Really? Snow?

The white stuff already? I heard the weather report the other day and didn't really believe there was a chance of snow. It is only the beginning of November and typically that hasn't been the normal weather pattern around here lately.

Well, I was wrong in my thinking. On the way home Thursday night, it was snowing so hard and such big flakes, I couldn't see a thing. The snow was accumulating on the road very fast and it was so WHITE...I couldn't tell where the road was. My winter eyes aren't acclimated yet. Finally, my husband passed me and I could follow his tracks.

I thought this was just an odd occurrence that would go away. Well, it's Saturday morning and it's snowing AGAIN! I talked to friends in Nebraska this morning. While it is 20 degrees here, it is 53 degrees there. While it is snowing here, it is clear there. (Their weather is on the way.) There is something really wrong with this picture. Our son's college roommates think that since he is from California it is all beaches and sunshine. He had to explain that we live in the mountains and get snow.

I haven't put my hoses away yet, the leaves haven't fallen and we still need to winterize. I guess we better get on it. 

So, are you ready for the white stuff? Ready or not I think it's on the way....time to snuggle in for winter and slow things down a bit.

A Happy Day!

November 4, 1989 I was blessed to marry my best friend. Twenty-two years later I am even more blessed. This will be short and sweet. I just want to use the space to say Happy Anniversary to my amazing husband!  I figure a blog is way better than a card!

I could not imagine my life any other way and am one lucky lady!

Happy Anniversary!

That was Then...

The age old question, "Where does the time go?" I wish I knew. Tonight is the beginning of a new chapter for me. The beginning of letting go of my baby girl. It is her first athletic senior night. She is almost finished with her senior year of volleyball. It seems like yesterday that she took this 7th grade volleyball photo.

I have always had this unique way of looking at the calendar each year...by which sports season it is. So basically my calendar is broken up into thirds for the school year...volleyball, basketball and softball. Our daughter has now almost completed 10 of 12 high school sports seasons.

I can remember our kids starting junior high and people telling us it would go VERY fast once they were there. It is true. I also just had a friend tell me about her last daughter leaving home. "Don't listen to what anyone tells you, don't believe them when they say it's ok...it's not!" She said about becoming empty nesters.

I am sad, but I am also extremely proud of our daughter and excited for her to pursue the dreams she has. She has been such a blessing and a joyful part of our lives. 

So for now, we will play out this chapter of her senior year. I will undoubtedly shed a few tears tonight as I will on her two other senior nights. 

As for where has the time gone...I will never have that answer...just the advice to enjoy EVERY minute we are blessed to share.  Love You Mandy!

Sportsmanship...Do you Have It?

"MCARTHUR – Perhaps Fall River High School should have a warning sign at the entrance to campus: Beware of Bulldogs and rabid fans. Why? Well, when it comes to volleyball, the Lady Bulldogs are next to unbeatable at home in Shasta Cascade League play, going 42-2 since the 04-05 season. Add in a well organized, vocal and pretty funny cheering section, and coming home with a win for visiting teams is more than a little difficult."

I took this quote from www.siskiyouyouth.com. Fall River High School fans left quite an impression on the man covering that game. Do you notice that it doesn't say anything about the fans being negative or unsportsmanlike? It doesn't say anything because this group of fans, although very loud and pretty funny, are not rude or unsportsmanlike. They have good sportsmanship.

Compare this to the visiting team fans that came to the Fall River side of the gym and knocked the "aces" off of the wall. Or the fans at a recent games that chanted, "nuts and bolts, nuts and bolts, we got......" Then there was the "How's the floor taste? Tastes like.....(insert opponents name)."

I think it is GREAT when the students want to cheer. Our team loves the noise and actually plays better in a noisy gym. What is hard, is the rude and unsportsmanlike comments. 

The fan club at FRHS has proven you can have fun, be loud and very strange and still be good sports. I have actually heard opposing players say, "I wish our boys would do that."

Sportsmanship is the key, support your team without belittling the other. Keep it positive and never cross the line to the negative side. Be willing to represent your school with spirit and pride.

Help Jacob Achieve a Dream

http://www.voiceofmcdonalds.com/voting/JacobNelson

Jacob doesn't know me. We are from the same area and I have seen him lead worship songs in his church. I know a close friend of his and that is how I am connected. From what I see, Jacob is an amazing young person chasing his dreams and boy can he sing!

He is an employee at out local McDonald's. He is one of 22 finalists in the Voice of McDonald's competition. You have the chance to decide who will represent U.S. at the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention in Orlando. How about a vote for Jacob!

Voting will run from November 1 to November 30, and is open to everyone.

Here is a little about Jacob from his biography posted on the voting page:

WHAT IS YOUR MUSICAL BACKGROUND?

I play several instruments and I have been singing since I was 10

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO ENTER THE CONTEST?

My supervisor told me about it and I thought it was a good idea

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS A SINGER?

To make music my career

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR MUSICAL HEROES?

My mom is my hero – I love to hear her sing and she encourages my singing

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT MCDONALD'S AND WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I have been here 7 months and enjoy the crew that have become my friends

WHAT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I have written several songs that I hope will one day impact other’s lives

I am so inspired by this young man for his accomplishments. He is from a VERY small town, works at the ONLY fast food burger place in town and is one of 22 finalist in a NATIONWIDE contest. To me, he is an amazing example of being able to realize dreams through determination. It doesn't matter who you are or where you are from...if you have a dream, chase it!

I hope you will take the time to listen and vote...and share the voting link to your friends. Let's stand behind this young man and show his how much support a small community can give.

http://www.voiceofmcdonalds.com/voting/JacobNelson