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.