Sunday Blessings

Sports can be hard outside of Utah since so many of the competitive leagues often play some of their games on Sunday. All 3 of our boys enjoy sports and are good little athletes, so of course we want them to have those opportunities when they arise. We have run into the Sunday problem often, but have been blessed to be able to stick to our convictions.

The coaches, teammates and parents have been understanding (though they make it clear that our boys are missed). When I talk to or email the coaches I say, "We have a strong commitment to the Sabbath in our family. Our Sabbath is Sunday, so we won't be able to play soccer/basketball/baseball on that day." It articulates our feelings much more clearly than, "We don't play sports on Sunday," and seems to create an understanding in those we play for and with. 

Recently Jace made the All-Star team (he had an amazing try-out and really blew them away), and we were so proud of him. After we received the news and knew there would be Sunday play, we let the coach know about our commitment, ready and willing to play or not to play. Jace was elated when the coach still wanted him on the team. I know it won't always work out this way, but we are sure grateful when it does.

Parker will be trying out for travel soccer again, and they can have as many as every other game on Sunday. It's a pretty penny to play, so when the coach asked if we would be coming back, I honestly told him that between the cost and our Sabbath feelings, we weren't sure. He told us that they really want Parker and really miss him when he is not there. They said they would do everything they could to get Saturday only games if we would be willing to play. Another great blessing.

It can be easy, as we raise our kids to get caught up in the things that won't matter much in the long run, because we know they matter so much now to them, and to us. Mike is a rock, and has such great perspective. I am so glad he is my partner in this journey. His head is always on straight even when mine is not. I am also grateful for an friend a little further down the raising kids road who told me, "Whenever I make a decision I think, who am I trying to raise? An athlete? A singer? and the answer is always, 'No.' I am trying to raise a man who will follow Jesus Christ."

I know we are always blessed for choosing to be on God's side. It doesn't always come the way we hope it will, but the blessings are always there. 

Playing Catch Up

 Life has been crazy around here. Spring has sprung and I can hardly keep my feet under me, but I love it. I realized that I had missed blogging all of life's little adventures so here is my attempt to catch up. 

April brought big news to our neck of the woods...Michigan in the final 4 and then in the championship game. Boys stayed up so late, then celebrated with a run to the store for celebratory root beer. It was a great week to be a Michigander. 

Pierce kept getting older, bigger, smarter and more fun. The boys are still totally crazy about him. He started playing toys with the boys and I could watch him play imaginary games forever.

Funny to note, but Mike is awesome. Found my diaper bag cleaned out, washed and hung to dry one weekend while he was home. What husband does that? He is awesome!

Got to attend a fun cooking class with Mike's work at Ann Arbor Cooks. Yummy stuff!

We started all of our sports craziness...James, Jace and Parker are all playing baseball and Parker is also playing travel soccer and Jace flag football in a low key league. It's busy but so fun. The boys are all doing well and loving it. Parker attended his first away soccer tournament, and their team looked really good. I love the sports world with these boys!

We took the boys to the Reptile Zoo and they loved it, especially Pierce! We loved  hearing him exclaim over every bird, frog and turtle. Life through the eyes of a 19 month old is a beautiful and exciting place!

Mike and I went to his company party which was in an awesome hotel downtown with fun entertainment and good food. He works for a great company and we love the little perks.

The boys participated in their very first piano recital and they did such an awesome job. Holly Harris is their teacher and I love that she knows exactly how to motivate each one of them. I am so proud of the progress they have made this year. 

Jace was great. Being able to perform was really motivational and fun for him. 

Parker loves the piano the most of all the boys and loves to practice. His song had been  perfect for weeks but he was so nervous and got flustered. He made it through but played it again for us after the recital, perfect as always. 

James has had a great first year of piano and his teacher cannot believe how quickly he is learning.  He was great at the recital. 

Mike got to take Jace and Parker with him for "Take your Kids to Work" day. It was really cool for them to see where dad works and what he does. His office had cool things planned for the kids to do. They each did a presentation at the end about how to "Better your Community." Most of the kids talked about recycling or something like that and my boys did a presentation on "Using your bow and arrow safely and hunting." Mike said it was hilarious, especially because we don't hunt. We had a little chat about giving people what they ask for as opposed to what you want to write or present about. Love my boys. 

May has been just as crazy and just as fun!

We said good bye to amazing friends but know we will stay in touch. We love the Osbornes so much and are so excited for their new adventure. 

Spring came to Ann Arbor in all its beauty. It really is a great place to be in the springtime, except for my horrible allergies that knock me out. I filled all my prescriptions and am hoping for a better year. 

Pierce has spent endless hours watching practices and games. He is a total pill at games but we love him anyway. 

All 3 of my boys were chosen for the Saline Art Show. I have no idea where they got their artistic talent, but I am so proud of them! They have amazing talents. 

Pierce and I have spent HOURS playing outside. He is totally obsessed with being outside ALL OF THE TIME. He runs everywhere and is FAST and he is so brave and tough. Literally no fear. We were at a park last week and another dad couldn't believe all the climbing, sliding and running he was doing without my help. He is a total crazy.

Pierce LOVES playing "Where's Piercey?" I love that he really thinks we can't see him when he hides his eyes. I CANNOT believe everything he has learned and is saying at this point. When the doctor asked about how many words he had I told him I couldn't even count. It's amazing every day to hear all he has learned. He is also trying to say his words properly now with the correct sounds. It's awesome. 

I love watching my boys on a Sunday reading the scriptures together. They love these scripture stories. 

I got to meet my cute friend, Sara Parry for lunch in Ann Arbor. We have not seen each other for 18 years and we  started back up like there had been no time missed at all. I love old friends! 

So far it's been one busy and amazing spring. Looking forward to the rest of it!!

Good-byes and the Rest of the Week

We hate it when everyone has to go. We said good-bye to Mimi and Papa on Saturday night since they left so early on Sunday morning and then said good-bye to my dad and Ezra later that evening. It was such a great weekend, we didn't want anyone to go.

When my mom comes, it is usually for something special and usually chaotic and full of work. This time she came right before the baptism and then we had 5 awesome days to just hang out and enjoy each other's company. That hasn't happened in...I don't know how long. The 3 big boys were in school most of the day and Mike was out of town, so we just partied with Pierce (which isn't quite as easy as it sounds, but still fantastic.).

During the days my mom did all our laundry, folded it and put it all away, cleaned, made food and kept herself busy while I ran errands to catch up on life. We also went out to lunch most days and did a little shopping together (I miss that!). It was like a mini-vacation. Once the boys got home, she got to partake in our crazy life with piano, soccer and baseball. She got to watch a few practices and played games (Tenzie) with the boys. One of my favorite things she does is take pictures! It has been so hard to get my good camera out with Pierce around...just one more thing to haul around, so I loved that she captured all my boys, so Pierce overload! Sure do miss her!

Is this the cutest picture ever? YES!

Pierce thinks he is so big.

One of the cool gang.

Total drool bug.

I love the way my boys love each other!

Dolls.

Happy and dirty.

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So glad to see grandma.

Such weird kids. I still love them.

Hour 3 of baseball practice...found rocks to play with.

Parker practice. Lookin good. 

Tongue!

Another to die for photo.

Jace baseball practice.

Just a gorgeous photo of Michigan changing from winter to spring.

Got it!

10 year olds are so cool.

Everyone LOVES practicing the piano. Especially this little guy!

During the scary part of the movie. How cute is this?

LOVE!

Playing Tenzie, our shopping trip, Pierce snuggles (he was a total rat to her), laundry, and pizza!

Happy faces but a sad good-bye.