A Typical Saturday

So I got up Saturday morning and greeted a pretty spectacular day -- the most beautiful weather and in a most comfortable home. All seemed to be good at home and in the neighborhood. Karl did the yard work and I went to my neighbor's to have her do something to my hair. I checked in with my girls, and we agreed on doing something new for Sunday dinner.

I fixed breakfast for the boys, straightened up the house, and then headed to the parentals' home. On the way there, Willie and I stopped for his lunch and my DC (we left Karl home to do "Friends of Scouting" and studying).

I mowed their lawn, watered their flowers, swept and blew the leaves and stuff in the backyard while Willie stayed inside and played the piano. Haley and Molly were there (they helped with the housework), then came Cory and Conner (to do the yard work [oops!] and decided to stay and visit), then John and his girls (John worked on the pool), and we all had a nice visit.

Later on, Willie and Karl headed to the U of U football game (Karl wore a long sleeve shirt, took a jacket [he didn't want to get cold], and Willie put sunscreen on his face) --I headed to the cleaners and the grocery store (I went to Harmon's). I was suppose to go to the General Women's RS Meeting -- but, I decided to stay home and watch it on TV -- the rebroadcast that is. It was very good and the messages were inspiring -- serve others, love others, don't judge, do your visiting teaching, and basically -- be a good person.

Mom made it to 80!

Happy 80th Birthday!

Your 80th birthday, well some say that’s great!
Another year older, hey just a minute, just wait.
Your 80th birthday is special we know,
So to you, our dear mother, our love we will show.

Your children are many they now number eight,
Their spouses and children do make your life great!
With Dad at your side, you have nothing to fear,
But only because you both struggle to hear.

But because you are 80, not hearing is okay,
You've told us to always the good only say.
So now that you’re 80 and words you can't hear,
Just know that they’re good words and bringing you cheer!

You’ve been the best mom that eight kids ever had
You’ve loved us and scolded us in good times and bad
For all the long hours you’ve fretted over us,
We pledge to be good kids in your honour, please trust.

Your grandchildren love you like none other around,
Your home is a place where sweet refuge is found.
They love the red fish and the cookies and pop,
But more than the goodies, they love YOU a lot!

So a very happy birthday we share with you today,
We pray and we hope that your days go okay.
We want you around for more years to come,
Because you, our dear Mom, you are 80 years young!

High School Football

So the Hunter Wolverine sophomore football team finally got a win on Thursday -- 34-6 over West. The team played well and the kids seemed to be more connected as a team vs. individual superstar wannabe performances than in previous games. It's the teamwork part that makes it okay for my boy to play sports. Working together for a common goals is a pretty high-order task. Not everyone knows how to do it or how to make it happen. A team comes together when each player understands and works toward the same expectations. Consistency and continuity only lead to better teamwork -- everyone knows their role and works hard to do their part by working toward the expectations. I hope Willie will always work hard to be a good teamplayer -- if it ever seems like he's out for his own gain in any sport -- we will need to have a long talk.

In contrast, the Hunter Wolverine varsity team is struggling. The team membership consists of some very good players and a couple of them have signed letters of intent to NCAA Division One schools. But, sometimes super star players do not a better team make. And figuring out how to get all of the players to play together toward common goals and expectations and at the same time is challenging -- especially when the goals and expectations don't appear to be very clear to the players. I guess what I am trying to say is that the varsity game was out of sync -- I hope the players and coaches can get their stuff together or it's going to be a very long season.