Fall 2010

I have done a miserable job blogging this year.  There just never seems to be enough time--or motivation--to sit down and get the job done.  Pregnancy and new baby just kind of put a stop to all normal activity.



I was able to help out the boys' football team by organizing their game day spaghetti dinners.  Before each varsity game a group of moms get together to make spaghetti, garlic bread, pickles, bananas and white cake for the team and cheerleaders.  On long-distance away games, we also make sandwiches and bars for to the boys to have after the game.   We had a lot of fun this year, and no one left hungry.

The Rebels had a successful season.  The Varsity team made it to the playoffs, but unfortunately lost in the first round to DNH, who is scheduled to play in the state finals this weekend.  It was one of those games that could have gone either way.  We just didn't get the job done at the right time.  

Alex was honored to be selected to the Second Team All-District Special Teams team.  He was also selected by his teammates as Special Teams MVP.  Alex played on the offensive line all season, which doesn't attract a lot of stats or attention, unless you're not doing your job.  We're very proud of him and the job he did this season.


Jackson saw some Varsity defensive and special teams playing time this season, too, and earned his Varsity letter.  

Both Jack and Chase played on the JV football team.  Jackson played linebacker, and Chase was running back.  Jack led the team in tackles, and Chase had over 1500 yards rushing.  Between the two of them, they scored over twelve touchdowns, and a myriad of PAT's.  I don't know the exact numbers, but I'm sure the boys could fill you in on the details.  You might also want to ask them about a couple hook-n-ladder plays they cooked up.  

Chase played on the Freshman team, too, as running back.  Two games on back-to-back nights made for a pretty tired boy, but he delivered and worked hard on both sides of the ball.  

Bryce debuted his football career as a lineman for the 7th grade Rebel team.  He worked hard all season, and shows great potential for the upcoming years. 

In his first month and a half of life, Macklin was able to go to 21 football games.  Colton and Katie each played four flag-football games, and Katie and Colton played soccer, as well, for a total of 12 more games on the weekend.  Add in church responsibilities, and we didn't have a whole lot of free time.

We wouldn't have it any other way.

Basketball practice has begun, and our first game is November 29th.  Go Rebels! 

EIGHTEEN

Today Alex is eighteen years old.

Really? How can that be possible?

Everyone always says that the years will pass by so quickly. In a blink of the eye the children will be gone.

Eighteen years ago, I didn't believe them.

Today, I do.

Eighteen.

A senior in high school. A man.

I am so proud of Alex and the person he has become. He is smart. He is hard-working. He is helpful. He thinks of others. He is loyal. He is dedicated. He is growing spiritually. He is willing to serve in his church. He is athletic. He is a good example to his younger brothers. When he loves, he loves completely. He is also a typical teen-aged boy at times.

Eighteen. Really.

Sometimes I feel so guilty that he had to be our 'guinea pig' in this game of parenting. But God knew what He was doing when he made Alex our oldest child. It hasn't always been an easy role for him, but he has paved the way for his siblings.

Have I mentioned how much I love Alex? I have ever since I first learned that he would be our Baby Dumplin'. When I first held him in my arms, life changed forever. He was the first one to call me Mommy. He has brought so much joy to our lives. He is an amazing blessing.

Eighteen.

I still can't comprehend the passing of time. Soon we will be hosting his graduation reception, and sending him off to college. His life is before him. My prayer is that he will continue to make wise decisions and rely on his Heavenly Father to guide him as he chooses which path he will take in life.

Happy birthday, Alex. Dad and I love you so much, and are very proud of you.

Love,

Mom

"My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:1-5

**My computer is in the shop, so I don't have any pictures to post of Alex. You can view the proofs of Alex's senior pictures, taken by our good friend and awesome photographer Jen, at this link: http://jennymelle.zenfolio.com/p630150391