Food, Fun, and oh yes....FOOTBALL!

Seems a while since I last posted and we have had our ups and downs in our family like everyone else! I hope everyone had a very nice Thanksgiving as we did. I spent Thanksgiving Eve trying to hem a pair of pants for Andrew. I thought I had bought the magic stitch witchery but had picked up the wrong stuff....it took me a long time to get the needle threaded and then hemming, well, lets just say I am way out of practice. As luck would have it, the minute we walked into church, the hem fell out. Oh well, worst things have happened! We went over to Bill's parents for bagels and coffee and went through the sale papers with them. I had written out my shopping list last weekend and knew what I wanted to go get. We ate at Ryan's this year instead of cooking because we weren't sure of our plans until the last minute. I sure missed my Mom's stuffing and everything else! We had a nice day though and my favorite part was handing the dirty dishes to the Ryan's waitress!

Bill and I went shopping yesterday. We did not really run into any crowds except at Dick's Sporting Goods. I waited in line for about 30 minutes, not once, but twice here! We are all done shopping though except for ONE hard to buy for person who shall remain nameless...Mom.....I just have to wrap now and get some things shipped. I am WAY ahead this year compared to last year and yes everyone I will wrap before Christmas Eve this year!!! (Caroline is smiling....)

We have been doing alot of running around with the kids here lately but have managed to get them where they needed to be at the right time. Bryanna tried out for All-County Orchestra and All-County Chorus and was chosen for both of them. She is 14th chair for the violin section and 1st soprano for the chorus. It is a wonder how my musical abilities got passed on to her especially the singing part! She did really great and we are so proud of her because she worked really hard to earn these spots.

And yes, we are still playing football! Andrew's team won the Eastern Division Championship last Tuesday. I could not make it to the game because Bryanna had a concert at the high school. My mom and dad, Chris, Caroline and Bill all went to the game though and the Seahawks won 14-0. Their next game is Saturday, Dec. 6th where they are competing for the Southern Division Championship. I am not sure where the game will be yet or the time. If they win that game, they will play for the State Championship so keep all of your fingers and toes crossed for them!

On top of everything else, our sweet little doggie, Chewy, got sick last Sunday so we ended up taking him to the Vet Emergency Room. He had some kind of intestinal flu and had to have a bag of fluids inserted into him because he would not eat or drink. He was feeling much better by Monday and was back to his usual self on Tuesday. His buddy, Snickers, was even worried about him when he was sick. They are both looking forward to seeing Santa even though Chewy will have alot of explaining to do......

Take care and have a great week!!!

All About Training...

I was in Clemson, SC all last week for training for my new job. As it should be, everything in Clemson in ORANGE. Orange tiger paws painted on the roadways, the bank was even orange. I was staying at a Hampton Inn right around the corner from "Death Valley" which is the nickname for the stadium. The weather was chilly but would warm up. I had intentions of taking pictures but of course I forgot with everything else going on. My trainers were Pam and Bob and they were both really fun to work with. Bob has been on the job for 27 years! He is a Vietnam Veteran and had some very interesting stories. Pam has been with the company for 3 years and is on her 4th marriage so she had some interesting stories as well....haha The leaves were at their peak and really beautiful. I was not far from the mountains but I stayed near my hotel and work and did not venture out much. Tomorrow I leave for Augusta, GA for another week of training and then my traveling should be minimal.

Bill was very busy with the kids. We got a phone call last Sunday afternoon and Andrew made All-Stars for football. I did not think we were having All-Stars this year but I thought wrong which is not unusual. So, with Bryanna having volleyball 2 days a week, Andrew had football 4 days, plus CCD, the doggies, and his work besides he was one tired guy when I got home. I have been doing the laundry all day and went to the grocery store and got them stocked up for the week so hopefully things will be smoother.

Andrew's All-Star game is Thursday and I will be missing it. I am real disappointed and hope they win. If they win, they will play again on Saturday. Bryanna tries out for All County Orchestra on Saturday afternoon and we are suppose to be in Elgin sometime on Saturday because on Sunday my dad is taking Bill and I somewhere (he won't tell us where-just know it is not a race and we have to dress casual)

Halloween was fun for the kids. Andrew went around with his friends in the neighborhood and he also went to Broadway at the Beach. Chewy and I walked Bryanna around our neighborhood. I told Bryanna this is her last year, she spent about 15 minutes at each person's house chatting away......she was dressed as a guitar hero rock star, I am not quite sure what Andrew was. He did his own costume this year and much to my delight, he painted his face with a RED SHARPIE. He did this before I got home. Most of the sharpie is gone except a little on his arms.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great week.