she goes to 12 on a scale of 10 all the time what is the big deal with that taboo word....but super funny. So then Friday morning I went to the Pumpkin Patch with Macy and her class ....so much fun and so cute, then had practice Friday night, Duke went out of town on Saturday and we had Homecoming games Saturday and more on Sunday. Can I just tell you tired did not even come close to describe me....dead was more ap-ri-po. So this week I needed a break...NOT IN THE CARDS... we had a game Monday night, Tuesday and Wednesday I ran the office at the day care, and had practice at night, have practice tonight, Halloween tomorrow, a cake to bake, a party to attend, competition on Saturday, and Dales game Sunday. SOOO Yea.... hopefully normal dinners by thanksgiving. SO if I am as tired as I know I am ....then the kids are the true victims since they are the ones doing the doing...I just do the going and they have been troopers but I think we are all ready for a break....and laundry that is in drawers and not on the pool table!

Macys competition is a whole different blog...they want her downtown at 730 am... parents are not allowed in until 9, and she does not preform until 11...I think it is poetic justice that I cannot be with her during the day, and hope the mascot area is in close proximity to the individuals that determined one time check in is a good idea, when every melt down of every 3 yr old happens. I also find it really funny that she is allowed to bring a pillow and blanket....I have have to carry it....I cannot be with her as I am not a TYFA registered person, and she cannot be with me b/c she has to be with her team, ok easy fix... blanket in a bag give to the coach....NO... she is not allowed to have a bag of any kind to put stuff in...so I see a lost pillow and blanket in our future and I see me using it at 7:30 on a park bench in downtown SA like a bum after our Halloween party Friday night.

Pumpkin Patch

And she was SINGAN'

Her scarecrow-ette had a purse to go shoppin'...but no head...ahhh details

Total side note...the kids sold fundraiser stuff earlier this school year, and the enticement was a stunt show they would be treated to .... then a note went home after the sale saying since we did so great everyone gets to go to the show...well our order came in today from Great American Opportunities more like DISAPPOINTMENTS ... we had several great friends support the kids...one ordered a standard peanut size can of crumbles...14.50..better be real gold... a tiny cup of jalapeno cheese for 8.50, wrapped Carmel's...maybe 12 in the bag...for 12.00, a bag of fruit slices for 6 bucks....the list goes on and I am so grateful they ordered and supported the boys, they were really excited people bought stuff....but what a rip off.....good lesson learned for future years, I should have known they would have to let all attend.....

Ok I digress as I still have to straighten the house so Rosie and clean tomorrow and NOT run screaming from the carnage....Rosie is my touchdown angel in a football storm....

I'm voting Democrat because I'm way too irresponsible to own a gun, and I know that my local police are all I need to protect me from murderers and thieves.

I'm voting Democrat because I love the fact that I can now marry whatever I want. I've decided to marry my horse.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15% isn't.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending the money I earn than I would.

I'm voting Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.I'm voting Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq I trust that the bad guys will stop what they're doing because they now think we're good people.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that people who can't tell us if it will rain on Friday CAN tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.

I'm voting Democrat because I'm not concerned about the slaughter of millions of babies so long as we keep all death row inmates alive.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as THEY see fit.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe liberal judges need to rewrite the Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would NEVER get their agendas past the voters.

Ok this is not a me original...but it is good I got it from a friend and if it is her original...then She rocks and CINDY for President, if not then let the plagiarize-ation continue!

You Win..and You Win...And You TOO!

Friday Dale and Reid had Bike Rodeo at their school. We went and practiced for 20 mins on Thursday afternoon before Football as per Reids request and it paid off. Reid won 2nd place for his grade, he is a very good bike rider but would rather do jumps, wheelies, and stunts rather than ride a circle and weave cones, none the less Friday he did the less "FUN" drills with ease and perfection. I think he got second rather than first b/c there is a drill where you ride AS SLOW AS YOU CAN thru 2 lines...he did it in 15 seconds, and the winner did it in 28...they want it to take 30...but "riding slow is boring"...and Dale did great as well, but tapped one cone on the weave thru the cones drill, did his slow ride in 27 seconds however his grade had about 85-90 participants so there was LOTS of competition. All in all they both had a great time and had fun.




Reid being so tollerant and loving to Macy....she was in heaven with all the attention.
Dale going SLOW
The BIG winner....looking oh so cool and collected

Duke and I on Friday night went to see Avenue Q at the Majestic. It is a play on Sesame Street, as the characters are puppets and humans and the dialogue is racy, non pc, but very entertaining. Basically about a recent college grad, first job, first lay off, realizing college doesn't really prepare you for all life situations you encounter. Cute Cute Cute.

Truly Friday was a tornado busy...bike rodeo, play date, babysitter, play, laundry, errands....I amazed myself with all I was able to accomplish and tote Macy with me.

Saturday was also a busy morning we had away games that were an hour away and Reid had to be there at 8...so gone by 7....meaning up at 6 to eat and dress...ekkk. Reids team was defeated by a really good team...they could throw/catch/de-flag/and RUN...there was one kid who I think had a Monster energy drink for breakfast...he had a speed no one else had. Dales team won, and true to form Dale had some great tackles....several for a loss of yards, and had a few good runs with the ball too, and also added another position to his resume as flanker and had some great blocks that resulted in touchdowns....he really gets this sport. The kid in the center blocking is REID

Dale on the run

Duke was intensely watching Dales game....and his Blackberry as the RED RIVER SHOOTOUT began during his game....so the drive home was tuned into BIG 12 on Satellite....did I mention it was over an hour away.....that was a long drive home...with only a DS to appease the mass, and Macy and Reid making up games and nonsense, not being silent allowing the driver to listen to the game....and I offered to drive....I wanted to drive, but he claimed he needed the distraction. NICE that driving is a distraction to the game....which probably makes sense to the males in the world. So we get close to home and I asked him "So are you going to stop the car before you bolt inside?" "Yea....only b/c I need the keys to open the door." So I have to tell you I was elated when UT beat OU.... since I all but had a deposit on a hotel room for me and the kids. Another tid bit I have to share is that this is the one day a year Duke allows the kids to say OU SUCKS..... which is HUGE since stupid and dumb are BAD words in our home....funny that Dale said "OU" and hesitated and looked at us and whispered "sucks"...or waited for Duke to boom in with the latter part.... and tonight we were playing catch and he was singing the fight song and adding that verse...I told him he had 2 hours to enjoy it and that was all until next year.

In other football news Nebraska and Texas Tech met up which is a big deal as my folks are Nebraska alum and my brothers are Tech alum...my Dad always said it was great if Nebraska won, but great still is Tech won as he was paying ALOT of money there too...so win win, however Nebraska lost and Scott and Brad get bragging rights for a year on Dad, Uncle Tom and all the other Nebraska relatives....even better that Brad lives in Nebraska now and today went against the grain....my guess is he and Jonelle watched the game at home alone out of fear of being corned to death in the streets in Tech garb.

Football and Family

FOOOOT-BALL...it's the sport of kings .....better than diamond rings.... well that is debatable but none the less it consumed our weekend.

We bagan Friday with pictures. Which on a personal note why does it seem that all picures are stressfull...demanding the kids do a natural smile on cue, and then the pleading...ugg I am not a big fan of pictures can you tell?? We did the kids individually and then their respective groups. For groups, I was in charge of Macy, Duke maned Dale and Reid. Reid...did great but possibly had a forced grin, but appeared pleasent, Dale did well except for his "football face," in the last shot , and Macy...well lets just say that by the time it was time to take the group picture she had been standing in the same place ready for the picture for 15 mins, the photographer was unhappy with the line up and changed it and changed it. SO then the simple command... put you hands on hips....hers were up under her arms like chicken wings, then the next one she resembled a body builder flexing complete with a grr face and arms bowed infront of her body, one she is looking sideways....ugg a disaster..but a memory none the less forever recorded. Then saturday...early...too early on a Saturday in my opinion but at the crack of dawn we drove to the games in Pflugerville. Reid's team stomped the hawks 36-0., Reid played defense.... and Dales beat their Hawk team 19-0.

Dale played both ways and did some amazing runs and blocks....he was very pleased with himself and so were we, and he scored the extra point!

Dale running

Dale Tackling

the end is Macy doing a her cartwheel...which is more like a flop...but she tries....I have another great run of Dales, and Macy cheering but these videos take a LONG time to load so maybe tomorrow.

Also a huge plus was that Uncle Scott, Aunt Tanya and baby Sam came to see them and brought freinds Matt, Stacey, and baby Kendall. It was a huge treat to see them, since we have not seen Sam for well....too long. Here is Sam in his doo-rag...so stinking cute huh.Then Duke and Dale went to the UT vs. Rice game with some tickets from Becky and Luis, thank you so much Becky, they had the best time. Duke is so eager to share in football with Dale now that Dale gets it and the positions and all so it was a bonding time, and the seats were great to see the game, in the shade, and we stomped Rice so that was AWESOME! I drove them in and dropped them off for the game, went back to Scott and Tanyas and had some great pizza from Papa Joes...it is a take and bake and they have gourmet and kid freindly versions and some killer cinammon sticks that we deamed practically a health food, since they were made with whole wheat flour and oats...AMAZING...I wish we had one here. Then we hung out with Scotts neighbors a bit and then when the 4th quarter began, I loaded up the truckster with Macy and Reid and picked up Dale and Duke on the side of Red River and hit the road home....and made it here LATE. Here are my 3 monsters all crashed out and peaceful....ahhh....Thank goodness we had a relaxing sunday and recooped for the week ahead...hope you had a great weekend also!

love this song

Weekend all over Texas

So our weekend began in VonArmy, 40+ mins south of San Antonio for football games. Both Reids and Dales team won their games, and Macy cheered a little....and looked super cute in her uniform. Then the kids went to Kerrville with Grandma and Bepaw and Duke and I ran home, showered and changed and drove to Austin. There we met up with Troy, Carolyn, Mama Sam, Terry, David, Brie, Magnus, Cory and Tammy at the Texas 4000 Tribute. This organization honors a group of UT students who ride from Austin to Anchorage Alaska over the summer break. They do this to raise money for cancer research, and educate the individuals they come in contact with on cancer prevention material, and also stop at hospitals and such on the way. It is a powerful event....not everyone can ride 4000 miles on a bike, I think the will power alone must be enormous. Each day each team, there are 2 the Rockie team who rides the Rockies, and the coastal team who go up the California coast, begin with a dedication of who they will ride for that day....mom, dad, someone they just met.....it is cool. The tribute has an amazing dinner and great auction, and dancing as well. This year Carolyn put up an amazing painting, Icons of Austin....check it out its great... and duke and I got some UT tickets for he and Dale to go to a game. It was a fun night and then we drove home that night. It was a LATE night but our own bed is so worth the drive. Sunday afternoon the kids returned and we were invited to a friends house, Becky and Luis's, to swim and eat. The kids had a great time....thanks again Becky. And so back to the weekly grind and football/cheer 3x's a week....is is wrong to hope Hurricane Ike rains out practice a few times!

Were CLOSED

On Wednesday afternoon Duke and I closed on a some beautiful little acreage in Bulverde. This will be the new spot for our family's home. The plan is to start construction in a year, and move there in about 2 years. We are all excited, as the kids can ride 4 wheelers out there till their hands hurt, and not bother anyone too much. Each one of the kids has drawn a house, Macys has 30+ rooms off her room for all her babies, Reids has a huge garage for the cars and 4 wheelers and even bigger pools...yes like 4 pools, and Dales has secret passage ways and tunnels....not sure if all of that will make the final cut but we'll consider it all. It is on a cul-de-sac which is important to me and so many other perks. The kids will have to change schools, which is sad, but thats at least a year off, and they will eventually attend Smithson Valley HS, which is a great school, and small perk, it has its own stadium, something that is not an option where we are now. Not a big deal but I think it is cool to have. SO now we have to come up with a floor plan and architect and start from scratch including a well and septic....but it will be our original and have a huge garage for Duke and a pool for me and beyond that we will see what time brings. Hopefully Duke and I can work together well in this endeavor....could be interesting, as I am opinionated and he is smart....especially when it comes to building stuff....I may have to let him win a couple of battles but we will both win the war when the house it finished! I am sure we will keep you posted.

More Milestones

Yesterday was the first day of Reid's school career. He is officially a kindergartner. He has Mrs. Washington, who Dale had in kinder and we LOVED her. On last Monday, we went to help the PTA deliver the kids pre-ordered school supplies to classrooms. When we went to make sure his supplies made it to his class, she was there. She allowed him to pick his cubby 1st, and he chose the best one (in his mind), and then helped her in the room for a minute and we left. We returned on Thursday for meet the teacher and realized a friend from pre- school was in his class, and Reid helped him pick his cubby...the one next to his, they colored a picture and we departed to await Monday...the first day. I have to admit Reid is the one I worry about, he is my sweetheart.....not sure if it is a middle kid thing or what but he has such a tender heart. Mrs. Washington asked for a note about the kids and this is what I wrote:

Mrs. Washington,

Here is a summation of Reid; I hope he will be an asset to your classroom this year. I am very excited that he has a teacher I adore, and he already has a connection too.

Reid 101, to keep this brief, he is reserved, and very shy, until he is comfortable, then is goofy and silly. He is affectionate, loving, eager to please, imaginative, listens well, wants to learn, and plays well with others. He enjoys learning, but will come up with excuses of why he cannot do it, when he gets frustrated or bored with the task. He loves to be a sidekick and helper for Duke and I at home, and for his pre-school teachers. I must add that he is a fantastic help too. He also wears his heart on his sleeve, when he gets upset at home his first reaction is to run and hide. If he dinks his toe at home, and Mom is near, he is very emotional. However, if he gets hurt with his peers, he is generally very stoic and tough, resisting emotion unless there is immense pain or blood involved. Reid is my sweetheart, and is a mini version his daddy, which is possibly why he holds a special part of my heart.

My hope for him for the year is to have a positive exposure to school. I am confident in your teaching abilities and techniques, and know you will prepare him well for his school career. I will facilitate all I can at home to reinforce what you teach in the classroom. Please let me know if there is anything more I can do to help him learn.

Reid and Mrs. Washington

He said when I picked him up, that he had fun, and would go back tomorrow... I take that as success.

Reid here is the beginning of a new chapter in your life, you are bright and strong and have so much to offer, I cherish that I will be able to watch.

Dale also started 2nd grade. I swear he has not been alive long enough to be in 2nd grade...but time flies apparently. He has a great teacher that is very well spoken of, and he has 2 friends in his class. He DID NOT want to be walked to class, so he went solo and did great on his first day too. It is strange b/c Dale is now a "big" kid at the school, and yet so still my little man in my heart. I have to share that Dale astounds me with the nurturing and caring he does for both Reid and Macy, Dale is walking Reid to his class each day to make sure he get there and last week at Fiesta Texas he helped Macy get into her seat for all the rides and got her settled, then after made sure she got out ok and held her hand to walk her out....it was a pictureesque moment that actually happens frequently and made my heart melt and also felt so proud of him....I guess he is getting bigger after all...

On a side note that is actually a huge plus for me....I got the boys an alarm clock. Initially I thought they do not need one...but then thought about how grumpy Dale can be in the mornings and thought maybe I can pass the "bad guy who wakes me up" tag to someone or something else. So bought the clock, set it to a radio station, and guess what.... this morning was SO drama free it was scary. The boys both woke up to the music at 6:50 am, got dressed, and came downstairs and made their own breakfasts....even Macy got up and got dressed....since she felt the need to sleep in their room last night. I went in at 6:48, and decided to wait and see what the 2 minutes would bring, went to finish getting ready and those 2 minutes brought me a slice of HEAVEN. We have become the family of planning to combat mornings...with the mantra of IF it can be completed the night before it is....bags packed, lunches made, clothes and shoes laid out....all to ease the tension that some mornings bring when you toss a tired, grumpy kid in the equation. I hope this is a trend that continues.

Macy also starts in a new room, but has the same teacher as last year but is no in a 4 yr old room. So she too will be learning new and fun things....here she is doing one of her cheers.

Twinkle Toes

So Dale is actually HITTING people in football....he was leery at first and that night Duke and I made him tackle us in the front yard...and it clicked. The next day when they did drills he nailed into a big kid and took him down....YEA DALE, not that I am all about the physical contact but it is a part of the game. Then he had to go on the opposite side and attempt to run past defenders and he blew up the sideline like an all-star....pretty cool...you gotta take the perks when they come b/c he will get hit and he did later that day but he made it past a good half of the time.


One TIRED TITAN

Reid is doing great as well, he has some very patient coaches and they are working on breaking a huddle and the hut....going on 2 has proven to be a tough concept for the 5-6 yr olds....but it is funny to watch. Also another favorite of mine is jumping jacks.....not many have mastered the skill and it is a show.



Macy is a fair weather cheerleader...she takes lots of breaks, but is learning the chants and cheers...and she hollers them out at home so I think her performances will be video worthy. But every time I try to record her she sees me and runs over to say HI.

Macy ready to Cheer

Fantastic Contraption

Our entire family has been taken hostage by this cute little frustrating game..... you have to try it....it is very brain training....Fantastic Contraption.....it is all about physics and Duke is very good at it...I am sub-par and the Dale is ok....Reid thinks he is awesome but hes not. Some of the challenges are super tough and once you beat it you can view others ideas....and some are crazy cool.

Attack of the Titans

Ok we are officially a Texas Youth Sports family. Dale is playing tackle football #10 he picked it, Reid is playing Flag #8...his choice, and Macy is one of their cheerleaders, she opted to cheer rather than ballet...for the Stone Oak Titans. It is a total time hog, and physically challenging but the kids are loving it. Last, this, and next week they all have conditioning practice EVERY day from 6-8. Dale was given pads and his helmet today. Macy ordered her cheer leading uniform today as well. It is tough but they are giving 110%, and I am pleased thus far with the organization, it is organized, they are teaching some actual skills, that are both good on the field and off the field. Once school begins Dale and Macy have practice tues, wed, and thurs and Reid has it tues, and wed. The best part is they all practice at the same place, same time, and games will be at the same place, Reid first and Dale second games each time, and Macy cheers for both games, if she wants....so even though it is 3 times a week....it is more like one for each kid, which I would have anyway if all three were in activities. The only down fall is the dumb fundraiser that you have to do and each child is on the hook for 100 dollars, or you have to sell 9 discount cards at 20 a pop to Nike...where you do save about 60% on merchandise but it is only a discount coupon card, but what you do not sell you have to still fund the remaining money....so any of you aunts and uncles and godparents, grandmas, grandpas and the like feel free to purchase a card....PLEASE...none the less I think it will make it neat that all are in the same organization, and are sorta together in spirit. Macys uniform is SOOO cute and they actually go participate in a competition on November 1st. She is a mascot and there are 3 other 3 yr olds participating and they just try and get what they can out of them as far as practice goes...and she is a ham so I am sure she will do great especially since there are bigger girls there and she loves to feel big too and will copy them. I am sure there will be plenty of updates and pics to follow. To say they are tired at the end of the day is an understatement...they run so much, but the objective is to be the best conditioned team on the field so they can finish strong in the 4th quarter...go TITANS.

July is half over...ekkks

I would bet money that it was just the beginning of July....those were 15 fast days here in our neck of the woods. Momma Sam came for a visit from New Jersey, bearing gifts for all. Dale got this new DS game card that has 20 games on it...we did not see much of Dale only the top of a head and feet hanging over the arm of the chair. Flashlights that change design, pig and chicken guns, a purse for me, a necklace for Macy...and a bunch of other goodies....we are so spoiled by Momma Sam and so lucky for it! While she was here we ran to Austin and got some items in her Austin home, did a few sparklers and pops out front to top off the 4th, and then tackled Natural Bridge Caverns....an idea that was popular with many folks...but we had a great time exploring and the kids got to do the coveted donut trip to Krispy Kreme 2 days....and we took in WALL-E.

The next week we had VBS at Crown of Life Lutheran Church.....a great program and the kids all loved it and it was close enough we rode bikes to and from school a few times this week. I have to say this summer has been the busiest I have been in a LONG time and yet I am doing nothing really special. All the kids are in swim lessons and loving it, Reid can swim....and gets stronger each day, Macy thinks she can swim, has NO fear and begged for lessons ....so we did it. The first day she asked

"So I am going to learn to swim?"

"yes"

"So today I can swim....because I will know how. right."

"It might take more that one time, but you will learn."

"YEA!"

Dale is also in lessons and he has the backstroke down pretty good....My goal is to have strong swimmers and we are on our way.

We also went to the Lake with my folks and the kids LOVED it.... we swam and swam.... a very nice relaxing day at the lake...it was great.

Rainy Day Entertainment

In a weak moment at the grocery store today I allowed Reid to buy a travel size tube of hair gel, innocent enough right...its just gel. We come home and see the rain start to roll in....realizing this means no more swimming at the daycare, I run up and get Macy and Dale. We arrive home and it rains.... rain glorious rain....wow we really needed it too.... I ask Macy to go change since she was in her swimsuit, and she does, then she and Reid disappear. It is quiet and all is calm and then I realize this is BAD.....the kids decided to entertain themselves. Macy dressed herself in tights, bloomers and a night shirt....but it all did match, and she and Reid styled their hair.....

So I took those pictures so I obviously found the camera so here are the Rockport photos...

Kasey, Jeff, Ang, Brandi, Ken, Paul, Rich, Leigh, Duke and IPaul Damico Esquire....available for hire. I think this should be his next business card photo.

The weekend in a glance....this was it beverages and pool

Kasey and Ken in a Wii-Guitar Hero Rock OFF.....Ken won this round

And finally my phone is back in commission....seems that the return calls have stopped and now my machine is back on and the dialer line has picked another revolving number to use...yea....I am still confused as how that happened but whatever it is done now.