Summer Update

The year is flying by as it seems to when the lightning bugs are many and the scent of fresh-cut grass is always in the air.  The daylight lasts long into the evening but it doesn't do anything to slow down time.  You know, if I could have one superpower it would be time control.

Landry and Madden have already completed a basketball camp, a football camp and are headed into another very soon.  I love that the community provides these camps for the kids during summer, not only to keep them active but also because sports mean so much to us as a family.  I like to hear about what they are learning, what was fun, and what was challenging.  I also appreciate the camps for how the kids can connect, these years are so special, ephemeral, and formative.

Cris finished reffing another season for the Gentlemen's Flag Football League (GFFL).  Cris has played in the GFFL for many years and now he refs the games every Sunday.  It is a sacrifice for us because that means we don't see him all Sunday morning until later in the afternoon when after spending hours in the sun, he's quite tired.  You would think he'd be sick of football, but give him a good lunch, and he'll be out there throwing the ball with the kids, coaching them on how to improve.

Regarding coaching, Cris will be coaching again with NAA, specifically, Landry's team.  He's going to be the defensive coordinator for the NAA 120s, which is something he's passionate about.  Cris has a heart for the game of football and as a ref, understands the game in ways I could never.  I think he is going to enjoy coaching this year as he always does, but knowing that his main focus will be defense is something he's going to excel at.  I'm excited for him and the team.  They're lucky to have such a passionate, caring, and dedicated coach on their side. More than anything, Cris loves to be around the kids and teach them the things he was once taught.

As for me, I've been doing great! I can assuredly say that this is the happiest I have ever been.   And I attribute all of my happiness to being sober.  I gave up alcohol back in October of 2023 not because I had hit the proverbial "rock bottom," but because I knew that there was more to life than the cycle of drinking and hangovers. Being sober has allowed me to fully experience and appreciate the present moment. I am more present with my family, friends, and myself. I have also noticed improvements in my physical and mental health, as well as my overall productivity and creativity. Sobriety has given me a newfound clarity and a deeper sense of purpose in life. The past 8+ months have been a massive learning experience and enriching journey of self-discovery.  It isn't always easy, but many aspects of this journey have gotten easier, simply because I keep on going.  As of today, I am 255 days alcohol-free.  Coming from a person who drank daily, this is a massive achievement and I am extremely grateful for the work God is doing in and through my sobriety.

As we head full-speed into summer I am looking forward to my in-laws visiting.  They'll be here this week and will be spending 10 days with us.  I always look forward to the time when they are here.  They are a joy to be around and they bring love and laughter into our home.  The boys are so lucky to have them as grandparents.  We hate having to say goodbye to them after every visit, but it makes these visits with them meaningful and we cherish every second we get.  We also live for the food that Bueli makes us and will be 10lbs heavier by the time they head back to Florida.

August will be here before we know it and that's when it feels like summer is coming to end.  Instead of the usual sadness we feel when summer is ending, we'll be looking forward to our first trip to the "Big House."  We are headed to Michigan in September!  We are all so excited to go to the home of the Michigan Wolverines where we will tour the stadium and go to our very first Michigan game.

Overall, our family is thriving. Together, we are growing individually and as a family, cherishing each day with gratitude.