Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox if I Die

Well, I'm 40 years old.  There was nothing I could do to stop it.  Good ol' Father Time remains undefeated and keeps adding years onto my life, no matter how many fits I throw. If I'm lucky, I'll manage to stick around another 40 years which is scary because the first 40 went quickly.  It's been a wild and incredibly journey getting here.  I woke up to a lovely message HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY TIFFANY WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH (hung in our family room)...courtesy of the hubs who also sent me a comical email of 40 things he loved about me.

I'll spare you all 40 but picked out a few favorites:

• You went to Western Freaking Kentucky University and graduated. Wow.
• You're the mother of our kids, and even though they're crazy, I'm glad you gave birth to those little pups.
• You put your career on hold so I could have mine, and aren't you glad, cause we are rich now!!!
• You love gangsta rap.
• You broke your nose once and didn't let that end your life.  You kept trying and now you're a successful candy-crusher.
• You sent me a gorilla on my birthday to give me a lap dance.
• You have never been to prison.

He writes from the heart, can't you tell =). 

During my garage workouts (yep, that's my workout center), I like to watch movies to pass the time.  This week's feature was About Schmidt, one of my favs.  I love the part at the beginning when Warren trying to find some connection with his wife, Helen, of 42 years.

Lately...every night. I find myself asking the same question: 

Who is this old woman who lives in my house?
Why is it that every little thing she does irritates me?
Like the way she gets the keys out of her purse - long before we reach the car.
And how she throws our money away on her ridiculous little collections.
And tossing out perfectly good food, - just because the expiration date is past.
And her obsession...her obsession with trying new restaurants.
And the way she cuts me off when I try to speak.
And I hate the ways she sits.
And the way she smells.
 
Cracks me up.  I'm grateful to have a partner who is tolerant of me.  How he has managed to stick around (and put up with me) for the last 20 years, I have no clue, but I sure am glad.  I adore him and unlike Warren and Helen, I cannot wait to own an RV one day and do some cross country traveling together.

Yesterday was busy as usual.  March 30 turned out to be one of those days that everything landed on.  I had already committed to working the Reality Fair at South Middle.  I always represent SKyPAC at the "Entertainment Booth."  I usually work the South and Central fair(s) but haven't heard from Central yet.  I like working with the kids and needling them a little too.  This year was extra exciting because I got to work with Karson's class and knew a lot of the kids.  I spent most of the morning there.  Meanwhile, my mom went to 212 Academy to watch Isaac's bridge building competition.  He and his buddies Eli and Brett were Team Sand Cats.  Unfortunately, they came in 2nd to last in the competition, meaning they probably won't be Civil Engineers (but if they do go that route, be sure to find out which bridges they've built and avoid them - hah).

Anyone who knows me knows my absolute favorite restaurant is Chuy's.  There's no place I'd rather spend my birthday than there.  It's even better when all my family is there to celebrate too. Matt put together a nice little soiree for me complete with Tres Leches cake for everyone.

 Yep, my sister and sister from another-mother Lisa both got me wine and wine glasses - they know me well.  I got some lovely cards, gift cards to Bath and Body (the best store ever), cash, and a bourbon barrel 'D' sign.

How did I get this lucky? I have the best family in the world!  They make turning 40 pretty wonderful!

Off to Cancun for a couple of days at Secrets Maroma Beach for some R & R!

Roller King in the Making

 In case anyone is wondering where I've spent most of Friday nights the last month, it's at the Skate Center.  We've become roller rats.  Miles absolutely loves skating.  He loves it so much that we decided to order him his very own pair of roller skates.  They arrived in the mail Friday afternoon and fit like a charm.

He did some practice spins in the garage.  Friday night's session begins at 7 PM.  Of course, Miles was ready to go promptly at 6:30.  I told him that it was a little early but we could run by Dollar General and pick up some glow bracelets for Glow Skating (we're regulars now, like I told y'all).  It's not that the glow items are expensive at the Skate Center.  But, everyone rushes the counter, so I figured we'd go prepared.

I have failed to mention that Miles, like Karson, has a "significant other."  I didn't know I'd have two kids "dating" but whatever.  Miles's friend is an excellent skater and goes to the Skate Center a lot.  She was there Friday night.  They did a little hand holding here and there =).  I, on the other hand, opted out of skating this weekend and decided to wear a pair of walking shoes and walk laps around the rink.  I figured I might as well get some exercise if I'm trapped there for three hours.  I wish Mama Smurf (aka the owner) had asked me to step in as DJ.  The music was awful Friday night - lots of slow songs.  I don't think the regular DJ was there because he/she (whoever) always has some popping, fresh and CURRENT tunes.  It was a dreadful ear attack and hard to stay awake.  I managed to make it until 10:30 PM.  Lots of late nights in my future at the Skate Center.

Made in 1977

It's already March, and I've missed an entire month of blogging.  There have been lots of blog worthy posts, simply haven't had the energy or desire to write.  Plan and simple.  I love blogging, especially looking back through old posts and reliving moments.  Maybe it's because I'm tired? busy? lazy?  Maybe it's because of watching too much TV? playing too much Candy Crush?  Maybe it's because the weather has been gorgeous this winter, and I've spent a lot of evenings out walking with my neighbor?  Maybe it's because of all the time I've spent at the basketball gym?  I really don't know.  I'm going to blame everything from here on out to turning '40' this month - March 30.  Yep, that's it.  I'm about to be '40' and there's nothing I can do about it.  I ordered a shirt today off Amazon.  Hope it fits because according to the size chart, an XL is equivalent to a size 8?  Weird.  I don't care because I used my points, and it was super cheap.  I got an updated passport for my birthday because my brother-in-law and sister are flying Matt and I to Cancun for a few days of all-inclusive fun.  I've never been to Cancun and am beyond excited!  Got to lose a few pounds so I can gain a few pounds, know what I mean?!?  I'm getting ahead of myself though and the goal of this blog was to highlight some Deaton happenings...

Isaac got to hang out with some of his pals and play laser tag in Nashville.  He's looking pretty fierce with his crew.

 Miles had a virus on Valentine's Day (and the day before) so he didn't get to go to school.  Our sweet neighbor Laila (who is also in his class) brought over his box and goodies to cheer him up.  Matt and I spent the evening in Logan County at the high school watching Karson play JV for South - a hot date!  South's coach asked the 8th grade starters to participate in the last few weeks of practice and games at the high school.  I'm looking forward to seeing some more high school action next winter.  Her middle school team (below) had their banquet in February.  You won't find a sweeter group of girl athletes on any team!  Guaranteed!  They all love each other and work well together.

 

Karson her Advertising Design Team (Jr. BETA) came in 2nd place at the state convention and qualified for Nationals - meaning a trip to Disney is happening this summer.  If any blog readers out there want to donate to my depleted checking account, please feel free.  I'm happy for her and the team and know it will be an exciting, memorable trip.

 

Speaking of trips...in a few short weeks, Matt, Karson and I will travel with about 70+ high school juniors to Boston for the APUSH trip.  Lots of flying for me in the next couple of months!  I find it strange that I haven't flown in a while, and all of sudden, I'm flying to Cancun, Boston and Disney, all within a few months. 

 Have I mentioned I'm going to be an aunt again?  Andrew and MacKenzie are having a baby girl in August.  She will join the Deaton-side of the family along with our favorite 1-year old on the planet - Mae Kathryn - who will turn 2 in August (she's John and Laura's daughter).  I miss the kids being small like Mae.  She is PURE joy to be around.  The kids adore her and we are always eager to babysit.  She's a reminder that 'yes' I'm '40' and about to have a high school freshman and middle schooler this fall & only two more years at Plano with Miles.  Ugh!?!  The days are long but the year's are short.  

Hug your babies!  Before you know it, they'll be taller than you, drinking wine and carrying purses.  Make Isaac's day and like his video's on Youtube!  He's trying to make it big y'all!

 

Miles is addicted to roller skating.  He went to a birthday party two weeks ago and is hooked.  I'm not sure if it's the actual skating or if he enjoyed being the only boy at the birthday party =).  He's a ladies man, what can I say?  His "friend" Ariel invited him to her birthday party, and they were inseparable the whole time.  She's a professional skater, and he could barely keep from falling multiple times in one lap.  He wanted to meet up with her last weekend, but she couldn't make it.  He, however, went again.  Best $6 spent for three hours of entertainment.  Isaac went too and had a blast but got a huge blister.  Miles is already asking me about this weekend.  I might have a future speed skater on my hands.  However, I'm ready to see him get back into golf.  I think he's forgotten how much fun it is and how good he is at it.  I'm hoping Matt will sign him up for some tournaments this summer.

Until I blog again....

Water Bottles

A funny thing happened at Phil Moore Park last night.  Isaac's team played in the semi-finals and had a game scheduled for 6 PM.  Two semi-final games were supposed to happen simultaneously on both Court 1 and Court at PMP.  However, once we arrived at the park,there were only one set of officials, meaning one group would have to wait to play until 7:15.  It was mayhem with four basketball teams warming up to play and not knowing who was playing first.  Boys and basketballs everywhere. 

When I walked in I noticed a water bottle that looked almost identical to Isaac's laying directly under the basketball ball just waiting to be knocked over or there for someone to trip on. 

It looked like this...

I scooped it up thinking it was his and proceeded to the stands.  After a few minutes I called him over and sternly asked "why did you leave your water bottle right under the goal while everyone was warming up (something he would totally do)?"  He said, "I didn't, mine is under our bench and pointed it out to me."  Embarrassed I jumped up and took the water bottle back to the area it was in (but off the court a little).  Minutes later I noticed it was gone - guess the rightful owner found it.  Around half-time, Matt comes over to me and asks if I've seen Isaac's water bottle.  He said, "it was right next to my jacket and now it's gone."  Are.you.kidding.me?  PMP is packed and the two teams that were supposed to be playing on the other court (along with their families) were all crowded on our side.  There were some boys playing around on the other court so I walked over there to take a peek and see if someone had picked Isaac's up by mistake (like I had).  There were TWO that looked almost like (the one above and the one below) his but both had names written on them - otherwise, I probably would've grabbed 'em. 

I don't see it anywhere and head back to the stands.  I figured it would show up after the game when the other two teams started warming up.  I'm sure another mom picked it up thinking it was her son's.  Our game ends and the next two teams start warming up.  I don't see it anywhere.  I decide to go look in the office and at the front desk to make sure no one left it one of those places - nope.

 I assume it's gone but decided to call PMP this morning to see if the had any water bottles in their lost and found this morning.  Lo and behold, the lady I spoke with said yes it's one of those insulated water bottles.  I told her I was certain it was mine and was on my way over there.  This is what his looks like (below)

I'm glad there are other mothers out there probably scolding their sons for being irresponsible with their water bottles (when in fact, they aren't).  Hah!  Thought it was too funny not to blog about. Okay, okay, so they don't look SUPER similar but have the same general color scheme.  I guess it need to get the next water bottle in some crazy, bright, unpopular color to set it apart from the others.

12 and Counting

I always have good intentions of doing a birthday post on my kids actual birthday, but who are we kidding, I'm not as spry as I once was.  In my defense, I do have three kids playing basketball but two seasons came to a close this week (see updates below - is "updates below" an oxymoron, I don't know?).  I have a feeling turning 40 in March is going to slow me down even more.  I'm thinking it might be time to join a gym, Jazzercise, or something to get my energy level back up.  This dark gray weather doesn't help either.  My sweet boy Isaac celebrated his 12th birthday Wednesday!  Like most kids his age, he always has big plans for his birthday.  He kicked around a lot of different ideas.  I simply told him that while I know he'd like to have a huge party with lots of friends, we probably wouldn't be doing that this time.  I invited family over to Azzip Pizza (his favorite place) for dinner complete with cookie cake on his birthday.  I told him once basketball is over or maybe even in the warmer months, he might be able to have some close friends over to hang out (not necessarily a birthday party) and spend the night.  I know, I know, I'm boring!  Can I get an amen that it's a little harder to plan a party during winter months (especially with boys) unless you have the space, a basement or can rent out a gym/church?  Our house is small!  Miles had boys over for his birthday, and there were only a few of them.  It sounded like there were 100 of them.  Fortunately it was warm and nice outside that I was able to "push the party" in that direction.  They were all really good, just crazy amounts of energy and very loud.

How have we survived without Azzip Pizza this long?  It's Isaac's favorite.  He always gets an 11 inch with extra cheese and bacon.  I have ordered the exact same pizza every time I've been there - Tater Head.  It's basically a loaded baked potato on a pizza.  I love it!  Matt has branched out and tried a lot of different things but was lucky enough to bite into Andrew's Evil Pig pizza and broke his back molar.  He had to make a quick run to the dentist Thursday morning.  Fortunately, Dr. Frye thinks a filling will solve the problem and not require a crown.

Who needs a big party when you have all your family?  We've got a pretty great one who spoil our kids rotten!

Cookie Store Cakes are Isaac's favorite, and I thought it would be fun to have one decorated like a pizza.  I had a different idea in mind for the design, but it sort of resembled a pizza.  Who cares, right?  We devoured it.

I mean REALLY how did I get this lucky?  My family of 5!

We took over Azzip with our crowd.  These times are special!  Happy 12th Isaac!  We can't wait to see where life takes you.

(Basketball Update - had to piggy back on this post because there's a good chance it won't ever happen at my rate of writing)
Basketball with three kids is non-stop - fortunately Karson's season is over.  SWMS finished 2nd in the district tournament.

We had to play Moss Middle in the first round.  Karson had 17 points but was pretty worn out when it was over.  The team only had an hour to rest.  She didn't have enough stamina for the Championship game but played her best.  We ended up losing by quite a bit.  I think all the girls played hard, but BG had our number and played awesome as usual.

I thought the trophy was pretty awesome this year.  And, to be honest, I kind of liked the silver one better than the gold (first place) one =).  It was an exciting season, and we are thankful for Coach Manion and Coach Graves for their hard work.  Matt is the high school golf coach, and I know the amount of time and energy he puts into coaching, planning, emailing, meeting(s) and trust me, the pay is minimal.  You have to be devoted and care about what you're doing and love the kids.  Our coaches (both volleyball and basketball) LOVE our girls and spend tons of time in the gym making sure they have a wonderful experience.  Be sure to let your coaches know they are appreciated (whether paid or not)!

Miles sweet little team, the Mavs, won enough games to make it into the gold bracket in their conference which also was sort of a "fate sealer."  You don't want to make the statement - wish we had lost more - but his team might still be playing if they had lost more games - hah!  He's a good little player and has grown a lot this season.  He missed playing with his buddy Brady - they've been on the same team the last few years.  But, he made some new friends and had a great experience.

Miles had a buddy over to play on Saturday (after Karson's tournament).  They literally shot hoops in his bedroom for about 5 straight hours.  I went in his room, and it felt like 1,000 degrees.  His little friend asked if we could turn off the heat =).  He had sweat pouring from his head.  I said, why don't we open the window?  That might help.

Isaac's team is still undefeated and won the first game of the tournament. Our next game is tonight!  Go THUNDER!

I have NO idea why Warren County Parks decided to have team pictures the same week the games started, but Isaac had already committed to Plano's Governor's Cup competition (that Saturday).  He not only had to miss his first game but also team pictures.  I asked his coach if we could get a team picture before one of the games.  I'm not a photographer, but it makes me happy to have a picture for my sports scrapbook.  Apparently a few other kids on the team missed the picture too because there were a few of us snapping pics.

Isaac looks like a fierce basketball player, right?  Hoping the Thunder will win it all!