We won!

Making tough decisions...

Coach Grant's biggest (little) fan...

Let's go ladies!

Yes, sports fans, we finished with a win. Friday night was a tough one. The girls played hard, but lost in 4 games.

But then on Saturday night, our final hooray...we pulled it out. I was so proud of them.

I had a big fan section. My mom & dad; my sister, her husband and their 4 kids; Carey & Tarah; Dave & Julie Rasmussen and their girls, Laelie & Tirien; Olivia Pothoff and her girls, Tenley & Caselynn. Very fun...oh, and of course, my better half with Levi & Ella cheering the loudest of all.

And so, we are finally done with the season. Our final time together will be this next Saturday for an evening of dessert, team awards & memories. The other assistant coach and myself get to plan the evening. (Yes, a creative outlet!)

I have been debating about what to give the girls for an end of the season gift. Not a monogrammed towel or a signed volleyball...but something with some more substance. And I think I have decided on a book.

But which one? Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper or Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney? Biblical Womanhood by Nancy Leigh DeMoss or Amazing Women and Their Extraordinary God by Noel Piper? Choices...choices...choices.

I am still deciding, but would take some input if you want to share it! :o)

I just want to leave them something that has some lasting value...since there is more to life than volleyball.

For this, I am truly thankful.

Like father...like son.
(Josh is standing in the exact spot he was when
he saw me for the first time...10 years ago...on the floor behind him...what memories!)

Super Fans!
(Carey & Tarah, Levi, Olivia & Tenley Pothoff, Josh & Ella,
Dave & Laelie, and Julie with Tirien in front)

Coaching days are numbered...

Well, this is my final week of volleyball practice. We have our last 2 games this weekend, both at home. Friday night is University of Puget Sound. Number 2 in the league...a formidable opponent. And Saturday is Willamette. Not number 2 in the league, but someone we lost to last time around.

It is, as they say, bittersweet. I have really enjoyed my time coaching these ladies. And it has confirmed to me that if I wasn't a blessed mother of 2 small children, wife to a visionary and exciting husband, who already enjoys her "day job" (nursing) and if I felt it could be beneficial to my family and the Lord...I would love being a head coach. I just love it.

Coaching is a tremendous opportunity to influence young lives. Not just in volleyball (although many of you know how passionate I am about that), but in their daily lives. I have had conversations with these ladies about everything from marriage to salvation, from children to careers, from family problems to future choices and everything in between.

And I am saddened by some of their stories and humbled at their respect for my counsel. I have had the unique role of being "aunt/big sister/friend" to many of them. And I have really enjoyed every minute of it.

Ok, let's be honest, I really hate the losing part.

But, soon it will all be over.

This season in life for our family has been challenging at times. Mommy gone Friday & Saturday nights...sometimes in Spokane, Seattle, Colorado. Missing dinner every night because of practice and the 50 minute commute.

Truly, we could not have done it if it weren't for our landlords. :o) Carey & Tarah ("Uncle Mac & Auntie" as they're lovingly called), have gone above and beyond in blessing us during this time. If it weren't for them, we couldn't have made it!

They have sacrificed much of their time, energy and alone-time for our family. And we say a public "Thank You". They have been servants with gracious and humble hearts. We love them.

So, I will let you all know how it goes this weekend. And just so you can know the girls and be praying for them, here are their names. Ashley, Jessica, Natalie, Ashleigh, Lani, Jen, Megan, Lindsay, Carly, Sarah, Natali, Kristen, Chelsea, Stephanie, Sara, Ali and Jenna.

Go Bruins.