Birthday boy

Hard to believe but Ryan was 17 yesterday.  Saturday night he and Mark left on a quest for sushi only to get to the restaurant and it was closed for renovation.  They decided on Oggi's and enjoyed salad and BBQ wings pizza.  It was also a good opportunity for them to discuss some situations that had occurred during the week one-on-one.  Of course it's quickly become a tradition to have a chocolate satin pie in lieu of a cake for birthdays.  Can't blame them as they are delicious!  Connor had waited all week for Ryan to wear the Chevy's birthday hat which you can tell really thrilled him!  Then he thought it clever to give Ryan the shirt he'd gotten him in a Victoria's Secret bag ... only at 14.  Ry was a good sport though and loved the shirts the kids each got him as well as his birthday money.  With his second paycheck we opened his very own checking account so now he can cash his own checks.  This should be an interesting learning experience!

Connor came home with a less than stellar report card so he continues to be grounded.  Perhaps another 6 weeks of no phone or privileges will show him we're not kidding about being on the Honor Roll.  He's definitely going through a defiant stage and, frankly, I'm over it.  Why they can't see that doing what's right makes life better all around is baffling to me.

This will be a busy week as I have a lot to do before I leave Saturday for my big trip to the Dominican Republic.  I am SOOO excited!  A whole week relaxing in a lovely villa with my sister and her friends, being waited on by the house staff, laying on the beautiful beaches, and exploring the island.  I can't wait!

Jake gets his stitches out on Wednesday and will no longer be a cone-head.  He's actually adjusted fairly well although it has cut down some on his speed - not the most aerodynamic feature!  He and Buddy try having their games and it just doesn't work with a big thing around your head.  Connor also has 3 lacrosse games this week, Ry has school twice, I have a nail appt and my girls' craft night, plus the New Life guys are coming to group Thursday night so we're excited to see them again.  In between I need to pay a few bills and ensure everything is ready for Mark before I go.  

Poor Jake

It has been one of those weeks! A pricey plumbing bill, a dropped soda can which exploded all over the kitchen, and then an emergency trip to the vet. As I was taking Ryan to work Saturday, Connor called to tell me that Jake's eye was cut and bleeding.  Called the vet to alert them of our arrival since stitches may be needed and indeed they were.  We can only suspect that he was after a creature and stuck his head into a palm tree and caught one of the spikes as it's a clean slice across his eye.  He came within 2mm of slicing through the cornea, has 7 stitches (they can't stitch inside for fear stitches will cause an ulcer on the eye), ointment/pain meds/antibiotics, and a very annoying cone!  We have to watch he and Buddy all the time because if Buddy licks his eye and any stitches come lose, it will be a big problem.  It was a rather sleepless night but he's slowly learning the parameters of the cone and that he can drink with it on.  We're very grateful that he didn't lose his sight.

Unfortunately I missed Connor's first lacrosse game since I had to get Jake before they closed.  They lost to Poway 4-1 but that's not bad given so many kids on the team haven't played before.  Ryan came home excited to have gotten his very first paycheck which I anticipate will last about two nanoseconds once it's cashed.  We have a ways to go on the money management side of working!  

Ryan's first creations!

Ryan's first pizza (Hawaiian) and cinnamon twists!  

First Job

Today is Ryan's first "real" day on the job.  He completed his training last week and today it's only him!  If you're in Rancho Bernardo and like pizza, stop in at Round Table Pizza and enjoy some!  He works today, tomorrow and Sunday so he should be fairly tired by the end of his shift as each is from 8a-3p. 

Mark enjoyed the chance to visit with his cousins despite the reason for his trip to Denver.  The funeral services and military honors were very nice and the weather cooperative.  This weekend begins lacrosse practice and a Grandma Baby Shower to attend.