Family Day

Since moving to Tennessee, we have a tradition of driving to Nashville to see the holiday displays at the Gaylord.

Although we didn’t see nearly the over-the-top decorations we have seen in the past, it’s always great to spend a day just the four of us. It’s always difficult to persuade Keagan to leave the game room and the PS4. He’s a home-body and never wants to go anywhere or do anything. It took a lot of convincing and then finally, “You are going to family fun day!”

I ran into a former student in the gardens, the boys ran into the keyboarding teacher, and Wes took us to Inglewood for authentic Mexican food. We are in fear of being the next victims of a robbery, but the tacos were good and the guac was great!

Here’s to the wonderful family traditions!

Winter Break

It’s my first day of winter break. I went to bed last night at 8:30 and slept eleven hours. Twenty 8 year olds the week before Christmas did me in - I was toast! I was up early today to get my hair cut. Otherwise, I might have slept 14 hours.

Later in the day, Evan and I headed to the church for volunteer work. I signed us up to sort clothes in the free store for the upcoming Christmas Eve event for the underprivileged. Last year we were tasked with putting up and decorating a Christmas tree, and there was no way we were going to do that again. However, Evan was not thrilled with sorting xxl used men’s pants with smells that made him gag. The German chairperson immediately tasked him with a more “manly” job of moving boxes. For two hours he moved boxes? I’m not sure where he went off to to avoid stinky clothes, but he clearly had the better plan. Next year we are chopping potatoes!

What’s Cash?

I was at work today when my phone rang. It was Evan. “Hey, Mom. I need gas for the Jeep. How do you pay if you only have cash?”

I’m still laughing. Four days later and I’m chuckling. 

The Jeep is still sitting on empty. 

He’s Got Game

The middle school team played tonight’s opponent in November when we were in Jackson. They lost by 30 points that month. We lost again tonight, but it was a much closer game and we only lost by seven. Keagan had 12 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals. He had a great game!

The coach in the background kneeling near the bench had his eye on Keagan throughout the game. In fact, he came to a past game to scout Keagan. He’s notorious for watching games, taking notes, recording stats, and creating plays that will be used to keep the strongest players on each team in check. He works at the most challenging middle school in the county and has a great reputation for working with challenging players. In short, he’s a great coach. Keagan has mentioned Coach K is his dream coach. He’s never had the best basketball coaches, and he truly yearns for good training. 

After tonight’s game, Keagan kindly asked if he could have a word with Coach K. Coach was completely caught off guard but agreed to talk. Keagan said, “It would be a great honor to play for you. I have great respect for you and the way you coach. If you have a summer AAU team, I would love the opportunity to try out for a roster spot.” Coach K was flattered and told him he would love for Keagan to play for him, but he planned to take the summer off from coaching to play some golf and sit on the couch. 

Keagan was disappointed, but I was so proud of him for asking. I was even prouder of his articulate compliment and well-thought out approach. The search for a team continues...

St. Nickolaus Day

It's St. Nickolaus Day and he visited us last  night. With the threat of Ryker eating the candy and tearing up the boots, I (I mean St. Nick) had to keep the boots in the closet and the candy hidden. Thus, there are no picturesque photos of the loot. I do have a pic of the dog, though.

Suffice it to say that Ryker is still causing heartache and costing us money. He ate the Direct TV cable again this week, he has broken/eaten every snowman ornament that I have collected since Keagan was a baby, and he has bitten into two PS4 controllers. Both of the bird feeders are destroyed. He can't keep blankets in his dog house for making cotton confetti and he loves to play chase around the house while carrying your prized Rothy's, or in the boys' cases Vans and Jordans, in his mouth. The cat hates him. I'm constantly cleaning up after him. Keagan loaths taking care of him; Evan only tolerates him when he is sleeping. But Wes loves him. We finally persuaded Wes that Ryker needs training. Good, solid, professional training.

So St. Nick visited last night, but all I have is this dog-gone picture of Ryker.

And He’s Off

He drove himself to school today. I followed him to the interstate just to make sure no one pulled out in front of him. He drove himself to personal training this afternoon. Wes followed him this time to make sure he made it to the gym without losing his way. 

He drove Madalyn to the basketball game tonight. 

Eventually we won’t think twice about his driving himself. Eventually Keagan will be okay riding as his passenger. 

I pray he drives responsibly, safely, and slowly! And to give me peace of mind and make sure he’s taking this responsibility seriously, I’ve downloaded an app that will let me know if he doesn’t. 

Safe travels, Evan!

Soccer Showcase

Six soccer games in two days. There is no better way to spend a weekend. Evan’s team went 1-2 in Memphis; Keagan’s team went 1-1-1. Saturday’s games were played in mud pits. Sunday’s games were played in brutal winds. But I consider myself lucky to be able to watch both boys play at the same venue.

With an abbreviated season, these are the only pictures I have of Evan this season. And they were taken with my phone! 😢 The tongue. Always. His signature look.

I’m afraid this is the last of travel soccer for a while - maybe ever. My heart is saddened at the mere mention of giving up something that is such an integral part of our lives. But sometimes our paths in life take an unexpected detour. Something better lies ahead.