Size Doesn't Matter

This weekend Peanut had two state soccer games.  I tend to worry about him when he is out on the field.  He is one of, if not the toughest player out there.  He does not back down.  He plays defender and will just about risk life and limb to prevent the ball from going past him.  The fact that he is not the biggest player out there doesn't make any difference to him.

I took this picture on my iPhone and zoomed in.  I know it is grainy.

Just minutes before, Peanut leveled the boy in red.  Peanut got all ball and the other boy went down like a domino.  It was very amusing as that boy is about twice Peanut's size.  The red player's coach commented to his player that he just got leveled by a boy half his size!  Peanut was on the field chuckling.  The best part was that it was all good, clean soccer.  No one got hurt.

Oh!  Yeah!  They won both games this past weekend!  Wahoo!  More soccer this weekend...

Cross Country Meet

The middle school hosted a cross country meet last Wednesday.

Two miles in 12:15!  Course was flat and hot.

He runs two in just a bit more than I walk one.  Gotta love it!

A Good One

I paused yesterday praying for all the lives that were changed on 9/11.

I saw this video today.  Jon Stewart says it well.

Today, I pray that all we all try our best to keep Jon's message alive.

My Baby Goes to the Dentist...

Back in April, I started working for pediatric dentists.  The boys have gone to them for years.  This was Peanut's first visit since I started there.  As a general rule, parents are not allowed back with the children.  The dentists are some of the best I've seen.  They don't restrain children and do everything they can to make the dental office a place to be.  The kids do behavior better w/o their parents.

Anyway...I snuck back, embarrassed my son and snapped some pictures.

 After the initial, "oh, mom", he sat up and smiled for me.

He passed his visit with flying colors - no cavities!  He just has to floss/brush a bit better for one spot on his gums.  I am so grateful the boys like the dentist and have beautiful teeth.  Now, if I'd remember the ortho appointments, Peanut may just get the braces off one of these days!!!

Twilight Classic 2012

The annual Twilight Classic was Saturday night.  The event is held at a soccer complex.  They turn it into a cross country course for middle schoolers all the way up to college kids.  This is the third year that Peanut has competed in it.  This year, as an 8th grader he led the pack at the start.  If you zoom in, he's the one with the white tshirt under yellow and green uniform.  We did not talk about what to do if you were in the lead.  It was too funny.  He kept looking around as if to tell one of the other boys to go ahead.  He'd rather pace off of someone as opposed to setting the pace.

He held the lead for a bit longer...

 When they came into the stadium, he was 6th and held it to the finish.

 He finished looking strong.

He got a dry-fit tshirt for his finish.  He did come in 6th with a time just over 6:56 running a 2k.  He was first for his school.  I hope he keeps up his love for running.  The plan is to join the cross country team next year in high school.

The plan all along was for Pumpkin to join us - on his birthday - to watch Peanut run.  He did not make it to the complex in time.  The self-centeredness of a 17 year old continues...

Pumpkin turns 17!

Seventeen big ones!

He was still a bit groggy yesterday morning when he opened his presents.  It is still hard to believe that he is 17.  It was a bit of a challenge to find some gifts for him.  I thought this one was the best.  His response did not agree.  I got us a class together to learn how to make tamales.  He's talked about tamales all summer.  It was on his todo list, but did not get checked off.  He loves tamales and at the end of October we'll find out how to make them.  I'm looking forward to the sangria!

Adam picked out a birthday card.  It was one of those that doesn't open.  Look at the grin.  Adam got him!

 He can now see R rated movies.  I don't know if I am ready for that.  He got two movie passes.

He got a new phone.  His other ones were shattered.  This is just a replacement.  He wanted an iphone but we weren't willing to pay for the data.  He was pleased with a phone that was operational and with a screen you can read.  He wants a case.  We'll see if he can keep the phone safe until the case arrives.

Lastly, he got a pair of shoes.  He has narrow feet.  This was a shot in the dark, but they fit!  He'll wear them with his shorts.  I hope they stay some what nice to wear with khakis too.

I whipped together a Boston Creme Pie using a new recipe.  It had cool whip mixed with the pudding for the in between layers.  Pumpkin liked it but really likes the plain recipe with custard in between.

Lovin' the Air

We are all having fun with my new MacBook Air.

This picture just warms my heart.  He thought we were gonna photo booth a canned picture.  He chose the hearts.  I used some quick thinking and smacked one right on his cheek!