Motivational Monday

I'm really trying to do my best to keep my blog up to date... I literally think about writing everyday. It's the thought that counts, right? Believe me, I have tons to talk about! I just don't get many chances to just sit down and write. If I even have 20 minutes to myself, it's spent making sure every inch of this house is without dirt, dust, or toys, beds made, dishes cleaned, floors vacuumed, so we can sell this house and move on with our lives cleaning. {{{ wooo-saaaa }}}But for some reason - that being my son slept ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT - I'm rested and wide awake this morning. And there's indeed a post waiting to be shared. I feel like bells would be ringing in the air at this very moment with Halleluiah chimes.

Last night was the final match of our volleyball season; the Championship! Our girls came in to win it, and that they did.

It was quite an emotional night. Last year majority of these girls came in as seventh graders, and we were privileged to coach them again this season as eighth graders. My heart was so full this entire season, just being able to be a part of their growth; especially in this game. Volleyball in general is something dear to me, but nothing holds a candle to how special PHS Volleyball is to me and so many others. Erika and I have been so blessed to be part of this volleyball program, as players and now as coaches. We hope to have helped mold this young generation to be prepped and ready to take on the next four years! These girls were something so special to us, words can't describe it. Each week I looked forward to seeing them at practice, because they just brought a light into the room. And we could almost always expect laughter. Lots and lots of laughter. I have enjoyed these past two years with them, and will miss them DEARLY.  

We Are The Champions!!

Since I formatted last weeks' blog posts prior to the occasion, I am behind on formally [blog] celebrating one of the most exciting news in our volleyball history. Our PHS girls did it.

THEY DID IT!!!

I credit this photo to my good friend and old teammate, Jessica! You can also catch up on more of the state final details over on her page!

This was a moment I knew was bound to happen. I just knew it! I mentioned that quite a few times here. Unfortunately due to scheduling conflicts, I was not able to attend the event. That was a real upset!! A stream of text messages were coming through every other minute from my best friend who was lucky enough to witness it all firsthand. So as I sat in my car, on the road, I waited... point by point.

That was until my amazing, never disappointing husband whipped out the laptop and found the LIVE STREAM airing the State Final Championship game!!! Now I was watching the game for myself.

I don't know what was worse. Waiting for a text message of scores, or actually watching it live! I seriously thought the anxiety was going to put me into labor.

The girls had taken over the first two games easily, but [a winning match being 3 out of 5] they now needed this third game to finish it.

Point by point, rally by rally, I found myself clinching the seats, covering my eyes, hollering at random. Chris was not appreciative of my antics. I don't blame him. But I couldn't help it. I was on edge, ready for that final point that I just knew was going to happen. They were going to finish this in three. I just KNEW IT.

But when that match point finally came, I was not prepared for my overwhelming emotions.

I just cried.

These girls finally did it for our program. After numerous trips to the state finals, coming up short, these girls were bringing home the championship title! Anyone who has ever been part of this program would understand that overwhelming pride that set in the moment those girls received their medals.

Especially, our Coach.

Arms clenched, face full of emotion. It was the exact image I could have imagined if I hadn't seen it for myself. I just know in that moment she was proud; not just of her girls or for herself, but for the entire program.

I think the most emotional part for me was that there. Seeing her finally get that championship medal.

The medal she so heavily deserved.

This was a moment that was special to not only the most recent years of the program, but as far back to the past 10+ [one of them being our own team].

Congratulations, Providence!!! PHS!!! PHS!!!

Sweet Surprises

Well, with the big news continuing to flow... I decided to do something special for as many individuals as I could! My mama, daughter, husband and mother-in-law were able to attend the BIG day on Tuesday, revealing our new baby and... his accessories... however, unfortunately my sister-in-law was not present. Knowing this was just as meaningful to her, I decided to run down to a local craft store and buy some goodies to help share the special news!! :) With a small paper bag, a little confetti and some blue "It's a boy!" Hershey kisses, it was nothing huge, but special indeed...

Moving on to my second surprise... to my dearest volleyball girls! Recently, I've been assisting as a coach for my old highschool's Jr. High volleyball team!!!! It's been an honor to be back on the court, especially with these girls. They're the sweetest, and a really talented group. For weeks, they've been anxious to know what the baby will be, so I figured I would surprise them with a special reveal. And it was too fun!!! I made them wait until the END of practice ;) because I didn't want their bellies full of dessert beforehand... the treat? Cake bites!!! ...a cake pop without the stick; RECIPE to come soon.

And a couple action shots...

 Needless to say, they devoured enjoyed them!! I'm so glad!! It's been awhile since I've put my baking skills to good use. It was nice to get back into the groove. And the best part... there were NONE left over!!!! Hooray! It's usually quite the opposite. I was very pleased on that account. ;) Although a handful of girls were disappointed I wouldn't be able to use their own name for the new baby, they were happy to hear the news... and I mean, when you're served cake bites who can complain, right? I love these girls!!