Addie photos FFA and senior recognition

Reed got made into a mummy at mutual. This is his friend LJ Livy watching in the background. 

The FFA was busy with the farvest auction early in the fall. There is a lot of participation in the club. 

They also helped serve at the alumni dinner. Mark and Reed showed up after the picture but were there as well. 

The sales team didn't do as well as hoped but still gianed from the experience and had a good day. 

Addie captured senior night. There are great parents behind the great players. I was happy to fit in Mark's jersey for the night. This was another mom's idea.

We sure love our Mark. 

FFA also picked up potatoes to sell. I love the many ways to serve and be involved. 

Asking MArk whaat he wants to do when he graduates. Serve a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints and Farm.

There's always plenty going on. We were sad the football game was canceled and the guys crashed the volleyball game (they were invited to share the spotlight) to be recognized but it was nice to be with Mark too. Football has not been an easy journey or timing for our family but I think we have all grown through the experience. Life rolls on. I'm thankful for Addie's continued effort to also capture our family events. We are blessed and life is so good. 
 

First round playoffs and donuts

This beginning state playoff game was so nice to have in our hometown. That decision to travel to Bend early in the season made for two comfortable weeks playing at home. The guys fought hard and won. We appreciated the support from family and friends. 

One half of the offense line. Evan on tackle, Mark, Raul at center. 

The huddle after the game was a celebration. 

The seniors who have worked so hard for this playoff run. Most were on the field during the heart breaking loss last season. Thus they understand the crush of losing. This has providied some powerful fuel to fight harder and work with purpose all season long. Those that weren't part ot the team last year lack that intense drive. 

I was listening to a book called the anxious generation that discussed the effects of cell phone use on teenagers today. How isolated they are and how much they miss because they are constantly looking down instead of out. There have been many requests over the years to host a donut party like my mother in-law. That was her deal she mastered that art through much practice. But I see my kids needing more social interaction so I decided this was a way I could foster that. Thus I made donuts. I learned a lot that day. Millie helped because you have to have a helper when frying so many at a time. 

This cutie played outside and taste tested. 

We took the finished donuts to the field for after practice. Oh how I miss the sun in the evenings. Millie the Milk maid poured the milk for the players. They devoured these donuts. It was fun to talk to them and feed hungry appreciative kids. I will do that time and again. Addie is disgruntled I don't also feed the runners of the XC team but they don't eat so it's not worth the time. It takes me about 5-6 hours depending on what else is going on to do a high school food drop. 

After winning the first round we did the traditional mohawk haircuts started back when Greg was in high school. 

I think the Cheerleaders do a great job with their signs. Football is supported by so many for so many reasons. We are thankful to have this experience and for all who care. 

I honestly don't remember who they played I know it was someone from the west of our state. It's a long way to our town and it was so nice to be home that weekend. This has been a lot of work, waiting, and resolve to get this far. I'm thankful that the team is healthy and have worked so well together this year. We are blessed.

Busy competition Day NXR and Quarterfinal win

After a disappointing end to the XC season I suggested Addie run in the Nike Cross Country Regional Race. She thought on that for a few days and decided that sounded good. She was very busy caring for cows and being FFA president but we powered on and showed up at the Eagle Island course on a blustery Saturday morning. There were so many kids there competing that day.  I think 3000 kids ran in a variety of heats that day. This is an up and down around sand and hills course. But a beatuiful location and fun to watch. Most importantly she ran strong. She didn't struggle with nerves or cramps just ran because she enjoys running in groups!! 

She was happy with her experience and time. 20.50. That's fine it's important to compete because we enjoy it too. We then gathered up her teammate and headed for home. Because the football game was in swing and I wanted to see that too. Mark had hurt his shoulder last week taking a hard unchecked fall to the ground. We had ortho biononmmy, red light treatment. Then x-rays, then physical therapy which loosened it up and restored his range of motion. More red light and heat. Another ortho bionomy treatment and handfulls of supplements to help his facia heal and restore freedom of movement. I was blessed to discover a taping picture on BYU the cut wehre a lineman was standing with his shirt off taped-up with KT tape. This was an answer to prayers of what to do. I screen shotted the picture and sent to Mark and the coach. They said no problem we can do that. Mark resumed practice on Wednesday and tried tape on Thursday it was much much better with tape. The tendons have been stretched and the tape helps lift the arm up a bit and hold the shoulder in place. This will heal but the tape takes the strain off. He played well in the game mostly offense because he did take a fall on the shoulder and felt pain but came up shook it off and was ok. But no need to really get hurt so other guys played defense for him. 

This line is just so strong. 

Double team all the time. His job is to make holes for the running back to come through. They do this so effectively. 

I appreciate the fact the ref's who visit with the players. Telling them what they need to fix. This one was asking Mark what his plans were for after high school what he did etc. They are real people and I appreciate their interest in the student athletes. 

After the game with a number 1 fan Bob Musgrove. This man knows more about this team than anyone else. He remembers games from decades ago. He is a qualified expert on high school football and Mark appreciates his instruction and insights. The community support is unparalleled. That is a heavy stress and great honor to represent the school now and to join the tradition of excellence.

 We are very blessed to be part of the community. Mark is feeling good and is healing well. We are off to Bend this weekend for another match-up hopefully playing in the championship the next week. Life is good. 

Addie photos

The kids are loving having Anna home. They love to love on her. She was working on some homework. 

Another beautiful sunrise. We are fortunate to see both the sun rise and the sun set each day. Nature is so beautiful and settling. 

Addie and her roommate Bruce in their clean room ready for Halloween maybe? 

We hosted grandma Saunders for her birthday. Millie made a from scratch German Chocolate Cake. This was a special evening Addie suggested we do for Grandma. We finished wiht our customary what we love about you. Sue said that made her feel special and loved. We do love our grandparents each one. They are huge parts of our life- and fill so many gaps in my parenting ability. They have relationships with each of my kids and I so appreciate their love and support of my children. 

Addie and Bruce driving the water truck to water cows. 

Getting leaves from Aunt Alena for me. We are seriously working to gather natural sources of soil improvements. 

Greg and his littlest sweetheart Andrea. She's always happy to go with dad. 

The last time we did flowers. 

Addie and crew off to deliver the flowers to neighbors and friends. I love that she is learning to follow inspiration and reach out to those who need to feel loved. 

The crew that went to get potatoes from our cousins. They were rewarded with french fries from the host families. I'm proud of Addie managing the kids and the trailer. She is a talented lady who gets so much done. This allowed me to stay home and work on corn harvest while she gathered the potatoes we use all winter for food. We are blessed and life is good.