Frog Anyone...

Monty, Kyle and I were out at the Asian Market this week when we saw something we'd never seen before--Frogs for sale--to EAT!!  We did NOT buy one, but when we got home Makai was so sad we didn't buy one for a pet.  I can honestly say I'd have to be VERY hungry to eat these little guys.  The Asian Market never disappoints.  

 

Ice Skating and Glasses are not a good mix.

You gotta love when you get a text message from your son with a picture of him in this condition.  He was smart and sent a picture of it stitched seconds afterward.  The mission is full of all new expereinces and thankful for the doctor who did a great job stitching his handsome face.  

 

Makai 11

Makai had a birthday.  He loves his birthday each year and talks about it for weeks and days before asking me countless times if I've gotten his gifts and am ready for his birthday.  Of course, I got him gifts, but always toy around with him saying things like, "Oh, is your birthday coming up?  I've halfway gotten your presents.  But I will get to it, I promise."  Getting him gifts are pretty easy because he tells me what he wants, but this year I nailed it.  I found him a couple things that he didn't ask for, but loved.  

We got him his Lego set he had been asking for for week.  We finally adopted a Baby Yoda, got him a Roblox gift card, and some army action figures.  It was exciting to watch him open his gifts.  He was very happy for receive all that he got and later that night Tyler called to give wish Makai Happy Birthday.  It was sweet of him to remember him.  

He sat and played with these army guys for hours and hours!  It was the best $3 I ever spent. 
 

COVID HIT US!

 

Well, 2020 wouldn't be complete without getting COVID, right? Thursday night, the boys went to play some basketball on an outdoor court because the internet was out at our house.  When they got home Kory went to sleep and slept for several hours.  This isn't unusual behavior for Kory.  Friday, the boys got up for online school, but then Kory just slept.  After school, he slept some more.  He had a little cough, but nothing big.  Friday, December 4th we went to the gym as a family.  We hadn't been in a while and decided we were going to begin going to they gym again.  It felt good to be back.  We went to the store afterward, got chicken burgers for dinner and then showered and went to bed.  That night I noticed my body was achy, but I just figured it was because we'd gone to the gym.  Then, Saturday morning Trey had a basketball game.  I was still feeling achy and now my head was hurting and my throat.  Monty said his throat was hurting a little bit too, but we didn't really think much of it.  I noticed my throat started hurting a little worse, but at this point we weren't thinking anything of it.  Sunday, Kyle and Kory had their football banquet.  I still wasn't feeling good, and started to worry about going back to school the following day.  After all, 2020 is the year that you can't cough in public.  I went to the banquet and noticed I was feeling a little hot and tried to cough only when people clapped and things were loud.  When we got home I took my temperature and noticed I had a slight fever.  The next morning Trey woke up with a slight fever and complained about a sore throat.  We took him to get tested.  Two days later the results came back--POSITIVE.  We had to pull the boys out of school and everyone was placed on quarantine.  Trey is almost out of quarantine at this point, but Kyle started feeling symptoms a few days ago, so his 10 days begins from then.  I've been sick for about 2 weeks now.  Starting to get back some energy, but still have a lingering cough.  Everyone has a lingering dry cough.  But, we do have people we know who have died from COVID, so we count our blessings that no one has been seriously ill in our family as a result.  Tomorrow I will leave the house for the first time in over 10 days.  I need to buy Makai some birthday gifts and pick up some supplies from Makai's school for the week after Christmas break when they are doing remote learning.  The plus side is that we shouldn't have to quarantine again since we've all had COVID at this point.  But, we shall see.  Who knows what the guidelines will be in a week.  Cases are going up so things could become more strict. They do have a vaccine that they are rolling out.  I'm not thrilled with the idea of getting it--we don't even get the flu shot, but I'm pretty sure they are going to make us, so I sure hope there aren't any crazy side effects.  I don't trust new vaccines.  

Monday Night Phone Calls and a Few Texts from NC

Tyler's new Companion--Elder Lee.  

I got this text one morning from a lady in Tyler's ward.  It was pretty great to receive.  

This same sister has send me a few pictures of Tyler with the missionaries he serves with.  He always has a big smile on his face, which shows how much he is enjoying his mission.  The elder on the left if from Honduras and often him and Tyler give lessons in Spanish together.  

Every Monday we look forward to facetime calls from Tyler.  Mission rules allow him to call home on his p-day.  Everyone enjoys their chance to talk to him and I think he enjoys sharing how his week has gone and being filled in on how things are going here.  One night Kyle took the phone and these boys talk for like an hour.  When Kyle got off the phone he said, "Man, I miss that kid."  They talked and laughed and goofed off.  I love that they get to do that.  If Tyler does end up going to Ecuador I'm not sure these calls will be as frequent, so we'll just enjoy them while we can.  So far Tyler loves North Carolina.  He is in Pittsboro, NC.  He says the people are friendly and the area is beautiful.  He's on his second companion.  We pray that he is learning and growing and changing and seeing how the gospel can change people.  We are proud of his service and pray for his safety after hearing this week that he and his comp accidently blew something up!  As a mom I shake my head and as a mom I thank the heavens that he didn't get injured or injure someone else!  He promised to be more careful.  He had his first baptism and even had a non-member give him a coat. (we didn't buy him a coat because he didn't need on for the Ecuador mission).  I was humbled by the sweet mans generosity, and so was Tyler.  

 

Goodbye Wonder Woman

We've had this van for about 9 years.  When we bought this car I didn't think it would make it home from Colorado Springs, but she proved me wrong!  This car went from a hump of junk--to Wonder Woman!  She worked her heart out for us.  But, she finally wore out.  The brakes went out and it was going to cost thousands to get it fixed.  I always thought this car was ugly on the outside, but honestly, I loved the way she drove.  When we sold her to the junk yard her left blinker didn't work.  The passenger door had duct tape and an eraser to ensure the car would sense the door closed when it was closed.  The passenger sliding door didn't lock, the back hatch didn't unlock the right headlight was connected to the car with duct tape and when it was cold the heater never hated up...oh, and of course the brakes had to be on the floor to work--eventually.  However, it was hard to say goodbye.  Thanks Wonder Woman for all you did for us!!  We'll  never forget you. 

 

What a Season!!

We began not knowing if there would be a football season this year, to making it to the State Class A championship game!  The big bummer was that they wouldn't let them play in Lincoln at the UNL campus and they had to play at Westside which I thought was completely unfair! (Lincoln closed down sports after their teams were eliminated due to Covid spikes.)  The game wasn't the best game of the season, but it felt good to make it to State.  They lost, but to me second place was nothing to be ashamed of.  I feel like if they would have played in Lincoln the outcome could have been different.  I am proud of my boys and their season.                                    

A few friends snuck in at the end of the game to show their support.  It was so thoughtful.  

Kyle accepting his metal at the end of the game.

                                             Kory accepting his metal at the end of the game.  

A big hug from Dad, post game.  Kyle was pretty sad, but some encouraging words from Dad is just what he needed.  

Kory was also emotional.  He didn't play in the varsity games, but him and Kyle really enjoyed playing together and this was their last game playing together.  

                                                                    A memorable hug

I love that Kyle isn't afraid to show his emotions.  He is one of the most excited kids you'll meet when he is excited and he'll 'ugly cry' when he's sad.  Emotions make us human and I'm glad he enjoys the moment when he can and feels the pain when it's real.  I think that is healthy.  

I'll also admit it isn't easy to not be able to take his pain away!  When kids are young you can give them a hug and usually make the pain go away. But this type of pain is different.  You just have to be there and feel the pain with them.  So very hard.  

But, I'll never forget the moment when Kyle looked over and saw Makai crying because he was so sad.  Kyle took Makai in his arms and expressed to him that this was just a game.  That things were going to be okay.  This was the moment I saw Kyle smile for the first time.  The moment he tried to take the pain away from Makai.  

I just love watching Kyle with Monty.  At the end he want back for more encouraging words.  I'm sure there is a life lesson in this.  Everyone supporting everyone and together we felt uplifted.  

                                                                       Family shot!!

Friends shot.  These guys snuck into the game at the end just to see these boys.  Now that is loyalty.  This meant a lot to the boys.  

Some friends from Elkhorn Ridge Middle School.  First time we've lived anywhere long enough to have gone through several years of school with the same friends.  Haha.  I had two of these boys in study hall, so I even felt a connection to them. 

More Ridge Friends

Kyle and Bunz with the runner up trophy.  These two have been friends since middle school.  In middle school Kyle was taller than Bunz.  During High School things changed, but their friendship stayed the same and their love for football remained.  

After the game the boys enjoyed some BUNT cakes a family in our ward dropped off.  This was a great way to end the night.  They felt very loved.  

The following day the McKay's came by with dinner to celebrate together. And some amazing root beer from Columbus.  It's amazing!!  Nice to have a friend who has tried root beer from every state and knows the best kind.  We enjoyed their visit--it was an awesome conversation and the food was enjoyed. Makai was pretty funny during dinner.  He even explained why he thought the refs were paid off!  Haha.  Rob shared a story about him losing the track state championship when he was in high school by one point.  It was a point he should have earned the team if he'd of worked a little harder.  His coach talked to him on the bus ride home and kindly reminded him that he hadn't worked as hard as he could have worked and yes...second place wasn't his best.  But he told him to remember that moment and from that day forward to always work his hardest.  It was a great story.  Makai even rated it at the top of all Rob stories.  Their visit was good for the boys. Monty spent the day at the hospital, so he missed it, but he was with us in spirit.  

At the end of the year awards ceremony Kyle was voted co-lifter of the year.  He loves the weight room and works hard when he is in there.  Kory said he voted for him.  

The Game!

This was by far the best game of the season.  The game against Kearny was a projected win as Elkhorn had already beat them earlier in the season, but the first win was won in overtime so it wasn't going to be easy.  The boys played a great game.  It was fun to see them out there together.  Kory is on scout team, so he just gets beat up all week and then goes to support the team.  I boys enjoy being together.  Some of my favorite moments are when I see them on the sidelines talking to each other.  I believe Elkhorn won 10-3.  This win will take them to the State Championship in a week.  This was a huge win for the Storm.  I believe tonight was the night that Kyle worked so hard to be able to play in.  After he hurt his knee a few games back I thought his season was over, but he didn't.  He was determined to play again.  And if Kyle puts his mind to something....  We'll he got himself better with lots of hard work and had the game of his life.  

A Great picture of Kory pre-game.  Did I mention it was freezing cold!  Not sure how he had nothing covering his legs, but what can I say...the kid is tough.  

Kyle mid-game.  Someone was injured so Kyle played every defensive series and some offensive.  He was fired up! Which was good because did I mention this game was freezing!  I mean, at the end I couldn't feel my toes!  Monty and I sat in the car for about 5 minutes before I could drive home because I couldn't feel my hands!  However, I wouldn't of missed it for anything! 

Kyle on one of his tackles!

Post game listening to coach. 

Seriously though...

The paper loved this picture of Kyle celebrating!  I love that he made the paper.  A friend of ours showed us the article.  Otherwise we wouldn't have seen it.  Thankful that they saw it and even gave us their copy.  

Kyle celebrating after an amazing play!  Love this kids passion!