Halloween!

It was weird not to have any kids at home this year. Heather was at college and Jenna went to a party. No more trick-or-treating for these girls. I was feeling the end of a season for sure. To be honest, we got many more trick-or-treating years than I thought we would. It's awesome to have my girls love Halloween like I do. I made muffins for Jenna's seminary friends. The morning forecast on the television cracked me up. They posted temperatures from Halloweenishly named towns--Death Valley, CA; Ghoul Creek, WA; Mummy Pass, CO; Devil's Lake, MO; Skull Creek, NE; Boos, IL; and Sleepy Hollow, NY to name a few.  Jenna wanted to do mermaid makeup for school, and she did a fantastic job. She woke up about 4:00 a.m. to do it and was a little late to 5:45 a.m. seminary. This was costume number two. I had no idea she had a third costume in mind for the evening party. She was a deceased girl who had hung herself. Kind of creepy especially with Jenna's make up skills off the rails again. Her wounds looked so real. I whipped up a batch of cupcakes for Sarah's party. I had forgotten that I'd said I'd make them. They came out of the oven just in time, and I got to use a lot of my cupcake Halloween decor today which was a happy bonus. The last picture posted here are the Holbrook's daughter, Hannah, her husband and their baby.  They are the Matlands and Lydia from the movie, Beetlejuice. Too clever. Hannah made their masks herself. We were so impressed, and this is one of our favorite movies.

Mole Day - Who Knew?

Chemistry class offered extra credit to create a mole and bring it to school at 6:02 a.m. on 10/23.  What the heck you say?  Well here's the thing. Mole Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated by chemistry teachers, students, enthusiasts, etc.  The time and date are derived from Avogadro's number, which is approximately 6.02 × 10²³, defining the number of particles (atoms or molecules) in one mole of substance, one of the seven base SI units.  Thank you Wikipedia. I have to say that the artistry of my daughter is exceptional.  She created the mole using cornstarch, conditioner and food coloring. It is the CUTEST thing ever and so creative. We drove it to school and arrived before 6:00 a.m. I thought she'd be alone, but there were TONS of students. This really is a nutty chemistry thing.

Last Volleyball Month for High School

This was Jenna's last month of the high school volleyball season. She ended up hitting opposite in every game except senior night, and she did a really great job scoring points for her team. This hitting experience will be great when she moves to club season. The professional volleyball pictures finally came in, and it so cool to see Jenna among these Varsity girls. Friends continued to come to games this month. We are looking forward to club season which will begin in December. Good work Jenna!

Jenna's Month

A large part of Jenna's month has been homework and volleyball. She has been inspired by her art class from Freshman year and continues to experiment with sketching. She doesn't see her talent, but I think it's amazing. As for volleyball, we are sticking with the mindset of being grateful she is on Varsity. She isn't getting the playtime she started out with. In fact this month, she had people come to watch her play, and two of the three times they came, she didn't play.  At all.  We're not sure why except that maybe the coach is getting pressure from the other parents or she's trying to give the older girls some court time. We can't ask. We just have to be patient. Jenna feels like it's a reflection on her which we continually reassure her that it's not. Sometimes you just don't know. She is having great practices setting and hitting. The iron of the month was that near the end when we played Los Al, Jenna was a starter for three of the four games in the match.  She went from not playing to starting. We are not sure why, but she is grateful for the court time when she can get it. It's all good experience in the end, and she is keeping a positive attitude. She really likes the girls on her team, and she loves working out with them.  We'll take that.

Jenna - VB Game

Jenna had a second volleyball game while we were gone. It looks like her coach will use her as a hitter instead of a setter.  There is a senior setter who automatically gets to play (even if Jenna is a better setter), and a girl Jenna's age who set on varsity last year and is the primary setter. Jenna had a lot of experience hitting this past club year which is coming in handy. She especially loves the left side and can swing away with confidence. It's a bummer that she can't set, but it is great to see how she helps her team as a hitter.

Jenna - VB Game

Jenna had some games while Heather and I were in Idaho. Kelly took some great video. Although the blog doesn't print video, it is obvious that Jenna had a power swing going during this game. So proud of her!

Jenna's First HS Varsity Tournament

Jenna played in her first high school summer league game last week on 8/19, and today her team played in the Tustin Varsity Tournament. She did a great job setting, and we're really proud of her.

Jenna's Volleyball Tryout Results

We are a little giddy around here for Jenna's upcoming volleyball season.  She attended club tryouts this weekend, and she secured a spot on Tstreet's 16-2's team. This will be a Gold division level team, and she is so excited to be a part of a competitive team like this.  To add to the excitement, the team rosters were posted today for the high school team, and Jenna made Varsity! There were already two setters (one from last year and the other a senior) so, she wasn't sure if she would have a spot. We're so happy to see her hard work pay off in these ways.  Way to go girl!

Summer Varsity League

Jenna was invited to play on the Varsity Summer League team. She was one of only two players from the Frosh/Soph teams asked to play. She's been working hard, and it was amazing for her to receive the invitation. It isn't a guarantee that she'll make Varsity, but it is a start to playing with more skilled girls. She'll definitely get some good experience in.

Last Track Banquet

Heather's last track banquet tonight. As a senior on the hurdle team she presented Coach Knowles with his gift. Heather lettered this year which was awesome. Track is a difficult sport to letter in. An athlete must win a Varsity race and/or post a time. Heather broke 50 seconds on the 300m Hurdles which earned her a letter, and she also placed a couple of times. The last photo shows all 4 years of track banquets.  This kid has stuck it out and made the most of each year in sickness and in health. This year was her healthiest, and this year she saw the most improvement in her time. She did such an amazing job and we couldn't be prouder!

Sunset League Prelims and The Blairs

Uncle Shane and Aunt Michelle wanted to come to California and see Heather run in a track meet before her track season ended. She qualified for the Sunset League finals while they were here! Yay! They soaked up some sun and visited Grandpa Ron, too. Uncle Shane had to drive back to get back to work, but Aunt Michelle will stay a few more days.

Last Home Meet for Heather

Last school home meet of Heather's high school track career. She did great, and the team's seniors soaked it in. We've spent 4 years in the track and field program, and it's going to be so strange not to be a part of this program anymore. We're so proud of you Heather!

Photo Finish

Photo finish for 2nd and 3rd today in the Varsity 300m Hurdle race. Heather had a 3rd place finish missing 2nd by just .01 seconds, AND had another PR. Great race today!