Black Friday Fun

This picture was taken at about 3:30 this morning, in front of our local Target. This merry trio was working off a combined total of about three hours of sleep - (just Michael got a little shut eye after driving down to Eugene late last night). Travis and John had been partying it up at the Woodburn Outlet mall with Brayden until returning to Eugene around 1:00 - where they then changed into even warmer clothes, dropped off Brayden and found their place in line.

I can give you all of this information now, but in the midst of those hours, it was a big ol' blur for me as I tried to get a few hours of sleep before I partook in the fun. Unfortunately, that "revolving door" of coming and going wasn't exactly conducive to REM sleep - especially with the introduction of the Schilling's dog, Baxter. Apparently, he begins shaking in the car about a block away from arriving to our house with each visit...so, there's no surprise that he's just so excited he can't settle down upon getting here. (Hey, buddy, I know how you feel, Black Friday is exciting, but it's even better when you've had at least a few hours of sleep!)

So, by 2am, when I gave up and got up, it was with a little concern that I found myself trying to find my family members in various locations of the house, only to discover Michele was missing. A quick phone call to her cell confirmed that she'd never returned from her 11pm trip to Toys R Us. Poor thing, she spent a big chunk of that time outside and ill-prepared for the cold - as Toys R Us opened at 10pm so she had every expectation to be able to walk right into the store. No, apparently, they restricted the number of people inside the store, so half the time was spent outside - and half in line to pay for the few purchases that were only supposed to be a quick run in and run out. Fortunately, by the time I called, she was nearly on her way back to my house, so we were able to hop in the car and join the guys by about 3:15.

The big "door-buster" purpose for this extraordinary effort was a 40" tv for less than $300. (Even more by the time you throw in Michele's 10% - and the $10 gift card for spending over $100). This picture shows we weren't the only ones eager to get into the store... So, long story short....our trio of husbands missed out on the tv deal by about 3 people. Yes, the "allocated 15 per store" (are you kidding me?!) ran out right before they got theirs. HOWEVER, just as they were dejectedly turning their carts in a different direction, a gentleman sheepishly approached Michael and offered him his tv. He explained his wife had already snagged one, and you can only get one per family. Of all three of the guys, the tv deal was most significant to the Schillings. Travis and John were disappointed, but DEFINITELY reported that it was so worth it - they all had a ton of fun together. I love those three together, it just makes me so happy to see them being goofy and manly, and silly - and ultimately, they make each other better men. We are so blessed.

Meanwhile, at about the time the last tv was handed out, Mom arrived, and the three of us began our annual adventure together. Something that I really noticed this year from folks on Facebook is that if you aren't actively involved in a Black Friday excursion, it seems to be the thing to do to "bash it". I'm not sure if it's an anti-commercialism statement, a defensive statement as to why they don't participate, or what - but, it's kind of a downer to me as this is truly one of my favorite days of the year. Absolutely, it's Michele and I's favorite day of the year with our mom, having done this together for over 25 years. (And as far as those ornaments we pulled from the Giving Tree - and being able to provide twice as much for those two kiddos as we would have been able to if it weren't the deals found on Black Friday....let me just say, for us it is worth it!!!!!)

Alright, putting aside my own commentary (yes, I'm a bit defensive...I felt picked on reading Facebook earlier) - we just had a lot of fun today. And, due to our early start, by 1pm we were done. This picture was taken around 10am - when the pumpkin pie, whip cream, Diet Coke, and peppermint-chocolate bells had already been eagerly dug into. (The random guy that we asked to take this picture of us must have thought we were so crazy...but sleep deprivation can be a bit like excessive alcohol consumption - it really loosens your inhibitions- none of us had any problem with posing for this!).

So, after having not slept for about 31 hours, Michele decided to "just close her eyes for a bit" while trying to sort through and allocate the presents. Had I not woke her up, she might have stayed there until tomorrow morning. But, the kids were itching to get let back into the bonus room, and with the Duck game starting at 4, we were eager to get them out of our hair so we could watch it in peace. Sorry, Michele....you gotta wake up, but for sure, the hard part of the day is over!

A little "Oh Happy Day" postcript.....Our Ducks just beat Arizona. We are for sure the undisputed Pac 10 champions (second year in a row) - and if we can beat Oregon State next week, we will be playing for the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!! Wow! Due to the whole fatigue-factor of the day, I opted to pass my ticket on to Brayden for him to go in place of me. However, because he's been feeling sick (and sitting in the rainy 40ish temps wouldn't help that), he opted out as well. As it turned out, John ended up taking Travis' brother-in-law as his guest, while Travis (two rows up) took our brother-in-law (Michael) as his guest (Stephie, still recovering from her back surgery, was happy to extend the ticket to Michael once we found out he was coming down with Michele today). So, us girls watched at home, while the boys were at Autzen. The first half was NOT pretty, but the second half returned us to our beloved "get-it-done" Ducks.....end score: Oregon 48, Arizona 29. GO DUCKS!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

What do you think of my first attempt at making my own turkey?

Nahhhhh.....that wasn't made by me! I just couldn't resist. =)

Because it was the "every other" year in which the Schillings were with Michael's side of the family, we decided again to dine out - with Mom, Dad, and John's mom at "Hole in the Wall BBQ". Talk about "alternative", huh? But, as for the Rileys, we actually like the fare that we'd find here more than we would a more traditional route.

That might explain why Mikayla has ribs on her plate and not turkey!

We arrived even before they opened, and were among the first to take from the amazing spread that they provided - this is a snapshot of the desserts.... =)

We were seated in the back room which we refer to as the "waterfall room" because of the water feature in the back of the room. It makes for some great ambiance, although Mikayla sadly reported after posing for these pictures that the smell of the water reminded her of the smell at "Splash Mountain".


Next up for the fun of the holiday was to take in a movie. We chose "Tangled" - the newest animated Disney release, and boy, did we nail that decision. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this movie. It didn't hurt at all that the voice of the Flynn Ryder is Zachary Levi, aka "Chuck" - from the NBC show. I kind of have a celebrity crush on him (don't worry, John is fully aware of this....he's got the whole Carrie Underwood crush, and I have the less obvious "nerd" guy that I think is sweet!). Even if it that weren't a factor, the movie is absolutely enchanting, and the 3D effects are so dazzling - that perfect mix where you forget it's a factor and then you find yourself dazzled. I will gladly go see it again if given half a chance - it was that fun.

We asked Leona when the last time she'd seen a movie - and it had been a while (maybe even the Thanksgiving we saw "Madagascar 2" two years ago). This was her first 3D movie, so we took a pic of her sporting the cool glasses with the kiddos.

Not great picture quality as it was taken with my phone, but I had to capture a pic of my mom and dad both sporting their matching leather jackets. =)

And, of course, no Thanksgiving is complete until we've mapped out our plan for Black Friday. When this shot was taken, I was chatting with Michele long-distance, working out our strategy. Sydney had the best plan, though, get a nap now, because come (VERY EARLY) Friday morning, you'll wish you'd gotten all the sleep you could!

The Motto for Tuesday: Go with the Snow!

I found out why it took us so long to determine whether or not school was going to happen yesterday. Apparently, "FlashAlert.net" - the website the schools use to alert the media of closures crashed. No wonder it wasn't refreshing when I was trying to use it...

The kind of snow we got was very icy - not the kind that made for snowman making or snowball fights - as if we even had enough to do all that. However, it was just enough to make Sydney super happy (once she got brave enough to go out into it) - racing around the yard, and joining the kids on the trampoline to play.




As it was quite cold, the kids didn't take long to return inside for a little bit of this, while Mommy made Cocoa Candy Cane cookies, and we listened to Christmas music. As I posted on Facebook, with them harmoniously putting together a Christmas puzzle - it felt like the start of a Norman Rockwell day, for sure!

And, you know what? The day actually got better from there! Michele and the kids braved the "big, bad scary roads" (note the sarcasm, but hey, I'm not complaining) and joined us around noon. From there, Michele and I took off for some pre-Black Friday errands - and even as we drove around town, I told Michele, "We're going to look back on this day and remember just how fun it was". Snow on the ground two days before Thanksgiving, that just doesn't happen here!

With school canceled, my work day canceled, and volleyball practice canceled - it opened up a whole lot of time. The only thing, in fact, that I had still on the docket was our Bible Study getting together for our own little Thanksgiving potluck feast. I prepared some pumpkin pies - as well as the Coconut Lime Cheesecake. We then spruced up the house to be ready for our guests, only to realize that half of the group couldn't make it (mostly due to the fear of icy roads).

Kimmie and Kaela dared the elements, though - so, with it just being them, we decided to include Travis, John, and the kids on the "party". While I certainly missed the rest of the girls (we were all looking so forward to it), it really turned into an evening chock full of a lot of laughter and smiles. Kaela has been around enough to witness our little "family" in action with each other, but Kimmie hasn't - hopefully she wasn't too taken back by our goofiness. (Pictures to come, they were taken by Kaela....so I'm waiting for her. Have I mentioned before just how much I love the fact that she loves preserving memories as much as I do?)






As for today - well, the roads were not an issue, so school resumed as normal. However, my son woke up sounding like a sea lion with his cough (this happens to him every couple of years), so no school for him. And, you know what? Mysteriously, Mikayla wasn't feeling quite so "well" either, particularly in light of the fact that her two cousins were down for the day. I'm such a bad mom, huh? You know, I just felt like the amount of "education" she'd be getting on this day before Thanksgiving, following a snow day, in third grade.....well, it didn't compare to the joy of having her at home along with everyone else. =) (In case you are wondering, I had to remind myself of that "joy" a few times amidst the arguing among the kiddos this afternoon).

While Michele pitter-pattered around the kitchen, whipping up four pumpkin pies of her own (to share with Michael's side of the family on Thanksgiving), I sat at the bar and took care of a lot of stuff of my own involving our Christmas letter, Countdown Calendar, and typing up labels for the Giving Tree ornaments. It was a very cozy day - throw in a "Three Wishes" holiday movie and the company of Travis and Stephie, and I'd chalk it up to an ideal Thanksgiving Eve.

Recipes Worthy of Sharing

I've been able to try some fun recipes lately, and I've been pleased with the results. First up, another recipe that might be a potential contender for the Harlow Auction. I personally liked this taste better, but, when it comes to cheesecake, I'd always opt for something with a fruit accent versus the richness of chocolate.

So, this came from my new favorite source of recipes (because they have yet to fail), "Our Best Bites". This is the Lime Coconut Cheesecake, and it required putting the cheesecake in a water bath. It sounded a lot scarier than it was. I used a hint that they suggested that instead of wrapping the springform pan heavily in foil to keep the water from leaking in, to use an "oven bag" instead (the kind you'd use to make a roast or a turkey in the oven). It worked like a charm. (The water bath prevents cracking in the center)

And, then, this is the finished product:


In my humble opinion, SOOOOOO yummy!

Lime Coconut Cheesecake
Recipe by Our Best Bites

Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
2 Tbs sugar
6 Tbs butter, melted

Cheesecake:
3 8-oz packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs at room temperature
3 Tbs lime zest
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 medium limes)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 - 2 tsp coconut extract (I only used a 1/2 tsp and that was plenty for us)

1/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover the bottom of a 9 inch spring-form pan with a double layer of foil. Set aside.

Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup coconut, and melted butter and mix well. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan and about 1" up the sides. Place pan in oven and bake for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside until ready to use.

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add eggs, one a time, beating after each addition. Add vanilla, lime zest, and lime juice and beat to combine. Pour batter into prepared crust. Place spring-form pan into a larger pan, such as a roasting pan and place in center rack of oven. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about half way up the spring form pan. Bake cheesecake for 75-85 minutes or until center is set and the edges just barely begin to brown. Leave cheesecake in oven, but turn heat off and crack oven door. Let sit for 30 minutes and then remove and cool completely on a rack. When cool to room temp, cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight.

When ready to serve, place cheesecake on serving dish. Beat whipping cream until soft peaks form and then add powdered sugar and extracts. Beat until medium peaks form. Spread whipping cream evenly over cheesecake and sprinkle with toasted coconut. Garnish with sliced limes if desired. Slice and serve.

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The next recipe was slightly modified to accommodate a food item I found at the grocery store. The yummy bag of "Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips" just begged for me to purchase them, so then, the hunt was on to find a recipe worthy of their goodness.

I found one that I slightly modified - and it was "easy-peasy". There have been some suggestions to keep the chocolate chips in the recipe provided along with these peppermint chips, or maybe add some more candy canes for more crunch, but I'm partial to how they turned out just the way they are:
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies (I renamed mine to Cocoa Candy Cane Cookies)
Recipe by Our Best Bites

1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
1/2 cup real butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 cups flour, lightly spooned into measuring cups and leveled with a knife
1/4 cups & 2 Tb unsweetened cocoa powder

(This is where I change things up~
I add 1 bag Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips instead of:
1 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
48 Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped)

Preheat oven to 350. Cream together softened butter, shortening, brown sugar and white sugar for 1-2 minutes on medium high speed or until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla. Meanwhile, combine the baking powder, baking soda, salt, flour, and cocoa powder. Add to the butter/sugar mixture and mix until combined. Mix in the chocolate chips.

Drop the dough by the tablespoonful onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the centers are set but still soft. (I bake for 7 minutes in a convection oven, so I can do three cookie pans simultaneously). If you are going with the original recipe: top each cookie with an unwrapped Candy Cane Kiss. Allow to cool completely, long enough for the Kiss to harden. If necessary, after the cookies have cooled, they can be placed in the refrigerator or freezer to re-solidify the Kiss.

Snow, Thanksgiving, Black Friday....It's All So Exciting!

Well, the holiday season has certainly hit here, if the excitement level is any indication. It's heightened by a forecast that includes snow tonight - with freezing temperatures for the next two days. Currently, it's raining, so, of course, I'll have to see it to believe it, but I have high hopes for low snow levels - and perhaps some school cancellations. (Very little snow accumulation is expected, but it's all this wet stuff being turned to ice that is the ticket for school closing).

However, it's all a bit complicated given that I'm supposed to be subbing in Springfield tomorrow. (I'd like it to be put on record that I was the teacher for this class last Wednesday when there was a long-range forecast for snow, that initially put the idea in their mind that we could have some of the white stuff....I'm actually quite shocked that it's coming to fruition.) Springfield is a different district than the one my kids are in. Now, generally, they coincide with their cancellation decisions.....but, if they don't, uh oh. We could have a mess tomorrow.

This is fun stuff to have our mind on after a bit of a disappointing Sunday. Brayden's undefeated team lost in their state play-off game, 0-7. Bummer. Brayden's playing time demonstrated he's come a long way, as his blocks on the defensive players are so much more "defined". He did the best he could possibly do to contribute yesterday, and that's all we could ask for. Here's some pictures demonstrating just how miserable the conditions were, yet how many people showed up to be his fan club. Not pictured were Grandma Leona, John's oldest brother, Tom, and Corey Rose - the college pastor we work with.




Mikayla is also showing improvements in volleyball. The games the girls played on Saturday had both Jonna (Kennady's mom and the main coach) and I feeling pretty low. It's such a hard balance of striving for skill development and "proper technique" vs. just getting the ball over and getting points so that they can feel the satisfaction of winning. Sunday's game showed that the girls are getting better with every match, and made us feel like we are on the right track. The six girls on our little team are so sweet - and their parents so supportive, it makes me wish this season was twice as long.

I'm hopeful that the moods stay positive within our family (everyone's much happier tonight vs. last night) - so the next days promising SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR will be embraced with all of our hearts!

(Postscript at 2:38 am: YES, IT DID SNOW! Not a lot, but about what they predicted - and maybe more still to come. The problem, however, is I'm awake to have seen it, and now I'm just TOO EXCITED TO SLEEP! (Yes, I am 38, not 8 years old...I can't help myself). With temps not expected to exceed freezing I suspect there will be closures, but won't know until they report it between 5-6am. I wonder if I will be able to get back to sleep before then....at this point, it's feeling doubtful!)

(Postscript at 6:38 am: Yeah, just found out (way too late, if you ask me!) - that both the school districts are closed!!!!!! Yip, yip, yippee!!!!!!!)

A Little of This, A Little of That

Happy Saturday everyone!

I feel it's time for another update, even though I have nothing profound to report. The week is over, the weekend is here....ahhhh, a good feeling.

I got the chance to substitute again on Wednesday - for the same fifth grade class I've been with before. I actually get to see them again on Tuesday of next week and the last two days before Christmas break. It's a very nice arrangement to be returning to the same group of kids, and I think we are all enjoying our time together. I'm glad I can be that "consistent person" when their "real teacher" is absent.

On Thursday......happy sigh......, I spent from 9-2:00 decorating the house for Christmas. Yes, I know it's not even Thanksgiving, but if you knew the joy it brought to our whole family, you wouldn't question my jumping the gun for a moment. It was a great day for me, I was so immersed in getting it all done before the kids arrived that I didn't even eat during that whole time (which is a major indicator I was focused, because eating is not something I forget to do!). No, we don't have our trees yet....those WILL wait until after Thanksgiving.

I also had another perk on Thursday by scoring a free pedicure for Mikayla or I (at the place we've gone to in the past) and another one for over 50% off. I used a group coupon called LivingSocial.com - and by linking my coupon on Facebook, four of my friends purchased the deal (it was really good - and this place is very popular among my friends). If you have three people use the coupon from your link, yours is free! I feel like I won a raffle or something....very cool!

So, this weekend....games today and tomorrow for Mikayla for volleyball, and then Brayden's championship game tomorrow for football. There's a small potential for snow tomorrow....so, viewing that game will require a lot of layers!

Today, John does the outside lights. Again, a not so great "outdoor work day" - temps in the low 40's with rain......but, he's eager to get it done. It will be a lot easier this year as we now have outlets in our soffits to work with. Glad it's him and not me though!

Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope it's an enjoyable one. By the way, what are your plans for Thanksgiving?

Gobble, Gobble!

Yesterday, Mikayla had a friend named Ellie over. She's a little cutie and I'm really enjoying getting to know her and her mom. Ellie is on Mikayla's volleyball team and her mom is helping to coach, so it's fun thing.

I saw this little "food project" on this website, and couldn't resist using these two little girls as my "excuse" to make them. (Mikayla had seen the recipe and was so excited).

They didn't turn out nearly as pretty as the ones on the website, but it wasn't like we really needed them to turn out perfect either. I think the worst part of the activity was all of the "food leftovers"....i.e. the Oreos that broke as you tried to insert the candy corn, or the mini Reeses that had to have 1/3rd cut off. A person just can't let that food go to waste, afterall!


Sydney was eager to do her part in keeping anything from being wasted....there was no way you could lure her away from her "post" - right underneath the table.

Some of the "finished project".....Gobble, gobble!!!!!!!

Remarkable

Today I am super thankful for my mom. Especially so, because yesterday I did something super stupid.

On Mondays, if I'm not called to sub, I try to drag myself down to the gym to participate in the 9:00 "Group Power Workout". Essentially, there are about 20 or so ladies there, with each person having a "step-up" bench, a weights bar, weights, and hand weights. We spend an hour going through exercises that work all of the major muscle groups to different songs. It's very effective and I'm really glad Christy got me going to it (and keeps me going by being my Monday accountability). I try to be pretty careful with things involving my neck, but actually the worst part of the workout is the song in which we work our legs, because you load up the bar and then balance it behind your neck (holding on to it with your hands) and do lunges or squats. During that exercise, it's not the legs that are killing me so much as my neck and shoulders from taking that weight load (and, to be fair, I go "woosey" on this exercise because of that fact). Well, yesterday, even while doing the exercise I knew I'd screwed up.

As the day went on, the headache increased, but with a muscle relaxant, heat pack, and painkillers, I stayed pretty "ok" until an early bedtime in which I thought I'd wake up and feel fine again. By about 10:30, I decided to switch over to ice, because those two hours of sleep I'd had didn't make a dent. The pain only got worse through the night - it was the whole right side of my head, from the base of my head circling around to my sinuses.

When I woke up, I knew I was in trouble, and really could barely function. Movement only made the pain worse, and attempting to eat so I could stomache painkillers was a futile. (One tiny bite of oatmeal and my stomach said "no way"!) I ended up with two icepacks (one on the back of my head, and another positioned next to my nose) while Mikayla got herself ready, straightened up the house, made her own lunch, and woke up Brayden - who was also a sweetie, very nurturing.

At around 6:30, I called and woke up my parents to ask if Mom could take care of me. She told me to come straight out, so upon dropping off Mikayla at 7:30 - I headed out there. Another one of those "super scary drives" as I contemplated pulling off to lay down and having Mom or Dad or John get me, but felt I could probably make it "just a bit further". Despite the outdoor temps being about 48 degrees, I had the cold air blasting in my car to keep from throwing up. Really, the pain level doesn't get much higher than that for me, as it is pretty clear my body was screaming at me to find some sort of relief. I'd say I was at a 9 or 10 in pain.....(yeah, childbirth was worse, but only with Brayden...not even with Mikayla).

Once I got to Mom and Dad's, I collapsed on her massage table with my ice packs repositioned, finally feeling "safe". One way or another, I wouldn't leave their house until I felt better.

Over the years, I could give testimony after testimony of what Mom's been able to do in "putting me back together", but today was one of those times when even I was shocked. I didn't talk, (it taxed me too much), but instead tried to imagine letting go of a little bit of pain with every "adjustment" she made. My C-1 and C-2 were really crammed up tight (which I knew as that was the source of the problem) - so that was first place where the pain started to lessen, and then she moved around my head. Honestly, it wasn't as quick, but the hour reminded me of the point in which I finally got the Intrathecal (similar to an Epidural) during Brayden's childbirth. Going from total pain, to about a "level 2" - it was - and is - REMARKABLE.

So, today, I praise God for Mom - for her talents, and abilities, and giftedness. I can't imagine how poor the quality of my life would be in terms of pain on a day to day basis without her interceding. Thank you, Mom. You not only made my day, you allowed me to "experience today". I love you!

Our Weekend in Review

First of all, these pictures are all courtesy of Kaela (thanks!). John took pictures of the sporting events, but due to all of the downloading of the thousands he took, it might take a while to get access to them.
Michele and the kids left late Friday afternoon - a bummer because we all enjoyed their visit so much. Sigh....but Michael missed his family, so it was good they went home (I guess).

Saturday was full of sports events. First up, was Mikayla's first volleyball game. I ended up having to keep score, which, now that I look back, was probably a good thing as it kept me from stressing on the bench. Most of these kids have just begun any introduction at all to volleyball within the year, so it is a brand new ball game (literally) for them. Working with kids that new to the sport is a practice in patience, that's for sure. During the first game, I had to bite my tongue watching Mikayla from saying, "Why doesn't she move her feet to get to that ball?" And yet, they all did just fine, and will only improve as the season goes on. In fact, after losing the first game, they turned around and won the next game, with each of them already showing increasing ability. I think one of the biggest obstacles for us, as coaches, will be the tug-of-war between trying to encourage volleyball skills that will be implemented in the upcoming years vs. "going for the win", and disregarding "skill sets". (Things like trying to pass the ball twice before sending it over the net, encouraging setting, or pushing for the overhand serve). I think it would be best if we went for the middle road in all of that, as, having come from a season where Mikayla's team never once won a game, I can testify that that can quickly discourage a kid from wanting to continue in a sport.




When the game was done, we got home with just enough time to straighten up the house in order to have it look "decent enough" for Walt, Kaela, and Aaron to join us at halftime for the Duck game. This game was very nerve-wracking. My heart was racing and hands unsteady while watching. California definitely had "our number" and broke down our usually explosive offense...resulting in a very "Un-Oregon-like" defeat of only 2 points. But, it was still two points more than the other team, so we are now 10-0. Two more wins left, and we are headed to the national championship. It's very surreal.

At this point, I have to put in a caveat on behalf of the Beaver fans. So sad.... Michele said that this loss to Washington State was almost easier to stomach because they felt "just angry" at their team for never getting with it....vs. that grief of a heartbreaking loss of just a couple of points. The Beavers just didn't ever really show up. OSU is one of the two teams we have to win against before getting to Glendale (where the BCS Championship is held), so, for our sake, I hope that they (OSU) don't really show up to our game either.....

So, back to our evening, I'm really glad that Walt, Aaron, and Kaela came over, as it helped a bit to dissipate our tension through the game. Plus, they are all just downright fun to have over (especially on a weekend we were flying solo without the Whites). Love that trio!

The dog in this above picture is Dudley. He is the Quigleys' dog, and he is such a sweetheart. They asked us if we could watch him for the weekend while they were in Sunriver - and we'll say "yes" again anytime they ask. He's a lot of fun....full of personality and still a cuddler.

Finally, Brayden's team had their first shut-out of the year defeating the other team 31-0. In the beginning, it didn't look like it was going to be so lopsided, but ultimately, because we had a throwing game and they didn't - that's what made the difference. Next week, the championship at Autzen Stadium.....I really hope this team takes it all the way as they have worked SO HARD for it.

Catchin' Up

I feel like there's been nothing "monumental" to post about, so it hasn't really crossed my mind to update. And, then, I looked at my blog and realized it's been since Wednesday. I can't let that happen, so here's a random update.

Our kids had both Thursday and Friday off - due to Veterans' Day and a budget cut's induced "Furlough Day". So did Michele's kids - so they came down to hang out. Once the morning fog burned off, both days turned out to be brisk, yet beautiful - so it led to productive activities such as this: (Forgive the image quality, it was taken with my cell phone)
Yes, that's the girls - willingly clearing our leaves from our yard. In fact, Mikayla begged that I not even mow - so as to leave as much as possible for her and Nati to "round up". They took turns with the leaf blower and rake and did a pretty bang-up job (at least in comparison to what it started out as!). In the meantime, we mom's took off to conquer the Veterans' Day sales - making a killing at Fred Meyer, Michael's, and Kohls.

I will say that what the girls accomplished outside was just a wee bit offset by the mess they made in making their own brownies - complete with frosting and about ten different kinds of sprinkles. Thanks girls......what a treat. =(

Today is Mikayla's first volleyball game. I'm sure John will be taking plenty of pictures of the girls in action. She is uber-excited. Immediately following that is our Duck's football game (televised, as it's at Berkley) - going for 10-0! And, then, tomorrow, Brayden plays at 3pm for the final game before the state championship game at Autzen next weekend. This may be the only time we'll ever see his team, our local high school team (Sheldon - which the kids will end up at), and our college team all be undefeated and #1 in the rankings. It's an incredible year!

Sadly, we won't be hanging with the Whites today for the game. Stephanie had a "repeat surgery" yesterday on her back. They had done this surgery this summer for her, and while it corrected the pain and numbness in the one leg, it ended up being offset by the same issue on the other side of her spinal column - resulting in pain and numbness in the other leg. It's too bad they weren't able to solve the issue all at once, but thankfully she's home and recovering already.....so our prayers are that by Christmas her greatest gift will be to be pain free!

Not This Year

Last year, I was asked (rather last minute) to contribute a dessert to the Camp Harlow Auction for their traditional dessert-dash event. (Each table decides how much they are going to "pay" for a dessert and whichever table contributes the most gets first pick, and so on...). Because it was kind of last minute, and because I was encouraged to do so, instead of picking a cake or something elaborate, I made a HUGE tray of assorted cookies. I figured what I didn't have going for me in elegance, I made up for in quantity. Unfortunately, there was a shortage of desserts for the number of tables, so they decided to split my cookie tray three ways for the Dessert Dash. Ohhhh, there goes my contribution's "advantage". Whether that's to blame or not, the sad reality was that my three plates of cookies were the last items chosen. It was funny, but kind of sad too!

So, when I was asked again this year to contribute - my first response was, "Are you sure you want me to?" And, then, after being assured, I vowed internally that this year my dessert donation wouldn't be picked last. (Might I insert here that most of the desserts are professionally made and donated from restaurants and shops who specialize in these things).

Last night, I decided to test one of my front-runner considerations for offering to the Auction on the gals in our Bible Study. It is an Oreo Cheesecake and you can find the recipe here. The ladies did all approve, so it might just "take the cake" (ha ha ha ha!! - couldn't resist). It took a big chunk of time to prepare on Monday, but in all reality, compared to making several varieties of cookies, it might actually be easier to get done. We'll see, there's still a Key Lime Cheesecake that I'm tempted by....but, at least now, I think I'm prepared.

The Ongoing Battle

This is a really happy time of the year for me. For anyone who knows me, this should come as no surprise. And, with the season the Ducks are having, and my own son's team being undefeated, it's adding even more festivity to an already celebratory time for me.

With all that said, though....I still find myself fighting the same ol' same ol' battles of letting the "little things" consume me. Yesterday, despite still smiling after a rather grueling "Group Power" workout, I let an upcoming issue creep in and overcome. After "venting" about the scenario to various people, and finally coming home after running errands....I realized I'd just wasted about two hours being angry, frustrated, and very irritated. WHAT A WASTE! I wish I could just turn off the switch that leads me to those conclusions on occasion, but I kind of have to immediately "settle the situation" vs. letting it simmer- and even because I'm wired like that, it makes me frustrated because I end up having to handle things that aren't necessarily my battles to fight. Ugh.

I find this little issue interesting as Sunday's sermon (EXCELLENT!) involved being a peacemaker....and the quote I loved was "We are never more like God than when we are instruments of peace". Peace - as defined as a complete well-being....that others see and want to be a part of. Another quote "To be blessed is to feel God's smile in our lives". So, there were parts of yesterday, as I'm listening to "Mary's Boy Child" and crying/smiling as I'm singing it on the freeway that I do believe others could see God's smile in my life. And, then, there were the more ugly parts of me, all worked up, saying things that weren't edifying....yeah, not moments I'm proud of.

So, that is the ongoing goal for myself this season - to keep the "big picture" constantly in mind, and to not let the inconveniences, disappointments, or attitude issues get the best of me. Of course, this should be my mindset all year long....but, for now, I'll focus on just the next two months.

Favorite Days

On a recent get-together, one of my favorite people commented, in regards to my blog, how we are so busy, constantly doing things. I laughed at that as we can be a very lazy family, it's just that I don't write all the time about the days and times that we are.

Well, today is one of those days. Earlier in the week, Michele threw the temptation our way to consider selling our tickets. So instead of driving our kids up to her house, returning to Eugene, watching the game in the rain (at least that was the forecast at the time) and then returning to Dallas to get our kids.....we could drive up Friday and stay until Sunday morning, cozily watching football all day long - including our own Duck game covered by ABC (and their Beaver game at 4:00).

There have been times that we've left early from games, or sold tickets to games that we have regretted. It doesn't seem to make a lot sense, given that we are #1 in the nation, you'd think we'd want to be at every single one. But, it also meant someone else might too, and while we really didn't make a profit on our ticket sales (based on the donor fee we pay on top of the face value of the ticket), they did sell (as did Travis and Stephanie's). Ultimately, I will never contest the value I place on the needs of our family to what others would argue is not being a "good fan".....and as far as this weekend goes, our family wanted to be with our extended family (the Schillings) and there's just no regret that we made the right decision.

Choosing to come here has been made even better upon watching the game. Our Ducks will take the victory, but the beginning was quite ugly on our behalf. Those things happen, I'm glad we can get some of that garbage out of our system against a team that can't capitalize too much against us. However, if you are present in Autzen stadium when the Ducks aren't playing up to par, the atmosphere can get equally ugly. Downright offensive, in fact. And just thinking about what the women that sits to our upper right would have been yelling at our team and coach during the first half makes me thankful we pocketed the money instead. =)

So, instead, I'm having one of my favorite days of the season, with no pictures to show for it, no great captions of all the fun we are having....instead just memories of all of the kids playing happily, and all four of us adults enjoying food, football, and the wonderful blessing of friendship within our own family.

Coaching

Way back when, during a time my belly was just starting to grow with Brayden inside, I signed up to coach 6th grade volleyball. I was teaching at the time, so taking on a "gig" that paid extra money and was also a sport I enjoyed seemed like a good fit. And it was. I worked with two other teachers, and it was a very fun season.

Fast forward a dozen years, and now I'm getting the chance to take a go at it again. This time, not paid, and only as an "assistant" coach - and to third graders vs. sixth graders (and let me tell you, that makes a HUGE difference). But, I said "yes", and I'm thankful I did, because it's really a lot of fun.

So much fun, in fact, that on Tuesday, when I was at the end of my rope physically - during that hour of practice, somehow I felt just fine. (But soon after, I crashed). Last night was Jonna's (the head coach) turn to feel lousy - she had the stomach flu so she wisely chose to stay home and asked me to run it.

I think it's just what I needed to commit all the way with these girls. There was a part of me that second-guessed my ability to contribute. While I played in high school.....it ended earlier than I'd hoped as I was short, had decent abilities as a setter and consistent back row plays, but just couldn't compete with the athletically dominant players that comprised the women of my class (like Heather who sometimes comments on my blog!). (Consistently, our high school was state ranked). But, you know what? I'm actually better than any of these third graders, and because I had a lot of years being instructed on just "how to do what I was supposed to", I can contribute. (I can also relate to Mikayla and the three other girls that are shorter than her on just how intimidating this sport can be when you are small.....but, due to the special rules for the third grade, you really can get the serve over the net!).

So, last night, we ran drills, we scrimmaged, we talked about "what NOT to do with the volleyball....i.e. - don't KICK it!" and I even established a new way to join me when I circled them up to listen to instructions.....if they had knee pads, they get to slide in. There's about 17 girls that all practice together, but will be split into 3 teams when "games" begin. So, it's a lot of girls, and I'm still messing up names, but it was a ton of fun. I have a feeling I'm going to be sad when this short season of five weeks is all over.

Under the Weather

After the busy week I had last week, I fully intended to slow down the pace this week, but I didn't realize just how slow it'd get.

I got a yucky head cold on Monday, and by the end of Tuesday night, the sinus pressure had triggered my migraine symptoms.....so yesterday, I slept and slept and slept. It's not often that everything works out to be able to completely rest up like that, but nobody seems to want me to sub this week, (today and tomorrow there's no school in that district anyway) - so bed-rest seemed like the right thing to do.

Hopefully, I'll be back to my A-game soon....while it's good to rest and re-coop, there's a part of me that feels like the rest of the world is going on while I stay in place.

Hope you all are feeling healthy - and taking the time to do what you need.

I Cry Every Year

I can't help it. The first day that I let myself listen to Christmas music (the day after Halloween) - I lose it. It just fills me with SO MUCH JOY!

I know that listening to Christmas music isn't for everyone - not everyone has the desire nor the patience to start the repetitions of holiday classics this early. I do try and pace myself - to spread out the "introductions of the favorites" over a couple of weeks, but it's hard to hold back.

Over the years, we've put together a handful of Christmas mix albums, and while there are "new discoveries" every year that earn the "gold medal", many of the songs I love were recorded well over a decade ago.

So, here's the list of the songs that consistently put me in the joyful mood faster than any other. If you'd rather come back in a month to check out this list, that's perfectly okay with me, but these are some really, really amazing songs.... (fyi - they are arranged in alphabetical order...) (And if there's any favorites you'd like to recommend, please let me know!)

"Angels We Have Heard on High/Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" - Phillips, Craig, and Dean
"Breath of Heaven" - Amy Grant
"Call His Name Jesus" - Phillips, Craig, and Dean
"Christmas Angels" - Michael W. Smith
"Emmanuel, Little Town" - Amy Grant
"Go Tell It On the Mountain/Amen" - Phillips, Craig, and Dean
"Hark the Herald" - Steven Curtis Chapman
"How Great Our Joy/Joy to the World" - Phillips, Craig, and Dean
"Jesus, Born on This Day" - Mariah Carey
"Joseph's Lullaby" - MercyMe
"Let There Be Light" - Point of Grace
"Mary's Boy Child" - The Jingle Belles
"Far From Bethlehem" - Point of Grace
"O Come All Ye Faithful" - Steven Curtis Chapman
"Sing Noel" - NewSong
"A Strange Way to Save the World" - 4Him
"Welcome to Our World" - Michael W. Smith
"When Love Came Down" - Point of Grace
"Where Are You Christmas?" - Faith Hill