BASKETBALL (two)

We played a team that had a girl on it from Cole's class and that was actually on our team last year. That team also had a boy from this year's football team.  Cole really enjoyed guarding Kenyon and playing against him.  We tried to get them on the same team together but, we didn't get signed up in time.

If somebody knows the right setting to use on your camera where indoor gym pictures come out looking good and clear, please share the secret.

Our team was awesome on defense!  Lots of people in the stands were shocked at how good our defense was for their age.  Gotta credit Coach Nathan and his drills for that one.  Great game...We won 43-25.

FLOWERS & CANDLELIGHT DINNER

Ooooh so beautiful and romantic, huh? 

Yes, indeed, they are...But they weren't from my husband.

What can I say, I'm a likable kind of girl and people just give me things.

Ha ha...Just Kidding!

 

They were from the lady that Nathan was sent to California for 3 weeks to rescue...Again.  These beauties were sitting on my doorstep the same day Nathan flew out there.  So sweet of her to do that since she knew Nathan would be gone over Valentine's Day!

Marbel, it may be hard to do but, I will also accept money and jewelry. :-)

 

The kids and I ate dinner by candlelight.  I just wanted it to smell good and keep us warm by the window but, Cole wanted to really turn all the lights off...Except for the TV.  Brooke was a little freaked out and, it was hard to see our food but, it was sweet at the same time.

It lasted all of maybe 10 minutes.  We had a serious dance game challenge to get to on the Wii.  Cole was winning for a while but, I shook my hips and threw my hands all around like no one was watching and brought home the win.  Booyah! :-)

 

While Daddy's away...Mommy and the kids will play...

And put off the laundry for another day!

 

Most everyone says that Cole looks JUST like Nathan.  I've never really seen an overwhelming resemblance.  Certain features, yes, but look at this boy...He does at least have the same sprinkled freckles and face shape as I do.  I mean, come on, I deserve some kind of facial recognition for that large headed 8 lb 14 oz child that left me with ridiculous, lifelong stretch marks.

 

If I had blue eyes, maybe he would look a little more like me.  But I don't.  I have green or hazel or whatever color they are now.

Oh my goodness, I'm so glad the week is coming to an end.  It has been such a busy week at work and dealing with the kids and attitudes and dinner and homework and laundry and practice and games and cleaning and all that jazz all by myself...I'm kinda worn out.  Oh, and my fridge decided to flip out and quit cooling in the middle of all that.  Lovely.  One week down and two more to go. 

LOVE THEM

Since Nathan left for California bright and early last Thursday morning, we gave the kids their Valentine goodies the night before. 

I was in a time crunch and just went the easy way out with money.  Lame, and thoughtless, I know.  But they do like going to the store and picking out stuff so I don't think they mind much.

Love, love, love them!

 

A package from Grandma and Grandpa arrived Friday and the kids were pumped!

Cole got a shirt representing our high school.  SGP...Holla!  My niece that came with me to many of my volleyball games and Nathan's basketball games is a sophomore there now.  Unbelievable.  Oh, and yes, Cole fixed his own hair.  He's quite impressed with himself.

Brooke got this cute doggie thing.  These seriously were her reactions.  The first picture was just because it was a dog and, the second picture was when she pushed the button and heard the song.

 

Not sure why, but kids love to pick each other up.  Apparently it's super cool. 

This is what we see a lot of around here.  Crazy socks and, yep, Brooke's crack.  This is actually not that bad compared to most days.  She doesn't even care either.  Cole will tell her to pull her pants up like his eyes are on fire from the sight of it.  And sometimes he'll shout, "Ahhh, the McCracken!"

  They're nutballs and the source to my white hairs that keep popping up but,

I love them to pieces!

The doggie sings...

"When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change...

You're amazing just the way you are."

Happy Valentine's Day to all...Especially to those we love near and far!

BASKETBALL (one)

First game.  A little chaotic but the team actually did pretty good.  Cole was on fire and made 6 three pointers!  It was awesome!  I heard the people next to me yell "get on that white boy" when Cole got the ball.  I just giggled.

  

We lost the game even with all of Cole's points but, it's only because the other team had this giant that didn't even have to jump to shoot the ball.  You can see this guy in the video.  Great first game though!

After I clipped this video together, I realized that I say "WOO!" a lot. I'm holding the camera and can't clap at first so I guess woo is my go to cheer...Lol.  Sorry, Cole...I promise I'm not trying to embarrass you...Just a proud momma!

NO PURPOSE PICS

Since the holidays we haven't done much other than work, school and sports.

I don't exactly remember why we took these pictures one night but, I like 'em.

 Sooo...No purpose to this post really...Just pictures.

 

SMILE...IT'S FRIDAY!!!

 

COWBOYS FOOTBALL (three)

This football season was so great.  If you'd seen the first couple weeks of practice, you never would've believed how well they did all season long.  

We ended the season with a 5-1 record...Tied for 1st place going into the Championship game.  The Championship game is called the Super Bowl.  Nathan and the kids were so pumped! 



Another football mom and I made pre-game and half-time signs for the game.

Nathan and I spent 3 hrs on this.  Why?  How?  No clue really.  Especially when the boys ripped through it in seconds and it went straight to the trash.

I guess while hunched over in the cold garage, I forgot to charge my camera.  I think me not having enough battery to video the game jinxed them.  Well, that and the fact that our team just didn't show up to play and the other team had a fire lit under them. That was obvious from the very first play of the game.  We lost 0-14.  It was frustrating but the kids still played hard and toughed it out.

Despite the loss of the Super Bowl, it was such an amazing season!  All of the parents were all so proud of our kids for playing their little hearts out and for overcoming the loss of Coach Steven.

There were a few kids on the team that were quite impressive.  Of course, Cole was one of them.  No bragging intended at all...But he was.  His ability to throw a spiral comes so naturally.  He really does have a lot of potential if he continues to toughen up.



This kid, Jaylan Anderson, was also one of the impressive ones.  He stands out like a man amongst boys out there.  He's unbelievable at basketball, too.  One day, when he's a famous professional athlete, we'll be able to say we knew him way back when.

Trophy presentations and speeches.

The coaches forced Sabrina to be in the picture to represent Steven.

  She didn't really want to but, I know it still meant a lot to her, as well as, the coaches.

At the last practice, Nathan had the players and parents sign the big banner that we hung up for Steven at every game.

 

He presented it to Sabrina to keep after the last game.  She was so touched and the words Nathan said had everyone in tears...Especially when he got so choked up and couldn't even get out the words.  It was so special.

Brooke put up with a lot this season.  Practices started at 5:15 and I don't even get off of work until then so, she always had to go.  Most times I would come get her as soon as I could but, there were times that I left work late, needed to run to the store or went ahead and got dinner started.

And before every game, she and I had to stop to get ice for the cooler full of Gatorade for the team.  I'm pretty sure I was always running late and was a bit stressed.  She's a trooper for sure!

A great season...
  
A great team...
 
And a great coach!


As Jimmy Johnson would say...
HOW 'BOUT DEM COWBOYS!!!