Here is a quick slideshow of the SGI 2011 trip.

Her video is posted below:

Liz has already started saving up for a new electric guitar and lessons, and we are going to the local guitar stores today to look around.

Update to come.

First game was a great 2-2 tie!! Vs Navarre.

Second game was a 2-0 loss, .

Sunday morning we had to have a PK shootout vs. Navarre to see which team in our bracket would be in the semi-finals.  Lizzie was selected to take the second PK for our team and scored with a beautiful PK shot!  After each team had taken 5 shots we were tied at 4-4.  We then went to a situation where each team would take a shot, and if one team missed and the other team made the shot, the shootout would end.  Talk about sudden death!  It was very tense, as our goalie stopped the sixth shot, but then we missed our sixth.  Seventh shot, they made, and then we made our seventh.  Eight shot by Navarre hit the crossbar and failed to score, then our team finally made the shot to end the shootout!  We were going through to the semi-final!

Semi Final started with an  early goal against us.  Then we evened the score, and scored again before halftime.  In the second half we allowed two goals to end in a heartbreaking 3-2 loss.  The team really played well and gave all they had.  We all felt good about how the girls played, and especially Liz for her effort and great attitude!

Back in B’ham now, and all are worn out.

Great Job Lizzie!

I’m so proud of Liz for saving up so much so diligently.  I believe she’ll take very good care of her new laptop and we’re expecting to see it used for productive, creative pursuits.  

I’ll be in Kansas City tomorrow night, and we’ll be able to video chat to keep in touch.  I’m looking forward to using my laptop for some artistic endeavors as well.

Leaving the house.

I remember a commercial a couple of years ago.  It was for Office Depot, I think.  A dad was dancing up and down the aisles collecting school supplies to “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”.  I’ve always disliked that commercial.  Most moms I know look forward to the first day of school.  They begin counting down the days the minute school gets out.  I look forward to summer, I love everything about summer.  I dread the first day of school.  It means the end of staying up late and sleeping in.  It’s the end of not having a schedule.  It’s the beginning of homework, yelling at my kid to get it done and the end of eating dinner at 8:00 because we spent the day at the pool and stayed until it closed. 

Perhaps it’s because these moms and I have different perspectives.  To them, it IS the most wonderful time of the year.  They get rid of their kids and can relax.  Get their house in order.  Believe me, I understand.  I, also, only have one child- not a house filled with kids and their friends all the time.  With one child, it tends to be quiet in the house.  Even when she has friends over, it’s pretty quiet.  I get to sit and read or do what I need to do in the house. 

If I didn’t have to work I wouldn’t but, I work to send my child to the school of our choice.  We live in a community that has wonderful schools.  We’ve heard great things about them but, we want her to have more.  We want her to get a Catholic education.  But, I digress.  Back to the first day of school.  To me it’s the beginning of work.  Not only do I have to get my child to school, I have to get myself ready and be at work.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  I love my job.   I work with an incredible office staff, wonderful teachers and a fabulous principal that loves our school.  And I love them all very much.  The thing I like most about it is that I’m there with my girl.  We’re on the same schedule- I work when she’s at school.  If I have to work, then that’s the schedule I want.  Please, don’t think I’m complaining, I just wasn’t ready for summer to end.  Another week would have been perfect!!

So, here we are- the first day of school.  Elizabeth has started 5th grade.  I’m not sad about it, I loved 5th grade.  That was my favorite grade.  It was my last year in Miami, I went to Westminster Christian School and Mrs. Unkle was my teacher.  My best friends were Wendy, Barbie and Jenny.  I split my chin open on the see-saw and had to get stitches.  It was the year before I was interested it boys (some girls were interested but, I still considered them my friends).  I remember 5th grade fondly and hope Elizabeth does, too.  Both 5th grade teachers are new this year (new to the school, not new to teaching) and Elizabeth has already fallen in love with them.  She helped them set their rooms up and didn’t help me.  Someone has raised a brown-noser!!!  I hope and pray they have a good year.  I will be in the health room enjoying my job and helping all the kids who come to visit me.  It’s going to be a fabulous year.  Don’t worry, I won’t be counting down the days until summer yet, that would mean another year is gone and I’m NOT looking forward to that.  So, here’s to another great year at OLS!!!  By the time I get BUSY in the health room, I won’t have time to think about summer!!!

Here’s a picture of Elizabeth and her two friends from her class.  She’s glad they’re with her this year!!!

Cecilia, Maddie and Lizzie

A few months ago, I joined facebook to see some photos of a friends family.  I didn’t do much with it.  I just looked at her page and never wrote anything.  To be honest, I couldn’t see what the big deal was.  Well, this week…all of a sudden…all these people started contacting me.  So, I put a picture up, updated my profile and started writing to people.  Catching up with old friends.  One is one of the first friends I had when I moved to Birmngham in 6th grade.  Amazing how it all works.  So, I’ve contacted some people, added them to my friends list and look forward to hearing from people.  It’s like a little class reunion with out the diet and wearing the spanx that I end up taking off after a couple of hours because I’m laughing so hard I just hurt and don’t care anymore.  I’ve even found some of Steve’s friends through my friends.  What a small world it really is, after all.

P.S. If you need kids shoes for school, check out Kicks Shoes For Kids in Patton Creek.  Tell John I sent you!!

After our run this morning, I went to the coffee maker to pour us a cup o’ joe as I usually do (Steve’s with a bunch of sugar, mine black).  Steve had put my card by the maker last night so I’d see it.  I opened it and read it.  It’s a sweet card not a funny one as he usually gets, but I couldn’t help but laugh.  I quickly told Steve to open his card that was sitting next to his chair.  He laughed as well.  We had bought the same card!  Take a look at the pictures if you don’t believe me.  I’m sure it means something on some psychological level, I’ll have to ask Terri.  I’m sure she will have something to say on the topic.  She will probably even leave a comment, go read it if she has.  I’m sure it will be amusing.  I’m just thinking we made the right choice!!!!  That and we’ll be dressing alike when we’re old.

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