Of Dates and Dodgeball Tournaments

I have come to love the crazy combination of activities that is our life right now. This past weekend Kali and Easton both signed up to participate in a dodgeball tournament at the high school.

The teams could include kids from anywhere and all proceeds were to benefit the fundraiser. Kali's team was a combination of girls from her soccer team and a last minute replacement - the kicker from the football team. (Don't they know that you use your hands in dodgeball and not your feet?!)

Easton's team . . . well, they were all built like Easton - nuff said! As fate would have it, these two teams matched up against each other in the first round. Kali's team was all about the neon outfits they would wear.

Easton's teams wore 6XL tall T's. The outcome? Really, do you even need to ask! And, so, after several rounds, and three hours later, the "T-squared Tall T's" won the entire tournament. I asked if there were any injuries. "Nothing major" was the response! I heard through the grapevine that Easton was so excited after winning that he jumped up and touched the rim of the basketball hoop. Wow! He really does have HOPS! Kali's team went 2-2; but in typical Kali fashion, "It was the 'funnest' day of my life!"

Saturday night was the Sweetheart's Dance at the high school. Thursday night amid making a Valentine Box for the elementary school contest and ironing clothes for the sixth grade dance, Easton decided that it was time to get new pants and a vest for the dance.

I have learned that when the older children say, "I can go now" - that is exactly what you do! So we went to the mall and made the purchase! Easton got asked by a darling girl named Ashley and they were part of a large group that included all of his friends.

The entire group totaled nearly 40 kids. Easton looked so sharp and his date looked beautiful.

It was nice that the weather was actually fairly warm for February. They went to breakfast Saturday morning and then to dinner, the dance and to a rented room at Noah's to watch movies after the dance.

It is hard to believe that Easton's High school days are coming to an end. It has been a delight to watch the antics of his group. They are trying to plan a Senior trip that is giving me ulcers, but I am sure all will be well!

Top of the World

Remember what it feels like to be on top of the world. You know, those days when everything goes your way - when you feel like you can do anything. It's been a long time since I have felt like that personally, but I love seeing my children find joy in life's little milestones.

Last Friday, February 11 was the long-awaited sixth grade dance for Teagan.

For the past two or three months the sixth graders have spent their P.E. time learning dances. They practiced the Hustle, the Electric Slide, Virginia Reel, Country Cha-cha and, Freak Out, of course, the favorite, SLOW dance!! The boys have been privately discussing dancing with their favorite girls in the class, and the girls, who are more daring, have been asking the boys to save a dance for them.

The week before the actual event, dance cards were distributed and filled out. The boys got to select first, then the girls and so on until the six assigned dances were filled.

Teagan was thrilled that his "unspoken crush" asked him to dance the first slow dance with her. I tried to get more information, but he claimed not to remember anyone else on his dance card! Teagan wanted to wear a pink bow tie, and his older siblings suggested that a black shirt would look "sweet" with his black suit! And so it had to be!!

I went to the school at about 12:00 and arrived just in time to catch the tail-end of the first slow dance - Teagan and Gabby.

Teagan had told me that I couldn't come and take pictures, but how could I miss such a monumental day!! The gym was filled with kids dressed in their Sunday best. The girls are considerably taller than the boys so they were all in their flat shoes!!

Crepe paper, and construction paper hearts decorated the walls, and refreshment tables were lined with pink valentine cookies and red paper cups. Mothers with cameras were everywhere, and the kids were all having a blast!! The energy and excitement (at age 12 you don't call it testosterone) were palpable. With the first notes of each song, a roar came from the crowd and everyone fell into line where, in unison, they began to dance.

The partner dances were intermixed with free choice and group dances. Even the little "cluster" (handicapped) sixth graders were included and had the chance to partner dance. Teagan was excited to dance the Virginia Reel with one of the little "cluster" girls.

When Teagan climbed into the car after the big day was over, he was carrying a poster and a box with a valentine cake in it.

Gabby and her friend had left Teagan a special Valentine on his desk.

Teagan was "way too cool" to be excited about it - but his shy smile and twinkling eyes spoke the truth. How great is it to be "the MAN" and to be on top of the world!!