Ambition

Ellea wasn't the only one who was ambitious in the kitchen lately.  Nicole volunteered to bring a fancy dessert to the school band's jazz concert/dessert auction this week.

She had big dreams of making something fabulous.  She took on the task of making fondant with great success.  She had a few moments of "what was I thinking," and it wasn't as easy as she imagined, but I'm glad she stuck with it.

She did such a good job that the band director bought he creation for $50!  That made all her hard work worth it, I think.

Grandma bought us a cake at the auction.  It didn't have any decorations on it, so Ellea couldn't resist giving it a face lift with the icing still sitting on the counter when we got home!

Cinnamon Rolls

Ellea had the fabulous idea that I should make cinnamon rolls last weekend.  I didn't jump at the opportunity, so she took matters into her own hands and found a "quick" recipe.  She was more than a tad surprised that it was so labor intensive.

She began dreaming about cinnamon rolls in the morning and we ate them in the afternoon.  She was surprised her quick recipe was so slow!  They turned out delicious, and I enjoyed every bite.  Don't think she's planning to make them again any time soon, though.

 

You can tell we watch cooking shows, because she made a point of "plating" the cinnamon roll I took a picture of.  An extra smear of frosting (homemade cream cheese - super yummy!) with a sprinkle of cinnamon.  I should've tried harder to get better lighting, but I was anxious to dig in!

Good Vibes

Nicole seemed to enjoy helping her dad coach the girls' basketball team that went to the Hallissey tournament in Boise.  I'm sure she did lots of helpful, supportive assistant coach-type of things.  But my favorite thing that I witnessed?...

Her moving down the line of players and giving them a pep talk prior to the final championship game (that we won!).

This girl knows the value of words of affirmation.

And the value of a laugh.

Girl power.

Spreading the love.

Giving out good vibes (to her sister).  Love it!

Baskets

Ellea did a great job playing at the Hallissey tournament.  I always try to take pictures when she's playing, but it's hard to get good shots.  I love it when I am able to capture her  making a basket.

Is it gonna go in?....

Yes! (It did, you'll just have to take my word on it!)

Hallissey Coaches

Since Nicole and Glenn's star player, Chaye, were too old to play in the Hallissey tournament this year, he invited them to be his assistant coaches.  He even ordered them all matching coaches shirts.

It was serious business

And they were pleased with their 1st place win.

It was hard work.....

But fun.  And worth it.

Hallissey 2014

We made our third annual pilgrimage to Boise for the Hallissey Catholic Basketball Tournament.  This is an 8th grade tournament, so Nicole is now too old to play, but Ellea has been on the team since 5th grade.

Last year, they lost their first game, then had to scramble to win their next FIVE games in order to make it to the championship game.  That was a total of seven games over 40 hours.  Needless to say, the girls were exhausted and the team we played in the championship round were tough competitors.  We were thrilled to go home with the 2nd place trophy.

This year, they managed to win their first game and every game thereafter, to make it into the championship round after only three games.  That was a total of four games over 40 hours.  Much more manageable.

And our "little" team of fifteen 7th and 8th graders pulled off winning 1st place in the tournament.  That meant they were undefeated.  It was all very exciting, and fun, and fabulous.

Baseball in Winter

Morgan talked his dad into playing baseball the other day.  We have a little too much snow and cold for playing outside, so it was Wii time.

I should have got out my camera, but I didn't.  Nicole's iPod is never far from her, so she snapped some pics for me.

Glenn has great form, don't you think?  The Wii didn't like the timing of his swing, though.  Kept saying he was swinging too early or too late.  His boy won the game, but maybe that was all part of the plan!

Coach

This man is quite the coach.  He started coaching the girls' basketball teams when they were in the 4th grade.  He just recently started coaching Morgan's little peewee basketball team of 2nd through 4th grade boys.

At this level, they don't do practices, just some Saturday games that are pretty casual and he coaches them through it.

They've played three games now, and haven't won on yet, but the scores have all been close and they're doing a great job.

Coaching is serious business, and this guy is up for the job!

Youth Rally

The boys stayed home alone last weekend, as the girls and I set out on a trip to Coeur d'Alene for a Youth Rally.

My kiddos are on the far right.

We had 24 kids from 13 to 18 and a fun time was had by all.  I'm not a big fan of driving, or of sleeping on the floor, but I did it anyway, and I'm glad.  What a group group of kids!

Pefection

 The 7th grade volleyball team has two games under their belt now.  Won the second one, and Ellea got a lot of playing time.

She hasn't decided yet if she loves volleyball, but she's doing great.

She has great control.  If she makes contact with the ball, it usually goes right where she wants it.  Trouble is, she's too hard on herself.  It's that perfectionism she inherited from me and my father.  It serves her well most of the time, but sometimes you just gotta smile and know you're doing your best.  We're proud of you, sweet girl.