Caden ... the ALL-STAR

This year has been a busy one for Caden... he was in swimming (which he hated), attempted soccer (which was fun for him, and funny for mom), but now he's on to the exciting sport of basketball! He is all into it too... from the get-up to the shoes, each week he's been decked and ready to practice. To daycare he wears the shorts and t-shirt under the sweatpants and sweatshirt (because, of course, that is what basketball players do.) His favorite Aunt Meggie also got him new kicks for Christmas which he won't wear outside! Santa brought him a new basketball, so now he has two that he carries with him. And his Nana and Grandpa spoiled him with tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters, which I hear he showed off for the players a little! Needless to say, he's quite the stud on the court!

 

 

Jarin has been helping coach the team, so we haven't gotten to attend many practices (apparently little sisters are just in the way!) But the first game is coming up quickly, and we invite you all to come watch him in action. All games are played at the Friendly House in Davenport.

Jan 8th at 10:45

Jan 15th at 10:45

Jan 22nd at 10:45

Jan 29th at 12:45

Feb 5th at 12:45

Feb 12 at 11:45

Feb 19th at 12:45

Feb 26th at 10:45

Merry Christmas gone bad...

So, mom and I thought it'd be a great idea to give the boys tickets to the Vikings-Bears Monday night football game for Christmas. We surprised them with the tickets at the last Iowa Football game this fall and everyone was stoked!

Little did we know that the metrodome was going to collapse and leave us in an outdoor college stadium that didn't sell beer in the middle of December!

We got some good tips though... stand on cardboard and catch snowflakes on your tongue... hey, why not?!?!

  
Here's a peak of the deflated (non-existant) metrodome!

With the 7 hour drive up to Minnesota in the trecherous blizzard, we didn't get there in time to party before the kickoff, but we made sure we had plenty of time afterwards for some nightlife. Ended up being a night to remember!

Brainwashed!

He seriously thinks the Vikings are cool! In JCP the other night, he tried on at least 4 different jerseys and would then run out to the aisle and pose for anyone walking by! Hysterical! Now his question of the week us 'mom, do you want me to play football for the Hawkeyes, Vikings, or Bears?'

The Artwork Says It All

Each day Cade brings home a great piece of artwork from preschool... either penmanship practice, a coloring page, matching sheet, stickers and glitter, paint projects or free drawings. Well, a couple weeks back, they started discussing families and his teacher asked each of the kids to draw a picture of their family. Now, I have to say, that when Caden started preschool in August this year he didn't even draw faces -- not on people or suns, or pumpkins ... he barely had drawn a picture of a person before! So, I was thrilled when he came home with the following artwork:

Then Jarin and I started talking to him about his family and asked who all was represented in the photo. He started on the right, and named mommy, Caden, and Alayna, and the outer circle was our home. Puzzled, Jarin and I said, "Where's Daddy?" He proceeded to flip it over...

Cade looks at us with two big eyes, and as calm as can be says, "Daddy is outside grilling."

Another Wave of Technology!

Jarin and I upgraded our cell phones recently, which has meant that I spend more time on my phone and less time in front of a computer updating the blog with anything of much substance! Unfortunately, I've missed out posting so many fun things that have been happening, but it's made me realize how much I enjoy sharing all that we have to keep us busy. I think blogging provides me an opportunity to relive the funny spontaneity in our every day lives that I sometimes file in the back of my memory when I lay down at night.

First of all, Jarin's mother retired at the beginning of October! After years of working diligently as a bankruptcy clerk she decided it was time to enjoy the mornings in her pjs... and boy, does she deserve it! Clyde had a huge surprise party for her in which many family and friends traveled to enjoy her celebration. I think she was completely caught off guard, just as planned!

Since then I've tried talking her into coming down and doing house cleaning for me but between joining Sisters, raking the yard, and making all the repair calls for things they've put off for years, she claims that she has kept busy! A couple weeks ago however, she did come down and join Cade on his preschool field trip to the pumpkin patch and then picked up Alayna early from daycare and enjoyed walks, lunch, and flying kites. Now that is exactly what retirement is all about!

Oh, what else have we been up to? Hawkeye football definitely keeps us busy every weekend, which means there is a lot of packing and unpacking each week. But we definitley define our family with the football season, so I'd never give it up! On the way to Iowa City a couple weeks ago, Cade was in tears because he'd only been able to go to one football game this year. I had to explain that some kids (and adults) never get to go to any, so he was pretty lucky! Here's our Hawk fans:

Halloween has also come and gone now... Jarin and I dressed up for once this year! I swore I wouldn't post a photo of us anywhere, but it was fun, so I guess I will share!

 The kids were adorable (I'm just a little biased!) Cade was the rough and tough Harley man, and Miss Alayna was my "Aly" Cat. They trick-or-treated 3 different times, and I'm sure we'll be stocked with candy through Easter!

Funny story... at one of the houses, the lady handed Cade a thing of Smarties. He picked it back out of his trick-or-treat bucket, threw it back in her basket, and said, "I don't want that!" Then he took off, never asking for anything different! Jarin and I were mortified, and tried to teach him how rude that was, but of course, all we could do was bust up laughing!!

Happy fall to all of you and your families. I'll promise to post more in between all the Christmas shopping I have to do -- only 50 more shopping days!!

I'm officially a soccer mom!

Cade is still loving soccer! He runs so hard in practice each week and then tells me, "that is hard work mom!" He's getting pretty good at kicking the ball too, using the inside of his foot, and is really picking up the rules of the game. Well, until game day comes, and then he's timid to take over the ball. It's probably because of the numerous times I tell him to share with his sister, let her have a turn, be a nice big brother, etc, etc!

Sunday was a good day for him though because he got to be GOALIE!! There was no one in his way, and he was in charge!!He blocked many shots, then would rush back to the line to throw it back in. One time he bounced the ball off an opponents head!

Slumber Party with CJ

Friday night the kids had a very special visitor! CJ (6 weeks old) and his mommy came for an overnight stay! We made pizza, played referee while the kids loved up on CJ, and then Jenni and I put the kids to bed and enjoyed a couple adult beverages!

Look at these sweet pictures... I think they want a baby in the house!

A little on the deeper side...

I've personally always been fond of expressing emotions by writing whatever thought popped into my mind. It clears my brain to put pen to paper, and allows me a minute to really soak in what I'd try to argue in my head. But, I've never known what to do with it once it's recorded! Now, with social media sites, people are empowered to truly write what they wish, any time they dream it.

And, since no one has set parameters for me, this is my chance to record the question that has encompassed me for the past few days. It begins with why.

Why is it that the most adored people in the world, those with humor as great as the sunset and hearts the size of the universe, why are they the ones in which God chooses to hand some of the most difficult situations?

As I write this, I believe I've found my answer. It lies in the question. It's those who are the strongest, with the best foundations, the biggest support systems, the most positive outlook on life, and the truest belief in faith that are inspired to deal with disheartening news. Just when you think that you are not defined by one of these, I hear your story. Recently, powerful, dedicated, and enriched women have shared their stories with me...not to collect pity, but to build awareness that you never know what can happen. Here are a few of them:

• One amazing mother and wife was handed bankruptcy papers because she never wanted to be involved in the family financials and was not aware of the dreaded bank account that was spiraling into the red. Now she struggles to come out of divorce and take control.
• Another young mother and wife was served the depressing news that the spot on her ultrasound has a very good chance of being cancerous, and now she is making the decision to go into surgery while her two little girls sit at home waiting and wondering. 
• A third was the story from a dedicated wife, yearning for a baby to call her own, while tracking every change in her intriguing female body and battling ovulation monitors, wondering why they just can't get pregnant.

Why? We ask it every day, for some reason or another. Why did the kids think that was okay? Why didn't I remember to do that? Why is he choosing that? Why aren't things lining up the way they should? Why do I have so much on my plate?

The answer is within us. It all because we can. We, as women, can handle it and just when we think we can't, we realize we can. Because it's a teaching moment. It's a chance for us to spread our wings and share our knowledge. Because we can succeed and pull out of it, and if the outcome is not what we wish, we will show others how to make the best of it. And we do. Because we are women with hearts, minds, soul, and faith stronger than one can ever imagine.

That's why.

Crusaders lose the first one....

My little David Beckham!

Ah, we lost the match, but I don't even think the kids realized that! They had so much fun running up and down the field, chasing after the ball, that it didn't matter who scored, who was running the wrong way, who scored for the other team, or who was too busy picking their nose that they didn't see the ball (and players) run past them!!!

And yes, I think Cade fit into each one of those situations at one point or another! He loved his position on offense, as the forward, but defense got a little boring!!

It was a riot to watch, and I can't wait to see how much he develops through the next few weeks. Let us know if you are interested in a little free entertainment some Sunday afternoon!

Annual IOWA Party

The Arizona/Iowa game marked the 4th year that we've had the gang over for an Iowa Football Party. It started with about 3 other couples and two one-year-olds playing outside, eating lots of food, watching football, and sleeping over. Now, the situation is a little different!

Saturday, we had 10 adults and 8 kids running around. With such a late game, the guys were able to golf in morning; the girls came later in the afternoon, and even brought our newest member in tote - Rex was just 4 weeks old and got lots of attention from the little and big ones! 

Callum (2) was just learning how to say Go Hawks! And Cade couldn't decide if he was more into the football game and food or using Jeff as target practice!

We all had a great time and did very well using the space in the living room! Tight squeeze!

And, while the game was miserable for everyone, I'm not sure there was anyone on edge as much as my husband! He assumed position right next to the TV all night, and Brad enjoyed taking his money as he continued to make bets, play after play!!

We closed down the night really late, making Sunday morning come quick!! But we didn't walk away without a birthday celebration for Jeff. Kari presented him banana bars that had been flopped onto a plate and I scrounged up some candles from Alayna's birthday! Happy 31st Jeff!

Caden's Soccer Schedule

My littlest man started on a soccer team last night through Dad's Club Sports, and it was really the cutest thing I've ever witnessed! Of course, just as I took my first picture of him kicking the ball into the goal, my camera battery died! So, I have no pictures to share, but if you want to see him in person, I urge you to join us on Sunday afternoons for a little entertainment.

Team: Crusaders I
Location: Davenport Soccer Complex, 8991 North Division Street

Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. Field #9
Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. Field #10
Oct. 3 at 1p.m. Field #10
Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. Field #9
Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. Field #9

A Funny Alaynism

Yesterday after I picked the kids up from daycare, we passed a mother running her heart out while pushing two children in a jogger up the hill.

Caden announces, "Mom, we have that stroller!"
I replied, "Yes, we do, and mommy needs to get it out again soon."
Cade, on que, asks, "Why?"
I said, "Because mommy is out of shape."

Alayna finally pipes in, "Buy more shape, mommy!"

If only we could buy more of anything we were out of, wouldn't that make life easier?!?!

Happy Grandparent's Day 2010

While I've been very fortunate to share my childhood with many grandmas, grandpas, and great-grandparents, there is only one dear grandfather on my side of the family to still enjoy the joys of life with. Today we took the kids for some cake and ice cream with Grandpa Skala in Brooklyn, IA and as soon as we arrived, I think he was in awe. First, Cade had to wear his Iowa football helmet into the nursing home dining area! And second, Alayna was all about the hugs and kisses for her great-grandpa.

We moved our party outside to enjoy the beautiful weather and got many great pictures.

That grandpa though... between his stories to the kids, tickles and squeezes, it was tough to get anyone's attention for the camera!

And then Blake took Cade on a motorcycle ride through the town. Well, to me it seemed like across country, but Grandpa spotted them far across in the school!

Before we left, Alayna asked Grandpa if she could see his room (it was precious!) So, we walked him down the hall and it was kisses for all!

Happy Grandparent's Day to all those who cherish and spoil the little ones with love. Thank you for creating the families that you have. It's because of you that we are all so lucky.

Who's party is it?

My papa celebrated his birthday in July, but the poor guy didn't really get a party, so we planned an evening at the winery in toast to his 55th! We booked a sitter, and packed up our lawn chairs and mom, dad, Jarin and I arrived at Fireside Winery when we ran into some of our good friends from the Quad Cities. It was so fun to see them there! The winery is definitely one of my favorite places, and I've raved about it to Brad and Kate for quite some time, so I wasn't surprised to see them trying it out.

But then I ran into a couple more friends, and then a couple more, and soon, after setting up our lawn chairs by the live music, I thought, "This is really weird! What are all these people doing here?" Sure enough, there in the back of the crowd was my hubby, with his glass of wine, just smiling away. He was throwing me a surprise 30th birthday!

I couldn't have been more thrilled, exciting, embarrassed, shocked, happy, and in love. Apparently, my non-social-networking husband had sent out an e-vite to a large group of friends and family. My moms, dads, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandpa, sisters, brothers, and friends were all there to sing, dance and drink wine with me. Wow. What an amazing night!!

Even sweet Henley joined in the fun, and packed a bottle for the trip home! (surprise, Monica!)

Thank you, Jarin, for providing 23 bottles of celebratory wine, and to everyone who joined in the fun, I'm truly blessed to have such an incredible group of friends and family. It was definitely one of the best nights of my life. Cheers to the next 30 years!