Here's Comes Halloween!

Marcus is all ready for Halloween! This year he'll be going as Jack Skellington from the "Nightmare Before Christmas". The most exciting part for him is that it glows in the dark!

JUNIOR'S TIME HAS COME!

 

WHAT A GAME!!! That's my boy on the outside line, far side of the field, posed and ready to go! Junior earned his stripes this week in practice and not only started in his dad's position, defensive end, but also represented the team as a captain for the team at half time. HE ROCKED!!! His game was on. Not only was he doing a great job of anticipating where the ball was going and being in on every play, but he also he made several great tackles keeping the other team from progressing. He was amazing and we couldn't have been prouder! Although they lost 9-0, Junior made his mark. It only took the other team a few plays to figure out Junior needed to be stopped and so he was up against 2-3 guys blocking him from that point forward. Way to go Junior-your hardwork paid off! There is nothing like hearing your son's name being announced as the one who stopped the play! GO BLACKHAWKS!!!

Whirlwind of a Week!

What a whirlwind of a week! Let's start with the highlight of Lani's week...he's FINALLY starting to take some golf lessons and went out and bought a new set of clubs for himself. Because I work at a PGA West now, he'll be able to use any of the driving ranges any time they're not crowded for as long as he wants...unlimited balls is what they told me. He is THRILLED! (See, the perks of my job just keep getting better and better!) Matt was his instructor and Lani really hit it off with him. There was only one other kid there, so it was basically 3 hours of semi-private lessons out at Tahquitz Creek. Lani has found his new passion, so we're running with it.

Marcus got off to a great start with kindergarten, even held hands with a girl. She's a little cutie and they seem to have really hit it off, although, we still don't know what her name is...Marcus can't remember. His teacher said he's right at the level he should be and is doing great. Every day he comes home with a new experience and story to tell. I think we're having more fun with it than he is.

Junior has hit the books running. Balancing school, homework and sports isn't easy. Welcome to the real world honey! I told him "just wait until you add 'work' to that in a couple years, then you'll really know what 'exhausted' is." Thursday was his first official game. He played very little during the game, but did play most of the "4th Quarter Game" after the game (it's a practice game for the kids who didn't get a lot of playing time). With his personal coach (Nuuvali Sr.) yelling at him from the sideline, he did much better. He had several really good hits and was in on almost every single play. It was amazing to see the huge changes that came with just a little guidance. He may not be starting right now, but I'm telling you all, this kid is one to watch! I don't doubt that he'll be able to live his dream of playing college ball anywhere he wants...he's got the heart for it and with his dad's help, is going to have the skills too. He finished the school week on a horrible note though-the accidental death of one of his freshman classmates, which has opened up a lot of conversation on life and death and the importance of living every day safely to the fullest. It's reminded all of us how important it is to never leave each other angry; to always leave with a hug, a kiss and a reminder that we love each other. I hate that I can't continue to shelter my teens from life, but am glad that we're still close enough that they lean on me for support and advice and not a stranger.

Those of you who know me know that I'm not a horribly religious person, but I find myself praying for the safety of my children more and more as they get older and are experiencing more on their own. Letting go of them to let them learn about life isn't easy. I also find myself constantly thanking God (because that's who I believe is ultimately in control) for my new job that is allowing me to have more time with my children at a time that they need me most--their teen years (and being 5 too--that's not easy either). I can work full time while still being here to help with their homework, attend their school functions, pick them up from school or drop off football stuff that was forgotten in the rush. What a lucky, lucky girl I am!!!