Football Sunday

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the day is coming!!

When this little guy will know more then me....and it is coming too fast! Not that he doesn't already think he knows more then me!

I just signed Josh up for Spanish classes.....I took french in high school, but don't remember anything.

I can't believe at 7 he is going to start learning another language. It just continues to amaze me all the great things he is getting to experience. It is a program after school for 12 weeks.

I can't wait to see what he learns. I think it is so wonderful and it is very important today to be able to communicate beyond the English language.

This brought me to tears!

I have to say that this man, standing up for what he believes NOW , and not what he believed BEFORE...that is something so rare. He changed his mind and his heart and was not scared to tell people.

Simplify....

I have been reading alot about this lately, making choices in life and practicing the whole "go with the flow" philosophy.

It is not going to happen over night, but I have definitely been finding peace in pursuing this. Also I don't see all 72 things being part of my life, but over all I think it is a good approach to life.

I know it is going to be a process, and there will be times where it will probably even seem like it will be to hard to do. But really how hard can simple be? (insert laughter here)

So it should be a great journey, and I am slowly going down the #s and seeing how I can do each of these in my life.

I know I have got away from taking a photo a day, and am rededicating myself to that. I see things and say, oh I need to get a picture of that...and then poof it is 10pm at night.

Kate is in Boston today....NY....DC....she is a traveling girl right now. Not getting to see much of her but she will be home on the weekend, so we will catch up then. Thankful we have cell phones, or we would never talk!


Well time to get Josh going and off on his day of school. Which he is LOVING! This year has been so wonderful, he is excited to go to school. He tells me it is great and he is loving it.
Yesterday he came home and told me that they call him the "Computer Wiz" He was doing his work and showing others how to do it also. I really like what I am seeing, the teacher has him very interested, he is doing "extra work" instead of just what is required.
I like that the teacher sends home both options and I let him choose. He always chooses the extra work. In spelling he is assigned to use 6 words in sentences, he used all 12 of his spelling words and wrote a little story instead. Got to love it when they show you more then they have to do.

Peace....a word for life.

When I picked my word for the year, little did I know how important it would become to me.

Here is my quote for today:

"When you are calm, patieint, and loving,you bring out the best in those around you.

By being an example of peace, you open the door for others to be more patient, accepting, and gracious.

Rather than being upset by the ups and downs of daily living,you create an environment in which it's okay to go with the flow."

I love finding these quotes in different places, nothing happens without a reason. I have been realizing lately that patience is the only way to get through so many things.
Life goes so fast it seems these days, and with the Internet and email, message boards and everything that lets us do things faster sometimes it is hard to remember to slow down and think about things and have more Patience.

I love the "go with the flow" philosophy.

Smile!

Thanks to all my friends that make me smile!

Great family values

I loved listening to the conversation tonight. After a very busy weekend of volunteering and lots of family fun, we ended it tonight with 12 of us going out to dinner. I just love the families that we have met through sports. It really is a common bond you have. It is a big commitment to be a sports parent. You usually are taking your child to practice at least 2 nights a week, and then at least a game a week. It is not for the faint at heart.

I loved hearing how people I have alot of respect for, because of their dedication to the Greenjackets, also hold Kate and I in the same respect for all the commitment we have also. It is nice to be recognized for all your efforts. It is great to be seen for all the good you are trying to do.

One of the highlights of the day was the parachute's bringing in the game ball from the air!!

Then of course the best part of the day was watching Josh play!

His heart is as big as he is. There is nothing that makes him as happy as when he is playing football! He just gets this sparkle in his eye, and he preforms like he was always meant to play.

He continues to amaze me with his determination to get every thing right. He is in on almost every play, and the whole team plays with heart. That is something you just can't teach kids.

So enjoy the highlights....I won't bore you with all 300 pictures today.

Josh got a 40 yard touchdown run

And then in the 4th Quarter he got a 2 point Safety, by tackling the player in the endzone!

Just what I needed

Not sure most would agree, but volunteering yesterday for 13 hours gave me just what I needed!
It just put everything in perspective for me.

Sometimes in our lives we put ourselves in these little capsules, we get ourselves very involved in certain things and they start to consume our lives.

It gets so deep that it controls everything around you.

I hate that I have to keep learning some lessons over again, the ones that involve people mostly. I keep trying out this trust thing, it keeps slapping me in the face. But I won't stop trying. I have found it in some people. Not alot, but some.

I haven't felt so exhausted as I did last night at 10 pm in a very long time. But I also have not felt so good about being exhausted in as much time.

I was around some of the most wonderful people yesterday, people I have been getting to know because we all share the same love...our children. We want to make a great organization for our kids to learn about sports, teamwork and commitment.

I was with "my people" I was with people that give so much of their time without complaint. I was with people that make me laugh, people that don't judge, people that make me feel good about the human race, and people that actually listen to you when you talk.

These people aren't the ones that never have time to give their time. We all need those people that give their money, but we need more people that also give of their time, of their hearts. That get in there and are the doers. Those are the ones that make things run, work and are why things happen.

So today back to it again, and then to cap off the weekend I get to watch my wonderful son play football. I must do this more often. I will do this more often. Life is good, and thru all the darkness the light is only a blink away.

Go Greenjackets!!

Children of the corn

Nothing like a night on the farm.

Had so much fun last night with friends! There is nothing like GREAT Friends. We went to the farm last night and it was nothing but laughing smores and running through the corn maze. We even got to do the one maze after dark with flashlights, I can't remember the last time I did that.

We also had a great hay ride. It was so relaxing and also fun singing Old McDonald had a Farm song. Josh never stopped smiling the whole night playing with his buddy Shawn.
Of course there is nothing like a good fire, marshmallows with chocolate and graham crackers!
Spending the night with family and friends is something I plan to do more of. I have such great friends out there that I haven't had a lot of time with lately, and I need to change that.

Treadmill Madness

Ok so this made me laugh, and I had to share. Some of you might of wish I hadn't!!
So just a little Friday humor, enjoy .
This weekend is full of volunteering for a great cause. Pennridge Greenjackets have their annual fund raiser this weekend, complete with a Cow Flop. If you have never been this would be the year to go. We are excited on Sunday Josh's game will be at 3pm and they are bringing in the game ball via sky diver. I hope to get some great pictures of this. Have a wonderful weekend!
Laugh alot...it will do you good!

LOVE Creating

Just a little something I whipped up last night. I love creating, it is my happy place!

A little wine anyone?

I don't drink it, don't like the taste....but I love looking at the bottles in the store and reading the names of them. The bottles attract me with their great shapes and designs, and the labels, I can spend hours reading them. I have alot of friends that drink wine, and love to buy them a bottle just on label or name alone. Lucky for me usually they also like what is in the bottle. I never profess to be knowing what I am doing while picking it out.

This is one I picked out in January, it was a hit! I Just love the title and the little story that goes with it. So next time you are bringing someone a bottle of wine, have fun picking it out. It is fun to give!

Found this little quote in my quote book this morning. I like it!

"Never explain - your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway"

Elbert Hubbard

Monday quarterback

Mondays are my day to recharge, get things done that I can't get done any other day. Volunteer at Josh's school and generally clean things up.

I also take Monday's to reflect on the past week, make list of the week ahead and catch up a bit with people I haven't been able to during the week.


Today I also thought I would start something I have wanted to do for a while. I want to send a thank you card to someone every monday. I have really got some WONDERFUL people in my life. I think so often we focus on the negative in life, and it is so easy to forget all the wonderful things that are in our life everyday. I want to focus more on the those things, and those people in my life, more then the people that make me sad, angry, and those that make you lose your faith in people.

Sometimes what seems as the worst thing that could happen, turns out to give you inner peace, and you also find that you are going to be just fine. Friends, true friends are also there when you least expect it. There is nothing like a friend that is there for you. So today as I look over the past week, month, year, and even the last 5 years. .....It is all good, and I am thankful I am here to experience every moment of it.

So take a minute, grab a card or a piece of paper and write someone you know a little note of thanks!

Football Sunday

Josh's Highlights

Football Sunday

Football Saturday!

I have to say, whatever happens all week , no matter how tiring , how stressful, it all fades away for 2 hours on Saturday! I know many probably think I need a life , but truthfully I have one that I love watching my son do something he loves. I love that kids get to do that. I can't say as a kid I always got to do that, but I love watching this little guy get to do it, and if I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't change a thing if it meant that this too would be different.

Josh is just doing so wonderful, he has found a passion and is going with it. The joy I see on his face can only be matched by what I feel inside when he gets to play. He is all about what is going on, whether he is playing on offense blocking or running, or on defense zoning in on a tackle. He is all about the game. He is all about doing it to the best of his ability. As you can see in the last photo, (one of my favorites of the year) he is parallel to the ground as he was stretched out reaching for the runner. He did get him just enough to trip up the kid and he fell down.
He had another tackle during the game where he came across the field and talked the kid by his ankles to save him from getting a touchdown about 5 yards out. It was amazing to watch how fast he was.
Josh also ran for 2 key 1st downs in the game with 4th and long to go. He didn't get to run in for any touchdowns today, but he had a wonderful game and he understands it isn't all about TD's. It is hard for him sometimes, he wants to score. But it is also a great lesson to know you helped your team, and without the other things you do in the game, we wouldn't get those TD's.

Next week we play on Sunday, and it is our 40th Anniversary celebration of the GreenJackets. It is going to be an exciting weekend for the organization. The Stillings family have volunteered most of our weekend to help out at the snack stand. So if you want a great cheeseburger and fries, stop by and see us! I love volunteering, it is good for the soul. I also love teaching Josh to give back , and pay it forward. Important lessons.

Well back to football Sunday, Tampa bay is winning and Josh is cheering loudly!

Reflection and Rememberance

May God bless the many souls who lost their lives, on September 11, 2001, at
the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on airline flights 11, 175, 77, & 93.

ahhhhhhh Football Season!!!

Oh you can smell it in the air...it is time for some FOOTBALL!!!


Loved coming home yesterday , and plopping down on the couch for some family time, which from Sept 9th till January is Watching the NFL! Well that and watching the Pennridge greenjackets. So yesterday started out with a 3pm game for Josh, he played the whole first half and he ran his little heart out. He gained about 20 yards on his first run, and he had a couple more 10 yard gains. Then almost the end of the 2nd quarter he was running down the sidelines and got all the way to the 1 yard line....BOOM! Got tackled the boy caught him grabbed at his ankles and landed his helmet into Josh's calves! OUCH!! Josh was a little hurting from that and he went off the field limping a bit, with a BIG ROUND of applause from the fans all yelling WTG JOSH!! Our QB took it in on a sneak the very next play!! That was such a wonderful thing, as it was Max's first TD of the season. Josh was just as happy for him.

Josh once again played a great defensive game , recovering a fumble and making some great tackles. It was a wonderful day and we won 18-12 to go 2-0 for the season!! WTG Green!!!

In the NFL it wasn't such a great day....My team Da Raiders had a GREAT 3rd Quarter but in the end the Lions beat them out. Josh's team Tampa Bay...well not good there. Lastly Kate's team Jacksonville lost a heartbreaker to Tenn. But it was great to sit and watch , cheer and cry again...looking forward to many weeks!

I leave you with a few pictures from Sunday's game.

Beauty

ahhhhhhhhh Summer! Crab feast and a fruity drink.

That is coming to and end, and altho I love those things about summer, I must admit I am more of a fall girl. I LOVE the colors of fall, I love not sweating the minute you get out your door. I love sweaters and just the whole settling in thing. Routine comes with fall.

So just a simple entry today, and wanted to ask you.....What is your favorite season and why?

Thank God for little boys....

I have been reading lately on a few friends blogs about how wonderful it is to have a little girl, the special bond that comes with that and all the pink and frilly things.

I really never gave it a second thought, was happy, so happy that I had a boy, I always considered myself a "boys mom".

But I have to admit my closest girlfriends that have brought little girls into my life, well a couple of them have truly captured my heart, and they have shown me I do have a gentle side and a little girly side I never knew about.

So lately, as my mind wonders.....especially when you lay in bed at night sometimes, unable to sleep....no matter what you do, and a combination of just alot of things lately....I often think what life would have been like if I had decided to have another baby, and had been able to give Kate that little girl I know she wanted. Now don't get all in an uproar, she loves Josh so very very much, and would never for one minute want him to be anything or anyone else....nor would I.
But we had originally wanted to have 2, but after 2 1/2 years of trying for Josh, it was hard to think about doing that a second time.

So just thoughts that creep in, you know when those kinda thoughts creep in...the what would haves, and the I wonders. So the point to this...... tonight it only took the hug from a little boy...out of no where, and for no prompted reason to let me know that things are just the way they should be, and that I am ok.

Thanks Declan, you will probably never know how much that hug meant to me tonight. You are one very special little boy. I am very blessed.

That BIG Yellow Monster is back!!!

Ok so this year I didn't cry.....yet!



So this year it was a bit easier, having the same bus driver helped a bit.



BUT I still have little butterflys in my stomach. I still can't wait to see him at 4pm.



I hate not knowing how is day is going.



I hope he doesn't get hurt at recess.



I hope it is still ok to put a little note in the lunch box.



But with all that said.....here is my 1000 words in pictures.

Give me a "D"

D-E-F-E-N-S-E

That was the word of the day! We won 18-6 and the boys were playing their hearts out again!

I just love watching these guys, there is so much team in them. There are none of them that are

full of themselves, they congratulate one another all the time, they love it no matter who makes

the play. They work together, and I have never seen so many gang tackles. They are there for

one another all the time. The parents are on the side line cheering , hollering each kids name.
They are a great group of people. The coaches are some of the best guys I have ever met, and

they are great positive male role models for each one of these boys. It is so great to be a part of

something this wonderful. The rest of the world disappears for that couple hours each weekend.

Highlights for Josh, he got to try his halfback option...it didn't work but it will sometime. Got a

great picture of him getting ready to throw! Also I love hearing parents ask "Does he have built

in radar" commenting on how Josh is always in the action, wherever the ball is. Josh also got to

be one of the team captains this week.

In other news....Happy Labor day! I loved having this extra day today before starting the

routine of school and fall coming. I can feel it in the air. As much as I love summer, getting back

slower pace is what the doctor ordered right now. To go to just 2 nights a week of football

practice, to start cooking homemade meals again a couple days a week, to just slow down to

a regular pace is going to be nice. I am a fall kinda girl. I love the colors of the season and also

that it is ok not to be outside as much as you have a chance to be. I like the cooler weather and

enjoying a bit more time scrapbooking. Today we also had a nice BBQ with our friends the

Rush's. The twins came over and played with Josh all afternoon and we talked with D and C all

afternoon. It was relaxing and a nice way to end the summer.

So tomorrow that great big yellow monster comes to get him again. He seems ready for it, I on

the other hand have a few anxiety filled moments left in me. Wondering if he and his teacher

will click. Will he make new friends,(knowing his two best buddies aren't in his class). Will he like

learning all the new things, will it be hard for him? Will he need more help with his speech? Will

he have fun? OY!!! STOP!!!!

I know he will just amaze me again and again. I know he will figure this all out without my help.

Maybe that is what is scary too, that he doesn't need me as much as I need him. He is my

champion, my blessing.

new toy is home...

Well it is home, the new Cricut Expression! I can't wait to play :)

This is the GREATEST bug ever! I love being able to have it.

It is still in it's box right now, but I already have several projects in mind using this bug.

But today is FOOTBALL day!! We have a game at Marsh Creek at 4 pm. I was at the field last night doing my volunteer part and running the snack stand, and one of Josh's coaches stopped by. He told me Josh would probably be playing almost every play at the game since we were going to be short on little guys. We have a couple on vacation, a couple that might not make the weight requirement, and poor David is injured from practice on Thursday. He jammed his thumb back and sprained it, OUCH!! So we are bringing the video camera today for the game. ALtho Kate has not been the best video taker in the past, she is going to try again today and if there is some good footage I will share it here :)

It was fun last night doing the grilling at the snack stand. It is a volunteer organization, so when Kim asked if I could cover her when she needed to be at her son's games I stepped up. Big thanks goes out to Kate last night who was my right hand, doing the hotdogs and the fryed food. We were a well oiled machine and it was great to work together having fun! I slept like a rock last night after working at the store 10-6 and then the snack stand till 10 pm , but it was all good and a great productive day!

So not much exciting here this week, Life is going , lots of football and it is just beautiful weather!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day today, get outside and enjoy something. Pretty soon we will be looking at bare trees and the white stuff!