Heartland's Got Heart

Today was Miguel's flag football team's first game. It was so much fun. Seeing our boys out there, warming up, getting excited, so confident. Then, as they were stretching out...THEY showed up. These guys had to be some of the biggest 14 years olds we had ever seen (our boys ranged from age 11-14). My husband is 6 foot and even he looked a bit on the small side next to these guys. The boys, did not lose heart, but they seemed a bit..umm...concerned. I reminded our team to look at it from David's prespective, "They are your Goliath, boys!". Just before the game was about to start against The Rock Academy, both teams, along with the referrees and league officials, got together in the middle of the field to pray. Now that was such a blessing! You all should have seen my handsome son out there! He had just gotten a military style haircut and looks so much older without his glasses(he got contacts last week!). Miguel played tough, and I was so impressed at how well he played...I think the position is: line backer. During the first play, Miguel was up against a guy about 1 foot taller..and much bigger...I think Miguel surprised him, though. Miguel was able to knock the guy down and protect his quarterback. I never thought I would enjoy seeing my son do something so physical towards another person, but in all honestly, I loved it! At one point he was up against a guy that, NO KIDDING, had to be about 6 feet, 250 lbs, and he told me he knew he had to try hard to keep this guy away from the quarterback. He said that that he was barely able to tap before he just barreled Miguel over. He did not lose heart, though!

The final score was 12-6, The Rock. However, the boys played with so much heart. I couldn't have been prouder! We even had a man and his son, that just happened to be passing by and watched the game, approach Miguel and tell him that he had never seen anyone play like that. He said it was amazing to watch a team with so much heart on the field. He told Miguel that he really enjoyed watching them give 100% the whole time and that he was so impressed with how both teams had such awesome sportsmanship. This is one of the reasons I was so happy to have Miguel play with this league. They are already showing the love of Christ out there! I am one proud Mama. I am also so thankful to all the people that showed up to support our boys!! Including my parents, my sister, Mrs. Rowe and her husband (the kids teacher), Aaron (the kids youth leader from church), Kelsey, Ericka, Jenni (girl's from our church), and so many students and their parents. We had a packed group of 'cheerleaders'. Heartland played flawlessly in my eyes because they never lost heart! Our coaches are amazing role models! GO ANGELS!

'Mexican Guy'

Recently, I showed my 4 year old son, Walker, a picture of a traditional outfit a mexican-indian would wear back in the day. You know: the sombrero, the sarape, the white pants, the guaraches (sandals to you white folk). Well, he fell in love with it and wants me to go get him an outfit like it. "I want to be a mexican guy for the Pall Pestibal, Mom." That's Fall Festival for those of you that can say your F's right. Since we don't celebrate Halloween, we attend a Fall Festival at the kids homeschool center and then a 'Hoedown' at our friends' church in the evening. It is so much fun to do these alternative activities and see all the kids dressed up as something other than goblins and devils. So, don't be surprised if you see a little mexican guy walking along with us...it's just our Walker. Now, to find the costume...guess we will hit Mexico for the authentic stuff! Chicklet, anyone? (If you are looking for something to do on Oct 31st that will be safe and fun for the kids, let me know, i'll give you info on great activities to do as a family)

Finding Nemo

Well, I did it! I finally took the 'plunge' and got in the pool for my swimming lessons. I was expecting to be scared out of my mind, but I know that all the prayers and God's strength were covering me like a blanket of support. I am really pleased with how much I accomplished my 1st lesson. In just 30mins, I was submerging myself underwater completely, floating on my back and tummy, and swam a couple of strokes to the edge of the pool. Amazing for a girl that figured swimming would just never be one of the 'TO DO' things crossed off my list. But, I did it! As I was leaving the YMCA and walking to my car, I was overcome with this joy. I tried not to cry until I got to the car, but did not make it. I was just brimming with excitement all the way home and praising God for the opportunity He gave me and for using my in-laws to find the Nemo within me.

Today was my 2nd lesson and I knew my instructor would want me to just go for it. Within the 1st 10mins I was swimming 15 feet by myself. Unbelieveable!! She taught me how to swim the freestyle, then taught me how to do the elementary back stroke. I can't say I could save myself quite yet if I were to be in a drowning situation, but my confidence is THROUGH THE ROOF and I truly look forward to getting in the pool each time. The only thing I have not tried, and am having a hard time conquering, is going to the deep end. She is going to teach me how to tread water next week. Pray for me, please!

God was bigger than my fear. God has never given me the spirit of fear. However, He took it from me and used so many wonderful people to encourage me and lift me up in prayer. I am looking forward to doing all the fun things I have missed for so many years. The best part is seeing how proud of me Tim and the kids are. They make me feel like I have just conquered Goliath in battle. In many ways my fear of the water was like a big giant...but now I have knocked it right out of my life!! Hallelujah!

Zack and Karizma's Swim Progress

Karizma is doing so well! Although she already knew how to swim, she did not know how to do it properly. She has gained a lot of confidence in herself and practices as often as she can. I am very proud of our sweet girl!!




Zack was our little Nemo. Because he is so little, he knows nothing about fear. So, he would go underwater and not even bat an eyelash. However, he was taking in so much of that chlorinated water that he started to get sick. He wouldn't eat, he would vomit regularly and lost 1/3 of a pound over the 2 weeks that swim lessons were happening. After 3 doctor's visits and 1 ER visit, Tim and I have decided to pull him from swim lessons. Every doctor, except our very trusted pediatrician, said that the pool was not the reason for his getting sick. However, my mommy instincts said different. When I finally got an appointment to see our own pediatrician, he fully supported me and said that he recommended pulling Zack from swim lessons. "Why take the chance?" Well, since stopping the lessons, last week, Zack has been eating like a champ, hasn't even spit up once, and is our happy little guy now. Like Dr. Mattson said, "He doesn't need the lessons now. He can take them later." This is true. We just wanted him to have the lessons to become used to the water, and not be afraid. We have been going to the pool so often lately to practice, so we will continue to bring Zack in the water, too, just no underwater dips for now. We have an appointment with Dr. Mattson later today...we will see if he gained any weight since Friday.

Sure will miss seeing those big blue eyes peering at me from under the water. Can't wait for next summer!!

Swim Lesson Progress

Walker has improved SO much in just 4 lessons. He told his teacher, after his first underwater dive today, that he was trying to keep his eyes open to make his Mommy proud. Can anyone say teary eyed at the Bubble's Pool? Pride was written all over my face!!




Christian is no longer afraid of the pool. He actually starts to whine when we tell him class is over. He is staying underwater longer and jumping into the pool now!



Miguel has improved the most, I think! He is really starting to get the technique down for the freestyle. He was goofing around during some downtime and doing handstands. Wonder how long before I can do one of those. By the way there will NOT be any pics of me during my swim lessons, thank you very much! I will post pics of Karizma and Zack next time.

Labor Day Fun

QB (Christian) walking our dog, Harlan, with his big sister, Karizma.



Tim took Walker out to learn how to ride his bike. It was such a blessing to see my family out enjoying this beautiful Labor Day!

What 'fun' thing did you do this Labor Day? Post a comment, I'd love to read all about it!!

Girls vs. Boys

We are the champions...AGAIN!


Tim made the adults some Mudslides..yummy. I think this may be what gave Grandmom an edge at winning!!

We have played Pictionary with Grandmom and Grandad a few times now. They came over last night for another round. Girls vs. Boys, although Walker is always on the girls team for some reason. Anyway, the girls are triumphant everytime!! (Even when Walker guessed one of the boys clues and 'helped' them out...the little traitor!) Looking forward to the next time, boys!

Tio Manny & Tia Susan's Visit

We had the pleasure of visiting with my brother, Manny and sister-in-law, Susan this past Friday and Saturday. Zack cried at the first sight of his Tio, but by the end of the day they were the best of buddies!

Zack warmed up to his Tia Susan the second he saw her, though. She is much prettier than Manny, I must admit.

We were so blessed to get a chance to hang out with them. For those of you that don't know, my brother lives up in Clovis (near Fresno) and is an Army recruiter. Susan is now a nurse and they are looking forward to starting their family when God sees fit to bless them with a baby. We look forward to that day!!!! They are always a blessing and we are so grateful to have them in our lives.

Tio Temo and Tia Jackie also visited this weekend. We always get so caught up in conversation, that I forget to take pictures. I will have to make sure to take some next time so I can post pictures of Tia Jackie's growing belly! We CAN'T WAIT to meet our little B.Lo. Yes, I said OUR B.LO., y que?!? (Special thanks to Jackie and Temo for helping me FINALLY add pics to my blog! Woohoo!)