Soccer Time!

On Saturday, Austin participated in his first team sport in Turlock.... soccer!  He is so great at running, Carl and I really felt that we needed to get him involved in using that excess energy.  Last year, he participated in Cross Country and his grades went up, his energy went down, and he slept like a baby.  We are hoping he will sign up for Cross Country again this year.  

{Let me explain this photo- the kids were doing leg exercises where they basically did toe-touches.  Apparently, I only captured Austin doing them and so it looks like he's mad and stomping... but that wasn't the case.  They were supposed to touch their toe to their finger with each step, and keep their leg straight.  Make sense?}

So on Saturday, Austin and I made our way to the sports complex where there was a kick-off carnival being held.  (Carl had to work, boooo!  But he does a wonderful job providing for our family and making sure we are taken care of, so the reason that I "booo" him not being there is because we missed him.) There were snow cones, bounce houses, face paintings, a band, and other vendors there to help rev up the soccer season.  Austin was feeling a little down about playing a sport he had never played before, so I got him a snow cone before his first practice, and encouraged him that he'll get better with every passing day.

He's on a team with kids older than 12, but under 18, and he says he's the only one on the team who has never played.  I watched the kids practice different exercises for a while, and I told Austin that although he was the only kid without experience, it didn't look that way.  Austin was more coordinated than some of the other kids who had played, and with how limber he is, I have no doubt he'll be picking up the sport in no time!  

While Austin was running, I texted my friend (who played soccer in high school for a few years) Mia about how Austin was feeling, thinking she might have some advice for me to give him.  She said "You play soccer for the fun of it!"  I was ashamed I hadn't thought to tell Austin that!  Here I was saying that he'll just get better with more practice, he doesn't look like a newbie on the field, and encouraging him in his abilities.... but really, that one sentence from Mia should cover all of that.  You play soccer for the fun of it.  You will improve with more practice, but you do it because it's fun.  Next time Austin is feeling down, I'm going to throw that line out there.  Thanks, Mia!

Anyone else out there have any advice for a new soccer player?  

{*Fun fact- as I typed that last question mark, my phone told me I had a new text.  It was Mia, saying "Being on a team is important, whether you are playing or sitting on the bench encouraging your teammates."  That's another good one I'll have to make known to Austin!  Thanks again, Mia!  I hope you don't mind me publishing your advice!! *}

A Day At The Beach

Last month, when all three of us were in Florida at the same time, we took a road trip to the beach with Carl's mom, Ann. We headed over to Flagler Beach and the boys played in the surf. The water was probably in the mid to upper 80's, perfect beach weather. There was a storm headed in, but we got a few good hours to enjoy the Atlantic ocean once again. Upon arriving, we snapped this shot. See that photo right above? That was the last photo taken with Carl's wedding ring in it. (Cue tears from yours truly.) Yep, the Atlantic ocean stole his ring right off his finger. She may have gained a piece of gold, but she can't have my man! ;) Back off, Atlantic, he's MINE! It was sad. But we tried not to let that ruin our day.

*Side Note: the first time we stuck a toe in the Pacific ocean, we thought it would fall off because IT'S SO COLD!!!  We explained to some friends in California how the water just isn't the same as on the east coast, and they said we went at the wrong time of year because it'll definitely get warm, "Like 60 to 64 degrees even!"  Ha!  64 degrees!*

I'll take it 85 and up, please and thank you very much!


Austin played hard.  He enjoyed getting nice and muddy. And running and splashing.  (Y'all, I promise we feed him.  The boy has good genes.  Many of you know he can just put away the food!) Then Carl splashed him, and...well....  boys will be boys.  (If I had a dime for every time I said that...)
I actually didn't even notice he made this face until I was posting it on the blog!
Oh, Austin.
This is a little better... 3 generations.  :)
 

It was a pretty great day. 

My First Quilt

In December, I was gifted a sewing machine from my parents.  Immediately, I was consumed with all the ideas and projects that could come to fruition.  And man... pinterest?  Don't even get me started.  FULL of ideas.  Whew!

My first project was a somewhat lofty goal... but I didn't know what a good starting point was.  So, I set out in late January to begin my project.  I purchased a bunch of fabric, a few more much needed tools, and started sewing.  After a few months, some more fabric purchases, and much help from a sweet woman from church, I had a quilt.  A real, fabric filled, batting stuffed, binding sporting, quilt. 

It now resides in my mom and dad's house.  Want to see?
Pardon Belle's bones in the upper left of the picture.

 

Of course, when it was laid on the floor for some photos, Belle thought I put it there for her.
Go for it, little Belle.





And here's the back side of it (which Belle also approves of).

I'm really happy with how it turned out. Now on to the next project!

Retreating In The Mountains

A couple weekends ago, we hightailed it over to Yosemite for a church-family retreat.  We left our troubles safely locked up in our homes, knowing they would be waiting for us upon our return.  This weekend was a get-a-way.  Troubles and stress were not invited on our trip.

Since I knew this weekend wouldn't be dirt free, I packed a bag I could carry that could easily be thrown into the wash.  When I took it out and laid it on the floor, Belle saw her opportunity.  And I saw a photo-op.  ;)

She cracks me up. She just hopped in there as if to say, "So where are we going?" In reality though, she could care less where we were going. As long as she gets to go, too. I snapped her photo and then laid her (within the bag) on the bed, next to my other bag that I was filling with clothes for the weekend. I stepped out to grab some towels out of the dryer, and when I came back into our room, this is what I found.

 

She upgraded. 

Apparently, she wanted a more roomier, and girlier ride for the weekend. I understand, little Belle, I understand. We made our trek over to Yosemite (yet again, haha! maybe I should rename the blog to "something about yosemite."  just kidding :)) and I think the ups and downs of the hills made Belle a little resentful toward the car. She started breathing heavily and I just KNEW she would lose her supper any moment! Thankfully, she made it to the camp with her supper still in her belly. We arrived and set up our bed for the night, inside the cabin with our friends. As you can see, Belle was happy to see our bedding.  She quickly rooted around and found her spot for the night.

The theme for the weekend was "Face Your Giants." We participated in classes revolving around the idea of over-coming your hurdles, and "leaving it on the field."

If you haven't had a chance, go read my thoughts on "leaving it on the field."  

We brought Austin's best buddy with us on this trip, which I truly believe, made the retreat about 1,000 times better for Austin.  He had a friend that he could explore and roam the hills with.  They had real "guy time".... no Playstations, no Wiis, no computers.  Just two young men out to explore the wilderness.  And his friend is such a great kid- we sometimes forget he is even around!  He's very well mannered and soft spoken.

We all hiked up to a creek in the hills of Yosemite. The water was ICE cold.... well maybe not ice cold, since then it would be actual ice, but you know what I mean!  

The kids really got into gold-searching. Hey, we are in California, you know...the golden state.. And there were sparkly flakes all throughout the creek.

   

I'm not sure why Belle looked sad in this picture, she was quite happy to be out in the woods. Even if one of our friends did have to pull a tick off her nose while I held her down. Small price to pay.

 Saturday night, my husband let out the card shark within himself. I was going to post some pictures of the card playing group- but I'm pretty sure the people in them would ask me to remove them from the blog.... in every shot, someone is making a dramatic and horrible face. The shots were all candid, so it was bound to happen at some point. 

So our weekend was spend truly retreating in the mountains. 

No work, just relaxation, connecting more with friends, and studying God's word.

Leave it on the field.

What does the saying, "Leave it on the field." mean to you?

[Let me start out by saying that this post is not about anyone in particular.  Unless your name is mentioned, don't assume it's about you!]

To me, "Leave it on the field" means leave your issue where it belongs...in God's hands. I'm not saying you shouldn't talk to your trusted friend or family member about your issue (they can pray for and with you, and how valuable are prayers!), but don't bring the issue where it won't do any good. If it's not productive to talk about it, just leave it.  Unfortunately, that's easier said than done.

I do think that for females, it's harder to hand over your burden to God.  I think we are wired differently than males, and will want to hold on to our issue so that we can fix it ourselves.  But we can't.  Justin, a friend of ours back in Florida, once gave the illustration how he thinks women treat their problems like a fluffy bunny in a basket.  They show off their bunny (problem) to their friends and family, and their husband.  They want their loved ones to see their bunny and pet it.  Then when someone comes up with a solution to their problem, they take their bunny and hover over it, protecting it as if to say, "No, it's mine... you can't fix it.  I want to keep it!"  How right is he?!  Us women tend to want to talk about a problem until we are blue in the face and get utterly sick of it.  We hold on to our issues.  What an unhealthy habit! 

Now, I admit, for the longest time, I didn't understand why people would say to give God your burdens. I would think, "But I love and respect my God, why would I want to give him anything bad?? I don't want Him to have to carry my burden! He has enough to worry about!"  A few years ago, I finally understood what it meant.  Nothing is too big for God. Recently, I read an analogy to this very situation. I think it really helps bring the issue home.

 *I am so sorry, I can't remember where I read this analogy... I know it was on another blog, so if you happen to see it, please let me know so I can credit the source. This analogy is not my own.*

A father and a little girl are talking about an issue that she is struggling with. He can't give her all of her answers simply because of her age and lack of knowledge and understanding. She just isn't ready to hear, even though she desperately wants to understand. She even thinks that she is ready, but the father knows that she is not.

For him, the answers are clear and logical. As clear and logical as the answers may be, He still knows that his little girl can't possibly understand the answers at her age and in her position.

So, he compares the issue to a heavy suitcase. First, he asks her to pick it up. She manages to hoist it off the ground, but just barely. The father knows that his little girl can't lift this suitcase, but with his strong arms, he can lift it with gentle ease. "It's too heavy, daddy." she says. Her dad says, "That's right. It's too heavy for you to carry right now. Let me carry it for you. I hate to see you struggling to carry something that is simply too heavy; please, allow me." Matthew 11:28-30 tells us, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

I think we, as humans, often struggle just handing an issue over to God. It's hard to do! We want to make the issue better ourselves; we want the answers right now; we want to see how everything turns out.  But when I look at Matthew 6:25-27, I see that God didn't forget to feed the birds. He didn't forget to put seeds and worms out for them, why would he forget about me and my issue?

So. What should we do? I say- follow the instructions given to us in Philippians 4:6-7. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

And that, my friends, is one of the hardest things to do.

What a "Lousey" week this has been.

What a whirlwind of a week this has been.

I've been still fighting migraines, which most of you probably know.  I visit a chiropractor very frequently in order to adjust the alignment of my neck, which has been out of whack for quite some time.  So when I let my hair down on the his table earlier this week, and I saw the strange look on his face, I knew right then that I had to explain why I smelled horrid, like pesticide. 

Let's back up to Tuesday night when Austin came downstairs after his shower.  "I think I have lice."

Fun fact #1: Did you know that the singular for "lice" is "louse?"  (I felt the need to explain so you would for sure understand the pun in the title of this post.  But I guess if you have to explain it, it isn't that funny.  I digress....)

The boy has been known to come up with some crazy thoughts before, as all kids do, but this is not something I would mess around with.  "Carl, you have to check him.  I can't get near it.  They will get me."  I have extremely vivid memories of getting lice as a child.  My mom would sit on the blanket outside with me for hours on end, combing my hair strand by strand, just to get rid of those little bugs.  My hair was down to my waist, so this was no easy task.  But she did it.

"Yep, he has it." Carl declared.  I cautiously leaned over his shoulder, also checking but making sure to remain at a distance.

In my pajamas already, I kicked the blankets off of me and hopped off of the couch.  "I'm going to the drug store."

"Well we can wait till the morning...." Carl started.

Remembering my childhood days with lice, "No, we can't." I corrected him.  [Now is a good time to tell you that I didn't CONSTANTLY have lice as a child, it was only a two- or three time ordeal.  But those two or three times really made an impression on me.]

Carl and I got dressed in semi-presentable clothing and took off in the car after asking Austin to go completely strip his bed and put everything in the wash.  We arrived home about twenty minutes later with egg removal gel, mattress and bedding spray, shampoo and a preventative spray.  Carl and I grabbed handfuls of large garbage bags and headed straight up to Austin's room.  Austin, looking traumatized, was standing in the bathroom door.  I handed him his new shampoo and the fine tooth comb that came in the kit we bought.  I explained how to use it in the shower, and he hopped in.

Meanwhile, Carl and I gathered up every last stuffed animal, every last hat, pillow, blanket, and loose clothing near Austin's bed and bagged it up.  (Eight garbage bags later....) I sprayed his bed and floor very liberally with the lice spray.  Just when we thought we were finished, Austin opened the bathroom door, close to tears.  He was horrified at the site of all the lice and eggs on the little comb we gave him.  For the first time ever, he begged, "Please just shave my head?"

And that's how we wound up standing on our back patio at 10:30pm with one little light bulb shining on his head.  I shaved every bit I could, in the little light I had.  For doing it in the dark, it actually turned out okay. 

After being around his bedding and him, I was so sure I would get lice as well.  I soaked my hair in the preventative spray (pee-yew!), and then coated my hair in fine sections with hair spray (lice don't like having sticky feet).  I threw it all up in a bun and then leaned back on the couch, knowing I'd done all I possibly could to not catch the plague lice.  Side note: when I retreated to bed a little later that night, I removed my clip from my hair and my hair remained tight up in a bun from all the hairspray.  That was pretty impressive.  Anyway....

It was the next day that my hair was still coated with all the sprays; when I had to explain to my chiropractor why I smelled like the pesticide section in a home improvement store.

Today is Friday.  Austin appears to be lice free (finally) but we are still taking every precaution necessary.  He is still getting sprayed twice a day to make sure the lice stay away, and his bedding is still getting sprayed as well.  Those little buggers are not welcome in our house!

Fun fact #2: Belle is a maltipoo.... meaning she is part poodle.  Poodles have hair, not fur.  Ergo, the thought crossed my mind that Belle could get lice.  So, we googled "Can poodles...." and google auto-filled in "get lice?"  Go ahead, try it.  Type in "Can poodles" and google will finish your sentence.

Fun fact #3: The answer is no, poodles can't get lice.  At least not the same type that humans get.

To end, I'm sorry that this post is making you itch.  I have to assume that you are scratching your head because it's an automatic response every time anyone mentions lice.  Our home is lice free now, and we will do everything in our power to keep it that way!

Grand Canyon

Finally.
We have arrived.
{At the grand canyon, that is.}

We pulled into the national park late at night, so no pictures were taken upon our arrival.

However, Carl convinced us to wake up early enough to see the sun rise.

We rolled out of the [very comfy] bed in the morning very sleepily and realized it was snowing once we stepped out of our lodge.  (This picture is from later in the day after the sun was up.  But this is our lodge.  Also, the photo was taken from the car because yours truly was shivering.)

 

We headed for the rim of the canyon in search of an eastern view to watch the sun come up.  Well, it was snowy and foggy so our view was not one to be excited about.  The fog cleared up slightly, so we hopped out of our car to take some photos.

I wasn't meaning to make such awful faces in these pictures, but I was shivering to the core.  I was wearing a long sleeve shirt under a sweater, which was under a sweatshirt, which was under a leather jacket, which was under my coat.  I tried to dress warm.  I am from Florida though, so give a girl a break.

 

The fog started clearing a little bit so we took a few more shots. Still, the canyon was hazy so we couldn't see the bottom.

   

On our way back to the lodge to get ready for our trip, we hoped to see a real mountain lion. But this was the best we got.  (A sign. I know, I know. Lame.)  We did see a pretty big deer though... but since those are pretty common in the sunshine state, it wasn't as exciting as a mountain lion would've been.

  

We grabbed breakfast in a cafeteria, where we saw this little sign sitting on our table. It made us laugh...

 

If you don't see why it made us laugh, read the top line in the red background.

Once we finished eating, we headed back out to our car. It was time to pack up our room.  

Once our room was packed up, my wonderful husband carried our luggage out to the car.  

We were back on the road heading for the museum. Yes, this is the road.  

Next to the museum, there was a lookout point of the canyon. At this point, I was so thankful that Carl dragged us out of bed in the morning to go see the canyon, because if we had waited, this is what we would've seen for the rest of the day.  

The park rangers were stoked about how snowy it was. They said it's rarely as snowy there as it was that day... unfortunately the visitors were all a bit let down that they couldn't see this amazing wonder.

We explored the museum for a while, and heard a talk about the canyon, and then we left the park to go see the iMax movie (per the recommendation of some friends...thanks guys!) about the canyon.  That provided us with a pretty realistic view of the canyon, but we'll still need to take another trip back sometime to see it in real life.
At least we got a few different views of it.  Next time, it'll be a summer trip.