Goodbye Soccer

Soccer is officially over. Liam's party was yesterday and he got his trophy. A season completed, playing in every game. He has improved so much over the season, going from being too intimidated to even practice to playing in the game and even scoring a goal. We were there every game, sitting on the sidelines in the sun and rain cheering him on. We always kept it positive and encouraged him; to me it did not matter if he ever kicked the ball. He was doing a good job by just showing up and running around the field. He does not love it, soccer is not his favorite thing. That is ok. He never has to play again, it is up to him. But, he learned to perservere and face things that are uncomfortable. He practiced being there for his team and playing on a team sport. He learned to not give up when things get hard. I am proud of him for this. Soccer was not an easy thing for him. He is not as fast as the other players (ssshhh don't tell him!!) and it took hard work to stay out there during game time.The sport is aggressive and requires players to go after the ball. Liam prefers turns and order. He was worried about accidently kicking someone. But each week, he went out there and learned that he can face uncomfortable, intimidating situations and be ok. He practiced facing his fears, and I hope that as he gets older and these situations arise, they will build on each other. I pray that the practice he gets in these situations as a child and as he grows up will help shape him into a successful man that follows what is right in every situation. I believe that God has great plans for him, and while this soccer season was just a small drop of his life, it is a building block and stepping stone for him to stand upon.

Monthly Blessings

Inspired by my friend Lindsay, I decided to go back through my calendar and find something from each month I am thankful for. So, here it is:

January- Taking the family to see Playhouse Disney Live!

February- The Escape being fixed instead of totalled after Nathan's accident! Being able to spend a week in California with our families.

March-Liam starting T-ball. Deacon's ear infection going away with 1 round of antibiotics!

April- Both boys birthday's and Grandma Beth visiting! Deciding for sure to send Liam to the public school. The boys take a Rock N Roll Kindy class at the Children's Museum that they love.

May- Seeing Third Day with Nathan. Being elected to the PTO Board. Going to my church's women's retreat with Meg.

June- Liam graduated preschool. Grandma Beth, Grandpa Frank, Aunt Janelle visiting!

July- Wyatt born! Nathan promoted to Asst Branch Manager. My oral surgery is successful and easy.

August- Visiting California. Finding out Liam has an awesome teacher for Kindergarten (this was a HUGE prayer request).

September- Liam successfully starts Kindergarten. Deacon starts preschool.

October- seeing Star Wars In Concert with the family. Grandma Beth, Aunt Shayne, and the cousins visiting! Me and they boys getting the H1N1 vaccine.

There is so much more that I could have written. We truly have had a blessed year!

Trick Or Treat, Smell My Feet...

Hope you all had a great Halloween, we did!

Here are some pictures of the night (don't miss the 2 videos at the end). Nathan did the left, I did the right. Trick Or Treat!!!Happy after getting some candy.The boys thought the funnest part of the night was passing out candy to trick or treaters who came to our door. Liam held the bowl and told each person "You can pick out what you want." He was excited to do this because he said that he loved it when people let him pick. Exhausted after a great night!I think I scared this girl standing there in the dark taking video :)

Halloween Parties

Liam's pod had a spider party for their Halloween party. My mom came and watched Deacon so I was able to go help out. He had alot of fun doing the crafts and playing the games. Liam absolutely loves it when I come to his school to help out.Liam in the spider hat he made. Liam stayed home from school the day Deacon's class had their Halloween party so he got to come with us. There were only 8 kids there because so many people were out sick. They had a great time playing the games and doing the crafts!Listening to the Halloween story.

Pumpkin Festival

While our family was up visiting we went to the Oregon Hill Farm Pumpkin Festival. This is a small farm in town where the kids go on their field trips to get their pumpkins, and there are festivals there 2 weekends in October. This was our first year going, and the kids had fun!Liam's first time riding a horse!Pumpkin BowlingDeacon tromping through the cornLiam took Gunnar through the corn with himGiant Oak tree.A glimpse of the beauty of Fall in OregonHay Ride!Liam wanted to ride the doggie carraige!

It was a cute little festival, I am glad we decided to go this year!

Family Time

Some pictures from the family visit...

Star Wars- In Concert!

Last week we were able to take the kids to see Star Wars- In Concert at the Rose Garden. It was amazing. They have a full live orchestra with a huge HD screen. The orchestra would play the music from Star Wars while scenes played on the screen. It was also narrated by Anthony Daniels, who was C-3PO in the movie. They did chronological scenes and thematic scenes. The boys LOVED this show. It was so fun to see them enjoy it so much. The orchestra was awesome. From time to time they would show the orchestra on the screen, which was good because they were so on that it was easy to forget to you were listening to live music!

On the way there- super excited! Hardcore Jedi'sThere were characters from the movie walking around the Rose Garden when we got there. We were able to take our picture with a Kashyyyk Trooper. Deacon did want to take his eyes off of him. Storm TrooperWaiting for the show to start.Deacon folded up in the seat. It was so funny!View from our seats.Liam rockin' out.Looking at the program during Intermission.The End.