Yikes - Christmas is Only 3 Weeks Away

I'm in denial!  My son wants a kayak!  Really, in the winter, and where will we put it?  So, racking my brain for something for an almost 20 year old (who is 20 2 days after Christmas so I need double the giftage).  I think what I've come up with is a ski trip to Utah so that he can see his BFF, Spencer Worthington, and do some skiing once his college basketball season is over. 

Madeline happened to spot the Christmas list yesterday where I have what I've purchased written down and tactfully tried to tell me that what she saw for her wasn't really what she wanted.  (A new camera bc hers from 2 years ago is broken and she always takes ours).  Truly, my 2 oldest could forgo all gifts because on their way home from their cousins' home in Wisconsin recently they hit a bit of black ice and had a little tumble down a hill.  They were fine, but the car will need a bit of work.  

The easiest to please and shop for is Andrew, thank goodness, because his birthday is a week after Michael's.   His list is a mile long, but I know he will be extremely disappointed if Santa does not bring him his #1 item - Star Wars light sabers for the Wii.   

I must stop blogging and keep shopping!  

Starting Them Young

No, its not the latest merit badge for Boy Scouts but it is important to know how to use a "gun" if you are Michael's brother.  For the record, its not a real gun.  Michael's best friend, Matt, is on a mission and Michael was asked to babysit the gun for 2 years.  It does shoot these little white balls that I find all over the yard which is annoying.  What's not annoying is the patience and love that this big brother has shown from day one to his little brother.  I am so grateful for this relationship between these two.  I'm especially grateful to Michael who has taken on such an important role in Andrew's life.  With Todd gone so much of the time, Michael stands in as Dad for many things, and truly enjoys it most of the time, whether its parents' night at karate or taking him fishing.  Motherhood is so much easier with a big brother in the family!

Tennis Girl

This girl has come so far in her few short years playing tennis.  She and her friend were bored in middle school and were looking for something new.  They signed up for tennis lessons and Madeline was hooked.  Starting in 7th grade is late if you intend to play competitively, which we learned as we got further into this whole experience.  After losing her coach at Woods Mill Tennis Club he suggested we try Miller Tennis Academy.  Well, we tried to get her in there, but she wasn't quite good enough yet.  After 3 or 4 months of hitting with pros, they agreed to let her into their "inner circle".  This was a lot of pressure for Madeline.  She was playing with mostly younger kids who knew the game well.  But she has fought, fought and fought.  She's had her ups and her downs, days she's wanted to give up, countless weekends out of town at USTA tournaments all over the midwest in the dead of winter (thank goodness Todd loves being a tennis dad).  

Then last year she transferred to St. Joseph's Academy, the tennis powerhouse not only in St. Louis, but in the state of Missouri.  She made the Varsity team, made it to the state tourney to play in the team event where St Joe took first place for the 4th year in a row.  This year, not only did they make it 5 in a row, but Madeline qualified for the state singles competition where she took home the 4th place medal.  

We are so, so proud of her and all her hard work!   

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

My Dad turned 80 yesterday.  He was born November 2, 1928, during The Great Depression.  He has taught me so much about love of country and patriotism, especially pertinent to me on the eve of such an historic election.  My Dad has never been ashamed to hold his hand over his heart as The Star Spangled Banner plays, and I have always tried to follow his example.  Although an American by birth, he loves his Irish heritage.  When we attended his only sibling's funeral, his brother Pat, a few years ago, a bagpiper played as we left the church.  It so touched my Dad, that I thought I would do the same thing for him when his time came.  However, celebrating your 80th is quite the milestone, one which calls for your very own bagpiper at your party.  The grandkids told Grandpa there was a surprise for him on the front porch where he was treated to a few Irish ballads (Danny Boy, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling...).  I didn't mean to make him misty eyed, but it touched him.  

I feel so blessed that we have been able to be close by my kids' grandparents on both sides of our family for their entire lives.  I'm mindful of those who have lost one or both of their parents.  I still have not experienced that sadness yet and count every day among them as a treasure. 

Happy, Happy Halloween

You have to love my budget conscious little guy who chose to be Annakin Skywalker two years in a row, and since Michael isn't employed by Johnny Brock's Halloween store this year, its fine with me.  How I wish I had a picture of Michael as a banana in giant sunglasses waving to people on Manchester Road last year.  Lots of laughs for us, not so much for him.  Clayton was Clone Captain Rex, so they made a cute pair.  Secretly, Michael really wanted to dress up as Darth Vader and play "dords" with the light sabers but college boys don't do that.  

Before you make fun of the falling apart candy bag, a little history behind it.  When Michael was itty bitty (2 or 3) sweet PaPa Oscarson went out to Walgreen's  and had this blinking bag waiting for him when we came trick or treating.  Its been a tradition around here ever since, but I think it finally bit the dust last night.  I'm not sure how long a trail of candy Andrew left behind in the neighborhood but it made somebody happy.  

I Survived!

Not than too many of you were worried.  Florida was quick, but fun.  Andrew was happy with a plane ride and a hotel with such luxuries as vending machines where you pay for treats.  Maybe I'll start making him pay for treats from the pantry at home.  We met up with Todd later after his meeting and had dinner outside under the palm trees at The Capital Grille.  I hear about this place all the time from my parents who eat there in Kansas City.  It was tasty, from the lobster and crab cakes that my Dad suggested to the ahi tuna I had for dinner.  Andrew, always playing it safe in the food department, went with his requisite noodles with no sauce.  

The next day Todd went his way and Andrew and I navigated the streets of Tampa and found our way to The Florida Aquarium, our field trip for the day.  Well worth the trip.  We touched starfish and sea anemone.  We saw giant turtles and a few sharks.  Some very funky fish from Australia.  Then we spent time outside in their water play area.  By that time Todd was having lunch in the mall next to us, so we went over and had a quick bite and then it was time to head back to the airport.  Quick, but perfect!

My Mortality

So tomorrow morning I'm boarding a plane for Tampa, Florida with Todd and Andrew.  For the next year I can fly anywhere Todd flies on Southwest for free, one of the many "perks" of his commuting to Chicago weekly.  Actually, the gig isn't half bad for him - he eats well, sleeps in luxury with a big plasma tv but there is the stress of a job factored in there.  So, off to Tampa to home school Andrew on who knows what in Florida - swimming in the pool sounds good.  But just the teensiest part of me is fearful that if all 3 of us go down in a bright fireball I'll be leaving two orphans.  I've given Michael instructions that there is adequate life insurance and his dream of living at 101 Clear Meadows for his entire lifetime will be able to come true, but that's not really what I want for my kids.  I want to be here for them as long as I possibly can.  

Michael texted me today out of the blue - "You're a good mom and I love you.  Thanks for everything you do."  Wow!!!  I mean he's a sweet boy, amazing son and tells me that at times, but just out of the blue, I figured something was up.  When I talked to him later he told me that one of his teammates had flown home yesterday after a call that his mom was very sick.  She ended up dying before he even boarded the plane.  Michael's gotten to know this boy well and it felt so surreal to him, the unexpectedness of it.  I often ask is it better to be prepared and know you're going, or just go?  Turns out this woman had a blood clot that went to her heart.  She was the wife of an Oklahoma congressman, and was 47.  Too young.  So, pray for this family who lost a mother too soon, and throw an extra little prayer in there that my flight makes it safely to and from Florida so I can still be a mom, what I love doing best.

No Time Like the Present

No time like the present to just let you in on daily life in the Jolly household.  It would be so hum drum if it weren't for the cute little gal pictured above.  She keeps life lively.  She jumped off the tennis court long enough to enjoy a Saturday of primping in preparation for Chaminade's Homecoming with her "friend" Adam.  Most of their friends think they look like brother and sister.  They had dinner at Kobe.  Always fun to smell of essence of Japanese steakhouse when you arrive at the dance.  At some point during the night she lost the keys to her car which resulted in a frantic call to me at midnight.  I love driving 15 minutes to drop off a set of extra keys in my jammies.   Lost set was found the next morning in the yard where they had been taking pictures before the dance.  I've tried to get her to carry a purse.  Its just not happening.  Luv her anyway.