Auburn Volleyball

I have started my 2nd year as the assistant volleyball coach/conditioning coach at Auburn High School. I also help with the JV and middle school teams. I realized that I've never shared this passion and joy on the blog before! We're going in full swing with our season so I wanted to dedicate a post to my wonderful players and co-coaches.

I have had the priveledge of coaching with 3 wonderful other coaches, Jan, Mindy, and Abby. We work great as a team and have a ball when we're together.

We also have a GREAT group of girls this year. They work hard, push themselves, are so respectful, and have really fun, laid back attitudes. Being a student athlete myself growing up, some of my favorite memories of my life are on the volleyball or basketball court or the softball field. I know how important these memories are to these girls. Not only is being an athlete something that's important, but as a coach, I also have the opportunity to share my faith and my life stories with these girls. I know some of the most influential people in my life (for good or bad) from the ages of 10-18 were coaches and I hope I can spare some nuggets of truth for these girls to take with them. I pray for them each every day and feel so blessed to be a part of this team. Right now we're 3-4 but we have some great games this week, including Ben Russell tomorrow night! Any who, coaching has become something I love, almost as much as playing and I am so thankful for this opportunity!

170 Beats Per Minute

That's right...that was Tater's heart beat at the doctor's office today! Everything is looking healthy! Thank you to everyone who has been lifting us up in your prayers. :)

Far Away

Living, He loved me.
Dying, He saved me.
Buried, He carried my sins far away.
Rising, He justified, freely forever
One day He's coming, Oh glorious day!

This is one of my favorite choruses...it's been on my heart. How richly blessed I am to have a risen Savior. No matter what the circumstances, God does indeed work together for good. Every day, I see His hand. Thank you Lord for your many blessings and unspeakable gift!

School has begun...and Sausage and Cheese Muffins

I can not believe that the 2010-2011 school year kicked off today and is already over. I am really excited about this school year. I have 11 students in my self-contained special education classroom, with 2 para-professionals and several other members of our SPED team. :) I am totally stoked about really focusing on functional skills like learning the public transportation system, money sense, and every day shopping and living. I love preparing my "babies" for the read world. They are too funny and never a dull moment. I also announced to them today about "Tater". Their faces were priceless! My para-pros and I joked that would be the most quiet moment in our classroom all year! One student, knowing "How you make a baby!" almost asked, "Who's the daddy?" before remembering that I'm married. I assurred them, "It's ok, remember, I'm married." Another student told me her Mama would fuss her out if she came home pregnant. I told her that her Mama was right to do so. :) So, with all that said, 2010-2011, here we come!

Sausage and Cheese Muffins
(These are one of my most favorite things in the world to make ahead of time, put them in freezer bags, and use as needed. They are Ms. Denise's (Martha's Mom) recipe.)
Ingredients:
-1 lb. lean spicey sausage, cooked and drained
-2 1/2 cups bite sized pieces of 2% velveeta cheese (I just chop up about 1/2 of 1 large block)
-6 Whole Wheat English Muffins, cut in 1/2

Directions:
1. Melt cheese on low heat in skillet and add sausage.
2. Spoon onto english muffin halves
3. Broil for about 4-5 minutes on cookie sheet
4. Allow to cool, serve or freeze for later.

1 Samuel 1:27

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted me what I asked of Him."

God has chosen to bless us with a beautiful baby! We could not be more excited, scared, nervous, or overjoyed! Such a rush of emotions and gratitude. At our first visit, everything looked perfect and "Tater's" heart beat was 126 beats per minute. (Justin decided tater would be short for Tater Tot, since that's about how big he/she is. Please be praying for me and our precious little one!