Football

I mentioned a while back that we had lots & lots of football this fall.....
And truly, I wasn't exaggerating!  Due to unforeseen circumstances, Dain inherited the job of President of the Eudora Youth Football League.  This meant that in addition to coaching the third grade team, he also had a bazillion other tasks to carry out (we're talking hours and hours of work) in his "free" time in the evenings and on weekends.

It. Was. Nuts.   Seriously.....to the point where I was often thinking, "This is football for goodness sakes!" "We're not saving the world!" 

But that's just it.  The point I was missing was this:  It's not just football, it's it's making a difference in a child's life, which essentially is saving the world one small act at a time.  And as cheesy and idealistic as it sounds, I truly believe that.  It doesn't matter whether you're coaching a sport, or instructing ballet or music lessons, or teaching art or religious education, it's showing a kid that you care enough about them to show up and be present in their life.

Today a parent of a child Dain coached posted this:
It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. I believe this has been true for our son. From teachers, grandparents, and aunts to friends who feel like family, we have been blessed by the number ofpeople who have helped guide C on his journey through childhood. One very special "villager" has been C's football coach. C likes football, but he LOVES his Coach Dain. Because of this relationship he is excited to go to practice, works to be a team player, and tries harder to pay attention in school so he can bring a good report to practice. Thank you, Dain for investing in your players. You're making a difference in their lives on and off the field!

Oh, man I can't tell you how that makes my heart swell with pride. And maybe even more importantly, it makes me appreciate all the "villagers" who support my children, too.

5K

This weekend we got to participate in an event to support our friends who lost their sweet baby boy just over a year ago. You can read more about their story at Robby's blog here: http://tryingtoseenow.blogspot.com/. They are an amazing family and we were happy to show our love for them and take part in the first annual TJ5K which honored the memory of Thomas John and raised money for the Tiny K program.

The day turned out to be a learning experience for all: Kale and I ran a 5K together.....and it definitely pushed him out of his comfort zone in more ways than one. It was windy and the course was hilly, and up to that point, the farthest he had run was 2 miles on flat terrain....but he finished, and we are so proud of him for that!

Some lessons my sweet boy learned:
1. You're not going to be the best at everything you do, but trying hard things is good 2. If you do want to get better at something, you have to practice.

And of course, his mama learned a lesson, too:
Sometimes you have to quiet the competitive voice inside you that wants to ditch your kid and run a decent pace.....A tender hearted child is way more important than the time it takes to cross the finish line :)

Despite all his complaints during the race, Kale did help his sister finish her run, and he has already asked to do another 5K :) Actually, his words were, "Can we run more of these so I can get better?"  That inner desire to improve is just one of the many things I so love about that kid!

Autumn 2013

First Days of School

 

And thanks to my part time arrangement, I get to WALK to pick these cuties up everyday. 

 

Crazy how such a simple thing can be so good for the soul :)

 

Football.  Lots and lots of football.....

 

 

 

Cuddles and playtime

 

Halloween Fun!

 

 

 

 

 

Charleston

Thanks to a structural leadership conference, Dain and I got the chance to travel to Charleston earlier this summer.  For those of you keeping track, this is our first (real....out of state....kid free.....no other people involved) trip in a looooong time.  We moved at a slow pace, and ate, and talked, and ate some more, and laughed a lot. 

 

Thanks to the world's slowest boarding plane, we were late arriving for our connection flight which led to a mad dash through the Atlanta Airport....but by some miracle we made it!

 

The second day we were there a tropical storm moved in....devastating rain and wind.......flooding......just kidding ;) There WAS a tropical storm, but the worst of it missed Charleston and  Dain and I were rather unimpressed with the whole thing, but thankful at the same time, because who really wants to spend their vacation stuck inside?

 

 

One day I got "brave" and visited a plantation on my own.  It was beautiful and I was so busy taking everything in that I walked over this bridge to see the statue on the other side.....

 

And nearly stepped on this guy!  I screamed so loud.....and then laughed hysterically because I was the crazy Midwesterner screaming at an alligator.....and then I went back to take a picture because I knew no one would believe me without a picture as proof.  In my defense, it wasn't the size of the thing, but the fact that it totally caught me off guard AND the idea that mama alligator could be around that really freaked me out.  I spent the rest of the time on the trail nervously jumping at every squirrel and bird that crossed my path :)

 

Here's the modest plantation I selected for our retirement home:

 

Grandkids will love it, don't you think?

 

 

 

The area was beautiful and the downtown was great for shopping and with all the historical sites and beautiful views it was great for exploring.  But really, the best part of the trip was getting to hang out with this guy:

 

 

Can't wait to go back!

Kale's First Communion

For your First Communion
May God give you...

For every storm, a rainbow,

For every tear, a smile.

For every care, a promise, and a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share.

For every sigh, a sweet song,

And an answer for every prayer.

~Irish Blessing

We are so proud of the young man you are becoming.  Full of courage and compassion, taking challenges head on (sometimes literally...ha, ha), and ever growing in your faith. Congratulations on your first communion.
Love, Dad & Mom

FIVE...A Year of Firsts

This was a busy year for you sweet girl. We watched you twirl, and kick, and dribble, and swing your way through year #5 with a big 'ol smile on your face.

 

 

~5 Fun Facts About Your Year~

 

#1

You pick fantastic outfits that are totally unique and absolutely you....always with a headband or accessory to match :)

 

 

#2

After much practice you reached your t-ball goal and made it through a whole game without playing in the dirt!  YEA!

 

#3

You lost two teeth, but still have a smile that can light up a room!

 

#4

You were a beautiful "Bluebird of Happiness" and you memorized the whole dance so you didn't have to watch the teacher.  Awesome!!

 

 

#5

You're all set for kindergarten!! 

 

Happy 5th Birthday Bailey Girl!



#8

The only thing more fun than watching a group of boys happily jump, and jump, and jump at at an indoor trampoline center is watching them entertain themselves at a pizza place.

In a matter of 45 minutes they had about five competitions: how much pizza can you eat, who will drink the weird mixture of of leftovers, hot-pepper dares, cookie eating competition....you know, typical boy stuff.

They also had running commentary about Dain and I "looking like we were on a date" (giggle, giggle, giggle) as well as insightful remarks about the romantic comedy that was on the TV.  I'm pretty sure the whole restaurant and the business next door heard their shrieks of horror in reaction to an on-screen kiss.....:)

 

A Summary of Year #8...

1. Lots of outdoor playing
2. Favorite subject is math
3. Multiple face injuries

4. Pokeman
5. First tackle football season

6. Still sleeping with Hop :)

7. Nutella bread loving

8. Preparing for first Communion 

 

Happy Birthday Buddy!

 

THREE!

A few things I want to remember about our little Shay-Shay right now.....

1.  You are so grateful for everything you receive; be it a new carton of lactose free milk or a hug from a sibling, you are quick to say, "Thank you, thank you" and give a hug.  Tonight I made cookies for your class (store bought dough and frosting mind you) and you squeezed me with all your might and said, "Thank you mama! You the best mommy in the world!"  Please note that if you continue to show such gratitude not only will it take you far in life, it will likely make you a front runner to be my favorite child ;)

 

2.  You suck your middle two fingers so much that you have indentations and sometimes tiny blisters on your skin.  Now, I know I should be getting my act together to break you of this habit, but the gentle clicking sound you make is so endearing that I think I'll wait a few more months to take on that battle.

 

3.  You have your siblings wrapped around your soggy, sucked-on fingers. They fetch the things you drop on the floor, hunt down your blankie when it is lost, and fight to be your partner during games of hide-and-seek. You are definitely the baby of the family.

 

4.  When you get home from daycare each day you are exhausted.  Your standard line is, "I want milky, and a snacky, and Caillou."   I am quick to oblige, so I guess it's safe to say that I'm wrapped around your finger, too!

 

5.  You love to sleep.....a clear sign you are my child :)

 

6.  You are bubbly and happy, with a cute roundness that makes you irresistibly cuddly....

 

Happy Birthday Sweet Shay Lee!!

We've Got Talent ;)

Miss Shay likes to get in on the singing action with her sister.  I think the vibrato is what really makes the song!

 

 

And better late than never....Mr. Kale making a nice run during football season.

Speaking of Bailey........

For some miraculous reason my phone, computer, and Blogger all decided to cooperate and let me transfer video!  Here's one of Bailey's many original tunes :)

Watch Out For That Girl

 I love this girl and her imagination.  She has the ability to take a simple topic and develop it into a story that is totally crazy....and yet completely makes sense. 

 

Last week she asked for a tortilla as part of her snack, but before eating she picked up two Sprite cans that were sitting on the counter and told me a three minute narrative about sodas in love, an evil tortilla, and a plot that had me cracking up before concluding with a romantic tune.

 

A couple of days ago I ran across this quote on Pinterest and I immediately thought of her....

 

 

I'm not sure yet what she'll grow to be,
but there's not a doubt in my mind that our Bailey girl can bring change to the world....

One joyful story at a time.