November 2024

I spent the first full weekend in November with my sister in law, Louise, in New York City. It was such a spontaneous trip and was so amazing. She always provides the best lifelong memories for myself and my family. Times Square was a block from our hotel. 

Unbelievably amazing art displays to promote conservation of animal species. 

We went through the Chelsea Market and could have eaten everything in sight. 

Grand Central Station never disappoints. 

The New York Marathon happened to be the weekend we were there. It was amazing to watch all of the people. 

Someone's finger got in my picture. Rude!

We had high tea at the Plaza. Louise has always wanted to do this, so she booked us in. We discussed that it might not have lived up to its hype. 

Baby sandwiches, scones and desserts. 

Well, there was at least one tree up at Radio City Music Hall. 

Times Square at night

This musical was all that and more. I highly recommend seeing it. 

Louise was so excited because a dancer she knows was playing Shakespeare, the lead role. 

And as always, we had amazing seats. 

Daniel (Shakespeare) front and center. 

Of course we went to the stage door to meet up with him after the show. Louise was so thrilled, she cried a bit. 

Central Park by the fountain. We walked through Central Park after getting a coffee. 

Wedding photos were being taken in the park. 

We had lunch at the Boathouse in Central Park. Iconic!

Lunch was amazing and we sat right by the window closest to the boats. This restaurant has been seen in many movies like When Harry Met Sally and 27 Dresses. 

The last photo of this trip. What an epic 40 hours. 

Do I look cold? Beach volleyball state finals were a bit chilly. Casteel got beat by Mountain View for the championship. It was a fun and quick inaugural season. Jack and his partner, Will, were the second team all season. 

Veterans Day weekend Jack’s club team beat Aspire 16s. This has been a long time coming. They are the 16s biggest rivals. 

The superstars of Casteel Volleyball visit Riggs Elementary kids. They were signing autographs. Ha! Jack felt famous. 

Forcing the children to go with us to Top Golf was great. They were both grounded for the weekend from their friends, so this was part of their punishment! They do see hanging out with us these days as torture. 

My two best guys! So handsome!

My niece Morgan came into town for a night and we got to see her and her sweet baby girl Hallie. Hallie was a bit scared of Jack. 

Hallie was helping Grammie cut the banana cake. 

Although Hallie was scared of Jack, she was obsessed with Millie. 

The next to last weekend in November the club team went to Long Beach for a tournament. They ended up winning bronze in the gold bracket. They were the only Fear team that came home with a medal. 

While we were in Long Beach, Millie stayed with her friend Andie for a night. This was her outfit for the Casteel football game they went to. Millie spent the rest of the weekend with Grammie and Pop. 

Chris, Kristi and I just hung out all weekend. 

Kristi is my boss and so much fun!  

While at the tournament, I met Will Ferrell. Yep! His son plays for an 18s team in California. I went up to him to tell him how much his Netflix special, Will and Harper, touched me. He was very gracious and lovely. 

Jack, Carter and Owen are three of the four boys who hang out together, as do their parents. 

The team! One of the moms is a photographer extraordinaire. 

These 5 boys all play at Casteel. They have three more school seasons together. 

Bronze!

He clearly did something that excited him!

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, our 5th grade classes had a feast. All the kids brought something from their home country. I was in a food coma by about 2 pm. 

Stuart had the entire week of Thanksgiving off, and I had Wednesday off. While our friends were in the Bahamas and having family time, we had serious faces as we were a bit jealous. We weren’t on a tropical island and our kids didn’t want to spend time with us. 

We hosted Thanksgiving for the neighbors and my parents. The food was amazing!

Millie made Granny Smith Snickers salad for Thanksgiving. It was delightful. I’m not sure why I have a hard time taking a picture of Millie with her eyes open. 

Friday we got up and all the humans helped put up our outside lights. It was actually quite nice. Although the kids were actually a bit sick. Both had colds and were coughing their heads off. Ick!

Stuart and I went to Wal Mart in the afternoon and here was who I saw. Turns out, Santa works at Wal Mart. Who knew?

The lights are up!

October 2024

These moments are few and far between these days. As the kids get older, their social lives are way more important than their families, so we were so thrilled when Jack joined us for a night of cards early in October. 

For Jack's birthday, Tatum, his girlfriend, bought him a zip lining experience. Because Tatum is only 15, an adult had to go with her. Well, I couldn't be left out, so both her mom and I went along. It was so fun!

Beach volleyball came into our lives this October. It was the inaugural year for all of the 6A teams. Jack and his partner, Will, had great success. Jack dreams of playing on the beach professional circuit at some stage. We shall see.  

This beauty third from the left is growing up too fast. This was her first junior high dance. She got ready at her friend Andie's house and then had a sleepover. It was reported that she had a blast. The following day Jack had a club tournament. I got a call in the middle of the tournament from Millie. She said that she and Andie were talking the previous night. She said Andie asked her if there was ever anything Millie hadn't told her. Millie said 'yep'. Andie proceeded to ask what it was. Millie said, 'Well, it starts with an 'a'.' Andie the said, 'Did Gia (Andie's cousin) tell you?'  Millie said, 'tell me what?' And then Andie said, 'that I am adopted'. Millie said, 'I'm adopted!' I guess from then on they just solidified their bond, and I think her mom and I did the same. What an amazing experience for her, to have a friend who is also adopted. Wow!

Ken turned 60 this year. For his birthday, we went to the Game Show Room in Tempe, which was a blast. Then we went to dinner at Smokin' Fins. Yummy!

Stuart came to visit my school and read my book to my book to my second graders. They loved it and he loved my school. 

Did we sneak off for a beer while Millie was at a volleyball clinic? We sure did. And how cute are my new specs? I got them from Pair Eye Wear, online. 

Did my Frankenstein and his wife and kid blow-up die the afternoon it rained? Yep. But Stuart ordered the sliders, the web and the ghoul and put them up the same day. 

We watched Beetlejuice, the original, one Sunday night in the middle of the month. Just after the movie, we made Jack go to Tatum's to tell her why he broke up with her via text. Dang this was a rough lesson and a very emotional weekend for sure. 

Vero's pizza night. We decided to go here for dinner one Friday night when both kids were out. 

This is Jack's club coach. We were twinning. This seemed to bind us, which was good because the way he spoke to the team the previous tournament was less than impressive. 

Chris, Kristi, Vicki and myself went to the Basha by Casteel for a meal prep class with Citrus Pear. There is no skill involved, you just fill your ziploc bags with ingredients and take them home to freezer for later meals in the crock pot. It's a beautiful thing. 

Jack's team dressed as the Minions for Halloween. 

My neighbor Elise and I dressed as witches and had very little traffic. I had so much candy left over. 

Here is a never before seen photo of the legal marriage Stuart and I had 18 years ago, on Halloween. We have told some people throughout the years, but kept it a secret from most. We had an actually ceremony 5 months later. But to be honest, he needed to get a job for his own self-worth, and this was the easiest way to do it. Surprise! Liz and Vicki were our witnesses. My family still doesn't know we did this. I think we will tell them in two years when it's our 20th anniversary. 

Millie went trick or treating with her bestie Andie and their 'friends' Walker and Beckham. 

Naturally, the day after Halloween you get out your Christmas decorations. And although I was due to leave for New York City for an impromptu trip with my sister in law Louise, it still had to happen. 

Saturday morning Millie had tryouts for her club team. There weren't enough 13s to have two teams, so they took a few girls from the 13s and a few from the 14s and made a 14-2s team. Well, Millie's friend Andie didn't make the 1s team, but Millie did. I cried because I wanted them to be on the same team. On the way home I asked Millie if she still would have wanted to play had she been put on that team instead of Andie. She said, 'I would, because I just want to play and get better.' Up until that moment I wasn't entirely sure she was convinced that volleyball was her sport, but those words changed my mind. 

We got home, I did some things around the house and then headed to the airport. My sister in law, Louise, had invited me to meet her in New York City for two days, actually more like 40 hours, so I jumped at the chance. Here's to two incredible days of adventure. 

September 2024

Well, I'm restarting this month's blog as I went in to edit and lost it all. So the details could be a bit sketchy. 

On Sunday of Labor Day weekend, we were still without children. We spent the day doing a few things around the house, but mostly just enjoyed the quiet. 

Monday was a lot of the same. We kind of waited around for the kids to get back home. Millie flew in after 9 pm so I went to pick her up. Because she was considered an unaccompanied minor, I got to go to the gate to get her. Stuart picked Jack up at the Hurley house and we were all home by about 10 pm. The next day was sure to be an exhausting day, but we would deal with it as best as possible. 

Stuart worked in town for Tuesday and Wednesday, so it was nice for him to be at home when the kids got up. To think I only have three more weeks to drive the kids to school freaks me out. After school on Tuesday, Jack went down to mow my parents' lawn while Stuart and I went to watch Millie's volleyball team. Jack had club practice on Tuesday evening, so was picked up and taken there. 

Wednesday after school Stuart stopped by the house and then headed to Gallup. The girls (Sherry, Mary, Gina and Elise) were to come over so we could celebrate Gina and Elisa's birthdays. Sadly, Sherry's mom had passed away a few days before so we had to reschedule. Gina had decided she needed to spend the evening with her dad as it was his birthday. However, I decided that shouldn't prevent Elisa, Mary and I from getting together. Mary had missed the July birthday celebration as her sister was not well and has since passed as well. So the three of us met at Barrio Queen and had a laugh for sure! 

Thursday was Millie's last regular season match. I am so proud of how she has competed this season. The season is so fast in junior high, but it gives the kids a taste of the sport, so for Millie that was very important. 

Friday was a hectic day, as always for me. After school I picked Millie up from practice and Jack went home with Carter to celebrate his 16th birthday. They were going to sleep over. Coming up to 16 is starting to get real. Jack is around way less than normal, which is weird for all of us. Millie is especially jealous as we don't let her have the freedom he has, which isn't surprising. 

Saturday Stuart was working in Gallup for new teacher orientation while the kids and I were here. I had my friend Debi over for some girl time. Debi left rather early. Millie hung out with Andie for the day and Jack was out with friends. 

Sunday was a relatively lonely day. Stuart was in Gallup and the kids and I were at home. Boring! 

Monday was another boring day. Stuart was still in Gallup and the kids and I were home. We did nothing Monday evening. At least when we are busy, it makes time go faster and Stuart being gone is not as noticeable. 

Tuesday the kids both had things going on after school. I picked Millie up from practice and then waited around for Jack to go for his road test. The instructor called and said he would be about a half hour late. Since Jack had club practice and was going to be late anyway, we agreed to meet at the office in Tempe. This way Jack could be at practice for at least an hour. Of course he passed with flying colors. 

Wednesday Millie had a playoff game. She didn't play, and was a bit disappointed, but stayed enthusiastic on the sidelines, which I loved. After her game, we went to the district office and the board of education recognized the Casteel volleyball team as they had been named the 5A champions after months of controversy. It was a weird situation, but the character the boys showed was to be respected and recognized. 

This award was definitely a bittersweet moment. 

Thursday, after going back and forth with Jack's AP English teacher about an essay score that caused him to have a C in her class, he was allowed to revise the essay. Do I think he gave it his all? No! Do I think she made it clear the kids could revise their essay? Nope! It was a bit of a shit show, to be honest. If there wasn't college credit at stake here, I would have let him handle it on his own, but not happening. I also find these high school teachers that are a hot minute over the age of 22 to be unnerving at times. Jack had practice at Brophy and Millie and I watched Dancing with the Stars. It's something that bonds us. 

Friday Stuart was home because one of his schools had closed due to a covid outbreak. We decided to go ahead and meet with the AP teacher after school, even though Jack had gone in to talk to her regarding the revision. I just wanted to make sure he was in full understanding of the expectations. I also wanted the teacher to know we supported her, but also wanted to support our kid in his endeavors. And although we don't use ADD as a crutch, it really does play into the lack of attention to detail from time to time. We asked Jack if we embarrassed him. He said, 'No, actually having you come to the school is the main reason I think she allowed me to revise the paper'. Ha! 

Friday evening the kids both went to the varsity football game. Stuart and I went to eat at Vero's, which was a new place for us. I picked them up after the game and we all came home for a sleep! 

Saturday I ran around getting all the things for Homecoming and a birthday party Millie was going to that afternoon. We took Millie to her party at 3:45 pm and then went to pick Tatum up at 4:45 to go take pictures at Veteran's Park. Jack, Tatum, Carter and Alex were going to Cooper's Hawk for dinner and then to the dance. The plan was for Tatum's parents to pick them up from the dance and let them come back to their house until midnight. I'm not ready for this! It's a good thing we love Tatum. 

Who are the couples? Ha! What beautiful children we all have!

Sunday Millie had a volleyball clinic. It seems her coach wanted to talk to her about a situation that happened with another player. It seems another player had gotten mad at Millie over a boy and sent her some scathing texts with some choice words in them. Thank goodness Millie did not respond the same way. Fortunately for her, I had caught her using some similar language with someone the previous week and had taken her phone as a result. So she knew better than to get caught in that trap again. I told her the words didn't bother me as much as the fact that it was in writing. I explained the importance of not sending words in texts or pictures that could be considered naughty! Stuart and I went to lunch during her clinic and then came back to a conversation from the coach. Coach Tracy said she was sorry she hadn't been told about the other girl's treatment of Millie because she would have addressed it. Millie later asked if she was in trouble. We assured her that she was not in trouble, but wanted her to know that the treatment she received from this girl was never to be tolerated. I'm hoping she got the message. 

Monday was the semi-finals of the volleyball season. Millie didn't play again, and she was the only one for the last two games. It made me sad for her, but she seemed fine, so that was good enough for me. Stuart was able to be at the match and although she didn't play, we were proud of her being willing to step out and try something new. She did improve a great deal and has decided she is going to go out for club volleyball. We shall see how that plays out. They ended up losing in the semi-finals, but had a great season. 

Tuesday Stuart was still working in southern Arizona. We took the boys to Inspire and went to a pub quiz close by. Tom and Chris met us there. It was fun! It would be the last time I would drive Jack to Inspire for practice. So surreal!

Wednesday after school I met with my former teammates, Shelby and Alyssa, for dinner. I hadn't seen them in over a year. It was great to catch up with both of them. Stuart headed to Gallup once his day in southern Arizona was finished. He loves being able to come home at the end of a work day several days a month, but the days he has to drive to Gallup after a days work in San Simone are not fun days. 

Thursday, Stuart ended coming back home. He decided to work a half day from home on Friday. It was great to have him back home. 

So this was September 19th, but this mouse saga had been going on for over a week. We discovered some droppings and I freaked out. Stuart stopped to get traps earlier in the week and the killings began. 

Friday the kids went to a football game again. Stuart and I went to dinner while the kids were at the football game. We have started to have a lot more free time for us. The kids are busy and really don't want to hang out with us. 

Saturday was a full day of volleyball. It was the first volleyball tournament of the club season. Here we go. Jack's team is really good and moved up a division after their 4-0 record on Saturday. They were playing 17 and 18 year olds. He was pretty pumped by the entire day. 

He is quite the jumper and the hitter. 

After the tournament, all the boys came over for a sleepover. The next day was Jack's 16th birthday. He only asked to have all his buddies and their families over for lunch and swimming. 

The day of celebrating Jack was so much fun. We got to know Will's and Asher's families so much better. He has such a great group of friends and their families are equally amazing. 

Monday, Stuart had taken the day off to take Jack to get his license. I can't believe it is time for this. 

His first trip on his own was to take Millie to Target. We had sat him down to talk to him about his new responsibilities. So scary! 

By Tuesday, Jack had his keys taken away for a short while. It seems that he wants to argue with me via text about spending time with his girlfriend at her house without an adult there. Stupid! So, he didn't get to go pick her up on that day. There are more days ahead, thank goodness. I am hoping he fixes his stupidity. Also, on Tuesday, since I was still working and the kids were on break, I made a list of chores for them to have completed by the end of the day. Well, the 16 year old who thinks he's grown now, didn't do his chores. He is clearly not skilled at the 'kiss ass' behavior that should follow a major mess up. Hoping he learns soon. 

Wednesday chores were completed once I got home from work. Millie and I went to her end of season celebration. She was awarded the most improved player. Her coach said such wonderful things about her. She was so proud and so was I. 

My little volleyball star!

Thursday I met the kids at the doctor for their med checks. I had a covid and flu shot the previous day so woke up feeling like crap. I struggled through and then decided the kids would just get a flu shot and not a covid shot. Jack had another tournament on Saturday, so I didn't want him feeling horrible. They were both mad enough about the flu shot. It's just how I handle it. Don't tell and they won't be able to be mad prior to. 

Stuart got home early on Friday and we decided to go to dinner and then to a cross country meet close to the Mesa airport. I have never seen so many runners in my life. One of the schools Stuart works at in Gallup had runners there. We met up with Todd as well, as his team was there. I really wish Millie would run cross country. I think she would be good. She has no interest, though. 

Jack went to the football game in Mesa. There was controversy around it as he hadn't done his chores. Seems he is having difficulty keeping in mind that his family obligations come first. He will learn, I hope. 

Saturday he had his second tournament. Millie decided to go with us this time as the previous Saturday she was bored to death all day. They didn't do as well as the week before, but they still moved up a division, so they are close to the top now. After the tournament, Jack came home and showered and then was out the door again. He went to have a sleepover at Will's. 

What a month!