National Adoption Day...

In honor of National Adoption Day today, enjoy this video. May you find your own way to make a difference!

T1D 4 a Day....

I typically only post about my Type I Diabetes a couple times a year, as I don't find it makes for exciting reading material. Not that my other posts do, but I don't want to seem like I'm whining, and I really don't make it a focus of my life. However, since this is once again Diabetes Awareness Month, I found something that I thought would help many of you understand a typical day in the life of a T1 Diabetic.

It's called T1D for a day.  When you sign up, for the following 24 hours you will receive as many as 24 text messages over a 24-hour period that simulate the constant blood sugar testing, insulin injections, and dietary decisions that confront people with T1D. Sounds annoying, huh? Yep, I agree, but it is always in the back of your mind, 24-7. If you participate, be sure and comment back here and let me know how it went.

Is this the one???

We just got around to opening yesterday's mail, only to find that Josh was accepted to Portland State University. Now before you Oregonian's start getting too excited about him coming down there, he still is awaiting two other offers from colleges he has applied to. Following that, he will have to wait and see what dollar amounts various colleges are willing to entice him with. If PSU accepts Josh into their honors program, then he won't have to pay the absorbent out-of-state tuition, which would make it more comparable to the colleges here in Washington. Otherwise it is way more costly than the other choices. Josh wants to major in Architecture, yet stay within a few hours from home, so his choices are limited. Mike and I encouraged him to apply to UO also, but being raised in an anti-duck home, he cannot bring himself to do it!

So stay tuned over the next few months to see whether he ends up a Cougar, a Viking, or sports the purple and gold of the Huskies. Regardless of which, we are very proud of Joshua!

The fine print reads "Congratulations, You're a Viking!"

What Now???

It's true, after 25 years, the last 20 being a volleyball coach at Coupeville High School, last week I turned in my resignation. And yes, I shed a few tears, both at my final match, and again at this week's end of season banquet. So many fond memories that I can't even begin to share the stories. In preparing for the interview by the local sports editor, I went down memory lane so many times that it took me forever to complete his questionnaire. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to allow me to touch so many young ladies lives, if only for a "season."

One of my earliest years coaching, in Ridgecrest, CA....look at my sexy assistant!

The burning question now is....what now? Not really sure about that myself.  I don't think it has really sunk in yet. That itch of restlessness probably won't hit until next August, when it should be time to head back into the gym.

My final season

For now, just enjoying time with the kids and waiting to be a "wrestling widow" on Monday, when Josh and Mike officially head back to the mat.  You can read more on my career from our local paper today.
http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/sports/177938781.html

Meet Chili...

Not sure if it's Chili or Chile, but nonetheless, he's the girls' new best friend...

Last Saturday Mike and I took the girls to cash in on the Horse Lesson we bought at an auction last December. Yep, nearly a year ago. Shame on us!

The girls first had to learn how to groom the horse, and they enjoyed brushing him and cleaning out his hooves. Maybe if she had made them scoop the poop, they wouldn't be nagging us so much about getting their own horse!

However, the best part was leading him to the covered arena (good thing, because it was raining) and getting to ride him.

Check out the grin!

Kaia got to trot Chili.

We found out they do trail rides in the spring/summer, so we just may have to make a trip back....

Amazing Opportunity....

If you are like me, you love a good bargain. Well do I have an amazing opportunity for you....

To anyone interested in earning a free Mission trip to one of 60 locations around the world, read on. Of course, I would want you to join my team's July 10-July 21 trip back to Chaoyang next summer if you won. One of my team members from two years ago was the recipient of this free trip! The drawing will be Dec. 3.

Here's how: Between November 1st and November 30th, any $25 purchase or general donation made on

our website will enter your name in the drawing to win a Visiting Orphans Mission Trip!
$25 = 1 entry. $50 = 2 entries!!! It's that simple!

1. Visit www.visitingorphans.org and browse our eSTORE. Any purchase of $25 or more (shipping+taxes excluded) during the month of November will enter your name in the drawing.
2. To make a general contribution* to Visiting Orphans HERE, select "Give.Love" from the pull-down menu. Your name will go in the drawing for every $25 you donate during the month of November.

* You can still win if you're already signed up for a 2013 trip!
* Team member fundraising with our merchandise still applies during this time.
- Be sure to include your name under 'Team Member Preference' at checkout and encourage others to help you fundraise for your trip!! (Because with every $25 purchase they make, THEY will be entered to win as well! You could be going on a trip together!)

 

Questions? Don't be shy; feel free to ask away...