So proud of my Drew!!

My oldest, Drew is about to graduate middle school. Kind of a big deal. I can't believe he's going to high school next year. How can it already be time for high school?! While I struggle with the fact that he's going to be 15 on his next birthday, I couldn't be more proud of him. He is growing up to be a thoughtful, caring, ambitious young man. 

I attended his 8th grade awards day this past week. He didn't know it but 3 of his teachers had contacted me to let me know he would be receiving an award in each of their classes. While he is a good student academically, he wasn't getting an award for his grades. He was receiving awards in each of those classes for his leadership, good character and attitude. He can always be counted on to do the right thing and be responsible when asked to do extra work or run an errand for the teacher.

Drew didn't know I was coming. I also brought his grandparents. It was fun to surprise him! We got to see him receive his awards, as well as many of his friends. His 8th grade is made up of 3 teams. Each team had it's own awards to give as well as one very special award for one child from each team. This is called the Principal's Award. It is given to a child who shows exceptional responsibility, moral character and leadership. I was so proud when Drew received this award! 

Some how I think he's going to do just fine in high school.

Drew, we are very proud of you and love you very much!!!

Lets go racin' boys!

If you follow NASCAR, you know what the All-Star race is. It's the most exciting night in NASCAR. It doesn't have anything to do with points or championships - just money and bragging rights. My sweet sister treated us to a night at the Speedway Club to enjoy all the festivities for my birthday. Jeff and I had a wonderful time. 

Of course we had to take the very touristy, obligatory self-portrait in front of the speedway first. Then we walked around a bit and bought a few souvenirs. 

Then we enjoined an amazing dinner in the Speedway Club dinning room. It was buffet style with more food than we could eat! And it was all wonderful! I enjoyed the ham with a spicy mustard spread, chicken cordon blue, pasta, salad and potato salad. Jeff had the ham, prime rib, shrimp and mahi-mahi. 

Then we hit the dessert buffet! It all looked so good, I just had to try some of just about everything! Seven layer bars, brownie with nuts and fudge, pieces of pecan pie, peanut butter and chocolate cheese cake (my favorite!) and the cup cake I never got around to trying. I was stuffed! Jeff had chocolate cake as well as a few other items but then he went back for seconds at the main buffet!

Then we were off to find our seats in the clubhouse. We had a great view of the racetrack and jumbotron. We could see every part of the track and pit road. The clubhouse also has TVs so we could see what was being said and shown by the broadcast as well as view it live on the track. It was the best of both worlds. Our seats were between some very nice couples who had season tickets. They pulled for rivaling race teams and it was fun to listen to them and join in a bit. 

I have been a fan of NASCAR for about 11 years now and have always watched from the comfort of my living room, but there really is nothing like being there. A night race, with the cars under the lights is my favorite. And you truly can not get a sense of just how fast the cars are on TV. I figured out that because the camera you are watching it from on TV is also moving, it makes it seem as though the cars aren't going nearly as fast as they are. They are reaching amazing speeds! And all within a couple of inches of each other! Incredible to watch!

Then began the ride home. I live only a mile or two from the speedway but it took us nearly an hour to get there! The people watching was fun, though. All in all, it was a night (and birthday gift!) to remember. Thank you Sissy!!

Something new...

I keep forgetting that I have this great little app on my ipad that allows me to blog any where! So! Maybe I can do this a bit for often. 

In the past couple of weeks, I was having some trouble finding my mojo so I decided that "it's time for something completely different." I have seen knitting looms and always wanted to try one so I bought one (with a coupon, of course!) and I'm having a blast!

This is so much fun! I have been watching videos on Youtube and learning different stitches so now I'm making .... something! Might be a lap blanket. Might be a shawl. I don't really care right now. I'm just having fun doing it.

And my mojo returned! Yay! If ever you lose your inspirations, do something else. It always works for me.