Who'd A'Thunk It???

I confess, I was expecting the worst...my awkward, gangly, 6ft tall boy was participating in his first ever track meet yesterday. I went expecting to see a live version of America's Funniest Videos. That was NOT what I got!

To help you understand my position, I give you exhibit A...

This is what Sam usually looks like to me...now the setting changes, but the posture does not. He's my "gamer". NOT my runner.

But, he blew me away and was actually pretty good! I'm completely new to the "Field and Track" world. I was totally lost initially, on what in the WORLD was going on. So much chaos, so many things happening all at once. So MANY kids!! Highland has 78 kids on their track team. I think yesterday was an invite...so there were also 3 other schools there: Centerburg, Marion Grant and Mt Gilead Christian.

Amazingly, Sam took 1st place in the long jump. His jump was 13'8"...which he said, "sucked". He was sure he wouldn't win that one early on. His longest jump so far was 15'2" and he felt pretty confident that yesterdays jump would get trumped easily, but what do you know? It DIDN'T!

He also took 2nd place in the 100 meter Hurdles...

...by .2 of a second... and i'm guessin' that's about all he won 1st place in the 200 meter Hurdles by...

It was a close finish. It shouldn't have been...

He started out really well.

Then on the second hurdle, he landed wrong and stumbled. Scraped up his hands pretty good, but he didn't go down, he recovered.

And he prevailed...he did great. Jon and I are both SO PROUD if him...he's GOOD at this! GO SAM!!!

I will keep you posted on how he does! I love you all!

Undesirable Job

Our neighbors are getting new windows in their old farmhouse…

You’d like to think that it’s safe to schedule something like this undertaking to be done at the end of March. But, this is Ohio people.

You’re never safe…not from the dreaded white death.

This guy right here…you could not pay me enough money to do his job…

For real…craziness.

I love you all!

Hoss Make Tracks ~Big Sam

I’ve done a really lousy job keeping you all up on what’s going on in our lives lately. Mostly, because it’s such a drudgery…day in, day out…work, school, house…sleep, clean, eat…nothing exciting. But all that is about to change. Liam’s baseball coach called me this afternoon to schedule his first practice…which isn’t until April 18th! Seems like forever away still. However, Sam is already busy. He decided to take part in Field and Track this year. On the one hand, I can’t think of anything less exciting to watch, unless perhaps one of my children takes up golf. On the other hand, many of you HAVE seen Sam run. There is a glimmer of a promise of entertainment there. At risk of his embarrassment. I mean lets be honest, he isn’t exactly graceful like a gazelle. He’s kinda gangly and awkward and God love him, he looks a tiny bit funny when he runs. Like he’s uncomfortable or something. Oddly though, he seems to be doing well in practice. He is participating in several activities…the 200 meter dash, the hurdles, the long jump and a relay, because he had one of the fastest run times in the 8th grade. So, we shall see, eh? His first meet is tomorrow in Marion. Don’t you worry, I’ll take my camera. It’s going to be bitchin’ cold, but sunny, so I should be able to use my telephoto lens. :0)

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Yay Spring!

In honor of impending Spring, yesterday, we had a little cookout. We invited Bobby and Blake (and Krisi, of course, ceptin’ she was not in town this weekend) over for good ole burgers and dogs.

Jon, Bobby and the kids played catch and with the airsoft guns.

Then we ate…

cookout style!

And it was GOOD!!

And this fella here will take care of anyone who says otherwise.

And to that, Bobby says,

“Bring it…”

Then, when everyone was full close to bursting and tired from an unaccustomed dose of fresh air, the guys cozied down with the xBox.

The only thing that would have made the day any better is if all our family could’ve been here. We miss you all.

Love you all!!

…

For Real? 20 Years????

I had a stunning realization this morning. I was commenting on a former classmates update on facebook.  I remarked that it was humorous to me that he had not changed in … then I did the math. 2011 – 1991, no.

It cannot be.

Surely not, it’s just not possible.

20 YEARS!?!?!?

What?

Where?

When?

How can this be???

How can 20 years be gone so quickly. Don’t get me wrong, it does not seem like “just yesterday”. But, it sure as heck doesn’t seem like 20 years ago? That’s a LONG TIME!!

I don’t feel 20 years older…well, maybe I do some days. But not right now. Time is a crazy, crazy thing. Make the most of it!!

Love you all!!