Layne is just finishing up camp. She is attending the USA Volleyball High Performance Pre-Select A3 camp here in Colorado Springs. It is a 5 day overnight camp with 10 sessions in the gym. I went to watch last night and she is doing well.
Here is a link to photos that were taken last night. There are actually several groups traning at the same time. She is the first group in red and is in the front row, third from the right.
http://www.usavolleyball.org/multimedia/photo_gallery/841
I get to go pick her up later today!!
Heath also comes home this evening.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Heath In Thailand--Installment #1
This is an outside shot of a corridor at the ruins we visited on our off day.
Here the girls are heading out of what is believed to be a haunted area. The tomb room.
This sanstone temple is the oldest temple in Thailand. It dates back the the 12th centery over a thousand years old.
Here the girls are heading out of what is believed to be a haunted area. The tomb room.
This sanstone temple is the oldest temple in Thailand. It dates back the the 12th centery over a thousand years old.
It started pooring right after we arrived but the rain was warm so I wan't going to miss out on seeing everything.
We were lucky to be Thailand during the Candle Parade. It is a once a year event. The floats are made from wax.
Each float is hand carved and extremely detailed.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Officially a teen.......
We started the day with some embarrassing photos of Layne still in bed!! I had to get her in a peaceful state before she woke up all cranky or hyper.
She was actually very pleasant, I think the gifts on the kitchen table helped. I got up early and made her some yummy waffles!! Her first birthday call was from Aunt Jessica and Hayes.
During breakfast, she had to get into all her gifts. I asked her to open a few a lunch, etc...no luck on that. She got some wonderful gift cards, some gum, a Michael Jackson CD and money.
Over the weekend, I was trying to figure out something special to get her--something she would remember and treasure. It was decided to get a ring. She picked out a beautiful garnet and she seems to really love--let's hope she doesn't loose it.
It was a great morning and I can't wait to get home from work and spend the evening with her. I think we will be going shopping now.
I brought home pizza fun lunch and we had a nice lunch date. After work we went shopping--she had to use up those gift cards. The shopping was fun and she got some great stuff, she was very happy with her purchases.
We were more than stuffed from dinner and desert didn't sound that great, but I wanted to do something. We had already gotten a huge ice cream cake from Cold Stone the week before--so it was apple pies from McDonald's. Tacky, yes--memorable, yes.
Another birthday photo of Layne and I.
Before the movie started, I made Layne try on some of her new close and pose for the camera. This photo is about the foot!!
This one is cool, because I didn't realize I was going to get Michael Jackson on the TV!! I think Layne is super cute in this one also--and yes, she is wearing a skirt.
She was actually very pleasant, I think the gifts on the kitchen table helped. I got up early and made her some yummy waffles!! Her first birthday call was from Aunt Jessica and Hayes.
During breakfast, she had to get into all her gifts. I asked her to open a few a lunch, etc...no luck on that. She got some wonderful gift cards, some gum, a Michael Jackson CD and money.
Over the weekend, I was trying to figure out something special to get her--something she would remember and treasure. It was decided to get a ring. She picked out a beautiful garnet and she seems to really love--let's hope she doesn't loose it.
It was a great morning and I can't wait to get home from work and spend the evening with her. I think we will be going shopping now.
Then we had to decide what to eat for the special birthday dinner. Her choice was Tomo Sushi, because she was wanting some chicken teriyaki. They have the best!!
Look at it, doesn't it just look like a work of art. Unfortunately Layne ONLY wanted the chicken.
I did ask her to try the sushi rolls I ordered. I really thought she knew what I had gotten?? So, she was quite surprised when I told her it was avocado eel rolls. She made a face, but I think she kinda liked them.
We were more than stuffed from dinner and desert didn't sound that great, but I wanted to do something. We had already gotten a huge ice cream cake from Cold Stone the week before--so it was apple pies from McDonald's. Tacky, yes--memorable, yes.
Some of her purchases from our shopping spree. You will see a book about Woodstock in there--that is something she wants to learn about. Should be very educational.
At Target, we decided to finish off the night with a movie. Layne wanted to stay up until midnight and make it a complete day. I thought it would be fun to watch something from when I was a teen. I think the Breakfast Club is rated R--although I was probably 13 when I watched it 500 times.
Another birthday photo of Layne and I.
Before the movie started, I made Layne try on some of her new close and pose for the camera. This photo is about the foot!!
This one is cool, because I didn't realize I was going to get Michael Jackson on the TV!! I think Layne is super cute in this one also--and yes, she is wearing a skirt.
I must say that I had a wonderful day with her and I am pretty sure she had a good day also. We are very sad that Heath had to miss another birthday, but we will do something when he gets home.
Layne also would like to thank everyone for their birthday wishes.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Happy Birthday Layne
Once upon a time, about 10 years ago, we tried to take some cute photos of Layne. Well, she was certainly cute. The thing is, tomorrow she will turn 13 and I can hardly believe it. I went to Hallmark to buy a card and ended up crying about 5 times. When I look at these photos and then Layne today--it is hard to believe how fast those 10 years went. I feel her growing up and needing me less and maybe me needing her more. I don't want to screw up being a good parent to a teenager.
This photo she was a bit older and more like a monkey. She would try to climb everything and now she just wants to sit and watch TV or do crazy things on the computer. She has changed so much and I can only say that with each stage I have enjoyed her even more.
We will wake up tomorrow morning and we will both feel the same, but we know that things are going to change. I am going to do my best to hold on to her and keep her safe--like I always have. I love her so much and as much as it hurts to watch the years go by, I know I will enjoy everything that is to come.
Happy 13th Birthday Layne. You are the best!!
Love,
Mom
How are you doing?
Thanks for asking, I am actually doing quite well. I haven't given a proper update in some time and I apologize. Layne came home and my mom and Scott and Layne's friend came to visit and we were just really busy--as you can see from my previous blog.
I fell like I am about 98% and for the most part feel completely normal. I guess my only lingering issue is my left eye. It seems to be blinking just fine but I guess that maybe my tear production isn't quite right?? That is all I can gather from online research. It isn't anything that my eye drops can't fix.
I went to work last week for half days and today stayed for 7 hours. I probably could have made it for 8 but I was doing a project that required me to stare at the screen for hours. My eye just got a little tired and dry. It is hard not to push myself and just give in and take a break. I am sure I will make it a whole day, if not tomorrow, maybe Wednesday.
Once again, I just wanted to say "Thank You" to everyone that send me notes, left messages, showed their concern, sent flowers and gifts. Also, to my wonderful Heath and Layne for making me laugh--I have no doubt that all of this sped up my recovery. You are all so wonderful.
Tori
I fell like I am about 98% and for the most part feel completely normal. I guess my only lingering issue is my left eye. It seems to be blinking just fine but I guess that maybe my tear production isn't quite right?? That is all I can gather from online research. It isn't anything that my eye drops can't fix.
I went to work last week for half days and today stayed for 7 hours. I probably could have made it for 8 but I was doing a project that required me to stare at the screen for hours. My eye just got a little tired and dry. It is hard not to push myself and just give in and take a break. I am sure I will make it a whole day, if not tomorrow, maybe Wednesday.
Below is a photo from last week when my family was here--I guess I look pretty normal? The good news was that I was able to put in my contacts and wear sunglasses. That seemed to help my eye with the light.
Once again, I just wanted to say "Thank You" to everyone that send me notes, left messages, showed their concern, sent flowers and gifts. Also, to my wonderful Heath and Layne for making me laugh--I have no doubt that all of this sped up my recovery. You are all so wonderful.
Tori
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Colorado Adventures
Layne finally came home on July 27. I was so happy to see her and she brought guests with her. My mom and Scott and her best friend Erica. We had a great week--the proof is below. So, they got in on Saturday and we went for steak at Outback. It was great, however we had a creepy manager guy that wanted to buy us desert. I guess it was nice, but also weird.
Sunday, we left the house for Breckenridge. They all wanted a mountain destination and that was the winner. It was a beautiful drive. Below is Layne and my mom trying on matching winter coats.
After a few hours of shopping, we stopped at Bubba Gumps for lunch. We had some great shrimp appetizers--Scott sure knows how to stuff you.
Right behind the restaurant was a beautiful stream we stopped to take a couple of photos.
On the way back, there is a great place to stop and take photos. This is the gang below.
On Monday, I went to work for half a day and then we headed out on our afternoon adventure. It would be the Garden of the God's, Manitou Springs and then to Front Range BBQ for dinner.
Tuesday, I had another half day of work, before coming home to pick up everyone and head to the Olympic Training Center and Helen Hunt Falls.
They were literally fighting for first place.
The final day of the trip was going to be the Cave of the Winds and a special birthday dinner for Layne (her birthday isn't until July 7, but the last day that all of them could celebrate with her). I kinda forgot it was peek tourist season and there was quite a long wait for the next available cave tour. However, in hind-sight, we should have stayed and waited. Besides all of that, it is a beautiful drive up there and great scenery once you are there.
Since I talked the girls out of waiting, we went to eat at the California Pizza Kitchen--it was delicious but poor service. I also told them that we could go to Mr. Bigg's instead of the caves. Here is where I made my mistake. Mr. Bigg's is an arcade with go-karts, bumper cars, etc..... It would have been much more enjoyable to wait outside in the beautiful mountains versus this stinky place. The girls had fun and mostly went on the go-karts all night.
We finally got home close to 10:00pm and had birthday cake with Layne.
Sunday, we left the house for Breckenridge. They all wanted a mountain destination and that was the winner. It was a beautiful drive. Below is Layne and my mom trying on matching winter coats.
After a few hours of shopping, we stopped at Bubba Gumps for lunch. We had some great shrimp appetizers--Scott sure knows how to stuff you.
Right behind the restaurant was a beautiful stream we stopped to take a couple of photos.
On the way back, there is a great place to stop and take photos. This is the gang below.
On Monday, I went to work for half a day and then we headed out on our afternoon adventure. It would be the Garden of the God's, Manitou Springs and then to Front Range BBQ for dinner.
The girls holding up balanced rock.
We took a rest for some ice cream in Manitou Springs.
The girls did a nice little dance for us on the stage at Front Range BBQ. They are so not dorks.
Tuesday, I had another half day of work, before coming home to pick up everyone and head to the Olympic Training Center and Helen Hunt Falls.
They were literally fighting for first place.
Helen Hunt Falls
The final day of the trip was going to be the Cave of the Winds and a special birthday dinner for Layne (her birthday isn't until July 7, but the last day that all of them could celebrate with her). I kinda forgot it was peek tourist season and there was quite a long wait for the next available cave tour. However, in hind-sight, we should have stayed and waited. Besides all of that, it is a beautiful drive up there and great scenery once you are there.
Since I talked the girls out of waiting, we went to eat at the California Pizza Kitchen--it was delicious but poor service. I also told them that we could go to Mr. Bigg's instead of the caves. Here is where I made my mistake. Mr. Bigg's is an arcade with go-karts, bumper cars, etc..... It would have been much more enjoyable to wait outside in the beautiful mountains versus this stinky place. The girls had fun and mostly went on the go-karts all night.
We finally got home close to 10:00pm and had birthday cake with Layne.
It was a great visit. We did so much in a few days. I was really tired after they left early Thursday morning. Layne and I did nothing on Thursday night but hang out and watch TV.
Thanks for coming out--please come back soon.
Tori
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