Happy Birthday Keaton

Keaton officially turned 11 this month. I think he has wanted to be eleven for several years now. I remember him saying that it was so cool now that he is in the 'double digits' of age numbers. I don't know if that makes sense, but it makes sense to him. Here are 11 reasons that we love Keaton 'Goober' Proctor.

1. Darn good lookin'!

2. Beautiful eyes

3. Sneaky smile

4. Probably the more responsible one of the bunch.

5. Wanted his own room to keep it clean . . . AND he does a fabulous job!

6. Awesome CRASH basketball player #15 and has 12 championship tee-shirts.

7. Extra sensitive and tender heart.

8. Clever, clever, clever

9. Has a way of restating phrases that make them so funny.

10. Always keeps me aware of the recent drop or hike in gas prices.

11. Because he is our 'goober' and we love the heck out of him!

Keaton's birthday was on Martin Luther King's birthday this year. So the kids were out of school, and I decided it would be fun to be home with them. We made Keaton the usual traditional breakfast in bed consisting of waffles. He was surprised to get a game for his DS and one for the Wii, and a guitar for the hero. Yes, we live in an electronic world, I am sad to say so. He had previously invited a couple of friends over for games and party before we went with the whole gang - Glen met us - to the Mall Cop movie. It was pretty cute I guess, the kids enjoyed it and laughed. The boys had a jalapenio eating contest on the way home that was a riot. Keaton decided that dinner would be at Sweet Tomatoes, and I surprised him by inviting some of the Proctor family that would be available. He was very surprised to see them show up for his birthday dinner. When I look at Keaton I can't help but think that he is my little goober baby, I think he still has some 'little' in him that I can sneak a peek at from time to time. He is a sweet hearted boy that is turning into a young man. He 'mothers' Sadie sometimes, but other times he is right there playing her 'girl' games with her. He 'keeps up' with Alex and enjoys feeling a little older. He takes his tasks and assignments seriously and enjoys the rewards of a job well done. Sometimes I wish he was still a screaming baby with his 'jamas' and left thumb in his mouth, but when I talk to him and sense his thrill with life, I can't wait to see what he will come up with next.

My List . . . not necessarily in 2008.

Thinsgs I have done I highlighted in Blue

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars, I am in fact the camp director. . . again.

3. Played in a band --

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland--need to return soon

8. Climbed a mountain - If hiking to the Y counts

9. Held a Praying Mantis--

10. Sang a solo--some that I am very embarrassed about

11. Bungee jumped - That is bad and wrong and must be stopped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea - not at sea, but over the sea in a plane - or was that a lake?

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning - I am sure I did it to myself

17. Been to the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa at the Louvre

20. Slept on a train - Does TRAX count?

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked--nope, I'm a wimp

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort--Built a pretty mean one as a kid to protect myself from mean brothers.

25. Held a lamb--

26. Gone skinny dipping--What happens in Lake Powell stays in Lake Powell.

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run - HECK YEAH! against the Jokers team on a beautiful hot afternoon in Cedar City in 1991 July at the Summer Games wearing an orange shirt and black shorts, my favorite and beloved mit was put to rest following that game, right over the fence too, BEAUTIFUL!

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - My Grandfather Great was born in Draper.

35. Seen an Amish community - only on TV with Indiana Jones (what's his name?)

36. Taught yourself a new language -

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied--

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke - party with the 'gang' in Cottonwood Heights! Gavin and Tyler's Xmas gifts. Good Times.

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - Artic Circle in the car behind ours.

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight Tampa Florida with Alex when he was 4.

46. Been transported in an ambulance - Softball back injury.

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person-

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Been scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud-

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business - I started and ended Simply Fun Games, got all that I wanted, and moved on. Love Games.

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen-- NO, But I ate at the Soup Kitchen Restaurant that makes a mean breadstick.

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies-

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason - Glen used to ALWAYS give me flowers for no reason, delivered them to my office, until I told him they were 'expensive earth' - no more flowers, why did I say that?

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - Regularly

65. Gone sky diving - knew a lady that died doing this for her 40th birthday.

67. Bounced a check - unfortunately yes.

68. Flown in a helicopter - yes for high school homecoming football game, I delivered the game ball.

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar--

72. Tied a quilt - those good old days in Young Womens.

73. Stood in Times Square - sang with my High School Choir

74. Toured the Everglades - where are the everglades, thought that was an airfreshiner

75. Been fired from a job--

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London - in DC twice

77. Broken a Bone--

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle--As a teen with cousin Lisa and Burnhope girls, have a scar to prove it.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person- on a plane

80. Published a book -

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car-

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper-does the Leader count? or maybe the high school newspaper 'Bear Fax', I was a rare bear.

85. Read the entire Bible - not since seminary

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating--fish

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury--

91. Met someone famous-Marie Osmond, but would die to meet Carol Burnett

92. Joined a book club - but never read the books, went for the lively discussion AND refreshments! YUM

93. Lost a loved one-- many

94. Had a baby- YEP 3

95. Seen the Alamo in person--

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee - btw mud really doesn't really help

100. Visited Italy-- Boy I need to get out more ;)

Basketball Photos

Alex takes the point guard position and can really handle the ball.

Keaton shoots for 3 pointer. Take a look at his form. That's my boy!

Keaton, power forward, lobs the ball to #11, the big guy.

Alex: "What did I do?" - his usual "are you kidding me?" stance.

At the end of the day/game, win or loose, we're still family.

Holidays in Review

While holiday celebrations and gatherings are now over, I thought it might be a good time to review our activities and add a few photos for your viewing pleasure. Of course, it would go without saying that the holidays were full of fun, family, friends . . . and basketball. Alex and Glen's TAZER team has been playing very well. Their blog is at http://www.tazersball.blogspot.com/. Tazers came in 2nd place during the Holiday Tourney against Bear River (imagine that - my alma mater - did I spell that right). They played hard and Alex did very well at the point guard position. Keaton's teams, CRASH 5 and CRASH 6, also entered the tournement. Their blog is at http://www.crashbball.blogspot.com/ . His 5th grade team didn't make it into the final round and Keaton is trying to find his 'game', but he worked hard and didn't stop. His 6th grade team made it into the finals and took the Championship for their division. Yep, another t-shirt for Keaton. He, however, didn't play a lick of that game (he is being groomed for the 6th grade even though he is only in the 5th). Regardless, he was pretty proud to be a part of that winning team. Sadie and I went to countless games and cheered.

Actually, Sadie could care less, she doesn't even watch the games anymore, she takes her ipod and movies, and jump rope and drawing materials and usually ends up making a friend. She is so awesome. I know that the boys really appreciate her support at the games, even though she asks me at the end "did we win mom?". We had fun family gatherings at Craig & Jana's house for Christmas and with the Green's at the 'family mansion'. We also went to dinner with friends. The company was definately better than the food on that outing. Grandma & Grandpa treated us to a great dinner on New Year's Eve at Maddoxx in Perry (our family tradition), and Glen's boss treated us to another wonderful meal at a country club. Our spirits and bellies are very full.

After the seasonal school performances - Alex's Choir Concert - Keaton's Viola Concert - and - Sadie's 2nd grade Class Performance - we were all filled with the spirit of the season. I think I am forgetting something . . . Christmas Eve was cold and chilly so we opted to stay in with dinner and home videos to bring back the feelings of Christmas' past. How quickly the kids have grown, it was just yesterday when . . . I guess all parents feel that way.

Christmas Day was full of fun and surprises for everyone. Alex got a guitar and a cell phone (much to my shigrin), Keaton asked for a Nintendo DS and games, Sadie got a Stylin' Studio where she creates computerized make-overs for anyone/everyone. It is pretty impressive. Glen gave me a new camera - notice the new and improved photos. I gave Glen a rope and slippers (he loves them I promise). The family gift was a flat screen TV and a Wii. BIG surprise there.

This year we didn't travel to Tremonton, and it was a good thing because they had a big big storm and the power was out for most of the day. While I missed being in the crowd of the family and fun there, it was, however, nice to stay home during the storm and play games, puzzles, assemble items, learn about the toys, and listen to Alex messing around on his guitar - all day. It was exhausting as they all woke up early, but we had a great and blessed Christmas. New Year's Eve we went to dinner with the Andersons, then took the kids to a movie and played games and ate slush and junk until about 1:30 a.m. Yes, that's right, I did stay up very very late. Banged the pots and pans at midnight and then worked on the annual family puzzle. Enjoy the family photos (which I will post tonight) and may your new year 2009 be prosperous and bright.

Have a Happy Holiday & Peaceful New Year.

Love, The Proctor's

Arrow of Light

Keaton got his cub scout Arrow of Light badge/award last night in a very nice ceremony by his fabulous den leaders. He has been so good at going and keeping up with their activities and has earned nearly every one of his badges and pins for his shoulder. This is just the motivation to jump start him into boy scouts in January.

His leader even made - from scratch- the arrow for Keaton to have and keep. It is pretty awesome. Way to go Keaton!

'Bout time for a photo op.

We finally got the camera disk emptied from years, seriously, years of photos, even back to . . . well, years. So, we decided that while we were working on organizing the pattern for the christmas house lights, we would pause for a photo opportunity. Aren't these guys growing! Really, I stopped aging at 26, they just cannot stop. I love you guys, thanks for keeping me young . . . at least at heart.

Did I mention that Glen won the 'Dick Van Dyke' award at his high school reunion, for not aging a bit! Okay, so he stopped at 35, I gotta stay younger than him right? Love you too!

Basketball Season is Here!

I need to explain that for those you actually watch/follow this blog, (assuming there is anyone), that basketball season at our house officially begins tomorrow in full roar. Alex and Glen's team, TAZERS, of course, have already been in several leagues and tournaments. They recently won a Fall tournament, and last weekend took 2nd place in the Thanksgiving Tournament. Keaton is starting his big time practices with his 5th and 6th grade CRASH teams. This only means that will further my career as "van mom", as I cart around Keaton. Glen will stick with Alex's activities. Poor Sadie just tags along being schooled in basketball, sportsmanship, and how to keep her mother from screaming at the officials and other annoying parents. Honestly, I do get into it a bit much. So, if the blog is not updated often, it is only because of a couple of things keeping me busy such as: work, school, homework, piano lessons, viola lessons, practicing, basketball games and/or practices nearly EVERY night, meal preparation (seriously!), christmas shopping and its' festivities.

Nesting something fierce . . .

All I can say is that either I am nesting, you know when you are ready to deliver that 8 lb baby and getting everything cleaned, cooked, and stored . . . ready for the big day . . . or I am just displaying the manic part of my personality disorder! This weekend I have pretty much broken my record for getting things done. Cleaning was just a technicality . . . do that every weekend. But we cleaned, grocery shopped - as usual, Glen took me to lunch for two days in a row, got the boys to the orthodontist appointment, helped to practice piano, went to a lengthy YW presidency meeting (which really disturbs me to know that our YW are boldly stating they are "addicted to coffee"), and then needing to attach Alex's many merit badges without hot glue, I dove into my new hobbie - Sewing. I know what you might be thinking . . . Annette can sew? Sure I took that class from Mary Jane in 10th grade, and from Mrs. Kirby in 8th, but how hard can it be to sew a straight line. The most difficult part for me is to figure out a pattern and calculate the amount of fabric! Thanks mom for your help and encouragement.

So here is a picture of my first rag blanket . . . Sadie has already latched onto it. Then the boys were jealous and needed their own blankets. So, this morning, after playing volleyball with the women in our ward (we took 1st place in our pool - so we play again next week in a tournament), nursing my floor burns - where were those knee pads - and my aching back, we went to Joanns - my new favorite store with coupons of course. The boys picked out their opposing team patterns (Y and U), I got me some new sizzors that I am going to hide, and we headed home. Sewed the team blankets, raked leaves, Glen took us to lunch for the 3rd day in a row, and then I made Grandma Susan's cinnamin rolls and delivered some warm ones to my good neighbors.

It is 9 p.m. and we are going to start a movie that needs to be returned to Red Box tonight. Whew, I am exhausted. Good thing tomorrow is Sunday, I need a nap!

Messing Around . . .

Not much going on on the home front. Basketball is starting up, so Sadie and I will become the TAZER/CRASH cheerleaders again for a season. Not to mention the carpooling queens! Just messing around with the really cute seasonal backgrounds. Since I am not creative or computer savy at all, I am relying on others' creativity to make my blog fun. What do you think?