Hockey Cupcakes

I found these in my drafts too.  I made these for Max's high school hockey team.

Print out a copy of the school logo

Put waxed paper over the logo

Melt some chocolate melts in your team color, pour melted chocolate into a squeeze bottle that you get at Michael's (think ketchup bottle at a restaurant) and squirt chocolate to cover the logo.  Chill, peel gently and stick onto cupcake before serving.  Don't put these in until you're ready to serve or they can melt and break.

How I got the striped look with icing?  Take a throw away piping bag that has a star tip on the end.  Take a wooden skewer and run food coloring up the side of the bag in a line.  Three lines around the bag.  Fill with frosting.

Start squeezing frosting on cupcake in a clockwise pattern finishing in the center.  Top with chocolate logo.  Impress your friends:)

The Dinner Table

I've been told I'm old fashioned because I think it's important to sit around the dinner table and talk.  Been told on more than one occasion "there is NO way you did that when you were busy with sports and dance". 

I'm here to tell you we did.  A single working Mom with 2 extremely busy kids ate around a table at least 4 days per week. It wasn't always a real meal, it wasn't always at "dinner" time.  Depending on the day, it was fast food, PB&J or cereal but we sat together because I think it's important.  I was raised that way and it's a tradition I think is important.

But here was the problem.  One adult, two kids "sat" together and that wasn't working for me so I started the tradition of telling three things from our day around the dinner table.  Three things since the kids were old enough to talk.  You were allowed (encouraged) to ask questions of the "thing" or like a lot of times they were stated one by one around the table until 3 had been shared.  One might say what they had for lunch, one might tell how they did on an assignment, Mom might tell you about the sale on cereal at the store and why we now have 8 boxes of cheerios;)  Everyone who sat at our table had to indulge me with their three things.

Flash forward to the college years.  I am a firm believer that you fill your child's tool box and you let them go into the world and do their thing.  At first I left them alone because I didn't want my sadness to leak out into my voice and/or make them home sick.  Then it kind of became the norm: texting and phone calls here and there, love you boxes of their favorites mailed to let them know I was thinking about them, lots of hugs when they came home.  I knew they were busy with their new routine and their respective sports so I let them be busy.  And, then one Sunday night when I was missing them extra I decided to text 3 things and to my surprise they both "replied all" with their 3 things.  Hearts and thumbs up attached to messages and all felt right in the world again.  We now share three things from our week on Sunday night. 

Traditions don't have to be done in the exact same way to continue.  Make them your own, make them work for you but please make them!

The Jacket

Max lettered in hockey in March and baseball in May.  A pretty big accomplishment for a sophomore and I was beyond proud of him.  His dedication to his teams and his consistent effort to be a better player and a solid team player make me proud of the young man he is growing into.

I've been seeing a lot of articles about parents pushing their kids in sports and how much time parents expect their kids to put in.  How they'll hate sports by the time they are in high school and it wouldn't be a life long choice if they were given the decision.  Most of the articles are talking about kids who dedicate to one sport only and play it year round but a few have referenced families similar to ours.  A family who goes from one sport to another, season after season.

The thing is, I never pushed him.  I will admit that his first year of mites I may have forced him into gear about a month in because he didn't want to practice, he only wanted to play games (that was where the first lesson of, "if you commit to something, you WILL finish" came into play;)

BUT after that, that kid lived for his sports.  Trust me when I tell you that it was NOT my choice to be at a field or a rink 3-5 days a week when he was young but that's what the teams required.  When he got older, the days and the hours increased.  It was me that begged, "can't you please just miss ONE practice" and he would roll his eyes, shake his head and load his stuff into the car.  He went tired, he went sick and he went sore.  He would not and will not let his coach or his team down and in Max's eyes, missing a practice is letting everyone down including himself.  

He opted to continue to play soccer, hockey and baseball through middle school.  They overlapped sometimes but the sport of the season got his full commitment to the irritation of more than one coach.  He was told and understood by not committing full-time to one sport that it could cost him down the road when it came to making the "elite" teams but he was firm on playing all the sports he loved.  He has adjusted and although he doesn't play on a formal team year round, he rarely hangs up his skates.  He knows that to stay competitive he has to.  He feels like he's letting his team down if he's not at the top of his game when the season starts.  It's a quality in him that I admire.  It's a quality that is going to get him far in life.  

I guess where I'm going with this post is that I think parents need to listen to their children.  Offer opportunities but let them be your guide.  Sports have taught him what commitment means.  Sports have heightened his compassion.  Sports have kept him physically fit.  Sports have exposed him to the good, the bad and the ugly of a lot of different personalities and given him perspective.  Sports are his passion and I am so glad he took me along on the ride.  

Here he is in his letter jacket.  He looks pretty handsome if I do say so myself;)

November

The month to be thankful.  I've never participated in the "30 days of Thankful" and I don't intend to start now but since I have missed blogging about a bunch of things, I will catch up on a few that I've been thankful for over the past few months.

The first being this...

Max finished 3rd for the entire triathlon, that's what the 3 fingers are about.

My kids participated again in the Miracles of Mitch triathlon in August and raised over $1000 for kids fighting cancer.  But this year it hit a little closer to home because a family friend's 14 year-old son was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in May.  Brenden has been a complete ROCK STAR.  He has undergone surgery that removed part of his femur and replaced it with a metal rod.  He has had 9 chemo treatments and has 9 more to go.  He has been working through this, working through the crap of having cancer with a positive attitude and I am beyond impressed. 

I am always humbled when I stand watching the kids race but this year it meant a little more.  Unfortunately, my kids have run for friends of friends or I ran into someone I knew from high school last year whose child had cancer.  But this year, this year we knew Brenden.  How can a healthy kid who was playing baseball the day before find out he has cancer?  A fall, a limp, a routine check up and the doctor says that horrible word.  It's when things like this happen that you step back and say a little thank you that your child is healthy.  I am thankful that my children can do something positive and I'm SO proud of them for doing it year after year.

Ash Wednesday

I just got back from Ash Wednesday services at our church.  I use the term "our" loosely because although I became a member so my children could get baptized and confirmed there, I don't feel embraced by the experience.  It's not because our church isn't welcoming, they are.  They are accepting of "my" involvement as limited as it may be.  I just feel like an outsider on nights like tonight because it's not something I can fully accept into my life.  When everyone and I do mean EVERYone goes up for communion and I stay in the pew, I feel a little out of place.

I was raised with a sense of self and a more spiritual attitude.  My Dad believed in the Native ways of spirits guiding you and my Mom believed in the more traditional sense of God and what he represents.  My Dad who didn't make a hard stand on much when it came to our upbringing, took a stand that it would be our choice to pick which route we wanted.  My Dad randomly spoke of different things.  My Mom sang Amazing Grace to all of us and other hymns.  I knew who God was, I just never had any formal teachings.  It wasn't something that bothered me much until 4th grade when one of my friend's moms asked me where I went to church, they were Catholic.  I told her I didn't.  She asked if I was baptized, I told her I wasn't.  That was the last time I was asked to stay at their house.  She told me in school that she wasn't allowed to hang around with me anymore because God wasn't in my life and she really didn't speak to me again.  I couldn't put into words my exact feelings at the time but now I can say it, I was sincerely hurt by the experience.

I attended church fairly regularly with my friend Julie's family through middle school and I can honestly say I took little from the experience other than it was something I did if I wanted to sleep over on Saturday night, I didn't think I was a better person for going and they never judged me, they simply let me tag along and exposed me to something different and I appreciate now because it gave me a positive experience with church.  I remember sitting through brunch after and her Dad asking about how we interrupted the sermon.  I  thought it was kind of silly at the time but now realize he was just helping us figure out what the words really meant in a real life experience and I thank him for that because he made sense of it for me.

But it happened again in high school with my first boyfriend's parents.  Why wasn't I baptized, why didn't I go to church?  That time I was angry that not only myself but my family was being judged.  That we were somehow not good people because we didn't attend church on holidays, what both of those families had in common.  They weren't regular church goers, they were hypocrites is what they were.

So when my children started asking questions about God when they were little and both their Dad and I gave different answers, I decided to bring them somewhere that would give them information and they could decide for themselves and I dropped them off, grabbed a bagel up the street and picked them up 40 minutes later because I still had no interest in organized religion.  But that relationship has been over 11 years now.  I have done some volunteering during those years but my children have attended Sunday school regularly, Claire sang in the choir, took junior high classes, were baptized, had first communion, Max was confirmed and still chooses to attend and Claire is in the final weeks of confirmation.  My children feel a sense of comfort there, I can especially tell with Max and that makes me happy.  Another place, another option that can help them through tough times or simply lighten their load.

But I don't take communion, although I am welcome to.  I don't take it because they put in the work, learned the scriptures and read the bible and are entitled to have that reward so to speak.  I'm not going to be a hypocrite and stand next to them and do it when I haven't invested myself completely like they have.  So instead I sit there and watch them and my feelings of discomfort are erased by a feeling that I gave them a sense of self too and I'm proud of that.  I'm proud of them.

Traditions Matter

I'm used to hockey tryouts.  I've been living through them for the past 6 years.  This year was just different.  Parents weren't involved.  Max started the process afterschool on a Monday.  They were also different in the respect that results weren't posted.  Everyday they were told when/where to show up the next day.  One rink meant you were still in the Varsity pool, the other Junior Varsity.  It ended with a scrimmage on the following Saturday. 

The scrimmage I'm used to, that's how tryouts end.  The only difference is that he had two scrimmages to play.  I went.  I watched.  I bought him lunch in between.  I was proud of him. 

Later that night we were sitting on the couch together and Max looked over at me and said, "hey you didn't take photos today".

I gave him the "huh" face.

"It was my FIRST varsity game. You always take photos of my first everything". 

I told the truth and said that I didn't think about it because it was tryouts.

"Well it was still my first time playing Varsity". 

He was right. I have been capturing his "first" everything since he was born.  First sunglasses, first birthday party, first smile, first time sitting up or walking and every first game.  Simply put, I dropped the ball.  And, very unlike me...I'm not beating myself up about it.  It's time to let my kids know that I'm human.  I make mistakes, I forget things, I drop the ball on occasion and it doesn't mean I love them any less.  But it was a good reminder that even when they seem like they've outgrown you or the traditions you've created, they still matter.  He accepted my apology and I'll be sure to get some photos of his first game because HE MADE THE VARSITY TEAM and I couldn't be prouder!

So, true to my word, I remembered my camera for the first official game this weekend.  He had an assist and the game ended with a 3-3 tie. 

Even though this one is blurry, I liked it.  Kind of reminded me of both how fast the years have gone and how fast the game has become.  Blurred fits my mood well tonight.

A Mommy Brag

Every once in awhile your child does something that makes you realize that they've grown up. 

 

I  received an email from a FB friend from back in the day.  She moved back to a suburb close to Minneapolis 2 years ago with her family.  Her daughter is a junior and found herself with a cancelled date to homecoming 5 days before the dance, would Max consider going? 

 

I asked, he thought about it for a few minutes and said he would.  He didn't know anyone at the school and he met her about an hour before this photo was taken.  He had fun and even went to an after party for a little bit. 

 

Yep, not only is my baby growing up, his heart is continuing to grow with him.

 

 

Super 16 Birthday Party

I don’t think I’ve had a party give me more anxiety than my son’s 16^th.  I wanted it to be special.  I wanted it to be comparable to a SWEET 16.  Just because he’s a boy shouldn’t mean that he not have the fun decorations and “big deal” made.  I finally came up with SUPER 16 and made a play from the Superman logo and it was a hit.  The small problem is, you have to create everything yourself.  BUT it was all fairly easy and the end result was a big smile from a SUPER kid.

I started with having his Dad put a 16 inside of the superman logo.  From there it was just a matter of printing different sizes.  In Microsoft Word I also created a few POW, BANG, ZAP and Happy Birthdays.  To do that I went to insert, shapes and used the first star shape

 I also sent the logo to a local t-shirt place and had t-shirts made for all the kids that were coming.  Not only did the kids all love it including his friends, but so did he!!

He wanted cheeseburgers for the food so I did a topping bar with that and kept the rest simple with deviled eggs, tuna salad, potato salad, beans, vegi and fruit tray and chips.  The sweet table was where I had a little fun because Max has always been about the sugar! 

I created Super 16s with colored chocolate melts from Michaels.  I put the logo under wax paper and with a squeeze bottle created the toppers for the cupcakes and cookie cake.

I dunked Oreos in red and drizzled with yellow, dunked marshmallows on sticks into red melts and frosted rice krispy bars with yellow chocolate and sprinkled.  We also had Nana's fudge and I scooped ice cream into small cups for root beer floats.

I bought some cheap yellow, red and blue bags at the dollar store, printed out smaller Super 16s and made goodie bags which I just filled with candy and a juice jug.  And even though they didn't say so, I could tell the older kids liked getting a goodie bag as much as the youngest kid there. 

The banner was just 8x10 sheets of paper that I printed with a font of 650.  I also had blue star balloons lining the driveway that I taped Super 16s to. 

Lastly, my favorite photo of the day.

Super 16

My baby is 16!!  I won't ask again where the time has gone even though I wonder how just yesterday he was my snuggly baby boy.

This year he's a sophomore in high school who will be playing hockey and baseball.  He's almost 6'1" and wears a size 12 shoe.  He is practicing his driving and working on his GPA so he can get his license.  He continually antagonizes his sister.  He loves his family and doesn't think twice when Alivia hands him a Barbie or an apron.  He is making appropriate decisions and is a good kid.  And, my favorite thing..he tells me he loves me whenever he gets out of the car whether it's when I'm dropping him at school, a friend's house or practice..every single time, no matter who is around and every single time my heart melts just a little bit.
 
His physical changes are evident to the naked eye but watching him mature this year has been an emotional journey for me.  He is starting to "get it".  Why he was raised with consequences, why I have expectations, that hard work will always pay off, manners will take you a LONG way and seeing first hand as a camp counselor what the result is when you aren't raised that way.  His frustration level was high a few days and when he'd tell me how awful the kids behavior was and that they respected (yes, he used that word) no one.  He said, "you would kick my butt if I behaved that way".  I told him that it's "easy" to not discipline your children or have expectations but look what happens when you take the easy road.  He shook his head and said, "yeah, that's just ridiculous".

He came home from a Twins game a month ago and said, "a lady at the game told me to tell you that you did a great job raising me".  I gave him the "huh" face.  He continued with, "She said that she was impressed with my manners and that you did a good job".  I told him that HE did the good job by using them when I wasn't around.

We've had a few growing pains this year but mostly we're evolving into a different kind of relationship.  My years of teaching and guidance have turned into reminders and words of support or encouragement.  I am SO proud of the person he has grown to be and look forward to watching him accomplish whatever it is he decides to tackle.

Happy Birthday Max!!  I hope your day is as SPECTACULAR AS YOU!!

First Day of School

Just a little bit late;)  The kids will be finishing their second week today.

Max started his sophomore year and he says he is going to work very hard on his grades this year.  His driver's license is tied to his GPA and right now it's not where it should be.  Silly boy didn't think I "meant" it when I stated that rule.  Always being consistent and truthful with my children apparently escapes their memory on occasion.  BUT...I've actually seen homework being done so I'm pretty optomistic he is taking me seriously now. 

I drive him to his bus stop since it's close to my work and he stepped out and stood there waiting for me.  He apparently remembers that no matter how old he is, he WILL pose for a first day of school photo:) 

 

Miss Claire had her first LAST day of middle school.  Alanna filled in again as photo Mom for the morning since I had to work.  She's excited to be the oldest in school and looking forward to what the year brings.  She is taking Spanish this year so we'll see what she retained from her first 4 years only being taught in Spanish.  She has also been hitting the books afterschool and that makes me happy.  Can't deny it, my baby girl is growing up.

 



Miracles of Mitch

It’s a day that the kids look forward to all summer.  It’s a day when we thank our blessings and puts a little balance in our lives.  As I sat waiting for the race to start, I looked up and saw a friend from high school.  I smiled and asked if it was his kids first year and he kept smiling and said, “Yes, as an All-Star and he’s so excited”.  All-Stars are the children that my kids are running for.  All-Stars are the kids who have cancer.  All-Stars get recognition on stage and pass out the medals.  When Brody came walking in with the All-Stars, smiling from ear to ear, I couldn’t stop the tears from falling and I was completely humbled.  We just got a reality check that proved how precious life is and Max and Claire along with 700 other kids are making a difference. 

Here's a few pictures from the day.

Bright and Early...Nah, they didn't have to be there until 9;)

 Claire finding a seat with her age group

 Max waiting for a seat

 Brody is 2nd from the left

 Just got done swimming and transitioning to the bikes

 DONE!!

 BONUS this year...Madison, Jordan and Aliva came with Mom and Dad to cheer them on!!

Baseball 2013

 Max started playing t-ball when he was 3.  Yes, I was the crazy parent who knew he would love an organized sport and was trying to wear off his abundance of energy so I signed him up in the "pre" t-ball session AND he loved it.  Every spring since he pulls out his baseball glove and heads to the field.

In 3rd grade we decided to play in a close suburb because their program was more organized than our local park and we made some wonderful friends.  I completely enjoyed heading to the ball field to watch Max play and catch up with the parents.

Two years ago we stepped into the traveling portion because I finally gave in and allowed him to "travel" with two sports.  It meant giving up most of our weekends in June and July.  Traveling sports is a commitment and one that I know well because of hockey.  Our life is hockey from November to March, I didn't want to give up our short summers too.  But I realized how much Max was missing the competitive game that traveling offers and I did what you do when you're a parent, I put his feelings in front of my own and we joined and he LOVED it.  Truth be told, I loved it too;)

This year was the last year that he could play with his boys because next year they'll all join their high school teams during the summer.  The season wasn't great due to crap weather.  LOTS of rain delays and cancelled games but we still managed to get our fair share in.  And, although we didn't surpass last years 2nd place finish as we hoped, we finished 3rd in districts and state!

What I was completely unprepared for was the feeling of loss when it finished.  Max has played with these boys for 7 years!!  Because of the slower pace of the game verses hockey, there is a LOT of time to chat with the other parents and really get to know them.  Because you're traveling and sometimes have back to back games with little time in between, everyone steps up and takes care of the boys without a second thought.  You run to the store for water, ice and snacks.  You ride share, you share blankets and umbrellas, you share the disappointments and wins, you become a family.

When the last inning was being played, I watched every second with a knot in my stomach.  It was bittersweet to lose the game that would send us on to the next day but was SO proud of their 3rd place finish.  It was over, not just the game but this portion of our lives with "this" family.  I choked back tears as I said my goodbyes to the first few families.  I wiped tears as I hugged and said goodbye to a few more.  And, when I got home, I let myself cry.  I knew that it was going to be tough to go through milestones with my kids but I never realized the sense of loss that I would feel with some of those milestones.  I'm truly going to miss my Richfield family as is Max.

Here are some highlights from the season thanks to Marci's fabulous photos.

My ALL time favorite field.  In the middle of a small town was this field that was right out of Field of Dreams.  They announced each player as they came  up to bat and played music between innings.  It was a BEAUTIFUL summer day and the bonus...we won the game!

 Celebrating a win over the 1st place team in state!

 He claims he wasn't flashing Marci to be funny, just untucking his jersey.  Either way, it made me smile.

 We ran into one of his hockey buddies and they're doing a little catch up between batters.

 Stand up DOUBLE

 And, this would be a triple he hit, talking to his coach and changing out his batting gloves.

 The action shots

The "it's 100 degrees with no wind" shot

The 3rd place medal shot "I" took.