Maybe It's Just Not His Sport...

Cameron had his first wrestling match of the year on Thursday. He was full of confidence -- twenty pounds heavier than last season, more experience. He even proclaimed that he was probably the third best on his team.

He got killed in both his matches.


An observance from the bleachers -- 20 pounds heavier means less agility. Last year he could turn himself into a pretzel to get out of holds. He was only pinned once all year. And even though they are matched by weight, he stood taller than both of his opponents which also meant he's all arms and legs while they were more compact and muscular.

Cameron is an athlete and as such he expects to excel in all sports. In baseball, football, and even track; you would have to argue that he really is one of the best in his age group. But this wrestling thing...

Needless to say, he didn't handle it very well coming off the mat. I watched helplessly as my thirteen year old boy/man struggled to contain his tears; attempting instead to look frustrated and angry. But I saw his eyes - even from a distance.

After an eternity of watching him on the bench, never lifting his head, I asked if he wanted to leave with us or wait and take the bus home. He quickly turned to me, tears pouring down his face, and just as quickly turned away, "No I'll stay and take the bus". The time he would need to stop the tears and be the man again...

Those Crazy Californians!

Last week we had the immense pleasure of visiting friends from California - here to celebrate the holidays with their mid-west family.

The kids hadn't seen each other in a year and a half! It didn't matter that Dylan stands 6 ft. tall and now has his driver's license, or that Amanda is almost 14 and stunningly beautiful, or that Parker hasn't changed a bit -- all the kids immediately picked up where they'd left off with each other.

We had been dumped with snow the night before and the three Californians couldn't wait to get out and play. Of course, my boys were up for anything that involves outside and being physical. Besides - we had forgotten how much fun it was the first time we had snow four years ago.

But those crazy Californians...

I guess Amanda is a big fan of the movie "A Christmas Story" and had always wanted to act out a particular scene. Her Grandma's house had the right prop - a metal pole right in the middle of the backyard. The picture tells the rest of the story...

Demolition

We have a holiday tradition that the boys look forward to all year. It fits naturally into a boy's innate desire for chaos and destruction...

The perfect mother in me takes the time to buy just the right gingerbread house kit. I construct the walls and roof, squeeze icing over the entire structure with just perfect icicles dangling from the sides, and select colorful candy pieces with just the right Christmasy feel.

All of us used to participate in the construction of this seasonal treat; but only Caeden and I took the time this year to lovingly create our family masterpiece.

All the boys eagerly anticipate as New Years Day approaches. In keeping with family tradition, our beautiful gingerbread house was slated for DEMOLITION...

New Years Eve In Pictures

The Games Begin!
Who Needs A Shirt?...the threads just come lose anyway!

TARTUGA! (His imitation of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie...)

You can't make me look..I'm a teenager and I have to pretend I don't like my picture taken!

Friends Join The Countdown...

It's Here!


We Are SO Illegal!


Who Cares - Happy New Year!