Bring on spring!

We really enjoyed the signs of spring this past week! The last week before spring soccer and basketball really ramp up for the kids!

My daffodils are poking through!

The trees are budding!

I heard a thump at the end of work on day.....went out to later to find Matt looking at the garage door. Brenner had hit it with the truck (see dents in bottom panel). He was distracted- we just told him to play closer attention!

Brenner decided to cut his hair! He has felt mixed about it since then! I think he looks handsome no matter what. We had a learning lesson on Saturday. We battle getting Brenner up during the week and I wasn't gong to waste my Saturday yelling/pestering. He ended up sleeping until 2:45 pm!!! Wasted the day - and was disappointed. Hopefully those natural consequences will make an impact!

Saturday PBA practice found Nola and Ella twinning!

Nola didn't tell me her basketball shoes were pinches her toes - then last weekend I saw blood in her sock! So off to the mall on a Saturday - ugh how do I end up there! Anyway - new shoes and she used Aunt Theresa's Valentine's money for a new book. 

The new book - second in the series!

I wanted to get a smile with the new haircut. Fail! But we heard the basketball so went to investigate. 

Nola working on her shot.

Silly gird.

Yay I got a smile from Brenner! 

Oh - and I got into a picture too! 

Ol' Baylee was soaking up the Sunday sun as well!

A long weekend

I would like to say we enjoyed the long weekend, but it was kind of stressful. Our minds were on Grammy/Mom/Judi as we learned she was in the hospital for a few days. We also got progress reports on the kid's grades. Brenner was failing 3 classes - partially from being out with covid, partially from being a 16-year-old who doesn't give a hoot about anything. Times are trying. As a rule follower, it makes no sense to me why you wouldn't turn in work - especially if you had completed it. As a parent - how much to prod to have them get things done versus learning the consequences. I am still figuring that out, but I can tell you raging teenage hormones makes me want to buy stock in earplugs.

Preach it, Dolly. I am looking forward to that rainbow!

Lovely flowers and cards from my gal pals. I have some good friends across the US! Nothing beats their kind words!

Nola made some yummy chocolate cookies on Friday. 

I had some down time on Friday - looks like Baylee did too! 

Saturday morning basketball at PBA. Grandma Val came too as Nola was playing with the Defenders after practice. 

We didn't make it to the first game so Nola didn't get to start for the other two Defender games. She was pretty worn out from the intense PBA practice. Defenders haven't practiced together in a while and you could tell. 

Nola with a great no-look pass to Ella!

Nola worked hard to get open on offense. Unfortunately, some of the teammates weren't willing to give up the ball to open players. This contributed to their game for sure. 

Boxing out. 

Nola got into a bit of foul trouble which was hilarious as the refs weren't calling much.

Go 2-4! The Defenders went 1-2 on Saturday. May be the last game with this team - who knows!

A Brenner sighting. I asked if he color coordinated his dishwashing outfit. 

Monday I finally finished my book. It was very JD Salinger.....not sure I would recommend it but glad that I read Ceremony as it has been touted one of the premier books by a Native American author. 

Brenner asked for burritos so he can put on pounds. Watch out, Chipotle, here I come. 

Covid infiltration

Last week was a doozy for Brenner. He was out sick all week except for Monday with covid. It was rough on the poor kid, but I am happy to report that he has bounced back!

We had lovely weather and some more beautiful sunrises this past week!

School required a note so off to urgent care we went. Poor kid - tested for everything it seemed liked but only came back positive for covid - he had severe headache, stomach cramps, chest congestion, and fever. Brenner slept a lot but got schoolwork done in small chunks. Lucky for us, his math tutor could meet with him over the weekend when he was better/non-contagious. It only took them an hour to get caught up on 4 missing school days (although a quiz is pending I think). 

Nola working out with her new PBA team. I think I have learned all of their names now.....Coach Star is barely in the picture (on left) but Nola seems to like her. I am excited for her to have a female coach!

Nola taught herself how to French braid her own hair -good job, sweets!

Some more new recipes - mushroom barley soup. So tasty! Kids didn't even try!

Shaksuska....think huevos and chili without the beans. Very yummy!

Nola's teen angst pose. 

Fun with my phone.....

Oh look - I made the blog hahaha.

Saturday lunch with Grandma Val. Nola had basketball practice and then we were fueling up for middle school formal shopping. Doesn't Grandma Val have such a young looking face!!!!!

Dress success! Short and tight is all the rage and I told Nola that was a hard no. We went to many places in the mall but nothing was found. She had her heart set on a red dress but found this cute one at Plato's Closet. For $14. SCORE!!!!! Especially for a dress that will likely get worn once or twice! She wants to jazz it up with some new Jordans....... I said not so fast with that price tag! 

Brenner watching the Super Bowl. He decided down in his hole was better than upstairs with us. Probably for the best as he likes to yell at the TV.

Matt spent the weekend down at the cabin working on finishing the mudding. I think he had the most fun using his new blackstone. 

Happy birthday, Grammy!

The week flew by! We were thankful for some warmer weather and enjoyed spending a couple evenings cheering on the high school basketball teams. We then had the pleasure of celebrating Grammy/Mom/Judi's 79th birthday on Saturday - what a joy! I had a report published this week that caught some regional attention so I had to brush off my talking to reporters skills which was fun! I am really proud of the report - it is 8 years in the making working with Carletta Tilousi of the Havasupai Tribe. I have learned so much over the course of this effort! 

Brenner was in the student section at the New Franklin game. Some of our church friends play for the other team - it was so exciting going into overtime! Plus I got to chat with so many people. Yes - me the chatty cathy! 

I got to see my KidsHope kiddo from last year briefly on Tuesday. Her hug was the best. I hope this week the paperwork is filled out and we can actually meet for our hour! She gave me this stuffed animal last year - I keep it by my desk. 

Pretty sunset on Thursday!

Brenner (barely) made the local news video for Friday's night exciting game!

I made a lemon cake for Judi's birthday. It turned out pretty good!

My report went live on Tuesday. It was really interesting the hits on the USGS facebook site versus Grand Canyon. THis data will feed into another communication study we have. News release is at https://www.usgs.gov/news/national-news-release/usgs-partners-havasupai-tribe-identify-potential-contaminant-exposure?utm_source=cision&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inter-tribal-FY24.

Texas Roadhouse with Grammy, PawPaw Floyd, Aunt Janet, and Danny!

Brenner waiting patiently for his 16 oz steak. 

Cat kids. Although Brenner is the cat whisperer for sure! 

Matt, Judi, and Janet! Happy birthday, Judi! We love you!

Grammy, Nola, and Brenner. So much hair going on with my kids lol!