Odds and Ends

THE PICTURE


THE STORY

Last Monday after soccer practice Eric was handed a bag that contained two T-shirts (a white one and a navy one), a pair of black shorts and green socks. No instructions, just a bag with his soccer uniform. So, for Wednesday's practice, I had Mark dress Eric in his navy shirt because it has a cool logo and I just liked it better than the white one. Mark arrived at the soccer field and Eric is the only kid in his navy shirt -- all the other kids are in their white shirts. I asked my sister about it because her boys have been playing in the same soccer club for years and she said that the white shirt is the practice shirt and the navy shirt is the game shirt. As far as I know, they aren't playing any games at Eric's level, every practice is just that -- a practice. Thus today --Saturday -- I put Eric in his white shirt because, as far as I know, it's just another practice day. Yep, you guessed it . . . every kid had his navy shirt on and that would be MY kid, the ONLY kid in the WHITE shirt in the above picture. Apparently, I DIDN'T GET THE MEMO! I have no doubt that Eric's coaches think his parents are absolute idiots. Well, this bright light has now figured out that it's white on Monday and Wednesday and navy on Saturday. And, no ... they didn't play a game today, it was only practice!

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Mary is in San Diego participating in an Irish dance competition (called a feis and pronounced "fesh"). I really wanted to go, but without any nursing on the weekend, I didn't feel like I could leave Mark alone with Jack the entire weekend. Mary placed third in one of her dances, which is great given the significant number of dancers in her age group and level. She will be hanging out at the beach tomorrow with her cousin Shannon and their friends from dance (and their parents). Sure wish I was there . . .

Mary sent me this picture via her cell phone. It's not great, but you can see Mary in a "solo" dress. After dancers reach a certain level in their competition, they are able to wear a solo dress, as opposed to the class dress they typically wear. Each school of Irish dance has a custom designed class dress, while a solo dress is individualized for each dancer. The solo dresses are quite expensive and Mary is now at the level where she (thinks she) needs one. Thankfully, she was able to borrow one of Shannon's this time around.

(Mary is in blue; Shannon in pink)

Irish Dancers
(pic added Monday 9/3)

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After all the negative feedback we've received regarding Eric's performance at school, it was a true pleasure to receive a postcard in the mail today from one of Mary's teacher, upon which he wrote:

"I want to let you know what a pleasure it is having Mary in my honors world history class. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic will take her far. Thank you for your support."

It's the little things like that, that make this parenting thing all worth it! Thank you Mary.

On the Eric front, Mark and I are meeting with his teacher on Thursday. If things don't turn around soon, we are going to put him in the gifted class - which only complicates our life because the program is at a different school, not close to our house. However, we will find a way to make it work if need be.

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Just some pics:

Jack enjoying time on the couch and a change
of scenery from his bedroom

"Wild Man" and his new Crocs

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I also want to once again thank all of you who check in on us and thank you for all your comments. I cherish every one. Enjoy the rest of your three day weekend.