Jacob's First Game

Jacob had his first basketball game today. He is definitely much improved from last year. I still think watching basketball at this level is like watching the coach herd cats, but the kids love it and are learning, so it is worth sitting there the hour to cheer him on! They don't keep score at his age, but he informed me that he was sure the score was "like ummmm 110 to 54. We got our butts KICKED!" It was pretty funny, and he wasn't too far off.

Getting last minute advise from the coach.

Bringing the ball up the court.

Zach had a game in Bloomington this morning. I couldn't go because Brian worked and Jake had his first game. So, Zach went with friends. And what happens? All the parents and players come home saying he was on FIRE! He scored thirteen points including a three pointer of an inbounds screen and had 5 steals. His team won.

He also played this afternoon at Monticello. The team stopped to eat and apparently, instead of eating light, Zach ate a double quarter pounder and fries. They got beat this afternoon, but played tough.

Warming up in Monticello

Trying to get free for the inbound pass

At this point, I am pretty sure he is thinking that he should NOT have had a double quarter pounder and fries for lunch! :>

All our Kids

Here is a pic of all the kids. See if you can name the kid who:

a. critiques my culinary skills several nights a week

b. chews entire rolls of toilet paper

c. loves to cook

d. is a cuddle bug

They are so much fun! There is definitely never a dull moment.

Cool Picture of the Day

Just Us

This week, the U of I students returned to campus so Brian has been living at work. We have just been hanging out here and enjoying each other.

Lizzie gave me a pedi the other night.

She couldn't decide which pj's to wear, so she wore both!

Zach just hanging out too. He looks so old here. I can't believe he is already 11 and headed towards 12!

No pics of Jacob this time. He has been busy playing outside - "ice skating" in the driveway, playing with friends, and all those Jacob-type of things.

Pinkalicious

Lizzie and I have been reading the book, Pinkalicious, over and over. So, we decided to make our own pinkalicious cupcakes today. We had a good time and made some fun memories!

About three minutes after this picture was taken, Lizzie looked at me and said, "Mommy, my tummy hurts." I wonder why!

Look at all the sugar pouring out of that bottle.

Digging in

Love that smile and nose!

A yummy experiment in pinkness and lots of memories!

Help: Life with a Tweener Question!

We had some dear friends over tonight for dinner and visiting. We also exchanged Christmas presents with them. We had a great time. However, while Zach played with the kids downstairs, he started acting weird before we exchanged presents and I couldn't figure it out. He was very excited about his gift - a Dick's Gift Card because he told me about it several times. However, he was very quiet. I couldn't figure him out. Then it dawned on me. He has a ball game tomorrow. Every night before a game, he gets super quiet and nervous. He often asks me for melatonin or benadryl to help him sleep. He didn't ask for them tonight, but did confide in me that he was starting to freak out a little.

The question is this: What do I do to help him deal with this anxiety/nervousness? He completely gets his underwear in a knot about these games. Sometimes to the point of having facial tics from the nerves. Any suggestions?

Please don't say anything to him about this as it will only embarrass him. I want to help him, not cause him more grief.

SNOW DAY!!!!

We had a snow day today! I am just as bad as the kids, I get so excited to have an unscheduled day off. The kids enjoyed playing outside this morning before it got too cold and blustery. It was a fun time. It is always fun to watch the kids giggling and running around.

They played "catch the dog." That was not easy to do. She was tearing around.

The dog goes crazy!

Jacob missed her!

Lizzie did too!

It was a little deep for Sadie at first.

The kids are working on a snow castle.

Zach says he is ready to rock 'n roll in the snow. I think he looks like some kind of deranged uni-bomber in this picture!

SNOW!!!

Just a cool pic.

Playing with Sadie.

1/2 Birthday

Yesterday was Jacob's half birthday. We don't celebrate at home, but they do at school. He chose to take Chip's Ahoy cookies and juice boxes. He had fun at his mini celebration.

Cool Pictures of the Day

More Sledding

As soon as Grandpa and Grandma Paragi got to our house, we just HAD to take them sledding! Here are some pics from that trip.

Yes, I made them pose for a picture!

Grandpa takes a trip down

Zach pushes himself to make sure he goes the "farthest." By the way, that is ice he is on!

Jacob really wants a snowboard. Can you tell?

Lizzie is such a good sport about climbing back up the hill.

Christmas with the Paragis and Giddens'

It is our tradition to have Christmas with Brian's family over the New Year's holiday. We exchange presents, ring in the New Year, celebrate birthdays, and play games. This year we got to go sledding! An added bonus this year was watching how well the kids played together. As they all get older, they play well together.

Coming back up the sledding hill.

The basement was awesome! The kids played down there A LOT! Here is Ben playing Star Wars and Jacob watching TV.

Lizzie painted on her easel in the basement.

Jacob and Ben were quite the buddies this time!

Brian is saying, "Is this game EVER going to get over?"

Chad tries to pick the best choice in Apples to Apples.

Molly and Ben

Molly digs into the infamous Mint Pie.

Unfortunately, Zach didn't fell well the entire time.

Molly and Karen

I told them several times to act like they liked each other and this is what I got.

Climbing up the hill.

Uncle Chad takes a turn.

Silly kids

Like with all our Christmas family get-togethers, we had a great time. Unfortunately, at the end of our time together, I caught Zach's "bug." I am sleeping a lot and trying to let my body rest. I don't want any flare-ups to go along with this yucky bug!

We had a great Christmas break with ALL our family. But now it is time to get back to "reality." I am not ready for that, I must admit. I am not ready to start treatments, going back to work and more tests. But, it is happening so I must ask the Lord to walk with me through what the next few months hold and take the first step.