The Football Report

As I informed all of you before, it’s football season. We’ve had 3 games since I announced the season. Two of them Tyler's and one of them Jeremy’s. Here’s some shots of Jeremy.

Jeremy is in the middle of this shot in the red uniform. He is number 41.

The kid that has finally hit the 100 lbs mark is on defense (truly the best place for my Bear at this time) and they’ve put him in as nose guard. For those of you who don’t know this position, it is the player on defense right across from the huge center who is hiking the ball to the quarterback on offense. Um, Jeremy better watch the center closely. If some of those centers were to get off balance and fall forward, it’d be curtains for my Bear. His determination is quite admirable. He really puts 110% into it on the field. Just like in about everything he does. You might wonder the training that has to happen to create such a focused player. I have photos of that too.

It's call the "X-Box trainnng." Thanks to Madden 2000-2008 my boys are more than ready for any football situation (especially their thumbs!)
His team lost the game, but he still looks so cute in his uniform. Yes, I am talking about a football player and I say cute. They just are. Even though he doesn’t resemble a bobble-head doll like he did when he had the uniform on and he was 6 and 7, I still think he is cute!
Jeremy’s team had their second game this past Thursday, but Jeremy was unable to play because of an earlier injury he sustained on the trampoline on Sunday. Now, I was trying to be the “teaching mother” again when this happened. I have told them that they shouldn’t be playing out there on a Sunday, that something bad was going to happen, and it finally did. Brigam was out there with him, Jeremy claims he was doing a regular flip and landed on his neck wrong, but I think he is covering up for the amazing Ninja in Brigam. I am sure that Jeremy thought he was going for a regular flip, but Brigam brought out his pinky and in one small “Skidoosh” …. Tisk, tisk, tisk – Jeremy never knew what hit him.
I told him (after the fact because that’s what moms do) that he should have been in reading scriptures like the rest of us. He claims that I was sleeping – not reading when it happened, but I set him straight. I told him that I was praying REALLY HARD about what I read. Maybe he’ll learn.
Anyway, he is fine and will be back on the field on Monday barring any inappropriate Sunday activities, that is. But here is a shot of him on the field at that first game.

Tyler’s team has also had two games since I last posted. We drove up to Wenatchee on the 19th (2 ½ hour drive with the rest of the kids and two of their friends with us. I am sure that the ticket takers thought we were Mormons for sure with all those kids. It just shows our dedication as parents and makes my birthday gift from the kids seem a little more needed for all I do for them. It’s two fold rewards, really.) By the way, the ride up there was very entertaining with those extra kids. I guess they got bored in the back so the girls decided to do Devin's hair with their extra pony tail holders. Jeremy would have been happy to comply, but his hair only raises off his head by about 1/2 inch. I thought I'd put in a pic of that too.

Back to the game, they won that game in over time – Pasco scored first on the Kansas City Tie-Breaker. I really wonder why they call it that. Whatever.

Here’s Tyler and his defensive line with their coach getting some last minute instruction. I can just imagine the pep-talk now, “Don’t let him get past you!” Great coaching, Coach! (By the way, Tyler's number is 17)

What is important is this little piece of viewing pleasure. This play was in the end of the fourth quarter. If Tyler had missed this defensive tackle – there would have been no overtime. Pasco would have gone home with their heads hanging low because that offensive player would have made it to the end zone for a touchdown.

But my magnificent Tyler made the tackle and saved the score!

Here's a video of that great play.

Then there's the one of the celebration afterwards in front of the crowd. Such pride!

Their game this last Friday against Moses Lake was a different story. They lost 3-14. Sad stuff. Pasco was in the red zone early two times in the game, but didn't get in the end zone. They should have taken advantage of that - and maybe tried NOT to get so many penalties. This is a pic of Tyler and teammate digesting what the score was telling them.

Sad, but maybe they will learn from it and maybe the pressure of being undefeated will be off! Then they can just relax and enjoy the game like it was just in their backyard - with big lights, AstroTurf, a huge crowd yelling - well it was a nice thought!

See you under the lights!

Hello Pumkin!

So it’s been a while since I’ve reported on any success in the garden. For one, I think the garden is just to big for me and the kids which is weird because it’s really not like its ½ acre or something like that, it’s just that it’s full of weeds. That may be my fault because of the way I chose to water it for so long. It wasn’t until my smarty-pants Jeremy made little “canals” down each of the rows to water it that watering became easier.
Jeremy’s corn was good, but we only got about 12 ears because the farmer refused to harvest. I was confused a bit when I’d ask him to go to the garden and get some corn for dinner and he told me he didn’t want any. Being the “training” mother that I am, I decided if he didn’t want to share his corn, I wasn’t going to make him. What comes around goes around – or so I thought. What I didn’t know is that Jeremy needed more info on gardening. The time that he did actually go out to the garden to retrieve corn for lunch the corn was old and yucky tasting. He wanted to go get more, but I told him it would all taste like that because he didn’t harvest it soon enough. He was confused, he thought that if he left it on the stalk, it would just get bigger and bigger along with better tasting. Law of the harvest. Why did I fail to teach that one?

As far as Mykie’s gardening opportunity, she had no problem harvesting her potatoes. We had fresh potatoes anytime we liked. Everyone appreciated her efforts. It was Mike that was confused at this gardening venture. Two weeks ago I went to the garden to harvest some potatoes myself for some Crock-pot Ham and Potatoes recipe. When I had them all cleaned, peeled and sliced, Mike came in and asked me where I got those potatoes. “The Garden?” I answered thinking this was a trick question. I mean he knew what we were growing out there. “The garden?” he said, “I sprayed the garden with weed killer yesterday.” “You sprayed her potatoes with weed killer?” I calmly questioned. “Yeah, I thought we were all done with the garden.” He said. I was a little fuming knowing how many potatoes were still out there. He must have recognized the look because then he said, “I didn’t spray the pumpkins though.” Arrrrgh!

Anyway, that brings us straight to the pumpkins. Brigam’s labor of love that he gave up long ago. Good things those vines go looking for their own water after a time. But Brigam got to harvest his garden yesterday. He got some loop-sided pumpkins, but they don’t look half bad if you lean them against the house.
Here’s the few that he got. I think he got 6 or so in all.

But here’s the MAMA pumpkin. It’s pretty hefty I must say (I should know, I’ve lifted the dang thing.) It’s ½ as big as him.

It really tried to grow hard despite not being watered, fed or talked to on a regular basis. Thank goodness for Mother Nature and her occasional outpouring of rain. Isn’t it nice? Still, it’s not as good as the one that mom and dad Anderson grew for us a few years ago. That one was so big that the kids could each sit in it (one at a time, of course) and I have pictures to prove it. But for a 7 year old’s first try – it’s all right! I really don’t think that Brigam is as impressed with it as I am. He asked me if he could have the little one (yes, that little yellow one that looks like a spaghetti squash). Whatever!

Happy Birthday Roxy!

Instead of the traditional "Happy Birthday Song" I have decided to go with the non-traditional, but more personalized song of

"Roxsan, you don't have to turn on the red light"

by the Police

in honor of my, since high school, BFF Roxsan!

Isn't she beautiful? Yes, she is truly a blonde - but not in the traditional sense of the word. She is super intellegent as well. She is beyond creative - she thinks up something in her head and can use a multitude of materials to make it become reality (seriously, remember your "fish" costume so many years ago? And your creative jewelry. You're awesome!)

She's also a great mom and wife. She just had this beautiful little boy not too long ago and has 3 others at home.

Best of all (for me) she's a good friend that is always there for me, always willing to go the extra mile or two to make my life easier and I LOVE HER!

Happy Birthday, Roxsan!

Another Super Cool Athlete

This is a picture of my favorite soccer player in the world - my niece - Sasha

She has always played soccer and has been good at it. She is a Junior in Utah and happens to be ranked the 2nd best goalie IN THE STATE. By the way - she is one of those girls that are beautiful inside and out. If you meet her, you instantly love her!

Go Sasha!

Who's ready for the next BIG SEASON?

Now that the kids are back to school you might think that the next big season we have coming up is Halloween. But you'd be wrong. The next season is

FOOTBALL, BABY!!!

Jeremy has yet to play his first game, but Tyler's inaugural senior game was last night -

-Friday Night Lights-

It was a fun game against Richland High School at Richland's field. Partially fun because it was the first one and it is football and the rest of the way fun because Pasco WON! The score was 22-7. Tyler started and played Defense the entire night. He was awesome especailly when they tried to pass to a teammate in Tyler's general direction. He's very good at knocking down those passes and sometimes he'll even decide to hang on to one and run the opposite direction and before you know it TOUCHDOWN! Ok, that didn't happen last night, but it has happened before and I am sure that it will happen again this season.

It's so much fun to watch your kid play under the lights. And fortunately for me, it doesn't make me feel old. 28 is the perfect age to be (for me). You know me, once I put my mind to something, that is where it will stay.

Anyway, back to Tyler and football. As if the game and watching Tyler's talents weren't exciting enough - opening the Tri-City Herald this morning brought us this little treat:

It mentioned that "Pasco's Tyler Nelson, left, breaks up a pass intened for richland's Trevor Hay on Friday at Fran Rish Stadium in Richland." OK, it didn't mention it - that's what it said exactly! I think he was more thrilled than he let on, but I didn't care who knew that I was thrilled. I'm sure that comes as no surprise since I am blogging about it!

Well, there is a game on, so I have to go. Hope you enjoy "the season!" I know I will!

The Swing of Things....... WE'RE BACK IN IT!!

How cute is this? I would have to say SUPER CUTE since they are sporting backpacks and lunch pails and this is NOT a trial run. It's the real thing. They are back to school.

Three of the four precious little ones in my household are back in school. Now I know that many of you were able to get the pictures with the beautiful educational buildings your little ones attend in the background, but I guess when they get to middle school, they don't want to have actual photos of the building. They would much rather have their very own memories of what that building looked like. I am sure that it has nothing to do with 1 parent trying to get 1 child to pose in front of the building while no other parents and 400 students watch the show. Whatever!!!

Jeremy is happily going to Highlands Middle School. Isn't he so cute? His super cool Nike bag and the year round shorts that he sports. I know that many of you think that there are two points in the year when you pull out one season's clothing and put the previous season's clothing away. Jeremy takes that extra chore off of my to do list. He just wears shorts year round. Once in a while he'll sport the jeans, but like his big bro. Tyler, he loves to have his calves see sun, sleet, rain or snow 24/7.

Here's a cute close up of my second teenager. Look at that those eyes and that great smile. All that and a great personality (he still opens the doors for his mom - what do you think he does for the girls???) Watch out girls! Your hearts are going to break (but he's not dating until 16 years old!! Sorry!)

Mykie also avoided the photo op in front of the Desert Hills Middle School. So the front door is what we've got her at as well. Although, on the second day of school, she wanted me to come in with her to put all her stuff in her locker. Brigam and I both walked in with her. You think to yourself, "Oh, that's nice." But it gets better. You should have seen what I was dressed in. I was ready to workout ladies. I was wearing a tee-shirt that had an ink stain on it and a pair of men's shorts. My hair was in the "workout pony look" and I had no bangs as they were whipped up with a headband. And it goes without saying, I had no make-up on. But my girl didn't care. She wanted me to see her locker and help her put her stuff in it. How sweet was that?

Talk about a knock out! All that blond hair and dazzling smile. The boys are already asking her out and leaving requesting love letters in her locker. We have barely been in school for a week, boys! You'd better knock it off or I'll have to have Jeremy (my 8th grade Nose Guard (no kidding) Football Player) introduce himself to you - very close-up and IN. YOUR. FACE.

Here's my youngest. He's the only one left at Lincoln Elementary School from our family. He's sad that Mykie isn't with him anymore.

I took him to the bus stop and got the annual "getting on the bus" photo. He thinks that is so cool. His bus driver is a really great lady. By the way - isn't that football lunch bag so cute?

I went to the school to wait for Brigam to get delivered off the bus and walk with him into the second grade classroom that will be 1 million times better than last year's classroom (and I'm not talking better because of a change in furniture here.) To ensure this happens I have sunk to bribing him to be happy in his class. I told him that if he would tell me 5 good things that happened to him at school each day that I would give him a pack of gum each Friday. So far, so good! I'd better make it sugarless or then we'll have to bribe him for a trip to the dentist!

Like I said, I am happy for them to be back to school. It's great for everyone - absence makes the heart grow fonder you know. My heart is fonder, fonder and FONDER!!!! Well, I have to go! It's my turn on the swing. There is no time for me on the backyard swing when the kids are here and they're all in school. Now I have it all to myself! BYE! :)

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!!

Did my title give you the impression that I was humming "Winter Wonderland" while rummaging though my garage for the upcoming Christmas season? Did you think that I was being like the stores who pull out all the holiday stuff 30, 60, no 90 days in advance like we wouldn't be aware that the Christmas season is approaching us if we didn't have their reminders and a talking Santa during the beginnings of fall? Hello - we know. We're moms. It comes the same time EVERY year. Trust us, we have it under control!!!

OK, off my little tirade about the over commercialization of Christmas. The MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF my YEAR comes around August 26th this year (why on a Tuesday, I will never know. Did they think if they made it a Monday we'd be all in our "Summertime Moods" and FORGET that it was starting that day? Hello - we're moms!) SCHOOL'S BACK IN SESSION!!!!!

Now some of you may think that I am totally a terrible mother by wanting the summer to end, my children to be out of the house for hours at a time and have schedule that needs to be adhered to. All I have to say about that is - I really don't care what you think about me as a mom. My kid's need to go back to school!

You see - I am not a teacher of mathematics, reading, creative writing, PE or anything of the sort. I mean, I touch on those basically everyday, but having my kids take a college entrance exam after only having me as a teacher - let's just say that their outlook on a job would only be McFriendly.

Just to be clear to you all - I am a good mom (my kids will back me up on this one. Seriously, even the 17 year old would have to agree - they know which side their bread is buttered on.) I do read with my kids, talk with them, listen to them, laugh with them, teach them kitchen stuff and even how to fix a flat tire on a bike, but the finer points of algebra??? I don't even know the basics of algebra! And as for English. Yes, it is my native tongue, but what is a dangling participle? Sounds like some mess the I need to clean up after - you know?

So, to have my children go out into the world every August to expand their little minds - as a good mom who doesn't want their child to be working at McFriendly's for the rest of their working careers - I am happy to hear that school bell a ringin'!

I also feel that my children are so wonderful and full of love that it would be enormously selfish of me to keep these wonderful little people all to myself. As much as I would like to spend every waking hour (and quite possibly a "family sleeping bed") with them, I will sacrifice my time with them to share them with the world. Those poor teachers really need some kids in their classroom that makes them think, "Oh, I have so-and-so Nelson in my class. I can wake up and look forward to going to work. Lucky me!" Yes, lucky them indeed!

Princess will be going to a different middle school than Jeremy goes to (I think I addressed the reasons for that in an earlier post, maybe I didn't, but anyway....) and she and I made a "dry run" on our bikes to see how long the bike ride took us. It took us 16 minutes and I thought that was rather long, but she was a little sour on going, being with me, being with anyone in the family, breathing air - just about anything you could think of, so she might have been holding back on me in the hamstring/quad/leg department of biking. I am sure on Tuesday with the thought of seeing all her friends that day, she'll probably make it in 10 minutes, have to wait around for 6 minutes before the school opens it doors and she will end the day by coming home and blaming me for poor time keeping during the dry run.

After our little trip to the school, she cheered up some and we walked around to her classes trying to show her that 4 minutes between each class is actually MOUNDS of time to get to her next class. She was a little better when we went to Big Lots and purchased stuff for her gym locker (deodorant - etc.) She already has her first day of clothes picked out. She has placed them on her bedroom floor ready to go. I am not sure why they can't be chosen and left in the closet, but the way that she and I think differently about "organization" is another post entirely.

I think that she is excited, but scared. Middle school is that really crazy time in your life. Not so much 6th grade, but 7th. That will be fun (did you catch the sarcasim?). Hopefully, we will keep the communication open and she will know how much I love her even when she does stupid stuff (see - that was a good mom statement if I ever heard one!)

Jeremy and Tyler have both started Football practice. Somewhere to go in the afternoons! The TV does actually have an OFF button. Amazing. Tyler is actually doing two-a-days so he gets up to practice, comes home to sleep and then gets up to practice again. Wow. That is dedication. Probably gets that from his mom. :)

Tyler really doesn't go back to school until September 22nd because of going to CBC. He does have seminary and weight training in the afternoon at HS, but for the next month - it's just like normal for him. Except after 8:00 AM it will be quiet and he can continue to sleep in in peace.

Jeremy is loving football life as usual. He is pretty cool for such a confident guy. We went to his school last week to practice opening the locker and stuffing it full of all school items. Now on the first day of school - he will be a Boy Scout for sure - always be prepared. I am sure that he is excited for this year - being the oldest in the school, but I really think he's excited about next year and being in high school. I don't even want to think about it.

Brigam is just waiting for Tuesday. He asks me every day how many days are left until school starts (see what I mean? I can't teach math.) I am still not sure who his teacher is. Last year they told me one name at the end of the school year, then they sent home info that his teacher is someone else. Whatever. Anyone has to be better than last year's teacher. (Did I just write that out loud? Yes, yes I did!) If it's not - Mama Bear will be coming out of HIBERNATION.

Well, again, I don't really think I surprised anyone with my admittance to the love of the summer ending. If you know me, you know me! One thing that I am grateful for - seriously - is the opportunity my kids have to get an education. They not only have the chance to learn, but in many incidences they get to choose to get education in many different areas that they are particularly interested in. Gotta love the USA!

I guess that is one great reason for summer. 4th of July!!!! An independent nation and all that, but why can't school start on July 26th? Education is the key to our future - Right?

Enjoy!