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--