Football Season 2012

      Last Spring when Austin came home with a football sign-up flyer, you would have thought he'd found the Willy Wonka Golden Ticket, he was so excited!  I couldn't deny him the opportunity to give it a try, so we signed him up.  The season began in early August with a very demanding schedule.  Practices were held Monday through Friday from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  This schedule remained in effect practically the whole season.  Austin's team was comprised of 5th & 6th graders and surprisingly he wasn't the only one on the team new to the sport.  Overall the season was good.  Austin has decided, however, that football is not his favorite and next year he wants to go back to soccer.  Here is a breakdown of the Pros & Cons I felt about the season:

 

Pros:  

1. Football is awesome as far as daily exercise goes. 
2. The weather throughout the season was incredible.  I think it rained only 2 games the entire season.
3. The games are definitely fun to watch. 
4. Spencer volunteered his time to be an Assistant Coach, which I think helped keep Austin accountable.  
5. Football introduced Austin into a whole new group of kids.  

Cons: 

1. I felt like it was way too demanding on time for kids his age.
2. Our team plays in a League that is WAY too advanced for us, therefore, our players were getting injured left and right.   
3. I felt that the Coach played "favorites" instead of giving all kids a fair shake.  He played the kids who were his best.  The problem I have with that is the fact that if you don't play all of the kids you leave them with little to no incentive to return next season.  Besides that, we lost every game, except 1, so why not give everyone play time?  We're bound to lose anyway!
4. Although I had a good time this season, I feel like football is an exclusive club.  Some parents came across as snobby, and it felt like some of the players have an 'I am better than you attitude'.  That alone doesn't leave a bad taste in my mouth, but, I don't know if I like my kids growing up surrounded by that kind of attitude.   

      Geez, after reading my thoughts above it sounds like I am against football, I am not!  It was a good learning experience for Austin and Cameron is convinced that he wants to play too.  I do think that we'll wait till Cameron is quite a bit older though before we allow him to play.  And finally, I loved how handsome my son looked all geared up on the field.  I am proud of his effort!  He didn't give up and he played his little heart out, even though it was hard work.  Good job, Austin! 

A Spiritual Thought

      Sunday afternoon we were fortunate to have both sets of Missionaries over for lunch.  Spencer plays basketball with the 4 Elders in the area and since we were signed up to feed our set, he felt the desire to extend the invitation.  It was fun having 4 fully grown young men in our home; it kind of gave me a glimpse into what our future household might feel like.  Anyway, before the Elders left they shared a spiritual thought with us and one Elder posed the question, "How does the Atonement help you in your family?"  Good question!  My mind instantly started thinking about all of the mistakes I make as a Wife and a Mother.  I am far from perfect, shocking huh ... I know! ;-)  I yell, I scream, I spend too much money sometimes, and I have been known to complain too much, but the miracle of it all is my family still loves me.  And while I know that I am not perfect, I know they aren't either, and yet I still love and forgive them.  How could I not, if I ask for the same in return?  I remember one specific morning a couple of years ago when I was very frustrated with Austin.  He wasn't motivated to get ready for school like I wanted him to be and I lost my cool.  As soon as he left the house I felt awful, and an hour later the guilt was too much!  I drove to his school, pulled him out of class, and hoped that he would forgive my bad behavior.  He did, and he never brought it up again.   

      I guess that's how the Atonement helps me and my family.  It gives me the courage to move past my pride and be able to ask them for forgiveness.  Sometimes I feel like being stubborn, but eventually I come to remember that if I want my imperfections forgiven, I too need to forgive.  What a great gift our Savior gave to us! 

Today's Horoscope

      Okay, one more random fact about me I could have mentioned in my 11 Things post but didn't, is the fact that I love reading my horoscope!  I actually have an app on my iPhone and I check it everyday to see what it says.  I really don't take them serious, it's just all in good fun.  Anyway, I thought today's horoscope was interesting.  It's the kind of parable that makes you think.  This is what it said:   

      "There was once a sailor who became lost at sea.  The sailor had no water to drink, and so he spent his days scooping seawater into a bucket, and contemplating the ways he might be able to make it drinkable.  He sat there in the cold.  He sat there as waves lapped against his boat.  He sat there as it rained.  He had no way, of course, of transforming the seawater to drinking water - but all he really had to do was empty the bucket and collect the rainwater.  Seems simple, right?  You are now trying too hard to transform something when you already have what you need right at your fingertips."

      After reading this I can't help but wonder if there truly is something in my life that I am over complicating!?  Interesting!

Hood to Coast Official Welcome

Congratulations Nicole,

A Team Captain from The Hood To Coast & Portland To Coast Relays has asked you to join their team! You will be part of a select group, participating in The Mother of All Relays!

      So as the above letter states, I am officially a member of a Hood to Coast Running Team!!  This has been a goal of mine, something I have always wanted to do.  I am very excited for the experience, but I am also scared out of my mind!!!  The race begins at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood and ends literally on the beach in Seaside.  There are 12 members on my team (half of which I know) and once a month we hold a meeting to plan & discuss what's to be expected.  In all honesty, the more we talk about the race the more scared I become.  In this relay each participant runs 3 legs of the race and each leg can be between 4-7 miles depending on the terrain.  The longest distance I have ever ran is 5 miles!  So needless to say, this event is going to take a lot of training and hard work.  Running itself isn't my favorite form of exercise, I actually find it quite challenging, but I love the feeling afterwards and the sense of accomplishment.  Luckily, I have a good chunk of time to whip myself into performance shape because there is no way I could do this tomorrow!          

Comforting Post Election Thoughts

A friend posted this on facebook this morning and I couldn't agree more ...

      For those who feel victory today be compassionate to those who feel defeated. If negativity is invading all your thoughts look towards the blessings in our life. As the country regroups to unite and move forward lift up your fellow man if he feels discouraged. We are in this together, no matter who is the Leader. Things will change again; those who feel defeat will rise, those who are celebrating will face defeat and struggles. Pull together as One, looking to our Higher Power to have His Will be done to the better of all the people. No matter who has the title in office.

11 Things

I do enjoy it when I'm challenged to think outside of my normal train of thought, so thank you Shannon for tagging me!

11 Random Things About Me:

1. I am still not convinced that canning, other than homemade jam, is worth my time or effort.
2. I don't have a very strong relationship with my Mom.  Sometimes we go months without calling each other. 
3. I love the Dark Knight Batman movies.
4. Iron Man is my favorite Marvel character. 
5. I suffer from Anxiety every now and then.  I get the full fledged symptoms and everything.  Not sure what triggers it, but it is no fun!
6. I love to make cinnamon rolls.  I used to be too intimidated to make them, but not anymore and they are delicious!
7. I feel that I have the best friends ever!
8. I love working 1 day a week.     
9. I wish I was more spiritually minded.
10. Part of me has a secret wish to move to Utah, but that idea would never fly with my husband.
11. I am a huge fan of Classic Rock music.      

Questions I was asked to answer:

1.  Do you plan, or are you flying by the seat of your pants?

Both.  Somethings I like to plan, while other things I prefer to wing.  I think there is more excitement in flying by the seat of your pants, but it's hard to do that with kids.

2.  Today was amusing because __________?

Today was amusing because I had lunch at McDonald's and while others were chatting and eating their food, I sat there with my ballot and studied my voters pamphlet book.  I might of been a little out of place.

3.  How hungry are you right now?

I shouldn't be hungry, but I can hear my kids' Halloween candy bags calling my name.  On top of that, I am dehydrating apples right now and it smells heavenly!  Those two things make me want to eat.

4.  Bad news: sugarcoated or straight-up?

Sugarcoated.  I'd rather get accustomed to the idea of bad news before I truly hear how bad it is.

5.  How do you get out of a rut?

I'm trying to figure that out!?   I find it helpful to list my priorities and focus on the things that are important to me at the time.

6.  What are you a geek about?

I guess to some people I can be classified a geek for my love of British TV and books. 

7.  What do you crave?

A vacation!  Spencer and I did not get away this year and it's killing me.  I want a week of no responsibilities, no housework and a tan!

8.  What was the last bad movie you watched?

Not Since You - on Netflix.  Dumb storyline and bad acting.  Not recommended.

9.  Do you have any new friends?

Absolutely!  I'd like to think I make new friends all the time, whether I meet them at the gym, at work or at church.

10.  You want a new _________?

Wardrobe.  I would love to spend $500 on clothes, it'd be like a dream come true!    

11.  What makes you feel wonderful?

Reading uplifting books and watching uplifting movies.  Last night for family night we watched, Legacy.  I always feel wonderful after those things.

Our Freedom to Choose

      In college my absolute favorite class was Sociology!  I loved it!!  We spent the entire time debating social issues and I had no problem vocalizing my political views in that setting.  More often than not, most people were respectful of the varying ideas we shared.  Fast forward 15 years to present day, and I wish I could say that I still enjoy debating politics, but that would be untrue.  Today is one of the biggest days in our Nations history as we choose our next President of the United States.  I don't consider myself to be the most knowledgeable political person out there, but I do try to keep myself informed on who & what we are voting for, and this year more than any other I have found myself ultra-frustrated!  Normally I can respect other people's opinions regarding moral & social issues, but I can't do that anymore.  Each time I read about legalizing marijuana, or people's views on why abortion is okay, I want to scream.  I'm finding that I can't accept people's views anymore.  I don't want to hear them because it angers me.  I don't understand why our Nation has such different views on how to be successful.  America was founded on the idea of freedom, yet each year more and more people are dependent upon the government for their basic needs.  That's not freedom!  I am only one person, who feels powerless to make any real difference in today's election,  but I did vote!  And I pray that my vote helps guide this country onto a good path.  May God bless us with a President who will continue to fight for our freedom instead of making us more dependent upon him.     

Halloween 2012

      You know, one thing that our family has going for us is that we sure know how to have fun!  We might not get everything else right, but we do a pretty good job of that, and this Halloween was no exception.  About a week prior to the holiday we started our traditional 'Harry Potter Halloween Movie Marathon'.  One movie a day, or 2 if need be, but always finishing up on Halloween day.  This is something our family enjoys doing together.  Soup was on the menu for dinner and we invited The Madden's & the Lesowske's over to join us.  Then we were off to the annual Trunk-or-Treat held in the church parking lot; and if the kids didn't get enough candy there then they definitely did going around the neighborhood afterward.  Dressing up is always the fun part.  This year Austin decided on being a Phantom Slayer.  Yeah, I'm not one for dark & creepy, but I wasn't there when he picked it out.  The other boys dressed a little more light-hearted; Cameron was Batman, and Andrew was a Ninja.  I wore my Pirates costume and Spencer was an Inmate.  This was a great family day together and I'm grateful that the rain held off just when we needed it to.

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

      Today the baby of our family turned 5.  And as I sit here thinking about how fast the time has come and gone, I can't help but feel a little excitement for this next phase in my life.  While I absolutely loved being pregnant and holding my newborn babies, I have to say that this phase I am in right now is even greater!  I love being able to play as a family where everyone can participate.  I love the fact that the kids are still young enough to need me, yet old enough to have a meaningful conversation with. 

      Andrew and I get to spend a lot of time together while his brothers are away at school and I just love this time together! He is such a sweet boy.  He still loves to "snuggle snuggle" with me.  He doesn't ever hesitate to tell me that he loves me, or that I'm a cutie pie, and he's thoughtful too.  He loves to bring me a can of soda pop from the fridge just because he thinks I might like it.  Yeah, he's a keeper!!  I feel eternally grateful that I have been trusted with the care of such great boys. 

      Andrew, I love you with all of my heart.  I want you to grow up with the confidence that you can do anything.  You are a special kid who brings joy into the lives of many people.  Happy Birthday little guy!      

Mountains to Climb - President Henry B. Eyring

 

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      When building any kind of structure the most important element to making it last is to build a strong foundation. Under every foundation is a concrete slab called a footing. The footing is wider and shorter than the actual foundation wall. On top of the footing, the foundation walls are poured, and vertical steel rebars are set in place. This process ensures that the foundation is durable enough to withstand any storms. 

      Our lives need a similar foundation of faith so that we too can weather any storm. Our footing needs to be made of virtue, which by definition means honesty. Our foundation walls should be the gospel of Jesus Christ; which is then strengthened by all the covenants, ordinances, and principles of the gospel.

       Having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is precious and you should protect that faith. Building a strong foundation of faith takes time though. The following are suggestions on how to keep your foundation strong during hard times:

• Keep your communication with Heavenly Father going. Express to him when you’re struggling and pour out your heart to him.  
• Try to look for the small blessings and acknowledge the things in your life that are good.
• When you are down, distract yourself with something positive.
• Repent - “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent. But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I.” (D&C 19:16-17)

      It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of faith. There is always time. When life gives you mountains to climb, remember that you are never alone! “And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” D&C 84:88