Fall Ball

A few pictures from this year's Fall Ball.

And yes, one of them actually danced....guess which one?

He even danced with me :)

The Last Game

Zach's last high school football game was Nov. 4th. He had a great season.

This helmet has seen its fair share of tackles this year.

He was first in the 8AA & 8AAA regions for interceptions and placed 7th in receiving. He had a total of 42 receptions, for 431 yards. He had 43 tackles, 17 assists, and 7 tackles for a loss. He also had 18 kick returns for 283 yards.

The seniors line up for one last picture.

With few exceptions, he never came off the field during a game.

After the last game, we all walked onto the field for one last time. It was bittersweet.

Fortunately, a very sweet young lady was there to cheer him up. She certainly puts a smile on his face.

Congratulations Zach. You fought hard and finished well....you also kept the faith. You kept your head above the bickering and criticism. You quietly stood by your teammates and you proved yourself to be a leader. Now take what you have learned on the field and use it to make a difference in this world.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Thanksgiving

It's quiet at my house this morning. Soon, I will be cranking up the oven for pies and mac n cheese....my contribution to Thanksgiving Dinner.

I had every intention to have a daily Thanksgiving post this month. *ahem* Didn't quite work out as I had planned.

This month has been CRAZY. I even have a *beautiful* stress rash on my arms and legs as proof.

I believe it is important to focus on the good things, the positive things, the blessings in life. Here's my list:

Bob - I married well....despite being young (2 weeks shy of 19) and totally unprepared for marriage, I somehow managed to find the perfect person.

Clay - He's grown up a lot this year. He is confident, dependable, honest, and a hard-worker. We rode together to a wrestling meet last night and the conversation was good. He's got a smart head on his shoulders and an incredibly giving heart. I'm so proud of him.

Zach - He celebrated a birthday this week. He's had a tough couple of months but "the old" Zach has returned and I'm thankful. He's my quiet, stoic one that is often misunderstood by those who don't know him well. He's the one who will always sit on the couch with me and slowly open up his heart. He's the one who has taught me to sit still, be patient, and listen for the meaning behind the words.

Adam - Adam has always been our "perpetual sunshine." He got his learner's permit this month. He posted on facebook that his first driving experience was "intense." It was. His first wrestling match was last week. He lost his match. He was disappointed for a little bit but within the hour posted the following on facebook: "Well I was the first person to loose in wrestling in Union County history." *his spelling--not mine* Bless his heart. You can't be around Adam and not smile.

Health - I'm thankful that both my mom and mother-in-law are doing well. They both still have health issues but they are doing much better. The spiritual and physical strength these two ladies have shown this past year is amazing. I love them both.

Service - I'm always thankful for opportunities to serve. This year, we were on the opposite side of the fence. We were the recipients of service. Some folks may not even realize how they "served" my family with their kinds words, sweet cards, and prayers. But oh-my-goodness....how blessed and loved we felt during that time.

Family - Today my family will meet together to eat, laugh, argue (just a little), and love on each other.

My job - I really love my job. This year is one of those "overwhelming" years where the sheer number of students is whipping my rear-end BUT....I have the most amazing classes. I absolutely love each and every one of them. I'm just frustrated there are so many (187 to be exact) that need "more" of me and I can only stretch myself so far.

5th Grade Sunday School Class - I just love this group. They are so funny and sweet. They bless my heart in so many ways.

Katie - Everyone needs a sweet beagle in their life. She's always happy when we get home and the perfect companion on the couch. Every evening she will put her face on my knee and give a sweet sigh of contentment....my heart instantly melts and forgets about the chewed up underwear in the driveway :)

Thankful... Day 2

Today I am thankful for sweet hymns. They soothe my soul in the midst of a crazy day.

Thankful...Day 1

Today I am thankful my mom and mother-in-law are healthy and doing well. We are blessed.