hockey

Recently, I had one of the best weekends I've had in quite awhile.  My husband, girls, and I went to Altoona, WI over the weekend for a hockey tournament.  A tournament that the U10, Western Wisconsin Starts took first place in.  Now mind you, I did not grow up around hockey and never really cared to watch or learn about the game, until now.  My eight year old daughter definitely got the 'hockey genes' from her dad because she loves it; watching it, learning it, playing it, ALL of it.  To see her face light up with joy when the subject of hockey comes up is priceless.  She scored her first goal the second game of the tournament.

Lauren scoring her first goal



 

It was quite an emotional moment for her, me, and her assistant coach (dad). I don't  know who was more proud; her, me or dad!!


Lauren and dad (Asst coach)
 

Western Wisconsin Stars U10



I can't say that I love hockey or that I know all there is to know about the game, but I CAN say that I have learned a ton, made some great friends, and look forward to many more goals.  I am a proud mom and wife.  I don't know if my daughter will be the next 'hockey great,' but I know that she is happy and loves what she does.  And that fills me with great joy!



abundant blessings

Where does the time go??  The days and weeks fly by.  The hard moments and tears melt away when you allow yourself to fully live in the present and see the blessings, even the smallest blessings, and let them sustain/strengthen you.  Here are some of the more recent blessings t our home. 

In November, my husband and I were both offered new jobs on the same day = blessed!  A few weeks ago, we hired a great nanny who is willing to help us with our kiddos even though she has to wake up at the crack of dawn some days = blessed!

Watching our eight year old play hockey with some great young ladies on the Stars U10 team = blessed! 

Putting up and decorating our Christmas tree; love the aroma of fresh pine this time of year = blessed!

Baking Christmas cookies and other goodies for gifting and for eating = blessed!

I know it is easy to allow ourselves to get overwhelmed or bogged-down with negativity and completely miss the blessings. For that reason, I have already made my resolution for the up-coming year; find the positive/blessing in everyday!  Sounds simple enough, but I know I will be challenged. 

Merry Christmas!