Virtual Vlasaty

As I have been going through things to gather items for Connor's graduation party I have come across some of Cody's things also.  This one particularly got to me.  All I need to do if I am feeling down is read this.

Looking back on the posts in the blog, I realize the importance of posting as much as I can to look back and reflect on the memories and accomplishments of my boys.  Both boys are so kind and talented.   Both boys can sing but Connor isn't much for being in the spotlight.  Cody, on the other hand, has taken a few opportunities to showcase his singing talent,and I couldn't be more proud.  When Cody isn't busy with hockey he takes singing lessons at Pure Rock Studios here in Rochester.  In May of 2017 he was able to perform a song at the studio for an audience.  He did awesome.  Attached is the performance.  He also performed this song for his 5th grade talent show in front of about 1,000 students and staff.   Cody had the honor of performing the National Anthem at the local soccer game in July of 2017.  I know he was nervous since it was his first time and he sang it acapella.  He did great!  Attached are both...

School started a week earlier this year which was a bit of a change.  We survived the first week and things went smoothly.  Of course as a  mom I always wants a first day of school picture.  Connor isn't especially thrilled to have his picture taken, but did pose for a quick one.  Of course his smile is a bit cheesy because he wasn't happy about the photo, but I guess I at least got one.  I am proud of my boys and am so blessed.  With the first week of school already came the reality of ordering a cap and gown for Connor's graduation.  I am going to enjoy every moment of this year.  Cody's birthday is coming in two days and he will be 14!  Again, how can this be??  They are turning into such nice young men.  That is my goal.  Raise them to be good people, to be kind, caring and have manners and of course who respect.  I think we are ready for the 2nd week of school.

Hard to believe it has almost been a year since I posted anything.  At that time I had good intentions of posting more regularly to capture things going on throughout the year.  Well, I am going to try again. We are getting close to another new school year.  Connor is a senior!  I am still trying to wrap my head around it.  The time has gone so fast.  We went to several open houses for friends of his that graduated this year.  It makes me sad even though I know it is a part of life.  Part of starting up this blog again is to help me put my feelings down as we go through the journey of life.  Cody is starting 8th grade.  One last year of middle school. Both boys make me so proud.  They both continue to play hockey.  Cody is still a goalie and does such a good job in a tough position.  Me, on the other hand...being a goalie mom is not easy.  Almost a year ago my grandma moved in with us.  I am blessed to stil...

Here I am again.  This time I really need to keep up with this.  I am writing this with a son in his junior year of high school and a son in 7th grade.  With each school year I have more emotions.  As each year passes I am more aware of how fast time is going as well as how the time with my boys is getting shorter. Cody loves to sing and has performed at Pure Rock Studios and also sang the National Anthem this summer at a soccer game.  I am proud of his willingness to perform in front of an audience even thought it can be nerve wracking and intimidating. Connor is now a licensed driver and has a girlfriend.  Her name is Riley.  I really like his girlfriend.  It is hard to believe he only has two years of high school left.  I think I am in denial.  This year we will probably take a look at colleges.  It is still so hard to believe. Both boys are still playing hockey.  Cody is still playing goalie and loves it.  His co...

It is hard to believe Connor is already 15 years old.  Along with that comes the privilege of getting a permit and driving.  Connor took and passed his permit test on Monday, March 21.  He isn't as excited to drive as many teenagers are.  He is cautious and very aware that driving isn't a game and has consequences if it isn't taken seriously.  He has gotten some time behind the wheel driving in the neighborhood and non-high traffic roads.  He does a good job.  He has also gotten more confident each time.  At first he was quite nervous.  The adventure begins.

Cody is in his last year of elementary school.  It is also that time of year when the 5th graders will learn about family life and human sexuality.  Oh boy.  I had to sign the permission slip yesterday for Cody to return indicating that we are of aware of the information that he will be learning about.  As parents, we are encouraged to have open communication with them regarding this if they happen to have any questions or concerns.  I asked Cody if he had anything he wanted to ask, and he quickly responded "No!"  I said, "that's okay, you can always talk to your dad about it too" to which he replied, "yes, man to man."  I said yes, like that.  He cracks me up!  

Both boys are now finished with the "regular" hockey season.  They both had successful seasons, and each had new players on their teams. For Connor, a lot of the players he knew or had played with before.  It was his last year of youth hockey and next year he will play as a John Marshall Rocket. For Cody, most of his teammates were people he didn't know.  It was also the first year he was one of two goalies.  He and his goalie partner are great friends and are two peas in a pod.  We couldn't ask for a better teammate and friend.  He had a very busy season and traveled a lot.  It was a great experience. Of course our hockey season really never comes to an end.  Connor will be playing with the Jr. Hawks this spring/summer and Cody will be with the Med City X-rays.  Good thing we like hockey!

Cody's 5th grade class had the opportunity to take a trip to Eagle Bluff February 29-March 2, 2016.  It was the first time that Gibbs Elementary has offered this kind of opportunity for 5th graders.  The trip gave the students an opportunity to work together and learn some life lessons along the way. I decided that it would be a good experience for me to be a chaperon on the trip.  The trip was filled with activities from breakfast time to "lights out" at 10 pm.  Needless to say, the trip was exhausting, but I also learned a lot.  It was fun to see the students do things that were at times out of their comfort zone.  I also learned that it can be challenging to work with so many different kids who have different personalities and attitudes.  God Bless teachers! I am glad that was there to witness my son's experience and am proud at what he accomplished on the trip including a high ropes course that ended in a zip line.  Way to go Cody!

You would think that our home was filled with plenty of animals with two dogs and two guinea pigs, but there was something still missing from our family...a cat.  One of Travis's coworkers had a cat that took residence in their garage last winter.  They already had a cat and a dog and thought they would like to find a nice home for the cat. That is where we come in.  I had been looking at possibly adopting a cat, but since this cat showed up and was free, we thought we would give cat ownership a try.  We are glad that we did.  After we brought Ellie home, she was a bit unsure about our dogs.  The dogs were good and didn't chase her, but every time they got near her she hissed at them.  After she figured out that they weren't going to hurt, she was feeling comfortable enough to come out more and not hide. Now, she loves to play with Shadow at times and rubs up against both of them trying to get their attention.  She is a good addition to our fa...

It is my goal to start this blog again.  It is hard to believe that it has been so long since my last post.  I now have a 5th grader and a freshman in high school.  I am sad about the things I have missed blogging about along the way, but excited to start again to track their accomplishments and also track us as a family.  There are so many things going on with my boys and I want to remember each and every thing they do because time goes too fast. Connor is currently in driver's ed classes and will turn 15 in two weeks.  Both Cody and Connor are still playing hockey and are doing well.  Connor has finished his youth hockey career and will play high school hockey next year.  Cody is playing at the highest level in his age group and is having a great time playing goalie.  I am so proud of both of them.  I will post some photos in future blog posts.

Cody was talking to Travis the other night and told him he needed to "train" outside for something. Travis thought he was talking about hockey and said he could go downstairs with him and shoot pucks.  Cody said "no, dad, I need to train because there are 4-5 girls who want to chase me tomorrow at recess."  So, Cody went outside and ran around to train to get away from the girls.  He is only 8...

Last night we had a goal conference for Connor. We are so proud of him. He is doing wonderful in school and has had a lot of scores of 100% and above! His test scores are wonderful. He is scoring very high and is at the top of his class. He is also in GATE (Gifted And Talented Education) again this year for math and science. We are so proud!

I was helping out in Cody's class for Valentine's Day yesterday. It is so cute to see how excited the kids are to share their Valentine's with one another. Of course a lot of the excitement has to do with the candy that usually comes with it. As the class was listening to the story of Valentine's Day that was being read by the teacher, a little girl came over from the other classroom to ask if Cody was there. I told her yes and she proceeded to give me a Valentine for him. When I realized who it was (it happened to be a girl he has talked about), I quickly said hi and told her I am Cody's mom. She said hi back and said nice to meet you

Cody and I went out shopping yesterday to find something for him to wear to a wedding we have this coming weekend.  Connor already chose what he wanted to wear.  They have both surprised and made me proud by wanting to wear a shirt with a tie.  The wedding isn't supposed to real formal, but they want to look nice.  So, since Connor chose a nice shirt and tie as well as a vest, Cody thought he might want something similar.  Of course the vests are near the suit jackets and when Cody saw the suit jackets he thought he might like to wear that.  I said "no, probably shouldn't wear a suit jacket because you might be too hot."  He said, "what do you mean too hot?"  I answered, "well, if it is hot outside then you might get too warm."  Cody replied "Oh, I thought you meant too hot for the ladies."  He always makes me laugh.  Needless to say we didn't get a suit jacket, but we did find a nice shirt and tie.  He will probably still be h...

Wow, it is hard to believe how time flies.  I will be doing some updating soon since I have been absent from this blog for the last year!  Shame on me!  As for today, it is the last day of the 2011-2012 school year.  It has been a good year and has gone very fast as usual.  Hard to believe that Connor will be heading to middle school next year and Cody will be in 2nd grade!  Wow!  This morning when I talked to Cody before going to school he said to me "I will miss Connor next year."  He is so sweet.  He liked having his big brother there at school and would see him and talk to him in the halls.  He also asked me if there was time added to the school day for each grade you go up.  I said no there isn't and Connor said "Cody, if there was more time added for each year, I will be at school a lot later in the day than you."  :-)

On March 21, 2011 we had the honor of attending a Terrific Kids assembly at school to watch Connor receive an award. The theme was hard work and Connor received an award for "being one of the hardest workers in class. He puts forth his best effort to produce the best work he can." We are so proud of him!

Hard to believe that Connor turned 10 on March 18, 2011. He is turning into a wonderful young man and Travis and I are very proud of him! We are excited to continue to see him excel in the future.

On March 5, 2011 Cody participated in the Termite Jamboree. He had a lot of fun and enjoyed another successful hockey season.