My Boy is becoming a Man...

Just a quick story that will make all of you laugh a little.

Matthew needed a haircut so we tried this place called Sport Clips. It's for men only. So off goes Matthew with Destiny, his stylist for the day. She cuts his hair and then they disappear into the back. About 10 minutes goes by and out pops Matthew with this huge (let me emphasize HUGE) smile on his face. He walks over to me and goes...

"MOM! Oh my gosh, that was awesome! I went to the back and they put this stuff in my hair and rubbed my head and then they put a hot towel on my face and then massaged my face and I got to sit in this chair that made me go bumpity, bumpity, bumpity (let me point out that at this moment, he starts bouncing up and down and wiggling his arms). It was AWESOME! I got the triple play and it was free cuz this is my first time. I wanna come back here for my next haircut and get the triple play again. Where's Dad? I gotta go tell him to get the triple play!!!"

And off he went. Only to return with Dad in hand about 15 minutes later, both with grins on. Apparently, since this was their first visit, they BOTH received the triple play for free!!!

I have been told that Matthew has found his new place to get his haircut and he can't wait to go back. I don't know whether to be proud or to shudder in fear that my boy is becoming a man...

Matthew's 1st Fort Wayne Hockey Game

This morning we all drug our tired tushies outta bed at 5 am to be at the Mc Millian ice arena by 6:30. We are all sooo tired but it was Matthew's first game with his new league here in Fort Wayne. The ice arena is about 20 mins from our house but in about 2 weeks, the new arena will be opened. It will have 4 sheets of ice, a restaurant with TV's showing the games going on on the ice for the parents to sit in that is glass front so we can see the kids on the ice down below. That's a sweet concept. The new rink will be about 10 mins away from the house. I'll be sure to post pics.

As for the Mc Millian arena, it was sooo much better than either of the Richmond ice arenas. The bleachers had heaters and we were up above the ice. It was really nice. Clean, fresh smelling locker rooms and the kids, well, they were well behaved and quiet!!!!! The hockey director is one of the Komet's players, Colin Chaulk # 91. He took the time to come over and meet Matthew and introduce himself. He also invited Matthew to several clinics that he himself runs to help the kids learn the skills of the game. I thought that was pretty neat. And when he heard we were from Richmond, well, he even remembered playing there once against the Riverdogs. How cool huh?

Well, Matthew's first game went really well. They beat the maroon team 7-1. Matthew played mostly defense but he stayed in position and had some really good passing plays. He's not better than most the kids and he's certainly not worst. Middle of the road, average, and that's not bad. He is however a good head above everyone in size, which is interesting to me since Matthew has usually been one of the smaller kids. Anyway, here's some pictures and a video of his game this morning and of the rink. Enjoy! Our next game is next Saturday and 7:20am. Don't be confused in the pictures. During warm ups, Matthew is in his #10 white jersey but before the game started, they lent him a #10 orange jersey from one of other players.

Komet's Hockey

Tonight we went to our first local hockey game, the Komets. It wasn't like Richmond in many ways, some good and some bad. I sat there in the stands this evening thinking back to the very first hockey game I ever went to. I was 7 (ish) months pregnant and was showing BIG time. My Dad took me and while he knew what he was doing, I was clueless and he parked us right next to the horn that goes off when a goal is scored. Well, you can just imagine my surprise after the Renegades scored a goal and the horn went off. Matthew decided to jump straight up from my belly into my throat. I think the M&M's I was eating flew outta my mouth. What did Dad do you ask, he laughed. Looking back, it was comical but at the time, I was less than thrilled about the situation. But since then, Matthew has been addicted to ice hockey and so have I. It's a common thread we share and I like it. I'm lucky enough to have a husband who shares the same passion.

OK, back to the Komets. The stadium was smaller than the Richmond Coliseum but it was cleaner and more user friendly. The seats, well, let me just say if I hadn't been sitting next to "mammoth man" I would have had more room. Very tight seating and not a lot of leg room but I don't think that you could possibly get a bad seat if you tried. There were a LOT more fans than Richmond, tonight alone there were over 9,300 fans in attendance. That is awesome!!! But in looking back, I realize that it's so freakin' cold, no one wants to do anything so they all go to the game. It was fun though. Matthew had a great time and the Komets won!!!!! (4-1) Can't beat that for your first trip out huh? The long walk back to the car...that is a story for another time. And Dad, when you come to your game with us, remind me to look for an end seat in the front row otherwise you won't have anywhere to put your legs.

Ya know it's cold when...

BBBBrrrrr.....that's the only word to describe this week. It's been snowing off and on and man is it cold. It's so cold that the only way to get the dogs to go out was to put on their sweaters. Go ahead, insert your hysterical laughter here...I'll wait....

They look so thrilled don't they? Well it's not like they look like those weiner dogs stuck in those ridiculous sweaters!!!!! These are LL Bean sweaters, only the best for our pups!!! However; as I type this, the cat is looking at them through the sliding glass door and I can just read her mind. You know what she's saying and you can't even see her expression!!!!

I hear that Richmond is going to get some of this wonderful weather this weekend. Let me tell everyone now...you'd better stock up on your milk, toilet paper, and bread. You know if you get more than a dusting, the city is going to shut down! Hurry hurry...as for me though, well, I'm in snow man's land and the people here...we actually drive in the snow!!! HOLY COW!!! Sorry, had to be a little bit of a Miss Smarty Pants. Couldn't resist. I just hope that the snow is pretty and that everyone is safe. Me- well, I've seen enough snow for one winter....so much that this afternoon, I rearranged the garage. Yep, MY van fits!!! I guess Chris will have to leave his truck out in the driveway. Sorry hon'. I do love you but my tushie gets cold in the mornings.....

Seriously...will the weather ever stop?

OK, so last night on the news, the weatherman said it would be cold (DUH), windy (ok), and snow showers. Showers? Really? Is that what we are calling it now? Not flurries, but showers. First let me say that I didn't fall asleep until almost 3am because of the wind. Holy Cannoli!!!! It was wiping and whistling...so bad that the basketball hoop was flipped over and came within inches of taking out my windsheild on the van. Oh dear Lord, I think the weatherman should have been more specific with the wind. However, I'll let you know when it stops snowing.

The snow started yesterday and it wasn't light and fluffy flakes. It actually looked like fake snow that they would use on a movie set. Little round ice things. And according to my husband who had to walk to the truck in it...it hurt! HA ha ha...that makes me laugh! Oh, focus, back to the snow. The weatherman said a light dusting...umm, where I'm from, a dusting means, it'll snow for a little while and then be done and you are left with a little bit on the ground. OK, let me insert a picture here of what a Fort Wayne dusting is....

And it's still coming down. Evidently this week it is supposed to snow everyday until Thursday! I don't remember signing on for wind and snow showers......OH, and that's not even mentioning the fact that the high this week....wait for it....24 degrees!!!!! YIKES!!!! Is it too early to begin planning for a caribbean cruise????????????????

Just how was the first day of school at Price ES?

I left the house at 3:00pm thinking that I would most certainly be one of the "early" parents since school doesn't let out until 3:20pm. Boy was I wrong. I made the turn in front of the school to head back to the parent pick up area and I couldn't even make it around the corner. Guess today I'll have to leave even earlier.

Several people have asked me how Matthew's first day was so I'm going to give you a brief synopsis, in his words.

Mom: Well, how was the first day? Did you make any friends? Did you eat lunch with anyone? How was lunch? How is your teacher, Mrs. Rahre- is she nice? Do you like it? Did everyone ask you where you came from?

Matthew: Mom, there are 3 boys in my class that cuss!

Mom: OH my! I hope you didn't group up with them today, that's not a good choice.

Matthew: Yeah, they said S-H-U-T *#! I didn't talk to them, they didn't even get in trouble. And I didn't get cheese pizza, they messed up or something so I got a bean and beef burrito that was horrible and stuck to my tray.

Mom: Well, did you make any friends?

Matthew: Yeah, I met a new friend named Jordan. He sits next to me in my class and he's just like Tanner. And I met two girls, Hannah and someone who starts with an S but they aren't my girlfriends!

Mom: Did you know what was going on in class? Were they working on the same stuff as Mrs. Rhodes?

Matthew: Yeah. Mrs. Rahre is strict, she kept fussin at us but I got green, it was sooooo easy. And they were doing division but she does it with a squiggly and I don't get it. Ya know the lady in the lunch room wouldn't let us talk so I ate my lunch and went outside to play. I was like, what? why can't we talk? It was crazy. Then when I was outside, it was so cold, I thought, geez, I guess I should put my gloves on. And I remembered to zip up my coat and wear my hat. I told you I would.

Mom: Well it sounds like a good day. Glad it went well. You'll have to set the example for those boys that are making bad choices. So I guess you have homework?

Matthew: A little. I have math and spelling and I have to write an essay on hockey equipment. ...

Mom: OK, we'll let's get it done so you have some time to play when we get home.

Matthew: Can I have a snack first?

End conversation....

That in a nutshell is how his day went. You can see what was important and what wasn't. Clearly, food is a priority with this child!!!!

I'm just glad that he had a good day and was excited to go back today. Tonight, we have an essay on coaching hockey. Good thing he chose a topic he knows something about. And as for hockey, he should be signed up this week and hopefully start this weekend however; we may miss his first practice on Friday night since we have tickets to see the Komets (www.komets.com) play at the coliseum!!!! Sorry Dad...guess you'll have to come visit so you can come to a game huh?

The 1st Day of School

This morning was a bit rough. It was our first day of 4th grade at Price Elementary School.

Matthew did great. We walked in together to his classroom and his teacher, Mrs. Rahre was there waiting to greet him. She showed him to his desk and I waved goodbye. I had already been given a very stern lecture from my 10 year old that he was in fact 10 and since this was a new school, I was not to hug him or kiss him or anything because he did not want to be embarrassed his first day. Talk about breaking a momma's heart. THAT was hard. I wanted to run over and hug him and tell him today was going to be great and that he'd make lots of new friends. I wanted to remind him that God was with him and he wouldn't be alone today for he would always have his best friend right next to him. He may not be able to see him, but God's there and he'll be there all day long.

But I couldn't, alas, I had to respect his wishes for school is his territory. So I made the slow walk around the corner, back up the hallway to the side door, back to the van. Teary eyed as I was, I held it in like a big girl. Instead of crying, I called my girlfriend who reminded me that Matthew is a great kid and he'll do fine, me on the other hand...is it 5 o'clock somewhere yet?

Well, I have to embarrass him a little right? Here's what greeted me this morning...as you can see, he's just bursting with energy on his first day....

Oh what will the day bring, I can't wait to hear. Oh fiddle foo, what time do I pick him up? Will he remember where to meet me in the parent line? Argh, there I go again, worrying over nothing. He's a good boy and he's 10...he can handle it. I can't wait to find out how his day went and if the cheese pizza for lunch was really as good as he thought it was going to be. Come on 3:20pm....

FYI- It's snowing....AGAIN!!!!!!!

The Quirks that come with a new house...

Each of you knows that each house comes with new quirks, especially when animals are involved. If you take a look in the picture below, you will see a drawer at the bottom of the picture, a cabinet door slightly open, and a very tricky and sneaky cat.

I'd like to point out to everyone that Blaze has taken to opening the bottom drawer on her own, crawling through the back of it into the cabinet under the sink. Then, she sits there and meows or bangs around until we hear her and realize, she's under the sink again. Thanks to my smart husband, he has propped the cabinet door open so that she can escape on her own. This of course, isn't as much fun- hence the dirty looks we were given, but hey, at least she can't get stuck under the sink for hours while we may be gone out of the house. Crazy cat....

Pictures of our New Home

I promised everyone pictures of the house so here you go.....

Backyard view from kitchen sliding doors

Backyard again

Garage...and yes, we are working towards getting this cleared out and cleaned up so I can park MY car in the garage.

This is our computer room/guest room once we purchase a bed...have no fear, once anyone comes to visit, we'll have a bed ready!!!!

Matthew's bedroom- however, he tends to enjoy playing in his walk in closet instead of his room. I know, he's a strange child sometimes!!!

This is our bonus room that is at the top of the stairs. We are going to use it for a game room.

Masterbedroom

Kitchen/Dining area. Through the walkway at the end of the kit (straight ahead) to the left is a half bathroom, to the front is the laundry closet, and to the right is the door to the garage.

Living Room with fireplace

Our front door...Welcome Home

The journey has begun....

If you had asked me just a few months ago did I really think we'd be moving in order to find work, the answer would have been a swift NO WAY. But here we are..."in the middle"...welcome to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Life is funny like that isn't it. Just when you think everything is fine, God throws you a curveball. Good thing I'm a christian and I have my faith because without it, I never would have survived the last several months. It hasn't been easy but the Evoy's have begun to land on their feet once again.

Yeah, it'll take a little bit of patience (which we know I personally don't have) and a lot of faith but we'll be alright.

I think back to just a week ago when I started the drive at 8:03am towards our new home. I started it without my rock and best friend, Chris. But I did have my Dad. What a trooper. He just rode along on our 11 hour drive with a 10 year old who wanted a snack every 15 miles, a cat that would only stop meowing and howling if she was seated on a lap rather than in her kennel, and 2 dogs that had to be given sedatives in order to make the trip. If I had been asked to help on a trip like that, my answer would have been, "see if you can find someone else". But he did it because that's what Dad's do. And he gave up an entire week to make sure we were settled BEFORE Chris even set one foot in our new home. I wouldn't trade my Dad's help for the world. Poor guy- busted his hump all week and I couldn't even find a DQ that was open to get him an ice cream before he left so the deal is, on his first trip, he WILL get an ice cream!!!!!

It's been a busy week but things are slowly settling down. Pictures are on the wall, the TV is finally hooked up, and Matthew starts school on Monday. Wait, oh dear, what on earth will I do with no one home all day? That concept is too strange. Plus, I've had Matthew with me for the last few weeks. We've had a lot of one on one time, boy am I going to miss that. Do you think anyone would notice if he wasn't there on Monday? (shhhh......)

I'll survive, we all will survive. Life goes on...it is what it is. You have to just pick up go with the flow.

As my mother told me when I left, if things seem overwhelming, just pretend you're Scarlett O'Hara and say, "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tommorrow....After all, tomorrow is, another day".