wordless wednesday :: snow watching

Five minute Friday

START.

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Carly's birthday was this week. She has been celebrating since last Friday. First there was a visit by MamMam and Aunt Kacey with lunch at Fox and Hound and AnnOlivia cupcakes. Then Nonna and D came for Sunday lunch at La Siesta.

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Tuesday was the actual day. She had birthday morning with Kenny and I including presents and donuts. I brought lunch to her (she chose Wendy's) and ate with her in the cafeteria (a true act of love) . She chose sub sandwiches and apple pie for birthday dinner.

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Thursday was her birthday afternoon with friends. We ate lunch at Subway. Headed to Tunica for a group tennis lesson. Back to the house for birthday cake and ice cream. Later, I fed them pizza.

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Carly has had a fabulous week. I, on the other hand, have gained 5 pounds.

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STOP.

birthday morning

Carly had a good birthday morning.

She was up early to make sure we had time to straighten her hair

(you know the important stuff.)

Surprisingly, a one shot self portrait. It typically takes multiple times until Carly finally gives in and stops making silly faces. Birthday donuts with the token bowl of fruit, that I hope will get her through the sugar crash that is probably going to happen in the middle of math class.

And, what was up with the hair? A ribbon? Haven't seen one of those in a while!

Kenny and I gave Carly a pair of "tennis" shoes to wear just on the court.

Of course they didn't fit...good grief her foot won't stop growing!

And in the bag?

It was a new tennis bag and racquet. She is ready for her birthday lesson with friends on Thursday. Happy 11th Birthday sweet girl!

driving her nuts

one large brown paper bag

that suddenly appeared

sitting all alone in the corner

just taunting the 10 year old

only 1 day away from being 11

holding court

MamMam and Kacey were up for the weekend.

We all missed you G'daddy (especially Kenny!)

A weekend mixed with birthday fun and basketball fun.

Saturday's game, the 3rd this week, was at home against St. Louis.

Throw in a practice and we are one worn out family!

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I am the "official" book keeper for home games which explains why there are NO basketball pictures this season. But thanks to Kacey, we got some good ones today.

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Playing a little defense.

I've been telling Carly for years that she should play like that is HER ball and someone stole it from her on the playground. I think she is starting to believe it.

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By halftime, we were up by 5 and looking like we were ready to be in control. Coach Stephen was trying to get them all on the same page which is a difficult job.

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Carly getting good post positioning.

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Fouled on the shot and shooting 2.

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Getting pointers from Coach Dad.

Good game girls! - final score 25-13.

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Not only were MamMam and Aunt Kacey here for the game, but a whole cheering section of friends! We really appreciate all you guys who took your Saturday morning to come and cheer Carly on! What a fantastic final home game.

snapshot of life

monday night, january 24, 8:00p.m: finally homework time after basketball practice, a shower and dinner!

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Almost forgot how to get through a Monday. Here we are Monday, January 24th and it was Carly's first Monday to go to school since the New Year. They returned to school on Tuesday 4th. She was out for a snow day on the 10th. Then they were out of school for MLK day on the 17th. Which also means that she has not gone 5 days in a row since the new year. Last week she only went 3. Any bets on how this week will go? I'm going to remain positive but am stocking up on chocolate chip cookies. And, don't be surprised if you see me making a late night run to Sonic.

What do you eat?

Mmmm...game day food. Did you watch any football today?

And more important, did you have a game day menu?

Kenny always has ideas for the menu when it comes to game days.

BBQ nachos, hamburgers, hot wings, quiche..NOT

Last night we had brats with peppers and onions. They are fabulous.

They basically just melt in your mouth.

Kenny cooks it all on the grill which makes it even more delightful.

All I need to do is get out the hoagie rolls, mayo, and spicy mustard. Done.

Even more delightful are the leftovers in the fridge for tomorrow night after basketball practice!

Five Minute Friday

START.

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It snowed here yesterday afternoon and turned bitterly cold. School was cancelled. We were able to sleep in this morning. I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for today. Carly was more than a little aggravated that this was on her snow day. I tried to explain to her that everything was not about her. I'm pretty sure at the age of 10 that she didn't get it.

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Earlier this week, Carly and Kenny were getting ready for the first episode of this season's American Idol. There is a new judge. His name is Steven Tyler. Carly didn't know that name. Kenny told her he was the lead singer of Aerosmith. Nothing. So, Kenny began to belt out a few Aerosmith songs. Kenny has just enough singing ability and memory of song lyrics and plenty of confidence and even more extravertedness to pull this off. He sang "Walk this Way", "Sweet Emotion", "Dream On" maybe, and finally he hit pay dirt with "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing". Later Carly told me that Kenny use to sing that to her when he was tucking her in at night. Only Kenny chooses Aerosmith as a lullaby.

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The next morning on the way to school was even more amusing. Carly and her friend Miss MM were in the back seat. They talked about a game on Carly's iTouch. They talked about a mutual friend's choice in uniform. They talked about Carly's upcoming birthday. They talked about American Idol. Carly asked Miss MM if she knew who Steven Tyler was. New Judge. Anything else? Nope. So Carly starts to explain to her. Aerosmith. Rock Band. Listened to a song on the iPod. They may not have been ready for the science test but they are definitely up on Steven Tyler.

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STOP.

again....

wordless wednesday :: hiding