My Busy Boys

One would think with this "skeleton crew" on duty at our house, I would have lots of "spare time".....

NOT!

At this very moment I am actually taking my first break in quite some time. I'm in the rec room in front of the woodstove and the television and the computer! ha. I have "Saturday Night Hockey In Canada" on the tube, and just watched The Leafs goalie make an amazing save. Looked more like he was playing soccer, as he bounced the puck off his body and into the air. Fabulous save.

And speaking of soccer, I must update you on my youngest son's achievements this week. Jared's game last week proved to be quite intense as the PECI Panthers battled Nicholson for the Bay of Quinte championship title. I had a funeral to attend and then headed to the game, where I found our team down 2-1. The boys worked hard to regain momentum, but Nicholson fought through and won with a score of 3-1. You can see a fabulous photo of Jared (dressed in black & white) and a write-up of the game in The Picton Gazette by clicking HERE.

But even though the Senior & Junior PECI Boys Soccer teams lost last week's games, both teams moved onto COSSA (Central Ontario Secondary School Association) in Port Hope on November 4th. I am proud to report that Jared and his teammates won their first game and moved on to the finals. After a tough battle, they were defeated by one. Congratulations on your Silver, gentlemen. First place last year and second place this year..... that's a lot to be proud of!

The Senior team won their first game and moved on to the finals as well. Tying up the game, they treated the crowd to some overtime soccer where they scored the game winning goal, taking home the Gold. Congratulations to the Senior boys for their first-ever COSSA Soccer First-Place title! I am definitely a Proud Panther Parent!!!!!

[Oh... hang on.... big fight on the tv in the hockey game between a Leafs player and a Sabre.........
OK, it's over.... two in the penalty boxes! haha]

Anyways, the rain came down for most of the day in Port Hope, and unless there's lightning, you continue to play. The umbrellas helped the spectators somewhat, but we were pretty damp for the day. Unfortunately today, as temperatures drop, I am feeling the results. My poor ol' joints are aching quite a bit. I was hoping the woodstove would help, but I can't seem to get this heat to stop the throbbing in my legs and lower back. Sign of old age? [grin]

It also didn't help that Jared had a double-header in the cold hockey arena today. He won his first game, and then stayed to fill in as goalie for the next game, which resulted in a win as well. I'm tellin' ya, that boy just makes sports look so easy. He gives it his all, no matter how he's feeling. And those glove-saves in the goalie's net make it look like he's playing baseball!

I was recently asked if I really enjoy watching my boys at their sporting events. My answer? "Ohhhhh yaaaaaaah!" I really really do love it.....; wish I was warmer, wish I was dryer, but oh yah, baby, I LOVE it. I am so proud of them. Just like when I watch them perform with their fiddles and make so many people happy with their musical talents..... it makes me so thrilled. I don't think the boys will truly understand that until they become parents themselves. Or maybe it's just a Mom-thing. I don't know. But I do know I'm proud of them and love them sooooo much.

I never stop being concerned for them. Jon and Jake delivered in Chicago this morning, and I see on Facebook that they are staying at a hotel tonight in Chicago. Jon wrote that he had a nap while Jake went swimming in the pool downstairs. After his nap, Jon writes that he went to check on Jake and saw that he was in good hands! (Apparently there was a young lady swimming as well!). So MY first thought is: "Why on earth is my husband leaving my baby unattended in CHICAGO, of all places!". I replied to Jon's comment on Facebook by stating that perhaps it would be in Jon's best interest to ensure my son's safety in that city or else his transport would be his new home! And Jake can spend the winter at home with ME!

What's hard for me to remember is that Jacob is an eighteen (almost nineteen) year old boy, and when JON was that age, he was travelling to Chicago ALL BY HIMSELF! It's no wonder his poor mother worried and never wanted him in the trucking industry. I didn't worry about Jon taking Jacob with him in the truck because they're TOGETHER; but when hubby is snoozing away and Jake is walking around by himself...... well..... let's just say I'm likely not gonna sleep well tonight. I've said this in previous posts, but can I once again state that I wish my children were still babies, toddling around at my feet?

And my eldest son that is around a 13-hour drive away is not excluded from my concern either, although I must tell you that he is doing WONDERFUL. Blake received his infusion of Remicade on October 26th in New Brunswick. By that evening, he felt considerably better! In fact, I think he stated he even felt better that afternoon! I don't know what ingredient in that drug makes it so effective, but "hats off" to the man or woman that discovered it!

Around the middle of this past week, I had sent Blake a couple of messages asking how he was feeling, as I hadn't really chatted with him much since his infusion. He said he was "fine"... his favourite word! I said, "Well, on a scale from one to ten, one being bad and ten being perfect, where are you on that scale?" He replied, "A twelve!" YIPPEEE! I was thrilled.

The other night he called and said he was interested in playing some pick-up hockey with some other folks in Sussex. I had to chuckle a bit because Blake has NO interest whatsoever in sports events. (He played T-ball as a little boy, and he played house-league soccer for about two years as a young boy; but his interests have always been more in music.) So I was taken aback when he said he wanted to play hockey. I said to him, "You realize that's the sport with the little round black piece of hard rubber that you chase across the ice with a stick while on skates, right?" hahahhaaa.

Then he informed me that their ice-time was at 10:30 at night! Oh brother. All I could think of was that Blake needs as much sleep and rest as possible with his disease, yet he's heading out to play hockey at 10:30 at night? But, as a friend reminded me today, it's only pick-up hockey, so if he gets tired and needs to sit down, then it shouldn't be a problem. It's not likely to get too aggressive for him. I just hope he listens to his body!

He still has a very busy schedule with his school work, and he is continuing to make most of his own meals. I am hoping that with Jon and Jake trucking so hard lately that we will have a bit of extra money for December so we can maybe fly out and spend some time with Blake before he heads to Brasil for Christmas and New Years. I'm trying to not get my hopes built up in case it doesn't work out; but I sure would like to see him before he heads out. Otherwise I won't see him again until March. It's certainly an adjustment after spending the whole summer right by his side as we were in and out of hospitals. But at least his health is coming along; I am grateful for that fact.

Well folks, I must put another log on the fire. I need to eat something for supper (it's already 9:20pm!). Jared is out with friends tonight so I'm having some yummy leftovers. I wasn't hungry until now. I could kill for a big slice of pizza! haha

Thank you to everyone for remembering us in your prayers. [You know who you are!] God is faithful. And we are blessed.

Until next time...... keep your stick on the ice. [grin]

(Next post I'm hoping to show a video that will give you an idea of something I've been involved in lately! Hmmmm.... think you can guess?)

You Asked For Updates, You've Got Updates!

Once again I've gotten side-tracked and not been faithful in making some posts to keep you all updated. I don't know what's been going on lately with me! One would think that I would have lots of time with two birds out of the nest.

But nay-nay.... lots going on. When I make a list of everything I've been doing, I imagine that I could have it all completed in just two full days.... so why has it been a whole week? I don't know. Maybe I just have trouble focussing. All I know is that before I know it, I'm crawling back into bed after a full day and have to wonder what filled up my whole day?

I know some of you can relate.

So because I've been running into many folks who keep asking about how the boys are doing, I'll give an update here today.

I have a bit of time today for blogging because Jared had to miss today's hockey game. Jared fills in on one of the Bantam league teams because there were not enough Bantam-aged kids to form teams. Midget players were brought down to help fill in and build up the numbers. (Some Peewee players may have been brought up to play as well; I'm not sure about this, though.)

Yesterday at the highschool's soccer playoff game, a Moira player's knee connected with Jared's front thigh, and down Jared went. He hobbled around for a bit and was able to finish playing, but after the game the leg was pretty sore. He was in a lot of discomfort last night and this morning, so he decided it would be too painful to play hockey. (Sorry about that, Coach Clark!)

That boy gives his all when he plays. It amazes me. In fact, I've told him to STOP playing so hard! He doesn't care if he gets hurt! I will tell you right now that he did NOT inherit that trait from his Momma! He's had more bumps and bruises and cuts and skin ripped off his body. He has sat with his leg up some evenings after a game and we have watched his leg, where the skin has been ripped off, literally ooze!!!! It's not pretty, folks!

The boys on the PECI Panther teams (Junior & Senior) have done an excellent job on the soccer field this season. I am so proud of all the players (even the opposing teams) who go out to play soccer (or any sport!) to support their school. I'm glad we have programs like this. Thank you to the teachers and the coaches (that's you, Dave Mather!) who volunteer their time to these kids. It is greatly appreciated.

So Jared will spend today relaxing to rest his leg, and hopefully he will feel better for the Midget hockey game on Sunday evening. My goodness, I'll go through withdrawal if he can't play! I'll have to just go to the arena anyways and watch his teammates play! haha.

As many of you know, Jake has been working in Georgetown with Jon's friend who is a landscaper. As soon as Jake graduated from high school, he was outta here! He has enjoyed his time up there; but 'tis the season for him to move on. The landscaping work pretty much comes to an end this time of year.

He could've stayed on to do some snow plowing, but since you never know how much snow you're going to get through the Winter, Jake has decided that he would like to truck with his Dad over the Winter. I told him I thought it was a great idea; however, we are of the understanding that he'll be returning to the landscaping business in the Spring. He assures me this will be the case.

Jon and Jake are just now leaving South Dakota with a load of pork and heading to Toronto. They seem to be having a good trip together. Jon says that just having Jake with him feels like he received a blood transfusion. I told Jake to ensure that Dad doesn't sleep in the bunk while Jake unloads the trailer by himself! haha. They just finished updating their Facebook statuses, so I think they're good to go!

Poor Jake must return home this week in order to receive a root canal on one of his teeth as well as a wisdom tooth extraction. He's been in a lot of pain, but the antibiotics have been doing their job and settling the discomfort in his mouth. He was bet and bound, though, that he was going with Dad in the truck! I expect to see them return home some time on Monday.

As Tuesday rolls around, we will breathe another sigh of relief as we anticipate Blake receiving his next dose of Remicade in New Brunswick. Things are all set up for his meds to be administered in Saint John.

His discomfort has been quite minimal, although he did have a bit of pain and fatigue a few days at the end of September or beginning of October. He missed classes one morning and I believe there was another day where he laid down for an afternoon nap and slept through his class. (But he felt better after the nap!)

He was home for Thanksgiving weekend, which we were thrilled about, and he seemed to be feeling relatively well. I was talking to him on the phone the other morning and he asked me to hang on as someone was at his door. I overheard the conversation; and when Blake returned to the phone, he clarified to me that the person was someone from the maintenance department who had very kindly taken the time to make Blake a crockpot of homemade soup! Blake said he'd been talking to her about a month ago when she asked about his health situation, and then she shows up with all this soup for him! What a blessing! Oh how New Brunswick reminds me of Prince Edward County! People are so kind.

So Blake's friend, Aaron, will graciously drive Blake to Saint John early Tuesday morning for his infusion. Blake said that he was supposed to have an exam that day, but his Professor is kindly letting Blake write it the next day. (Thank you, Mr. Professor!!!) Thankfully Aaron has no classes scheduled until later that day, and since Blake's appointment is 8:30am (I think), then there shouldn't be any problems in getting back to the school in plenty of time.

Blake has conveyed to me that his workload is extremely full... overloaded....; however, he says the work comes quite easy to him, he understands it very well. He says, "There's just a LOT of it!". It's apparently very time consuming, along with the hours that he is required to put in at the library. He works 8 hours per week. Now add the fact that he cooks his own meals and must do his own dishes and cleanup and add some laundry in there...... and don't forget about chat time with his sweetheart (Hi Anelyse!), it gets to be a jam-packed schedule. I think he's getting enough sleep; but I also know he's like his Momma and if that sleep time gets broken or cut short, look out! hahaha.

So overall, he's doing well. I so appreciate the school that he's attending. They are a very caring bunch of staff and students and community, and I would recommend Bethany Bible College to anyone!

So, what's up with Jon? Pretty much the same-old-same-old. Jon is still enjoying his life in the trucking industry. He's happy out there doing what he does best. These shorter runs ('shorter' meaning that he's gone 5-7 days as opposed to 10-12 days) seem to be working out really well for him. If he does come home tired, a good night's sleep seems to suffice; whereas he used to come home and sleep and would never truly get caught up.

Jon is thrilled that Jake is travelling with him for the Winter, and I think they'll have a good time. Jon is a hard worker and gives his all.... good attributes to pass on to his children. He has more love for me and our boys in his big toe than many have in their whole heart. He never gives up and he's willing to help anyone who needs it. I am hoping the boys forget our bad habits and traits and are able to focus on these good ones. I am a very fortunate woman to have Jon in my life.

And speaking of me and my life, it certainly has been busy lately. I am very happy that much of my time is spent with or for my boys. I thoroughly enjoy heading to all of Jared's sporting events (even like yesterday when I was bundled up with three sweaters, a winter coat, ear muffs, gloves, boots, a blanket AND a sleeping bag on the soccer field sidelines! It was c-c-c-cooooold!). I am happy to sit in the hockey arena bundled up, sitting on a blanket, and cheering on those kids!

I spent one afternoon this week at a funeral for my friend Linda's husband. Steve became ill early this past Summer and was given only possibly a few short years to live. Unfortunately he lived for only approximately another four months.

Now I know that we're programmed in this world to believe that a funeral is not a good thing. And of course, none of us are happy about someone dying. However, I have attended some amazing funerals where it was a celebration of their life topped off with a parting "see you again one day". If you've never attended a funeral like that, I can assure you that you are truly missing out on an amazing event!

I have attended many funerals of celebration where the service was a testimony of our Lord in their lives. And I left with the assurance that I would one day see them again in eternity. I would leave those funeral services and think "THAT's the kind of service I want when I leave this earth!".

Well, that's exactly what I said when I left the funeral service for Steve. After we heard an "Amen" praise song by two local amazing musical artists, we spent the next 45 minutes or so of the service hearing story after story about Steve. It was non-stop. We heard of things he'd done and said, impacts he'd made on others' lives, his love for family, friends, community, his job..... as well as the love that others had for him! And then the service turned to about ten minutes of God's thirst-quenching presence in our lives. It wasn't "preachy", it wasn't "flowery".... it was to the point. It made an impact. A brilliant presentation of an acapella Amazing Grace was given once again by the two amazing musical ladies, whose voices in that old United Church with the high ceilings and amazing acoustics sounded like that of angels!

Meanwhile, throughout the service, you could just see it was hard for Linda to sit still in her seat. She was itching to jump up and praise Jesus throughout that service. As the casket was wheeled down the aisle to the back of the church, Linda's face beamed with radiance and a smile stretched from ear to ear. She clapped her hands to the song which was blaring through the sound speakers... Life Is A Highway... apparently one of Steve's favourite songs.

Oh, Lord, that I would be able to praise You like that under such circumstances! It's the heart's cry.... Fill me, Lord; mold me; make me; use me....... ANY time, ALL the time...... even at a husband's funeral. What a testimony to the saved and unsaved!

It was truly a celebration. God is alive. Even at a funeral. His presence is everywhere and with us all the time. Even during the dark times when it's hard to maybe sense His presence. He's there, folks. He's always there. Ask Linda. She'll tell you the same thing.

God bless you, Linda, as you grieve the loss of your husband and friend, and know that God shone through you on Wednesday. We love you.

Well, friends, I have more to write about, but I think I'll save it for another post. Jared and I are excited to watch some good ol' Saturday Night Hockey In Canada tonight as we watch the Leafs defeat the Flyers (might want to pray for this to happen because I have SO rubbed this in a friend's face (all in good fun) and don't want to stand with egg on my face or have to eat humble pie! haha).

Trusting that you enjoy some great quality time this weekend with friends and family. We truly do not know how long we have with them. Cherish every moment and opportunity.

Until next time, God bless.

Family Updates

I should have some words of wisdom....

or a funny joke.....

or an updated picture of someone in my family.....

or a comical video......

or a beautiful hymn......

I should have SOMETHING interesting to post on here......

But, frankly, I'm so tired tonight, I don't believe any of it would make sense.

I just thought I'd give a quick update on Blake's situation.... which is basically the same as the last few weeks..... other than he's getting more and more fatigued with each day..... as well as experiencing some back and abdominal pains.

Yes, Dose #3 is just around the corner.... if we could get a bed at Kingston Hospital. They called on Friday (and left a message on our machine while we were actually STILL in Kingston for Blake's appointment at the clinic!!!), but when I called back to the admitting department, I had told the lady there was not much sense in us coming and waiting for four whole days before he'd even get his meds (which by the way only takes two hours to receive). I told the lady I really thought for that amount of time that perhaps someone who was really ill and needed the bed should have it, and that she could call us Monday or Tuesday when a bed became available.

Well, obviously a whole lot o' people decided to run to Emerg this week and get admitted to the hospital because we have not received any word yet of an available bed. Now I'm frustrated thinking that we should've just taken the flippin' bed on Friday and sat the whole weekend in there twiddling our thumbs. At least Blake likely would've had his meds by today.

Oh well, the Lord is still on the throne. And He's not up there pullin' His hair out and wondering what's gonna happen next. He's aware of the situation and He knows how to handle it.

So THAT, folks, is the long and the short of it.

As for the rest of us, well, let's start with Jacob. My middle son who has moved to the big city has obviously decided that he's quite capable of living away from home and not having to give his mother ANY kind of update WHATSOEVER. Clearly it's as if he's dropped off the face of the earth. I mean REALLY..... WHAT boy can't pick up his cell phone and at least TEXT his mother two or three words????

"Hi Mom"

"Doin' fine, Mom. Don't Worry"

"Everything's going great here, Mom"

"Mom, send money"

"Mom, any clean clothes you could FedEx to me?"


Nope. Nothin'. Not a gosh darned flippin' word out of him.

He is SO grounded when he gets home.


And Jared? Well, as you've read from previous posts, his soccer season finished with a placing of FIRST (way to go, Jeb). His baseball tournie last week moved them to the championship game; however, Mr. Rain moved in and things got postponed to Thursday night. So tomorrow night we will meet head-to-head with a team who has been known to be a little.... ummmmm..... aggressive. They are out to win. Having a coach who likes to come in first at all cost is NOT a good thing in my books. He was whining to the officials last weekend about some issues that weren't really issues in anyone ELSE's books; but he was just bein' a pain in the hiney, I guess. So.... we get to play HIS team. [Oh JOY! Oh BLISS!]

I told Jared, "PLEASE just go out and have fun! And if there are any problems, you can be assured I will yank you off the field before you lose a bunch of teeth!". Apparently this team started a fight with the other team on Monday night. One kid ran right out to the pitcher's mound to clobber the pitcher. Another player moved in to protect his pitcher and.... well, I just don't want to see that happen Thursday night. That's not what I signed my kid up for. I hope we have an extremely strict umpire who doesn't put up with that kind of nonsense. I'd make them all run laps so they're too tired to fight. hahaha. Guess that's why I'm not a coach.

So, I am praying that this last game of the season is fun for the boys. Hopefully, as parents watching from the stands, we will be able to encourage them to enjoy themselves. They're a good team of kids... I've had a fun season. Have fun, Wellington Lynx.


And Jonny? Well, he's truckin' his little heart out. He's out West right now. Had deliveries in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He's waiting for a load of pipe to come off the line and then will take it to Nebraska, where a load of meat awaits him to come to Toronto. Worked out to some good coin, so I hope it all clicks. He's loving being back on the road. I'm glad for him. He's gone through more in the last few years than anyone should have to..... he deserves something good for a change. Go get 'em, Jonny-Boy.


And as for me, I have appreciated some time to get caught up on some little things. Still have a bit more paperwork to attack, but overall I am pleased with some stuff I've got done around the house. It's not perfect by any means, but I am slowly getting things to a point where I can do some painting and updating. I've mentioned before that our bedroom still has just the primer paint..... that's been there for about 17 years. Oh well, at least I can see where the mosquitoes land on a white wall. hahha.

Well, folks, I'm gonna hit the hay. I'm really drained tonight. I have gone through this week with a truly thankful heart for so many things. Unfortunately I have not been keeping a list as I should be. (I should be keeping a list so I can write them on my other blog, My Gratitude Journal.) But as I drive or go outside or read or do housework, I spot things that I take the time to say, "Thank you for [this & that], Lord. I appreciate that."

I truly am a blessed woman.

And now, back to you folks. You have all been busy, I'm sure. Drop me a line and let me know what's up. Summer is busy and we'll soon be back in our "routines", but I miss speaking with so many of you. (And SOME of you are NOT UPDATING YOUR BLOGS! tisk-tisk). Take a second and drop me a line through the Comment section below, through gmail email, or through Facebook. I want to know how you're doing.

And I certainly will update once Blake hears from the hospital.... or if Jared wins the championship game.... or if Jake remembers his Mom's cell number......

[grin]

STRIKE!

Just popping in for a quick hello.

I have spent last night and all day today and this evening on the baseball fields with Jared. He and his teammates having been throwing that ol' ball around, swinging that ol' bat, catchin' those ol' "pop-flies", and having a blast!

They won Friday night's game at a close score of 9-7. Every inning had a leader change! It was a nail biter.

Our first game of Saturday was.... well.... for lack of a better word.... pathetic. The opposing team had their ducks in a row; and although all of the boys on our team were playing, they were basically playing on their own. They didn't play as a team for the first time all season, and it showed! With an 11-0 loss, I marched to the dug out and told them to slap some smiles on their faces, to stop lookin' like they were gonna cry, and to get out there and have some actual FUN! One boy named Jake immediately had the right idea and grinned at me from ear to ear. I told the boys to take a lesson from him! hahaha. I gave Jared's pitiful-oh-boohoo-I-didn't-play-very-well face a big ol' smoochie and told him to cheer up! He told me I wasn't allowed in the dug out, but I told him SOMEBODY had to pump them up!

Second game was amazingly different. They played more organized. They encouraged one another more. They had a lot of fun. They won the game 11-1.

Sometimes it depends on the attitude of the team you're playing. In the game which they lost, the other team played a little dirtier than most, and they were out there to win it. It was a little intimidating for the boys, I think. The second game that we played today, the opposing team was much more light-hearted and out there to have fun.

Jared was playing the position of back-catcher, and one of the boys on the team charged at Jared at home plate, knocking Jared completely flat on his back. The umpire gave the boy a warning; but what really impressed me was that the next boy up to bat turned and asked Jared if he was OK. Jared told me later that two or three other boys on that team asked if he was all right.

THAT'S SPORTSMANSHIP!

And THAT'S what it's all about, folks!

It made it a much more fun game. I'm not saying that statement just because we won the game. I would much rather lose to a team who's out there to have fun and play a good game of baseball as opposed to a team who's out there to win at any cost. Our guys suffered a few injuries from today's first game, but they managed to keep their mouths' shut and carry on. Good boys! Cheers to you!

So, now we return to the fields Sunday morning at 8:30am. Yucka! Too early for my liking. This means we have to leave the house by 7am. This means I have to be up prior to 6:30am. This means I will need extra coffee tomorrow. This means I will need an extra nap sometime tomorrow. hahaa. Did I mention I am not a morning person??? Who let this kid sign up for baseball anyways????

And now, it's after 11pm and way past my bedtime. Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, & wise wish he could have another nap.

Hopefully I'll get some pics downloaded for y'all soon. I'm way overdue on that.

..... for it's ONE, TWO, THREE STRIKES YOU'RE OUT at the oooool' baaaaaall gaaaaame!!!!!

BREAKING A BLOGGING LAW

I have broken a blogging law:

Thou shalt not leave thy blog unattended for an extended period of time.

I don't know if that's a law or not. I just made it up. But I know I have definitely broken it.

I have had one of the busiest weeks. And I wanted to get some pictures downloaded to the computer so I could show you some pics of my amazing little soccer goalie; but alas, it did not get done.

Then I got reprimanded by one of my sisters because she dropped by my blog and noticed I hadn't written anything in a week. Sorry Danielle. And sorry Mrs. Post. I know you're probably gonna give me a tongue lashing as well. haha.

So hubby has been home all week. He likes the computer. I can barely get on here when he's home. He's a Facebook Junky. And I can't think straight when he's home. When he's on the road going across the country as well as in the U.S., I am able to collect my thoughts. But when he's home.... well, there's just too much going on. I can't think at the computer if he's standing over my back waiting to use Facebook. He'll deny all this, but I assure you, it's true. Mostly. [grin]

Also, my little Jared has kept me hoppin' the last week. We had soccer games or baseball games EVERY SINGLE NIGHT last week. Then we had the big soccer tournament this past weekend. Of course those kids did so well on Saturday, we moved on to the semi-finals on Sunday. Then they made it through semi-finals to move onto the finals. After an exciting game in the (sometimes pouring) rain, they reigned (or in Sunday's case "rained") victorious!!!! Congratulations to the U16 Division of the Prince Edward County Soccer Association for 2010. Wahooo!







Jared played the position of Goalie and made some amazing saves. There was even a shoot-out in the semi-finals, and it was a nail-biter. Jared was, of course, in net for the shoot-out, and I'm sure my sisters and I held our breath each time the ball was kicked. Then when it was our team's turn, the coaches (Jack & Tristan.... two super-D-duper fellows) had Jared take a turn at kicking; and fortunately for us, he scored. I don't think the kids realize how hard that stuff is on their parents' nerves! hahha

And not just the parents' nerves.... the aunts and uncles too! My sisters and their husbands came to watch the game with Jon & me. They brought all their children as well to cheer on Jared and his teammates. It was a great day. Some of the parents in the U13 Division were having so much fun in the pouring rain, they started to do a "wave". It was great fun to watch. What a blessing.

Jeb, we are so proud of you. You are a great athlete and a great all-round kid. We love you very much.

So THIS weekend we gear up for the baseball tournament. I am hoping for good weather, as there's a slight chance of rain. Umbrellas and rain suit are in the trunk of the car.... JUST in case!









I registered Jared for house league hockey today and am already anticipating a good season. He's leaning towards house league this year rather than Rep because, although he loves the position of Goalie, he also likes to get out and be a player on the whole ice. In house league, there are usually enough goalies to share the positions. Ooooo..... just TALKING about it is getting me excited for the season to begin.






Jacob is certainly loving his job in Georgetown, although he is not making wise choices in callin' his Momma on any sort of regular basis. Even an IRREGULAR basis! I did get a call from him tonight. He wanted to know what vehicle I was driving. I said, "Why? Did your father find my car keys in his pocket?" Jon used my car today but forgot to leave the keys at home. He headed to Georgetown in the transport to visit with Jake and to find out why Jake's pickup isn't running properly. Jake found my car keys laying on the passenger seat of the transport. Jon has no idea how they got there. (Duhhhhh....).




For you folks that don't know, Georgetown is a three-hour drive from my house. And Jon is headed west this week to British Columbia! Fortunately I had an extra key in the bottom of my purse. (Mikey.... you're so right: He's a treasure!)

Just razzin' ya, Jon. Don't worry. I'm not gonna get rid of you..... yet. [wink]


Blake is doing o-k-a-y in the health situation. He's been feeling fairly well, but this week he's slowing down quite a bit. He is due for his 3rd dose of Remicade this week; however, we don't meet the specialist until Friday. THAT means there's no chance of getting a dose until next week at the earliest. Argh! He is starting to feel some discomfort in his tummy, and is having some slight pains in his back. His energy level is dropping quickly as well. I know that with the next dose, things will perk up again; however, we STILL haven't heard anything from the wonderful Government of Ontario with regards to the funding. This means that the doctors will have to admit Blake AGAIN to hospital for his treatment. We are praying it all moves along quickly, as he will be returning to New Brunswick to college in September.

We are still being blessed by people's generosity and prayers. Last Friday night Blake and I played at the tent service at Wesley Acres. We played "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" during offering. We played it "fiddle-style"!!! Then Blake gave about an 8-minute testimony as to what he and Jesus have been up to in the last year. :o)






He spoke about God's faithfulness during this difficult time in his life. We finished the testimony with playing that beautiful hymn, one of my favourites, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness". (You're probably listening to it right now, or it may have just finished, as it should be playing as background music on this blog.) I was so blessed to see the congregation rise to their feet and give Blake a standing ovation. And it seemed to go on, and on, and on. What a blessing. People really truly care. And people are blessed when they see and hear how a 20-year-old boy (remember, he's always my little boy) gives praise to our God even in the hardest, darkest times of his life. Thank you, Lord. How blessed I am!!!!!





Besides chauffeuring some boys here and there, I have been busy de-cluttering my house, and the last day or so I've been working at some paperwork. Hate it. Hate it. Hate it. I'd rather shovel manure than do paperwork. But it has to be done. I was planning on doing more tomorrow, but I have to run some errands for Jon and then I should get the grass cut since I won't have time to do it on Friday or the weekend.






I'm also battling a terrible toothache. I need to desperately see a dentist, but I am putting it off. Our dentist retired and I do not care for his replacement at all. I am considering another dentist clinic not too far from our home. I think I'd better make the call and get this looked after before I get an infection. My poor ol' teeth. I think I'm soon gonna be toothless!!!! They're all cracking and breaking. Geesh. I'm fallin' apart, folks. But for now, Tylenol #1's are my best friend. hahaha.


So, I guess I'll go find a few pictures to add to this post. Again, I'm sorry for breaking the blogging law. I will be more faithful..... for Danielle's sake. And for Mrs. Post's sake. And for my own sake. I miss "chatting" with you all. I hope everyone is having a fun and safe summer. Drop me a line and let me know what's been your hi-lights of the season.


Take care and... keep your stick on the ice.

Thankful For..... Heat & Humidity?

It's been sooo extremely hot and humid here. I am NOT in my happy place. I know that we're supposed to praise God for all things, but I find it very difficult to be thankful for this humid weather. It's simply draining what little bit of energy I actually do have.

This week has been the week with the most sports events for Jared. SIX games in four days! Extra games were scheduled to make up for some cancelled ones from last week due to heavy rains. He's had three soccer games and three baseball games. Fortunately we were able to make it to all the games except one baseball game tonight. It was an extra game that conflicted with an already scheduled soccer game.

I do NOT know how those kids can play in this heat. They had water breaks, but still..... it was hard enough for us parents to WATCH them play, let alone actually run after a ball for well over an hour! Way to go, kids! You're amazing!

So this humidity has been playing some games with my joints. I have been bothered with some pain in my right leg, especially my knee, as well as my feet and my hands. There's no swelling, but the throbbing pain is terrible by times.

Blake was feeling some discomfort today with one of his legs as well. I really do believe it is the weather toying with our bodies.

However, I cannot blame the humidity on some abdominal pain that Blake is experiencing last night and today. And actually, pain isn't the correct word. Discomfort is what he is feeling. This means that the June 22nd dose of Remicade did it's job for two weeks, and now we need that next dose to continue the healing of his intestines. We are waiting for a call from the hospital to have him admitted. I confirmed today with the secretary that we are on the Urgent List. I made her aware of Blake's discomfort, and I asked her to let the doctor know so that we might be able to get the ball rolling a little faster in getting him his next infusion.

I think that I am quite over-tired this week because my brain is just not, well, working properly. I am feeling "out of sorts" and seem to have a bit of anxiety. I don't know why, but I do know that I do not like this feeling. I have sometimes felt this way, off and on, years ago; and it usually passes quickly. This time it's hanging on longer than I like. Maybe I've reached "that age". haha. So I decided I needed to just sit and do some reading and re-program my way of thinking.

I picked up a book that was loaned to Blake. It's called, "The Journey Home - Finishing With Joy" by Bill Bright. I am enjoying it.

Mr. Bright, who is now in Heaven with Jesus, suffered from an incurable disease called Pulmonary Fibrosis. He wrote this book, "The Journey Home", during his final time on this earth; and much of what he said in a particular chapter really touched me. I wanted to share it with you.

Here's what he writes:

"One day, my beloved [wife] asked me: "Why do you think you are suffering; why would God put you through this?"

Immediately, I sensed this reply in the Spirit: "I'm not suffering!" At least, it does not seem that way to me. Suffering is what our Lord endured. There is no comparison between what I'm going through and what Christ went through. He was beaten beyond recognition; He spent six hours suffocating on the cross; He bore the sins of the world; He was cut off from God because of our sins for there was no other way for man to be redeemed. The agony of the trial that had been totally illegal. Then you can think about Peter being crucified upside down. Paul's persecution and his eventual beheading. All the disciples were persecuted and finally martyred, except John, who, after being burned in oil, then was exiled on an island by himself. Through the centuries there have been many martyrs. For their faith in Christ, millions more have spent many years in prisons infested with lice and rats, suffering torture and deprivation of all sorts.

"How can I say I am suffering when I am here in a bed of relative ease? I am surrounded by people who love me; suffering is a matter of perspective. It is not pleasant, humanly speaking. All disease comes from Satan, but God allows only so much --- we can see those limits in the lives of Job, Joseph and others."

Romans 5:3-5 says: "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us --- they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." ..........

I looked at [my wife] and said: "We are most blessed; we are to look to God's grace, and oh, Father how great You are."

[My wife] told a friend nearby: "Bill has been filled with such praise. What a man."

But, dear reader, please know I tell this so you can know for certain that God is faithful to His Word and He is present with you to help you through whatever stages of difficulty you may face.

The Journey Home

- Finishing With Joy

by Bill Bright

Pages 38 - 40

What a blessing those pages of that book were to me as I read them. Although I am not suffering from an incurable disease, I could put my name in his place, and it helped me to put things in a better perspective. I could also put Blake's name in there, as he battles this Crohn's disease, and I could see how the same could apply to his own situation.

Sometimes I think we forget how good things really are in our lives. We have soooo much more than others in the world. And I am not talking about fancy cars and boats and luxurious houses and all the bells and whistles. I'm simply talking about a roof over our heads, food on the table, clothes on our backs, loved ones around us, and, for many.... good health.

We can be like Bill Bright and praise God even when things aren't going the way we'd like them to. No, it's not easy. But God didn't promise us an easy and fair life here on earth. But we can still praise God for the many things we do have, for the things that he daily provides, even for the air that we breathe.

Even for the humidity. Boy, I'm stretchin' it here! Sometimes we must praise God for things that we don't even understand, because somehow it all works into His plan. He is all-knowing. We are not. And if humidity plays a part in the bigger picture, then who am I to not praise Him for it?

So Lord..... I don't fully understand why, but I am praising You for this heat and humidity. You have a plan. Help us to bear it. You can somehow use it for good. Our suffering is nothing compared to Your's. Teach us to be truly thankful in all things and in all situations.

And thank You also, Lord, for air conditioners.

[grin]

Dear Abby, [a-hem] Hockey Momma....

Dear Abby Hockey Momma,
Here's one thing I need to know from you, Mamma hockey ... how do you handle it when your boys are receiving some of those tough checks and blows that they so often get in hockey? I played hockey for years, but now, as a Mom, I think I'm going to be totally freaked out when they reach the body contact age.
Help!
:-)
Janna

Dear New-Hockey-Mom Janna
Here are some helpful tips with regards to the "tough checks and blows" your children will receive in hockey:

1. Don't let them grow up. Keep them young and small forever. I tried this. It didn't work. I discovered that they kept growing because I kept feeding them. That was my mistake. All are towering over me now, as high as 6'1". Try limiting food to bread and water. Do not buy them larger clothes; make them wear the small clothing which may help to stunt their growth.

2. Keep them in House League hockey. There is no body contact in House League. This is the League that we have allowed our children to play in the past. If Jake were allowed to play contact hockey, I'm pretty sure he'd have killed someone by now. I'd currently be visiting him in prison, and I'm pretty sure they wouldn't allow me in his cell to decorate it in some fresh Spring colours and patterns.

3. If playing Rep. hockey, let your children play the position of GOALTENDER. Every parent cringes when hearing their child say, "I wanna be the Goalie"; however, the "tough checks and blows" will never reach your child. NO ONE TOUCHES THE GOALIE. All team players instinctively protect their Goalie at ALL cost, just as mother bears protect their cubs. Players thrive on sacrificing time in the penalty box if it's in honour of protecting the Goalie. Only contact the Goalie receives is a "snowed face", which the Goalie usually likes because it's refreshing to him (and if you have good referees, they will throw the "snower" into the penalty box.... Bonus! Power Play for your team!). Part way into this year's season, Jared was called up to a Rep. team to fill a vacant Goalie position. Lots of equipment protecting him AND lots of players protecting him resulted in Momma feeling quite at ease whilst cheering very loudly in the stands... with her cup o' Timmies..... and her cowbell.

4. Don't worry, everyone knows children are made of rubber.

5. Let out a scream, then quickly cover your eyes.

6. Lots of PRAYER doesn't hurt, either.

I trust this small list of tips will be helpful in your venture into the world of children's hockey. Don't forget to wear longjohns, pack extra blankets and warm boots and gloves for arenas that have not yet figured out how to heat the stands with propane, take your cowbell or sealed can containing two pennies. Never yell at the refs, and above all else, remember your Tim Horton's card.

And as a final word, I've learned the last number of years that "what goes around comes around"...... now you know, Ms. Janna, how your poor Momma felt when YOU were on the ice! She can now be heard saying, "YES!!! There IS a God!!!" hahahaa

Happy Family Day

Today is Ontario's Family Day.... a day set aside by our provincial government encouraging us to spend time with our family, tightening the bond, strengthening our relationships......

.....hmmmm....

Jake slept in until after noon.....

Jon was up fairly early but just went back to bed to "take a nap" (that was a few minutes after noon).....

Jared slept in a little bit, then did his Math homework, and is currently in the rec-room playing hockey on the XBox.....

I had breakfast and got dishes loaded in the dishwasher......

And it just doesn't feel like "Family Day" without Blake here with us.

So what's on the agenda for the rest of the day? Likely nothing. Think we need to bring in some firewood for the woodstove..... I need to knock down some cobwebs (where on earth do those things come from? YES, by the way, we DO live in a pig sty)..... I need to scrape off about an inch of dust off the furniture in this house.... I meant to get recycling out to the roadside, but assumed they wouldn't be running because of the holiday; however, I was incorrect and the truck came and the truck went and my recycling is still sitting in the woodhouse! Ooodles of it.

It IS nice, though, to have a day of just lazing around.... the weekend was so busy with hockey games. Jared had Rep games in Stirling (win), Picton (win), and Lindsay (loss); Jake had a late game last night in Picton (win). What am I going to do when hockey season is over??? I enjoy it so much. Very proud to watch those boys out there!

With regards to an update on Blake's health, he is feeling great. Says he's not in any pain or discomfort. I am relieved when he tells me that.

I received a call from the Specialist's office with some "temporary" "bad" news. She indicated the authorization for the financial coverage of Blake's medication was not approved for Remicade... the good ol' government doesn't want to fork out money for Remicade; they'd like Dr. D to put Blake on a different medication (one that is not so expensive, but ultimately not as effective either!). However, Dr. D wrote them back and said that other medications have been tried and that Blake's condition is severe enough that he insists on Remicade for Blake's treatment.

We will AGAIN play "the waiting game" until the review panel takes a look at Dr. D's letter and once again makes a decision. Please pray that the hearts of the folks on the panel are compassionate and that they approve Remicade for Blake.

Once again, in order to alleviate any confusion, and just to clarify the process that we're experiencing.... We applied to the Ontario Government's Trillium Drug Program to pay for medicines that Blake needs. Trillium HAS approved Blake and will reimburse for any meds that he needs EXCEPT Remicade. In order for Trillium to pay for Remicade, they need a Section 8 approval from the government. Once the government authorizes it, we can administer Remicade to Blake and Trillium will pay for it.

Trillium CANNOT pay for the Remicade UNTIL the government says so. And THAT is what we're waiting for. So please continue to ask the Lord to stir the hearts of the folks on this government review panel, that they will approve Trillium to cover the cost of Blake's Remicade. And from what I understand, it is not a one-time thing... apparently this is something that has to be reviewed every few months (grrrreeaaat!!!!).

Sorry, I thought we lived in Canada. [insert sarcasm]

Anyways, gang, I'd better get this Maple Leaf butt in gear and get some tidying up done. I hope you're all having a relaxing Family Day!

Happy Hockey Day.... I mean, VALENTINE's Day

Ahhhhhh...... Valentine's Day......

That special one day of the year where the atmosphere is filled with:

the smell of a dozen fresh roses......

the taste of sweet chocolates......

the touch of your loved one's hand......

the sound of romantic violin music......

the sight of your sweetheart, gazing into your eyes......


Huh???

Is THAT what it's supposed to be like this Sunday?


It would appear that it's going to be more like this:


the smell of musty ol' hockey equipment......

the taste of a hot coffee......

the touch of the cold-noise-maker can......

the sound of the Ref's whistle, the period-ending buzzer, and the loud-mouthed parent (not ME, by the way!) screaming "Get some glasses, Ref!"......

the sight of the goalie making another amazing glove save......


Yaaaahhhhhh....

That's what I'M talkin' about........


Yes, I'll be in the arenas on Valentine's Day with our "babies".... along with some other hockey parents (Right Jennifer S.???).

(And yes, folks, "arenas" is plural... not a typo! Jake & Jared... two games... two different towns...)


Not really under the "romantic" category; but, you know what? I honestly and truly wouldn't have it any other way.


Oh, but Jonny??? I WILL still take that Valentine's Day foot rub!

Happy Valentine's Day to my sweethearts: Jon, Blake, Jake, & Jared.
XOXOXOXO

Early Mornings and Lots o' Blessings

I am sooo not a morning person.

And this morning was an early morning.

The alarm was set for 5:50am because Jared had a hockey tournament this morning.

And OF COURSE we were the first team on the ice for the day.

You know....

..... it was a Murphy's Law thing.

It's Christmas Holidays! You get to sleep in rise before the crack of dawn and sweep off your car after a fresh early morning snowfall and crank the heater on high so you can see out the windows and keep your fingers and toes from freezing while you drive forty minutes to an arena where the temperature INSIDE the building is colder than OUTSIDE!

Yes.....

That is EXACTLY what I like to do on the holidays.

Well, in all honesty, I DO like to go to the boys' hockey games. I don't like the cold. I don't like the early morning hours.

But I DO like to watch my boys tackle that little tiny round black piece of hard rubber that floats around the freshly "zambonied" ice.

Unfortunately at five o'clock we came home to a very cold house, as Jon, Jake, Blake, & Anelyse were not here. But instead of lighting the woodstove, Jared and I snuck in a couple of Beatles' songs on the Rockband. I am the drummer; Jarey is the guitar player. Jake and Jon arrived home soon after, so Jake took the drums while I sang a couple of songs. Ironically, I achieved 100% even though my voice cracked through the whole song. Singing with a cold is hilarious! I'm definitely not a candidate for Canadian Idol. But I will say I'm a pretty darn good drummer on that Rockband! Jon says I'm like a big kid. (Is that a surprise to anyone? I think not.)

Tonight is our first night in many to just sit tight at home and relax. Chestnuts won't be roasting on an open fire, but the cedar wood does sound cozy and smell pretty nice in the woodstove as we cozy up on the couch.

Jack Frost won't be nippin' at our nose because plans are to just stay inside tonight. The snow is coming down in waves.... one minute it's clear, the next it's almost a white out.

The storms these days aren't anything like they were when I was a kid. Now I'm sounding like my parents (when they walked to school.... up hill.... both ways.... barefoot..... in the snow.......) hahaha

Folks, we have been so blessed by so many of you over the last number of months. Many of you cannot even begin to understand all the circumstances we've encountered over the last few years, let alone the last few months; however, your compassion and love has touched us unbelievably. I believe God sees what people do TO others and also what they do FOR others. For those who have blessed us in so many different ways, I pray that God blesses you beyond belief for 2010.

I have so many stories to share about the ways we have been touched by others.... one recent blessing in particular, that happened last week, just blew me away. We were blessed by some gentlemen that you would never in a million years expect a blessing from. But we DID receive that blessing. And I am so thankful to the Lord that there are kind people in this world. Sorry I can't get into all the details about it right now, but one day soon I will be able to blog about the many different ways so many of you have touched us, including those gentleman mentioned above.

Now before I get a teary-eyed blog post, I must move things along. Supper is cooked and I want to spend some time with Jon, Jake, & Jared tonight. (Blake and Anelyse are babysitting "Jacky" and "Abby-Babby" tonight).

Hope you're all tucked into your cozy warm homes tonight..... and I hope the sugarplums are still dancing in your heads.

And God bless us, every one.

Hockey-Mom Voice & Deer/Cat Video

'Tis the season for me to get "hockey mom voice". Dry, scratchy, raspy, a bit on the sore side.

Why?

Because I do a bit of a vocal workout, shouting "wooo-hooooo" and "way to go, boys!" and "Defence! Get BACK!!" and "way to play, guys!!!".

And you all know that, as a rule, I'm usually so meek-and-mild natured and more on the quiet side.............

[cough]

[spitter]

[spat]

Oh, sorry. Did I lose you there?

OK, so I'm really a big mouth. Sue me.

I'm proud of my boys and I let them know it.... in a loud vocal sort of way.

So Jared has been called up to help out the Rep B team by playing as their goalie. He had been asked to be their alternate goalie, just in case their original goalie was injured during a game. Well, their original goalie ended up quitting last week and the team was scheduled to play at a tournament on Friday and Saturday. No goalie = no tournament. No goalie for regular season games = no more team.

I let him skip school on Friday so the team could actually have a goalie in net, and... well.... let's just say that the team played very well. They tied the first game and lost the second and third games by one goal each. They played terrific!

.... aaaaaand..... I hooted and hollered a little more than I usually do..... and that made my throat sore the next day......

And THAT's not a good thing because I have two singing engagements! One was tonight at a Ladies Tea at our church where I sang with my Mom and two sisters, and the other singing engagement is Sunday night at our Community Carol Sing where I'll be singing in a quintet with my Mom, my sister, and two friends.

I should've thought of all this BEFORE the hockey games and duct taped my mouth shut. (Some of you out there are reading this and thinking how that would be a good idea anyways. Hardy-har-harrrrrr...... )

So I muddled through the song tonight, and hopefully the soreness and raspiness will pass for Sunday night's performance. I WILL say that it is helping me to hit some low notes! So THAT's a positive way of looking at things.

Anyhow, I just got home from the Tea and checked emails and thought I'd make a quick post to the blog because I've really been slack lately in giving you regular postings.

Tonight I received a video from my cousin, Kendra (Hi Kenner!), and I thought the video was sooooooooo sweeeeeeeeeet. So I want to share it with you. It's really quite adorable.

Take two minutes out of your hectic schedule to watch it. It truly is "a wonderful world".




[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Cr1dzuQtc ]
Deer & Cat in A Wonderful World

Have a good day, folks..... Ohhhhhh yaaaaaaaahhh...

Jared Scores Twice for COSSA Championship

Can I brag just a little bit?

Just a little, I promise.

Here's my baby, front page of the SPORTS section in The Belleville Intelligencer, Friday, November 6, 2009. (Jared is the player in black. Click on photo and it should enlarge if you want to read the article.)

Jared - Belleville Intelligencer - Friday, November 6, 2009

The P.E.C.I. Panthers in Junior Boys Soccer worked hard in the mix of drizzling and pouring rain (for BOTH games!) to take home the big COSSA* soccer trophy for P.E.C.I. to display in the trophy cabinet.

*COSSA - Central Ontario Secondary School Athletics

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They never let up on their pressure in either game. In Game #1 they defeated the Jr. Boys team from Lindsay, Ontario in a score of 1-0, with Jared earning the 'assist' in the goal. Game #2 found the team a win as they battled Belleville's St. Theresa's Titans with Jared scoring two of the four goals as well as earning another 'assist'. Final score was 4-1, earning Prince Edward's high school Juniors the COSSA trophy for First Place for the first time.

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We had some very excited 20+ boys, along with coaches, assistants, and some pretty exhuberant soccer moms and dads on the sidelines. Parents were thankful when the game was over, as we mostly held our breaths as we watched our kids "give their all", sometimes resulting in injuries.

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Jared collided with another player, both of them landing flat on the ground. Unfortunately for Jared, the other player landed on Jared's head. Jarey laid still on the field, not moving a bit!, until the coach felt he was OK and alert enough to stand to leave the field. Of course, ol' Mother Hen was at the opposite end of the field....
......grasping the arm rests of her lawnchair.....
......refraining herself from running across the field.....
......wanting to be at the side of her baby boy who was laying there, not moving....
......waiting for the summons of Coach Dave to come get her boy and head to Trenton's Emergency Department to await a CT Scan of his head!
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Sometimes it's more exhausting to be the parent watching the game than it is to be the kid physically playing the game.
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Jarey appeared to be a bit stunned, but after sitting out for about ten minutes, he regained his ability to play. [Whew, avoided Emerg THIS time...] Moments afterwards, Damien had major physical contact with an opposing player and got a face full of cleat. With scratched up face and a little bleeding in the mouth, he too was ready to keep pressing on to win the championship for his teammates and school.

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My "adopted son" Matthew held the position of goalie for Game #1, and since Gudrun (Matt's Mom.... Hi Gudrun!) couldn't be at the game, I took over the roll of Matt's Mom and was "nervous FOR her". Matty was covered in mud and freezing because of the rain; however he worked hard to make it a shut-out game.

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I'm very proud of my boys and their strong physical abilities to give everything they've got for their team. Many times I have to tell them to "take it easy".

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I will have more photos coming up soon on the blog of these games as well as some games from semi-final and finals for the Bay of Quinte title. Tune in again soon to see me brag just a LITTLE bit more.....
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If you clicked on the picture, it should have enlarged for you to read the article. If not, click HERE to read the article online, but the photo does not seem to appear on the online version.
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Now I finally get to put those stinky soccer cleats away for the season..... man oh man these kids can reek of a strong, unpleasant, foul smell! But as long as they had fun, what's a little stinkiness, eh?