Birthday

Today's Writing Prompt: Birthday
Describe a memorable birthday (yours or another's.)

I spent my 6th birthday with my grandparents in Orlando, FL. The memory of their house, the "forest" of a back yard (they had alligators every so often wander into their yard), and the huge spider we came across one day - - all so clear to me still.

I can still remember the dress I was wearing: white, with colorful horizonal stripes, and thin straps that tied at the shoulders. I can remember sitting Indian style on the living room floor, with my cake in my lap, blowing out the candles. I wish I knew where the Poloroid picture is of that day ...

Most of my happiest memories come from those spent with my grandparents. When I think of birthdays, I think of them (I spent a lot of my birthdays with them).

One Minute Writer

Who's got the time to journal daily?

I do (should).
Here is how it works: My friend, Andrea (that's me with her!), has this on her blog page so I thought "If it's good enough for her, it's good enough for me! "

Each day on the One Minute Writer blog page (http://oneminutewriter.blogspot.com/) a topic is given and I am to spend a minute (or less) writing about that topic.

I'd love it if you commented with your own "one minute writing"!

Happy Holidays from Dayne's Braces!

Dayne is in the spirit of the holidays! She got green and red for her braces today!

** Warning: Not for the weak **

Icky. My nephew, TJ, somehow got his finger caught in the driver door on Sunday night. Luckily, he was wearing thick gloves and his finger tip was not lost!

He handled it pretty well ... scared and in pain, but who wouldn't be!?!? I talked to him today and he seemed fine and the pain was under control. I look at my hangnail and whine that it hurts . . . I can only imagine the pain he must have been in!

Hunter's Football Banquet

On Sunday evening we went to Hunter's football banquet. Each of the boys were recognized for their participation and the coaches said some nice things about the successes (and challenges) of the team.

Each of the boys got to walk across the stage to accept their letter (signed certificate for the Freshman, actual letters for their jackets for the older boys) and shake the hands of each of the coaches.

Dayne was not quite as entertained by the events; she was still recovering from her slumber party the night before!

While Dayne and I were decorating the Christmas tree she was singing Christmas Carols. My favorite was during "Holy Night" ... "Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virginia Mother and Child" he he he ... I guess she is more familiar with the state of Virginia - - and that's good at this age!!

Dayne also informed me that "it's the rule" that the first "instrument" (she confuses instrument and ornament) to be hung on the tree has to be the prettiest one. This is an ornament we received from my mom and step dad for Christmas last year.

It took a while to put the house back together, but it looks very nice! Sad to think we did all that work for only three weeks of enjoyment!

Here is a picture of our completed Christmas tree:

We're Playin' Bas-ket-balllllllllllll !!!

(you have to imagine me singing that like in the movie Space Jam for it to be funny)

Today was packed with excitement and things to do!

9:00am - Dayne had her first basketball game of the season. This is also her first year playing basketball, so she is still in the initial learning stages. She is having fun, though! She got to play quite a bit in today's game and made a great pass! With just seconds left in the game the score was 10-11 and they were able to win the game ... but just barely! The buzzer went off just nano-seconds before the other time took a shot - - and made it! Whew!

Dayne is #1 on her team and her knickname is "Leopard."

During a team time out

Dayne dribbling the ball, ready to make a pass.

Half time score

11:00 am: Hunter had his (2nd) basketball game. He played the majority of the game and played pretty good (we call him "The Great White Hype") but the team lost in OT by 4 points. The heat was on towards the end of the game and there was a bit of a scuffle - see the video below. Hunter is in the middle of the screen (black shorts, white shoes) ... watch him strut over there like he was about to put a hurtin' on somebody! Good to see he knows the spirit of team work!

Here is a sequence shot of Hunter's free throw. He made the first one, but not the 2nd one.

Down to the last minute and thirty five seconds of the game. Hunter was bummed he was on the bench.

After Hunter's game we came home for lunch then headed back out to get our Christmas tree. Sadly, that's where the family engagement ended as the boys left shortly after we got home. They went to check out a hunting site, so Dayne and I put up the tree and decorations.

Dayne has a slumber party tonight so we went shopping to get a birthday gift (Webkin) and a few other needed items. I had big plans of taking a nap today, but I was toooooo busy! Boooo!!!!

Looking forward to a calm, uneventful night tonight!