JV Full Time

Meg told us last night that she was going to play four quarters of JV tonight and be available for one Varsity instead of the 3 quarters/2quarters that she had been playing.  At first she was disappointed, but after watching her tonight we all realized that it was the perfect fit for Meg and for her team.  Meg played almost the entire game and only sat out at the end when she asked for a break.  She handled the ball well and worked hard on defense.  She was able to showcase her skills and in turn gain experience and confidence on the court.  That was what she was lacking from missing basketball the past two years.  We told her several times over the past few days how proud of her we were for getting back on the court.  It has been a great avenue for her to make friends at Bethany and to build a relationship with the coaches/teachers.  Whether she played 40 minutes JV or 40 minutes Varsity we have never cared.  We were just so happy to see her find success and fill good about something that she used to love.

No More White/Gray Carpet

We went last weekend to look at new carpet for our bedroom.  When we first added on to the house I picked out white carpet as I loved the look of it, almost like there was new fallen snow on the ground.  I remember the owner of Brouwer's telling me that I wouldn't like it after awhile.  He was proved right.  No matter what we have done it just won't stay clean.  Thus, our lovely white carpet has now turned an ugly shade of gray as Brett pointed out to me over Thanksgiving break.

When we got to the Brouwer's I wasn't sure what I wanted.  Doug had suggested laminate like the living room, but I felt it would be too cold.  Therefore we checked through the carpet samples displayed and we both came to the conclusion that we wanted to forgo the light, plain colors such as beige and try something bold.  I don't believe that the salesman believed us when we said that we were looking at purple or orange, but he did once he brought a brown sample to us and I said that I really was serious about our color choice.  He then led us to a rainbow of samples and Doug and I finally settled on two different shades of purple.  We brought both home for everyone to look at and although Meg, HM and I all liked the lighter shade, we went with the darker purple.  Doug and I knew the color would last the longest.   We also decided to go with the platinum level.  It was a little more expensive, but it should wear the best.  Today the carpet layers came to measure.  The plan is to paint over New Year's Eve weekend and have the carpet installed that week.  Can't wait to see what it looks like!

Music Concert

Tonight was Cameron's annual Christmas music concert featuring both the Agape Bell Ringers and the middle school choirs.  Bells did such a wonderful job playing tonight.  The director chose traditional carols as well as some new ones.  My favorite was "We Three Kings" as the students played kazoos as well as their bells.  The choirs were nice, but the songs were a little slow for my Christmas musical taste.  Cam said that he preferred the Agape Bell Ringers as well.  

It was tough getting up three days a week at 5:40 a.m. to make it to rehearsal, but well worth Cam's time.  He has grown in his musical ability and enjoyed himself as well.  They meet tomorrow for an end of the season snack and then will take a break until late January.  Cam said he will miss it, but will enjoy his extra half hour of sleep each morning.

Back At It

Back to school and work today meant for some tired bodies at home this evening.  It was wonderful having a five day break and I missed being home all day at school.  Brett said that he was struggling to get back into the swing of school as well, but did make a dent on the work he needed to do.  Cal had time to set up his new television, so that made going back to Bloomington a little better.  Meg and Cam were tired tonight from a full day of classes and basketball.  Cam even had a game against West Noble.  Doug and I made it to that, but by the time we got home we were wiped out.  Hopefully, a good night's sleep will bring more energy to all of us for tomorrow's another busy day.  

Happy Birthday Grandma Jane

Today was Grandma Jane's 74th birthday.  Originally, we had planned to celebrate with everyone at lunch, but with the boys leaving early we had her come over last night for gifts and desserts.  The boys each picked out a nice present for her and they enjoyed giving it to her.  Meg couldn't be with us, however, because of basketball practice.  Thus, Meg took over her gift today and Grandma Jane loved it.  Meg made her a Minnie Mouse lap blanket.  It took Meg a little while to get back into the swing of sewing, but once she got going she finished the blanket easily and it looked very nice.  She's hoping that when she has more free time that she can sew more.  Either way, Meg enjoyed making the blanket for her Grandma and was glad that she liked it.  Happy Birthday Grandma Jane!  We appreciate all you do for the Heinisch family.

A Wonderful Saturday

Today was such a wonderful day.  Everyone made time to do what was important to them.  Brett, Cam, Doug and I played games.  Cal spent the day with HM, and after practice Meg went with Jackie   and McKenzie to Hacienda and to see the movie "Wonder."  The only disagreeable part of the day was when Cal suggested that he and Brett leave in the evening for Bloomington.  He was right as the boys would miss traffic by driving at night, but I was sad to hear that we'd be saying goodbye a day early.

Before they left Brett and Cam were able to complete their plans for the day.  They had dinner at the root beer stand and then went to see the movie "Coco."  As Cal and HM had dinner plans as well Doug and I decided to go to Huntington's for a night out.  It was nice to reflect upon such a wonderful week with our family.  By the time we got back the boys were all here and the packing began.  Cal was impressed that Doug was able to get his new television into the Civic as well as all of their laundry and Brett's groceries.  The boys left before 10 p.m.  They hoped to be back around 1 a.m. I tried to stay awake and follow them on Find My Phone, but a little after midnight I had to call it a night.

Christmas Decorating

Today we got out all of the Christmas decorations.  Meg and Cam worked on the Christmas tree.  Brett decorated the basement and Cal stayed out of everyone's way.  Doug set up our Christmas village and worked on the outside lights.  It was 50 degrees which made it a lot easier this year.  I spent my time getting out all of the additional sets that we put out each year including the decorations and stockings on the mantle, the Santas and  the Christmas crafts that the Heinisch children have made over the years.  For the first time ever we finished it all in one day and before dinner.

Tonight we celebrated my birthday with the entire Heinisch family and HM.  Antonio's was the restaurant of choice and we each ordered a delicious Italian dish.  It was great to have everyone together.  We've seen a lot of each other this past week, but haven't sat down for a nice quiet dinner with all of us.  It was wonderful to hear all of conversation and laughter around the table.  I love that the Heinisch children enjoy hanging out with us.  HM has been a willing participant in our family dinners as well.  By the end of the evening I felt blessed beyond belief.