Player of the Game

Mikayla played a good game today and was so awesome on defense that the two coaches chose her as the player of the game. It's so hard to take photos in an indoor gymnasium and get good action shots but I did get this semi-still shot of Mikayla on the defense. I know she's just itching to get on offense and score some points but she's got speed and she plays smart and the coaches know they've got her in a great place. I couldn't be prouder of my kids on their teams! Tyler even scored 2 goals this morning! Love it!

Just Be Yourself

I laughed when I came upon these photos from back in 2010 when my cousin, Cheryl, came to visit us and we went out to dinner. The first photo is cute, posed. The second gets a little silly. The third brings out the crazy eyes and giraffe tongue...the kids completely break loose. With cousin Cheryl, they have no problem being themselves...a little cute and a little crazy.

These photos kind of remind me of what I've been struggling with the past few weeks. Quite simply, being myself...and letting that be good enough. I don't have time to get into it (and I really don't think you want to read about all of it) but I've had to constantly remind myself that I'm doing the best that I can...flaws and all. I think I just need to kick back and not worry so much about what everyone else is doing, what everyone else is thinking, or what I'm NOT doing...and just live the best life that I can.

That's all the words I have for today.

Soccer Begins!

 Today was the first day of the soccer season. Tyler picked up right where he had left off last year and did so well. Look at this kick!

Ready for the ball!

Tyler got to play goalie for a period and he blocked at least 4 attempts to score! We were so proud of him. Mikayla played this week as well but it's a lot harder to get pictures, especially when her arm was trying to hold up her shorts the whole time...it wouldn't have been a pretty picture. Next week, I'll get a few.

Gotta Get Away

Well, the summer has come and gone. We've had a lot of fun these past few months but I won't bore you with the details. I'll just pick up with the last few weeks. My dad had his birthday last week and it was a privilege to celebrate with him. He is such a wise and loving dad - such an example of what a father should be. I only hope that, after all these "young child parenting" years, my kids will love me as much as I love my dad.

We went to Oak Glen on Labor Day - kind of a spontaneous trip since we wanted to get out of the city. I absolutely love it up there. Mountains, blue skies, no traffic, my kind of place. I'm definitely a country girl at heart.

Last year, we found this place that allows you to pick your very own raspberries. Of course, they don't warn you about the burrs that are like balls of needles that lodge in every piece of clothing and skin. Luckily, it's early in the season so they're not brown and crispy. We had a good time - here are some photos of our trip.

Can you see Will in there somewhere? There were bushes everywhere!

Mikayla was the raspberry container-holder. She did a great job!

Tyler enjoyed eating them. Even though it said not to indulge in berries, there were dried up berries everywhere that hadn't been picked. I didn't think they'd miss them. When we were leaving, Tyler's comment was, "daddy, I'm full!" (Really, he didn't have THAT many)

Beautiful berries! This shot is a great one of all of those seeds!! Will won't touch a rasperry...he just LOVES those seeds.

I could live here...

Tyler was showing me all of the burrs that had chosen to bury themselves in his socks.

Of course, we had to stop by Burger King on the way there to get dollar smoothies!

And to finish off the day, we have a shot of my 2 oldest posing like good children should...and then there's my Lynnea. I guess she was done with the day and when she's done, she's 100% DONE. I don't know if you can see her eyes and lips but that's a common sight over here. She's got the "drop dead" look down pat.

In school news, my kids are loving their classes and loving being with their friends. It's so encouraging to watch them interact with their friends, love on them, and learn new things every day. It makes this mommy's heart proud.