It’s been a great day with the boys. Lots of soccer, games, and hanging out. Dominic’s asleep on the couch as Gavin and I have a mini-binge watching session of Alone (Season 2). We’ve had a pretty awesome day.

Amongst all the busy-ness there was a moment that really sticks out to me. After Gavin’s second game we walked over to the game Dominic was refereeing. The game was for a couple of years older so it went longer. While we waited for the conclusion the two of us talked and watched the game.

At some point I laid down back in the grass flat on my back. I caught myself just relaxing and looking up the almost perfectly blue sky. The feeling of the sun on my face was amazing. There was a slight breeze. Gavin ended up doing the same and for a long while neither of us talked (which is an incredible feat for us!). In that moment there was no stress, no deadlines, just relaxing and peace. It was awesome!

How great that something so simple can bring so much joy if I just remember to take the time to appreciate it!

Thanks!!!

Today there’ve been a few memories brought up which have made me smile wide.

Late in the morning Becky reminded me that it was a handful of years ago today when my dad and I built the treehouse with the boys. We had so much fun working together on that silly project that knocked off one of the dreams on Gavin’s dream list.

While driving to the bank this afternoon I couldn’t help but think about the crazy night almost 20 years ago when Becky agreed to go on a date with me. As luck would have it that story came up again in the evening as I drove Gavin and Payton to Dominic’s soccer game.

The other memory that made me laugh out loud was when becky and I recounted our last night of vacation in Banff. We decided to relax with dinner and a drink outside. It was a little cool out but the seemingly never ending stream of hot drinks and almost nonstop laughter kept us plenty warm. To this day it remains one of my favorite vacation memories.

Three wonderful memories, three instances of being 100% focused in the present, and three moments of perfection. Cheers to that!

Thanks!!!

Today was full of many wonderful moments including seeing the growth of teams, making a positive impact, and doing what I love. There has been time for thought, reflection, laughter, and friendship. Thrown in some surprise schedule changes and flexibility and it’s been a very full day.

With all that in mind, what I’m most thankful for today is a text out of the blue from Becky at 7:30 this evening. No words, just a pic. With that one picture my heart was full, memories kept to the forefront of my mind, and I couldn’t help but smile. I still remember the moment, the photo, the walk, and the happiness of time spent with my old man and family on that night. One picture, so much happiness from a random reminder of Dad.

Thanks!!!

The alarm went off and next thing I knew I was laying back in bed typing this blog this evening. No, I didn’t black out or hit my head. It’s been one of the most completely full days I’ve had in a while.

The sprint started with our morning walk/run. There was lightning way out in the distance. The fresh air was amazing, the time with Becky refreshing. Bursts of conversation with the boys as we all got ready for the day. The drive to EC included thought provoking conversation and deep thinking about new concepts in a new book.

Once I walked into the office the fun started and never stopped. Conversations to increase wages for our associates. Problem solving many different situations. A little coaching here and there. Exciting news from past teammates. Frustrating issues that still had a wonderful bright side when I forced myself to look for it.

Running home to a home cooked meal… mmm… meatloaf! Some fleeting moments of conversation with family before Becky ran out on Uber duty for the boys. Firing up my laptop and busting through a long list of to do’s.

Throughout the day conversations with family. Thoughts about vacations and travel. So many laughs and smiles with teammates.

And now it’s bedtime. I’ll most likely be asleep within minutes after wrapping this up.

What an amazingly awesome day! It hasn’t been perfect, but I’ve been alive to celebrate it, I’ve friends and family to share in it, and it’s led to so much growth. What a full and fulfilling day!

Thanks!!!

It has been a very full day. From the time my alarm went off before 5am through this moment there’ve only been a few fleeting minutes of chill time. The majority of them have been enjoyed while sitting in the high school parking lot of all places. Dominic’s bus from his soccer game should be here soon and I’m on Uber duty.

Instead of sitting here longing for my bed I’ve rather enjoyed the time relaxing. I’ve got Max Richter’s Sleep album on. The seat is reclined way back. I had time to close my eyes and mentally transport myself back to a wonderful moment of vacation-like stillness.

While traveling I often tie a song or two into the moment to help me rekindle it in moments like this. Tonight with my eyes closed the warm air transported me back to Florida. Just as I did watching the sunset I listened to the song Dream 1. It was a peaceful moment of tranquility… one I needed more than I’d thought. Ahh…

Thanks!!!

Tonight started the craziness of a week filled with soccer, soccer, and more soccer.  In spite of the seemingly nonstop soccer was a delicious and healthy hot homemade meal.  As I savored the flavor of the chili I realized how thankful I am for Becky’s planning skills.

While we were grocery shopping I was so proud of myself for having the idea to pick up something for the dinner with the boys when Becky is out of town this Saturday night.  I was smiling and happy thinking about how on the ball I was; so happy that I totally forgot about what to grab for dinner on Friday night with the boys when Becky is out of town.  D’oh!

Becky was doing something entirely different when I was walking with my chin held high in foolish pride.  She researched our calendar for the week and came up with a game plan of meals for the entire week.  Not only that, but she made a few of the meals on Sunday during the day so we’d only have to make one meal in the middle of the week, the one night we don’t have quite as much going on.  How incredible is that?

Left to my own devices the boys would’ve had fast food with a smattering of Kwik Trip!  With Becky’s planning skills we ended up eating delicious home cooked meals that are way more healthy.

One more reason to be thankful for Becky!

Thanks!!!

Yes, you read that correctly.  Of course it would’ve been great to get out on the water today.  As luck would have it our plans of going out on the boat were pretty much crushed by the horrible boating weather.  Heading out on the water for some fun in the sun doesn’t sound quite as appealing when it’s just over 60 degrees and sprinkling.  Seeing as there is nothing we can do to change the weather we opted to do the next best thing, find something positive to do in it.

We quickly changed up plans and knocked out some errands like getting groceries.  After a couple of texts we switched up plans and met up with Steve & Kathy at Hixon for some hiking.  Instead of chilling on the boat we got some nice physical activity in.  We spent a good chunk of time hiking through forest and shooting the bull.

While we walked we got some wilderness survival skills training from Steve.  Gavin was especially pumped to learn about the types of edible plants and mushrooms.  Before the hike was over he’d collected a huge pocket full of “salad” that he ate with dinner.  We also talked about the show Gavin and I used to enjoy watching together, Alone, and Steve let us know that it is on Hulu right now (and it’s what we’re watching as I type this).  When all was said and done we had a great hike, put in some miles, worked out the dogs, and had fun hanging out with friends.

Sure, it would’ve been nice to get on the boat today and get some extra sun time in.  With that said, today turned out even better than I’d expected when we planned it to be on the water.  There were tremendous amounts of additional family time, extra memories made, and we all got significantly more done.  Whoever would’ve thought horrible boating weather would lead to such an awesome day?  I’m so thankful for the changed plans, it led to an excellent Sunday!

Thanks!!!

Over the past week or so I’ve had several reminders of how hectic live can be when we take an active role in the life of our kids. There’s an extra level of chaos, running and planning needed to get them to and from everything while also enjoying their activities with them. Case in point, today we drove over two and a half hours one way to Dominic’s soccer game.

That said, I can’t imagine not going to their games, not spending time with them and their friends, and not helping them participate in almost everything they’d like.  To be able to spend quality time with them and supporting them is amongst the greatest joys in the world.

As I was driving us back today I kept thinking about why being actively involved in the lives of our boys is so important to me.  My parents were incredibly involved in my life and I am so thankful for all of the support they’ve given me.  It seems like they were at every single game and event I ever had.  They were always finding a way to get me home from practice and off to games and events.  When Nick and I had things at the same time there was always one of them there cheering me on while the other was at Nick’s.

While I probably didn’t appreciate it in the moment nearly as much as I should have my gratitude for what they did has increased each and every day of my life.  I still remember a conversation I had in college with friends about parents and their support and I thought I was an alien at one point.  There didn’t seem to be anyone else who’d had the same level of involvement.  Even as I talk with people now I see just how blessed I am to have such supportive and involved parents.

When thinking of the boys I can’t even imagine not being actively involved in their lives. The concept of not being there for them doesn’t make any sense and leaves me at a loss, kind of like when I’m trying to grasp the concept of infinity.  The reason this is so foreign to me is because of how awesomely and actively involved my parents have bene in my life.

While I’ll never be able to perfectly re-pay them for what they’ve done – unless my mom joins an adult soccer league or something 😉 – I would imagine they’re pretty happy with how the way they raised Nick and I has continued on to their grandkids.  According to Gavin, he’ll be doing the same when he has his two boys (the youngest will have the middle name Mike because the youngest brothers are always cooler according to him) he’ll be doing the same.

Mom and Dad – thank you for all the sacrifices you made, the tough decisions you made, all the support you gave, and the awesomely active involvement you’ve had in my life.  I’m doing my best to pass your legacy along through the boys.  Love you!

Thanks!!!

 

Holy cow it’s been a crazy week – and it’s not even over yet! On our drive to Fort Atkinson for soccer tomorrow we’ve already divided up the driving duties so we can both spend time wrapping up our work weeks. The week has been filled with starting school, catching up at work after being on vacation, Über-ing kids to and from soccer practices, watching soccer games, and so on. Tonight even included catching the marching band before the HS football game, walking a mile to Menards to pick up some stuff, walking back, and then catching the halftime show before heading home. Tomorrow morning includes an early wake up, and early drop off, a walk, and then driving to another soccer game. Whew!

You know what? I’m thankful for every busy moment of it! It’s been a blast! When my head hits the pillow tonight I’ll be out cold due to all the fun and excitement throughout the week.

What’s been even more enriching in this craziness has been the way Becky and I have been able to sneak some date time in even with the chaos. This morning we got an awesome walk / run in to start the day. This evening’s walk to Menards was an opportunity for us to spend time alone with each other. A large part of the reason I can keep this pace is because of this time with Becky. As we talk it reminds me of our common goals and values. She inspires me with her work ethic and focus. I’m able to see my world differently as she shares what she has going on at work. Most importantly – we have fun and joke around together. This added play keeps me smiling and full of joy.

Tonight was a wonderful reminder of just how much I appreciate those awesome little moments of us being us in amongst all the other awesomeness in our lives.

Thanks!!!

Way back in the day Park Falls used to the be the enemy at pretty much any possible sport. They were our arch-nemesis when I was in middle and high school. The funny thing was that I didn’t know anyone from Park Falls (that I remember offhand). When we had school and sports events we were always separate and weren’t ever teamed up together.

Raising boys in La Crosse has been a huge eye opener for me. Between the YMCA programs, RUSH soccer, Scouts, church, and several other activities the boys have had the opportunity to build friendships with many kids in the area who go to a wide mix of the various middle and high schools in the La Crosse area. Tonight was one of the first times Dominic played against a couple of his former RUSH teammates. It was cool to see them on the same field again even though they were wearing opposing colors. One of the highlights was at the end of the game when they went out of their way to give each other a high five. Heck, they were both even open to having a picture taken of them together – both even smiling without being provoked.

I’m so thankful for the opportunities the boys have had to get to know and build relationships with so many other kids in the area. It is so awesome seeing how all of the friendships they built continue to grow even though they may be on opposing teams.

Thanks!!!