A Nolan Story

On Sunday evening, Carrie was preparing Nolan, her "creature of habit" child, for getting his school photo taken on Monday.  She told him he was going to dress up for school because of it.  He protested vehemently.  She told him she was spending a lot of money on the pictures, and she wanted him to be dressed up rather than in his usual t-shirt and shorts.  Again, he protested, and said quite firmly, "I AM A BOY.  I am NOT going to wear a dress to school.

Well, no gender identity struggles with this child.  :o)

And I guess it shows that the phrase "dressing up" is not part of the lexicon of today's world.

Hurrah for Hannah!

Yesterday, Hannah's classmates voted her "Star of the Week."  They have togive their reasons for nominating her, and many of them said, "because she is kind to everyone, and she is smart."  Great job Hannah.  Grandma and Grandpa are very proud of you!

Quincy High Soccer vs. East Moline

Getting back into shape for the end of the season run....a big win against conference foe East Moline tonight.  Three games in St. Louis this weekend, and the QND rematch next Tuesday.   I think we are 13-1, the only loss at QND.  And one of the QND players told Mario after the game...."If Blake was playing, no way would we have scored 3 goals."  So hats off to you, Blake, for all your hard work to rehabilitate that knee and get back into action with your team.  :o) 

What to wear, what to wear....see the previous post for pics from Blake's Homecoming

Homecoming for Blake

It was a good evening for everyone.  Lots of fun and everyone home safely.  :o)

Homecoming Weekend for Blake

On the wall...

I saw this hanging on a wall during my travels yesterday....

IT MAY BE THAT YOUR SOLE PURPOSE IN LIFE IS SIMPLY TO BE KIND TO OTHERS.

Also saw (and already knew) this....

MUSIC IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE SOUL.

And then there was the interview with Oliver Stone.  He was speaking about his Vietnam War experiences. 

"YOU HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO KEEP YOUR OWN HUMANITY ALIVE INSIDE YOU."

Now there are some thoughts to ponder.

On Sunday afternoon, I thoroughly enjoyed going to a fundraiser for a Quincy native, a young man around Chris' age, who had a kidney transplant.   Amazingly, it was a high school friend who was a match, so she donated one of her kidneys.  For a couple of kids in their twenties to go through this and come out of it so well...just a great story.  The story of the transplant experience amazed me.  The medical profession continues to do things in new ways to help us live through health crises in better ways.  One of the objects of his pre-op was to get his body to think it was hers so he wouldn't have to take all those anti-rejection meds for a long time.   So far it has worked.  He had chemo, sounds like it was similar to what I had, and he said he had a whole new appreciation for people who go through that.  And to top off the afternoon, my name was drawn at the end for one of the three raffle prizes; I won a $100 gift card for The Abbey!  Lucky me.

Back in the Action!

Blake got in the game in both halves last night and played well.  Some nice headers, passes, possibly one goal-saving defensive play, and a volley in the air that tested the stability of that left knee.  He will wear the hinged brace the rest of the season, but he doesn't seem to mind it, and it wasn't slowing him down that I could see.
We were all there cheering him on, as were most all the fans, as he was announced into the game about 20 minutes into the first half.  Seemed everyone was happy that Blake was back in action.
Chuck, Katrina, and her daughter Madison were there also.  The Camacho/Dede/Karlson family took up a section of the bleachers all by ourselves!  It was a good night.
I just love that boy!  Can't help myself.  He has homecoming this weekend, and I am going to try to get some pictures.  Senior year.  Doesn't seem possible.  Just yesterday, he was eating macaroni on the kitchen floor.  So many sweet memories.

What the heck is this?

January 2011 TEC

Mario and I will be leading the January, 2011 TEC.  Well, I will technically be the leader, with lots of help.  If anyone who reads my blog knows a young person age 16-21 who would be interested in a 3-day opportunity to grow in their spiritual life, send their name our way!  AND we are always looking for adult observers who might be interested in participating in the TEC program, so we welcome adults to join us to see how we pass on our faith.  We are forming a fantastic team at this time, and we are excited to share our faith and what Jesus has done in our lives.   I have already begun to pray for the grace and good health I'll need to serve on this TEC.  I have confidence in the team members who have said "YES" to the invitation to serve.  The Holy Spirit always works wonderfully through the team and candidates on a TEC weekend.  Everyone comes away with blessings of new friendships and a closer relationship with Jesus.  Always something to look forward to!  :o)

Getting together

Blake and Dad, Chuck,
and Blake, Aunt Katrina, cousin Madison, and Uncle Mike

Wedding of Jill and Toby

Welcome Home

Two good things for Blake this week....Chuck is here, and a hinge brace has replaced the first one for his knee LCL recovery.  We have hopes that in 3 weeks or so, he can return to practice and get some games in this season.  We are praying for healing all-around here.  :o)