We enjoyed our Thanksgiving. This was the first year John really "got" the Macy's parade and it was fun to watch him watch it. We ate lunch with my parents. The food was great and the football games were even better. The Texas game was painfully dramatic but at least it had a happy ending.
Over the weekend, BL had their playoff game. They did not win, so football season is over. The band's marching season will officially end this weekend at the Adolphus Children's Christmas Parade.
What were you thankful for this year? I've cavalierly said that I'm thankful for my health for years. This year, I meant it in a way I never have before. My friend A, whom I have mentioned to you before, is struggling with POTS and I have another friend who is having health issues. I hope I don't go back to taking my health for granted anytime soon.
Is everyone getting ready for Christmas now? Amazing how the turkey is barely in the fridge for leftovers when we start hauling out the holly. Admittedly, I felt I could not properly celebrate Thanksgiving until I had ordered my Christmas cards and I made sure they were ordered earlier in the week. I did not wake up on Black Friday at a super-early hour, but I still knocked out some shopping. We are looking forward to putting up the tree and John's been talking about Christmas trees for a few days now.
My friend Tesa had a great post on her Facebook this morning. She wanted people to post their fave holiday songs. I love the traditional carols, and going to Jay's Christmas concerts to hear the traditional music is one of my personal holiday highlights. However, I had to reply to Tesa with two of my faves that are not traditional. I told her I like Paul McCartney's "A Wonderful Christmastime" (I think that's the name? You know the song, I am sure) and "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses. I like "Christmas Wrapping" so much I'll play it in August to remind myself that the oppressive heat will one day end and it'll be Christmastime! I was happy to see someone else say they liked that song, too. Excellent post, Tesa. What a great way to get us thinking about the holidays!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Playoffs!
Way back in the day, my high school buddies and I hoped for a Thanksgiving holiday that ended with a playoff football game. It meant that your team was one step closer to that highly-coveted State Championship.
I have to admit I haven't outgrown that wish. Bishop Lynch won their second-round playoff game and will play next weekend, after the Thanksgiving holidays. Congrats to the team and good luck for the next round.
Not everyone feels this enthusiasm. I recently texted Rock Star Babysitter/Drum Major Caley to set up a time to babysit and wished her luck with this past weekend's game. She texted back her availability and the message, "I'm so sick of football". I had to laugh, and remember that it's work for her and the marching band to be there for one more game.
So when Jay and I realized the band has one more game to play this upcoming weekend I asked Jay if we should be glad or sad. I went ahead and picked glad. It's a hard habit for me to break.
Good luck, Friars!
I have to admit I haven't outgrown that wish. Bishop Lynch won their second-round playoff game and will play next weekend, after the Thanksgiving holidays. Congrats to the team and good luck for the next round.
Not everyone feels this enthusiasm. I recently texted Rock Star Babysitter/Drum Major Caley to set up a time to babysit and wished her luck with this past weekend's game. She texted back her availability and the message, "I'm so sick of football". I had to laugh, and remember that it's work for her and the marching band to be there for one more game.
So when Jay and I realized the band has one more game to play this upcoming weekend I asked Jay if we should be glad or sad. I went ahead and picked glad. It's a hard habit for me to break.
Good luck, Friars!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Halloween Recap
After the marching competition, we had some trick-or-treating to do; it was Halloween after all! Jay spent the day before Halloween making John's costume: a robot. He took some old boxes and covered them with foil and placed all kinds of remnants from the garage on the box to make a great-looking robot. He even made an antenna for it.
Unfortunately, Jay was not present for trick-or-treating time. He played a Mass and had a musical theater show. I was feeling under the weather, so I brought John over to my parents' house to help with the trick-or-treating.
Around 7 pm, we asked John if he was ready to put on his costume. He wasn't. He did not want to get anywhere near the costume. I was too ill to argue, but I was disappointed that Jay's hard work was for nothing...or was it?
Half an hour later, John approaches the robot costume. Yes! I think, he's ready to put it on. He looks over the costume, grabs the antenna off the top, and begins to hit the side of the boxes with the antenna. Okay, I think, what is this about? He must have known I was wondering, because he turned, faced me and my parents and declared, "I play my bass drum!" He continued to play that bass drum until it was time to go home.
The lesson learned is do not bring your kid to a marching band competition before he's supposed to go trick-or-treating!
Unfortunately, Jay was not present for trick-or-treating time. He played a Mass and had a musical theater show. I was feeling under the weather, so I brought John over to my parents' house to help with the trick-or-treating.
Around 7 pm, we asked John if he was ready to put on his costume. He wasn't. He did not want to get anywhere near the costume. I was too ill to argue, but I was disappointed that Jay's hard work was for nothing...or was it?
Half an hour later, John approaches the robot costume. Yes! I think, he's ready to put it on. He looks over the costume, grabs the antenna off the top, and begins to hit the side of the boxes with the antenna. Okay, I think, what is this about? He must have known I was wondering, because he turned, faced me and my parents and declared, "I play my bass drum!" He continued to play that bass drum until it was time to go home.
The lesson learned is do not bring your kid to a marching band competition before he's supposed to go trick-or-treating!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Competition
Our Halloween got started with a marching band competition at Legacy Christian Academy in Frisco. October was a soggy month here in Big D, and as a result, the band had not been able to rehearse their marching drill as often as they wanted to prepare for the competition. They rehearsed as best as they could in the days and hours before the event, and soon we were driving up to the Legacy Christian campus to see how the work would pay off.
Jay gets nervous before these competitions. He wants his drum line to do well, and he did not know how this year’s group would do. His line last year won state, which added the pressure of wanting to repeat the success. I realized I was nervous, too. I wanted the drum line to do well, for their sake and for Jay’s. I also wanted Rock Star Babysitter/Drum Major Caley to do a great job of leading the band to a Superior rating.
Drum Line Captain SDG called us as we were pulling into the parking lot. Time was not on our side, and Jay had some snare drums in the back of our van that he wanted SDG to use. They took care of getting the drums out, and I got to wish Caley good luck. Jay and I had one quick minute left in the van. We looked at each other, admitted we were nervous for the band, and I said, “Uh, if we’re this nervous NOW, what are we going to be like when it’s OUR KID marching out there? ” I did not like the prospect, but I figure I have a few years to stock up on Xanax until then.
John, wearing his brand new 2009-2010 Drum Line t-shirt, and I took our places in the bleachers. John saw his Daddy and Miss Caley on the field, and spent the rest of the performance snuggled up and half asleep. The band did a great job, there were a lot of parents in the audience to cheer for them, and when they marched off, we packed up and went home.
Jay got the call later in the day…that the band received a First Place in their division, with a Superior rating, and the drum line won State once again. Smiles abounded at Casa Majernik. Jay was more proud than he would say, so I said it for him. We are so proud of this group for their hard work, and I am so proud of Jay for his hard work with the Drum Line.
Jay gets nervous before these competitions. He wants his drum line to do well, and he did not know how this year’s group would do. His line last year won state, which added the pressure of wanting to repeat the success. I realized I was nervous, too. I wanted the drum line to do well, for their sake and for Jay’s. I also wanted Rock Star Babysitter/Drum Major Caley to do a great job of leading the band to a Superior rating.
Drum Line Captain SDG called us as we were pulling into the parking lot. Time was not on our side, and Jay had some snare drums in the back of our van that he wanted SDG to use. They took care of getting the drums out, and I got to wish Caley good luck. Jay and I had one quick minute left in the van. We looked at each other, admitted we were nervous for the band, and I said, “Uh, if we’re this nervous NOW, what are we going to be like when it’s OUR KID marching out there? ” I did not like the prospect, but I figure I have a few years to stock up on Xanax until then.
John, wearing his brand new 2009-2010 Drum Line t-shirt, and I took our places in the bleachers. John saw his Daddy and Miss Caley on the field, and spent the rest of the performance snuggled up and half asleep. The band did a great job, there were a lot of parents in the audience to cheer for them, and when they marched off, we packed up and went home.
Jay got the call later in the day…that the band received a First Place in their division, with a Superior rating, and the drum line won State once again. Smiles abounded at Casa Majernik. Jay was more proud than he would say, so I said it for him. We are so proud of this group for their hard work, and I am so proud of Jay for his hard work with the Drum Line.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Local Link-Moms Rock TOO!
Here's some information about an upcoming event in the DFW area. This is courtesy of Sara from Little Ones Rock:
"Do you end up watching the Disney channel after your little ones are in bed? Do you find yourself singing along to the Wiggles when the kids aren’t even in the car? Are you looking for a fun way to spend time with people who can actually talk back to you? Wait….I mean, do you NEED to spend some time with people who can really talk to you?
Then look no further than Moms Can Rock TOO!
Moms Can Rock is a fun way to get away from it all and just let your hair down, if only for a little while! This invitation only event is for Moms in the know who only want the best of the best. It will feature some of the area’s premier crafters and artist who will display their wares in a relaxed an intimate setting.
What does this mean to you?
It mean that you get to relax, have a glass of wine, and take your time as you do what Moms do best….shop!
If this sounds like just a little slice of heaven, then contact Sara at Little Ones Rock today to find out more. She can set you on the path to the posh as you become one of the few lucky ladies who have the chance to remember that Moms really do Rock TOO!"
The event is this Thursday, November 12 at The Cotton Mill in McKinney. For more information, contact Sara.
"Do you end up watching the Disney channel after your little ones are in bed? Do you find yourself singing along to the Wiggles when the kids aren’t even in the car? Are you looking for a fun way to spend time with people who can actually talk back to you? Wait….I mean, do you NEED to spend some time with people who can really talk to you?
Then look no further than Moms Can Rock TOO!
Moms Can Rock is a fun way to get away from it all and just let your hair down, if only for a little while! This invitation only event is for Moms in the know who only want the best of the best. It will feature some of the area’s premier crafters and artist who will display their wares in a relaxed an intimate setting.
What does this mean to you?
It mean that you get to relax, have a glass of wine, and take your time as you do what Moms do best….shop!
If this sounds like just a little slice of heaven, then contact Sara at Little Ones Rock today to find out more. She can set you on the path to the posh as you become one of the few lucky ladies who have the chance to remember that Moms really do Rock TOO!"
The event is this Thursday, November 12 at The Cotton Mill in McKinney. For more information, contact Sara.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Speeding
I got a speeding ticket last month, driving down Audelia Road. I’ve traversed Audelia Road for the better part of my life and for as long as I can remember, people have complained that such a major thoroughfare has a 35 MPH speed limit. Few people obey the speed limit on this road, and consequently, speed traps are occasionally set up.
I fell into one of the traps. John and I dropped off a library book, and were heading to a play date. It was a gorgeous morning. I knew I needed some coffee before the play date, so I was thinking about getting to White Rock Coffee for some drive-through caffeine. I was not paying attention to my speed, but the constable that pulled me over was well aware of it.
He showed me the radar gun with my speed on it. “Good night,” was all I could say. I did an Elizabeth-from-Suburban-Cupcake “blink-blink” but my sunglasses were still on, so they were wasted blinks. The officer asks me if I had an emergency and if that was why I was speeding. Hmm…do I tell him? I wonder. Do I tell him I only had 2 cups of coffee at home and if I was going to survive a play date with a couple of 2 year olds, I needed more coffee than that? Does a need for caffeine constitute an emergency? I mean, it does for me, but would he think so? I decided not to say anything and told him no, I had no emergencies.
John decided this was a social call. “Hi, Polices! I’m sitting in the back seat!” he calls out. The officer noted that John was in a proper car seat. I wanted to ask if that would shave some miles off my clocked speed, but again, kept my mouth shut.
I took the ticket, smiled and drove off, slowly. After such an experience, my need for caffeine increased exponentially. I REALLY had to get to the coffee shop. I did, and we got to our play date.
The next week, I went to the court to take care of the ticket. John was with me, of course. I did not know how he would handle the long wait. Fortunately, the wait was not terrible, and John looked through a magazine to stay entertained. I tried to enforce the “inside voice” with him, but when the Office Depot delivery man came into the building, John couldn’t help himself. “Ooo, PIZZA!” he shouted, as he saw the Office Depot man in his red shirt and hat, and carrying cardboard boxes. A fellow traffic criminal overheard this and laughed out loud, and I assured John that, no, it wasn’t pizza, but that was a good guess. I had to laugh, too, and it put a bright spot on an otherwise unpleasant task. John’s presence for this episode of life was so welcome!
I fell into one of the traps. John and I dropped off a library book, and were heading to a play date. It was a gorgeous morning. I knew I needed some coffee before the play date, so I was thinking about getting to White Rock Coffee for some drive-through caffeine. I was not paying attention to my speed, but the constable that pulled me over was well aware of it.
He showed me the radar gun with my speed on it. “Good night,” was all I could say. I did an Elizabeth-from-Suburban-Cupcake “blink-blink” but my sunglasses were still on, so they were wasted blinks. The officer asks me if I had an emergency and if that was why I was speeding. Hmm…do I tell him? I wonder. Do I tell him I only had 2 cups of coffee at home and if I was going to survive a play date with a couple of 2 year olds, I needed more coffee than that? Does a need for caffeine constitute an emergency? I mean, it does for me, but would he think so? I decided not to say anything and told him no, I had no emergencies.
John decided this was a social call. “Hi, Polices! I’m sitting in the back seat!” he calls out. The officer noted that John was in a proper car seat. I wanted to ask if that would shave some miles off my clocked speed, but again, kept my mouth shut.
I took the ticket, smiled and drove off, slowly. After such an experience, my need for caffeine increased exponentially. I REALLY had to get to the coffee shop. I did, and we got to our play date.
The next week, I went to the court to take care of the ticket. John was with me, of course. I did not know how he would handle the long wait. Fortunately, the wait was not terrible, and John looked through a magazine to stay entertained. I tried to enforce the “inside voice” with him, but when the Office Depot delivery man came into the building, John couldn’t help himself. “Ooo, PIZZA!” he shouted, as he saw the Office Depot man in his red shirt and hat, and carrying cardboard boxes. A fellow traffic criminal overheard this and laughed out loud, and I assured John that, no, it wasn’t pizza, but that was a good guess. I had to laugh, too, and it put a bright spot on an otherwise unpleasant task. John’s presence for this episode of life was so welcome!
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Aw, You Miss Her, Too?!
I'm amazed at the hits I have received on this blog from googling "Suburban Cupcake". Readers from California to Connecticut have checked in to read my post about Elizabeth. She has a lot of fans who miss her! There's a part of me that wants to have a "where-are-you-please-come-back" site for E, but I will not. Thanks for visiting, my fellow PC/SC fans!
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