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!!!

Providence STATE FINAL Championship!

I promise this will be the last time I mention my high school history, and Providence volleyball. I like to use the "scratch out", because it makes me feel less guilty of a fib. I don't like fibbing. It's only in those rare occasions when Audriana asks me where the chocolate is, and I tell her it's gone aka I ate it. But that is completely irrelevant to my thoughts on today. So let's just leave it at the scratched out promise, accept it and move on.

TODAY is the day. The day that our girls will heading to Indianapolis, to play in the CHAMPIONSHIP STATE FINALS match.

I just got goosebumps.

As mentioned more elaborately here (by my fellow volleyball teammate, and friend), the meaning behind this match is more than what's on the surface.

Yes, they had a good season.
Yes, they are an incredible team.
Yes, this is special because it's the final match of the season.

But this is the match that's finally come for our dearest Coach. After 14 years of coaching, teaching, guiding, listening, preaching, and 3+ trips to semi-state in her career... she deserves this more than anyone I know. And TODAY IS THE DAY. I wish so badly we could be there to witness this (guaranteed) victory. I don't want to jinx them, but I strongly believe that a jinx can only be casted on people who believe in luck. This my friends, is not about luck. These girls have it, mentally and physically. When it rests in the hearts, the victory is soon to come.

Good luck today, lady Pioneers!!!! I'm cheering for you, even miles away!!!! XOXO

Weekend Shenanigans

Yes, I'm aware we are approaching afternoon hours here, but this mama had a busy morning! I am usually more prepared with a quick post to keep things flowing, but not today... wutduhyado. This weekend was quite a busy one as well, with less than a few pictures to share. But nonetheless, I'll share what I have!

Friday night, the hubs and I spent the evening with my bestie and her husband. After making a quick grocery run, Jess picked me up at the house and we headed on up to her abode to save us from having two cars later that night; he was driving straight in from work. Although I only have two photos of that evening, I can surely vouch that we ate more than salad. The typical mistake of a blogger I'm almost always guilty of; start a photo stream... and then stop somewhere when the ADD kicks in. If by chance you're curious, we started out with some shrimp cocktail, salads, and a creamy mushroom chicken dish for our entree. Oh yea, and brownies for dessert (complimentary of her husband, Blake). It was a really fun night! Not done often enough. We'll have to schedule another very soon!

Saturday morning, my mother and I scheduled a girls road trip to watch the Providence volleyball team in the semi-state!!! I could not have been more excited; as we know, after sharing a bit of our own high school history the other day. The stands were full, and the team's dads had their Duck Dynasty themed gear on to get the crowd roaring and cheer the girls on into the finals! Yes... THE FINALS!!! The team swept through the semi-state matches and are on their way to the State Championship game this coming weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is one game I can't believe I am going to miss, as we are leaving out of town for the week. I'm devastated to think we won't be there to see it .... this is the year, the year they will make it, I just know it... and I'm going to miss it. :'(  Serious tears here.

After witnessing the best team in the state, it was time to head back home because that evening my husband and I had dinner reservations. We were celebrating our ONE YEAR anniversary! Although, the actual day wasn't until Sunday, we decided to celebrate it a day earlier. No expensive steakhouse this time around. We decided to make it special by going to one of our secret (not so secret now) spots, that served our absolute favorite... sushi. Mmmmm. And let me tell you, it hit the spot! It does every time, but this time was more special given the occasion. ;) We topped it off with some cuddles and a movie, just the two of us. A perfect night.

Well, that was pretty much the gist of our weekend! Sunday morning we went to church, then relaxed that afternoon until dinner that evening with family. A perfect weekend if I do say so myself.

Flashback Friday: State Finals!

I remember it like it was yesterday....

State Finals. Nov. 9, 2002: in the fifth game (best 3 out of 5) the opposing team serves, we play it out back over the net, they set up for a kill, we block it --- out of bounds. Game over. Score 12-15, them. Moments like those will never be forgotten. But the memories leading up to then?....even more embedded in our hearts for a lifetime. 

My own story and memories began back in the year 2000. Six players, six friends. We first began playing volleyball together when we were 14 years old. Our coach? The one and only, Coach Purichia. We were a pleasant bunch, as you can clearly see. At that time, the game of volleyball was just beginning to settle into our hearts as one of the best sports ever played. 

As the years passed, our bond as players and as friends only grew stronger. We weren't just teammates during a seasonal fall sport. We were sisters through a program that taught us the values of working hard together, and accomplishing goals while motivating one another every step of the way.

I credit that to our coach. Anyone who has crossed paths with this incredible woman knows the meaning behind her title "Coach". To me, she will always be the idol of that particular title. We not only exceeded in our individual talents through the years, but she taught us values that we carry on in our everyday lives; respect, honor, pride, and encouragement. 

I'm grateful to have played for her, and enjoy witnessing the multiple lives she's touched years after our own. With the current season at a close, they have now found themselves drifting through the Sectionals, and Regionals. With those victories behind them, that means only one thing. They are heading back to the state finals!!! Why this year, among others, has more meaning to it than ever? It's the infamous date of our own state finals history, November 9th. With the experience and relative emotions, I know they are beaming with excitement. This volleyball program will always be one of the most cherished memories in my life. What an accomplishing moment for these girls. I'm just so overwhelmed with pride! BLUE PRIDE!!! I wish them the best of luck and hope they can take it all the way this year.

Good luck, Providence!!!!! 

Here's a little diddy only those few of us will appreciate. Throughout our season we had the never-disappointing tracks of Garth Brooks to boost our energy before every big game! How it came to be him, it just was. This song will always be a true staple of those memories. Listening to it now just brought chills down my spine.  

H2O ... which way to go?

Water has always been essential in my everyday life, but more so since I've been pregnant again. That being said, finding a convenience for the extra consumption had become my mission. I did some research on different types of water bottles, and found a handful of ideas. To name a few, but not limited to:

1. The classic water bottle.
This is always the go-to. You just buy it, throw it in the fridge, and pull it out when you're ready for a sip. On any day, just lounging around the house there's no need to get fancy; just grab a bottle of water. Easy peesy. However, it's less convenient when working out. It may sound lazy, but truthfully there is such a thing as grabbing a "quick drink" ... and trying to unscrew the cap, then securely replace it is not quick. It's not.

2. The 1990's water bottle.
The next convenient thought, was a plain water bottle for my larger consumption. But realistically, they're big, bulky, and the straw is a pain in the arse when you're just going for that quick sip. You know the ever attractive "move your lips and tongue around like a giraffe fetching a leaf off a tree" expression. No bueno. Especially, in public.

3. Mason jar container with straw. 
Then I discovered these little dandies. A mason jar with a lid and straw? Yea it's not too practical for my purpose (working out, on the go, childproof, etc.) But how fun do they look?! And they're not limited to just the traditoinal mason jar.There's many different styles. Check them out here.

Then my eye caught on to the recently popular bottle, spotted where else but the gym. Each bottle consists of the same gadgets, but sold by different brands. The two brands I'm sharing are the only ones I can vouch for.

CamelBak BPA free Plastic 

CamelBak BPA free Stainless Steel

 

 Contigo BPA free Plastic

Winner winner, chicken dinner!!!

Yes, the Contigo bottle was my final choice. After much debate I drove down to my local Target and snagged one. Since then, it has truly been my sidekick. It goes everywhere with me... gym, volleyball practice, grocery shopping, or any other random errand we embark on. This guy is by my side. Cheers!!

Annnnnnnnd since it's Friday, it's time to LINK UP with Yoga Pants Venus trapped in Mars (guest).
I don't have a real favorite that's currently on the radio, because I rarely listen to that random assortment as to what's considered POP's top favorites. I slightly disagree on many. With that said, I'm choosing one of my absolute favorite ZUMBA jams. Do I ever understand what they're singing about? No... not the slightest. But it's guaranteed they never fail in triggering that dance bug...   

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!!

(( My Best Friend's Wedding ))

First let me begin by saying, I have known this lovable, "cheesy" (nickname in High School) beauty since we were 14 years old. So, a little preface of our relationship is absolutely necessary! :)  

You could say the initiation of our friendship was in the hands of the good old sport of volleyball. Playing together for 5 years certainly brought us closer together (given the relationship our team generally had with one another; deemed a "cult" by the student body; we preferred "family", right Jessica Donner?). It wasn't until after graduation that we realized the value of our friendship. No matter the ups and downs, distance or years in between, we always found each other's comfort in the time of need. Although, with life's unexpected turn of events, we ended up finding ourselves inseparable. Where there was Megan, there was Jessica - vice versa. So, you get it! Before getting into the EXCITING events to come, I'll share a little bit of our most memorable adventures together!

1. Sophomore year, high school football game

2. Trip to Orlando; City Walk

3. Trip to Orlando; Universal Studios

4. umm... who goes out at 11pm for Key Lime Pie? We do.

5. Cincinnati Bengals game

6. Hullabalou 2010

7. Louisville Bats game

8. My wedding day, aka: MOH

9. Regrettable, yet memorable, Black Friday shopping - people are crazy!

Another special tradition (needing its own collage) is the infamous birthday cake!! When I discovered - late into the friendship I might add -  that she rarely got birthday cakes in the past, I made it my mission to do so every year following:

 And lastly, another must share, we have an issue with matching, unintentionally -whether it be similar, or exact:.

Ok, ok, so THIS is my best friend...

NOW! On to the most exciting news, EVER!!! ... hints: My Best Friend's Wedding.

Yes, my friends! After the engagement last summer (2012), the nuptials are soon among us!

(then, engaged at the same time)

Bridesmaids!! Minus 3 others...

pictured: Katie B, bride, Katie U, myself, and Noelle

Aren't we a cute married bunch???

(A big shout out AND congrats, to Katie U; soon-to-be mommy!!!!!)

Wedding season is always an exceptional time of year, but THIS YEAR it's much much more- for obvious reasons!!!! Words can't express the excitement, anxiety, and anticipation for the big day!! To say she is my "best friend", is really an understatement. This girl has been there for me through the worst of my trial and errors in life, and was nothing but encouraging and supportive every . step . of . the . way. I'm blessed for her friendship and loyalty. 

Not to mention, there's never a dull moment with us...

    Moving along... you get the picture, she is the Cheese to my Mac.

There will be four... yes, four... parts to this series: 

Part 1: My Best Friend, introduction - complete

Part 2: Bridal Showers

Part 3: Bachelorette Party

Part 4: THE BIG DAY! (eeeeekkkkkk!!)

Looking forward to sharing all the exciting events!! Stay tuned!!

Motivational Monday

Happy Monday, everyone!! ...or not so happy? If that's the case, you aren't alone.

Let's face it. The only Monday that 90% of Americans celebrate is Cyber Monday after Thanksgiving. Am I wrong?

The point IS - Monday has a steady reputation for being the most depressing day of the week!! Terrible, but true (for some). I, on the other hand, have learned to change my perception on such a renown depressing day. 

The idea for this particular blog post, was inspired by my high school volleyball coach - Terri Purichia aka "Coach". On Monday, the entire team and coaches, wore a custom t-shirt with an inspirational quote on the back - the idea was for each player to read the quote on the shirt in front of them, to keep us going . Coach deemed that day as "Motivational Monday". Although, at that age, we are usually too young minded to appreciate such a gesture; yet somehow, it remains with you forever. 

With ALL that said, I would like to help, the little I can, with those Monday blues. A preface of this magnitude will not be given for every weekly post. I will (hopefully) help inspire some of you with just a quote and side note. Here's hoping for a better look on Mondays, and a better start to your week!! God bless.