The one where JV ended up undefeated

October 27 - 30, 2017
Pioneer Football is winding down, and Lady Panther Basketball is gearing up.  The weather is getting cooler (on some days), and the leaves are turning and falling.  Halloween costumes are procured, Thanksgiving menus and plans are taking shape, and Christmas lists are being made.  The kids finished the first nine weeks and we got all the school pictures back.  And the weekend?  Well, it was busy, lazy, and full of family!

Friday was extra full this week,  Our 7-1 Pioneers were set to take on Putnam City Original at home, and it was the Fox 25 Game of the Week.  This meant live TV remotes, plus the elementary school drop off lines, and oh yeah, SCHOOL!  Lara was up and ready early, and watched the first live remote from the SHS Fieldhouse as she then RAN out the door to go to Westwood to help in the drop off line for the kids.  It was a COLD morning, but they got the kids inside safely - including little brothers - then she stayed to introduce herself at the assembly. And at the end of the assembly, Jake and Issy's 5th grade teacher took a picture of them with their big sisters, Lara and Lauren!  Too bad the kindergartners, Finn and Ethan, didn't make it in to the picture!

After school, it was time to get ready for the big game.  But the temperature just kept dropping!  We were loaded up with jackets, hats, gloves, and TONS of hand and toe warmers!  It was really not enough.  At the end of the game, it was 31 degrees (F) outside, and everyone was frozen.  Emma had spent the whole game wrapped in a HUGE blanket - even as she paraded around with all her Stillwater friends.  She loaned her blanket to me and Finn for a minute, but then realized how VERY COLD it really was!  Lara was EXTRA frozen as she had a Gator crash (Lauren was driving!) right after the game ended, and got her leg sandwiched between a pole and a table.  She was wrapped in ice when we got there to pick her up!  We got to watch big bruises form on the front and back of her leg as the weekend progressed.

We all thawed out at home and got a decent night sleep, but it was still up and at them early Saturday morning as we had places to be!  All six Dream Weavers loaded up in one car (Rip), but we were not all going to the same location.  Emma was to be dropped off at a Hog Sale on the outskirts of Mulhall, while the rest of us headed to Edmond for Jake's basketball games.  Emma made a little money and generally had a good time.  She said she saw lots of people she knew - most of them she didn't expect to see at the sale!  She also got a copy of an Oklahoma Youth Ag magazine that had a picture of her on the front of it.  Not a bad day!  Lara watched Jake and his Solid Rock team win another game, and also got to visit the Edmond Rustic Cuff store to buy a birthday gift.

We were all back together by mid-afternoon.  Emma, Lara, Nana and I went on a quick shopping trip to find Lara a dress for the upcoming Football banquet, then we took her out to her friend Molly's house for her 16th birthday party.  Emma, Nana and I made a few more shopping stops, then headed back home.

Sunday was a day of rest.  As well it should be.  The girls worked on homework.  Rest, naps, TV, Netflix.  We went to church as a family at 4:00, took Emma back to Orlando, then had dinner and our family meeting.  The best way to start a new week!

As I was writing and finishing this blog, the JV Pioneers just finished their season on the road in Putnam City.  They won this one 27-0.  Which means, THEY ARE UNDEFEATED!  9 - 0!  What an exciting time to be a part of Pioneer Football!

The One Where We Got a Break

October 20-23, 2017
This weekend also started early.  Another Thursday Night Lights game for the SHS pioneers.  This time, because of Fall Break at the schools.  We traveled to Enid Thursday night to watch our boys WIN another one!  It was a fun family trip, and of course we adore being able to support Lara in what she does..  She is such a hard worker, and does it all with grace and pride.  Never complains.  Just makes it happen, and looks good while doing it.

We came away with the "W" on Thursday night, and Dad got the chance to go over to the "Home" side bleachers during halftime and meet up with some of his old High School buddies and watch their kids perform with the Band in the half time show.  And of course, by the time the buses got back to Stillwater, and the Trainer Team did all of their cleaning and organizing (to avoid being back up at the high school early Friday morning of Fall Break), it was already Friday and those small hours of the clock were showing.

While I had to work on Friday, Dad and the kids got a day too relax.  All the kids slept in, and based on the reports I received when I arrived home after work, Lara basically slept off and on all day.  As a reward for "surviving" my week (See the last 2020 Project post; it was rough) my family took me out to dinner.  Rib Crib had a fun message on the marquee out front that Finn really got a kick out of!

As for Emma and her Fall Break, she had a doctor's appointment in Guthrie on Friday to see how some meds she is on were working, and then she and her step-sister had a camp out in their yard.  Basketball practice and scrimmages are in full swing, so that is keeping her very busy as well - even on Fall Break.  Keeping busy and enjoying some down time - sounds like a good way to spend fall break.

Saturday morning, Lara had a volunteer shift scheduled at a local food pantry, Our Daily Bread.  She was there with students from her SMAC (Stillwater Makes A Difference) group, and there was a church group there as well.  This local food and resource center is the designated beneficiary for the SMAC group this year.  All of the monies raised by  the student-led group will be donated to help keep the pantry open and operating to support our community.  This was her first time to do this, and she had a great time and learned a lot.  One of the volunteer coordinators took a group picture and shared with us as well.

After her volunteer gig, her Dad picked her up and whisked her off to spend the rest of the weekend with them.  I still get a little tug on my heart when i don't get to spend these precious moments with BOTH of my baby girls.  But, they are so lucky to have so much FAMILY to love on them and support them.  I drove out to Orlando to pick Lara up after the boys went to church with us at 4:00.  Then it was home for family meeting, laundry, and getting ready for another week.

I am writing this early Tuesday morning after a Monday Night JV Pioneer football game.  They are now 9-0 on the season!  What a great time to be a part of Pioneer Football.  Friday night is Senior Night for out Varsity boys.  It is hard to believe the season is already winding down...

The One Where We Herald Your Fame

October (12) 13 - 16, 2017
This weekend gets credit for starting a little early.  Stillwater High School had THURSDAY Night Lights (2nd of 3 for this season - so weird) this week when they hosted Choctaw.  SHS Pioneers worked hard after the tough loss at Lawton last week and came out with the "W" improving their record to 6-1.  Great showing and a wonderful fall night for some football.  As usual, there is s pre-game pic, and I had to throw one in of Molly and Lara working hard...

But the best part of this weekend was America's Largest Homecoming at Oklahoma State University!  Emma joined us for most of the festivities, too.  Friday night was Walkaround where we spent time looking at the AMAZING house decs created by the Greek houses.  We marveled at the intricate pomping, and we ooh'd and ahh'd at the mechanics of the big scenes and the special effects in others.  I made our group stop in at the tent where we could get a family picture with Pistol Pete - can't wait to get a print of that!

Saturday morning was Sea of Orange Parade time.  Spent with so many people we love!  Nana and Grandpa, the Hatfields, the DeFreitas's, and even some extended family from Kentucky!  You never know who is going to show up at our little spot to watch the parade!

While some of us watched the game at home, Lara was across town babysitting 2 little boys so their parents could enjoy the game.  And of course, so she could earn a little cash! Emma went to Perkins to help Nana and Grandpa unpack some more.  She also went to a birthday party for her long-time friend Brock that evening.  That party broke up early when a big storm blew threw and rained them out!!!  Sunday was pretty relaxed as well.  Lara had to go to the high school for a football practice, as we have ANOTHER Thursday game this coming week!  We had dinner, our family meeting, and got ready for another fun week - leading in to Fall Break!

And just as a note on my 2020 Project - I started this blog Friday before Walkaround.  I thought about finishing it MANY times during the week, but it was QUITE a week for me, and i didn't get back to it until 1/2 way through the next weekend!  I knew there would be weeks like this!  :)

The One With The Ball

October 6 - 9, 2017
"The One With The Ball."  That's pretty funny.  Since it is fall.  and this family plays a lot of ball.  In the Fall.  Emma has basketball.  Lara works football.  Jake plays basketball.  Finn is a ball of energy.  But this weekend "Ball" took on another meaning. AS in, a dance.  A gala.  An event.  And there was much ado.  Perhaps about nothing.  But it was fun, nonetheless.

Friday night lights.  We played Lawton. In Lawton.  The left school at 1:30pm.  And got back at 1:05 am Saturday morning.  We lost the ball game, and got home in a downpour.  Not the best experience, but lots of memories

before the game

after the game

Saturday, Jake had basketball games in Edmond while Lara slept in.  When we got back to Stillwater mid-afternoon, it was time to get ready for the Fall Ball.  Stillwater High School Semi Formal was that night at the Wes Watkins Center on the OSU campus, and Lara had a date.  He was picking her up for dinner, then they were off to the ball!

fancy dress

full of sass

no outfit is complete without rustic cuff

hair by mom

with her date dylan

with morgan

Sunday, Mom had a birthday.  And Dad and the kids threw a little party.  It was a BALL! We didn't get much time (and no pictures) with Emma this weekend, but she was on this side of the county helping nana and grandpa put boxes in their attic, so I did get a birthday hug from her!

Not a bad way to spend a fall weekend with all kinds of balls!

Turning SIX with all the Tricks!

Finn Ricker Weaver is six years old today.  We have come a long way, baby! What an amazing ride.

Dad summed it up with this Facebook post:

These six years have flown by!!

Today as we celebrate our funny, finicky, feisty Finn .... we also honor those who were directly responsible for us reaching this day!! (he tagged every NICU nurse, doctor, respiratory therapist, NICU family support specialist, and every other NICU person we could think of - including his NICU friends with birthdays right around the same time.  Life Changing days those were!)

Finn is not a big fan of crowds, other people, or anything that varies from our norm, so we kept it low key this year.  His Grandma Mary and Grandpa Jake got him a new bigger bike, so that was waiting for him in the living room when he woke up.  He loved the colors and took it for a spin through our living room - dining room - kitchen.  After that, it was off to school to take snacks to his Kindergarten friends.  He chose animal crackers and cheeze-its.  (Not a fan of sweets, either).  He told us they sang happy birthday to him in class, and he said he had a good day at school on his birthday.

After Mom finally got home form a conference, Finn wanted to go out for his birthday dinner.  His choice? ESKIMO JOE'S.  He is part of their Birthday Club so he had gotten his coupon in the mail for his choice of a milkshake or 2 pencils from Joe's clothes.  Of course, he chose the pencils!  It was kids night, so he got to see his pals Joe and Buffy, and he told our waiter it was his birthday.  So of course, he got a complementary birthday sundae - which his brother ate.  LOL!

After dinner, Nana and Grandpa met us at our house with presents.  Finn got a few new things from Nana and Grandpa, Mom and Dad, his brother, and his sister.  HE squealed and screamed with delight and excitement with every present he opened!  And, after he opened each present, he then opened the packaging, and THREW IT AWAY in the kitchen trashcan before he played with the new toy.  I wish all my kids cleaned up after themselves like that!

Big Sister Emma was even in town running errands with her family, so she stopped by for a quick hug and a picture.

At bedtime, we remembered the cookie cake and candle.  So, we had another little celebration!  Finn asked for some cookie.  Took one nibble, and handed it off for someone else to eat.  But her loved blowing out the candle!

He really had a great day celebrating turning 6.  Tonight, his elementary school is having our fall carnival.  I've tried to convince him this is his birthday party!  I mean, its outside, there's games and inflatables, his friends will all be there, lots of food... Sounds like a birthday party to me!

Happy 6th Birthday, Mr. Finn.  We absolutely adore you and life would not be the same with out you.  Thanks for keeping us on our toes and teaching us patience. Always on your own time and in your own way - we love you for all your differences!

The One That Left Us Tired

September 29 - October 2, 2017
Homecoming week led to Homecoming weekend and with all the festivities, we were tired!  Emma was in Stillwater most of the weekend, and we had a busy schedule, as usual.

Friday night lights and Homecoming.  It is so fun to see that through the eyes of a student!  One of our Football trainers was up for Queen, and there was a big football game as well.  While our candidate didn't get the crown, our TEAM pulled off an impressive win and we are now 5 -0 on the season.  Every game is a big one at this point. Go Pioneers!

SHS Pioneer Student Trainers HoCo 2017 

Twisters

Nana and Grandpa's first game this season

Saturday, Lara had to be up at the OSU Cross Country track to help work the Cowboy Jamboree.  She did not know a thing about Cross Country running, and she got to learn a lot of new things.  Like how tiring and physical it is to "catch" runners after they cross the finish line!

October 1 officially starts basketball season and that's when your team can start practicing.  To celebrate this, Emma's Lady Panthers had a fun Saturday planned and a first practice Sunday morning at 12:01am.  They met in Mulhall that afternoon, went out to dinner as a team,, watched movies in the gym until midnight, had a 1/2 hour practice, then came home.

Sunday we all tried to refresh and get our rest most of the day.  We went to church together as a family, then took Emma back to Orlando. After we got back to Stillwater, we wrapped up the weekend with a quick dinner and our family meeting - ready for another week!