Soggy Success

 

Mother Nature has a sense of humor.  It has been a soggy spring.  We had a steady rain for about two weeks around the time of Spring Break.  However,  for the last two weeks, there hasn't been a drop.  Karson's friend Madelyn asked her to participate in a four-man, outdoor volleyball tournament on Saturday.  Wouldn't you know....down-pour city.  The tournament was supposed to start around 8:30, but they moved the time up to 8 try and miss some of the rain.  No luck. 

 

The tournament began with pool play, subsets of smalls groups to determine how the single elimination match play would be set up. The conditions were awful, and really no team had any advantage - teams were combined of 5th-8th graders. Our team was three 7th graders and Karson.  Karson and Madelyn are both from South and have played together.  The other two girls were friends of Madelyn's and both are in 7th grade from Drakes Creek.

 I believe the first team we played was comprised of 8th graders.  They looked a little intimidating, but our girls held their own and pulled out a win.  The rules of outdoor volleyball are different than indoor.  It took some getting used to.

 We played some familiar faces the second game.  It was a team of South players (three 7th graders and one 8th grader).  The exchange of points and spread was close the entire time with our team losing in the end by two points.

We weren't able to finish the third match - got about halfway through before it was barely tolerable.
 Despite having four umbrellas, towels, a raincoat and one of those pop-up canopies, we still were soaked.

 Karson was cold but did her best to stay under the canopy and wrap up in towels.  At one point, we beelined for the car and cranked the heat up.  She took her socks and shoes off so we could attempt to dry them out.  They eventually called the tournament off by about 10:30 a.m.  I'd brought Karson a change of clothes which she got into quickly.  I got her home and into a warm bath ASAP =).  She snuggled up with blankets and spent the remainder of the day reading.

 I'm not sure if it's tradition to have a reception for a 6th Grade Graduate, but I think any reason to have a special celebration with family and close friends is worth the effort.  Karson has worked hard the last seven years at Plano, and we had a little soiree at our house yesterday afternoon to celebrate her achievements.  I had a table full of her favorites - everything from Oreo balls to bow-tie pasta.

 Our town recently got a Party City which is where I found the cute graduate decorations.  I tried to keep the "theme" of the party black and white to match her invitations.  I also recycled the supplies that were left for when Isaac graduates in two years (I'm frugal like that).

  I took pictures of Karson with all of her party guests, which was primarily family and close friends.

Karson got some of the sweetest cards and nicest gifts from everyone. She is loved!

 

The kids ended the day with a game of dodge ball which has become our kids favorite past-time on nice days.  They were able to get a couple of games in before the storms hit.  It was a wonderful day.  Karson's school graduation takes place next Thursday morning at Plano with a promotion ceremony, family picnic and games.  It's hard to believe she is almost officially a 7th grader!

Mother's Day, Birthdays, Awards, May Mash-Up

This post going to be a mash-up of events from the last couple of weeks so bear with me  .

The weeks leading up to the close of school are usually busy.  Add a kid with strep throat and Kentucky allergies into the mix, all bets are off when it comes to constructing a blog that makes any kind of sense.  Poor Miles was out of school last week (for three days) because of strep.  He maintained a 103 fever and felt terrible. Chick Fil A was on the daily agenda which always seems to make bad days a little better.  Matt stayed home with him last Monday.  I stayed home with him on Tuesday.  But the greatest day of all was Wednesday when he got to spend the day with my dad.  I'm pretty sure on his next sick day, he will be begging to hang with my dad.  They had the best time.  They started out the morning at Toys R Us, went to McDonald's for breakfast, and decided to go BACK to Toys R Us.  He was smiling ear to ear when I picked him up after work.  Have I mentioned that we are fortunate having wonderful families who spoil our children especially on sick days?!? He was able to return to school on Thursday and is almost finished with his antibiotic.

 

Karson had her graduation ceremony at 212 Academy at the end of April at South Warren Middle School.  WCPS, Lorrie Richey along with Julia Roberts of Gatton Academy are big supporters of this program.  I hope the school system will continue to place value and seek out additional grant opportunities to fund the academy.  It's been a huge blessing in Karson's academic success. Fingers crossed that Isaac will also get to begin his journey there next fall.

Karson's 212 teachers Ms. Sheffield and Ms. Heming.

While we are on the subject of academic achievements, the kids had their KPREP Celebration of Excellence Ceremony at school yesterday.  Isaac received a Distinguished score in Reading and was a few measly points shy of another one in Math - he received a Proficient.  He continues to amaze us with his writing ability and wonderful grades in school.  I have a feeling he's going to work even harder this year on his testing.

 Karson was one of two children in the entire class to receive a distinguished score in all four subject areas last year as a 5th grader.  She's determined to continue her distinguished streak this year.

 We are thankful for the teachers and staff at Plano who work hard every day to push our children both academically and socially.  The school is working hard to become a Lighthouse Status/Leader in Me school.

Karson and her posse - love these sweet friends!

 We've had lots of other celebrations lately. Steve and Vicky Maglinger, our adopted grandparents (my sister's in-laws), celebrated their 60th birthdays collectively at the first of the month.  We spent the evening dancing, laughing, eating and having a blast celebrating with them.

 

 Pap Colvin celebrated his birthday yesterday.  I love the pictures Matt captured of he and Miles blowing out his candles. 

  

Since I'd purchased tickets for my dad to see comedian Brian Regan at SKyPAC back in March, I followed suit with Colvin and got he and Matt tickets to see Seinfeld in two weeks.  

Comedians are my favorite!  Our family loves to laugh!

We celebrated Mother's Day last weekend.  My sister had all the family over to her house for a cook-out after church.  I got a couple of sweet cards and a gift certificate from Regina Webb.  It's burning a hole in my pocket. I can't wait to use it!  I love being pampered - facials, massages - I need to make an appointment soon.   
On a completely unrelated note, I am having dental issues.  I'm not sure I have ever mentioned that I have a fake front tooth.  I do, Matt does, chances are our kids will at some point.  Isaac's front tooth is already chipped, so there you go.  I broke my nose and tooth back in 6th grade.  About two years ago, I decided to have the tooth re-done and crowned again.  During the ordeal, I had to have my gums re-shaped, bonding, etc.  It was a lot.  I am now faced with the decision to put a crown on the other permanent front tooth.  Bonding continues to come off it and is weakening the enamel and is no longer covered by my insurance to repair.  Ugh!  Looks like more dental work and pain for me in the near future!  I guess there are worse problems to have (I know there are, but it's still frustrating).

Karson's elementary school days are numbered.  Yikes!  I'm about to have a 7th grader who is WAY more comfortable with the transition than I am. We are having a small little soiree for her this weekend to celebrate her achievements with family and close friends.  We also surprised her with a phone for her graduation gift.  Look out duck faces and instagram uploads!  Karson's a special gal, and we are very proud of the young lady she is quickly becoming.

 Is it May already?  We are almost half-way through 2015!