Football Fall 2011

Blogging took a very, very far back seat the past several months.  Time has become a very precious item for me and getting the basics done became more important that anything else.  However, in the future I would be very sad if I didn't record some of our exciting times.  So hang on tight for a recap of fall...

We spent many many hours with these people...

Doing this...

And this...

And some of this...

Tyler worked hard during the summer and given the opportunity to play varsity football for Sky View this past fall.  Due to some poor choices by one of the senior lineman, Tyler was able to start on the defensive line againist Northridge on August 19, 2011. 

As a mom, I was so nervous, excited, worried, happy, sick to my stomach, excited, worried, happy, sick to my stomach that whole day.  It was my 41st birthday, but I wanted it to be a special day for Tyler.  I will always have another birthday but Tyler won't ever start his very first varsity game again.  Yes, he did start other games but not the very first one. 

Todd and I talked a lot the weeks leading up to this game and as we could see what was happening.  We wondered how did our 14 year old (who was playing little league the fall before) end up on the starting defensive line.  I worried every game as he lined up againist some big kids that he would get hurt or worried if he could hold his own but every week Tyler got better and stronger.  Tyler has a strong love and desire for football.  

I also was concerned about how the upper classmen would accept Tyler but he was accepted openly and developed some strong friendship bonds during the season.   I was concerned about a 14 year old hanging out with 18 year old seniors.  I think often times because of Tyler's size we all forget his is only 14 years old.  One day after varsity practice and basketball camp, he wanted to go back to Sky View to practice football with the freshman.  I asked him why and his response was "That's where my friends are."  It was a good reminder for me that mentally he is still 14 - even though he's 6'3" tall and 260 pounds.

One experience I don't ever want to forget happened at Box Elder during a JV game.  There was just a few minutes left in the game and Casey Shaw, a sophomore who played the D line also, got hurt.  After the coaches assessed the situation, they decided to call for an ambulance.  The coach came over to the sideline and was telling the team what was happening.  The next thing I remember seeing was the entire JV team on their knees praying for their teammate.  For me, that was a very touching sight to see.  I remember being so grateful for the young man who had the courage to stand up in front of his football buddies and acknowledge our Heavenly Father's power and suggest they pray.  I was grateful that Tyler was part of that experience and I hope he will also remember the powerful message that it sent to those of us in the stands.

During football season, we played JV on Thursday afternoons and Varsity on Friday nights.  On a few rare occassions, Tyler was asked to play with the Freshman on Wednesday afternoons.  I didn't know how he would ever have enough strength and energy to play 3 games a week.  I also worried that when he played the freshman game, he was taking some young man's spot who had practiced long and hard for that game.  Tyler had 2 other games he could play that week, but the boys who's spot he took at the Freshman game didn't have any other games to play.  After explaining that to Tyler, he understood and didn't play too many more Freshman games. 

Looking back on football season, it was fabulous!  It was busy and we lived on the road and ate out way too much but we have some great memories of Sky View Football 2011.

Looking forward to Sky View Football 2012!

 

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!) 

Touchdown for Tyler

August 21, 2010, was the opening weekend for little league football.  Tyler was excited and ready to go.  The worst thing about this season is Tyler has now reached the age that he is the oldest group of boys playing which means we get the very first game...this also means early Saturday mornings. 

oops - I didn't realize Tyler's eye were closed in this picture!

Tyler has really done well so far this season and yesterday against Mountain Crest Tyler scored an extra point and a touchdown.  In last week's game against Logan, our team received several injuries and it meant this week boys were going to have to step up and play positions they weren't used to playing.  Last week Tyler played full back a few times but I thought mostly for extra protection for the quarterback.  This week he was in the back field and again I thought it was for protection -- oh no -- the next thing I know Tyler is carrying the ball!  My heart was racing for him -- hoping he could do well in the new assignment.  Tyler isn't an extremely fast runner but he does have a lot of power and he can pull people along with him and gain a few yards.  He had a smile on his face from ear to ear.  I'm sure he thought as a lineman he would never get the chance to score a touchdown.  Whether or not he will have have that opportunity again remains to be seen but it is a fun memory for our family.

First Day of School August 26, 2010

Tyler started North Cache Middle School in the 8th Grade this year.  He was very ready to go to school -- not so much to learn (although Tyler does like school) as to see his friends!  Tyler is definately our social child.

Kody started 5th grade at the new elementary school in Smithfield.  Birch Creek Elementary.  It is just north of our house and Kody has to gets to walk to school this year.  He was excited to start school also but I think he was a little bit nervous for a new school.  Even though most of the students and staff came from either Summit or Sunrise, I think Kody had some first day jitters. 

Thankfully, after a great first day of school for Kody, those jitters were put to bed and school has been great!

In a Funk!

BEWARE...REALLY LONG POST AND MOSTLY MORE FOR ME THAN ANYONE BUT THANKS FOR READING ABOUT OUR FAMILY!

I have been so neglectful of my blog for the past few months. I've found myself really kinda in a funk -- please tell me I'm not the only one who goes through this. Nothing serious just in a funk.

The boys finished the school year with a lot of fun activities that created many fun memories for them. Tyler brought home his report card that had the entire school year on it. It was awesome to see all the quarters listed together and then see that 3 of the 4 quarters he had 4.0's and the 1st quarter he had a 3.92, that darn A- in Utah History. I was really proud of him. I never have to beg, plead, hound, or even ask him to do his homework. Tyler takes great pride in his school work and is just like I was - if the assignment is due on Friday, he will have it done by Wednesday. Tyler is a very social person and can make friends with anybody anywhere but he still gets good grades and cares about school. When I go to parent teacher conferences, I get alot of "Tyler a good student, he just talks alot. He needs to work on not talking." I understand where the teacher is coming from but I'm not overly concerned about Tyler's socializing if he still is an A student.

Kody will be going into 5th grade! I remember my 5th grade like it was just a few years ago. How can my baby be going into 5th grade? Kody had some fun experiences in 4th grade. He was on the Youth 2000 committee at Summit. This is alot like student council. He was able to
develop his self-esteem and his leadership skills. Kody just likes to do what's right, be a friend to someone who needs a friend, he tries so hard in school, and he too just does his school work. Kody improved so much in math this year! I'm really really proud of him. Math doesn't come naturally to Kody and he worked hard to overcome some of the challenges of math.

Our June is chuck full of basketball camps, golf camps, State Trek, Scout camp, and more basketball camps. Our car will not be idle much nor will the boys bikes. It's much easier on my work schedule now that the boys are old enough to ride their bikes to a few of their activities. The boys aren't too sure they like having to ride their bikes but they always do! I'm so thankful for their willingness to help get themselves to their own activities.

I think one of the reasons I've been kinda down on myself lately is I'm the type of person who really likes to accomplish things -- cross things off of a list kinda gal. (Yes, I've been known to write things on a list just so I can cross it off!) Help me!

Unfortunately, I tend to judge myself by what I get accomplished. I like projects and I like to see a project completed. I got in a really bad habit of spending my first few moments each morning surfing craft blogs and seeing all that everyone in blogland has accomplished. I would think oh that's a great idea - it's going on my craft blog for a "to do sometime" project. Well the to do sometime project list was getting longer and longer and I wasn't getting any of those to do's done! It was extremely frustrating to me. I also like a clean and orderly house so I was always cleaning something up or out. Having regular agreuments with the boys over what my idea of clean is and what their idea of clean is. I also realized that my material to do list was a heck of alot longer than my spiritual to do list. I wasn't really feeling the Spirit as often as I'd like and I just needed to make some changes in my life.

One of my favorite scriptures has always been in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." The chapter goes on and talks about the seasons of life. I spent several days reflecting on what season am I in right now. What season should I be in? What season have I put myself in that I can change? What season are my boys in? What season is my marriage in? What season am I in the gospel? What season am I in with my family members? etc.

After much thought and prayer, I realized I need to accept season I'm in and enjoy it! I'm in the season of being a mother to two young and awesome boys who need me to support them and their activities. They don't need a mom who is more worried about getting the list done, or making the latest craft in blogland. I'm in the season of being able to serve others. I need to worry more about feeling the Holy Ghost and listening and acting on his promptings then I need to worry about if I get 3 loads of laundry done everyday. I am in the season of making the most of my scripture study not just reading one chapter so I cross it off the list. I am in the season of making my marriage a priority and not just hoping for a date every few months but making the date happen.

Boy, I've said alot but I gave you fair warning at the beginning of the entry! I wrote these thoughts down more for me than you so I can reread them when my season's get mixed up and remind myself what season I truly am in in 2010. I know that my season's are going to change as the years go by but right now in 2010 these are seasons that I need to be in.

My Boys

It's been a long while since I had the boys pictures taken. I decided it was time ... but where to go, who to go to, etc. etc. etc. A guy I work with, his wife came to work offering to take pictures so she could get some experience and practice. What the heck, let's give it a try -- below are just a few of my favorites.

Thanks Stef -- they look great!

Taken April 20, 2010

(Tyler 13, Kody 10)

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!)

Snowboarding at Beaver Mountain

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This photo slideshow customized with Smilebox

Happy 13th Birthday Tyler

Tyler's birthday is today. I can't believe that 13 years ago on a cold Friday winter night, I became a mom. I still remember the first time the nurse placed Tyler in my arms and I was in complete awe that I had just been part of this awesome miracle of childbirth. We love you, Tyler, and are so grateful for you and your part in our family.

13 Interesting Facts about Tyler:

1. Tyler likes always wants to sleep in and not get up for school.
2. Tyler likes to go fast--in the car, on the four wheeler, on the boat, down the hill, any where, anyway just FAST!
3. Tyler does not like any kind of meat except hamburger.
4. Tyler is an excellent student.
5. Tyler loves to play football.
6. Tyler is my techo junkie -- computers, wii, phones, etc.
7. Tyler has the "Downs" dimple in the middle of his chin.
8. Tyler has a very tender heart but doesn't show it very often.
9. Tyler loves to tease the girls at school.
10. Tyler like to figure out how things work.
11. Tyler's favorite food is pizza.
12. Tyler loves to watch TV.
13. Tyler likes to cook.

Tyler's 2009 Football

Make a Smilebox collage

Crazy Hair Day 2009

Crazy Hair Day is something Tyler and Kody both look forward to each year in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week. The boys choose to keep their hair fairly short so coloring their hair is about our only option.

Todd made this arrow that looks like it goes through your head a long time ago, I think even before we were married. The boys have enjoyed playing with it from time to time but we've never used it for any real purpose. About 6 weeks ago, Kody came up with his plan for crazy hair day using this arrow. I thought it was pretty clever of him to come up with this plan all by himself.

1st Day of the 2009-2010 School Year

August 20, 2009 was Tyler and Kody's first day of school. Tyler is in the 7th grade at White Pine Middle School and Kody is in 4th grade at Summit Elementary.

Cache County Fair 2009

The fair was August 6-8, 2009. Tyler and Kody had been working all summer long to show their sheep at the county fair. The time had finally arrived. With much anticipation, we loaded up the camp trailer, the sheep, Trixie, and ourselves and spent 4 days at the County Fair.

We learned a lot about sheep, we learned a few things we will do differently next year, and we learned that the camp trailer is a must for mom! Tyler and Kody seemed to have a great time seeing old friends and meeting new friends.

Tyler and Kody both won blue ribbons in their market class and both placed about 5th or 6th in their fitting and showmanship classes. They both were able to sell their sheep at the Jr. Livestock sale on Saturday for a decent price. Overall it was a positive experience and one that we will be doing again next year.

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.

Hidden Potential

What could someone do with this...
$3 closet door?

Tyler has been wanting to have his room repainted (I didn't even take before pictures because it was such a nasty color -- don't know why I painted it that color in the first place). His bed is a hand-me down from a bed Todd and I had when we first got married. I've watched a little too much HGTV and found that with a little bit of TLC this closet door could become a ....

HEADBOARD for Tyler's bed!

Thanks to my wonderful husband (who immediately knew I had a project waiting for him the moment he saw the closet door), about $6 worth of molding, and $11 worth of paint and primer Tyler now has a headboard to make his bed look complete.

Tyler also needed a new dresser, he doesn't believe in hangers so everything gets crammed into his dresser drawers. The dresser he was using we bought when he was just a baby. I knew I didn't want to spend alot of money on another dresser for the same reason mentioned above. I knew he would continue to stuff as many clothes in the drawers as they would allow. So I found this for $40.....

It was in great shape, one drawer needed the drawer glide screwed back on but other than that it worked great. So I hauled it home, gave it a little TLC too and now Tyler has a new dresser too!

So for about $65, Tyler has a new bedroom set!