It was a very busy, short, weekend for all of us. We were making up some events from last weekend’s rained out football plans, as well as trying to get the house in order for family visits next weekend.

 

On Friday night the family split and went two directions. Erin and Liam went to Liam’s school’s Fall Festival. It was a PTA sponsored event and there were games to play in every classroom as well as things to buy at the Book Fair. Earlier in the day Liam panicked when he didn’t have any money to buy any items at the Book Fair that day (forgetting his mother told him they’d shop that evening). I had two real dollars in my bag and gave him that. He bought a pencil sharpener for $1.99 so I suppose Mrs. Mac covered the tax for the boy. Liam got a Magic Tree House chapter book and some candy and played some games. He also was sweet enough to remember Jaxson and got him a book about up and coming NFL players that has Redskin, Chris Horton, in it.

 

Jaxson and I headed down to Lancaster Park which is the home filed of Raider Nation. This was the Raider’s first Pep Rally for all their teams of all ages. The place was packed but it was really fun. Liam and Erin actually made it right in time as Coach Billy, his wife Theresa, and I gathered up our Flag B mighty mights. Some of the highlights were cheers by all the Raiderette cheerleaders and bids for Commissioner Chris Pixton to get a pie in the face. ALL the players rounded up in a circle as Chris took the pie like a man.

 

We then had scream offs for the most spirit by each team and cheerleading squad. Two winners would get Raider Spirit Poles for the rest of the season. Coach Billy had a secret weapon as he asked the whole team to bring black spirit towels. We then had our guys run screaming across the field waving them. Our team was so happy when we were announced as one of the winners along with the cheerleaders. It is funny we have them quiet down and listen all season and this night we told them to scream at the top of their lungs. At the end of the festivities every member of Raider Nation gathered on the field and did a mass dance to the Cuban Shuffle. It was a sight to see.

 

We all rolled into bed in to get rest for the next day’s game. We were once again dealing with an iffy forecast. We were lucky to get the Pep Rally in but the Saturday morning game looked iffy again. We awoke Saturday and I went down to check Radar and websites. It was not raining but we were an HOUR later than we should be. Our stupid “smart clock” is not so smart anymore as it automatically changes the time a few weeks earlier for DST before congress changed the date. So for the second year in a row the whole family was running around like chickens with their heads cutoff. Thank goodness we laid everything out the night before.

 

So we make it to the game against the Dunkirk Warriors red team about ten minutes before the start. We were over at Cove Point Park in Calvert for this game but we were home team at this neutral sight for the second time this season. The rains also arrived with us. Coach Billy and his son temporarily dyed their hair black for spirit weekend. Liam had eye black under his eyes but itched an eye and smeared it. He looked like a bad raccoon so we removed it. It was a tough game. The kids played the first half in the rain. I blew an early whistle for the first time this season and Dunkirk scored. In the end I think we “lost” 3-1 in TDs. Liam had a tough time, crying most of the game. His football phase is coming to an end. He gets very frustrated when he does not do well and it snowballs from there. We will always keep him busy, but he wants to get into swimming so we are going that direction with Liam now. Jaxson is chomping at the bit to play football so we will remain in the Raiders organization with Jaxson at some capacity. At the end of the game Coach Billy awarded the Spirit Stick to the player who listened the most and was a good teammate. Anthony was beaming when Coach Billy chose him to keep it for a couple of days. That stick will be a big motivator as we finish up the season.

 

After the game we headed back to Lancaster Field as it was our rescheduled homecoming day. The moon bounces were not there as the forecast was iffy all day. There were a few things going on besides games on the field. There was a raider picture guy, face painting, and hair painting. The Silent Auction Baskets were also turned in by all the teams in the organization. The baskets were VERY well done so all the parents in the organization deserved a lot of credit. One basket even had two Redskin tickets. Our Flag B basket was Halloween/football themed. We enjoyed a couple of hours there watching football and playing on the playground. Erin even pitched in and organized the baskets for the Auction.

 

When we arrived back home we cleaned up the house. Erin was a dynamo trying to get things ready for family in Halloween weekend. I cleaned mainly in the kitchen and den.

We  watched some TV with the kids and then vegged on the couch. Between cleaning and being up early we were beat.

 

On Sunday we did not have to get up as early and Erin made us a nice breakfast. We were then off to Lancaster Park again for team pictures. This was another make up event from the previous weekend. We missed two of our players as their family went to Great Wolf Lodge after yesterday’s game. All of us felt bad for them but there was nothing we could do. The field was already packed but Coach Billy and I got the 10 players gathered up and we got a few good team shots in. I was melancholy, knowing that Liam and I were in our last shot together for football. He just has to know that I will support him in whatever he chooses and I reminded him of that several times this weekend.

 

When we arrived home Erin suggested we take some pictures of all us while we still had our Raiders stuff on. We could have done it in the pictures at the park but that gets too pricy for our taste. They turned out well it is a nice reminder of a busy season that the whole family participated in including Jaxson.

 

After that it was back to getting the outside of the house ready for next weekend. I power washed the front of the house as it needed it as Erin mowed the whole yard and picked up in the yard. It was pretty cold out but the house looked a lot better after I got the pollens off from the previous year. I ran to Lowes with Liam to pick up some lights and talked with friends while there. Erin continued cleaning inside and I cleaned up the kitchen. We had pizza for dinner while watching a show about Halloween. Liam then did some of his homework but he was very tired. He has had a pesky little cold that has kept him pretty worn out. After the kids were in bed we watched a spooky docudrama called A Haunting in Georgia. I made fire so it was a nice quiet evening. After Erin went to bed a watched the Giants lose, yippee!

 

So now this week will be pretty hectic. We have practice Tuesday but it might rain out. We have Practice Thursday but Erin will be picking Dawn up at the airport. I will get the kids to bed. Friday we will need to get groceries so I will probably do that first thing in the morning and Mom and Dad Day should arrive noonish. Then the Pampered Chef party is Friday night and after that Aunt Kate should arrive.

 

Saturday we have a game at Lancaster Park first thing and then we will have a Fried Turkey for linner. That night we will all don our Star Wars gear and go trick or treating. I have some Halloween specials DVR’ed for the kids after that. It should be a fun weekend.

 

 

Friday was a good day, and a bad day.  It was a good day because neither Russ, nor I had to work.  Both boys were healthy enough to go to daycare (Liam was off from school) and we planned to treat Liam to see the movie "Where the Wild Things Are."  We also got the floor fixed so it no longer buckled.  Russ and I had a nice morning together.

Just as we were about to go get Liam from daycare, we checked his book bag from school.  To our sad surprise, instead of his normal "Green" stamp, meaning he'd had a good day, he got a Yellow stamp with a comment about Running, Acting Crazy and not working.  So we found ourselves in a quandary.  Yes, we wanted to see the movie.  In fact, we'd already purchased tickets.  However, now we weren't real happy about distributing the reward.  So, we just talked to Liam about it.  He told us the truth, and we told him that we'd still go to the movie, but that he'd not be able to play the Wii, access his computer, or play with his Legos for a week.  Additionally, he'd have to write an apology letter to his teacher.  We also told him that if he got another "Yellow" he'd have to eat dinner by himself in his room for a week on top of the other withholdings.  I know it seemed like we were over-reacting, and we were, but figured we'd better make a big deal out of the first offense to hopefull
 nip bad behavior in the bud.

So the movie was good.  Russ loved it, Liam liked most of it, and I laughed a few times.  Honestly, I never thought the book was all that great, and I thought the movie was a little too sad for my liking.  Still, some of the scenes were very artistic, and it was neat to see how the movie gave personalities to the monster characters in the book.

Now, the poor, rainy weather influenced our weekend considerably.  The normal plan was to have football practice on Thursday, but it was cancelled due to rain.  There was also Pep Rally planned for Friday - also canceled.  Homecoming day and all the extra festivities was planned for Saturday, but it too was canceled.  Even the professional pictures were canceled!  So a fun football weekend, was essentially ruined.  It was a bummer, but the rescheduling has already begun.  We'll have a Pep Rally, Homecoming festivities (even though we have an away game on Saturday), and pictures.  Unfortunately, it looks like not all will be able to attend now, but that is how it goes with these sort of things.

So, in lieu of football (not counting the games on TV, of course) we spent the weekend working on Halloween costumes, getting groceries, fixing a few things, cleaning a few things, and just enjoying being a family.  Having a break from football ended up being a good thing.

After the movie on Friday, Russ took us out to dinner at a place called Lenny's.  It's been in business here for a long long time, but we always overlooked it.  The food was good, and the service nice as well, but it was a little pricey - especially their drinks. 

Saturday, I spent much of the day working on Jax's Jawa Costume, my Princess Leia Costume, Russ's Vader Costume, and Dawn's Padme costume.  I actually enjoy this, although, I'm bummed that my serger is STILL not working well. 

Sunday, I caught up on some cleaning, and fixed a few things around the house.  Nothing too major, because I seemed to have lost much of my ambition.  Happens occasionally.  Russ watched some football on TV, but was sad to see the Redskins lose AGAIN.  Russ also kept a nice fire going in the fireplace most of the weekend.  It was so cozy during this rainy fall weather.  We are so glad to have it. 

We also had a visit from Mocha's owners.  Mocha, the boxer pup, had been staying with us all week.  She was a lot of fun, but also a dandy reminder of why we usually shy away from adopting dogs under a year old. 

We've got a busy week ahead.  Things have been rescheduled for football, but now we have to squeeze it all into a short weekend.  I still need to get some things ready for our guests over Halloween.  I also have a busy week with a couple of Software deliveries.  It's always something!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Russ: Well Monday starts off with a bang. Truck will not start (dead new battery??). Erin picks us up. Then Liam
gets into trouble AGAIN at school. This time it was the gym teacher and him not participating in school and then sliding across the gym floor three  times and not listening. So tonight he was filling out a  trouble form for the gym teacher. Mind you we are talking the Gym Teacher of the year in the State of Maryland so she knows what she is doing!! So after dinner I jump the Jeep let it run and then turn it off and try to crank it up. Nothing! So we all jump in both vehicles after a jump and take it to the auto shop. I am thinking and actually hoping it is the starter. Off to another flying start this week. UGH!!

It was another very busy week. Erin had something to do every night this week.  Besides our two practices Leprechaun Lily’s was this week.  Our friend Lisa was nice enough to let Erin piggy back on her ticket to sell things. Also since she is an Usborne book rep she gave Erin her shopping pass Thursday night. Tuesday night the girls ran over to check their items in for sale and were back before practice ended. Erin went to Lisa’s to attend a Pampered Chef party on Wednesday. That night Jaxson tried to ”take care” of going number two in his pants and it was quite a mess to clean up and meanwhile 1 dog peed the den floor while another puked.  It was a lovely few minutes. Thursday night Erin ran to buy a few things at the consignment sale.  I got the boys on home and bathed for bed.

Friday night we told Lisa that her boy Eric could just stay over with us. Lisa needed to be at Lep Lily early Saturday/ We thought it better and more convenient for all if Eric just stayed the night. The boys were all VERY good that night. We had pizza and then the boys had a blast with the bus Erin got Jaxson at the sale on Thursday. IT is really quite fun when you stick some chairs inside. Eric had brought over the movie Monsters Vs. Aliens so we got the boys all in their sleeping bags in the living room and watched the movie. They all slept very well.

With a threat of rain as usual Saturday morning I was up and on the computer at 6 in the morning. The radar showed that there was rain in the area but we had a window to get the game in. The kids did well getting their uniforms on. We headed out but needed to stop for a spot of gas. We only had ten kids playing so we dressed Jax again. While getting gas we got a text Hannah wasn’t playing so we were down to 9 kids. I called Coach Billy and let him know.

We got to the field and we found out Anthony could not make it and we were down to the minimum of 8 kids to play. Our other Eric didn’t show so we were down to 8 and Jax took the field as an emergency sub which he loves! Liam and Jax played the whole game. Liam played better but he didn’t seem to have energy and we found out later why. Jax  gets the game but he is still little. We let him run once and he fumbled but picked it right up and got a yard or two. The Prince Frederick Eagles team was big and fast. They won 3-1 as if we keep count LOL. We played all three of their flag teams and they are a class organization with good coaches but their kids were togh this season. Our boys played really really hard and HAD to play the whole game where the other team had 13 kids. It makes a difference.

Erin treated all of us to pastries at Panera Bread since we were waiting for the pottery place to open. We stopped in and picked up our anniversary pottery that had been fired in the kiln. The boys liked their lizards.  We were please with the coasters and will get some felt for the bottoms. The bowl turned out decent but we wished we had had more time to decorate it.

Erin gave the boys lunch and they played for a bit. I worked on pictures from the game. Erin then took Eric home while I got the boys down for a nap.

Liam then went to a sixth birthday party for his friend Colin. It was Star Wars themed so Liam got to sneak preview his Halloween Outfit. Jax stayed home and played football. The boy plays football with the dogs outside and him and play inside. I can’t believe how much he likes it right now. He gets so much joy when he gets to play. While at the party Liam developed a fever.

By the time he got home he was sick. We all ate and watched Candid Camera shows. After the boys were in bed Erin and I FINALLY got a chance to talk. I vented about our schedules and craziness right now.  It is preaching to the choir and we will get through it. All the other parents go through the same things. You just do it. Liam’s fever got really hot Saturday and he slept with us a lot.

 On Sunday he was was running near 104 in the late morning and he slept and it broke as quick as it happened.  I cleaned two of the bathrooms while Erin cleaned other parts of the house and got the laundry under control.  By late afternoon Liam felt well enough to do some of his FIRST set of homework. He worked very hard at it and his Mom’s teacher instincts do so well for our kids. It is like having a special tutor. Jax and I watched the Deadskins give one away to Carolina. Ugh I am hating this season!! Jaxson wanted to wear the whole uniform and go play football with the dogs. I even let him use Liam’s cleats.

All was well until Erin asked where Jax was. I said I think out back… WRONG. We then started running all over the house!!! Erin then panicked when she saw his helmet by the backyard gate. One more comb of the house and Erin was ready to call 911 as I got my shoes and headed to the truck to go look in the neighborhood. I ran up to the truck and there is a big set of brown eyes and a big smile. Erin switched some football stuff from my truck to her van so the door was open. I opened it up and yelled at him but good. He was in timeout on the step for a long time.

When we got our hearts out of our throats we found out he climbed the fence. He remembered playing in the truck when we went camping so he thought that would be fun. We had a serious talk about staying in the back. We now know for the time being he has to be checked on every couple of minutes when he is out back. That scared the living hell out of us even though the incident lasted a few minutes. It seemed horribly like hours. Jax just has that mischievous streak.

Sunday night we were beat and relieved Jax was okay and Liam was well. Parents of little ones always have an underlying stress of trying to take care of your children.

On Monday Erin worked but I was off for Columbus day. I let the boys sleep in an hour later and then took them on to daycare. I attended Liam's first paernt teacher conference with Mrs. McEligot. Liam is progressing very well in both educational and behavoiral measurements so far. His testing has shown his speech and alphabetical/word recognition are above average. He is also well liked by his teacher and fellow classmates so I was very proud and glad to hear of the great start he is off to as well as his Mother. I treated Jaxson and him to Ice Cream in the afternoon and since Liam has done his homework for the he got extra Star Wars game time.

We had Anniversary plans for Friday.  We made them months ago;  nothing extravagant, but something special to commemorate our 7 years together as husband and wife.  Then you throw kids into the mix.  Add a few early school year germs, and very little Annual Leave time left, and what do you get? STRESS!

 

On Tuesday, it was Jax’s turn to get sick.  We couldn’t keep his fever down without Motrin, and he just had that zombie look about him.  Knowing that two kids on the football team were diagnosed with Strep, and two other kids were sick, we decided we’d better get him into see Dr. Sheth to rule out anything particularly contagious.  After two hours in the office (Jax slept on my lap in between tests), we ruled out everything except a pesky virus.  This was good news…. For the moment.

 

Do you think Liam could have gotten sick on the same day?  Nah.  He went to school just fine, but came home with a fever much like his little brother’s.  It was a tough decision figuring out who was going to take a day off from work.  Any other week, we’d not worry about it, knowing we could make up the missed day on the Compressed Friday off.  But THIS week’s Compressed Friday we had VERY important Anniversary Plans!  Yes, we could break them, but neither Russ, nor I, wanted to.  Still, kids come first.  Russ stayed home.  He was able to work on a couple documents, and then make up half a day on Saturday.  That was a blessing.  Obviously, Liam didn’t make it to football practice that evening either. 

 

We’d hoped that Liam’s fever would have gone away quickly, like Jax’s.  However, it didn’t.  Thursday, I went in to work to gather a few things, and make sure I was cleared to do some work at home.  Russ stalled before taking Jax to daycare, and going in around 9:00.  By that time, I was home, and setting up a little “office” on the couch.  Liam stayed upstairs in our bed watching TV all morning long.  After lunch, I felt that Liam was probably well enough to accompany me back to work.  So, he came in with me, and colored while I worked on some documentation.  He was really good and seemed to be feeling a little better.  By the time we got home, and I got dinner on the table, though, he was asleep on the couch.  I let him sleep.  That seems to be the best medicine.  Fortunately, by the morning, Liam was cool and chipper.  I gave him some Motrin, just as a preventative, and sent both boys on to daycare/school.  Anniversary Day was saved!

 

So while Russ took the boys to daycare, I welcomed the flooring guy, Dave, in so he could evaluate our buckled laminate floor that his team had installed mid July.  I don’t know if I swiffered too much or not, but it was beginning to be more of a carnival ride than a den floor.  Luckily, Dave claimed it’d be a minor fix and we set up a time to resolve the problem.  Let’s hope it works.

 

Once Dave left, Russ was back, and we were in great spirits.  It’d been a challenging week (seems to be the trend lately) and we had not had a day to ourselves in about 6 weeks!  We got dressed, stopped by Sheetz for some breakfast sandwiches, and headed for the Frisbee Golf course.  It was a beautiful morning, and we had the place all to ourselves.  We discovered that using the regulation discs was a little more challenging, but all the more fun.  It felt great to be outside together.  Russ won, but I’ve sworn revenge.

 

We returned to the house to get changed.  We planned to go to lunch at the new brew pub called “The Ruddy Duck” over in Lusby.  Since the Halloween Spirit store was on the way, and I needed to find a clear mask for Jax’s Jawa costume, we detoured slightly.  The Spirit store is always fun.  Something about dressing up, just plays to the kid in all of us.  We parked at the Ruddy Duck and went inside, but were told they didn’t serve lunch on Fridays.  This perplexed us, but we decided not to let it ruin our day.  We just headed up north to find an alternate place to dine.  As we entered Prince Frederick, a delightful steakish smell drifted over the truck.  We concluded that it came from Jasper’s, and considered it an invitation.  It was so good.  I had some sort of salad with mango and peanuts, and Russ had a good looking steak with shrimp. 

 

Once we were done with our lunch, we traveled a little further north to find a place called, “Paint N Pottery.”  Ever since we stopped by that place down in Front Royal on our vacation, we have wanted to participate in this fun activity again.  We’d done a little research and discovered that there were a couple of similar stores near home.  So, we thought it would be nice to commemorate our special day with something creative.

 

We found the little shop with no trouble, and were soon picking out pieces to paint.  This is hard.  They have so many things, and it’s tough to just choose one. I really wanted to do some sort of bowl together, but then we found cute little lizards that we thought would be fun to paint for the boys.  Then we spotted some coasters that were inspiring as well, especially since we needed some! 

 

With all of our choices, we had some serious painting to do!  Despite that fact, it also allowed us some much needed relaxation and conversation time.  It was a perfect thing to do and we really enjoyed our special time together.  Now, we’ll have to wait until the following week to actually take our fired treasures home, but we can do that after Saturday’s football game since we’ll be halfway there anyway.

 

Our day had to come to an end, as we had to pick up the boys from daycare, but that was okay.  We both felt rejuvenated, and agreed that it was nice to have the opportunity to remind ourselves that we ARE a good couple – kindred spirits, if you will. 

 

On the way home, Russ mentioned that he’d like to take the boys to a local High School football game.  It was a nice evening, so I didn’t see any reason not to, as long as they were feeling okay.  We mentioned the idea to them when we picked them up, and they seemed enthused with the idea, so we got some warm clothes on, grabbed a blanket, and went to the field.  It was Homecoming, so it was packed!  It really gave us a sense of community, and we ran into a few folks and kids we knew.  The boys had a pretty good time, but got a little bored.  We needed to end the night a tad early anyway because of an early morning game the next day.  We left a couple minutes into the fourth quarter, and the home team was winning by two TDs.  Unfortunately, we later learned that the opposing team had a miraculous comeback and won the game.  Still, it was a fun time.

 

Saturday morning, once again, we were up early for a football game.  We had a bit of a distance to travel, so we got on the road a little sleepy-eyed.  Liam must have pulled muscles in his legs because he kept complaining that they hurt.  I figured it was just his way of complaining about playing so early.  We all have days like that.  But as the game started, he was still complaining and whining with tears.  Maybe it was just growing pains, but he was close to miserable.  After half-time, he was a little better, but maybe by that time he got limbered up.  We’ll have to make sure he stretches well.

 

After the game we were all tired.  We got home and rested for a few minutes, but not for too long.  Russ had to go into work to make up hours, and we waited around for our friend, Greg, to bring us a load of wood.  It was “payment” for petsitting his boxer pup, Mocha this coming week.  Once Greg, Russ and I got the truck unloaded, Russ departed for the afternoon.  I chatted with Greg a little while we made sure Mocha would get along with our dogs.  After Greg, his daughter, Regan, and Mocha left, I got the boys some lunch.

 

After lunch, I thought it would be nice to nap, but I promised my friend, Lisa, I’d help her get our combined stuff ready for the Leprechaun Lilly’s sale.  So the boys and I went over to her house to sort and inventory our goods.  Liam and Jax really enjoy playing with her three boys, so we actually had a nice time together.

 

For dinner that night, we all agreed to just order some pizzas.  We hadn’t done that in a while, and Liam and I had been craving a thin crust pizza with ham and pineapple.  It sounded good.  During dinner we watched the movie, Finding Nemo.  It’s a Disney favorite and we all enjoyed viewing it together. 

 

After getting Liam and Jaxson in bed, Russ and I watched a little tv and caught up on past episodes of Jockeys.  With the early morning games, our Saturday evenings are on the short side, as both of us have a hard time staying awake.

 

We had no plans on Sunday, and it was nice.  Of course, no plans actually means, planning to catch up on everything we need to catch up on!  That included getting some groceries.  Both boys were tired and it did them good to sleep in.  In fact, Liam got up, then went back to bed and slept until about 11:30!  We needed to do some major grocery shopping, so that meant organizing a bunch of coupons.  I’m getting a little better at this, but it still takes time.  Finally, I had my mapped list ready.  Russ wanted to watch the game, so he stayed home.  I needed a helper to push a second cart, and by this time Zombie Liam had awakened from the dead, so I asked him if he’d help.  He and I actually had a pleasant trip.  He kept me company and we had a nice conversation while checking off items on my list.  When one cart was full, he got a mid-sized cart and pushed it along behind me… and didn’t take out to many other customers along the way. 

 

Once we got home, Russ helped me put groceries away.  Liam was eager to open the “Cowboy” gun I’d gotten him, and he helped Jaxson open the suction dart gun he picked out for him. I heard Jaxson say, “Wow, Liam, I love you – you’re my best friend!”  So, it was certainly a nice thank you!

 

Sunday evening was the usually frenzied run around of laundry and even Liam had some homework he had to do since he missed two days of school.  Next week our football practice schedule shifts to Tues/Thurs AND a half an hour earlier, so I know we’ll have the ever present “TIME” enemy against us.  We still love football, but are now thinking how nice it will be to be a little less rushed come November.