Weekend Recap

Well another weekend whizzed by -- sadly....  I'm always reminded how quickly my weekends seem to dissipate.  But thankfully, this week I remembered to document at least some of it! That being said, I'd still like my weekends to be a bit longer.

 My solo dinners have been improving as of late.

Thursday menu: Mini turkey meatloaf & garlic green beans. Oh and not to mention one

of my new favorite drinks: Angry Orchard Hard Cider. Let's all say in unison..."yum!"

 Post game get together. Tough loss this week, it was close for sure

but each week the kids & coaches look better & more comfortable.

This next week is homecoming! EEK! Cross your fingers for us!

 Homecoming game at Honey Isaac's alma mater.

Smashed the visitor -- 51-10. But Honey Isaac's little cousin plays for 

them, and a few good friends coach for them. So it's always nice to 

see people you know & love, regardless of the mascot on their jersey.

 Pre-reunion dinner walk thru Honey Isaac's college campus.

It really is a pretty campus in town -- oldest university this side of the Mississippi!

 And finally, my wife fail for the weekend. There's about 3 loads of laundry 

there that needed to be folded.  But a nap & dinner seemed so much more important.

C'est la vie!

Trying to rally at work while being sick today...not the easiest or most enjoyable thing ever. But I'll survive....right?? My couch, tomato soup, and sleep are beckoning me!

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These Days...

Well my friends we have survived the first week of real football practice, survived our first game (a whopping 4 1/2hrs south from us, and ended in a bitter loss...sad day), and survived our first weekend of meetings.  Needless to say, it feels good to actually be back in to what is the Parker's "normal" routine.  I always feel a little jolt as we move in to this season....a small shock to the system as it all comes together.  But once in the swing of it, it feels right.  Sure there are nights when I'd like my honey home early to eat at a "normal" time & it'd be awesome to snuggle on the couch the entire Sunday afternoon....but truth be told, Isaac is doing what he loves & what he is meant to do.  How can I be mad about that??

And these days....have already brought a few instances where my husband's incredible patience has needed to shine through.  For which I am amazed - can't say I would be as gracious, as cool under pressure, or as clear minded. Can we say rockstar or what?! 

But most importantly these days - I've been reminded (even though that ugly little voice is trying with all its might to distract me with lies) that I am loved and supported by some pretty wonderful family & friends.  Ever have one of those days when just everything seems to be falling apart at the seams?  Yup, that was my Tuesday....or what I'm calling Monday on steroids.  Rather than crumbling to that ugly voice (which would and sometimes still is my norm) - I thrust out my hand to my sweet friends; who without hesitation offered prayer, encouragement, and love.  Let's just get this clear - for a girl who never thought of herself as a "girls girl" - I am BEYOND grateful for this group of women who I am growing to know, trust, & love.  What a blessing to know I can turn to these women even with the smallest, or ugliest things and know that I'm not alone.  Weight lifted! Which in turn obviously makes me want to return the favor - to them, to the other football wives/girlfriends, to my other dear friends, to family...catch the drift? Ya know, pay it forward??

Just for good measure - here's a photo from Honey Isaac's first football game... I was a smidge late, and missed the kick off (insert wife guilt here....) but by & by could not be more proud of him.   

That's him in the center w/ the black hat & blue shirt.  Thankfully we're on to the next game & everyone is ready to take on the new challenge.  Will try to keep my cool at the game this week...don't want to be the cooky wife! 
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Proud Wifey, Good Friends, & Blue Day

I first must apologize for my MIA status....life, as expected, has gone complete nutty with the start of football.  But like me, I'm sure you all have craziness of your own.

As mentioned, football is in full swing (even though I've said this before, now it's real & true).  Two weekends ago we had our coaches BBQ, which was the first sign.  Then we moved straight in to doubles week...aka, don't see your husband week.  Thankfully enough I have some pretty wonderful friends who invite me to share in their evening routines.  Thursday night of last week was spent with some dear friends having dinner, watching flag football, and observing a very rowdy baby boy getting a hair cut...let's just say there was hair everywhere.  And again super blessed by good friends on Friday night when a sweet friend tagged along with me to make some Head Coach's Wife errands & deliveries.  Followed up by a good dinner & conversation.  A reminder, yet again, that friends are the family that you get to pick!

Which brings me to McNary High School's first ever "Blue Day" extravaganza held on Saturday.  Honey Isaac & a Rotarian in town have been working on hammering out details for this even for months.  Our local Rotary club sponsored the event & offered to host/cook for McNary's Football team & parents, the Pop Warner teams in our area, McNary's marching band, as well as our cheerleaders.  The booster club made it's presence known by having NEW McNary merchandise to outfit fans.  It was an absolutely wonderful day.  I showed up about 9:30 and there were already about 50 people putting things together, getting grills warmed up, setting up shirts and yard signs to sell.  So I spent my time in the Booster Club tent selling sweatshirts & t-shirts & more.  It was so fun!  Honey Isaac asked if I caught any of the scrimmage...to which I sheepishly answered no, I was too busy selling the new duds!  Our friends from the Rotary club shared that they fed nearly 1,000 people! Amazing! Blue Day was an incredible success - but the best part of all was seeing how our community banded together in support & how that day really has built some excitement for what's to come!  For this coach's wife I was more than honored to be able to field so many compliments from our new friends about what a wonderful job Isaac is doing (duh!), and how happy they are to have someone at the helm who is genuinely excited about growing a strong, successful, and well rounded program & community!  *insert puffed up chest here* Talk about extreme pride & joy spilling out from my heart.  Plus it was just plain cool to really get my first glimpse of Isaac in his role as the Head Coach of the program!

Here are two photos from the day taken by the gentleman who helped organize the whole event...

Honey Isaac & our mayor Lore Christopher...she was our MC for the day

Myself & the booster club presidents youngest daughter...selling our little hearts out!

 

 It was, again, such a fun day...and made me so thankful & happy to be starting this new journey with so many wonderful, new friends.  Blessings, blessings, blessings!

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Football Widow No More

Before you get all worked up...don't worry...Isaac is still coaching football. ;)

I have a few friends who are coach's wives, follow a few ladies on Blogger/Twitter who know the perils of the season, and am pretty familiar with the struggles that the fall can bring.  And of course I've seen images like this floating around Pinterest

There is definitely a common theme amongst football wives/girlfriends -- a common identifier of being a "football widow" once fall camp kicks off.  Sometimes, truthfully, that indentifier has been used a guilt trip tool on my behalf.  I've used it to bemoan my situation.  I've used it to justify bratty behavior, or simply to not do the dishes.  How silly & selfish of me.  Here my husband is being used by the Lord in a way that he is able to be excellent, in a way that allows him unprecedented access to kids & their hearts, and in a way that offers opportunities for him to coach up, encourage, and in specific ways share his faith.  How awesome is that?  And yet, there I am...at home...one of his few places of peace/safety...acting selfishly because I am a football widow.  Hello kick to the gut!

Rather this fall I want to encourage Isaac, cover him, the coaches, & players in prayer, & free Isaac from the burden of having to dance to all my little demands(though sometimes they're not little, in all honesty).  I am casting off that identifier -- and instead replacing it with something like "football encourager," or even just....football wife! Remove the negative & replace with positive!  If you're of the praying sort, would you be interested in joining me pray for the McNary football team & coaches? Just shoot me a message/comment & once I have the list I'll share it with you.

And just for good measure...I did find a few photos from the trusty ol' iPhone from vacation! 

At the awesome Cascade Lakes Brewing Co. during our Ale Trail!

Where I spent most of my days...Eagle Crest Resort Pool...aka heaven!

And just for fun & reminiscing purposes...

Hard to believe it's already been 3 years!

Many more to come....now if only I could get back in to pre-wedding shape! FALL GOAL! ;)

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The Hunger Games, Sunburns, & the Ale Trail

We have returned from our long awaited, and long over due, vacation.  Sadly...to be honest.  I always hate leaving Eagle Crest. It's definitely one of my most favorite, sacred places.

The first moment I stepped out of our car last week Saturday and caught my first sniff of those lovely juniper trees I was in heaven! The first weekend we spent time with my folks & boy did I kick the weekend off like a rookie! Mom & I spent a few hours at the pool while the guys golfed -- and dope that I am entirely forgot to have sunscreen be put on my back! Well...except for the parts I could reach with my own hands, rubbing in my spray sunscreen! A mere 3-4hours later in the Central OR sun and I was pretty toasty! So toasty in fact that mom & I had to spend the next day in sweet Sisters, OR just to avoid the pool.  How lame, the thing I love to do the most at Eagle Crest & I botched it for myself for like 2 days!

A nice weekend with my parents led straight in to a few days just Isaac & I -- which let me tell you....this time was much needed!  We haven't had quiet, alone time with no work or football distractions in some time.  Sure he took care of a few items but for the most part it was just us relaxing, watching the Olympics, and hanging out! Let's just say it was awesome :)

Highlight of my week was finishing about 5 books - and primarily the entire Hunger Games Trilogy.  I'm not one who jumps on band wagons much.  In fact, I tend to steer clear of all the "popular" things for a while. So with all the craziness dying down I tracked down a set & happily read thru them in 4 days.  It was great! Not as intense as I was expecting, but the 3rd book definitely was the best of all 3.  There were a few moments of "oh my goodness!" But it definitely makes me want to see the movie now & anticipate the upcoming movies!

And finally ended our week with wonderful friends joining us for the last few days.  Time filled with my best girl friend at the pool while the boys went on adventures (let me tell you friends...this is the BEST set up for traveling with friends!).  We'd laze around in the morning, make our way to the pool about 11am and stay there til mid afternoon.  Ahhh...it was awesome!  Highlight of this time was doing the Bend Ale Trail.  The Bend, OR visitors center has a designated a route to take to visit some of the best known & newer breweries in the area.  You go & taste, purchase some drinks & food and get a stamp!  Once you've visited all the breweries you take your little pamphlet back to the visitors center for a prize! It's definitely a fun way to spend some time with good friends.  It can be as cheap or as expensive as you want -- we spent some extra purchasing some beer pints at each spot & some yummy food.  Definitely something to check in to!
 
Though I promised photos....I can not deliver. I get too focused on who I'm with and what we're doing to stop & document (silly me...).  I think that's going to be one of my goals this fall while Isaac is off being a big time head coach & all.  I'll start documenting what happens so we can look back & enjoy.

SUUUUUUUPER side note....Honey Isaac & I bought a new small vacuum cleaner (our hardwood one bit the dust after 3 years...) & it's a lovely Elextrolux.  And sweetie Isaac said I could be just like Kelly Ripa now... Yah, not so sure about that. ;)
Happy to be home as always, but football is now in FULL swing with lineman camp this week, team camp next week, doubles the following week, & then practice before the first game.  Jealous yet??  I'm trying to squeeze out my last few projects from Isaac and then it'll be all hands on deck for me with the house/cleaning/cooking/etc.  Such is life!
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Craziness Has Begun!

Life as I once knew it has gone.  We're nearing two weeks of Isaac being the head coach at McNary & I can already see (as I mentioned previously) how life is going to be drastically different.  Being the wife of a head coach carries with it different expectations, different responsibilities, and carrying oneself with a different air than being the wife of a coordinator or even position coach.  Man....reading that back, I sound like such a snob...definitely not my intention!! Perhaps that's going to be an area of heightened awareness for me....

Thankfully I've been reading thru Joyce Meyer's "Confident Woman" devotional on my trust iPhone each day.  Let me tell you -- a number of days I have sat back and thanked the Lord for speaking to me right then & there about my heart, my intentions, my "plans" for my life & Isaac's life, & for the way I care for those around me.  And in His perfect way, God has already brought me two distinct instances where I had to stop and lean on His guidance first.  But probably the thing I'm hoping to be a part of in this process is helping to create a real community between the other coach's wives/girlfriends.  I'm hopeful that God will provide for the right way to bring this to be for our community.  But right now I'm excited to see who God brings to the surface for other coaches & how they will interact with Isaac as he continues down the road as head coach.  Will you continue to pray with/for us? Pray for humility, pray for a meek spirit, pray for enthusiasm from kids/parents/teachers/administration/community, pray that relationships come first & confidence that from these relationships success will also come, and please pray that above all the Lord be glorified in this adventure!

Oh...and also, could you pray that my heart would be protected from being sucked in to sinful "what about me" thoughts.  That I would have a servants heart to help walk alongside Isaac, to help in any way I can, and to also be a voice of clarity & truth to him.

And if you haven't read much of Joyce Meyer -- take a chance, she's pretty good. :)
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where has the time gone...

First off may I just mention how bananas it is that it's March 1st already! March 1st! Weird...

That aside, not much to share unfortunately.  Except the fact that I'm already seeing how much different my life will be as the wife of a head coach.  It's March, honey is still at current high school & they're in the works to get him moved to McNary.  But at this point, he's getting uber focused on finding his staffing, getting connected to kids/parents, and just flat out hitting the ground running.  And here's what I'm already seeing....my commitment/responsibilities at the house have gone & will go through the roof! But yet I'm still beyond excited for Isaac & what's to come!

But more on that later...because I'm off to girls night for drinks & gabbing!
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My News

courtesy of Dirk Knudsen

 Ok friends -- I know for about 2 months now I've been casually mentioning that something was in the works.  But darling husband didn't want me sharing details on the blog.  He's a little superstitious & cautious.  He never wants to step on toes.  So I had to stay mum.  A few close friends & of course family knew what was going on.  **FYI - this is NOT a post about babies, so don't get excited in that way! ;) 

2 months ago my high school opened the job for their head football coach.  My sweet husband is probably one of the best coaches I have ever encountered -- and I know I've shared about him before.  So when this job opened up, we were beyond excited.  The opportunity to finally apply for one of his dream jobs & lead the charge at our local high school.  The job opened 12/22 & my efficient husband had his application submitted by New Years Day.  And then the waiting began...  Waiting for the school to interview/hire coaches for their spring sports.  Waiting for the call for an interview.  The interview came.  My dashing husband showed up looking professional & prepared.  The result of that interview we later found out came down to a 4-2 vote in support of giving him the job! We were beyond excited...but puzzled a bit also.  What would happen next?  The next call informed husband he would be asked to give a 45minute presentation on how he would run the program at the school.  Again my wonderful honey put all his efforts & focus on preparing for that presentation & he worked nearly non stop for the next 4 days to be ready.  After his interview he called me fully energized. He said he had nailed it & felt completely confident & comfortable.  But most of all, he felt a release -- this entire journey we have been praying for contentment & patience, releasing any hold we might have on that job to the Lord.  That His will would be done & that we would find joy in where He would have us.  
Again the vote after the final presentation was 4-2...can we say stressful?!  We had to wait a full day before we got the news....

We were at boys basketball game when the athletic director of the school spoke with Isaac & offered him the position as the Head Coach!!! ECSTATIC does not even begin to fully express how I felt when Isaac told me in the parking lot of the high school.  I may have even done a jumping spin to release my energy!   And to make it even more special, Isaac shared the news with me along with the current head coach & his wife that Isaac has worked with for 7 years.  They are one of the best couples I have ever met, and they fully welcomed me in to their family & community.  They're a good picture of how I hope Isaac & I can be in a lot of ways. Scott & AnneMarie have taught both Isaac & I a lot of lessons about being a head coach & a coach's wife.  Those lessons I'll hold near as we venture in to this new arena.

So now it begins....here I stand as a 26yr old head coach's wife, at my alma mater.  Being completely honest there are parts of me that are beyond nervous about what's to come & what expectations there may be of me, and those I may have already placed on myself...But thankfully we have amazing family & friends already surrounding us in support.  If nothing else I have clearly seen how the Lord works for the good of those who believe & He has the perfect plan in place for us.
Here's the link to the small announcement published by our local newspaper sharing the news on Isaac's hire: KeizerTimes 

Here's to a new adventure! I'm back to my Celtic Blue!
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Practice Patience

This season right now is one where we're not sure what direction we're going.  In fact we're kind of making movements forward in about two or three directions.  Not sure how any of them are going to work.  Simply moving forward until we are told to stop.

Isaac submitted his application for a head football coaching position at our local high school.  It'd be a step up for him professionally, and is something I know without a shadow of a doubt he would be FANTASTIC at.  He has that natural ability to assess situations & think logically, without losing the personal side of each situation.  But with the school district there are always a certain amount of unknowns. 

So it seems fitting that one of my areas of weakness, patience, would be tested in this time.  I am not what you would call a patient person.  (I am more the person that unwrapped gifts as a child, because the anticipation was more than I could bear)  I've been driving by the high school each day praying for God's will to be first, and for Isaac & I to be content in what plan He has for us.  Even if that means something different. (super honest moment....sometimes when I talk about this, I feel silly/shallow because on the spectrum of life there are so many other things to be focusing on.....)  We've been praying together & individually about what the immediate future holds.  And as is fitting, God is using his word to speak to my heart also about being patient, being content, and trusting in Him.  Sometimes easier said than done..but each day I try again & try to remain focused.  

Lord where are you leading? We are anxiously waiting to see what you have in store.  And we know we probably won't make sense of it all until we're at a point where we can look back & see how you pieced it all together.  Trying each day to trust, learn, & lean in to you.
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Days of Gratitude - Days 3 & 4

Day 3:
Super thankful for Isaac's high school coach -- he's helping coach at OSU now, and graciously offered to get us tickets for the game this weekend! I'm so pumped! I haven't been to an OSU game in AGES! And it's homecoming which should be fun -- neither of us are OSU alums, but whatever.  Bonus, his coach is getting us access in to the hospitality room after the game to hang out! How fun! But I'm crossing my fingers that Oregon stays true her to schizo weather ways and holds off on the rain!

Day 4:
Realizing that this time next week I won't have to be at work (Thank you Veterans Day) and will be prepping for a HUGE Hawaiian feast with some new friends.  They lived in Hawaii for 5 years and are aching for some "local" food.  Isaac & I are too happy to oblige :)  I mean, who are we to deprive people of some of our favorite food, that we make often.

Today is realtively quiet here in the office, and I can't say I'm disappointed.  An approval for a short sale came thru.  Found the boots I've been searching for online.  And I'm going to my alma mater's play-in football game tonight.  Despite the fact that I'll likely freeze to death, I'm very excited!  Finding that I am loving football more and more as I watch it.  What I don't find myself loving even still are the ridiculous long hours --- sometimes it just wears on you & you get tired of practice & film break down.  But such is life, right?
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Blogging Bum

Yup -- that's me! The latest blogging bum!  For a multitude of reasons I have been MIA.  Lately, I'd rather be spending what precious time I do have with Isaac...darn football.  And then this weekend was spent with 4 wonderful girl friends of mine.  Though I promised to try and take photos -- true to form, I was having far too much fun to even think about it! I did bring my camera with the best of intentions.  But there's something about taking walks, random/spontaneous Zumba parties, & a nerve-wracking Stanford game that keeps a girl preoccupied.

I will say that I was reminded again of how thankful I am for the blessings of wonderful girl friends.  It's always so surprising how nice it is to just be surrounded by good friends, talking about serious things, laughing & giggling about silly things, and having a shared love of Christ to be bonded together.  A brisk 2.4mile walk in to Sunriver Village was awesome -- followed up by a cup of coffee & a quick stop at the renovated market.  There's not much that beats a girls weekend. 

And to top it all off -- this week husband has a bye for football, but of course we're going to another high school football game.  It wouldn't be fall without a football game every Friday night.  But this game is the 1st playoff game for his cousin who plays in Portland against another Salem team. So it'll be fun to sit with family, and actually enjoy a high school game with my husband! And we're likely getting tickets to the OSU/Stanford game too which will be AWESOME! Thank you Coach Souza! I pinky promise to take some tailgating/game photos! I'll even get Ike in on the action & to remind me! :)

MUST mail off scarf swap box tomorrow! Waa! Have to get a few more items for the package before I mail it, but boy it takes a lot of thinking! Hope my swap partner doesn't mind that I'm not super creative.....eek.

Have a great one friends! Glad to be back in the mix!
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A Saturday Reprieve

Every fall there is one Saturday that I look forward to -- one Saturday where there are no football plays being scribbled on scrap pieces of paper, one Saturday where I'm not waiting just to see my husband at 3pm, one Saturday when we spend every moment together doing whatever we want.  Yesterday was that day -- and it was awesome.


There weren't any grand plans on the agenda.  In fact there wasn't anything "spetacular" about the day, except for the fact that we were together for an entire Saturday.  The primarily consisted of a Saturday market visit, dropping off our dog at the groomer, grocery shopping, dinner and a quick run in to Toys-R-Us(try not to judge).  Super glamorous events I know.  But in complete honesty, nothing about yesterday sucked or was boring.  I love my husband....and without trying to sound like one of "those" wives, I would not trade him for anything or anyone.  God obviously knew what he was doing in putting us together.


I treasure that Saturday every season. It's perfectly timed -- right in the middle of the season.  It's a reminder that all the time away is worth it.  And it's a reminder that the end is near, and the partnership will be back to normal.  Football season is hard -- especially on the wives/girlfriends sometimes.  But this weekend was a reminder that I'm married to a wonderful man and through it all he loves me above football.  So I'm ok with sharing him & letting him be the best man possible as a football coach!
Love that man
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My Husband the Coach

This season has been challenging for my husband, the other coaches, and the football team.  To say that this season has been less than what was expected would be a gross understatement.  In fact, so far it's been downright heart breaking.  Truth be told this past week I almost cried at the football game....yes, you heard me right, I almost cried.  Oh, and I may have had to genuinely control my temper & tongue from saying something to a parent.  Not a proud moment -- but I was proud of my self control.

With the disappointing season thus far we've been trying to find lessons to learn and find positive outcomes from each game to focus on.  It's sometimes easier to just surrender and give in to the negativity.  But not if you're my husband....nope.  He always allows himself Friday night to be disappointed & angry.  But come Saturday morning brings with it a new opportunity to solve a new puzzle.  I'm learning so much about Isaac and his philosophies about coaching football.  

I sincerely can't wait to see Isaac be a head coach some day.  Those kids are going to be incredibly lucky -- not that I'm biased or anything.  My reasoning?  Isaac isn't simply focused on winning football games, don't get me wrong or anything the man does want to win -- but he isn't willing to sacrifice building and encouraging boys in to becoming young men.  That's probably the best part about Isaac as the football coach.  He sincerely wants to have great football players but he also wants to help kids figure out how to be the best young adults possible, to help them make solid choices, and how to be responsible in all areas of their lives.

It's going to be pretty awesome to see him in that capacity when the time comes.  For now...we're being grateful for the place we're in.  The lessons are plentiful and the joys are many.  Sure there are sacrifices -- but those sacrifices help bring more gratitude for the blessings.

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A Whisper

I've been trying to listen for the small whispers from the Lord...to be more aware of His leadings.  And I'm glad I've been listening because I've felt really led to start praying for Isaac's football team....each player, by name.  Along with the football coaches.  
There have been some situations going on that have been challenging for Isaac, for the other coaches, for the kids, and then of course for the wives/families of the coaches & the kids.  And I'm not even sure there is anyone praying for these kids -- not just for what they can do on the football field but for who they are as people.


So starting tomorrow morning (goal is prayer for every kid on game days) I'll be praying thru the roster. I'm kind of excited about it to be honest.  I always know a few specific kids each season, but this will be a cool way to know who each kid is. 


Ok...back to my laundry (story of my life in the fall)...
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Counting My Blessings

Alright -- I've decidedly made it through the 1st two weeks of the football season.  Despite my complaints in my last post, I have survived.  And I believe this year I've survived more so because I wasn't afraid to tell those around me that I was lonely, or needed a friend, or needed any excuse to get out of my house.  Swallowing my pride this year definitely made the difference in keeping me from becoming a self-loathing, pity party loving, annoyingly depressing woman.  I'll have to remember this for next year and get a better jump on it!

But out of those two weeks I have yet again gained a perspective of how wonderful the people around me are.  How incredibly giving and loving they are.  How they care about who I am & more importantly, how I'm doing.  I only pray that I am able to offer this in return to them when they need this encouragement.
I'm moving back in to my running routine with the help of the fabulous "Running Aunties" I'm blessed to know.  I'm blessed to have spent some quality time with AnneMarie -- who's husband is the head coach for my husband's football team.  She is quality, and I so appreciate the real-ness that she brings to every situation, no sugar coating, no BS -- just real life AnneMarie.  I'm blessed with some of the very best girl friends out there.  Like Mo who invited me over for dinner last night with her & her husband (whom I lovingly call Yearbster).  We haven't had much time to connect recently and it was absolutely worth the 15 minute drive to her house to eat together, visit, and of course get the obligatory frozen yogurt!

And most of all I am blessed with a husband who loves what he does, seeks to include me in all areas of his life & passions, and loves me to the moon and back (and I love him the same as well).  I know he's been working like crazy these last few weeks, and with two hard losses on the books he's been putting in over time to try and best prepare the other staff and the players.  So I wanted him to know how much I appreciate his dedication...I bought the man a round of golf at our local course to have an afternoon of relaxation & decompressing.  Boy I'll tell you -- there is nothing better than the purity of a grateful smile and sincere hug.  He was elated when I handed him that certificate (which I'm sure he'll be using this weekend while I'm out of town!).  It is such a joyous feeling to bring joy to the ones you love.

I'm letting go of that negative attitude from my last post.  I'm passing on the negative ranting & raving of football.  I'm moving away from pouting.  Instead I'll count my blessings, I'll be thankful for evenings on the couch together -- even if they do include breaking down film.  I'll be thankful for football games together on Saturdays -- even if they are our "date night" activity.  I'll be thankful for a man who diligently wakes up every day to go to work (without complaint), who cares deeply for his students & his players, who strives for excellence in all that he does, and longs to be an image & ambassador for Christ in all areas of his life.

Those are just a few of my blessings -- for which I'm giving all praise to the Lord above.  For nothing comes to us without first sifting this HIS hands.  He knows the plans he has for us...."plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
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Tough Transition

This time of year is always hard for me.  I know I've mentioned it a few times but with fall in full swing, football has literally taken over my house and my marriage to a degree.
I always know to expect the flood of events, the flood of football related commitments; but there is one aspect of this season that seems to take me by surprise.  The amount of alone time is always a little hard to digest at the beginning of the season.


Example...Saturday morning, 1st Saturday post game...I was home alone cleaning, preparing for some of the football coaches to come over to *gasp* watch a football game.  Saturday evening was spent with wonderful friends & new friends.  Sunday took hubby back to school at about 1pm for school prep & football meeting, not returning until about 830pm.  And then despite the holiday on Monday, it was back to school at about 11:30am for football work, football meetings, football practice, more prep, football team dinner and then home about 9pm.  Needless to say I essentially spent the weekend alone.  Now normally I don't let this get me down...but it's always the first one or two weekends that kill me.  Now add to that scenario my three best friends are out of town, my parents are in Arkansas, and my sister & her family are out of town.  It felt like I was literally, not figuratively, alone with no one to call.  Insert pathetic, couch bum day on Monday.  Yup -- I was that girl.  The girl with no life, no friends, etc.  It was hard to ignore the lies that Satan was trying to sell me that day -- hell, it was impossible not to hear, and buy in to.  Boy oh boy was it hard...


All this to say that although I would absolutely never ask Isaac to do anything than what he is doing right now, it's still hard to transition from our summer life back in to school/football zone.  Because it's hard not to feel like I'm supposed to be a specific type of wife, or do specific tasks because I'm a football wife.  


So here's to another season.  Another year.  And hopefully this time of transition will pass quickly and I can move in to the joyful, fun part of this season in our lives.  
How do you handle times of transition like this? Regardless of how short the times of transition are.
<3