Back at Autzen

This afternoon, we were able to attend our first Duck game of the season at Autzen Stadium.   We managed to secure the two seats next to ours this year, so we will be able to use those seats for our whole family to attend, or on games when the kids are busy or not interested, invite other couples or sell them.  And, as always, our bff's sit just two rows above us...(a seating arrangement not at all determined by us...just an amazing gift by the athletic department 10 years ago!)  (Whitley got to spend the day with her grandma...just a little too noisy in Autzen for a busy one year old!)

We like to call Brayden and Mikayla the "third couple" in circumstances like this....the ones the rest of us all roll our eyes about based on their craziness.  Yes, they were happy they got to come, but no, they weren't entirely focused on the game.  (Playing apps on the ipad minis, hopping around, and eating, eating, eating....).  I will admit that it wasn't a very riveting game as we kind of blew Tennessee out of the water (59-14).  There's such a bias for SEC teams that it is gratifying to beat one of their teams so adamantly.  

 

I was delighted that the marine air was hanging around through our game.  At one point, the forecast was for 90 degrees while we'd be there...I was really worrying about melting in the stands as our seats face the sun.  We lucked out, it stayed cool throughout, with the clouds clearing only after the game ended.

Autzen Stadium has underwent some huge renovations in the last several years (thank you Phil Knight).  Among the new changes this year was this beautiful waterfall where we enter to reach our seats.  There were lots of families/couples posing just like we did.

I have to admit that it's not the same being there when we aren't able to zero in on Kenjon and cheer on his behalf proudly from the stands - but we still love our Ducks even when he's now moved on to be a "Panther".  Our next home game is against Cal.  We'll be taking Michael and Michele to that evening match-up - and with it being the Carolina Panther's bye week, perhaps we'll get a chance to see Kenjon again too.  =)

Ahhhhhhh HARVEST TIME!!!

Over the last 7 or so years, the first couple of weeks of September has been marked with peculiar details in my Daytimer (calendar).  You'd find details as to where I might find gourds, Indian corn, cornstalks, white pumpkins - or any pumpkins for that matter.  In 2011, Safeway had their supply of Harvest decor produce out on September 6th - and in other years, they wait another couple of weeks.   It's a good thing I can count on Mom for corn stalks and that Springfield's Walmart Super Center has been very dependable at having their stuff out by the 10th.  And, yes, I am one of the first people they have to look up the "ring up" codes as I go through the check-out.  

This year, with Whitley with me at Walmart on Wednesday, I kept giddily chanting, "the pumpkins are here, the pumpkins are here".  I know....I'm weird....but, this time of year is sooooooo cozy.  And, especially this year, with a longer than what we are used to weather-wise summer - I am SO ready to embrace this autumn season - with all of the fun joys it brings:

 

So, yesterday was the day I requested a "Whitley Day Off" to pull out all the bins and transform the house from aqua accents to burnt oranges and crimson reds.  To burn the "Harvest" Yankee Candle, and "fluff up" the leaves of my wreaths.  It really was a glorious day - I was very much in my happy place working away and doing my "seasonal nesting".  

Happy Harvest everyone....and I have absolutely no shame in saying, "Bring it on!". 

Whitley's Day at Autzen

On Monday, Mikayla and I made a repeat attempt at taking pictures with Whitley at Autzen Stadium.  Our first attempt was made the previous Thursday - but through no fault of our "model" or the surroundings, the photo shoot failed because I had the camera on the wrong setting.  I was so disappointed as I felt like I had captured so many priceless expressions of Whitley.

But, leave it to that little girl to not let me down, but instead, perform even more impressively as we spent less than 20 minutes repeating the experience on Monday.  Mikayla snapped some of these, and those she didn't man the camera for, she was standing just out of sight - ready to rescue Whitley if she got too excited around the water.  

This little girl is SO PRICELESS....it was a delight to capture her as a "Duck".  

Kissing of the "M"

It's "Welcome Week" at Marist.  As I've dropped off Brayden in the mornings, I've spotted seniors greeting students with crowns on their head and passing more crowns (think Burger King) to fellow seniors.  We've been told to pack an extra pair of shorts and shirts for two of the days this week for our freshmen - and pictures on Marist's FB page have shown bonding games involving spoons, water balloons, and hula hoops.

All of those details pale in comparison, however, to the ultimate initiation ceremony at Marist - the "Kissing of the M".  Transfer students and even new staff get to participate in this as well - a symbolic representation of the school's motto "We are one".  For the freshmen, though, it's turned into more than just getting in the very shallow fountain to kiss the "M" - now, costumes are involved.   As is tradition, upper classmen who have a relationship (friendship) with the incoming freshmen get to dictate what the freshman will have to wear when kissing the "M".  Brayden's been threatening Mikayla since the day he heard about this tradition....oh boy.  (He'll be a senior when she's a freshman).

As for Brayden, we thought he might get by scott-free, but apparently we have Zach (aka "Thor" of Camp Harlow) to thank for making sure Brayden didn't get left out.  One of Zach's buddies is "Garrett" who just happens to be the Marist ASB Vice President - and apparently he's been charged with "looking out for Brayden".  Because of their combined access to the "Prop Shack" at Harlow, Garrett was able to be very creative for both Brayden and Andrew...

Oh dear.  Amy gave me a little hint that I might want to show up and take some pics of this event.  (I wouldn't have otherwise - so I'm glad she did).  Brayden gave me his blessing if I wanted to be there...but I stayed in the wings as to not embarrass him - as if any more humiliation could be possible.  I didn't know until I arrived if indeed he'd be in costume - and then quickly realized he'd been included in all aspects of the festivities.    Seriously, a too-tiny Superman costume, a horsie stick, and Musketeer ears?  And, standing next to him is Andrew in Christmas footed PJ's and an "M&M" costume. 

The costume was so tiny, it didn't even close in the back.  Note the kid in blue standing next to him (in pics above and below).  He is Spencer Hoffman, son of my dear friend, Steph Hoffman.  Brayden has really enjoyed getting to know him more - he's funny and an all-around great kid.  He's also 6'7" and STILL growing.  Watching them next to each other cracks me up.

The football players were admonished to lay all the way down to kiss the "M", hence it taking Brayden and Spencer a bit longer to get in and out.  At least it all went quick.  The freshmen went in groups of about 10, their first names were all read aloud and then they went in as a group.  

It may not look like it from the pics I've taken, but a lot of the kids were forced to wear attire they wouldn't have chosen on their own.  Girls in pirate costumes, boys in girls dance outfits, even a kid wearing an adult diaper (I made it very clear to Brayden that that was off limits for consideration for Mikayla!).  

So, now that is done - and Brayden is "official".  I'd choose over and over a silly, yet good-spirited tradition like this that sets freshmen apart than any "behind-the-scenes" hazing parents around the world fear for their children.  Brayden was all smiles....

Mikayla's First Day at Cal Young

I would be remiss if I didn't put the obligatory "first day of school" picture for Mikayla, particularly since it is her first day of middle school.  She sets high expectations for these days, and begged for blueberry buttermilk pancakes (which Brayden was happy enough to indulge in too).  I did my best to make an effort with her hair, although lately, with all the Youtube videos and Pinterest tutorials she's been watching, she has a better mastery of braids than I do.

Can't believe my youngest is already a middle schooler....but, if she has to be that age, I sure am proud of this little cutie.

This Week for Mikayla

After dropping Brayden off on Tuesday, I took Whitley and Mikayla along the river path.  She took her bike, which definitely kept my pace at a fast clip (this after having already done the elliptical....can you guess what happened by the end of the day?  Yup, headache...I'm such a dork!).  The scenery was great, though.  It was especially fun as we hit the backside of Marist's campus.  No, I wasn't stalking him - that's just where the bike path lands - which, at this point of life, is kind of cool - as we've been staring at the back of that school for so long, it now holds significance. 

Later on that afternoon, Kaela came to visit.  Since I didn't get a pic with her earlier, I made sure to get one this time around.  Whitley was in a spectacular mood, so Kaela was really getting a kick out of all of her antics.   The last time Kaela visited, Whitley had really been feeling under the weather - however, for Whitley, it's not that noticeable if you haven't spent a lot of time with her.  She's such a generally happy, content baby - that even when she's sick, she's still good - just less animated and more clingy.  (Which is bittersweet as her caregiver, because you end up getting a lot more hugs!).

It was awesome just having Kaela hanging out.  While I wasn't at all thrilled with how the house looked, it's Kaela, so it's okay.  I may be dressed obnoxiously, but it's Kaela - so it's okay.  I miss her, but am very thankful we've gotten to see each other as much as we have and hope her reasons to keep visiting Eugene keep coming up.  (Like the Tennessee game this next weekend!).

The next morning, Mikayla, Whitley, and I went out to Mom and Dad's.   Mikayla's "lat band" along her thigh had been strained so she was quite uncomfortable and a little worried as to what the problem was.  I, as mentioned before, was dealing with a nasty headache- compounded by fighting the residue of Brayden's cold in my sinuses.  Uck.  Mom helped a lot, but it took me until Saturday morning to be completely pain-free.  I feel like I owed Mikayla so much because much of Thursday and Friday afternoon were spent on the couch with an ice pack while she helped keep Whitley entertained/contained in the living room.  Thank God for that sweet girl - and oh, how I'll miss her once she heads back to school on Tuesday.

And, speaking of that "headed back", these pics were taken on Friday when Cal Young distributed schedules and lockers to the 6th graders.  In general, Mikayla scored bigtime, she has great teachers, a good locker location, and people she knows in all of her classes.  Of course, her and Kenady are bummed they only have one class together, but better than none.  Hopefully, they'll end up in the same lunch.  Mikayla is very anxious to find out about that.

With the Duck game the next day, Mikayla asked Steph if she'd pack Whitley's Duck cheerleader outfit so we could play "dress-up" with Whitley knowing she'd be seeing all of Mikayla's friends that day.  Of course, she was a big hit.  What Whitley thrives off of is "people attention" so if she knows she's the center of attention, she's generally a very happy camper and very, very friendly.  (She absolutely "makes the day" of elderly shoppers at the grocery stores - waving and saying "Hi" and "Bye" as she passes folks....so cute!)  We took her out of the stroller when we were by the lockers and she made her own attempts to open one, and then proceeded to "boot-scoot" (her seated version of crawling) down the hallway.  Apparently, she's ready for middle school!  =)

The Week for Brayden

Brayden began his 9th grade year at school on Tuesday.  It was a new student orientation, so it was just the freshman that were there.  They started late, left early, had pizza for lunch, so definitely not a typical day of high school.  =)  He had fun, though.  Hard to get a lot of details out of that kid these days (I'll be pushing a little harder on that, we've got to raise him to be able to communicate and share his heart with a future wife afterall!) - but it sounds like he's pleased with his teachers, who he has in his class with him, and the lunch slot he has.  A couple of classes have only 17 students...oh yeah, that's what we are talking about.  

This is him on Tuesday - he sure doesn't look like he should be starting high school, huh?

The next day was the first day of "real school" - and Brayden came home at 6:15 (after practice), alerting me that he needed to be wearing a tie the next day for his first home game.  Oh, this information would have been useful to have heard from the coaches during the mandatory meeting we had to attend on a Saturday night!   I wasn't too irritated, as it was going to need to happen sooner or later with formal chapel days coming up, and we needed to purchase the supplies we'd waited to get until each teacher gave us their "need list".   Well, I guess Brayden and I were going to have a Mommy/Son date at Walmart....  For the record, we did appreciate their supply of "pre-set" shirt and ties for a minimal price.  Our family tends to like our Nike apparel, but when it comes to this formal stuff, not too worried whether or not we are working with name brand!

This picture gives an idea of the next hour went.  Brayden and I worked together to make color coded binders for the classes, with each binder being able to be used independent with supplies.  It took quite a while to get it all organized, and all of the papers he'd already collected signed and placed in each notebook (as a teacher, let me note how irritating it is to receive papers meant to be kept tidy in a three-ring binder that aren't even hole-punched....c'mon folks....make an effort for these kids if you have those expectations!). 

It might come off as overkill, but we are trying very hard to be proactive in every way to anticipate needs and encourage organization.  The workload, in itself, will be hard enough - without the extra effort of having to find what it is he's supposed to do.

This was the outfit he wore the next day...lookin' pretty sharp.

His first home game happened to be one of the rainiest nights we've had in MONTHS.  At least it was a warm rain (we don't say that too often in Oregon).  It didn't begin until halftime, at which point, the Whites had already left.  John wasn't in attendance as he was saving a spot at Mens' Round-Up with Michael for themselves and the boys this weekend.  Perfect timing for that spiritual bonding to happen after such a crazy week for Brayden.  Leona bravely stayed until the bitter end.  I didn't realize it until later, but our 9th and 10th graders were playing a team from Portland of 10th and 11th graders (their JV).  We ended up losing a close battle, 16-12 (the rain caused so many turnovers) - but in light of them being a younger team, they should definitely feel proud of the effort they made.

Things Are Getting Serious Around Here

Tomorrow is Brayden's first day of high school.  Technically, it's the "New Student Orientation" day, but it counts as far as I'm concerned.  (Though I'm very thankful to have just found out he doesn't have to show up until nearly an hour later than normal, and gets done two hours earlier...and hey, pizza's included!!!). 

Because of this monumental event in the family life of the Rileys, I have spent many nights worrying brainstorming strategies for what could lead more to success and less to gnashing of teeth around here.  Particularly last night.  Lots of anxiety.  

Ultimately, I determined that we could potentially accomplish a lot as a family if we devoted the 80 minute drive home from Dallas to Eugene to discussing expectations, strategies, positive habits, potential negative consequences, possible rewards, and even throwing out ideas for lunches, dinners, and what time each of the kids would like to be woke up and aims to leave the house for their school.  (Ironically, they've switched places - Brayden now has the school that starts at 7:55, while Mikayla is at the school that begins at 9:00).

We've taken a big chunk of the summer off in requiring Brayden take the medicine that makes a ton of difference in his ADHD symptoms.  The idea of him actually having an appetite (when on any of the medicines we've tried, his desire to eat is so low, he'll consume maybe two bowls of cereal a day if left entirely up to him) - and being able to fall asleep at night was worth the utter exasperation silly antics of Brayden when he's in his more-playful/less-focused state.   Today will be the last day he'll have that freedom, and even just trying to get through the conversation required during the drive home proved exactly why that medicine is necessary when he really has to follow instructions and concentrate.  ;)

Regardless, we got through it - and I feel really good as a family that we accomplished what we did.  The ideas were contributed by everyone - and agreed by everyone, particularly in the case of consequences and rewards designated just for Brayden as he begins high school.  (It's a much bigger deal now!).   There's more to this document than what I show in this picture, but I figured it's not necessary to have to share the positives and negatives our specific family chose as motivators/consequences to meeting expectations.  

The following document was, I believe, Holy Spirit inspired during that night time fretting (an answer to prayer).  While it may not "solve everything", I feel like it is super important in our family to separate blaming/feelings from pre-arranged designated consequences for behaviors.   Too many times in the past, tears have surfaced...not so much because of the original action (missing assignments and such), but because of our reactions and his defensiveness.  If we can take that out of the equation....

So, while there are a whole lot of "unknowns" as to what Marist and the specific expectations of each of this teachers are, at least Brayden (and us) know what our expectations are and the routine we hope to set in place.  With everything I've read about ADHD, I'm more and more convinced that what motivates them to focus is so different than the way the "typical brain" functions so it's important to try to determine what does make that achievable focus come about.  Another very crucial "help" to someone with ADHD is to set up as many patterns and routines that can be followed so it can become like clockwork to follow.  If it is set up to be almost instinctual for him to walk into a classroom and turn his assignment in before being distracted by anyone or anything else...what an achievement that would be.

And, let it be said, it's not just the kids that are experiencing change tomorrow (Mikayla's school begins a week later, but tomorrow will be change enough for her in seeing her big bro head to high school) - it's also "D Day" for me (and John).  Whether that D stands for "diet", "despair" (as I face the scales), "doom", or "death to indulgence" - the time has come.  Here's my own check-in sheet to see if I can't institute the age-old methods of accountability to achieve success (though I don't plan on sharing the results with anyone else - just writing it down I think will help).   While I don't look forward to waking up extra early to insure the elliptical cardio workout happens in the garage before Whitley arrives, I am beyond looking forward to seeing myself in a much healthier light and knowing I'm doing positive things vs. the rather destructive stuff I've been doing lately.  (Like the Nachos I just consumed....and even as I'm typing this, I'm wondering what else I can eat now that I'll be craving like crazy in the next couple of months of working to be good....because, tomorrow is only 3 hours and 57 minutes away.....)