He's Growing Up too Fast

Just this morning David and I were talking about some of the girls and guys that formerly were involved in our church youth group. Two of them will graduate from college this year. Wow how time flies! I can remember both of these kids being in our children's ministry and then of course going on to the youth group. Just as I was telling David that it didn't seem like these kids should be graduating college it dawned on me that he will graduate just next year. Impossible! I even admitted to him that it was hard for me to fathom that he would be a senior in the fall. It's a sobering thought to think about him graduating and going to college. And I try not to think of it that often. It was just this morning that I registered him to take the ACT Test on the 8th of April and after that we will register him for THE SAT. I'm just not ready for all this!


But it is inevitable that he will leave home. I'm proud of the young man he has grown into and continues to grow. Not every mother of a 15-year-old son can say that he is a remarkable young man. David is remarkable and has a very good head on his shoulders. He has a faith that is unshakeable and will share his faith with others. He stands firm in the things in which he believes. He's an encourager, a friend, a servant and so much more. I am proud very proud of him!

My Weekend

I'm back from the AYSO Section Conference. What a great weekend. Only having been affiliated with AYSO for 1 season, I did not know what a big organization this is. I was impressed to learn all that I learned at this conference and feel like I am joining a great organization. But at the same time I was over whelmed with the responsibility I am about to take on as treasurer. The other 5 board members that attended had a great time as well. The resort was beautiful and very friendly. Our schedules were non-stop from Friday afternoon to Closing Ceremonies. It wouldn't have mattered if I could squeeze that massage into my budget or not (which I found out I couldn't anyway) I wouldn't have had time. And as for the bike ride or walk, the weather solved that issue. But it was a great weekend and I took a lot away from the conference!

4 Days & Counting

Only four more days until I travel to Orlando for a Soccer Conference! Not that sitting in classes for most of the day is very exciting but it really shouldn't be that bad. After all it'll be great going away for the weekend with the girls and having it paid for by AYSO. Looking at the schedule we should have some time on Friday night to go out for dinner. But then again, after looking online at the services and amenities the hotel offers we might decide to stay at the resort for dinner. They have some good looking dining options right there. We will be staying at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort where the conference is being held. Classes for me will consist of three sessions on Friday from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Saturday morning I'll have a break in the morning. Then lunch provided by AYSO. Classes resuming at 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a dinner provided by AYSO. On Sunday morning it's back to class at 8:00 a.m. until the closing ceremonies at 11:00 a.m. While I have free time on Saturday I plan on taking advantage of one or two things:

1. A rejuvenating massage (if it fits into my budget).
2. A bike ride or 9 mile stroll around Lago Dorado.

David & Angela will get to spend the weekend with their grandparents while I'm away which they always enjoy doing.

Love All Year

So yesterday was Valentines Day and even though I am blessed this year to have a "significant other" in my life I just have to say this. It's not that big of a deal. Come on aren't we supposed to be showing others that they matter to us all year, not just waiting for "the big day" to arrive to express how we feel. We see the advertisements year after year urging us to buy the flowers, candy, cards, etc for our sweethearts. I'm telling you, I'd rather have my significant other show me I matter all year than just one day out of the year. I'm not going to argue, it's nice receiving the flowers, the candy, and the cards but it doesn't mean anything if this is only time I'm shown I am loved. So as we say farewell to Valentines Day this year let's begin to think about how we can celebrate the day all year!

A Valentines Poem

A friend of mine e-mailed me this Valentines Poem and I just had to share it. . .

Collards is green,
my dog's name is Blue
and I'm so lucky
to have a sweet thang like you.

Yore hair is like cornsilk
a-flapping in the breeze.
Softer than Blue's
and without all them fleas.

You move like the bass,
which excite me in May.
You ain't got no scales
but I luv you anyway.

Yo're as satisfy'n as okry
jist a-fry'n in the pan.
Yo're as fragrant as "snuff"
right out of the can.

You have some'a yore teeth,
for which I am proud;
I hold my head high
when we're in a crowd.

On special occasions,
when you shave under yore arms,
well, I'm in hawg heaven,
and awed by yore charms.

Still them fellers at work,
they all want to know,
what I did to deserve
such a purdy, young doe.

Like a good roll of duct tape
yo're there fer yore man,
to patch up life's troubles
and fix what you can.

Yo're as cute as a junebug
a-buzzin' overhead.
You ain't mean like those far ants
I found in my bed.

Cut from the best cloth
like a plaid flannel shirt,
you spark up my life
more than a fresh load of dirt.

When you hold me real tight
like a padded gunrack,
my life is complete;
Ain't nuttin' I lack.

Yore complexion, it's perfection,
like the best vinyl sidin'.
despite all the years,
yore age, it keeps hidin'.

Me 'n' you's like a Moon Pie
with a RC cold drank,
we go together
like a skunk goes with stank.

Some men, they buy chocolate
for Valentine's Day;
They git it at Wal-Mart,
it's romantic that way.

Some men git roses
on that special day
from the cooler at Kroger.
"That's impressive," I say.

Some men buy fine diamonds
from a flea market booth.
"Diamonds are forever,"
they explain, suave and couth.

But for this man, honey,
these won't do.
Cause yor'e too special,
you sweet thang you.

I got you a gift,
without taste nor odor,
more useful than diamonds...
IT'S A NEW BOAT 'N MOTOR!!

Heart Ball

The Lions Club hosted the Heart Ball on Saturday night. All proceeds from the event went into the Dan McCarthy Scholarship Fund. Dan McCarthy served as a Lion Club member for numerous years prior to his passing last year. Bubba and I got all dressed (semi-formal) up for the Ball and had a wonderful time. Many of our friends were there and we had a great time. The Jukebox Band was awesome and we enjoyed getting to dance the night away. I just need someone to teach me to do the Electric Slide before I go dancing again. I have to admit. . . I had the best looking date for the night!

Blessings

I have been blessed to have family live close by all my life. I can't think of a time that I didn't have my family living in the same town I lived in or at least some of them. But, I'm about to discover what it's like not to have family around. When we moved here 10 years ago, my sister and her family were already established here. That's why we came here. Then 3 years ago my parents health was declining and we moved them down here with my sister and her husband. Our parents health has now improved and my brother-in-law just got a new job in Tallahassee. The four of them will be moving back to Tallahassee where the rest of my family is. They still have to sell their home here, but it's going to happen.

Even though I know I'm going to miss my family, I am reminded how blessed I am that I have friends here. At times there are certain friends that are so close that we look to them as an extended family. I think about people that I've met that have no family and think of how hard that must be. Some I have even met that don't have family but lack the circle of friends that God has so richly blessed me with.

We know it's going to be a sad day when our family moves away, but at the same time rejoice in the fact that we have an extended family that will still be here.

Skeet Shoot & Super Bowl

Saturday was the 10th annual Camp E-Tu-Makee Skeet Shoot. This event helps raise money for the Educational Program at Camp E-Tu-Makee. This just happened to be the first year that it has rained on the day of the shoot. But that didn't keep shooters from coming out and shooting. The rain held off until about 10:00 a.m. and shooters did get in some time, but didn't get to complete all the stations. Thus, the advisory board committee and camp personnel decided it wouldn't be fair to hold the competition. So after lunch the shooters had the opportunity to receive a refund on their entry fee and to stay in the drizzling rain to shoot for fun. Several people stayed to just shoot, but some chose to return next year to compete. I don't think anybody requested a refund. Camp still served the delicious lunch and held the drawing for door prizes and two raffles. It is always a good time seeing everyone that comes out for the shoot. This was my third year being at the shoot, hopefully next year will be sunshiny skys for the shoot.

Sunday was the big day! "Superbowl Sunday". Not that I'm a big NFL fan, but whatever it's an excuse to get together with friends and eat as well as watch a football game. Bubba and I went over to Chief Steve's and his wife, Pearl's house to watch the game. Several camp personnel were there and some old friends stopped by as well. David hung out with Tommy, Nick, and Ryan at Tommy's to watch the game and play their favorite game. . ."Balderdash". Angela went with Jeri Lynne to New Harvest Church for the Superbowl Night there. I picked Angela and Jeri Lynne up from New Harvest around 9:00 p.m. and they hung out with the rest of us at Chief Steve's.

A Cat's Life

Every day we will find our cats , Whiskers and Vanilla, sleeping or lazing on my bed. I couldn't resist this afternoon snapping a photo of them. Ah to have a cat's life.

Congratulations to the Brooks Family

We are so happy to hear that Jonathan & Lori Brooks (along with their daughter, Hannah) are expecting ! That's right a new baby is on the way. Please be praying for this family as they await the birth of their new child.

Differences Between Men and Women

Please. . . this is just for fun. . . don't take it seriously!

Women

1. Women have the "Oh dear, the toilet paper is on its last sheet; must replace it immediately" gene.
2. On being told that someone has bought a new car women usually ask what color it is.
3. Women have a built in calendar - we remember birthdays, anniversaries, and appointments.
4. Women put things on the bottom stair to take up next time she has to go upstairs.
5. Women know what to do when someone starts to cry.
6. Women speak in paragraphs.
7. Women recall every outfit they have worn for the past two weeks.

Men

1. Men have the "Oh no, can you pass me a roll of toliet paper." gene.
2. On being told that someone has bought a new car men ask what kind it is.
3. Men have to be reminded of birthdays, anniversaires, and appointments.
4. Men just step over things at the bottom of the stair until being told to pick them up.
5. Men tend to shuffle out of the room mumbling something about doing the grouting when someone starts to cry.
6. Men speak in sentences.
7. Men cannot remember what they were wearing yesterday without looking on the floor next to the bed.

U-12 Girls Soccer Team

Thanks to Lance (Bubba) Ramer the U-12 Girls Soccer Team was recognized by the Clewiston City Commissioners for winning the State Championship. Mayor Mali Chamness recognized the girls as a team and then each one individually. All the Commissioners also spoke words of encouragement and congratulations to each girl.

Bubba was instrumental in contacting the City Manager, Wendell Johnson, requesting the City recognize these girls for their accomplishments. Thanks Bubba!

U-12 Girls being recognized by the City of Clewiston

U-12 Girls in front of City Hall after receiving their certificates

Best Steak of the Year

Bubba and I enjoyed the best steak of the year tonight at the Hendry County Cattlemen's Dinner at the Civic Center in LaBelle. The cattleman do a fabulous job cooking the steaks, baked potatoes and preparing a salad. The steaks are so tender you can cut them with a plastic knife! Can't wait for next year! We also enjoyed seeing our friends and getting acquainted with people we haven't had the chance to socialize with.

Mike & Shelia

Gary & Tabitha

Terry & Mali

Kevin & Debbie

Our Milestone

Today is a special day to me. A year ago, Bubba and I attended the Cattlemen's Dinner at John Boy Auditorium together. That night was the first night that we made a public appearance together as a couple. It seems silly that I would be giddy over something like this at my age, but I am! To me it says something of our relationship. We have made it through an entire year and we are still seeing each other. Tonight we are attending the Cattlemen's Dinner once again together. It's special knowing that we are beginning attending functions that we attended last year together. I can't imagine attending any of these functions without him beside me.

Look Around

While Angela and I were in Ocala this weekend, David was in Lakeland at the Planet Wisdom Conference. Six youth from our church along with Pastor Jonathan and Lori left on Friday at 3 o'clock to attend the conference at the Lakeland Center.

This year's topic was "Look Around". Mark Matlock, the main teacher of the conference, taught from Ecclesiastes. He encouraged students to never stop looking around for the truth and taught that "The Truth" is found in God's Word. Mark pointed out that Solomon had everything life had to offer (money, wisdom, wealth, pleasures, etc.) but was never satisifed until he had Christ. David and other students discovered what a life that matters really looks like, and how to share that life with their friends.

Mark teaching the Word of God

By the Tree lead students in worship and Skit Guys brought real-life humor that added an exciting dimension to the weekend that also reinforced the message.

Skit Guys

By the Tree

And as always on a youth trip they found time to be teenagers! Making goofy faces or just enjoying one another.

A Big Thank You

After the trophies were presented to our girls by the AYSO league we got together as a group with our team. Coach Hiro thanked all the parents for their dedication in getting the girls to practice and scrimmage games leading up to the state games. He then had each girl present their parents with thank you notes they had written last week prior to traveling to Ocala. My read as follows:

Dear Mom,
Thank you for everything you have done for me this soccer season. Like spending money. . . wait you do that every day (ha-ha)! Dealing with the attitude that I have and my stinky feet. What I am trying to say is thank you for your support! I wouldn't have made it this far without you. Love You,Angela

Hiro, Irma and Arnold not only taught these girls all season the skills of soccer, but they also taught them to appreciate each win and to appreciate the support and love their parents give them. I've heard Hiro say on more than one occassion that there are children out there that don't have the support and love of their parents and the girls should treasure and appreciate their parents.

After Hiro presented the parents with their thank you notes he then presented the girls with a state champion charm that the Clewiston AYSO purchased for each them. Wear it proudly girls you deserve it and worked hard to get it!

The Finals

Our semifinal game was at eight o'clock on Monday morning. Angela had to be at the field to warm up by 7:30. This was the earliest we had played all weekend. I wasn't sure how the girls would do playing in the cool morning air and on a damp field. We took the field and faced off with Homestead. Homestead is a very good team and was major competition for our girls. Angela played as goalie for the first two quarters of the game and then during the third quarter played defense. She sat out the fourth quarter. Homestead made us work for the one goal we scored the entire game. At the end of the fourth quarter we were tied. Being new to the game of soccer I am clueless about tie breakers. However, I now know that you play two - 10 minute quarters. Whichever team scores the most points during these quarters is the winner.

Angela plays defense against Homestead

Several people from Clewiston that could have returned home the night before or left on Monday morning stayed to cheer our girls on. It was great having the support from other teams and their parents.

As we took the field to play the overtime everyone was nervous and excited. We had screamed so much that our voices were hoarse. But we kept screaming and cheering Clewiston on. Homestead scored the first goal during the overtime. My heart must have dropped to my feet (at this point I wasn't aware it wasn't sudden death). However, one of their players was offsides and their goal didn't count. Clewiston scored as well during the first quarter of overtime to put us ahead by 1 point. Then boom, they came back and scored another point in the second quarter of overtime. The score is now 2 - 1 (Clewiston's favor). We are on our cell phones calling friends and family that can't be there! All we have to do at this point is keep the ball on our end of the field and away from Homestead. But that wasn't enough for our girls. . . they had to score one more time. 3-1 the game is over and Clewiston has moved to the finals!

Our next game was played at 11 o'clock against Boynton Beach. Boynton Beach dominated the game the first three quarters with us not scoring. They scored on Angela in the first quarter and my heart broke for her when I saw the look on her face. Our girls have ran 15 minutes every practice for the past two months . Their endurance in amazing. It's fourth quarter and they have pulled out the stops. . . the determination was all over their faces. We scored three goals in the fourth to win the game. We are going home with trophies and smiles on our faces.

Angela talks to her dad while waiting for her trophy

Angela receiving her trophy
Clewiston U-12 Girls State Champions

Angela told me that after the game when they were lining up to shake hands with the Boynton Beach players she thought she recognized one of their players (she just happened to be their goalie). Sure enough it was Kim that she went spent a week at World Camplight Camp (formerly Florida GA/Acteen Camp) at Lake Yale, Florida. The girls got the opportunity to visit for a while after the game and made plans to see each other this year at camp.

Sunday - Second Day of Soccer Tournament

On Sunday morning, we were off to the soccer complex by 10 o'clock. Angela's first game of the day was at 11 o'clock against Weston. Prior to the state tournament we played a scrimmage game against this Weston team. During that scrimmage game one of our players, Elisabeth, was injured. Weston plays very aggressive soccer! Elisabeth's collar bone was broken and she hasn't been released from under her doctor's care, so she wasn't able to go to the state games. The team has missed having her on the team. The game against Weston was tense. The game was 0 - 0 until the last two minutes of the game when we made a goal. After the goal was made our team played defensively to win the game. The girls were pumped to win this game since we only had one other team to defeat to advance to the semifinals.

Angela guards our goal against Weston

Oliva charges the ball against Weston

We Are # 1

Brock played again on Sunday with his first game at 12:30. They played Key Largo. Unfortunately this was not a win for them. They played their hearts out and it was hard watching them try so hard. They played again at five o'clock against Ocala only to come up short again.

The U-10 boys waiting on the sidelines

Brock takes a much needed break

When Angela wasn't playing in games, she was hanging out with friends from Clewiston or watching other teams from Clewiston play. She played again on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 against Ocala. By the time we played Ocala, they knew they were out of the running to be in the semifinals because they had lost on Saturday. It was still a very competitive game for our girls. Ocala kept them running and working to win the game. From there it was just waiting to play on Monday in the semi-finals. We stayed to watch the U-12 boys play against Homestead. Our boys lost to Homestead by one goal. It was fun watching them play and witness the talent of these boys. We played a scrimmage game against them on Wednesday of last week and they beat us.

First Day of Soccer Tournament

This past weekend Angela, Brock, Bubba and I headed to Ocala for the State Soccer Tournaments. The tournament was held at Big Sun Soccer Complex .The road trip was fun and full of laughter. Clewiston had 5 teams competing in the tournament this year, with 55 kids and their families attending. One hundred and four teams were registered and played games. There was a U-10 boys division, U-12 girls division, U-12 boys division, U-12 girls division, U-14 girls division, U-14 boys division, U-16 boys division, U-19 boys division, and a U-19 girls division.

Angela played one game on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. against Homestead. Our team won 6-0! That was our only game on Saturday. After Angela's game we enjoyed eating lunch at Pizza Hut. Then we returned to the complex to watch Brock play at 2:00 pm against Boynton Beach and then again at 5:00 p.m. against Miller Pond. Brock's team didn't win their games on Saturday however they had fun. Bubba coaches Brock's team and he does a wonderful job with the boys!

Brock's mom arrived Saturday around 12:00 p.m. along with Beau and Jeri Lynne. After Brock's 5 o'clock game the five of them went out to dinner at The Outback. Bubba also refereed this weekend for some other games, so we stayed for him to referee his last game before going to dinner. Bubba treated me to dinner at Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille on the square in Ocala. The calamari was delicious! Downtown Ocala was decorated with lights in the trees on the square and the city had special events on Saturday evening for AYSO. We didn't take in the events but they sounded fun (a street dance and ice skating). We opted for hot showers at the hotel instead.

Dinner Disaster

Ever find a recipe that looks terrific and then try it to find out nobody likes it? That was our experience tonight. I purchased a magazine a month or so ago "Fix it and Forget it Slow Cooker magic". So this weekend I pulled it out and found some recipes that I wanted to try. We get tired of the same ole menu around here. I found three which worked out with our schedule this week. Among them were: Garlic-Lime Chicken, Magic Meat Loaf and Slow-Cooked Short Ribs.

The ribs turned out good, falling off the bone good. I haven't tried the meat loaf yet, but will do that for Thursday night dinner. The garlic-lime chicken was dinner tonight. . . it was not so good. David actually managed to eat it (surprisingly because he is my picky eater), but Angela and I didn't do so good. I had made the comment that it sounded good and who can mess up a piece of chicken. Well. . . . I did!