As I sit here writing this post, the temperature is in the upper 70's.  It is hard to believe that the photos below were taken less than 7 short days ago. 

 

Photos of our first and hopefully last snowman of the winter

 



Red Pandas

Olivia left us all in shock this basketball season.  She entered the season determined to improve her game and shine. 

 

There really are no words to describe the transformation that happened in a matter of months.  Every week she hit the floor confident, aggressive, and down right good. In fact, she was responsible for 11 steals in one game.

 

 

I was continually reminding myself that the girl in the red shirt and blue socks was my Oli Goose. 

 

 

Basketball just might be her "thing".  

Family Photos 2015

In November, the incredibly adorable and talented Mandi Gummels took our family photos at our new home.  

Fraidy Cat in Heaven

A few weeks ago, I was singing to Jax.

Everybody ought to know..

Everybody ought to know..

Everybody ought to know who Jesus is.

This led to my sharing the plan of salvation.  Of course, I really spent a lot of time describing Heaven.  I then proceed to ask Jax if he wanted to go to Heaven.  His eyes got as big as saucers and the most adorable smile filled his entire face.  Without hesitation, he responded, "YES!  I want to go get my Fraidy back!"

I do too buddy.  I do too.  

He assures me that the paw patrol characters go in the front.  Who am I to argue?

If Robin (from Batman) doesn't need pants, Jaxson doesn't need pants either.  Who am I to argue with that logic?

Proud Momma of Blue #2

Can I just start by pointing out that he finally got a haircut ?   (Hallelujah.)   He is completely horrified by the amount of attention that this simple act of obedience has brought him.  If you happen to see him soon, please tell him how handsome he is with his new do.  I assure you that he will really appreciate it.

I can't for the life of me put into words how much I love watching him play basketball.  In fact, more often than not I am holding back tears of absolute joy.  Watching him excitedly run onto the court with absolute confidence is an answer to many prayers.  For a period of time, I was afraid that anxiety would win.  Once again God showed me that I have no reason to fear.  He is in control, and this cutie patootie belongs to Him.  

My "Berfday"

About 15 years ago, the excitement over celebrating my birthday fizzled.  With that said, I am incredibly thankful that I continue to have reason to celebrate.

My only special request for my family this year was the gift of cooperation for a few photos.

I have been following along with Joey+Rory .  The fact that Rory captured so much of their life in photos is truly a gift for everyone.  My continued goal is to be the same kind of story teller for my family.  I only wish that I had his way with words.

I Can Do Hard Things

For the past 2 years, our family has tagged an expression to encourage personal growth within our home.  Last year our motto was practice hospitality.  This year I chose the phrase, I can do hard things.  For at least one of us, these two phrases are one in the same.  

Scott has definitely taken this slogan to heart.  To make a long story short, Andrew's basketball team found itself without a coach or even prospective coaches.  Scott decided to step outside of his comfort zone and coach this incredibly talented group of sixth grade boys in order to assure that Andrew had a team. 

This might be a good time to share that Scott has never played a single game of organized, competitive basketball.  He was scared to death. 

For several weeks leading up to the first practice, Scott read every book and article that he could find.  YouTube videos were watched around the clock.  

As the Jaguar's final game of the season quickly approaches, I am happy to report that he has done an amazing job with "his" boys.  In fact, he has taught them about much more than basketball.  He has taught them the importance of prayer, character, and playing like a team.  He has laughed with them.  He has yelled at them.  He has busted at the seams with pride.  He has learned that he is a coach at heart.

Scott is leading his family in doing hard things.