8 days + 2 awesome sons + a few extra boys = 31 games of basketball watched

We spend most of June watching and playing basketball - does that surprise any of you? 

June 9-11 USU Basketball Camp for Tyler

June 13-17 UVU Basketball Camp for Tyler

June 13-15 Utah Summer Games for Kody

June 24-25 Sky View Team Camp for Tyler

We all watched Tyler, Braxton and Hayden play at USU for 3 days then spent Saturday night washing uniforms, basketball shorts, tshirts, and socks and packed it all in suitcases and Kody and I  headed south Sunday afternoon for the Utah Summer Games, Tyler left early Monday morning for Provo, and Todd stayed home to work and keep things in line at home. 

Kody and I had a great time in Cedar City - I hated not being together as a family but Kody and I had fun together and with his team.  Kody's team struggled Monday and Tuesday ending up 0-4.   In their division there were 2 superior teams and 3 so-so teams.  The way the bracket was set up, Kody's team should have been done playing on Tuesday night so we were headed to Provo Wednesday morning to watch Tyler for the rest of the week.  Scott and Bo were looking at the bracket and decided to purpose a new bracket set-up to the Summer Games committee.  It was obvious who would end up in the gold/silver game, so let them play their game and then let the other 3 teams have their own little playoff for the bronze medal.  Well of course that was great with the other two teams -- they just cleaned our clock and it gave each of them one more game -- so why not? 

Look who came home with the Bronze?

We played the first game at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon, given our previous 2 days record I thought we'll be on the road to Provo by 5:00 and that should put us there by 7:30 or so.  Nope, we won the 3:30 game so we now play at 6:30,  again I should be able to hit the road by 8 and arrive in Provo at 10:30.  We won the 6:30 game and headed over for the medal ceremony.  I was really happy for these boys.  They worked hard and forgot the past and played great ball!  We were ready to head to Provo at 9:00pm.  For some of you this wouldn't be a problem, for Kara this was a real problem!  I'm usually getting ready to go to bed at 9:00 not drive in the dark for 2 1/2 hours!

Those of us who were heading north (a few smarter parents booked an extra night in Cedar City -- note to self for next year -- book an extra night in Cedar City!) we caravaned together planning to stop in Nephi to grab a bite to eat.  Being the only driver in my car, I was nervous.  Thankfully, we have the power of prayer to call upon when needed.  I prayed that I would be alert and be able to stay awake and arrive safely in Provo.  Plans changed at we ended up stopping in Fillmore for about 45 minutes at 10:30 for dinner at the Burger King.  Heavenly Father did bless Kody and I, when we arrived in our hotel room in Provo the clock said 12:48am, but I was still very awake (without any caffeine!).  I know we were watched over, protected and blessed traveling that night.

But of course, I get a text from Tyler saying he has an 8:00AM game!  Since we didn't get to Provo in time to watch his games on Wednesday there was no way I could miss the early game -- so Kody and I climbed out of bed and headed over to UVU for a full day of basketball games played by Tyler, Braxton, and Hayden.

I will not lie, by this time in the week my rear end was tired and hurt from sitting on bleachers - the things we do for our kids!  Love 'em!  Tyler and his team played really well - they are such an awesome group of kids.  It's been so fun to watch them develop individually and as a team over the past couple of years.

The best part of the UVU camp was both Sky View Freshman teams played so well they ended up in the championship game, playing each other!  (This is actually the second year in a row this has happened!)  Tyler's team ended up winning the championship game but not without a good fight from the other SV team.  UVU gave the winning team from each age bracket a $10 iTunes gift card -- couldn't have given Tyler anything better!

We all were reunited Friday afternoon at home!  I was really glad to see Todd.  That was the longest time we had ever been apart in our marriage and I was ready to see my husband and to talk to him face to face -- cellphones are great but it was so nice to give him a BIG hug and a kiss!

(P.S. If you are still reading this post, you are either crazy or very dedicated!) 

Saturdays are for Basketball

We spent each Saturday from Jan 16 to Feb 20 playing basketball in Hyrum at South Cache and Mountain Crest. Kody usually played in the later mornings and Tyler played early afternoon so we spent the day in Hyrum.

Look at that form!

Kody and Breck

Cousins playing ball together.

Tyler playing defense.

(This is a horrible picture -- I was having technical difficulties with my camera!)

Idaho Falls Basketball Tournament

Idaho Falls Basketball Tournament

December 29 and 30, 2009

We spent two days in Idaho Falls at a basketball tournament. Both Tyler and Kody played in the tournament so it was another two days full of basketball games. Kody's team is made up of 4th graders and unfortunately all the teams in their division were 5th graders -- and a year's worth of growth makes a HUGE difference. I felt really bad for Kody's team they really struggled in all of their games - not because they can't play basketball but because they can't play basketball when the other team has at least 5 inches on them! I hope Kody had a fun time regardless of the losses and that he feels good about the way he played. I know that he had fun with his teammates, running around the hotel at 10:30 at night, and hanging out with them during the days.

Tyler's team dominated in their division. They won the tournament -- can you tell by that huge grin! Tyler's team has really jelled together and are a great bunch of boys. Tyler had some really good games - averaging about 14 points per game. It's been fun to watch them win a few tournaments - they too had their days of losing so maybe Kody's day will come!

Yes - I stole my sister's background!

I'm supposed to be getting ready to go to a basketball tournament in Idaho Falls tomorrow morning but instead I am spending time on my blog -- somehow we'll still get to Idaho Falls in time for tip-off. Tyler and Kody are both playing in the same tournament so it will be another 2 days of many, many basketball games.

I was trying to find a cute blog background for winter and of course the one I liked the very best Shalise had on her blog -- so after much searching I just decided to copy her! Thanks for doing the leg work Shalise so I didn't have to do much!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Kody asked me the other night why nobody, except Sophia, was updating their blog anymore. I tried to explain to him that December is full of many, many things that take up our time and sometimes other things have to be put aside for a time. If you are at all like our family, a night home during the month of December is a present itself.

We've been busy, but have had a great time doing so. Again, more for our family memories than anything else, here is a run down of our December.

Dec 1 - We attended Hayden's basketball game.

Dec 2 - USU vs BYU basketball game - always a great time!

Dec 4 - We went to SLC to see The Savior of The World musical at the Conference Center. A wonderful production about the Savior's birth and death. Much different that I expected (not really sure what I expected) but it was a great musical. Tyler was fascinated with the stage and all of the different things it could do - some parts raised, other parts raised, some parts went down, you get the idea. Tyler tried and tried to figure out how that all worked - glad he had that to entertain himself because he didn't find the play as enjoyable as Todd and I.

Dec 4 - Found out that my brother, Scott, was in a hospital in Las Vegas with a blood clot in his lung. He spent a few days in the hospital before be able to come home. We are so thankful that there wasn't a different outcome to this situation. He is doing better, still has some pain occasionally but is slowly getting back to normal.

Dec 5 - Tyler's basketball game. Emma's baptism and confirmation and a family dinner.

Dec 6 - Gentry's baby blessing.

Dec 7 - Kody, Tyler, and I went to Brooklyn and Sidney's piano recital. It was awesome to see those two cute girls share their talent with us.

Dec 8 - Tyler's Football Banquet at the Logan Golf & Country Club

Dec 9 - My work party at Iron Gate Grill

Dec 10 - Kody had a eye doctor appointment - thankfully he doesn't need glasses -- just needs to wash his eyes out better so the pores don't get clogged.

Dec 11 - Watched Scott's 6th grade team play basketball at 7.
Tyler played basketball at 8.
Kody played basketball at 9.

Dec 12 - Tyler played basketball at 9.
Kody played basketball at 10.
Kody played basketball at 11.
Tyler played basketball at 12.
Ate our lunch and watched Braxton play basketball at 1.
Tyler played basketball at 2.
Watched Scott's 6th grade team play basketball at 3.
Tyler played in the Championship Basketball Game at 4.

Yes -- we watched and played A LOT of basketball in less than 24 hours. We were supposed to go to the Aggie game that night but we were basketballed out -- and you know how much our family LOVES basketball and especially Aggie Basketball but we had had enough! Stayed home Saturday night and it felt wonderful!

Dec 16 - Tyler played basketball at 5:30 and 7:30 and I went with some friends from our ward on a limo ride -- such an adventure. The limo broke down and we had to wait for someone to come and give the battery a jump and then trade cars and then went back to Sophia's to watch a cute chick flick, The Holiday.

Dec 17 - Allred Jackson rented out the entire theatre for the Pickleville Christmas musical. We love Pickleville productions and it is always such a treat to attend them. You would think that this sports family doesn't have any other interests but I never have to beg or plead to go to a Pickleville Production. Pickleville has become a tradition in our family. Summer productions at Bear Lake and the Christmas production on campus.

It's been a few busy, busy weeks but all great memories!

Kody's Fall Basketball League

Make a Smilebox collage

Utah Summer Games - June 15-17, 2009

Tyler was invited to play on a basketball team at the Utah Summer Games. We had never been to Summer Games before so it was an adventure for us. We had a great time as a family (you know how some family trips are a fighting match??, this one actually was a nice break and get away for us :). Tyler played some of the best basketball I've ever seen him play. He hustled, he played hard, scored well, and rebounded fantastically. I was really proud of him. They played 6 games in 3 days - I would have died about game 2!! His team ended up just out of the medals in 4th place, out of 10 teams. It was a learning experience for all of us and hopefully next year we can go again with a little experience under our belts and get in the medals! Below are just some various pictures I took throughout the 3 days.

Tyler and Marshall DayTyler and Jake HendricksTyler on offense

Tyler

I love this picture of Tyler.

Socked in Saturday

Yesterday was such a beautiful, sunny, Cache Valley winter day. My spirits were lifted just by the sunshine. I woke up this morning, opened the blinds, and found FOG! I have decided I'm much happier when the sun shines and I can go outside, without 10 different layers of clothing.

Yesterday , I took Tyler to the doctor to confirm my suspicion of a sinus infection. I cleaned most of the house and then Todd and I went for a quick bite to eat and grocery shopping. On Tuesday, Todd had a doctor's appointment that again confirmed our suspicion of very high blood sugar levels. We are now watching what carbs he consumes. What a different way of thinking! I've done Weight Watchers on and off for a few years now and Weight Watchers way of thinking is completely opposite of a diabetics way of thinking. What is a good food choice on Weight Watchers usually is not a good food choice for a diabetic. But we are learning. If there were people watchers at Lee's last night, I'm sure they got a really good laugh at us. We were reading the label on everything, and I mean everything! I'm just glad that Todd is willing to learn what his better options are and is willing to learn how to take better care of himself.

Today we have Tyler's basketball game and then nothing else is on the schedule! After running 83 mph during the week, I love slow weekends. I will be making dinner to take to a family, cleaning my bedroom and bathroom, laundry, and then a few odds and ends but mostly just enjoying being at home!

P.S. Since I posted the fog has lifted and it will be another beautiful, sunny, Cache Valley winter day! YEAH!

A new President - Elect, a new piano and a few other thoughts

Krazy Days! It seems like only a few days ago I posted and now it's been two weeks. A lot has happened in those two weeks -- a new President - elect, a new piano, basketball games, football games, a neighborhood Christmas Open House, Christmas decorations going up, school and work.

A New President-Elect -- Obviously late news now, but for future posterity, on Nov 4, 2008, the American people elected the first African American President. I'm proud that our nation has come this far, to set aside race and skin color, and see the individual and his policies. As far as he policies, I don't know. I think our nation is in real turmoil right now and needs a strong leader who can unite and pull people together. I think President Obama could be a fantastic thing for our nation -- or could be very scary thing for our nation. I guess we'll wait and see.

A New Piano -- As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've wanted and have been looking for a piano. For the past several months, I've looked here and there, but nothing real hard or serious. On Wednesday, Nov 5, I had this impression that I needed to look on ksl.com in the classified ads. I pushed the thought aside several times because I wasn't going to buy a piano outside of Cache Valley, simply for transportation issues. After about two hours of this feeling, I finally decided to get on the website and take a look. One of the very first ads that I saw was a piano in Lewiston. What are the chances? I called the number only to find out that it is a family friend and my brother, Jeff, is building currently building them a new house and there isn't room for the piano to be moved. I was so excited. Todd and I went and picked it up on Thursday afternoon. When we go it home, I sat and played for hours. I knew that I missed playing but I didn't realize how much I missed it until I looked at the clock and realized I'd played for over 2 hours! I'm a little rusty and the piano needs to be tuned but that will all come with time. Anyway, back to the ksl.com classified, as I looked at the posting time online I realized that was about the time I had the first impression to check the website. A tender mercy of our Heavenly Father. I hadn't prayed about a piano, but obviously my Father in Heaven knew the desires of my heart. A simple but strong testimony building experience for me.

Tyler and Kody are in full swing of basketball now, and Tyler is still playing football. Tyler was invited to play in some tournaments in SLC and Brigham City during the month of November. Six weeks ago, the idea sounded great but now that the time committment is here, we are wondering if we should have been done with football when football was over. Tyler loves football and that's what really keeps us going. I will admit I'm looking forward to being done with the basketball league in Brigham City for Kody on Tuesdays nights. I know that it's all good activities but I think we have over extended ourselves this fall. Enough said - we've made the committment and now we make things work to meet that commitment.

The inside of our house is starting to look like Christmas - and a little of the outside too! I must admit I really enjoy Christmas lights, decoration, music, entertainment, food etc. I know that people think I start way too early, but the Christmas season seems to be filled with a lot of activities and not a lot of enjoying the sights and sounds so for me and my house, I like to make the Christmas season last as long as possible. I've even got a really good start on my holiday shopping and wrapping!

This and That

Since it's been a couple of weeks since I posted, I'm going to give a quick run down of what has happened the past two weeks.

Last weekend, Oct 24-25, I went with Shalise, Audrey, Marci, Amy, Amy's sister Jess, Amy's mom and Amy's Aunt Chris scrapbooking in Park City. I was extremely nervous about going -- only because I'm not a huge scrapbooker but I went with a specific project and I was able to accomplish that project. (More details later, don't ask questions at Christmas time!) Shalise, Marci and I left about 1 on Friday afternoon, we stopped and shopped at Tia Pan. It was fun to wonder around without kids or husbands pretending that it's not boring!! We got to Park City about 5, ate dinner and then scrapbooked until 12:30 and then went back to our room and chatted until about 1:30 before we all crashed! I didn't know how much I missed "girl talk" without kids. Saturday morning we scrapbooked until about 10:30 and then we all went to the outlets and shopped. Again, we had lots of laughs and a great time. I hope that this can become an annual event.

Todd went to Wisconsin last Monday - Wednesday. I now have a greater appreciation for single moms. The boys were good but just going, going, and going without an help, or an ear to lean on was a challenge. Actually, the real challenge was sleeping at night without Todd. I've never been able to sleep when he isn't home but with the help of some prayers, I did okay. I was relieved when I saw him walk into the Ward Fall Festival. There is just something about knowing your spouse is in the same town! I'm grateful that Todd doesn't travel much for work. I'm sure you would get used to that schedule, but I'm glad I don't need to get used to it.

Aggie basketball started on Friday night. The boys choose to go to the game instead of Trick-or-Treating. In fact, I hadn't even bought any Halloween candy until Thursday, since I didn't have to worry about costumes I pretty much forgot there was even a holiday coming. Thankfully, I remembered and bought some candy just in case we got some Trick-or-Treaters. We did have about 7 or 8 kids total, so the Halloween candy was consumed by the Downs Family!

Tyler also started his basketball games on Saturday. He switched coaches and teams this year so I was somewhat apprehensive about the first game but I was quite surprised at how well they played together and seemed to mesh. Tyler actually played really well for the first game. I'm hoping that by not having a coach yelling at him from the sidelines constantly will help his self-confidence. Whether I'm ready or not, I can say that BASKETBALL season has officially begun. Our family LOVES basketball, however, we'll see how much we LOVE basketball when we start having 2 or 3 games every Saturday. When I look and the calendar for the next several months, I get really tired -- let alone trying to live that schedule. I keep telling myself that it's all good and worth it, we'll see!!

Tomorrow night, April and I are hosting a Neighborhood Holiday Open House. Our intent is to have the families on our street bring food to donate to the Food Pantry and then visit with each other for an hour. This would be in place of "neighbor" gifts at Christmas time. A few neighbors have been thrilled with the idea so we'll see how well it goes over. We have talked about doing this for a couple of years now but always seem to think of it a little too late in the holiday season. We are hoping that this could become a tradition to remove some of the stress of the holiday season.

Speaking of the holiday season, I hired some young guys to get my Christmas lights up and running this year. They look great! I don't know if I can wait until Thanksgiving night to turn them on. Todd wanted to leave them on last night while we ran into Logan so I agreed but wondered what the neighbors all thought! Todd doesn't have the patience to accomplish such a tedious task, and I don't like heights but I LOVE Christmas lights so I decided to hire it done and know that it was done right. Todd's idea of replacing a blown fuse is tin foil or a screw. Can I say FIRE HAZARD!??

I can't believe it's November, and in some ways I think the calendar is all wrong, but since the calendar really does say November, I'm starting to get excited for Christmas and the holiday season. I'm thinking of getting the Christmas trees out the end of next week. When we were at Tia Pan last weekend, all of their trees were out and I started to get excited to decorate. It is just such a huge task but I'm going to try and do a little each day and see if that makes it any easier for me. When I was at Walmart last night, the day after Halloween, they were playing Christmas music! and the Halloween candy isle had been changed to Christmas candy! The most wonderful time of the year is coming!!!