The Rest of the Weekend

To finish up what I didn't tell you in the post below... Todd Jr came home for the weekend. He was home briefly over Labor Day, but this was the first full weekend he's been home since school started. Great to see his smiling face and catch up on what's going on with him. He brought me a present - laundry - lots of laundry. If you get a chance, ask him what "mix and match" means... I'm sure you'll be enlightened.

I didn't mention much about the celebration after the soccer game. I thought I'd give you a visual instead.

Can you say "dehydration and heat exhaustion?" Adam and Marcus Hoover succumbed to the heat and opted for the ambulance ride to the hospital instead of the celebratory fire truck ride that their teammates were taking.

Adam literally left it all on the field. After giving him two bags of IV and glucose (his sugar was 58), and cooling him down, he was free to leave feeling somewhat like a pin cushion. He was so dehydrated that they had a hard time getting his veins to cooperate with them. Oh well, it makes for an interesting story... He's feeling much better today with orders to drink, drink, and drink some more. At least Wednesday's game is in the evening. Right now the forecast says it should be about 60 degrees with 40% chance of rain. I think we'll pass on the rain, but the 60 degrees will be great.

So Todd is heading back to college, and I'm a little lonely once again, but I'd much rather have him where God wants him than home with us.

Soccer sectionals

Wednesday (10/3) was the first round of soccer sectionals. We played Union City and won 9-0. Adam had 4 goals and 2 assists. South Adams has only had a high school soccer program for six years, and this marked our first victory in round one of sectionals.

We went on to play in the sectional finals yesterday at 11:00 a.m. at Blackford High School. Now, this is October in Indiana, when the leaves are changing, and fall is in the air ... NOT! The temperature was near 90, and the humidity was high. We all worked up a sweat cheering on the sidelines. The guys on the field ran for 80 minutes of regular play, and then being tied 3-3 at the end of that, ran for another 14 minutes of overtime play. Adam scored two goals during regular play, and then the winning goal in overtime. We beat Jay County 4-3. It was so exciting - Another first for the South Adams Soccer program. We go on to play in the first round of regional playoffs next Wednesday at 7:30, again at Blackford High School.

Excitement is in the air... I'll keep you posted.

Time Flies...

It's been a while since I've had time to post. So much has happened, so I'll try to get all caught up.

Daniel turned 10. We had celebrated with his friends before school started so on his actual birthday we spent some time together at home. He hit double digits this year...time goes by so quickly!

Last week Todd Sr and I and Adam and Daniel went to Fort Wayne for the day. We ate at Flat Top Grill, which was wonderful, saw the movie Game Plan which was actually worth seeing and totally appropriate for all ages, and then we went and drove some go-carts. We weren't sure if Daniel would be able to drive his own car or not. Last time we went, he didn't meet the height requirement so he rode with me. This time, he was just over the 58" requirement, so he got to drive his own. Of course, Todd and Adam, being extremely competitive, lapped Daniel and I twice. I decided to stay in the back and look out for Daniel, which I then took a lot of flack for from the guys. Once a mother, always a mother.

As we were leaving, Daniel was walking a little taller, quite proud of his newly found freedom. He shook his head a little, and remarked, "I suddenly feel older." Older...it's all relative. I feel "older" too, just in a different way.

Todd Sr. also had a birthday. He may be 41, but he's a kid at heart. It's a lot fun watching him interact with Todd, Adam and Daniel. Under all of the joking and teasing is a father's love that wants to teach, train, protect and inspire. He does all of those things in a wonderful way.

Soccer season

Soccer's in full swing at South Adams. Adam is a senior and was elected by his team members to be one of the two captains. So far, the team is 2-2-2 (wins-losses-ties). This past week Adam scored six goals and had two assists. Thursday's game was against Leo High School. They won 2-1, the first time in the history of South Adams Boys Soccer that they defeated Leo. Adam's freshman year, Adam left the Leo field in an ambulance after taking a cheap shot from one of Leo's players. Thursday was a sweet victory indeed. Adam scored the two goals on penalty shots after being fouled both times on the way to the goal. By the way, it was also Adam's 18th birthday - nice birthday present!

Watching Adam play soccer is much like watching a car race. Sit down and hold on because it's going to be good. When Adam leaves the field at the end of the game, he has nothing left to give - he leaves it all on the field.

We're so proud of Adam. He is a wonderful athlete, but more importantly, he is a young man with such a deep love for his Heavenly Father which translates into love for those around him. He teaches us much about walking in faith and standing strong in a world full of compromise.

More to follow...

Daniel's early birthday party

The Crew

Josiah, Daniel, Xavier, Dexter

Jesse and Sam

Well it seems that every year when Daniel's birthday rolls around on September 21, we are full speed ahead with school and soccer season and have a hard time fitting in a proper birthday celebration, so this year we decided to be proactive and celebrate early. Daniel decided to take five of his friends to BearCreek Farms to the Swimmin' Hole for a cool and refreshing kind of celebration.

It was hot and humid outside as it is in Indiana in August, but it nice and cool in the water. After swimming for a couple of hours, we headed outside onto the patio for cupcakes and ice cream. Daniel agreed it was one of his best birthdays ever!

College prep

Todd Jr and I went shopping recently for dorm room/college stuff. Shopping, yes, but more importantly time spent together. It seems as though summer arrived and departed this year without even so much as a nod in my direction. We managed to squeeze in all of our errands and a quick lunch. Mission accomplished, and then on to play catch up at home with work. I've had twinges of sadness thinking about Todd heading back to college, but I'm so thankful that he is so excited about going back. He has wonderful friends and a bright future ahead of him.

Jake (roommate) and Todd

At Swiss Days the last Saturday of July, Todd put on a half-hour concert on the main stage which showcases local talent. He sang and played some original songs as well as some praise and worship music and my all-time favorite song "Changed." It was so much fun. Many friends were there, and it was a good day!



God, thank you for the gift of this young man. Continue to train, teach, guide and bless him. Thank you for your faithfulness and your hand of protection. Guard his heart and his mind, for he belongs to you.

More to follow...