She only gave up two goals in 48 minutes, which is awesome for futsal. Unfortunately, her team only scored one.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
BBSL All Star
Kenzie played in her BBSL All Star game this morning, at First Mariner arena (where the Baltimore Blast plays). The All Stars from her team were teamed up with All Stars from the Baltimore Storm. I don't know who they played against, but Kenzie's team lost by one point (not one goal, because the rules allowed for a three-point goal from a certain distance). Kenz said she played defense the first half, and Goalie the second half. She seemed to have fun. At least she was smiling when she got home. Now we have to turn around and go to her futsal game. I'll get to watch this one.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Snow Day 2
The ice closed schools again today. Not ours, but the non-home versions. The ice was actually better than the snow, for sledding. We didn't need to go the hill; the front yard worked just fine.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sledding?
More like mudding. There wasn't much white stuff on our only hill on the entire island, but that didn't stop these guys. We have been so starved for snow the past couple of years, this white-ish area (use your imagination if you have to) worked just fine to satisfy the sledding bug. The freezing rain forecast for tonight should eliminate anything that looks like snow before morning.
Monday, January 26, 2009
One Busy Saturday
Alex turned sixteen on Saturday. That should have been a big enough event to fill the whole day; but not in this family...
Because of a busy morning, Alex spent the night at Mommom's house so she could take him to his school first thing, for a Flea Market sponsored by his Mission Club. They are raising money for their trip to a Native American reservation where they will do mission stuff (I don't know the details yet). He raised the most money of anyone in his club, just selling old books and videos for dirt cheap. He sold a ton of stuff, which really helped clear out some space around here. I guess he got home around 1 o'clock.
I spent the morning shopping for food for the afternoon party for Alex. We weren't supposed to need food because we planned the family gathering right between lunch and dinner. Unfortunately, the 11 o'clock recital (see below) got pushed to 1 o'clock, pushing the the party to later in the afternoon. Vicki spent the morning 'motivating' the kids to clean up the house. She 'motivates' by turning very red, and shaking the walls with her vocal chords (if you get my meaning). I like to 'motivate' with a big stick. Her method leaves fewer marks.
I then took Connor and Kenzie to their Chamber Music Festival. We were told it was being held at the same place as always, over in College Park. We got there, and it wasn't. We had to backtrack to a new location, arrived a bit late, but still got play. I was not happy, but it all worked out, as things usually do. Below are Kenz and Connor's pieces. Although this is Connor's third time doing this, it was Kenzie's very first time playing with an accompanying orchestra. I am so proud of her. I wish I could upload HD videos because my new camera has me spoiled for quality, but those files are just too huge. So, here's the fuzzy versions:
On the way home from that, I dropped Kenzie off with her soccer coach so she could go play futsal, and headed home. I think Alex had a good birthday. The whole family, grandparents, in-laws, and us pulled together and bought him his own laptop. We had to do something special for his sixteenth, and it wasn't going to be a car.
We wound up around an hours-long game of Risk, which Connor had bought for three dollars on Friday, at the first half of the Mission Club flea market.
Sunday started the same way, with a 9 am futsal game for Connor, home to church, and afternoon of Risk (where I had my way with global domination). I don't think anyone missed football this weekend.
Because of a busy morning, Alex spent the night at Mommom's house so she could take him to his school first thing, for a Flea Market sponsored by his Mission Club. They are raising money for their trip to a Native American reservation where they will do mission stuff (I don't know the details yet). He raised the most money of anyone in his club, just selling old books and videos for dirt cheap. He sold a ton of stuff, which really helped clear out some space around here. I guess he got home around 1 o'clock.
I spent the morning shopping for food for the afternoon party for Alex. We weren't supposed to need food because we planned the family gathering right between lunch and dinner. Unfortunately, the 11 o'clock recital (see below) got pushed to 1 o'clock, pushing the the party to later in the afternoon. Vicki spent the morning 'motivating' the kids to clean up the house. She 'motivates' by turning very red, and shaking the walls with her vocal chords (if you get my meaning). I like to 'motivate' with a big stick. Her method leaves fewer marks.
I then took Connor and Kenzie to their Chamber Music Festival. We were told it was being held at the same place as always, over in College Park. We got there, and it wasn't. We had to backtrack to a new location, arrived a bit late, but still got play. I was not happy, but it all worked out, as things usually do. Below are Kenz and Connor's pieces. Although this is Connor's third time doing this, it was Kenzie's very first time playing with an accompanying orchestra. I am so proud of her. I wish I could upload HD videos because my new camera has me spoiled for quality, but those files are just too huge. So, here's the fuzzy versions:
On the way home from that, I dropped Kenzie off with her soccer coach so she could go play futsal, and headed home. I think Alex had a good birthday. The whole family, grandparents, in-laws, and us pulled together and bought him his own laptop. We had to do something special for his sixteenth, and it wasn't going to be a car.
We wound up around an hours-long game of Risk, which Connor had bought for three dollars on Friday, at the first half of the Mission Club flea market.
Sunday started the same way, with a 9 am futsal game for Connor, home to church, and afternoon of Risk (where I had my way with global domination). I don't think anyone missed football this weekend.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Sports Update
Ok. The only sports-free time of year for us (usually from Christmas through mid-January) is coming to a close. We have five athletes in this house, all of whom keep us hopping with all the games they play. Let's start, youngest to oldest.
Tyler got rostered by a select soccer team with our local travel league. He'll be playing on a new, U9 team for the Spring soccer season, in the BBSL. I offered him the chance to also play baseball because he is good at it, but he declined. He'll also keep singing with the church youth choir, so his plate full anyway.
Taylor is signed up for baseball. He'll be moving to the Minors this year. Our league has also discontinued their affiliation with Little League of America, and has switched to Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken. There will be quite a few changes from what we're used to, including Winter workouts (which is fantastic!) starting in two weeks. Tay also keeps youth choir. He also had the option to play on the travel soccer team with his brother, but he opted out. The twins have really made an effort the last few years to avoid each other in sports. I think this is a good thing.
Kenzie will still be the busiest homeschooler of the family. She was chosen, by her soccer coach, to join two teammates in representing their U12 team in the BBSL All Star games in Baltimore in two weeks. She starts Futsol (U12) this coming weekend, and will play on the U12 travel team again, when outdoor soccer resumes. I also convinced her to sign up to play softball with our local league. She will be playing with the 12U team, and I told the current coach I'd help. that helped Kenzie decide to go along. She wanted me to coach, for some reason, don't ask me why. It won't be the same as LSL or RB travel ball, but it will keep Kenzie in the game, and she will be playing up at the level she belongs. We will do some limited travelling, and may even play against Lake Shore, Bayside, or other teams in the area. Again, she also has choir, and is looking to take guitar lessons from a friend of ours. She'll fill in her free time with piano lessons and recital (of which we have one this Saturday). Oh, and now she's looking in the Yellow Pages for vets, animal clinics, and humane societies, because she wants to get a job (or volunteer to help) at a place that give her experience that will help in her future veterinary career. What's next?
Connor is Mr. Steady and Reliable where Kenzie is the picture of Volatility. Connor continues his stellar piano work, select soccer, and baseball. He will also be playing Futsol, starting this weekend, with teammates from his outdoor team. Then, the outdoor team will gear up for the Spring season. He will also play Babe Ruth baseball at the 13 year-old level. He wants me to coach his team, too, but they usually turn coaches away at this level because it's baseball, and all the dads want to coach baseball. I told him I'd help wherever I could, but the coaches they have will be better than I.
Alex, thankfully, took a season off from soccer last Fall at his school. He will not take off from baseball, however. He loves baseball. SO, add baseball to his Mission Club and ACE club memberships, and he'll be staying after school just about every day of the week when baseball season starts. Yippee: that means I get to drive to Easton every day because there's only one public bus home from school, and that leaves at 3:00. At least next year, I hope he'll be able to drive himself at least a little.
Come Fall, we'll be adding athlete #6 when Bekah starts soccer. We might look into dance class for her, too. She loves to dance, and has the energy that only four year-olds seem to possess.
And that's a glimpse of my coming sports season.
Tyler got rostered by a select soccer team with our local travel league. He'll be playing on a new, U9 team for the Spring soccer season, in the BBSL. I offered him the chance to also play baseball because he is good at it, but he declined. He'll also keep singing with the church youth choir, so his plate full anyway.
Taylor is signed up for baseball. He'll be moving to the Minors this year. Our league has also discontinued their affiliation with Little League of America, and has switched to Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken. There will be quite a few changes from what we're used to, including Winter workouts (which is fantastic!) starting in two weeks. Tay also keeps youth choir. He also had the option to play on the travel soccer team with his brother, but he opted out. The twins have really made an effort the last few years to avoid each other in sports. I think this is a good thing.
Kenzie will still be the busiest homeschooler of the family. She was chosen, by her soccer coach, to join two teammates in representing their U12 team in the BBSL All Star games in Baltimore in two weeks. She starts Futsol (U12) this coming weekend, and will play on the U12 travel team again, when outdoor soccer resumes. I also convinced her to sign up to play softball with our local league. She will be playing with the 12U team, and I told the current coach I'd help. that helped Kenzie decide to go along. She wanted me to coach, for some reason, don't ask me why. It won't be the same as LSL or RB travel ball, but it will keep Kenzie in the game, and she will be playing up at the level she belongs. We will do some limited travelling, and may even play against Lake Shore, Bayside, or other teams in the area. Again, she also has choir, and is looking to take guitar lessons from a friend of ours. She'll fill in her free time with piano lessons and recital (of which we have one this Saturday). Oh, and now she's looking in the Yellow Pages for vets, animal clinics, and humane societies, because she wants to get a job (or volunteer to help) at a place that give her experience that will help in her future veterinary career. What's next?
Connor is Mr. Steady and Reliable where Kenzie is the picture of Volatility. Connor continues his stellar piano work, select soccer, and baseball. He will also be playing Futsol, starting this weekend, with teammates from his outdoor team. Then, the outdoor team will gear up for the Spring season. He will also play Babe Ruth baseball at the 13 year-old level. He wants me to coach his team, too, but they usually turn coaches away at this level because it's baseball, and all the dads want to coach baseball. I told him I'd help wherever I could, but the coaches they have will be better than I.
Alex, thankfully, took a season off from soccer last Fall at his school. He will not take off from baseball, however. He loves baseball. SO, add baseball to his Mission Club and ACE club memberships, and he'll be staying after school just about every day of the week when baseball season starts. Yippee: that means I get to drive to Easton every day because there's only one public bus home from school, and that leaves at 3:00. At least next year, I hope he'll be able to drive himself at least a little.
Come Fall, we'll be adding athlete #6 when Bekah starts soccer. We might look into dance class for her, too. She loves to dance, and has the energy that only four year-olds seem to possess.
And that's a glimpse of my coming sports season.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Kenzie Turns Eleven
With everything going on around here, I forgot to wish Kenzie a Happy Birthday on this blog. I can't believe she's done all the things she's done in just eleven years. Now, she just walked into he classroom, grumbling. She's mad at me because it's MLK Jr. day, and we are doing school, even though government schools are off. Oh well, I want to be finished up in May (and so do they) so we can't afford to take too many days off now.
Back to the birthday. Kenzie got her guitar, which she has been really wanting. She has talked a lady at church (Eileen), who Kenzie (and Connor) sings with on Sunday mornings, to teach her to play the guitar. God Provides. We can't afford both piano and guitar lessons, so what does He do? Sends us yet another un-asked-for blessing. I'm really glad Kenzie has focused her energies on music again. It is much less expensive (and local) than all that travel softball stuff (I did enjoy it, but I don't really miss it).
Back to the birthday. Kenzie got her guitar, which she has been really wanting. She has talked a lady at church (Eileen), who Kenzie (and Connor) sings with on Sunday mornings, to teach her to play the guitar. God Provides. We can't afford both piano and guitar lessons, so what does He do? Sends us yet another un-asked-for blessing. I'm really glad Kenzie has focused her energies on music again. It is much less expensive (and local) than all that travel softball stuff (I did enjoy it, but I don't really miss it).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KENZ
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A New Church
Our new church was dedicated today by our new Bishop. The Dedication Mass was conducted by Bishop Malooly, who recently replaced Bishop Saltarelli, who was instrumental in getting this building project started. This whole thing started about ten years ago and, after a year of holding Mass in our old church hall, we're finally in this very beautiful house of God. It is going to be SO nice to have pews again, and kneelers, and a real Confessional, not to mention all the other trappings of a Catholic church, like stained glass windows, the crucifix, candles, and incense.
One of the coolest things about this new building is that the old church is till part of the new one, as a small chapel that will be used for daily Masses. I wish I had pictures of everything that was done, but I don't. You'll just have to believe me when I say the place is just spectacular.
Four of my kids got to help in some way during the dedication. Kenzie, Taylor, and Tyler sang in the choir. Connor played the new organ during Communion. Needless to say, I probably should go to Confession to rid myself of the sin of Pride that I've been feeling for days, now. But, I don't think God will mind too much if I take some pleasure in the gifted children He has given us.
Here's a view from my seat as we arrived in our new church. Then, Bishop Malooly sprinkled the congregation with Holy Water.
The Bishop then anointed the altar, and Father Jennings anointed the walls.
The Bishop incensed the altar. Deacon Robinson incensed the church and congregation.
The altar was set and prepared for the first Liturgy of the Eucharist.
During Communion, Connor played this organ while the joint youth/adult choir (and the rest of us) sang. For some members of this family, it was the third Mass of the weekend, but nobody complained.
One of the coolest things about this new building is that the old church is till part of the new one, as a small chapel that will be used for daily Masses. I wish I had pictures of everything that was done, but I don't. You'll just have to believe me when I say the place is just spectacular.
Four of my kids got to help in some way during the dedication. Kenzie, Taylor, and Tyler sang in the choir. Connor played the new organ during Communion. Needless to say, I probably should go to Confession to rid myself of the sin of Pride that I've been feeling for days, now. But, I don't think God will mind too much if I take some pleasure in the gifted children He has given us.
Here's a view from my seat as we arrived in our new church. Then, Bishop Malooly sprinkled the congregation with Holy Water.
The Bishop then anointed the altar, and Father Jennings anointed the walls.
The Bishop incensed the altar. Deacon Robinson incensed the church and congregation.
The altar was set and prepared for the first Liturgy of the Eucharist.
During Communion, Connor played this organ while the joint youth/adult choir (and the rest of us) sang. For some members of this family, it was the third Mass of the weekend, but nobody complained.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
A New Direction
Okay, I know I was looking northward a few weeks ago in an effort to improve our lot in life. Upon checking the recent weather forecasts, I think I'll be looking southward in the future. Here's what we'd be facing up north:
Which makes it look downright balmy around here:
And doesn't compare at all to what's happening down south:
Which makes it look downright balmy around here:
And doesn't compare at all to what's happening down south:
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Please Pardon Our Dust
The twins' room has been undergoing a transformation today. There are currently at least four amusement park projects underway. Tyler can't seem to be able to get enough of his K'Nex sets. With me, it was Erector Sets, in the early seventies. At least, instead of watching TV, he's spending these cold winter days doing something 'constructive'.Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Certified
Connor and McKenzie took a soccer referee class this week. They want to be able to referee soccer games outside our local, recreational league. Tonight, they took their tests. They both passed, but Kenzie is too young to actually become a certified, travel soccer ref. Connor's old enough, though. Here's his new referee patch. And, since she passed the test, Kenzie will be able to referee in rec games, even though she's under the minimum age of 12.
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