Our Basketball Talks

I absolutely love my frequent basketball talks with my boy.  That's pretty much his language.  It helps that I have some basketball knowledge as well.  I am usually able to make any life situation a basketball game, play, or strategy for him to relate to.

Recently Jayson and I were discussing players that I thought were good on his age level.  You see, Jayson is a lover of the game.  No matter what the game situation you may find him off the court going right up to the oppossing team talking about a certain skill, introducing himself or giving a handshake.  The kid has absolutely no problems with giving another player their due respect.  I will also add that even if they are a "better" player than him, he is equally ready to give them his recognition.  In my opinion that takes guts!  His dad and I often watch him out on the court in the middle of games laughing it up with the other team, like I said, he loves the game.  Well, as we were discussing good players around the Twin Cities I shared what I had noticed about him and his eagerness and willingness to congratulate and celebrate others.  I told him how great it was and how he could take it a step further by watching these players and learning from them.  Different moves, styles and ways they should be played against would also help him in his own game and ability.

Now I will take it a bit further.  The more I thought and talked to Jayson about learning from others during basketball games, I translated that over into the game of life.  Do I genuinely feel happy for others when they succeed?  Do I go out of my way to congratulate others on their performance?  Do I sit back and admire the different qualities that I see in others?  I know what I do well and some of my strengths are others weaknesses as someone's strengths are my weaknesses.  Am I able to learn and glean from them?  Have I ever just gone up to a mom and said, hey I really like how you interact with your kids, how you treat your husband or how you organize?? 

It's amazing how the game of basketball can open up the door to so much more...

Stay tuned for Our Basketball Talks Part 2....

Do I Have A Booger In My Nose??

Many of you may know what an animated parent I am.  I don't try to be, but it just comes out...random songs, raps, dances, etc.  Well a few weeks ago I got a call from my daughter that included the dredded statement..."MY MOM SAYS...".  My heart skipped a beat as I listened and thought "oh lord, what did I say now?".  She continued telling the story of how she tells her roomates different examples, lessons and words of wisdom that her mother has shared with her and her brother over the years.  Yep, I'm still panicking.  One particular story she told them sounded like this...

"My mom says, if you're walking around and you have a BOOGER in your nose and nobody tells you that you have a BOOGER in your nose, they are not your friend.  But I am going to tell you that you have a BOOGER in your nose, so don't get offended when I tell you that you have a BOOGER in your nose, because I love you!"

That was the best laugh of the day!  No one can tell a story quite like my kids (animated like their mom)!  Now let me translate in case you missed it.  I have always tried to encourage my kids to do what the bible says by speaking the truth in love.  Sometimes, you have to do what is hard and uncomfortable in order to help a friend or point them towards what is right.  When you love someone, you don't let them walk around in denial, ignorance or foolishness.  You would want someone to tell you when they see you on a destructive path, right?  Using the "booger" illustration was a way for me to teach them that even though I was correcting them or disciplining them, it was because I loved them.

I am thrilled to know that my kids have heard the message that I was so desperately trying to get across to them.  I will admitt, it is still a little scary being quoted, but I now know my kids are well equipped to let me know if I have a booger in my nose.

Lookin' Mighty Fine

It's Jayson's 8th Grade Year which means his last year of Traveling Basketball.  His coach wanted to make the year special by having "his" boys get all decked out and take pics to remember this milestone.  That was like music to "mom's" ears!  Dress up? Pictures? You got it!!

Here are just a few of the "mom shots"....Enjoy!

Good lookin' boys!

Who LOVES KU?? We do, we do!

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!

So Nice To Be Appreciated!

I am very blessed to be able to work at home...and even more blessed to be in connection with people who appreciate what I do!  I am truly thankful for the wonderful gifts, thoughtful words, and sweet treats that I am given!



So yummy, don't be jealous! :)





Res-o-lutioNOTS!

I love new seasons, changes and a new challenge.  However, I have always been quite a rebel, not evil, un-ruly or disobedient, but just not a follower of people, trends and fads.  When a new movie is released, I will never be the first in line.  I'm just not built that way.  When the New Year comes around, like most, my wheels start turning about what I want to accomplish, start doing, stop doing, etc.  In most cases I don't really start any so-called "New Year's resolutions" until mid-February. Again, not being stubborn, just plain being true to me.  Don't get me wrong, we sit down as a family and go over family things we would like to accomplish, kid's personal goals, and look at the calendar to try and add trips/vacations, but as far as a list of Do's and Don'ts...not gonna happen!  This year I decided to make a list of New Year ResolutioNOTS.  Things that I am NOT going to stop doing just for the sake of the "New Year". Enjoy!

1. I will NOT give up coffee.

2. I will NOT stop being an influence in my kids lives.

3. I will NOT stop having Christmas parties.

4. I will NOT probably ever like to cook.

5. I will NOT stop kissing my husband anytime, anywhere, or anyplace.

6. I will NOT stop being a KU fan (even if my son foolishly decides to play for another team in college).

7. I will NOT stop eating cookies for breakfast.

8. I will NOT stop making very unneccesary purchases.

9. I will NOT stop wanting big bear hugs from my son.

10. I will NOT stop enjoying my daughter's hardy laugh.

11. I will NOT stop loving my Jesus.

12. I will NOT stop being comfortable in my own skin.

13. I will NOT join a gym in January.

14. I will NOT stop loving black sweatpants even if my butt happens to get smaller.

15. I will NOT stop looking forward to March Madness College Basketball.

16. I will NOT stop being a Night Owl, even if it's just one night a week.

17. I will NOT stop loving Twizzlers.

18. I will NOT stop laughing...I've tried, doesn't work for me.

19. I will NOT stop drinking coffee...did I say that already?

20. I will NOT stop thinking I am tall even though I'm 5'3".

Happy New Year 2011!