It's Time To Do Some Growing Up

I have always said that my daughters-in-laws are going to hate me. From day one, I have done just about everything for my boys. I have a somewhat uptight personality and like things "just so", so I have found it is easier to do things myself the first time. As a result, my boys don't know how to do a lot when it comes to housework.

Colby had a tournament today and Connor decided to stay home. I thought that today was as good a day as any for Connor to help me out and learn some skills! I texted him and told him that today he was to change his sheets.

Connor's text back: Idk how to do that. But I'll try

My text: A good time to learn:)

Connor: Ugh okay

Two hours later...

Connor's text: I changed them!!!!

This is the result...

By the end of the summer and weeks more worth of practice, he should be able to bounce a quarter off his bed!

...maybe my daughters-in-law will like me a little...

Ten Years In The Making

The first sport that Connor tried was soccer and he didn't like all the running. He was four years old and the only thing he cared about was halftime because they got to have a snack! We decided to try baseball that Spring and a passion was ignited in that boy like nothing else!

For the first few years, he played baseball like "normal" children do...playing in the Spring about fifteen games with one practice a week. We had the Wal-mart cleats, glove and bat. The uniform was a t-shirt provided by whoever was sponsoring the team that season and a pair of $9.99 baseball pants.

We moved to Texas and started playing in the Fall as well as the Spring. Practices ramped up to two a week and probably twenty games were played each season. We were "hard-core"!

When he was about eight, Connor began showing an interest in catching. The first few years all I remember is his coaches and his dad hollering at him to "Scoot up!" when he was behind the plate. He was a little timid but hard-headed enough to stay at it.

Due to some "baseball politics", Connor's 9-year-old team switched from the Little League organization to USSSA, which is now Nations Baseball. This resulted in playing for the Spring/Klein League. Little did we know that this move would change our lives.

Connor's best buddy down the street played tournament baseball, which meant that they traveled all over Texas playing baseball games most weekends until the late hours of Sunday nights. As I would pass their house on Monday mornings and see their coolers draining on the driveway, I would swear we would never become "that family"! We didn't need to travel all over to get better. Heck, Connor's 9-year-old team placed 1st in the Spring/Klein League! His team had talented boys who were passionate about baseball too! In fact, one of Connor's teammates would spend the night and bring his baseball glove because that is what he slept with every night!

It has been said: "Never say never" and it was only a few short months before I was eating my words! Connor tried out for and made the Spring/Klein Hooks baseball team...

...and then our lives changed...

...and we became "that family"!

The last four years, we have logged thousands of miles driving/flying to baseball tournaments. In addition to playing throughout Central and South Texas, we have played in Louisiana, Kansas and New York. We have gone from Fall and Spring Seasons to an All-Year Season only having about three weeks off a year. Seven days a week for weeks on end have been spent at a practice, game or lesson. And, I hate to say it, but, Wal-mart gear hasn't cut it for a long time and lots of dollars have been spent on what has turned into a family obsession!

Through all this, Connor has become an amazing baseball player. He is one of the smallest catchers but has been told by many coaches that he is one of the best. He has worked hard to improve over the years. It has always been his dream to play high school ball. When a child begins a sport at three or four-years-old, high school seems far away. However, before you know it, ten years have past and the opportunity to continue their passion is at their fingertips.

Chris and I were both involved in our high schools. Chris was on his school's baseball team and I was on Drill Team. High school holds a special place in my heart because of the extra-curricular activities that I was a part of. I can't tell you much about any particular class; but, I do remember performances, competitions, and practices. I remember the friendships that I made. Friendships that are still strong today. I so badly wanted the same for Connor.

When we moved to The Woodlands, Connor was starting first grade. We didn't realize that we had chosen to move to an area that has one of the most competitive baseball programs in Texas. We have heard rumors for years about the difficulty of getting on The Woodlands baseball team. This team is nationally-known. Players have gone on to play for the MLB from this team -- including last year's #2 pick Jameson Taillon.

This past Friday and Saturday were tryouts for the Sophomore team. The Sophomore team is made up of Freshman. There were about 55 kids competing for 12 spots. Connor was not feeling great about his performance on Friday; but, on Saturday, his talent was apparent.

(Let me add as a side note that I was a nervous wreck! It began about 2am Friday morning when sleep eluded me and I couldn't eat much all weekend either! I so badly wanted him to be a Highlander but was preparing myself to be strong and supportive if he didn't make it.)

Sunday was the day that the team was to be posted on the website. The kids were numbered during tryouts and their number would be listed on the website if they made the team. Connor was #3. Colby had a tournament about an hour from home early on Sunday so Connor chose to stay in bed. I really wanted to be with him when he found out. Throughout Colby's game, Chris and I kept checking the website (once again, I LOVE my I-Phone!!). As we were driving back home I kept checking. I had just checked about 11:27 but felt that maybe Coach Hill would post it at 11:30. I updated the site and the link started opening. I grabbed the dashboard and screamed, "It's coming up!"

(Another side note...you know how the girls on Miss Universe will hear their name called as the winner and their eyes quickly fill up with tears and they bring their trembling hand to their mouth?? Well, that is a TRUE reaction! I never experienced that before -- I guess because I have never won Miss Universe -- but I always thought that was so fake. Nope!)

The page opens and the first number on the list is #3. I become the winner of the Miss Universe Pageant! Except I quickly get over it and grab Chris's arm and Chris starts hollering, "He made it!?!" "He made it!!" I will never forget that feeling! It was awesome!!

So, in the meantime, Connor doesn't know and I want to at least hear his reaction. I decide we should call him and tell him my phone is messed up, would he go check it for us. Chris calls him -- because I am still crying and would never be able to hide my emotions.

"Hey, go check the link again. Mom's phone is acting funny."

"I just checked it about 3 minutes ago, dad."

"Go check it again for me. It's weird how mom's phone is acting."

"It's coming up...I made it."

"Why aren't you jumping up and down and screaming?"

"Because I can't feel the lower half of my body right now!"

To say that the whole family is on Cloud 9 is an understatement! We are all so thrilled and excited.

As a parent, it has been such a reward for me to see my child work so hard for something and actually attain it -- all on his own. Sure, we drove him and sat with him and spent our money; but, it was HIS hard work and diligence and perseverance that paid off.

And, guess what? The buddy down the street who played tournament ball at age 9 and the other buddy who would sleep over at our house with his baseball glove -- they made the team too!! How much more of an awesome thing is it than to experience this with boys who have a history together!

Go Highlanders!!

Gaming Fun

Connor and I have celebrated July 4th with an afternoon of games.

We just finished a rousing game of Scattegories and I had to share my 14-year-old's ideas that had Colby and I rolling with laughter.

For the letter "G" and the category "Things in Outer Space"...he put "giggles". If someone is in outer space and thinks something is funny, they will get the giggles he said!

For the letter "D" and the category "Kinds of Soups/Stews"...he put "dog". Yes, in some countries they do serve dog stew, mom!!!

For the letter "D" and the category "Things in the Wild West"...he put "dimples". There were people with dimples in the Wild West for sure!

For the letter "H" and the category "Things on a Hiking Trip"...he put "hiccups". You know how it is at higher elevations!

And, my favorite: For the letter "H" and the category "Things in a Hotel"...he put "hips"!!

I'll Love You Forever

Fourteen years ago today, God sent a life-changing little package to me -- (well, if you think a 9 pound package is small :) ).

The hospital didn't send home an instruction manual explaining what to do when you cried or were still hungry after eating ALL DAY and ALL NIGHT! They just handed me the sweet little bundle that I knew would break. Dad thought you would break too and had me ride home right next to you as he drove very slowly!

Little did we know that you were a firecracker from day one -- strong-willed and independent! I am sure God has gotten many laughs from the way He has taught me patience. I had to grow up and be responsible for another person.

And not only that, but I had to learn how to be a BOY mom!! The only toys you loved were trucks and tractors. You and I learned all about them and their working parts together. We spent many hours on the ground pushing cars around and many hours on the couch reading books. I would do everything I could to get you still enough to fall asleep just so I could fall asleep too!!

It amazes me how fourteen years have already flown by. I am also amazed at the young man you are growing into. You are a blast!

You are a true leader.

You are talented.

People love being around you.

You are smart.

You give everything 110%.

You are NOT shy!

You are so funny!

You are not afraid to stand up for what you believe and I am so thankful for that!

As you are getting ready to enter high school in August, I can not wait to see what you will achieve. As your 8th grade English teacher said, "You have an endless supply of energy and when you learn to channel that energy you will be unstoppable."

Happy Birthday, my sweet first-born!

I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always,

As long as I'm living

my baby you'll be.

Happy Braces Day!!

Today we are celebrating an important holiday -- Braces Day!! Unfortunately, it does not require the boys to take a day off of school; but, it is an important event none the less!

Connor had braces put onto his teeth at 8am this morning. He is sore and hungry; but, in two years he will be smiling with straight ivories and a jawbone that is equal on both sides!!

I couldn't get a picture of the apparatus in the back of his mouth that is going to cause the greatest difference -- the Hertz Apparatus. It is a hinged-steel rod that is attached to the top two and bottom two back teeth by silver crowns. It is literally "growing" his jawbone -- as one side decided to grow and the other didn't want to. He will wear this for a year and then wear the braces for another year.

As I was sitting in this swanky orthodontist office -- smelling the fresh Otis Spunkmeyer cookies baking, coffee brewing, watching "Regis and Kelly" on the TV and listening to the free arcade games running -- it occurred to me that orthodontist offices had changed since I had braces. And, then I realized that (GASP!) it has been almost 30 YEARS since I had braces!!!

Here are some pictures I took this morning before we left:

After school...

Please stay tuned...I'll have the true "AFTER" pictures in about two years!!

In Honor of Those Who Have Served

School projects have been taking over our house lately. However, this project was a special one in that it celebrates all those who have fought for our country.

For years, the 8th graders have been given the assignment of finding a veteran, interviewing them and then constructing a poster about them. Local news crews come every year and do a bit from the school.

These posters, over 1,000 of them, are hanging in the trees in front of the school this week for Veteran's Day.

We actually have several Veteran's in our family that Connor could choose from. Both of my grandfather's served as did Chris's grandfather and a couple of uncles. However, Connor chose my dad, who served in Vietnam. My dad doesn't talk much about his time there; so, I enjoyed finding out the answers to the questions Connor asked him also. I know Connor has a love for the military and this was a special assignment for him to get to know Papa a little more!

So today, and everyday, thank you to all who have served our country! And, a special "thank you" to my dad!!

The Ending of an Era

Baseball is the heart of this family.

When Connor was three, he tried soccer. However, it became quite apparent that soccer was not for him because all he ever wanted to know was when halftime was so he could have his snack!

Last year, when Connor entered 7th Grade, he decided to give football a try (much to my dismay!). Playing for his Junior High was lots of fun. I even learned to understand football a little better. At the end of the season, I breathed a huge sigh of relief that he made it through without one injury!

Yesterday the true "end of an era" came with the last football game of 8th grade. I say this because Connor has said that he will not try out for the high school football team. ("Yipee," said mom!) Once again, I breathed a huge sigh of relief that there was not one injury on the football field this year! (Although, in the following pictures, you will notice Connor has his finger wrapped up. He broke it - not on the football field; but, by tossing the football around with his buddies on our street!)

By the way, he is #5.



He is fixing to get tackled!


And...they get him!

Their season ended 5-0-1. Way to go Highlanders!

Hopefully, I will see my boy on the correct field during high school -- the baseball field!!



Speaking of an Ending of an Era, here is a photo of Connor's Calaca of Michael Jackson. He took it to school today --


And project #2 for Spanish was a paper doll that needed to be clothed as a celebrity. An oral presentation (in Spanish) was given in class about their celebrity today also. Can you guess who this is?


Se llama Big Bird!

A "Thriller" of a Project

I have always said that the only way to make a good grade on a school project is to spend at least $40 on materials. (It could have to do with the mother of my sons who has her own ideas of how to improve upon their project; just a thought!)

Anyhow, Project #3 for Connor this year is for Spanish class. They will be learning about the "Day of the Dead" celebration in the Spanish culture. He will be making a Calaca, which is a skeleton doll the size of a Barbie that represents a famous person. The clothing and accessories are the key to this because that is what will identify his Calaca.

Guess who my son chose to make a Calaca of??? Michael Jackson...

We sat down and made a list for my weekly trip to Michaels and/or Hobby Lobby. The main ingredient being Crayola Model Magic Clay so he can shape the doll. "Mom, you need to get a mixture of black, white and tan so we can get his coloring right." Okay...

My main concern was how we were going to dress him. Surely there is a doll out there.

So the Day of the Dead project brought out my first bidding wars through E-Bay. I spent one day bidding and loosing these Michael Jackson dolls -- are you kidding me -- they want HOW MUCH for a Michael Jackson doll?!? Chris finally told me to pay anything because it would be totally worth it for me not to buy the fabric and try to make something that resembled Michael Jackson's costumes -- I think he just didn't want to deal with a stressed out wife!

I successfully got a doll on Tuesday night and was so excited!! (That bidding thing could be addictive!)

I got back from the mailbox today and guess what was in there?
Yeah!!

All I can say is that Connor should get an A+ on this because we've exceeded my $40 project budget!!

Say Cheese!

We just got back from the dentist and here are the new and improved teeth! (I really should have pursued my dream of going to dental school...)

Not What I Had In Mind!

I was just thinking yesterday how I haven't blogged in such a long time...not much exciting going on to blog about, I guess.

At 5:30pm, a blogging opportunity came screaming and crying through my front door...

Baseball had been canceled for the day, so Connor decided to go play a little pick-up game of basketball with some friends at the courts behind our house. As he was going up for a lay-up, he was "sacked" and his face (more like his teeth and eye) met the pavement.

Through his cries and hysteria, the only thing he could say was that he looked for his teeth but couldn't find them! Bless his heart!!

After a frantic call to our dentist and finding out we could wait until this morning to get in, he went to bed. This was him this morning...

All I can say now is that I hope my next blogging opportunity knocks QUIETLY on my door!!

P.S. Papa -- Connor wants you to know that he is still the winner! :)

What Have We Created??

Our oldest, Connor, will be 13 soon. We decided to get him his first cell phone for Christmas (because, you know he was the ONLY one without one!!). He doesn't get home from school until about 4:30 and every once in a while he will text me while he is on the bus with a question about practice or something. So about 4:10 on Friday, my phone goes off and I check the text which read: "Madre can u fix me a cup of tea now cuz I am rlly thirsty". Are you kidding me? What have we created??

Well, Saturday I got to see what we have truly created and it made me proud.

In the baseball league that Connor plays for, there is a group called The Superstars. These are the physically and mentally challenged kids who still love the game of baseball and want an opportunity to play. Connor's baseball team has adopted them and helps out sometimes at their games. Saturday was opening day for Spring/Klein beginning with a parade. The Hooks were asked by the Superstar's parents to march with the Superstars in the parade. They then went on to help them with their first game of the season.

Connor was so excited to be a part of this. A few of the boys were a little timid and not sure what to do; but, not Connor. He ran onto the field and started warming up with the kids and talked to them and showed them how to do things that come second-nature to him. As I stood next to all of these proud mothers whose kids are on the Superstars team, I also oozed with pride for Connor and the other Hooks who really were enjoying this Saturday morning.

My hope is that Connor will always have that kindness in his heart for others and a willingness to help and teach.



And, yes, Connor, mom would love to fix you a cup of tea!

Tooting His Horn

I have to dedicate a blog post to my 7th grader to "toot his horn" a little. At this moment, he is sitting at the high school with a bunch of 7th and 11th graders fixing to start the SAT test.

Duke University has a program called the TIP Program in which it takes the top 5% of the nation's 7th graders and gives them the opportunity to take the SAT. If they pass it, they are part of this program through their high school years and will receive information to help them pick out high school classes and colleges, etc. If they get a high enough score, they won't have to take it as a Junior. They offered preparatory classes he could have taken every Saturday in January for four hours each time. We decided not to torture him like that!! We just signed him up for the test!

This week we have been looking over the practice booklet that the SAT people sent out. Although I was getting sweaty palms going over the stuff, he seemed to take it in stride. I kept telling him that we are doing this for practice so that, if he is anything like I was, he will not freak out when he takes it as a Junior.

He has been a sport about this -- even though he is missing his first two baseball games of the season while he is sitting in a desk solving math problems and writing an essay!! I am so proud of him and I pray he will continue to excel in all he does in his life. I never want him to become lazy or unfocused - because the world is his and he can do great things if he tries. So, right now, fill in those black circles, baby -- mom knows you will do great!

The Boy Versus the Bed

And Connor wonders why no one wants to sleep with him!!

Country Music is Now Banned From Our House!

WARNINGS:
#1: You must be a true country music fan to understand this post.
#2: I apologize profusely to anyone reading this. We really do try to be good role models and teach morals to our children! :)

After spending seven hours at the baseball fields yesterday, we decided to stop at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Chuy's. I think I have mentioned it before -- it is a slice of New Mexico heaven here in the Tex-Mex world! They actually have Hatch Green Chile!!

Chris and I saw an ad sitting at our table for a new drink called the New Mexico Martini. We decided to share one. As we each took sips of it, I commented on how much like a Margarita it tasted instead of like a Martini. (Another warning: I am NOT a drinker, so the fact that I am discussing this is comical in itself!) Chris looked at the ad and it said it used tequila.

We continued drinking through our dinner. It came in this shaker so there was probably enough martini to fill two glasses. Chris filled up the glass with the rest of what was in the shaker and told me to drink up. I informed him that I had had plenty! We teased back and forth when our 12-year-old piped up and said, "Mom, you know tequila makes your clothes fall off!"

Boy Humor

What would you do if you were enjoying the quiet sanctuary of your bathroom and open the door to find this staring at you?


I screamed!

My Voice

There is a boy who plays baseball with Connor who also plays football. His mother told me that she has a "baseball voice" and a "football voice" -- the "baseball voice" being much more subdued and quiet.

When Connor decided to play football for his Junior High this year, I couldn't believe that I would have lots to yell about -- I don't even understand the game!! Plus, my "baseball voice" is far from subdued and quiet; so, I didn't figure I would have a "football voice".

Since I have been out of town, I have missed Connor's first two football games. I was just thrilled when Chris would text me to let me know he made it through each game uninjured!

Well, yesterday I got to see my son play football.

And, 20 minutes into the game, the quarterback from the other team is running down the field with the football and noone else is around EXCEPT my son...So, I start saying quietly, "Come on Connor. Get him." They get closer to one another and I feel my body standing up and my voice getting louder, "Get him, Connor!" And when my boy tackled that quarterback, my arms were raised high in the air and my "football voice" was heard throughout as I screamed, "WAY TO GO CONNOR!!" I looked around and noone else in the stands were standing up or had their hands high in the air but me! I sank back down to my seat and said, "That's my son."...as if they didn't know!

My Childhood vs. My Son's Childhood

A little background about me...

I was born and raised in Albuquerque, N. M. I went to a private school from kindergarten through 2nd grade because my birthday is Sept. 25 and was 24 days too late to begin kindergarten. My mom felt I was ready and so I was enrolled in a private, Christian school. By 3rd grade, my parents felt that I should try the public elementary school that was two miles from our house instead of the private one that took about 30 minutes to drive to each morning. We lived in the "South Valley" -- I can truthfully say that Caucasians are the minority in that part of town. I think the only two Caucasians at Adobe Acres Elementary were myself and my teacher, Mrs. Kryloff. By the end of that year, the only things I could do well was shuffle a deck of cards and speak with the thickest Mexican accent anyone has ever heard. "Ee whole la" (spelling?!?) came out of my mouth after just about everything! (Needless to say, I returned to the private school in 4th grade!!) Anyhow, for those of you who don't know a "Cholo" and a "Chola" are slang for a Mexican boy and girl.

Tonight we are sitting at Chick-fil-A and Connor is singing under his breath some song he heard recently -- about Cholos. I have never heard this song and asked him if he even knew what Cholos were. "Oh, yeah. You know, it is one of those BIG violins."

God and girls

This weekend brought a new phase to our lives as parents and made me decide I was FINALLY going to start a blog. You see, I am not new to the blogging world. I spend about an hour of my "free" time each day reading many entertaining blogs. I feel like these ladies are my dearest friends. My sister and I read some of the same blogs and will call each other and talk about so-and-so like they are our best friend!! Isn't that pathetic??? Anyway, I hope my blog (although will probably only be read by my husband, mom, sister, and maybe brother-in-law) will do for those who read it what these other blogs do for me -- to help others realize that life happens. Some days it is funny, some days it is not; but, you keep plowing on and one day look back and read past entries and say "Life is good!" The reality is that my blog will probably not receive any blogging awards -- yes, honey, there are such things! -- but, instead will be a great way to use that Journalism Degree I spent 4 years getting. I want to journal my days and hopefully, with my blog in mind, find the funny, interesting, life-changing story of each day.


So, back to this weekend. Actually, let me back up two months...Connor, our 6th grader, found two of the most important things in his life this summer...God and girls. I don't mean to say God and girls go hand-in-hand. God is definitely priority #1; but, Connor is now beginning his search for his life-long partner. I know that sounds silly; but, hey, I found mine when I was 13!! Anyway, Connor accepted Christ in June at our church's VBS for pre-teens, called VBX. A moment Christian parents pray for and are so happy when it happens. He also started instant messaging with friends from his class around June -- including girls!


Fast forward to Saturday night. We were getting his swimsuit and t-shirt in a bag for his baptism on Sunday morning when the phone rang. I said, "Hello?" A sweet little voice said, "Is Connor there?" "Ahhhh, hold on please." They proceeded to talk about 30 minutes. Now, as I told Connor, girls shouldn't be calling boys - especially when they are only in the 6th grade. My parents wouldn't allow me to call boys. (That's a different blog entry though!) But two other realizations this weekend made me realize that my life as a mom is changing. Connor needs to start wearing deodorant AND he has a pimple on his nose!! I am now in preteen-land!


I know there are going to be much bigger and scarier things in the next years that follow than a girl calling my house or a zit. So as I watched him be baptized Sunday morning, I realized that he was not only following Christ's example, but he was showing me that he is God's and I can let go a little more and trust that God will guide him through every decision. My new prayer for Connor is that he will serve God every day and will one day find his perfect helpmate!