Perfect Ending

I started this post about six times, only to resort to backspacing. I've been trying to find an eloquent way of summing up this year's basketball season. You see, when Chris was hired as head girls' basketball coach last spring, there was a bit of controversy. Although the support both then and now has truly been overwhelming, there were a few who vehemently opposed the change and weren't afraid to voice their opinions through various means that included, but were not limited to, traditional small town gossip, editorials in the local newspaper and even a random incoherent, profanity laced email that would most accurately be described as hate mail.

These details are only a precursor to the real story. A story that's about a group of incredible girls who are not only talented, but also driven and coachable. They were open and receptive to change and were willing to unite despite their differences. That's not to say there weren't moments of frustration and disagreements (we're talking teenage girls here, remember?), but they were able to set aside their differences and unite for a common goal. The story is also about a handsome coach who is passionate about the game of basketball, but even more passionate about the importance of building up today's youth so they are prepared to be leaders in the future. He too, was open and receptive, he listened when it mattered, and tuned out the static of the critics and naysayers.

They spent long hours in the gym, those girls and their coaches. They were dedicated to improving and stretching themselves to be better. And although, I believe coaches are vitally important to a team's success, ultimately, it was those girls who pulled together and rose above the rest. Bringing home a Regional Championship trophy and then, a week later, a State Championship trophy.

That's Grace to the far right, she got the chance to sit the bench as a manager during some of the games this season, including the championship game.

Carla even made it to two of the games at the state tournament.

We (meaning Me and our herd of littles) didn't venture south to the regional tournament. We did, however, brave the long drive to the state tournament. My mom was out of school for spring break, so she rode along with us. My sister lives in Casper and graciously opened her home to us. She even planned a list of activities and sites to visit to keep us busy while we were there. We visited the library for storytime, the dinosaur museum at the college, the indoor playplace at Menards and swam twice at the Aquatics Center. My mom and sister kept the kids while I went to Chris's games. It was the perfect ending to a long basketball season. 

Clarifications

M'kay, so my husband is super sneaky and more techno-savvy than I gave him credit for. I had no clue he knew how to post on a blog, much less upload a picture. This morning was a little crazy, I didn't check the computer until afternoon and there were already several sweet comments. I was truly touched and couldn't hold back the tears, my heart swelled.....as well as my ego;)
However, I do want to make a few clarifications for any of you who may be mistaken. We actually hosted 4 team dinners at our house....not that anyone is counting:)
But more importantly, my husband is giving me more credit than I really deserve. I'm not always sweet to live with and if you don't believe me, ask Coach Scheffler, seriously, he knows better. Let me explain, you see, I was a little stressed the first time we hosted the basketball team for dinner. In the days leading up to the dinner several of the kids had the flu so instead of cleaning the corners and preparing for company, I was snuggling sick babies and cleaning up sick messes. When the day of the dinner arrived, I was running behind schedule, and I had made this list of things I needed Chris to do between 5:00 (when he said he'd be home) and 5:45 (when dinner was scheduled). The trouble was, Chris didn't come home at 5:00 or 5:15 or even 5:30. Instead, he walked in the door about 5:40. I was frantically trying to get the last of dinner done and Ava had been fussing and there was still a list of things that I wanted to be done before company arrived. When he came in the door, I started not-so-nicely barking orders and letting him know that Ava had been a crab etc, etc, etc. He listened, but didn't say much to defend himself. A few minutes later, I realized why he had been so quiet, Dave had come in the door with him and was standing around the corner and heard every word of my rant.
It was quite possibly my most embarrassing moment ever. Chris, however, found it hysterical. He could scarcely contain himself later in the evening when I was asking him why he didn't give me a sign to stop me before I humiliated myself. How hard would it have been for him to give me a look or exclaim "So, Dave, this is some weather we've been having?"....you know, just drop me a subtle hint that someone else was there and hearing my every word.
I learned a lot that night. I learned that I'd rather be nice than be perfect. I'd rather be a gracious host with dirty laundry on the stairs and fingerprints on the television, than a snappy one with a perfectly spotless house. I realized that the girls weren't there to judge my housekeeping and cooking skills. In fact, quite the opposite was true, they were genuinely happy to be here in my less than perfect house with my rowdy kids and they literally lavished me with praise for everything I made, even when it was just a baked potato bar.
Dave learned that it's safest to announce your arrival when you come to our house so as to avoid getting yourself an earful....and that's precisely what he did the next few times he saw me. He'd wave and shoot me a little grin and say something along the lines of, "Just letting you know I'm here."
I don't want to portray perfection. If you spent a day as a fly on the wall of my house, you'd see that I have moments of frustration and moments when I lack patience. I'm not always calm and kind, I am improving, but there are still many days when I fail miserably am brought to my knees to plead forgiveness once again.

Since every post needs pictures, how about these of Ava retrieving some of her sister's chapstick from the washer? I don't check pockets like I should and as a result, I wash a lot of chapstick and lipgloss. While I was changing out a load, Ava spotted some chapstick in the back of the washer.

It was clear in the back. She had to really stretch to reach it.

Sweet Success.

Truly Inspirational

If a person ever needs to find an example of a true daughter of our heavenly father, they only need to look into the eyes of Ramie.  Never a day passes when I don't marvel at the tremendous example she is to not only me but to every life that she comes into contact with.  Ramie strives to treat everyone with extreme kindness and can't stand to see anybody hurting.

As a husband, I am totally spoiled to have a spiritual woman in our home that is so devoted to the well-being of our 5 children.  Ramie has always been dedicated to being a stay at home mom and has excelled in this capacity. With a single income, sometimes Ramie has to sacrifice some of the fancy things in her life.  She is not one concerned with having all the designer clothes or driving expensive cars.  Her desire is to make sure she meets the spiritual needs of our children and follow the advice of our prophets.  Our children are a reflection of the amazing job that Ramie does in teaching and living the standards of the gospel.  When I come home each evening, she always has a smile on her face and the kids are busy doing some type of constructive activity.  Sometimes these activities cause the house to somewhat messy, but Ramie is not one that won't allow our children to be creative with the fear of a mess when done.

Over the past 4 months, I have had the responsibility of coaching the high school girls basketball team in Lovell.  This has caused some extra time away from the home, which means more stress on my lovely wife.  The hardest weeks are the late practice weeks because this means that I don't return home till after 8.  The majority of the time I would walk in the door with all the kids quietly sleeping after being tucked in by their caring mother.  This task is extremely challenging considering this means 5 children having their homework done, teeth brushed, scriptures read, and having their daily struggles nurtured by Ramie.  On top of these responsibilities,  Ramie also gracefully hosted 3 team dinners at our house where she prepared the most delicious meals that the team devoured.  These team dinners were crucial in trying to build team chemistry amongst the team and gave the girls a chance to interact with each other in a different setting.  As silly as it may sound, Ramie's dinners were a huge part of the success of our team this year. 

I know that I fail her in so many ways, but Ramie never complains or has a negative attitude towards me.  Someday I hope that I can be half the person that Ramie is and repay her for all the heartache I may cause her.  Thanks for all you do to make my life what it is and I love you more then words can describe!!