One more day.....

Presents bought and wrapped.... Check
Turkey defrosted and ready to go... Check
stuffing and mashed potatoes made...check
Christmas music...check
caramel rolls for breakfast..check

I am ready!!! I hope every one's day tomorrow is extra special...

Keigan turns 18!!!!

We made brownie cupcakes this year (Very yummy) I placed a peppermint kiss in each cupcake. Frosted them with chocolate and sprinked candy canes on top. These were so good. I like the idea of using a brownie mix instead. Lots of options on hershey's kisses too....








Mom,Corbin,Keigan,and Brenlie....




For our family dinner I make their favorite meal... In Keigan's case it's WONTONS!!!




Happy Birthday Keigan!!!











Our family.....






I always try to not combine Keigan's bithday and Christmas. It is hard having a birthday so close to Christmas... But this year we broke our own rule... We got Keigan a PS3.... He knew.... so it was funny when I was taking pics. In this shot he is saying "I wonder what it is"....



Everyone smile...



On his actual birthday (MONDAY) Frank and I took him out to his restaurant of choice. This year Red Lobster. Since we celebrated already with the family it was nice to have a quiet dinner with just him.




Lets just say Keigan HATES getting his picture taken. I let him know that his birthday would not be a day without pics. He is so cute!



I had to take over 10 pics to get this one. And it really is not great. They crossed their eyes, sneezed, closed their eyes,made faces,and pretty much made a chore of it!



At this point he is done with pictures!





Happy Birthday Keigan you are an amazing young man!!!

Keigan's Eagle Project.

Keigan's project is almost done.We have to write it all up and get it turned in. Pretty amazing how fast we all did this. We had a great time handing the gifts out. The kids had some crazy stories to tell. Some of them come from all over the USA. The one kid at my table was from Nebraska. Another from Washington DC. All in for many different reasons.

I took Bryce with us. The boys shared the rules with my kids. They can't wear watches. They all wear the same clothes(down to the shoes) No soda or dessert. (tonight was a treat) No TV. No computers. No phone. Every minute of every day is scheduled. The gifts that we delivered... will be boxed for their return trip home. No personal items.


You can tell these kids have big hearts, but might lack some good parenting at home. Their lives are forever changed! We had a good time and it was a reat learning experience. We were looking for something to do for the holidays that would help others... I think this did:)

These are the pictures that document his project....

PITCHING THE IDEA






GATHERING THE GIFTS





WRAPPING THE GIFTS







ORGANIZING THE GIFTS







AT CENTER







DINNER







HAND OUT GIFTS











OPENING THE GIFTS











This is Brother Jacob. He is the main reason Keigan is getting his Eagle. They worked together and he was a big inspiration to Keigan. I remember when he first called. I said to him "Don't you have better things to do this holiday?" I was not trying to be rude... BUT wanted to give him a way out. He was SURE we could get this done and felt like this project was perfect. He was right!

My Good Friend Terry Wood

More years ago than I can remember I met a FANTASTIC lady Terry Wood. She was kind, special, giving, helpful,nice, and the most generous woman I have met. Brie'el and Kilean played soccer with her girls. Terry was the first person who said... Your girls need to play tournament soccer. I was pregnant with Kyler. I told her with a baby coming in 1 1/2 months it was impossible. She told me it was not. And she would help. She did. My girls played tournament soccer for 4 years. Terry was a volunteer for AYSO region 503 soccer. Terry brought hot chocolate on cold days, made sure everyone knew what field to be on, what hotel to stay in ,and made sure we all got fed.

She was an amazing woman.

My girls love of soccer stems from Terry Wood.

Terry volunteered every week at her 2 daughters school. Terry did it all. She has raised 2 of the best girls I have met. The apple does not fall far from the tree. Kacey and Megan Wood are 2 great girls...... they lost their mother on Monday.

Terry and I have been friends for years. We did't see each other much since I moved and no longer play soccer for Region 503. Our girls still talk but they are all so busy, we get caught up in our own lives.

Terry was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on Aug.21, 2009. She died December 7, 2009. She was 53 years old. I went to my first Catholic mass today. Very beautiful. I will miss my friend. I have met many people in my life.....but not too many with hearts like hers.

Looking back on Terry's life, I am going to try to be more like her. I hope that her legacy will live on through her children and close friends.

I will cherish the time I knew Terry.

Dallas with The 93 Arsenal girls.....

As always.... Thanksgiving is spent on the soccer field.This year I flew to Dallas Texas with Brie'el's team. It was nice to get away and watch good soccer. They played some tough teams and played pretty good. These are college showcases. They are watching our girls looking for players. I am not sure if Brie'el is looking to play in Texas. I have to say it is a beautiful state. We visited TCU. Texas Christain University. The campus was gorgeous!!



































I had a great time with these girls. I enjoy being a chaperone. getting to know them on a personal level is always a treat!