Whew. September was BUSY! As much as we got done, I didn't accomplish anywhere near as much stuff as I wanted to around the house. Much of our time was dedicated to getting the school year off to a strong start, welcoming hockey and and getting into some new routines:
- September arrived in the middle of Cole's second week of Training Camp for his AAA hockey team. He amazes me and showed no signs of exhaustion at the end. I was exhausted just driving him to and from activities!
- Claire's rugby season slowed down and they played two games in the final tournament - losing both, but not losing their enthusiasm. A true lesson in "it's not whether you win or lose" these girls were truly inspiring. Bonus: Claire won rookie of the year.
- I hadn't been on a baseball diamond since closing up Frozen Ropes, 18 months ago. Cole wanted to watch some of his buddies play in the championships which were being hosted here in Oakville. In between hockey commitments we caught a game. It turns out, Cole doesn't miss baseball - at all. Neither does Caden.
- I turned 46 on the 4th. My kids asked if that made me "middle aged". Um. Okay. Yes, I'm officially middle aged.
- Claire went with friends to RibFest while Cole decided he preferred my rib recipe. So, we avoided the crowds and the noise and I taught the boys how to make ribs. Yum!
- My Highlander has one of those push button starts. If you are sitting in a parking lot for over an hour, push only ONCE. If you push twice you will drain your battery. How do I know? Argh.
- Chloe and Caden were thrilled to start back at school. They are both so excited to catch up with their friends. I too am thrilled they are back at school! Not only that ... they take the bus! No more trips up and down Lakeshore: school - home - school - home.
- The MOHA board was dealt a bit of a blow when the VP of House League resigned. I can't believe it took her as long as it did! In the meantime, Louis and a few others are picking up the slack. With the effort of these few 4,000 kids are guaranteed to play hockey this winter.
- Claire spent a full day volunteering for Mrs. Murdoch over at the College Shop. It was a crazy day when all of the computers went down and everything had to be done manually. Thank goodness there were adults around to show the kids how to use pencil, paper and a simple calculator!
- I think I can drive to Chesswood Arena in my sleep. I don't know how some people do that multiple times a week - every week. It's bad enough having to do it for a weekend tournament.
- Claire's eczema has become worse, neither of us believed it was possible. If anyone - ANYONE - has a non steroidal cure for this terrible condition, please let me know!
- We had 17 pairs of hockey skates collected in the garage. Louis took them over to the Skate Sale being held at Oakville Arena. Whatever wasn't sold was donated. We made about $200. Better than a kick in the pants, and one box is now permanently removed from the garage! Whoot. It's a start :)
- I enjoy thirteen year old boys. Such a change from thirteen year old girls. I've had a chance to pick up a couple of Cole's teammates and they are a hoot!
- Mid-month school started for Claire and Cole. They were seriously VIBRATING with excitement over going back. I love that they love school. Not just the social part, they really enjoy learning.
- Our new community rink opened: Sixteen Mile - and it is immense. A four pad complex with some hyper-vigilant town workers who make up "safety rules" on a daily basis. It might be nice, bright and new, but I have to say, I'm happy to never have a practice or game there again.
- I met my friends Elaine, Lindy and Lorraine at a little Vietnamese place in Mississauga for lunch. Our Survivor Pool lunch and summer catch up.
- A few of the Ranger boys helped Louis out at Goalie Evaluations. Cole had fun shooting on a number of kids he used to play against in house league. His shot has improved!
- Claire has a new boyfriend, Oskar. He is lovely, polite, huge and blonde. He treats her well and she is content to hang out with him and his friends.
- Caden has become a master Jello-maker.
- Keying in schedules is arduous and exhausting. Keying in schedules - practice and game - for 224 teams in insane.
- Cole's first season hockey game was in NIAGARA FALLS. On a Monday night. It started at 8:15PM. The boys played well, they won which is a great start! I never thought I'd be driving to Niagara Falls, on a school night, ever. It wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought, but I hope we don't have many of those!
- I met my friend Kim who has started a Pampered Chef business. To support her, I'll be having a party here at the house in the next few weeks. Perfect timing for Christmas giving :)
- Chloe is thrilled that Choir has started for another year. Even better, Choir is thrilled that Chloe is back.
- Claire caught a cold which knocked her flat for a couple of days. I then caught the cold which nocked me flat for more than a couple of days. After a week it was still hanging on.
- Cross Country season has stared and Cole is enjoying the challenge. At the first meet at St. John's Kilmarnock in Woolwich he won the 2800M race; and a week later, at the second meet held at Earle Bales Park in Toronto he won the 3000M race. Who knew my boy who used to run like a duck could place, let alone win, a cross country race?
- I was invited to join Ella Publishing Co. as a creative contributor for the next year. I'm joined by 11 very talented ladies (you can meet all of them by clicking the link on the left). I look forward to their inspiration!
- Caden was drafted onto Coach Joe's team again this year. Caden is thrilled to be joining the Hound Dogs and seeing all his old friends and meeting a few new players. Joe's a smart coach and invited the boys to a bowling party for the players and the parents. I'm really looking forward to the season.
What a productive month! I hadn't thought a lot got done until I typed it all out. The first of the month seems so long ago. I'm looking forward to getting even more done in the coming weeks. I have a massive "to do" list which I hope to turn into a scratched out "ta da" list. Fingers crossed!
