Upward Soccer 2008

The Neopolitan IceCream Three, Upward Soccer 2008

Goldilocks, Upward Soccer 2008

Boy Wonder Upward Soccer 2008

Red Upward Soccer 2008

We opted to not do professional or team photos this year, but I think these will do fine for the Mommy factor. (Except that in looking at this large, I just realized the one of the three of them has some issues with the soccer balls they chose). 

Follow Up to Last Post: Upward Soccer 2008

Well, I asked for prayer this morning, and here’s what happened.

First, my son showed up home 5 minutes after his game was supposed to start, getting his game and sis’s picture time mixed up –I was late, too.

Next, I got there and  Josh had locked his keys in his car and forgot to bring the newsletters from the church. 

He went and got them. 

Then, pictures weren’t scheduled for the kindergarten league.  Came up with a solution for that. 

Next, game times were scheduled to over-lap–they handled it. 

Personally, the fields were very wet and I had on sandles (ones I had to scrape dog poop off of before I left the house after stepping in it last night…what’s that SMELL?  Oh, it’s me.  Nothing like the prospect of sharing the word of God with the strong smell of dog poop following you.) 

I still had my head held high.  I was ready. 

As I jumped puddles (literally) across the field, I fiddled with my keys–breaking off my special keychain cross Stacey gave me in my birthday card last year. 

I started to melt a bit.  Love that leather cross.

At that point, I saw Chris…walked a bee-line there and said, “I think you should start praying.”

He laughed and said, “Why, what’s going on?”  He was coaching, so I gave the Reader’s Digest version, but I made sure to tell him that my cross just broke.  (I think I can glue it…maybe).

Then, I remembered that I forgot the sunscreen for my red head–couldn’t find any anywhere. 

The newsletters showed up, and I made rounds, all went well.  Even some more rough looking men have come out this year, one perhaps drinking a non-soda substance (just a hunch) I saw reading it from start to finish.  Praise God.

I asked the kids to have no injuries or melt-downs today because it was an important day.  The did well.  Praise God. 

So, while I don’t know much about whether decisions were made today (I share the plan by newsletter), I saw a lot of people reading, and several told me today they enjoyed the newsletters.  A few I’d asked to pray as I walked by would give me cheerful words like “I know God would bless His work!”  Love those people!

Huge blessing:  my mom was led leave her work outside, check her computer this morning, and come lay hands on me.  No make-up, un-prepared…just obedient. 

That’s my mom. 

She even had a long distance wedding to go to today and everything. 

Meant the world.  I was charged back up. 

Made it through two more games, great weather. 

Boy Wonder cooled off from his game in the van. 

But, after the games, as I sighed that it was over and we’d made it, I realized he turned the key the wrong way for accesory.

…click, click, click.  Dead.

Thank goodness Coach Jarod knew how to jump a car and I had fresh cables somebody got up in a car kit for Christmas (I’m thanking my brothers, but don’t know for sure).  

I’m in good spirits–heaven knows missionaries around the world face much bigger obstacles than I did today. 

But, I’m writing just to let you know that when you try to do something rather simple in His name…expect a WILD kind of day, but a lot of fun blessings, too! 

Then, Sonic got the same plain hamburger order wrong THREE TIMES.  (But we are still thanking God for Sonic today).

Keep praying for these people.  One lady told me she enjoyed it, planned to read it again when she got home, and would ask me if she had questions later.  The one I had on my heart wasn’t there today.  I’ll have to try again.

Raising Up Ladies and Gents…(oh yeah, and athletes!) UPWARD 2008 BEGINS!

Little girls getting ready to cheer, all shapes, sizes, confidence levels, and personalities.  I love it.  I love that the girls are encouraged to be cheerleaders, and ladies, all at the same time.  I love that there is no pressure.  Just learning and fun and even talk about Jesus…being a light to the world, the ultimate cheerleaders, encouragers.

Melissa did a great job tonight, as we all knew she would.  So enthusiastic and with such fresh energy.  I love that she encouraged the girls to relax, have fun, and be modest/appropriate.  Those CAN go together!  We have such a fun time.  God picked the right person for the job!

You know, off topic here a bit, but I have to give two thumbs up to our schools principle on this one, too.  I was told that in a staff preparation meeting, he said to the school staff, “I DON’T want to see none of the ‘FOUR B’s’ from anybody…and if you can’t figure that out, ask somebody.  I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” 

Someone specified, in case you are struggling:  (b*utts, b*oobs, b*ellies, or b*reasts…[the astriks are a feeble attempt try to reduce spam on this post.]).  His short and creative request made a big impact from what I’ve heard and seen.  

Of course, we all know it has to do with fit and posture and a host of other non-verbals and intents, but if you want a place to start, that’s a good guide for professionalism and working with people in a non-threatening, safe environment.   It’s great to live in a community where those thing are increasing in value over time.

Girls can be fun and encouraging without being sensual and thoughtless.   (Lord, come quickly… before my daughter’s teenage years!)

 

Pictured:  Pom Poms when they first come out of the pack.  Ugh. 

Separating pom poms. 

Our third year, and it’s still getting into the heart of me.  THAT’S JUST AWESOME!