What I Know For Sure...

Thanksgiving is still my favorite holiday. The obvious reason is the food. I love all the traditional Thanksgiving food and the wonderful smell it brings to our home. The first thing I do when I wake up (which is hours before the rest of my family) is start a pot of wassail. Traditionally wassail has alcohol in it and was used to toast good fortune. Ours is pretty much just hot apple cider. Actually, it's the best hot apple cider and in my opinion, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to toast good fortune. It's a recipe that's been in my mom's family for... I'm not sure how long? When the turkey starts cooking in the oven, the smell just gets better. At the end of the night, the warm pumpkin pie, or pumpkin pie cake at our house, finishes the day of good food and good smells perfectly.

I also love the fact that Thanksgiving isn't so commercialized like other holidays. As soon as Halloween is over the Christmas merchandise goes out. Don't get me wrong, I love all the Halloween and Christmas fluff. I think all the movies and merchandise that go along with the holidays are great fun for everyone. At the same time, I love that Thanksgiving doesn't have all the "fluff". It's about something simple and simply wonderful --gratitude. We always put out our Christmas decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving while our hearts are in that special place. That makes me love Thanksgiving even more.

Some of the things I am thankful for this year ~
* Ron, for being mine.
* Reily, for being such a good example to all of us.
* Jacklyn, for showing me how to be strong and positive through a horrible accident. You never stopped smiling!
* Jim, for being such a great brother, son, husband and father at a time when it would be hard for most people to see past themselves.
* Jennifer, for being my sister and my best friend...always.
* Jason, for always being there for ALL your family. I know that all I have to do is pick up the phone. I'm sure our whole family feels the same way!
* Jon, for calling me because I get busy and things slip my mind. I miss living close to you and your phone calls really help...and your silly text messages.
* April, for being there for Mom and helping her when she needs it.
* Mom, for loving your children and grandchildren and being so involved in all our lives. I love that my kids will text you and you text them back. Thank you for getting on me when I slack on blogging. Not only does it get me going, it shows me how much you care about me and my family.
* Paul & Jackie, for raising a son who works so hard at everything he does. I've seen many times where he's learned that and it's made him the wonderful husband and father he is today.
* Grandma Halversen, for loving all of your very large family and teaching us that we are only as old as we choose to be.
* I am also thankful for all my friends and all the ways we can keep in touch. Maybe one day we all will have blogs ;)

This was our first Thanksgiving without family or friends. At first I was sad about this, but I quickly realized that it was perfect. Not that I wouldn't have welcomed the company of family or friends, I just loved being with Ron, Reily and Jacklyn...in our pajamas and on only our time schedule. One more thing to add to my 2008 list --- I'm thankful for pajamas that can double as "lounge wear".

Jacklyn's Birthday

Saturday was Jacklyn's 12th birthday. Friday, the 21st, we threw her a surprise party and boy was she surprised! It was tricky, but I was able to get a hold of her friends without her knowing and no one blew the surprise. Jacklyn went home with her friends Ally and Karley after school. Meanwhile, Natalie, Maddy, Sterling, Alyssa, Nikki, Lula, Shelby, Lana, Christie, Andie, Jake and Reily (I know, long list, but this is my scrapbook/journal) all gathered at the house for the surprise. All the girls stood on the stairs in the entry while Reily and Andie readied themselves with confetti and poppers. Jacklyn's reaction as she walked into the house was great. She was so surprised and happy that she had to hug everyone individually after the group hug.

The girls painted ceramic picture holders, dressed up and took pictures together with disposable cameras. It was fun to see their crazy outfits and posses. After they finished painting, they sang karaoke in their fabulous outfits. Reily and Jake were great sports to sing the guys parts in any songs that had it. Jacklyn sang the song "Beautiful" by Christina Aguillera for all of her friends and it was beautiful!






















At the end of the night, the girls made their own ice cream sundaes and we had cake. The girls asked if it was okay to push Jacklyn's face in her cake....since they asked so nicely I couldn't refuse. The cake was yummy red velvet, which has become Jacklyn's favorite since moving to the south. The party was a huge success!


























Three of Jacklyn's friends spent the night. Ron made a big breakfast in the morning and then two of the girls went to Reily's lacrosse game with us. Later that night we went to a friend's wedding. The celebrating lasted for two days and Jacklyn deserved every minute of it! Jacklyn is growing up so fast. She is such a smart, beautiful, kind, generous, loving girl and I am so grateful to have her as my daughter. I love you Jacklyn!

Reily's Busy Life

As you already know, Reily is playing lacrosse. He loves it and it's proving to be a great sport for him. Sports are a HUGE deal in Texas! They play hard and practice even harder. The official lacrosse season doesn't start until the beginning of next year, but practices started over the summer. Once school started, it all intensified with practices three times a week for two to two and a half hours each time. The boys are also "encouraged" to practice at a sports training center every Thursday night for two plus hours. We've also started scrimmage games (which last three to four hours) and after the holidays, practices will be four to five times a week.

Reily also had his first Homecoming. I found myself startled now and then as we prepared for it all. I'm still not use to having a child in high school and now he was going to Homecoming...crazy! What was even more startling and way crazier is the "Texas Homecoming Mums". This is a tradition here in Texas and like sports, it's a huge deal. The mums need to be big and fancy and they are bought or made by the mother of the boy. The girls wear the mums pinned to their shirts all day at school and then that night at the football game. Some pin them to their dresses the next night for the dance. Luckily, the girls in Reily's group didn't want them. If the girl Reily takes next year wants one, I'll know what to do now. I'd never seen or heard of such a thing. Anyway, these mums taught me that everything really is bigger in Texas!

Reily has also continued with choir and was chosen to sing in the Honors Choir for the Texas Music Educator's Region 26 Concert. This is an audition choir made up of students from all the high schools in our region. Last year, I believe I counted 25-30 schools in our region. The kids and directors practice all day together for the first time and then perform that same night. At the practice, Reily was chosen to sing in the Mixed Men's Choir as well. This was exciting because the director of that choir has incredible credentials. He's worked with artists from the Metropolitan Opera and Tony award winners. Also, his Conservatory Chamber Choir performed a concert tour of China as part of the opening celebration of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This was a wonderful opportunity and experience for Reily! Here's a picture of Reily and his friend Amanda after the concert--

Happy Birthday Reily!

Last night Reily had a party with his good friend Andie who turns fifteen tomorrow. Months ago, when they realized they were only a day apart, they planned to have their birthday parties together. We hosted the party at our house and had about 25 teenagers here along with Andie's parents. Because their birthdays are in October, they decided to have a costume party. They ate tons of food, sang karaoke (all but five of the kids sing in the choir) and played games. It was so much fun!

I can't believe it's been fifteen years! Reily is such a wonderful son and I am blessed to be his mother. I love you Reily!!!

Playing catch up and apologizing...again.

So again, I'm a bad blogger because I've broken the first and most important rule of blogging....NOT BLOGGING. Saying I've been busy isn't really an excuse, because it gives you lots to blog about, especially when your blog is your journal/scrapbook. So, here are some of the things we've been busy with. I'm hoping that including photos will buy me some forgiveness.

First, we got a fish tank...yeah!? As most of you know, we're not a cat or dog family. We love them, but we love breathing more. For me, it's an occasional runny nose and itchy eyes. Reily does great with both cats and dogs. Ron and Jacklyn however don't do so well. So, after Jacklyn came to us very distraught because she doesn't have a pet "like everyone else", we went and bought this. It's not a very good picture (you can't even see the fish), but you get the idea.

Jacklyn had her first school dance. They originally had a sixth grade only dance planned, but with hurricane Ike (something I should have blogged about), it was cancelled. This was an all school dance which meant sixth, seventh and eighth graders. We were just a little anxious;). Jacklyn went to the dance with her good friends Ally and Karly. She had a great time and when an eighth grade boy asked her to dance she did the right thing...she said "sorry, I've got to go" smiled, waved goodbye and ran away. Good girl!

Reily started lacrosse this summer. I'm still learning about the sport, but what I do know about it is that it's really rough. There's a lot of plowing into each other and hitting with the sticks. Things that I think should be illegal aren't and it makes me nervous to watch. Anyway, you can imagine my fear watching Reily's high school team scrimmage against South Western University's team. They were all so big! I was convinced that they were thinking how much fun it was going to be to beat up on a high school team. Our boys did come home with their fair share of bumps and bruises, but the college boys really took the time to teach and have fun with them. I thought I'd include a photo of Reily and the guy he was positioned against. This kid/man had to have been 6'3".

This past Saturday, my girlfriend called to ask if I wanted to go with her to Austin City Limits. Of course I did! We took the kids and went the first year we were here and it was fantastic. If you love live music it's for you. If you hate large crowds more than you love live music, it's best to stay home. For those of you who don't know about Austin City Limits, it's a three day concert at Zilker Park with eight stages and 130 bands. Everyone brings chairs and blankets and crashes in front of the different stages to see the musicians they want to see. In between all the stages there are activity centers for the little kids, food and drink stands and lots of merchandise for sale. Reily went with a friend and his family, so while I was dancing to Robert Plant at the AMD (Advanced Micros Devices) stage, Reily was rocking out to Beck at the AT&T stage. We both had a great time and we'll for sure go again as a family next year.

In Honor of the 2008 Olympics

First Day Of School

Okay, I first have to apologize for taking a LONG break from blogging. I have many excuses that would just bore you to read, so I'll give you only the biggest one....we've had to have our air conditioning repaired five times in the last six and a half weeks. I know Lisa will understand when I say that you cannot function without air conditioning in Texas during the summer! It's just too hot and humid here. So again, I apologize.

Now what's really important.... Reily started high school today and Jacklyn started middle school. Already! I opened an email from the school district titled "What will LISD look like in ten years?" After I read the first couple of sentences I realized that it didn't matter to me, both Reily and Jacklyn will have long graduated by then. From that thought came the next - only four more years with Reily before he will venture out into this crazy world mostly on his own. I'm nowhere near ready for that! And Jacklyn is going to be going to school dances...with boys! It doesn't help that she's in sixth grade, but looks like she's in eighth. Where has the time gone and was I really present for all of it because too much has happened too quickly for my brain to catch up. My mom always says she wishes she could put her grandchildren in a shrinking machine. I wish for that also, or to be able to have one more day with seven year old Reily or three year old Jacklyn and don't even get me started on both of them as babies. This transition has been hard on me, but I have a few more hours before they get home to get it together and just be happy for them.

There is good to this new beginning in our lives. Henry was a great middle school for Reily and will be just as good for Jacklyn. The campus is really nice and the teachers are wonderful. Jacklyn is in the choir program there and it is the best around. I've been told by many that Vista Ridge is a great high school. I went on a tour a couple of weeks ago and got lost, but it's really nice and there is so much opportunity there for Reily. I've said this many times.... the schools here are great. I am so grateful for that, even if I am sad today.

Warning!

Don't buy these! If you do, you won't be able to stop yourself from eating them...all. Enough said, you've all been warned.

What I Know For Sure...

is friendship can weather time and distance.

A few months ago, I posted with this same title and thought it would be a good theme to reflect on from time to time. The original post talked about my new friends in Texas. Now I want to write about old friends in Utah.

Last week we went to Utah and spent a week with family and old friends, most of which, we haven't seen in over two years. I can't say that I was surprised, but spending time with friends there felt as if we had never left. This validation made me so happy. As friends, we have gone through so much together- roommates in college(Lisa), children being born and going off to school together, moving into new homes, illness and deaths of loved ones.

My good friend, Shana, organized a picnic in the park so we could all get together with our kids. Not everyone could make it, but I was happy with the ones who did. It was so much fun to see everyone who could make it.

Chantel, Shana, Me, Jena and Jessica

Me and Lisa

I am also happy to say that Jacklyn also formed the same kind of friendship with the kids of these friends. It was great to see only a few minutes of "pre-teen boy/girl awkwardness" between her and her oldest friend Spencer before they fell right back into the comfort of old friends. Spencer was born a month before Jacklyn and was actually at my baby shower two weeks before she was born. He was truly her first friend. Jacklyn also got to see Jena's daughter Audrey who became her friend in preschool. She had so much fun with these old friends!

Jacklyn's best friend in Utah, Jazzi, was also with us at the park. We also spent time with her and her family a few days before we went to the park. Jazzi's mom, Jennifer, is one on my closest friends from Utah. She and her sister taught both Reily and Jacklyn in preschool, her husband, Jeff, worked with Ron, and her dad and Ron's dad both taught at Lehi High School together many years ago. Jacky and Jazzi have kept in touch really well since we moved, but actually getting to see each other was much better.

As I mentioned above, as friends we have gone through sad times. Unfortunately, now is one of those times. Jazzi's older sister, Jaquell, was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. While we were there, she went into the hospital for her second round of chemotherapy. Luckily for us, she went in a day later than planned, so we got to visit with her before she went into the hospital. It was so good to see Jaquell, hug her and tell her that I love her. She is in my thoughts and prayers and I hope everyone who reads this will add her to theirs as well. It was also great to spend hours talking with Jennifer while the girls painted their toes, watched a movie and talked with each other. I'm amazed at the strength this family has and feel blessed to call them my friends.

Jazzi, Jacky and Jaquell

Wisdom Teeth....Gone!

On Friday Reily had all four of his wisdom teeth pulled. This is the third time Reily has been put under general anesthesia in his life and every time they have forgotten to take off the monitor connection stickers. I'm sure that's not what they are called, but the name I've given them accurately explains their purpose...I think. Anyway, Reily's first surgery was when he was only eight days old and they left them on because he was in ICU and still being monitored, but when we got him home, there was one they forgot to take off. Reily's second surgery was when he was six. This was a same day surgery and when we got home there was one of these "stickers" still on his chest. This time, they left on three "stickers" which really isn't a big deal, it's just kind of funny that this has happened to him all three times. I told Reily to pull them off before the strong pain meds wore off because it's like pulling a really strong band aid off- not horribly painful, but annoyingly painful. I came in to check on him and he had taken them off, but repositioned them...one over his belly button and one over each of his nipples, he was still really loopy and feeling good. After a few hours of talking way too much and then falling asleep during an incoherent sentence, Reily was in a lot of pain. He described it as having "the worst migraine in your jaw". Reily is now REALLY swollen and doesn't want a picture taken. Even though he's in pain, the nausea has gone away and he's up doing a lot more. I feel for him, but after spending the money on braces (twice!) it's something that had to be done.

Jacklyn's Graduation

Last week, on June 5, 2008, Jacklyn had her graduation ceremony. It was a bitter- sweet experience for Ron and I as we were so happy for her accomplishment yet somewhat saddened by the reality of the moment...our baby is growing up! I did get a little emotional, but kept it under control. I didn't want to take away from Jacklyn's very happy milestone.

I was really impressed by the whole thing. The ceremony was really touching, each fifth grade teacher got up and spoke about their class before handing out the diplomas. Their words were all so loving and warm, you knew how much they really cared about these kids and what a great year they all had.

After the ceremony, there was a party for the graduates and their families. It was a great opportunity to take pictures and socialize. Both of Jacklyn's teachers told us how much they cared about Jacklyn and what a joy she was to have in class. We also talked with all of Jacklyn's friends and some of their parents which was fun to do.

When it was over, Ron and I took Jacklyn out to eat so we could have some alone time with her. It was neat to talk with her about her feelings and perspective. I think we all are in agreement that Rutledge Elementary School was a great place and experience for Jacklyn. Thank you "Ranchers"! Now it's on to middle school. Did I really just say that!?!

Price Girls Party '08

Sorry for the long break between posts, Mom and Jennifer came for a visit last week and we were on the go for four days straight, then we were too tired on the fifth day to do much of anything and now we are all in recovery mode... at least I am. Here's a rundown of all the fun things we did --

Reily had his end of the year choir concert which was fabulous. The theme was the 60s, so the music was fun and the costumes and choreography were even more fun. Reily had a solo and did a fantastic job!

Jacklyn also had a performance. The fifth grade put on the play "Dig It". It was a really cute play with fun songs, dialog and costumes. Jacklyn did an excellent job as a skeleton. Both of these performances were even better experiences because Grandma and Aunt Jenn were there to watch!

We also took a tour of the Texas State Capitol which was very interesting. We learned a lot about Texas government and Texas history. Our tour guide was a really sweet lady with a very interesting accent... she helped to make our touring experience even better. The architecture and craftsmanship of the building are remarkable as are all the original furniture and fixtures throughout the building. It is definitely something we should do with all the guest who come to visit us here.

On Saturday we went to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. We went through the whole thing, but could have stayed twice as long to read everything and watch all the video. There is so much to learn inside this museum! We saw The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater. It is basically a 15-minute movie showing the drive, spirit and accomplishments of Texans throughout the state's history. The theater is equipped with cool lighting, wind machines, misters and seat zappers to make the experience really fun. Everyone jumped out of their seats at one point except me... my seat zapper wasn't working. The museum has a special exhibit that started just in time for us to see. It's called "Dallas Power $ Passion and Primetime TV". The exhibit is all about the TV show "Dallas" and it lightly touches on the shows influence on the way people perceive Texas and Texans. What made this exhibit interesting to us, and the only reason we went, is that Dad worked on the show. I had a warm feeling walking through the exhibit remembering my dad. I'm sure as I drive downtown and see the banner I won't think so much about the show...just my dad.

We shopped, ate, watched movies, and relaxed by the pool. The best part was the conversation and the laughter...lots of laughter! We are Prices after all so that is to be expected. My family likes to be silly and it isn't exclusive to the boys. I love you Mom and Jenn and miss you already!

I'm now going through my usual mourning phase, but I will see both my mom and my sister next month at our family reunion. I can't wait to see all my family and be silly together. Notice the title of this post? It's a hint to my mother and my sister...we need to do this again next year!

Crazy Texas Weather!

Wednesday night and into early Thursday morning we weathered through our first really scary storm here in Texas. I know this comes with the territory as do earthquakes in California and blizzards in Utah, but this was crazy! First, we knew it was coming which is the same with Utah snow storms, but this packed a much bigger sense of urgency because there were TORNADOES and LARGE hail headed our way. It's strange to see cars driving 80 mph down your street hurrying to get home and have everything go silent...until it reaches you, and then it's very loud! During the silent time it was beautiful and neighbors were outside with me watching the sky put on the most beautiful light show I've ever seen. I felt like I was inside one of those electricity balls you see in novelty shops that produce little lightening bolts from your fingers when you touch it...it was amazing. The clouds only added to the beauty, but as the shape of the clouds changed, it wasn't so pretty anymore, it was frightening.

They say that in a tornado you want to be on the lowest level and away from windows, preferably in the middle of your house. For us, that is our downstairs guest bathroom, since the closet under our stairs (another good spot) is full of stuff I'm too lazy to put away. So, I put what I thought was important for the situation in the bathroom and we all waited in the bedroom next door. The satellite was out, so when we had power, the computer in that room was useful, we also had a good view of outside through the french doors. Jacklyn cried and blamed her fear of storms on her Grandma Price - "I can't help that I'm crying, I get it from my grandma!", Reily texted his friends non-stop, Ron sang Aerosmith, Ozzy and ACDC while watching the storm on-line knowing that his way of hitting the high notes would make Jacklyn giggle and I kept going to the window wanting to see it all. Eventually, the hail was too loud against the window for anyone to go near it and the winds and rain killed all visibility so I just waited and helped Ron distract Jacklyn. The worst had finally passed and Jacklyn was able to fall asleep, Reily fell asleep texting (literally) and Ron and I went to bed. There were two more storms that followed early in the morning, but the only one to be awakened by it was me. It was a long, eventful night!

We were lucky, only a few small dents to the house, although we haven't checked the roof yet, and broken tree limbs. There are places around town that still don't have power and their homes sustained much more damage. What's really crazy, is 24 hours later our kids had friends over swimming in the pool! Reily and his friend actually ate their dinner outside. I guess it's just the "crazy Texas weather" I've been told about.

I was too frazzled to take my own pictures so luckily I found good ones on-line. Knowing the outcome, I can now safely say that I wish you all were here to see it, because even these pictures don't do the sights of that night justice!

Saying Goodbye To Hockey

When we first moved to Austin Reily joined the Round Rock Knights in-line hockey league. It has been a blast for the whole family and a sport Reily has come to really love. The owner of the rink has decided to close it down and fill the space with storage units. All the hockey families are sad about this and are trying to come up with a solution but nothing has worked out yet. So, with great sadness, I think it's safe to say that Reily had his LAST hockey game Sunday night.

What's really neat about the Knight's program is all the players have played on the same team with each other at least once, so there's really good sportsmanship between all the teams. There's also a really neat sense of community and friendship among all the families. Reily's first coach lost his home in a fire and watching all the hockey families come together to raise money, donate clothing and provide housing for his family was amazing. Seeing all the boys express their concern and friendship for their teammate who was involved in the horrible accident in our neighborhood last month has really impressed me. I've loved this group of people and this fun sport and I'm sad that it's ended. Reily has grown so much from his time playing hockey and I know he will take it with him into his next sport...lacrosse.