The Royal Blog

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for right now:

Bubby's JVB team went 11-2-2!  They had a great season and are a great group of kids.  The head coach is really excited about this group.  Z gets to rejoin his club team in time to go to a tournament next weekend and then I think they are done until winter training starts up.

Rigby is still loving soccer, and even though she grumbles about going sometimes her gymnastics instructor said she is doing a great job in class. (we are NOT going down the gymnastics road with her - but a. it keeps her from pestering me at the front desk and b. it will help keep her fit and flexible.)

Em is l♥ving cheer  and they did a great job at the competition this weekend.  Unfortunately the event director neglected to tell our coach that they were looking for difficulty not cleanliness (teams that were sloppy, wobbly or had falls scored higher for attempting something harder than teams that hit everything with lower difficulty).   In the last 3 weeks these girls have dealt with a teammate quitting and two injuries (everytime someone can't compete - for whatever reason - the routine has to be changed) and they just keep rolling with the punches.   So proud of them!

Em is missing gymnastics a *bit* and regrets not competing for her middle school.  She wants to compete next year (it is only 4 meets + districts if they qualify) and is going to take a gymnastics class starting this week.  (Told her she had to - she can't waltz in next year and expect to perform well .)  I'm happy b/c she'll get some extra conditioning and it will help keep her tumbling crisp.  (Cheer backhandsprings are frequently cringeworthy and I'd hate to see her skills diminish to that point.)

Em and Rigby are doing a magnificent job at school.   Z is doing much better this year - except for English.   (He does NOT like assignments/tests that are subjective and there are aspects to language arts that are obviously not black and white.)

Most of my aches and pains are gone.  Shoulder (according to B) will probably bother me for a couple of months, and the spots where the nurse put the iv in/attempted to put the iv in are still bothering me.   MRI on Wednesday to see if they can salvage my pitching career ;P and a follow up appt on Friday.  Unless I need surgery, it will just be a matter of the shoulder gradually healing, and me not ever ever ever walking across damp cement again. Ever. 

I worked 35 hours last week.  (I am tired today!)

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for the past couple of weeks:

Em is taking to middle school like a duck to water! Super organized, loves her teachers and is making new friends. 

Rigby is off to a great year with a great teacher and is an awesome reader!

Z is surviving high school and I think being on a team has helped with the transition.  Plus JVBlue is doing pretty well!

B went to Meet the Teacher night at the High School, and now Z knows where his completed English homework goes! :P 

Em's cheer tuition, summer camp, choreography fees, competition fees, practice tees, shoes, uniform (over $3500) are all covered by my working at the gym, as is Rigby's weekly class.  Yay! Plus I really really like the women I work with!

Went to Soccer Plus yesterday to get Rigby a soccer ball and realized that they had the littler kid-sized backpack I haven't been able to find online! Score!

B had the kids clean today while I was at work and tonight they are all at a Crew game!

B went apple picking on his lunch hour yesterday and got us a bag of the coveted Honeycrisp AND a bag of Sweet 16 (everyone raves about it: "like sweet vanilla with hints of molasses and fine bourbon"  "very sweet flavor" "a very sweet, unusual sugar cane or spicy cherry candy flavor" "like a cherry popsicle"   I thought it tasted like ........... an apple)

B and I had a nice dinner at Bravo last weekend and their Caprese Salad is. so. good. 

We had a pretty good day at the Renaissance Festival on Labor Day - good weather, three of us got in free, the soft pretzels, apple dumplings and bread bowl soup were delicious and the atmosphere is fun. 

 

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for the past month:

Thank you so much for all the wonderful cards, presents and birthday wishes for Rigby and I!   It was a fabulous week!

Birthday celebrations at Red Robin, Cheesecake Factory and Olive Garden!  Spy Kids 4 (Rigby's movie choice for her bday) was better than I expected (not great, but better than I expected).    B took the kids to see the Smurfs and I didn't have to sit through it (B and Em thought it was awful). 

Grandparents came to Z's first regular season game, the team won and we had a great dinner at Applebee's afterwards!

Rigby has Mrs. B and is going to have a great year!

Em likes her teachers, likes her classmates and is going to have a great year!

Z got a chance to walk through the high school with his schedule three times so he felt pretty comfortable on the first day of school.   Feels pretty good about his classes and seems to like his classmates.  Being on the soccer team will be good for him and I think it will help him adjust to high school more quickly.

Em had fun at her team camp, likes her routine and has no regrets about leaving gymnastics!

Working  -  ♥ the staff at all three gyms (who gave me a gift card to get a manicure - how awesome is that?)

Z really likes the high school cafeteria (B and I are over the whole packing lunch thing - especially when certain people *coughEmcough* forget their lunch at home two days in a row). 

 Subway subs and guacamole - I have become obsessed with both this summer.

Several days of cooler weather and air conditiioning for the other days!

B cleaned up the Canon camera and the photos aren't blurry!

New Nikon camera - pictures aren't quite as spectacular as I was hoping  but maybe as I add lenses images will improve.

 If Em's team makes it to Nationals we will be at WDW in March!  They will probably compete at the Milk House in the Wide World of Sports, but there is a small chance they could compete in the Indiana Jones theater or ON A STAGE IN FRONT OF THE CASTLE!!    iDie.  

 Rigby has turned into an amazing reader and has devoured the Junie B Jones series this month!

Z is finally into cargo shorts - so tired of the sloppy knit shorts he has worn since kindy!

 Autumn and apple picking and pumpkin picking and orange leaves is right around the corner!!

 

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this past month:

A wonderful trip to Michigan to see the Grandparents!

Another great stay at the Great Wolf Lodge!

Floaty vests! Brave little bunny had so much fun!

A wonderful 13th birthday for Z - thank you so much for your generosity!

B did Z's room - painted, laminate flooring, new furniture - looks amazing!

E2 learned a lot at her soccer camps and had a ton of fun! She has turned into quite the little striker!

Keurig + Millstone Hazelnut Kcups + International Delight Hazelnut Creamer = heaven (and Nutella is wonderful too - why do actual hazelnuts taste so awful???)

The big kids totally jammed on their OAA's - top tier (advanced) in all areas tested!

Farmville!

Working off Em's cheer expenses!

Z is really enjoying the HS soccer experience and it seems like a great group of guys!

Our lives no longer revolve around gymnastics - bliss!

School starts in a month! (♥ the kids but man is the fighting, bickering, whining and crying stomping on my last nerve!)

Transformers (special effects were outstanding) and Harry Potter (tear tear cry cry) movies!

Ranger's Apprentice Series!  Em is reading them and enjoying them, Z is re-reading them and E2 is "reading' them.

Air conditioning!

An amazing husband who loves me despite my many flaws!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

Grandpa T survived three mini-strokes and his surgery to have a pacemaker put in went smoothly!

E2 got all S's on her report card!

Em's first cheer practice went well - she is really clicking with her teammates and coaches, and one of her coaches told me she is doing an awesome job.

Z's last soccer game is tonight and B just texted that it is his best game of the season - good way to head into tryouts this week.

B is moving from the IT dept back to HRIS so NO MORE BEING ON CALL!  

Em had fun Friday night ice skating and Saturday afternoon swimming.

Z had fun at the 8th grade lockout - they got to spend the night playing games at Magic Mountain.

We celebrated B's escape from oncallness with dinner at Quaker Steak Friday night, going to see The Hangover, Part 2 Saturday (hi-larious!) and dinner at Applebee's on Saturday.

Another 30 hour week for me!

 

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for these past few weeks:

At open gym, Z got props from an upperclassman! Woot!

Em is having fun with Cheer, made a SENIOR team, and will have two awesome coaches!

Elea has become quite the aggressive little soccer player!

B & Elea had a fun night watching the US Nat'l Women's team beat Japan and Elea got her jersey signed by a bunch of the players. 

Elea has also become a really good reader and amazes me daily with what she able to read or sound out. 

Em's school has basically quit teaching (Standardized Testing is over....) but at least she is having fun: went to a Clipper's game, 'helped' dissect a cow heart (and B was able to Volunteer that day AND embarrass Em by introducing himself to her crush!), field trip to her future middle school, and field trip to a waste water treatment plant.  Next week is a trip to a practice round of the Memorial Tournament and the week after that is Field Day & Class Party.

I worked 30 hours this week.   I. am. tired.

B, Z, Em and I saw Priest last weekend and Elea had fun at daycare.  Then B & Em went to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Em almost has her full.

 

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

The van only needed a new battery - was so afraid it was the alternator!

Beautiful soccer weather yesterday, Z had a couple good plays and a yummy lunch at BW's!

The girls had fun at Super Games Friday night (PTA hosted family fun night at an inflatable place)!

Em had fun at a sleepover last night and got to go see Beastly!

Em ran 2 miles on the treadmill this morning!

B did a great job turning Em's expander and her palate is fully expanded!

Sold Em's competition leo and warmup suit! 

 

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this past week:

Nyquil and Neti pots - holy cow do I feel awful.

Corn Fritters, Bread, Caramel Macchiatos, Belgian Waffles and Oreo Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory - yum!

Straight A's for Em!

E2 finished word list 12! 

Em & I enjoyed watching Insidious Saturday night, and E2 had fun going to Parent's Night Out at soccer.

Cadbury Creme Eggs!

Well, at least  we won't have to worry about drought conditions this summer.  Flooding, mildew, rot and mosquitos maybe, but not drought.

My super sweet hubby!

Leaving gymnastics - wow are there some shake-your-head-in-disbelief parents in the lower levels!   Demanding, entitled, over-invested, snotty, pushy - you just have to roll your eyes and laugh. 

 

eta:

Ohhh!  My mammo ( I was waaay overdue for a baseline) came back totally clear!  If you live in Northern Franklin County or Southern Delaware County and can go to OSU's Carepoint at Lewis Center  do it - the technician (I am 99% certain her name is Donna) is WONDERFUL!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for the past two weeks or so:

Thank you for all the cards for Ben! So generous!

A nice Birthday dinner at the Cheesecake Factory!   Used a giftcard, Z came and was pleasant, E's cleaned up and looked so pretty!

Wrote the last kindergarten tuition check - good thing, we got the payment coupon book for Em's orthodontia!

Finally got the hang (well B did) of turning Em's expander!

Z doesn't need to get his tonsils removed  -  not yet anyway!   They are huge and creepy though!

E1 had fun spending the night with a friend Friday night and B&I took little E out to eat at Rooster's!

Saturday night we took the E's back to Rooster's - hey, sometimes a bad margarita is better than a good Pepsi!

We are done with gymnastics! Oh frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!  Em is switching to Cheer, and E2 is (most likely) switching to soccer!  And I can still work off the tuition (which will be A LOT lower) by working the front desk (♥ the office staff!)  and cleaning! And I can cut back on cleaning a bit! And instead of Em being at the gym for 17 hours/5 days a week, she will probably max out at around 7 hours/3 days a week!  And no more having to threaten/punish Em to get her to go to practice!  And so many team parents have  told me sooooo many nice things about Em! Aaaaaah! Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy! 

Z is enjoying Open Gym with the High School players, and has been one of only about four incoming freshman participating. Hopefully that will give him an advantage at tryouts!

E2 was agreeable to getting her hair chopped off! Looks so much nicer and is so much easier to care for.   Em got a cut and a blue streak at my salon - nothing dramatic but she is happy and looks cute!

 

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

Penne Pasta and Mucho Golden 'Ritas from Applebees!

B took E1 out to lunch yesterday at Olive Garden *and* brought me home my Lasagna Rollata!

B took the big kids to see Sucker Punch while E2 and I napped!

E1 again had fun skating with friends.

E1 tries very hard to stay out of 6th grade girl drama (which seems to be constantly manufactured) and is baffled by the way some of the other girls behave.

E2 had a fun day Friday at Mango's and we got to see one of her old preschool teachers.

As of right now,  there are 7 days 5 hours and 19 minutes until Spring Break is over.    I wish wish wish wish they all had separate Spring Breaks.    I really do.  Love having one of my baby chicks home.  All three at the same time? Not so much. 

Sunday felt a little like Spring.  And I *think* we're done with snow. 

Farmville and sheep breeding. Yes, I am a dork.

FSA's and Insurance that covers some of the cost of orthodontics.  (E1 is getting a Disney trip put in her mouth this year.)

 

Gratitude

What I have been grateful for the past couple of weeks:

Z's team won a tournament and went 4-0 !  Hopefully a great start to a great season.

Neti pots - love being able to breathe and there is a sick satisfaction in seeing all the gunk come out!

Signed the kids up for mealpayplus - can now add lunch money to their accounts online.

Not living near a fault line, coast or nuclear power plant - can't believe how much Japan has had to endure this month.

Em competed in the prep op state meet this weekend despite not competing as a prep op this year (not grateful for that - just grateful the meet is over).   Head coach wanted the 7's who weren't scoring as well on bars to get extra practice? confidence boost?  at a couple prep op meets.  Em scored 9.175 on bars (2nd) 7.7 on beam (a total disaster) 9.525 on floor (2nd) and 9.1 on vault (2nd)   I somehow don't think it re-ignited Em's passion for the sport.   Especially after a "friend" gave her a very unhelpful pep talk ("It made me have a panic attack Mom!") and told her to stop being a crybaby after beam.    B is desperately hoping she sticks with it and doesn't want her vegging in front of the tv, texting non-stop.  I am desperately hoping we are done with a sport that has consumed our lives.   We'll see!  E2 had fun at the meet playing on inflatables and Z & I stayed home and watched cheesy sci-fi movies so that was good.

I have been able to pick up some extra front desk hours this month which is good because they are starting to cut hours, and it is only going to get worse.  (one more reason to leave a pricy sport!)

Em had lots of fun last week with school friends.  Monday was a pool party for all the incoming 7th graders, Wed & Thurs was the 5th & 6th grade musical (it was better than last year's and that is all I have to say) and Friday night was ice skating. 

E2 has spent a lot of time playing with the little boy across the street - they just adore each other! 

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

B and the big kids had a *great* week in Florida and a safe trip home!  Great weather, great fun, great great great!  Plus, due to a snow day and a professional day, the kids missed two fewer days than expected.

Little E and I had a great week at home with lots of mommy/daughter time! (went a little overboard with the spoiling though - princess had a bit of a 'tude and entitlement issues today)

A great parent teacher conference for my kindy kid!  She is a "model kindergartner", one of the top writers, doing really well at reading.  She was on word list five (goal is to end the year on word list two) Monday.  I hung up lists six through nine and she is now on list ten!  Every day that kid amazes me!

Couldn't clean the gym this week as E2 would have been up too late.  Soooo grateful for the people who subbed for me and for having a week off.  That sound you hear?  The Hallelujah chorus.

E2 had a great private this week - worked on her mill circle, shoot through, backhandspring, and side handstand dismount and did very well. 

Olive Garden's Lasagna Rollata al Forno - I'm almost obsessed with it......

Grandma & Grandpa T made it back to Michigan safely despite tornados and snowstorms.

I pre-ordered the sequel to The Name of the Wind and it arrived this week. Sooooo happy about that!

The girls had fun at a birthday party today.

B & I saw The Adjustment Bureau tonight - really enjoyed it!

E2 is still enjoying soccer and is going to try a lil cheer class!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

The meet we host is OVER.  It's an exhausting weekend for B (although he does enjoy it), a stressful weekend for the girls (not quite as much pressure as state meet, but some pressure nonetheless), a lonely weekend for Z and a boring weekend for me (aside from the part where the girls compete). 

I haven't ordered the CDs yet, but there was a photographer at the meet who got a couple of decent shots.  (One of E2 made it into the team newsletter!)

B and the big kids made it safely to Florida and they are having a blast!  It's about 50 degrees warmer than home too!

Today was a snow day and it was nice having just one kid home instead of three bickering bored kids.  I did laundry and dozed on the couch - E2 watched every Justin Bieber video she could find on youtube. 

E2 claims she got her roundoff backhandspring at practice tonight.  I'll have to watch tomorrow and verify :) 

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

The girls had fun at their school Valentines parties, and I was okay working and not being at the school to take photos.

E2 and I had fun at Gnomeo & Juliet and dinner.  

Em had fun at her first boy-girl get together (sooooo not ready for this!)

B & I are feeling a little better about the boy starting high school  next year (not ready for that either!).   Our district offers Project Lead the Way  and he will be participating in that. ( I've thought for a couple years now that engineering would be a good choice for Z.)   He can focus on STEM classes (science, technology, engineering and math) and Honors Spanish (areas he enjoys and excels at - when he turns his homework in) and take lowel level English and Social Studies courses.

E2 is still loving soccer and B got her some cute cleats.

B - my forever Valentine!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

Z's teacher recommend him for Honors Spanish 2 next year! Yay!

We got to and from Em's meet safely, and the roads were much better on the way home (5 hours to get there, 3.5 to get home).

We DON'T live in the Detroit area.   BLECH.  What a grimy, awful, depressing region.  The restaurant we had dinner in? Bowie knife in the parking lot and puke all over the restroom.  Niiiice.  

We only had to spend one night at the hotel - whole place reeked of smoke. 

Em had a disastrous meet and told me ruefully before her final event "I'm a failure!"  (broke my ♥)  but didn't cry and didn't quit trying.  She nails stuff in practice - I hope one day that translates to happier meets.     She spent half the ride home texting one of our level 8's and that really helped keep her spirits up.

The color/style isn't Em's *but* the meet did give the girls little Vera Bradley bags and wallets - thought that was unbelievably generous.  

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

The boys made it safely to and from Cleveland this week for Z's indoor soccer tourney, they were only a few minutes late for the first game, and the police officer let B off with a warning.

Forgot I had pre-ordered Syren (Septimus Heap book); getting that in the mail was a pleasant surprise.

E2 is looooving soccer.

E1 should be able to throw her giant (bars) and her connection (beam) at the next meet.  

The nasty weather should be gone by the time we have to drive to Michigan on Saturday.

The big kids got along for hours yesterday - loved hearing them laugh together!

Em got straight A's this quarter!

E2 is doing all day kindergarten *this* year.  Next year the distict either wants to eliminate it or increase tuition $70/month.

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

*Everyone got to and from Em's meet safely, she had a great meet (so glad we did a private last week and the Head Coach cleaned up her floor routine), Em did well despite an ouchy wrist, she had the support of family and El got to run around with her beloved cousins.  Em had a lot of fun at her teammate's bday sleepover too.

*El had a great meet too and a lot of fun (her disgruntled "I thought I was going to get a first place on something" was really cute) and she now wants to do privates to get her bridge kickover (floor) and mill circle (bars).  El asked Z to come to her meet and he did; I thought that was really sweet. 

*Both meets had a photographer there so I may be able to get some good photos of the girls.

*Our district did not have school on Friday (to work on report cards - possibly would have been a snow day) so the kids did not miss school to go to Em's meet.

*Desert Essence Organics Coconut Hand and Body Lotion - LOVE the smell.  LOVE.

*An extremely awesome hubby who helps with laundry, dishes, grocery shopping - you name it.

*Today isn't bitter cold (yesterday was miserable).

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

It won't last, but right now we have a credit balance at the gym.  Sweet!

B doesn't have to work tomorrow!

E1 got to hang out with a school friend Friday night!

Still ♥ Farmville :)

E2 has turned into quite the little reader!

Trainwrecky shows like Jersey Shore and Bridalplasty!

E2 had a ton of fun at a birthday party yesterday!

B brought me lunch at work on Friday!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

*Em got her first level 7 meet out of the way! 

 Bars: 8.600 (coaches apparently didn't have her do her giant so her start value was lowered - so that's a great score)
 Beam:  7.950 (fell on her backhandspring - 8 of the 10 girls fell today - and messed up her dismount)
 Floor: 8.300 (B said her layout and switch leap were awesome; punch front needs work)
 Vault: 9.100!!!

 Way to go Puma!
 (I wasn't there so no photos and the camcorder wasn't charged so no video this time.  Both girls have a meet in two  
 weeks so we'll do better then!)

*We made El try a soccer class and she loved it!  Wanted it to be longer, wished she had it again the next day,
 keeps asking when she has class again - hooray!  I just might extricate her from the jaws of gymnastics!

*Watched a reeeeally good movie today - 12 - the Russian version of 12 Angry Men.   Soooo good!

*At Z's insistence I am reading Brain Jack and it is quite good!

*Cheryl's Cookies chocolate peppermint frosted cookies. See you in December!  ♥

*A Buckeye win!  I N Arkansas!

*Advil and Chloroseptic - I can't remember ever having a sore throat this bad!

*Re-reading my Pendergast books.

*Em got to hang out with a couple school buds yesterday - that hasn't happened in awhile.

*Scraping off fake acquaintances and focusing on nice, genuine people.

*My super sweet hubby! 

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

12 years with my super wonderful husband!  And a super yummy delicious Edible Arrangements gift!

The boys had a safe drive to Maryland and a lot of fun on Friday, sightseeing in D.C.   (The tournament itself?  Total waste of time and the team did not show up to play.  I guess Z played okay so that's good.)

The E's had great meets last weekend and their grandparents get gold medals for sitting through two sessions.

Harry Potter was awesome! I took Em and two of her teammates while Stinkerbelle and one of her teammates had fun at the mall. 

Still cleaning the gym a few nights a week *and* am now working at the front desk 10-15 hours a week.  Looooove not writing a $560 check each month.......

 

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

Right this minute all three kids are happily playing Wii together. I know it won't last but it sure is nice to see!

Gymbucks and Jbucks!

E1 went to a friend's house yesterday afternoon and was there until this afternoon, Z watched E2 so B and I could go out for a margarita and a movie (Inception - it was excellent!), and Z stayed outside for an hour this morning so E2 could play outside.  Hate to see weekend end!

Z's soccer team is playing in two leagues this fall so he will have 17 games.  Sweet!

Air conditioning!

As always, very grateful that we have three healthy kids, and B has a job.

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

B was on vacation this week - love having him at home!

Dinner with Grandpa T! 

Despicable Me was soooooo good!!

We got almost 8 years out of B's Saturn (So sad Saturns are no more!), had no car payments for a few months, and B has a new Cobalt to get him safely to and from work.

E1 is done with TOPS testing for the year and we got to do it at our gym.

Thanks to Z I read the Mortal Instruments series - excellent!

Finally found a lotion that really works on E1's eczema.

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

B fixed the computer!!

Sounds like Grandma B is in good hands and is doing well!!

E1 got first AA at her meet last weekend!

After Spring State Meet (next weekend), E1 will be a Level 6/7, and E2 will be a Level 3!

E1 finally felt well enough to go back to school yesterday (she was off three days), had a fun afternoon working on a craft project with some gym friends, and had a blast at open gym last night. 

E1 is going to a birthday party/sleepover at a water park after practice today!

Claritin for bubby!

Coffee for me!

Sunny skies for everyone!

My van is in the shop getting fixed!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this past month:

The van is paid off.  And with fewer than 56k miles, we should be able to get a lot more use out of it.

Dinner with Grandpa T & Grandpa T's safe travels!

Z is *mostly* getting the school thing under control.  B went to his conference last week and the teachers seemed to feel that most of his issues were exactly what they saw in the other kids at the beginning of the year, i.e. typical settling-in, middle school behavior.

E1 is having a great school year and I am so proud of her.   She is also having a great year in gymnastics and just got her backhandspring on the beam!

E2 is still E2 but fortunately for her, she is cute!   And wrote me a note this morning that says "I LOVE MOM"!

With two girls in gymnastics, I am even more grateful that I can clean part of the gym four nights a week. 

A & S had a safe trip!

We might have a high of 50 degrees next Monday.  If the black slush all melts and there is blue skies/sunshine, I will be giddy beyond imagining.

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for the past couple of weeks:

1. A wonderful Christmas!
2. Snow! (just started this afternoon - and i did shake my fist at the sky several times asking "where were you friday??")
3. The first half of Christmas break went fairly well - less fighting than usual for some reason.
4. E2 is having fun at level 2.
5. Unlike Thanksgiving, B didn't have to spend Christmas working on the laptop.
6. Cheryl's Cookies peppermint frosted chocolate cookies - yum!
7. Z played so much soccer last weekend his legs ached - kept him busy and B said he looked really good.
8. B did some home maintenance and laundry today.
9. E1 had an excruciatingly long clinic at the gym today (okay it was four hours) but I got to meet and talk to two super nice moms from Pinnacle.
10. Now that I've made a dr. appt, E1's knee seems to have stopped bothering her.

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for the past couple weeks:

1. Eight more blue ribbons for E1!
2. We have mostly dodged the bad weather. It's colder than I like but we've only had a smidge of snow and sleet.
3. Family fun Friday night at Magic Mountain.
4. On-line shopping. The traffic to get to gymnastics and soccer is INSANE. There is no way I am stepping foot in a store if I can help it.
5. E1 brought home interims - all A's!!
6. All three kids have had their H1N1 vaccinations.
7. All three kids are very healthy.
8. B is a HUGE help with the endless chore of laundry.
9. A yummy meal at Bob Evans after state meet.
10. Stopped at the adidas store after state meet and the deoderizers for Z's cleats were buy 1 get one 50% off - love those things!
11. A yummy meal at Olive Garden thanks to Grandma B.
12. Despite his struggles, Z's grades are actually pretty good.
13. E1 got to work on flyaways (spotted the whole time) last week.

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. 11 years with my fantastic husband.
2. Grandpa T made it through his surgery! eta: And he's already HOME!!!
3. Amazingly fantastic fall weather.
4. E1 had a fantastic time at A's birthday party.
5. Got Z Children's Place jeans and all the kids some comfy pj's for $8.50.
6. Something Blue magnets!
7. Six straight years of beating Michigan!
8. E1 did NOT want to go to dance (mandatory) and open gym (mandatory according to me) last night because it was Math Night at school; boy was she a snot weasel about it. After working on beam and floor for a bit (with frequent glares cast my way), she came over, apologized, thanked me for bringing her grips and gave me a kiss.

eta: Thanks for all the really nice cards!! :)

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this past month (I can't believe I skipped so many weeks and I don't believe that helped my increasingly sour attitude):

1. I got E1 a motivational cd - she only listened to it a couple times ("It's boring!") but I truly think it helped her get her giant on the strap bar this week and get a 9.450 on beam yesterday. She is now saying things like "I can't wait to go to the gym tonight" or "I wish I could go to the gym tonight" which is a very, very nice change of pace. Granted, she mostly just wants to go do giants on the strap bar, but considering that a week ago she wanted to quit over having to do giants someday, I'm very happy.
2. Z's parent-teacher was a massive wake-up call. The boy is seriously DISORGANIZED. He's very bright, very respectful, participates well in class but can't get things done on time to save his life. Forgets assignments. loses homework, aye yi yi. We are giving him every tool we can think of to help - planner, locker organizer, bigger messenger bag, reminder after reminder. I'm not too worried about grades right now, but I do want him to have his act together before high school. And I hate to see him so stressed out.
3. E2 is done with dance which I am kind of bummed about. Fortunately she is (begrudgingly) willing to continue with gymnastics.
4. E1 had a great meet yesterday and got her highest beam and all-around scores so far this season.
5. E2's nose is almost totally back to normal!
6. Grandpa T has surgery for his aneurysm next Friday. Not that surgeries are sunshine and rainbows, but I am slightly phobic about aneurysms. They scare the crap out of me.
7. Z's indoor soccer team (coached by B!) is 2-0! Z's weekends are pretty busy soccer-wise. Outdoor training, indoor training, ODP tryouts and indoor games. Keeps his skill levels up over the winter and gets him away from the computer. And he loves soccer! He is actually enjoying the ODP (olympic development program) stuff. We don't really expect him to get picked for the state team next spring - just thought it would be a good experience. I was pleasantly surprised too that he was willing to go - he only knows a few people participating and there's a big chance of being rejected next spring.
8. Bath and Body Works Foaming Hand Soaps are 4/$10 - LOVE that stuff!!
9. IcyHot - I don't know if it really works or it's just the placebo effect, but E1 puts a little on and then I don't have to hear her complain about all her real and imaginary aches and pains.
10. E2's preschool teacher quit which I am a little bummed about but she did a good job selling the incoming teacher ("Mom, I am getting a new really cool teacher!!") and her preschool/daycare does a fantastic job of hiring good people.
11. I got the girls' closets weeded out and organized on Friday.
12. After the last couple of meets, several of us have gone out for dinner. So nice for the girls to have fun together away from the gym, and for us to hang out with a truly awesome group of people.
13. Tabatha's Salon Takeover is back!
14. Z has been more into reading lately.

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for the last two weeks:

B and I are just blown away at how quickly Z adapted to middle school. I was expecting loneliness, confusion, nervousness, forgetfulness, unhappiness. The transition to middle school/jr high is rough for lots of kids, let alone a kid who has missed the first six weeks or so and is very young.  But no, week one went amazingly well. The bus is fine, getting in his locker is fine, lunch is fine, classes are fine.  Wednesday there was a two hour pep rally after school and then the kids went to watch their football team play a rival middle school. I expected Z to want to skip it, but I was wrong.  (Apparently three couples broke up at the game - B and I are SOOOO not ready for that kind of thing; hopefully Z isn't either!!) I am sooooo proud of him. And sooooo happy for him. (The weekend before he switched schools he said "I won't win at gym anymore - I'll be the smallest and youngest one there."  He came home the first day - fortunately they played SOCCER - and said "I scored a hat-trick and my team won!"  :]  )

E1 is also doing a fabulous job at school.  So organized and industrious - very proud of her too.

My root canal/temporary crown went very well.  I thought that when the novocaine/topical anaesthetic/mega ibuprofen wore off that I was going to be in major pain (OMG the things they did to my gums had to have violated the Geneva Convention - owie!) but that was not the case.  And since I took a Valium, they even drove me home and brought my car home - so nice. 

I just love the staff at E2's preschool/daycare.  They are so sweet, take such good care of her, and obviously adore her. 

I actually got some digiscrapping done this week!

I am so happy that E1 hasn't hurt herself at the gym.  In the last two weeks there have been two broken arms and a blown-out knee (only one was a team girl, but still.)

Flash-Forward and Toddlers & Tiaras.  The first show has a really cool concept and the second is just trainwrecky goodness.

Gymbo!  I'll be so sad when E2 refuses to wear it.

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

Glad we got to E1's meet and back safely, that that meet is behind us, and that it ended on a positive note (floor went well).

Saturday was fun (although a bit exhausting) at Lynd's and Leed's and Max & Erma's despite a few temper flare-ups.

Z is back in school and will be tested tomorrow and Thursday for acceleration into 7th grade!

Our house didn't burn down, none of the kids were diagnosed with leukemia, B has a job and I haven't blown a gasket (yet. I tell the kids "I don't even know what a gasket is but I am about to blow one and by golly it will NOT be pleasant for YOU.").

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. E1 had a great meet last weekend!
2. We all (well, B fell asleep for the last 15 minutes) had fun at Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs and E2 behaved really well! (Except for having to go potty 5 or 6 times....)
3. Z is playing some really good soccer!
4. Nobody else got whatever E2 and I had and we both feel better!
5. Cool weather!
6. B & the kids had fun bowling yesterday!
7. B & Z are having (slightly damp) fun at a Crew game tonight!
8. E1 had another great week at school!
9. B is a super sweet hubby with the patience of Job!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week (and last, if I can remember!):

1. Beautiful, gorgeous, sunny, slightly cooler, hint of fall weather!
2. E1 is doing such a wonderful job with school. Always on top of things, gets as much as she can get done in study hall, doing extra credit, no lost homework and all with a smile. So proud of her.
3. Z's team won their game this week (and last week tied a team that beat them in the tournament).
4. Gymbo's Fall for Monkeys line!
5. I did *not* go to see District 9 (B did last night and man does it sound boring!).
6. Yesterday was so peaceful - Z read half the day and E2 stayed a few extra hours at preschool. Aaaaah.
7. My super wonderful B

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. We had a safe trip to and from Cleveland, Saturday's games went very well, we had nice weather, the kids had fun at Dave & Buster's and the pool and hanging out together at the hotel, the other parents are very nice, I really like our new coach and everyone thinks E2 is adorable.
2. My big lens was giving me fits this weekend and I have a lot of photos to delete but I think it's okay now and hopefully I got a couple decent pics.
3. E1 had a great week and is settling into fifth grade nicely.
4. E2 had a great week at preschool and I think she is going to have a wonderful year with Miss A. We were doing opposites the other day and she said: "We did these with Miss A!" She is also becoming a little more interested in learning and practicing things like writing or cutting with scissors.
5. I got a new phone (I dropped mine a month or so ago and the screen broke) and sort of have it figured out.
6. My sweet B. Love him forever!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this year:

1. E1 got to skip 4th grade! Instead of being bored and having to help other students, she can be challenged. She got in the car Friday afternoon, chattering about how many friends she had made and how awesome science is, and I am just thrilled at how quickly she has adjusted. I'm sure there will be some bumps in the road ahead, but I now feel a little more confident about her shock absorbers!
2. E2 had fun at open gym Friday night. E1 enjoyed dance and had a blast at the open gym that team girls now get to attend. The boys played mini golf and went to BW3's.
3. K is not quitting the team to switch to Tramp & Tumbling. She announced Thursday night that she had an evaluation Friday Night for TNT and was done with gymnastics. E1, L and M instantly decided that they too wanted to quit gymnastics and try out for TNT. After her evaluation, K realized it was not for her so there will be no mass defection. *eyeroll*
4. I went to an open house at E2's preschool and chatted with Miss A (who is replacing Miss T - but has worked at the daycare for as long as we've gone there). I was really pleased to hear what she has planned and I know E2 will learn a ton AND have fun with a teacher who adores her.
5. Preschool starts MONDAY!!!!! (Some days it is a huge chore to keep E2 out of Z's way - and I look forward to three mornings where he ~and I~ can have some peace and quiet.)
6. Z has adapted very well to homeschooling and I am really enjoying having him at home.
7. We are taking the van into this a.m. and then I will be free of the insanity-inducing screech it has been making. p.s. I will never buy a Dodge again.
8. E2 learned how to gargle yesterday. It's a little annoying when fruit punch ends up all over her shirt, but her enjoyment is also very, very cute.
9. E2 had so much fun last Sunday at the Zoo with Daddy!
10. Cards and presents are NOT late - they are just extending the celebration!!! :)
11. Krispy Kreme Kaffe Kreme. If I ever see a 'Help Wanted' sign in KK's window, I am SO applying!
12. Emails to/about the grandkids. (Me: "Your grandparents really love you." Z: "I know. I can tell." (: )

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. E2 had a great birthday! Lots of fun cards and gifts and Chuck E Cheese tokens and cupcakes!  Thank you all so much!!

2. Homeschooling is a really good fit for Z and he had a great week! I LOVE the flexibility of it and being able to manage his schooling.  If something is pointless busywork (for him) we can skip it!  If I think a lesson hasn't sunk in, I can have him go over it again.  Z doesn't get a good night's sleep? No problem! I can let him sleep in a little!  LOVE it.  I highly recommend K12 for anyone who plans to re-enter the school system or doesn't want to develop their own curriculum.  Very organized and easy to follow!

3. One of Z's buddies got moved up to his soccer team!

4. E1 got to go swimming with her teammates Wed night and she and P spent the night with C!

5. Thanks to Grandma & Grandpa T, the E's are sporting brand new backpacks!

6. I am having a great birthday!  Thank you!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. E2 had another great week at gymnastics camp!  For the third time, she loved her teacher (she had a different one each week). For the third time, there was another little girl that she clicked with (this week it was a girl who was also in her mini-stars class). And for the third time, she had an absolute blast on water day!

2. E2 had a great summer with Miss D and the mini-stars class.  Miss D even commented on and praised her for working so hard at home.

3. E2 had a ton o' fun at open gym last night and E1 voluntarily played with her.

4. E2 had so much fun this summer with Miss A at her preschool camp. Yesterday was the last day and they had a little party; E2 even got her face painted and received a goody bag.

5. E2 has nothing going on for the next weeks and can just relax. (Although she will mostly likely complain about that. "What do I have today?" "NOTHING??" "When do I have _______ again?????")

6. E1's gym has hired a coach to help out while one of the coaches is back home in China. M is WONDERFUL.  In a short time she has really helped the girls polish their beam routines and E1 just thinks the world of her.  We are all hoping she becomes a permanent addition to the staff.

7. Z is all set up for school on Monday!  His teacher is super nice, the yahoo group I joined is super helpful, and I think Z is going to have a super year!  He is SO excited at the prospect of not only being able to work at his own pace, but to also be able to work ahead. (If he finishes a course, say Pre-algebra A, early, the teacher can order him the next year's course - Pre-algebra B - to start working on.)  He took his scantron assessments this week - I am hoping that he will possibly be able to move ahead in a class or two.  Z was so bored last year and said that as soon as the teachers started presenting a topic, he felt like he already kknew the content.

8. B is a wonderful husband and I am so lucky to be married to him.

Gratitude

1. The big kids enjoyed the new GI Joe movie (B thought it was meh).

2. Z's club Friendlies are today and B took the little one with them. E1 and I slept in!

3. The sewage (storm sewage) issue in our building only a ruined a few things in our basement, and we didn't have to clean it up.

4. Z's club camp was this week and the weather wasn't as brutally hot as it has been the last three years.  He also had team conditioning Mon-Thurs nights and was disappointed he had Friday night off!

5. This summer went fairly well: less humidity, fewer bugs, less fighting. 

6. B got a TON of laundry done last weekend.

7. Z gets his brackets and expander out next month!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. Much needed rain!

2. The boys had fun watching the Crew retain the Trillium Cup.

3. Getting the Starz channels for "free" - loved Vantage Point and The One.

4. E2 had a another great week at gymnastics camp. Friday she showed off her chinup pullover.  During her mini stars class, she got a ribbon for her hurdle vault.  And she almost has her handstand!!

5. E1 got her "wedgie tsuk"!  (A tsukahara vault onto a wedge mat into the cheesepit.)

6. Z had a great week at his Speed & Agility camp and one of his teammates did the camp too. That teammate also took him swimming Thursday!

7. We had a pleasant meal last night at Applebee's and they still (haven't been there in at least two and probably three years) have the veggie patch pizza I like.

8. E1 is on the fourth Harry Potter book and Z is on the second book of the Chronicles of Prydain.

9. I now leave the car radio on 89.7.  I love the classical music and the NPR segments in the afternoon help put E1 to sleep quicker (then I carry her into the house and sometimes she'll sleep on the couch. Otherwise, no nap.).

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. The big kids had fun Sunday at the Crew outing at Magic Mountain, and then Z spent the night with a teammate. 

2. E1 got her backhandspring on beam! 

3. Z's team is getting annihilated at a 3 v 3 tournament today but I am SO proud of him.  He was (for some unknown reason) ridiculously nervous about this tournament but he faced his fears AND his coach called him Man of the Match for the first game.

4. E2's knees have mostly healed.  She got massive rug burns on her knees last week at gymnastics camp and kept re-injuring them.  It has been a week of caterwauling about "MY BLOODY KNEE" and boy am I glad it's over.

5. Krispy Kreme Kaffe Kreme. Sigh.

6. E1 spends most of her free time reading. Love it! She started on the Harry Potter series mid-week and is already on page 100 of the second book!

 

Gratitude

What am I especially grateful for this week:

1. E1 and I went to see Harry Potter - loved it!!!  AND there was a trailer for  The Lightning Thief!!! 

2. Gymbucks!  I think E2 is now set for clothes until fall of next year.

3. We had some delightfully cool mornings this week, and overall, this summer hasn't been totally miserable.

4. Except for one or two days, the kids have mostly gotten along during summer break. Mostly.

5. E1's gym got new lights - they are so much brighter. Even better, I got extra hours this week cleaning up after the electricians.

6. E2 had a wonderful week at camp and they offered late pick-up which was a huge help.

7. The big kids rocked their OATs (Ohio Achievement Tests) as usual. 

8. This week is over!  Preschool camp, gymnastics camp, soccer camp, gymnastics practice - aye carumba!

9. E1 nailed her back tuck this week and made her connected cartwheel back-tuck beam dismount.

10. E2's gymnastics camp teacher said that E2 was *very* polite.

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. The boys are off to BW's to watch the Crew game and have dinner; the girls are going to watch movies on the Disney Channel. Mom is getting some peace and quiet.

2. Z had fun at his pick-up game this morning, even though it was cut short due to rain.

3. It rained and thundered most of the day - love it.  The grass needed it and I didn't have to go out in it.  Plus I love lightening and thunder.

4. TOPs testing is over for the year (and maybe forever if they don't start actually preparing E1's group for it.).  E1 and I rode down with one of her teammates and the girls watched movies and giggled together.  Several of us had a nice lunch and gripe session afterwards at Olive Garden.  B and the other two had a fun day playing mini-golf.  

5. E2 really enjoyed her end-of-session party at summer camp.  She was sooo dejected that camp was over, and sooo thrilled when I told her I signed her up for the next session.

6. I got some extra hours at the gym this week.  Thank goodness, meet fees are due soon!

7. B and E1 had a fun evening at Mamma Mia!

8. B and Z had a fun night watching two CONCACAF Gold Cup games at Crew stadium.

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. B did a ton of laundry yesterday and let me sleep in.

2. Read Sandstorm and Map of Bones; working on Black Order. LOVE them. 

3. Usually E2 is one of the first ones at summer camp; today we were a couple minutes late and there were a bunch of kids already there.  The second they saw her, there were four or five kids yelling "E2! E2!!"   It was sooooo cute!

4. The kids and I watched several of the Clean House: Messiest House in America episodes this weekend.  Besides being good tv (lots of mayhem and foolishness!) and inspiration to keep decluttering, the kids got a good dose of how not to live.

5. E1 had lots of fun being in the 4th of July parade and the other kids had fun watching the parade and grabbing candy.  The kids enjoyed the inflatables at the community festival and the fireworks were fabulous as usual - glad that the recession didn't cause the community to cancel everything. 

6. Dessert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash - I use it as a body wash and just love it.  So do the girls!

7. We have made it through three weeks of summer vacation!  There has been some bickering but it seems better than last year. (E1 being at gymnastics 15 hours a week and Z playing computer/ds/wii games probably helps.)

8. The girls and I went to Bob Evans between E1's practice and E2's class and had a nice meal.

9. I took 8 bags of stuff to Amvets.

10. B and the big kids enjoyed dinner and a movie (Ice Age 3) Friday night.

11. B was off work on Friday!!

Gratitude

What am I especially grateful for this week:

1. B & E1 are (hopefully) having fun at the Crew game tonight. (eta: And, at 89:57, the Crew are winning 1-0!!!)

2. Z & his friend J had fun at the pool today and I enjoyed reading in the shade outside.  Z is now hanging out at J's house for a bit.

3. We got a break from the oppressive heat and humidity today.

4. B took the girls to Olive Garden for a nice lunch today.

5. Z enjoyed a pick-up game this morning AND we found out soccer practice this year will be held at field much closer to our house!!  So excited!

6. Grabbed one of B's books off the shelf out of sheer boredom (The Judas Strain) and really ejoyed it!  Ordered several more books from that series and they'll arrive Monday!

7. E1 had a great week at camp.  She worked on her flyaways, clear hip handstands, flysprings, switch leaps,  and tick-tocks. Family picnic day was fun (especially the dunk tank) and E1's group missed 1st Place Jr. Team Camp Champs by four points!

8. I had a great meeting Friday morning with our district's Gifted Services Director.  (To discuss Z's acceleration plan and document that he will be homeschooled for a year and then returning to the district.)

9. E2 is having lots of fun at her summer camp and has made some new friends. (Still wants to marry K though!)

10. Z had a great birthday with lots of wonderful cards and gifts!  (Still very sad about not being at Great Wolf Lodge this year. *sniff*)

11. B and the big kids enjoyed a midnight showing of Transformers.

(eta: oops, this was saved as a draft instead of posting to the blog!  Z is so addicted to Spore, I don't get the computer much this summer!!  Not much going on - just the typical kid chauffeuring + some cleaning and decluttering = not a very relaxing summer!)

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. E1 is going to a movie and spending the night with a friend.

2. Z had a fun week at soccer camp (didn't go today due to storms - it cleared up; wish I had taken him).

3. E2 had fun at summer camp and stayed a couple of extra hours each day to make the kid chauffeuring easier.

4. E2 was evaulated at gymnastics to see if she could move up a class level and she is now in Mini-Stars!  Here we go again!

5. The girls & I had a nice dinner at Bob Evans (and E2 actually ate - she's on a Food? I don't need no stinkin' food kick right now) and then E2 had her Mini-Stars class while E1 goofed off in the cheese pit with a teammate and then we hung out another 45 minutes and the girls played with their friends.

6. Rick Riordan/the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series.  I reread the series this week and B just finished reading Book 5 to the kids last night.

7. Tuesday, I went to bed super early and B made the big kids clean several rooms - what a nice thing to wake up to the next day!

8. Gas is staying under $3.

9. I saved this post as a draft (which I rarely do) and hit save several times - good thing b/c internet went out briefly as I was typing!

10. E1 is (thanks to the girls at her gym) getting into Vera Bradley! Her first one is on it's way!

11. The next Harry Potter movie comes out in 28 days!!

12. He hasn't followed through with it yet, but Z told me the other day that he wanted to clean the van windows on the inside! 

13. Reading this story this morning reminded me how very lucky I am to have three healthy kids.

14. The new air conditioner!!!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. B let me sleep in yesterday and today!

2. E2 did a great job at her recital and we celebrated with a nice meal at Red Robin.

3. E2 did a great job at her rehearsal and I got it on video.

4. E2 is enjoying her summer camp at her preschool.

5. Declutterathon 09 has started; I got E1 to go through her closet and weed out everything too small or unwanted. (Sadly, she is over Justice and is back to abercrombie.)

6. Day 1 of summer vacation went well - no major fights. 

7. School's out! And the kids (mostly) had a great year.

8. Field Day wasn't canceled and the big kids had lots of fun that day.

9. E1's grips came and they fit.

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. E1 had a GREAT practice today!  She made her back walkover on the high beam (and got to ring the bell), did an aerial, and got to ring the bell for her Yurchenko drill.  She has been scared. to. death. to do the walkover so today was HUGE!

2. E1 and E2 had a ton of fun at a birthday party at their gym today.

3. Z had a blast playing paintball yesterday!  The team voted on MVP and he did not win, but he did get 5 (of 12) votes so that was nice!

4. Yummy meals and family time this week at Cracker Barrel, Buffalo Wild Wings and the Rusty Bucket.

5. Z had a big math project/presentation due this week and got 100 pts out of 100!

6. Hot Fuzz - what a funny movie!

7. Our new air conditioner!!

8. eta: E1 really enjoyed her field trip to the Ohio Caverns - although I think the highlight was the mood ring (lost this weekend in a porta potty tragedy) she bought at the gift shop!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. B had to go into work for a bit today and he took the big kids.

2. Z was offered a spot on the U12 Black squad.  It's still the B squad, but it's also a move up from the B squad he was on last year. (hard to explain)

3. We had a yummy dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings last night.

4. E2 had a ton of fun on her Zoo field trip.

5. E2 had a GREAT year at preschool!

6. E2 *loves* her new Gymbo clothes.

7. B & E1 had fun at the Crew game, and the Crew won!

8. B took the kids out on a Memorial Day photo shoot!

9. Digital cameras!

10. Krispy Kreme coffee!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. No more cleaning the gym on Friday nights; another family needed the hours.

2. Z's team won last night, 5-2! And the weather was perfect for watching and playing soccer.

3. E1 had a lot of fun at her banquet and was MVP for her level!

4. The big kids have healthy eyes and bodies!

5. It's Presidential Fitness Challenge time - E1 set the school (girls') record for pull-ups with 20!

6. Got the paperwork submitted to OHVA to homeschool Z next year! The plan is to let him spend next year working at his own (accelerated) pace and then hopefully he'll get a slot in our district's mastery-based middle school for 7th & 8th grades.

7. Gymboree and Gymbucks!

8. Vera Bradley sales!

9. Mini Boden!

10. E2 is a whiz on the computer!

11. Krispy Kreme!

12. A super amazing husband!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for this week:

1. The boys are, I assume, having fun at the Crew game AND the Crew are winning 3-2.

2. E1 had a 4 hour practice today and A's little sister entertained E2 the entire time.

3. Giammarco's. Seriously, I'm in love.

4. I had a parent teacher conference with Miss T last night. E2 is doing very well.  I can't believe how adept E2 is at the computer - she negotiates starfall and nick jr with ease. I also can't believe how many sight words she has learned in the last two weeks. And she read the word 'exit' tonight! 

5. Z's soccer team won 4-2 and Z had an assist!

Gratitude

What I am especially grateful for these past two weeks:

1. B did a ton of laundry this weekend.

2. Working off E1's tuition + a credit balance that can be applied towards team camp.

3. E2 had fun at daycare Saturday (and her friend S was there) while the rest of us went to see Wolverine. (Which I really liked, despite it not really having a point).

4. A fabulous meal at Olive Garden. Oh I how I love the caprese flatbread and torta di chocolate. I wish I could eat there everyday.

5. E1 is getting to practice a lot of upskills now that meet season is over.

6. Z's team went 4-0 in their tournament!

7. E1 and her teammates & their siblings and E2 had a ton of fun at E1's very belated birthday party. (which was really more about celebrating states and the fact that they are all level 5 ctops)

8. State testing (Ohio Achievement Tests) week is over.

9. Fresh, cool air.

10. Small Favor was really good and probably my favorite Dresden File book.

11. A camcorder from Grandma B!!!!