Good Dog, Naughty Girls

My linen closet is right outside my girls' bedrooms. It really wasn't good thinking on the builders' part or perhaps mine, I'm not sure which. While the blankets and quilts are a great source of entertainment and have been used for a variety of forts, games, picnics, and make-believe stories, I am constantly folding, refolding, and returning them to their shelves. This morning upon opening the closet door I was surprised to find an occupant inside.

All I can say is it's a good thing R.J. isn't so fun to play with!

Viva La Greece

How many 6th grade boys would stand in front of the student body, dressed in a Toga, and sing an Elvis ballad to a girl that loathes him? Not too many, but Braden did. What did his teacher offer him? Surely she must have at least offered a bit of extra credit in Social Studies. But, no... the part was by audition.

This year's 6th grade play was an Elvis spoof of four Greek myths entitled "Viva La Greece." Braden played the role of the love stricken Apollo. He favored the beautiful Daphane who had been shot with an arrow of loathing and ran from his advances, finally finding refuge by becoming a tree. Braden played the part perfectly. He not only chased Daphane around on stage declaring his love for her, but he also sang Elvis' Don't Be Cruel. It was great!

Whatever Mrs. Miller has, I need to get a bit of it.

Winter Sports

We turned a corner this year. Braden gained a love for basketball. While it's difficult for him to agree with anything his dad says, being on a winning team really helps. The Spartan's fought their way into second place at the Thunderbird Boys and Girls Club and went on to the city tournament. Great "D" Braden!

Field Day came and went, which is sad because it is simply the best day of the year according to one 6th grade boy. Braden competed in relays, 100 yard dash, 600, long jump, and high jump. He did awesome, though not as awesome as he would have done had he trained on the backyard high jump he repeatedly asked for since last year's track meet. But despite that disadvantage, he still took third place!

Way to go B!

Why do we run?

Wake up before 6 a.m., run for 13 miles, and pay to do it? Who does that and really why would they? These are the things I asked myself as I dragged myself out of bed at 5:30, fed a four-month-old, and dressed for the annual Run for Ryan's House.

The Run for Ryan's house helps raise funds for a home for children undergoing life threatening illnesses and their families while they are being treated away from home. The house is named after Ryan, a 4th grader at Braden's school, who benefited from a similar home while being treated in England.

Braden and I joined another 1200 plus people Saturday morning by tying up our running shoes, donning our numbers, and standing at the start line. It was quite an experience, with principle, teachers, parents, students and others racing, cheering, and volunteering. Braden received a medal by placing second in the 5k in his age division, running a personal best of 25:21. I ran a personal best also of 1:51:12, but was really just thrilled to finish on my feet.

So why do we run? We run for a cause, we run for the thrill, we run to keep our sanity (ok the last one is just me).

Happy 12th Birthday B!

This is the one he has been waiting for. No more sitting on the back row of primary. No more sharing time. No more Once There Was A Snowman or The Wise Man and the Foolish Man. No more primary talks. No more primary programs or Mother's Day Songs (sniffle, sniffle). It's on to the big boys.

We Love you B! You're looking sharp!