facing challenges

Jeff and his teammates played a tough game this afternoon. Up until the beginning of this game, his team was undefeated; it's been a boost for their little soccer-loving hearts, but as parents, we knew that this could possibly change.

Today's game was almost that change in the tide. The kids went up against a team that had a few players who were bigger and better. The opposing team scored two goals at the very beginning, quick and fast. We could see the kids getting discouraged after the second goal, but our coach (a substitute since Coach Ari was out of town on business) kept rallying them together and encouraging them.

It worked because the score was suddenly tied, 2-2. Jeff played defense most of the game and left the scoring to his teammate Ian, who came through for them. In the second half, it was 3-3, but within the last ten minutes of the game, Jeff helped Ian score the winning goal.

Very happy Cheetahs (their team name) after that.

These kids really impress me. They're 7-8 years old, but their love for the game makes it so fun to watch them play. It's especially impressive when you see them go up against bigger and better kids, and play their very best, even when their opponents don't exactly play by the rules (pushing with hands, grabbing, tripping, etc.). I credit their good sportsmanship to Coach Ari, whose first and foremost goal is to teach the kids to play correctly. He also encourages them to play their best and have fun, which I think the kids have really taken to heart.

He's been practicing stopping and trapping the ball all weekend, so it was
fun to see him actually do it in the game

Keeping the ball away from the goal

"ATTACK THE BALL!"

last home game

Tonight was the last home game for the spring lacrosse season. After this, the schedule for the JV team is a bit uncertain, but I know they have at least one away game in the next few weeks. The varsity team will head into the championships to end their season, but this year, some of the other schools decided the JV teams deserved to end it with a bang, too. There's 2 tournaments Ryan and his teammates will be participating in during the first two weeks of May, so he's looking forward to that.

In the meantime, here's some action shots of my favorite lacrosse player. :-)

I think most people would cringe if they saw the last pic, but for me, it depicts my favorite plays in the game. Despite being outnumbered and blocked from his goal, Ryan is doing everything he can to push forward. Lacrosse is a fast-paced game with lots of action and physical contact; Ryan has found himself in the thick of things many times, and despite the obstacles (bigger opponent, good defense, etc.), he always, always pushes back just as hard. Sometimes it pays off (he makes a goal), sometimes it doesn't (missed goal, the ball hitting the posts, etc.). But just the fact that he goes all in is very admirable.

Like any sport, I think lacrosse has life skills to be learned. His coach is big on teamwork and playing fair, as well as being honest and treating others well; it's really resonated with Ryan. And, I know for a fact that he is learning them: you can tell by the way he carries himself, the confidence in daily activities that I see in him. This ball and stick game has really been a perfect fit for him, and despite me still not knowing exactly what's going on during the game, I'm really glad Ryan's found lacrosse.

back at it again

We had one excited, happy boy today! If you can't guess by the pictures, spring soccer has officially started up again, and Jeff got right back into it. He scored 2 goals and played well against a very skilled goalie on the other team. He also had to compete against a fast, fancy-footwork boy, but loved that he felt challenged. In fact, after the game, he gushed, "That kid was so good, Mom! I almost couldn't get the ball away from him!" ;-)

Unfortunately, near the end of the game, Jeff took a tumble after stepping into one of the many holes on the field. He limped off the field, thinking he might have hyper-extended his knee again (he did it during one of his games last season), but after we iced it at home, he was feeling okay to run around the neighborhood with his friends, ha.

Here come the action shots!

happy conference day!

Twice a year, for an entire weekend, Latter-Day Saints (aka Mormons) are treated to spiritually wonderful talks given by the leaders of the church. And, although I've been a member my entire life, I never really appreciated this event until I moved here to Utah.

For 2 whole days, 8 hours (10 if you count the priesthood session on Saturday night) are spent by LDS faithfuls, listening to counsel from our prophet and other church leaders. Here in Utah, we're lucky enough to watch it on a local channel (KSL), local time. When I was younger and living in Hawaii, we had to wake up early to make it down to the Stake Center to watch it over satellite transmission. We'd make a whole day of it, enjoying a potluck in between sessions and visiting with ward member friends.

Nowadays, I wake up early on Saturday and Sunday morning, make some breakfast, then wake everyone up to eat. I give them the choice of sleeping in and eating breakfast while watching conference, but at 10am, when the first session starts, everyone has to be in the living room.

This is what our family looks like during conference weekend.

I can't make them stare at the tv, but I am hoping that just being in the room and having the talks in the background while they concentrate on their little projects will be enough to soak into their brains. At the very least, they know that conference is important and attendance is mandatory.

I love the gospel. I love general conference. Even though I'm not actually in the Conference Center, I can still feel the Spirit of the Lord confirming the wonderful messages we hear. And I know that the men and women in authority within the church have been called of God.

I love President Thomas S. Monson. I support him and sustain him as a prophet of God. I believe that he speaks to and for the Lord in these latter days. He shines with love and faith, and as a servant of the Lord. I look forward to his words and those of the other speakers scheduled this conference weekend.

Happy Conference Day!