Hello Monday on Tuesday (September 8, 2026)

 

I wanted to officially share this announcement on my blog...it has been an exciting few weeks in these parts...

 

 

On August 27, 2026, Merrimack Athletics officially announced that Merrimack College Cheerleading is being elevated from a club sport to a VARSITY sport beginning THIS academic year, 2026–27.

So this isn't something they're considering for the future. It is happening now.

What Merrimack announced

Athletic Director Joe Foley said the change reflects Merrimack's desire to give cheerleaders greater resources, opportunities, recognition and support as part of the athletic department. He specifically noted how important the cheerleaders have become as ambassadors for Merrimack and to the game-day experience.

The team will continue its major roles:

• Cheering Warrior football at Duane Stadium
• Cheering men's and women's basketball at Lawler Arena
• Traveling to the Metro Basketball Championships in Atlantic City
• Competing at NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach

And Merrimack isn't elevating a program that is just getting started competitively. The cheer team was the 2025 NCA Division I Runner-Up and also reached the finals in NCA D1 Intermediate and Game Day.

 

Diana is absolutely pumped and we are so excited for her! 

 

This is a pic of when she face-timed us to tell us...we had to stay quiet until the college made the official announcement- we were all thrilled and she was quite emotional...glad we could share it together!

 and with her biggest fan at her first ever college game!

 

 I also wanted to say that Blogger was having issues late last week and although I read all of my favorite blogs, I wasn't allowed to comment...maybe it's just me but let me know if you had trouble too...just know I will comment when I am allowed to! :)

 

Ok...back to our weekend...

 

Friday Night

 

Lea got me this shirt- reppin' my 52!  Go Brooks!

 

It was time for the first WHS Football Game of the season.  Brook's Fan Club was in the house.  We enjoyed pre-gaming at the Cavern Pub and then went to the game down the road in Pembroke.  The JAGS pulled off a win 31-28.  It was a "nail bitah" as we say in New England-so so fun!

 

 

 

Saturday

 

We were up bright and early and I headed down to Merrimack to pick up Diana and her friend from home.  We brought her friend home and then headed to our Starbucks for coffee and catch up.  She then wanted to come by the house to see the fam AND Remi :)  Eva was so excited as was Remi...she said...ahhh it feels so good to walk around where there is "space!" Too funny :)

 

 

After saying HI to everyone, I brought her back to school so she could continue her fun long weekend.

 

At home, I was able to take a little nap then the rest of us headed down to my parents.  My Mom spoiled us with a beautiful dinner to celebrate my brother's and my birthdays.  It was such a great night!

 

 

Sunday

We were up bright and early again!  We headed to mass and then it was softball all day in Mason, NH.  We enjoyed watching the first two games of the season with Eva's new Club Team.  She loves these girls and is actually playing with older girls this season- some already in high school- eek!

 

 

On our way home, Diana asked if we could pick her up as there wasn't much going on, on campus that night.  She was already planning on being with us on Monday so just thought she would sleepover and sneak some extra time in.  So we picked her up.  

Papa took the girls out for dinner while Rob and I headed out to dinner with Cass and Steve- another great night!

 

 

 Monday

 

Labor Day!  Our little fam headed up to the beach- my happy place!  It was only the 2nd time I got there all summer but it was the perfect day- the weather was beautiful- the waves were huge and the sun felt incredible!

 

 On our way home, we stopped at Markey's for our first "steamahs" of the season...it was such the perfect day!

 

 

We dropped Diana off and said seeyah soon!  When we got home, Rob headed out to do the grocery shopping for me...Pidge chatted with friends and I watched some tv until it was time for bed.  It was a wonderful long weekend!  What were you all up to?

 

 

 

Hello Monday (August 31, 2026)

 

Hi Friends and Happy Monday!  I am here with Sara and we are chatting about our weekends.  If you did too, grab our graphic above and link back up with us below. C'mon...it'll be fun...promise ;)

 

Here is what our little weekend looked like...

 

Friday Night

 

It was the Merrimack Home Opener vs. URI and Diana's first time cheering in college...the fam showed up in full force and we had a blast tailgating before and cheering her on during the game.  Though "MACK" lost...it was a great game...truth be told, we left during the third quarter...it was a very long game and we were wiped...that's ok...we came home and watched the rest on NESN...so very cool that we can even watch from afar!

 

Here are some pics...first...our girl....

 

 

Our tailgating set up with our fave peeps

 

My Mom made her famous stuffed peppers...a truly Italian Tailgating Item- ha ha!

 

Walking in...The MC Hockey Team who was last year's Hockey East Champs- they were signing autographs and Eva was so excited...she had them sign her MC hat

 

 

In the stands....at the field!

 

The Big Entrance...they started a new tradition and had the Class of 2030 enter the field....

 

 

 Diana's Gorgeous Roomie and Friend Laci who is on the Dance Team!

Diana's First College Halftime Routine!

 

Got to say a quick Goodbye and Great Job before we left!

 It was a great night!

 

A few pics I got from Diana after...

 

Diana and Laci

 and Diana with some of her favorite fellow freshmen cheerleaders

 

 

Saturday

 

It was a relaxing start to the day then Rob and Eva headed to softball and I headed to the WHS  Football Scrimmage to support Brooks and see my fave team in action  ;)

 

Lea in one of her homemade shirts to commemorate Brooks' Senior Year!

 

 

 Windham looked great and beat Nashua North ( I don't remember the final score- ha!)

 

 When I got home I did some cooking and baking (who am I?)...I made us shrimp fried rice for dinner and peach bars with some of the peaches that Eva and I picked :)

 

 

 Then I started working on purging my closet.  It will be a process but I am feeling good about the clean out and all of the bags of donations I am coming up with.

 

When Eva and Rob got home after a softball pool party, we had dinner then headed up to our bed to watch some tv together and text Diana to make sure she knows we miss her even though we are very excited for her too!

 

 

 

 Sunday

 

Rob, Eva and Papa headed up to Vermont for Eva's first hockey tournament of the season with her girls team.  Rob and Papa sat in the stands and looked up to see the MC banner...it was kismet :)

 

 I headed to see my friend Nina for a much needed massage.  It is funny though I have been staying active, I haven't hit yoga in a few weeks and I can feel it...I have been so sore so Nina fixed that for me!

 

After my massage, I headed to grab a tea then headed to mass.

 

When I got home, I did some more cooking for the week so I am prepared.  I then cleaned out the fridge and chopped up fruits and veggies for the week and stored them in these new fridge containers I picked up.  I was so so happy and excited to be organized as we are heading into the next school year!

 

Then...friends...I was inspired by Amy and went to the movies by myself for the first time in my life!  I went to see Spa Weekend and loved it...although I cried on my way there...realizing just how much time I spent with Diana...I was brave once I got there and ended up having a relaxing time alone!

 

 

 Once I got home, I ordered a pizza, poured a glass of wine and turned on Greys as I continue to binge...I am in the 2nd season which was  my fave of all...the Denny Duquette season

 

 

 Then I worked more on my closet.  When Rob and Eva got home they dug into the pizza and Eva continued working on her room.  We are purging everywhere- feels so good.

 

What were you all up to?