Another successful Kid’s Cup is in the books!  Over $75,000 was raised for the Mayo Clinic Children’s Center and Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester – How awesome is that?  The weather was perfect, my teammates were great, and our golf game was…  well…  let’s just say that the sign below is sideways on purpose to match the way our golf game went! 😉

This year’s event really touched my heart at a different level than in past years.  As in past years we had a couple of families who’ve received care from the clinics share their story of how their lives have been impacted by the funds raised by Kid’s Cup.  This year we had an 8 year old boy undergoing treatment for bone cancer (his 13th chemotherapy is tomorrow) share some jokes and a hidden talent while his mom shared all the things that have helped the entire family through this challenge.  Another child’s mom shared how they were able to help him treat his hearing issues by week 2 of his life and how much his self esteem has benefited from the early care he received.  In both cases my eyes welled up as I listened.

While both of those stirred my emotions, what really hit home for me this year was a conversation I had recently with a little buddy of mine.  He and I run into each other every once in a while and when we do we have a blast!  He’s always full of energy, always smiling and giggling, he’s always happy – how can you not love being with someone like that?  We chase each other around, threaten to throw each other in the garbage can, and tease each other in fun ways like pretending to eat each other’s snacks.  When we hang out I smile and am able to be a big kid and I’m thankful for that.

Crazy thing is that he has a serious health issue that I never would have ever guessed until his dad mentioned it.  I don’t know all of the details, but it’s serious and has involved surgeries.  This kid is tough as all get out, full of life and energy and it still floors me to thing that he’s got anything less than perfect kid health.

Recently he and I were talking and I was wearing my Kid’s Cup sweatshirt from a past event and he asked me what the logo was for.  I explained that we raised money for a couple of children’s hospitals in Rochester.  “Rochester?  That’s where my doctor is!” was his smiling response.  I smiled huge and held back the sudden flow of emotion so he didn’t think anything was up, and we moved right on to the next conversation.  I am not sure if Kid’s Cup has helped him or his family out while he’s been at his doc, but I know that if there are kids like him that are so full of energy, life and happiness that need help some extra help and comfort I’m very happy to do what I can to help them out.

Today I’m thankful that Kid’s Cup had another incredibly successful year and will continue to help kids and families.  Thank you so much to all of my friends and family for all the contributions and well wishes this year – they’re greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!!!

 

I was volunteered by Becky to be the chauffeur for Dominic’s soccer game in Madison today.  My responsibility was to transport him and a few of his teammates to the game and then drive them home.  Due to Bro Code Rule 357.9, subsection B, I am unable to share the details of the ride.  What I can share is just how much fun I had driving and listening – it was AWESOME!!!

As one of the dads put it, “the best is about 20 miles in when they forget that there’s an adult in the car.”  I was fighting back laughter often, biting my tongue on several times, and just enjoying listening to the lives of U12 kids.  It was a blast!  Taking time to replay some of the highlights from our 5 hours together still has me smiling and will for days.

Thanks!!!

Is there anything better than that story that you’ve read…  and read…  and read… and read…  and know that you will continue to read for many years to come?  American Gods is that book to me.  When the question comes up “if you could only read one book for the rest of your life…” my brain always pauses on American Gods by Neil Gaiman.  Special thanks to James DeSota for turning me on to this one many years ago.

It’s an incredible story that continues to blow my mind each and every time I read it.  Each time there are small nuances that I missed, little clues that were undiscovered, and themes that were overlooked.  As I’ve been reading it again recently (for probably the sixth time or so) there’ve been more aha’s than I’d care to admit!

It doesn’t hurt that much of the book is set in Wisconsin (in a town eerily similar to Menomonie)…

The character development is amazing, the content is right up my alley, there’s enough details that I can see it clearly in my mind, and the overall concept is very intriguing.  The story is incredible and it always leads to great thoughts in my brain.

Thanks!!!

Talk about something that brought some leaks of awesome to my eyes this afternoon…  Earlier today Dominic was recognized for an award at his school.  When Becky told me the name I was pretty pumped for him…  Student of Excellence!

When I asked what the award was specifically for she sent me the following picture:

As I read it my eyes welled up with pride and with happiness for him.  Award or not, he’s an incredible kid and I’m so thankful for his awesomeness!  

Dominic, I’m thankful for your values, your drive, your happiness, your giving, your humbleness, your humor, and all of the other awesome things about you.  Love you bud!!!

Thanks!!!

How cool is it that on the 600th straight day of blogging I’m able to be thankful for knocking off one of my dreams???

Dream #31 is/was:  Get passports for the boys.  

Travel is a huge part of our lives and the passports are keys to new and unexplored experiences for the boys.  We hope and pray that they catch the travel bug like we have (& it’s looking pretty good for both of them so far!).

BTW – it was hysterical watching the boys not smile for the picture!

Thanks!!!

The votes have been counted and Gavin will not be the next Treasurer.  😥

Funny thing is that when I picked him up from school we talked about several things that happened over the course of the day.  When I asked him about the election he kept smiling and said that he lost, but he was happy that his friend, Emma, won.  No frustration, no visible disappointment, just acceptance and enjoyment of running for the spot.  I asked him if he had fun campaigning – asking kids for votes and making his posters – he smiled and said that he did.

Funny how there are many times I can learn from my boys sometimes.  Today was an awesome reminder to enjoy the journey, don’t worry about fretting the results after it’s all done.  Find a way to improve and get better, but don’t let the loss beat me down.

Thanks for taking the loss today well Gavin!  I’m glad you had fun running for treasurer and will have a campaign poster or two hanging in my office tomorrow 🙂

Thanks!!!

For something a little different in our meeting today we headed out to a shooting range for a little friendly competition.

The event itself was a lot of fun, everyone did well and there were many smiles afterwards.  As I had a chance to think on it a bit something hit me that I don’t always take time to appreciate…  I had a very well rounded childhood.  

Wait a sec…  how the hell did I draw that conclusion from shooting a pistol?

It was interesting, as I picked up the pistol it all started coming back to me.  Assuming the right stance, breathe in, hold the sights on target, gently squeeze, repeat…  it reminded me of hours of shooting my bow at targets in our yard as a kid, sighting in my rifle for deer hunting, and shooting in Scouts.  To be clear, I’m just as horrible of a shot as I was before, but it all came back as soon as I stepped in the booth.

As these memories came back I started thinking about so many other things I had the chance to do as a kid.  Learning to paddle and trap.  Learning the joy of many different sports.  Experiencing the awesomeness of the outdoors, from hiking to sledding to laying on the road watching a meteor shower.  Helping my parents in building our houses.  Camping regularly in Scouts, having great friends to make memories with.  Even working in the woods (which I didn’t appreciate as a kid).  So many things I had the opportunity to do as a kid that keep coming back as I get older.  While I might not have thought that as a kid, I am very thankful for all of the opportunities I had as a kid.

Who would’ve ever thought that the simple act of shooting a gun would bring back so many positive memories?  Today was one of the magic moments that I would’ve missed had I not taken time to pause, reflect, and be grateful.

Thanks!!!

Not gonna lie, it is pretty awesome being married to a super hero.  Becky is, really!

How else would you believe anyone could pull all this off:

• Team manager for Dominic’s soccer team
• Treasurer for Cub Scouts
• Very successful professional career
• Earning her PhD while working full time
• Is an Uber driver most nights of the week
• Works out at least 5 times a week – frequently running for her “buddy” Natalie
• Does the overwhelming majority of the housework
• Keeps her family organized and in the right place at all times
• Is always there when her kids need her
• Incredible mom that her kids are lucky to have
• Awesome travel companion
• Best wife ever

All in all, she’s got to be a super hero to pull all of that off.  Where she continues to find the energy and sanity I have no idea.  I am very thankful for her being in my life and in the lives of my boys.

Thanks!!!

It’s kind of weird seeing this on our car’s navigation system…

Today we took the ferry back to Bayfield and headed over to the Apostle Islands Lake Shore for a pretty cool hike. The walk took us to the sea caves and provided some excellent views.  Throw in a great early lunch and a successful trip to a used bookstore and it’s been a pretty awesome day!

All of the day was totally spontaneous, we had zero plans for the day other than chilling, and it turned out great. I am thankful for days like this with no agenda, they always seem to end in great memories.  

Thanks!!!