Allison Turns 100!

Today was the 100th day of school and 1st grade was ready to celebrate. I wished Allison a Happy 100th Birthday when she woke up this morning and then put her hair in a bun, coated it with baby powder for a graying effect, clipped on some earrings, secured glasses to the tip of her nose, found an old shawl and headed out the door. She was in character right away, walking with her umbrella as a cane.

Grace, Allison, Westin, Cooper and Abby looked happy to be out of the "home"

We spotted some of her friends (from the old folk's home) right as we walked up to school. I loved the wigs, walkers, wrinkles, robes and glasses-so creative. The 100 year old teachers did an "Old Lady" dance at Friday Flag Salute and then we headed to class for a morning of 100th Day activities.

The ladies show off their dance moves

The class of Centurians

Some of the kids weren't even sure this was Mrs. Skinner!

Marking 100 tally marks on a headband

Counting 100 snack items to take to recess

Placing 100 stickers on a pair of "100" glasses

Our Very Own Star!

Taylor was so excited to learn that her All-Star team was in the local paper yesterday. One of the team Dads brought a copy for each of us. The article reads "Presidents' Privilege: The TVSA U-10 girls All-Star team was a finalist in the recent President's Cup soccer tournament in Yucaipa. The team defeated Rialto 6-0, High Desert 5-0, played top ranked Colton to a 2-2 draw and then lost a hard fought match in the final to host Yucaipa 3-2. The showing led to an invitation for the team to participate this weekend in the Tournament of Champions in Palm Desert. Their names were also listed on the bottom. It was fun for all of the girls and a great motivator for this weekend. We can't wait!

Historic Day

On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. He is the 1st African-American to ever hold the position. Nearly 2 million people braved the chilly temperatures and witnessed the event. They crowded together in the National Mall while millions of viewers watched around the world through their televisions or internet.

The girls were able to watch the swearing in and President Obama's Inaugural Address in their classrooms. What better history lesson? I was able to watch all of the events (thanks to Tivo) including the swearing in, address, luncheon and the parade. This historic event brings great promise of change and action to our struggling nation.

Palm Desert, Here We Come!

What a weekend of soccer. Taylor's All-Star team has been practicing for 2 months to get ready for this weekend's President's Cup in Yucaipa. Coach Charlie has worked so hard with the girls and we have seen so much improvement in their level of play.

Coach pumps the girls up for Game #1

Yesterday morning we were out of the house at 5:45 am for our 8:00 game against Rialto. We had heard that they would be a very tough team, but our girls came out fighting and won 6-0. Taylor scored 3 goals and the team looked amazing!
After a team breakfast at Denny's and some lounging around at the field, the girls kicked it in gear for their 1:00 game against Colton. What a game-so much aggressive play and a hard fought battle. We tied 2-2, which really shocked Colton. We think they expected to run away with this tournament. We were excited for our chances to make it to the championship and we drove home for the night.

Lauren, Maylie, Emily and Taylor solve puzzles during the break

Our first game this morning wasn't until 11:00, but we got there early to watch Colton play again. The final score in their game was 6-0, so we knew we needed to win our game by a score of at least 5-0 if we wanted to advance to the championship. It was crucial to score at least 5 goals and not let High Desert score against us. Colton sat down on our side of the field as our game began waiting to see the outcome. I think our girls liked the added pressure and rose to the occasion. We won 5-0, just like we needed! We were on to the Championship game!

The girls get introduced before the Championship game

With only an hour between games, the girls filled up on protein, carbs and fluids and rested up for the final game of the weekend. The girls got a little intimidated when they saw Yucaipa Valley warming up. #14 looked like she was about 5'6. Coach told them to just play their game and not worry. We came out a little flat and were down 2-0 at halftime. The girls were so tired and getting a little emotional. But out of nowhere in the 4th quarter, Danae kicked the most beautiful goal and we were back in it. Taylor followed with another goal in less than a minute and we were all tied up!!! Unfortunately we lost when #14 did a thrown in that landed right in the goal with about 10 seconds left. Final score: 3-2. What a heartbreak, but we didn't let the girls stay down long. They were awarded their medals and learned they had advanced to the Tournament of Champions in Palm Desert. That was the goal all along and we are so proud of their effort this weekend. Way to go All-Stars!

Cool medals, girls!

Dad Makes Science Fun

The 1st grade class is learning about solids, liquids and gases in their science unit. As class let out yesterday, Allison ran out asking to do a "liquid race" at home. This project had Matt written all over it as I tried to juggle spelling tests, making dinner and getting to soccer by 5:00. Matt and Allison set up their experiment while I was at soccer with Taylor. When we got home, she was so proud to show off her results.

The little scientists had already tested several liquids in class, so Allison got creative as she looked through the fridge and pantry. She tested ketchup, mustard, caramel syrup, maple syrup, applesauce and ranch dressing. They poured each item on the top of the cookie sheet and timed how long it would take to run off the other end. And the winner is....... APPLESAUCE!

Surprise Visitors

On Monday, I got a call from Brandi saying that Mike surprised her with a trip to Southern California as a Christmas present. We have been friends since college, but our visits have gotten fewer and farther between since they moved to Colorado and we both have kids. We haven't been back there since Allison was a baby and they were last here when Rian was a baby. She is now 3 1/2 and it was our first time meeting Jessie, who is now 16 months old.

Brandi, Mike and the girls headed up to our house after school and it gave all 5 girls a chance to play. Taylor and Hayden (almost 8) reconnected as if no time has passed. They played Pet Shop and rocked out to "SO WHAT" and "All-American Girl" on the way home from dinner. After a little more visiting and a popsicle treat, it was time for them to pack up and head back to their hotel. Too bad the girls are in school. They would much rather head to Disneyland with them next week! It was nice catching up-just wish we could do it more often.

Allison, Jessie, Hayden, Taylor and Rian

Jessie, isn't that cold on your fingers?

Memorial for Pop

Today we said goodbye to Pop (William Dodson) at a memorial in his honor. Pop lived across the street with his family, Chip and Teresa, who are also good friends to us. He was 89 years old and passed away in his sleep on December 18th. He was always so sweet to us, often inviting the girls to look at the trains that ran around his room or giving the dogs a treat from his cookie jar. He was a World War II veteran and our girls always honored him on Veteran's Day with a card and a homemade treat. He will be buried with full military honors which he so deserved.

The girls each wrote him a special message, but only Allison was able to get up in front of everyone. Taylor was a little too nervous to be in front of 100 people. Allison choked up as she said, "I loved it when he asked us to go to see his trains. I miss him a lot and he was very nice." Taylor had written, "Pop was always very kind. Every time we saw him, he would ask us to go and see his trains. On Veteran's Day, we would make him a thank you card for his military service and bake him cookies. He would always thank us so much. He was a great man. I miss him very much."

We will miss you, Pop!

Fun, Food and Football

Michael and Lisa had all of us up to watch the Rose Bowl. We had enough appetizers to feed an army which kept our bellies full until pizza time. Tony set up a pool for the game and each family bought 20 squares on the board. It was a fun way to keep everyone interested in the game and I think one of the kids won each quarter. How is it that they went home with the money, but they used their parents money to buy the squares? The kids also had fun hiking up the avocado orchard, playing freeze tag, searching for frogs and playing the Wii in the theater room.



Juli, Me, Laura, Lisa and Mary

Charlie, Matt, Paul, Michael and Tony

We have been up to the house for pizza making before, but never for 22 people. We each rolled out our own dough, covered it with toppings and waited for Michael to cook it in the pizza oven. You can learn a lot about someone as you watch them make a pizza! Charlie kept getting yelled at for making his too thin, Tony couldn't follow directions and Juli created a work of art (almost too pretty to eat). It made for a lot of laughs. Funny that the kids did it right on the first try!

Let the pizza making begin!

Allison looks like she has done this before.

No trip to Michael and Lisa's is complete without a game of "Monster". The dads all hide in places throughout the house and the kids search for them in the dark. The kids get scared to death and scream until they lose their voice, but they always come back for more. We even had a few dads taunting the kids through the intercom. Sometimes I think they enjoy it more.

Ringing in 2009

We headed to Paul and Laura's for what has become a New Year's Eve tradition. Rosa's seemed like the perfect dinner take-out option so nobody had to cook. We ate dinner, snacked on yummy desserts and played Guitar Hereos and card games as we waited for the ball to drop. All of the kids made it until midnight except for sweet little Sunny. I think she was out at 7:58!

Laura was the perfect pillow for little Sunny.

Can we just teepee 1 house?



The kids were content playing games upstairs, but then came down begging to go door bell ditching or teepeeing. They weren't happy with all of the "No"s from parents so spent the last hour or so jumping in the trampoline or on the pogo sticks outside. It was freezing, but they had a ball. As midnight approaced they got out the poppers and we all counted down together. Happy New Year!!

Christmas Break with Gigi

Gigi has been here since December 21st and is here for the entire break. We have had a lot of fun playing board games, watching movies and listening to stories of Matt's childhood and his ancestory. The first several days were really cold and rainy so it was a good way to pass the time and let Gigi recover from her cold. Although, we did make it out for a day of bowling before Christmas.

Trevi Bowling Alley

Since Christmas the weather has been much better and Gigi feels good. We headed to SD for the day, driving along the coast from Carlsbad to downtown SD. We stopped to watch the kite surfers in Cardiff (so fun!) and ate lunch in La Jolla. We walked around the Gaslamp Quarter, stopped for ice cream at Ghiradelli chocolate shop and toured Petco Park. It was the first sunny day.

Kite surfers in Cardiff

Then today, we took the girls hiking at Santa Rosa Plateau while Matt got stuff done around the house. I even wore a tank top it was so warm! We hiked on the Trans Preserve Trail about 2 miles to the Adobe Houses. There were beautiful views of the snow capped mountains and great open meadows. Gigi panicked when she saw the mountain lion warning signs, but we all agreed she would be our shield since she was the oldest (HA! HA!).

The houses were an interesting look at local history and a nice shady spot to rest our feet. I thought we might struggle getting Allison back to the car on the 2 mile hike back, but we bribed her with a trip to 7-11 for a slurpee if she could make it without whining. It worked!

Beautiful snow capped mountain view at Santa Rosa Plateau

Merry Christmas!

The kids think they heard Santa on the roof and Santa eating cookies, but they were too scared to investigate. At about 6:45, they jumped in our bed to tell us all about it and couldn't wait

to run downstairs. They made a quick stop to Gigi's room to make sure she was awake and then they headed down with lightning speed.

Taylor spotted her stocking along with Wii Outdoor Challenge and pink soccer sock and shin guards. Allison jumped right on her new mountain bike and then siffed through her stocking. They spent some time scratching off all of their lottery tickets(we had a few winners) and sorting through the goodies. After a break for banana bread and coffee, the present opening was underway. I loved all of my new clothes and the soccer bag and accessories Matt got me as I prepare to coach this spring. It was a creative idea. Matt loved his new tennis racket, Snow Summit gift card, Vans and many other thoughtful gifts. Taylor jumped for joy when she opened her very own pink digital camera and Allison spent most of the day watching movies on her very own portable DVD player. They also loved the tennis ornament and golfer ornament from Gigi and the many other gifts under the tree from friends and family.

The rain came down all day, so it was the perfect lazy indoor day. Matt prepped the turkey, Geri and I prepared the sides and we had several hours to relax watching Karate Kid, taking naps, calling out of town family and friends and doing Sudoku.

Dinner was delicious and the clean up was quick, so we opened up a new card game called Blink and played until bedtime. It was a very blessed day!

Christmas Eve

After a quiet morning of baking banana bread, watching tv and playing games, the day got very exciting at about 3:00. Santa called our house! Taylor panicked and was too nervous to talk to him, but Allison came running down the stairs. Santa told her that the reindeer had been eating too much and were getting a little chubby. He also said he was loading up his sleigh and getting ready to head out for the night. He thought he might have a bike in the sleigh just for her. She chuckled every time he said "Ho, Ho, Ho" and had the biggest grin on her face. Santa is on the phone!

After all of that excitement, we rushed to get ready for 4:30 church. It was a festive service full of Christmas carols, a very meaningful message and a candlelight ceremony at the end. It is my favorite service of the year.


Then it was off to Harry's for what has become our traditional Christmas Eve meal. Gigi is in town with us for the holidays so it was extra special.

The kids were excited to get home to open a present, put out cookies and milk for Santa and put reindeer food in the grass out front. Taylor opened up a fuzzy pair of black slippers and Allison opened up some posters she can use when she plays teacher. They headed upstairs to start playing. We will try to get them in bed on time because they have a big day tomorrow!

Team Bonding

Tonight the All-Star team got together for a little bonding off the field with a cookie and ornament exchange. We have girls from several different schools, so it was a nice way to get to know each other away from soccer. Although Coach Charlie managed to fit in a 1/2 hour of soccer strategy and analysis from this weekend's round robin. After he finished the soccer talk, the girls ate popcorn and goodies, drank hot cocoa and watched the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Taylor and Emily snack on popcorn, cookies and candy canes.

They finished off the night with an ornament exchange. There were several soccer ornaments in the bunch, but Taylor got this cute snowflake that looks like it was made out of gingerbread. They all laughed when Coach Charlie opened up his flying pink pig ornament!

I Guess I'll Look for a Condo...

Well, I got another great Allie-ism while sitting with her in the hot tub tonight. She asked me if I had ever been divorced. I told her that I had not, but said "Why do you want me to?" Her reply cracked me up. "No, that would mean Taylor and I would have to take turns living with you and Dad. Dad would have to live here because he knows how to fix things. I guess you would have to move to a condo." Gotta love the logic!

All-Stars Round Robin

Today was an exhausting trial run for Taylor's U10 All-Star Team. They played their 1st games together as a team and had a lot of fun. The league put together a mini tournament between the TVSA All-Stars and the Hawks teams. Our girls have been practicing for weeks and have really come together. We started with a 10:00 game against the Hawks U10 team and then played again at 12:15 and 2:25 against their U9 and U11 teams. Although we lost all of the games, we told the girls they had a lot to be proud of. The other teams have been playing together for an entire year and this was our 1st outing. It was good practice for our tournaments in January against other All-Star teams. The team with Coach Charlie

Taking some warm up shots

Coach Charlie gives last minute encouragement and the line up



Taylor and Emily are so happy to be playing together

U10 All-Stars

Before game #3, the girls learned a cheer that I'm sure will stick for the remainder of the games. While standing in a circle with their arms around each other, they jumped up and down and chanted the following...

"Mirror, Mirror on the wall. Who's the fairest of them all? Pretty girls don't play ball. So let's get UGLY!"

It was so cute to watch and the smiles on their faces were priceless. I told Taylor to embrace all of these fun times with her teammates and not worry about wins or losses. I think she saw that today!