SNOWvember What?!?!

It's beginning to look a lot like SNOWvember!  What?!?  I can hardly believe how cold it is this week.  It's the kind of cold that's paralyzing.  Last night I totally slept in a sweatshirt (don't think that's ever happened) over my normal pajamas.  We've been using our gas fireplace quite a bit the last couple of days.  Makes the house feel nice and cozy.

     Basketball season is upon us.  Karson is playing for South, and Miles is playing for the Nets.  Karson had her first scrimmage last night against Edmonson County.  Click here for her varsity highlights.  Miles has had two weeks of practice, but he hasn't started ballgames yet.  They better start soon especially if we're already getting hit with winter weather.

    I know I say this every month,but it's true - feels like November was faster than ever!  Not sure how I managed to miss Halloween, but October was crazy, busy.  Halloween fell on a Wednesday night this year.  The weather was supposed to be awful but turned out to be a very pleasant evening.  Isaac is always particular about his costume.  This year he wanted to be Hans Solo.  We looked at the orange tent and actually bought a costume, but it turned out to be too small.  There is the kid on Youtube called the Costume Kid (I think).  He gave me some great tips for making my own, which primarily consisted of buying a pair of dark denim/black jeans, cutting the sleeves off a jean jacket and spray painting it black.  It's was pretty easy and didn't cost more than $10 ( thanks Goodwill).  Miles is easy peasy!  He never wants to go costume shopping.  He will resurrect whatever we have and make it work.  This year's costume was a size 8 Skeleton Ninja that barely fit, but he made it work.

Our house was full of boys and candy.  Matt made lil' smokies, and I fixed a crockpot of chili so we'd have a meal - cooking at our house doesn't happen much with our schedules.  I wanted to make sure if people came over, there was food there.  Matt told me the boys gobbled all the smokies immediately.  I was a little perturbed by one of our neighbors - not sure who or where in our 'hood' that it happened, but someone gave our older (8th grade) boys a guilt trip for being out trick or treating.  Isaac has never even thought about not trick or treating.  He can't wait to do it!  When he got back home this year, he said, "Mom this might be the last year I go."  He proceeded to tell me that one of the neighbors grilled them about being older trick or treaters.  I wish I knew who that was so I could buy them a couple of bags of candy for the teens that come through.  Who cares!?!  Isn't Halloween supposed to be a fun for kids of all ages?  Karson stopped trick-or-treating in middle school, but Isaac LOVES it.  We'll see how next year goes???  Matt and I aren't too old for dressing up.  This year's adult Halloween party featured us as the POPE and a NUN.



If I haven't mentioned it before, I have a pretty cool job.  I get to work with some of the most talented people on a daily basis.  One of my favorite programs that I take to schools is called Blues in Schools.  I work with the Kentucky Blues Society composed of Kenny Lee, Chris Carmichael and Lee Hammer.  We've done lots of workshops together. I was super excited when our principal at Plano approved us to come do the program with the 6th graders - which my son is a part of!

Two matinees this fall and another one tomorrow!  It's a hard knock life as an Education Coordinator!

We started the month of November off with a big 16th birthday bash for Karson and her friend Sydney. I'm not a party planner, but for those who are wondering about time frames....IF, you are thinking about having a sweet 16 with a DJ, trying to secure one during the summer for a fall party is way too late.  I started calling around late summer to try and find one for the fall and kept hitting dead ends.  Apparently, this time of the year is super popular for weddings.  We struck gold with Jeff Pearson though - he was recommended to us by another DJ and happened to be available.  I would highly recommend DJ Slim to anyone.  We got a great deal at IHCC with our membership.  The girls got together and crafted their guest list and song list, and had a successful event.  It's also a little easier on the pocketbook to share a party - love that it worked out for K and S to have birthdays so close together, be such close friends, and basically have the same peer group to hang out with.

Karson's been logging lots of drive time.  She even did I-65 for the first time over the weekend!

Lots of November birthdays - this month we celebrate Meme, Nana and Matt!  We went to Mellow Mushroom last Sunday for Mom's birthday.  Isaac wasn't with us - he went to Nashville to see the Tennessee Titans.  He LOVES going to the games and has been fortunate to attend quite a few of them this season.  No matter if it's frigid or raining, he'll go and love every second of it!  He's becoming quite the collector of memorabilia too.  We have a large flag, socks, hats, shirts, calendar, wallet and gear! Speaking of football (had to throw in the pic of K and her buds below), the SWHS Spartans continue play-off games this Friday against Owensboro Catholic!  Good luck fellas!

Sweet 16

And sweet it was...the big SIXTEEN came and went as our eldest child, Karson, celebrated the big one yesterday.  She got to sleep in until a whoppin' 7:30 AM.  After she and Miles enjoyed their waffle breakfast, we headed to drop off Miles at Plano, and made it to the Justice Center around 8:30.

  

I know everyone of you have had those moments when you are politely chatting with a stranger who starts throwing up information and you want to say, "ummmm, maybe don't say that in front of my daughter?"  Well that happened yesterday and moments before Karson's permit test.  After waiting in line, filling out forms and a few weeks of preparing (through online apps, practice tests and the book), both of us were well prepared.  I can't say that for the "motley crew" that was in line with us.  After getting everything she needed, we headed down the hall to the testing center and waited for her turn.  There was a lady(probably in her 40's) and two gentlemen ahead of her.  They lady started talking anxiously with Karson about how she'd failed the test multiple times and was hoping this was the time she'd pass it.  It was awkward.  I told her that Karson was probably better prepared (then someone our age) since she is a student and takes tests all the time.  I didn't want to be rude but SHEESH who says that to a teenager right before a test.  Karson's turn arrives, and she heads into the center, chats with the testing person, takes her vision exam and makes her way over to the kiosk to take her test.  She's standing next all three people who went inside before her.  After about 5-10 minutes, out she comes and says BOO-YAH!  The others were still inside.  She missed four out of 40 - the max you can miss is eight.  We headed BACK into the DL Center so we could get her learner's permit.  While we were in line, I saw the lady come through the hall.  AND, she didn't make it to our line.  We're guessing she failed it again =(.   

Here's my proud girl showing off her permit!  Six months to go, and we'll head back downtime for the big driver's test! April 21 is the date, and she's already logging hours on her driving time-sheet.  I guess it should make me nervous that she's driving, but I'm really not.  She's always been responsible and aware, so hopefully this new chapter will be a pleasant one.
  She had basketball practice until 5:15 and a quick team meeting until 5:45 so she didn't feel like going out to celebrate last night but drove home from practice and did a great job!

Matt left her the following note on her dresser yesterday morning (he's the BEST writer) - so sweet, so my heart - made me teary-eyed:

Karson Ann Deaton,
   October 22nd, 2002 was the day that changed my life forever.  Mom screamed and pushed, you popped out, Dr. Fee held you up, and you spread out your arms as wide as your little baby arms would go.  That's my first memory of you being present in the world outside of mom's belly, you spreading your arms wide as if to say, "It's me world.  I hope you're ready for me."  I loved that moment so much, and I love you so much.
   The last 16 years having you as my daughter have been so incredibly amazing.  I have loved every second of being your dad.  You are funny and kind and highly intelligent and talened and beautiful and athletic and confident and awesome!  (Most of that came from my DNA, not Mom's! LOL)
     And here it is, your SWEET 16th BIRTHDAY!  Wow!  It doesn't seem like long ago when me and mom were strapping you in your car seat for the first time and driving home from the hospital.  Now you are going to be driving us around.  (In a sweet 2012 Terrain.  Thanks Pap and Nana!)
     The main thing I want you to know on your 16th birthday is that your mom and I love you more than you could ever know.  Also, we are so proud of you , and we always will be.  I'll end by quoting Mamaw Deaton, "Honey, be careful out there on those roads!"
           
I love you forever,
Dad

Almost a TEENAGER - Miles is 12

 It's the FINAL countdown until next year when Miles becomes our 3rd and final TEENAGER.  How in the world is our youngest child already 12? Due to such a busy October, we celebrated his birthday a little early (the first weekend of the month) with a friends/sleepover party.  One of the perks of our neighborhood is that Papa John's delivers!  Woo hoo - it's the little things!  We ordered a couple of pizzas, and I grabbed some 2-liters and a cookie cake from Wal-Mart, and we were set.  I took the boys over to jump air zone to release a little of that "boy energy."

 

The night was pretty eventful.  I'd set the ping pong table up in our garage so they could play.  Around 11:30 PM, they were in the garage playing (with the door shut) when someone knocked on the outer door.  They came running inside and told us someone was knocking on the door.  It's was rather strange, but we assumed maybe it was a neighbor wanting the boys to quiet down.  Turned out to be some lady who apparently had a little too much to drink was out looking for her dog who'd run off.   The boys continued to play ping pong and around midnight, it was super quiet in the garage.  I told Matt I don't think they are in there anymore.  He went outside and the boys were in the street throwing football =/, so he wrangled them back in the house.  Needless to say, it was a long night and we are NOT fans of sleepovers.  However, I know we'll get suckered into another one at some point. 

Mike, Poppy, Karson and Miles - the October Birthday Outlaws.  We celebrated all the birthdays last Sunday.

We surprised Miles with a new bike on his actual birthday.  He was in desperate need of a replacement and loves his new ride.  All of our family met a Chick Fil A to celebrate later that evening.

JV Volleyball District Champions - SWHS Spartans!

 Take a look at your 2018 SWHS JV Volleyball District Champions!  Woo hoo!  South wins in three sets over a tough, well-prepared, high-energy BGHS Purples team.

 If you want to see lots of great video footage from this season, subscribe to Roger Doszak's YouTube Channel.  I can't say enough great things about our Sophomore parents.  We have a wonderful team of support for these girls.  From Gina's team goodie bags, Patti's fan-gear coordinating, Roger's video skills, Mike R & Nick being wonderful line judges, and Mike M capturing all those special moments on camera, it's all covered!  This group of girls, coaches, and parents make a winning combination!

A September to Remember

 

We are less than one, I repeat ONE, month away from our eldest getting her learner's permit.  Karson has been practicing in our neighborhood for months though.  We never let her go far or very long, but she's been eager to drive.  Her Pap got her a GMC Terrain, and she loves it!  I know I will be a giant stress-ball when she's out driving on her own, but I am looking forward to having an additional driver in the house.  She's been using the study app and going to borrow the 80-page booklet from a friend to study for the big exam in October.  Fingers crossed she doesn't go Les Anderson on the test.  Some of you 80's babies will get that reference =).

Oh how time flies - can't help but think back to 2007 when Karson was a JEEP Powerwheels riding machine!

 

Volleyball season is coming to a close.  Karson's big JV tournament is tonight.  It's a quick season, and more than anything, I'm thankful for the social bonds Karson has created with this group.  Sometimes there's a bigger connection than the sport itself, and I'm grateful for the friends she's gained through playing both volleyball and basketball.

GHS hosted a PINK OUT tournament on September 20 and raised over $1300 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance.

Karson and some of her volley-buddies at the Migos/Drake Concert last Tuesday!

 Speaking of concerts, we got see Cage the Elephant, BG's own, host a free concert on WKU's South Lawn for the opening Hilltopper football season.  Matt Schultz sure can put on a show.  It was packed and an exciting way to kick off the first home game.

In conjunction with the opening game, the Budweiser World Famous Clydesdales also made an appearance in Bowling Green.  They were housed in our back parking lot at SKyPAC.  It was neat walking out back and seeing all the horses and handlers. 

Is there anything more entertaining than Ghostbuster props?  I'm not sure?!? I certainly had more fun than expected at Orchestra Kentucky's Ghostbusters press conference at SKyPAC. 

The golf bug comes and goes with this one, but Miles currently loves playing.  He's SO good too.  Hope he can rise above his frustration with the sport and play in Middle and High School.  However these three peas in pod (below) sure have a fun time together, relaxing with Baby Bottle Pops, and being slugs on the couch.