Project 365, Week 45

Yes, again there are many soccer photos but (spoiler alert) it all ended this week.

November 6

CT State playoff, Round 1. The only challenge our team faced was how to not run up the score.

For a handful of minutes the setting sun was lighting up the trees so beautifully.

Shaun and Avery, plus the rest of the Hale Financial team left for a conference in Chicago. The three of us, plus the dog held down the fort at home. This night we watched the first half of football together.

November 7

Its tricky to be the only office coverage and the only parent. I snuck out to pick up Aiden from home and drop him at the door of PT. He navigated that all on his own and then walked across the (busy) road to the office, where he was stuck the rest of the afternoon. But, he's in a good book series so he did just fine.

It was a happy surprise to see the group check in! I have felt the loss of having to step back from a business I've helped grown and that I love, but I choose instead to be grateful for the people we have. Five incredible humans who make up a gifted, hard-working team, willing to do whatever needs to be done, and with excellence and integrity.

My friend Meg reminded me about the "Signs of Life" posts I used to do. Seeing things that are out of order as a sign that little people are around living life instead of viewing it as an annoyance.  Admittedly, it was easier to see the beauty when they were littler. Now it feels more like a training failure on my part. ;)

November 8

State playoffs, Round 2. I moved treatment and Shaun changed his plane ticket and left the conference early so we wouldn't miss what could be Amanda's last game. The girls played a more talented team, but our team came out with heart and gave it everything they had.

Amanda scored the only goal for our team!!

The evening was cold, so we had mixed feelings about the 20 minutes of OT. Dad and Aiden tried to stay warm with popcorn and hot chocolate.

With 30 seconds left in overtime, Amanda had a corner kick and a chance to tie the game. It was a beautiful ball, put right in front of the goal, but no one was able to score. And then, just like that, the game, the season, and her soccer career were over.

She walked across the field and melted into her dad's arms. So much history, so many emotions , so much blood, sweat and tears that lead to this point. Shaun has championed and coached her so faithfully, even though she rarely made it easy. So many special memories have been made and life lessons learned.

The early days....

November 9

The varsity boys were playing round 2; we went to inspire Aiden for the upcoming off-season work he'll need to put in to get ready for next season. The price for success is always paid in advance.

I'm used to taking pictures at the girls games, it was different photographing the boys. Its a faster pace, harder-hitting and they jump so high! Really crazy to picture Aiden in with all of them for the next few years.

November 10

Amanda's friend had a signing ceremony, committing to a full scholarship as a D1 softball pitcher. So many people told her, well done, you deserve this! but in truth she earned this. Through years of dedication, backyard workouts, nights and weekends on the mound, before school fitness. It is inspiring to see someone work hard for something they're passionate about.

November 11

With an open Saturday and treatment coming up, I felt a desperate need to clean out a closet or two. A stockpile of masks was one of the many treasures I found. When we're in a hard time, it feels like we will be stuck there forever. But really, life is made up of seasons....things change and we get through.

FIRST WORLD STRUGGLES: we have had a hot tub saga over the last year. Our house came with a large, really cool in-ground hot tub, with all the mechanics in the basement. The details are long and boring and sufficiently frustrating. We've had sporadic issues with the spa in the five years we've lived here and recently, after great effort, it was determined that we needed to replace the heater. The cost? More than a brand new hot tub. So we pivoted from trying to fix something with multiple issues to just buying a new one.  More saga, more frustration. But tonight...we were in a new hot tub that was working. 

I think maybe hot tubs are like boats. The two best days in an owners life are the day they buy it and the day they sell it. Ha! Hopefully it gathers many teenagers for many years to come and it will be worth it.

November 12

With short notice, Amy and I saw a window to do breakfast together and snagged it. We cried and we laughed. We talked about heavy, hard things and also silly, ridiculous things. It was a really special time. We never did eat because 45 minutes after ordering, we still had no food, so we canceled the order. And, without apology, got billed for our coffee and hot tea! Things don't need to be perfect for them to be good and beautiful.

And now that its posted everywhere, I can add....today was baby day!! My sister welcomed her first grandchild and a whole new generation has begun. Its wild and wonderful and beautiful to witness! Ezra Mae has a cool birthday 111223. :)