Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Live Well--Last night Justice told me that French Fry (the frog) and Tater Tot (the mouse) went to the hospital in this ambulance. I asked Justice what happened. "Well, the mouse had a fever and they gave him a band-aid and French Fry sprained his ankle in ketchup while going up for a lay-up." I must have been sleeping pretty hard to miss all the commotion...Moral of the story-- Rest is the best of all medicines, especially for a tired Coach's Wife...

Laugh Often---Coach Keene is officially 1-0 in 2010. Yesterday, he hit the game winning shot and took the official point guard of the house OUT for an afternoon and evening! Yes, planned by him, babysitters, reservations and all... We FINALLY saw The Blind Side. Laughed the whole way there, figured we were the only ones left who had not experienced this move yet, but it was packed. L-O-V-E-D it! Can see alittle of the Keene Clan in all the characters. Especially, Our Justice Carter (JC) in SJ! I noticed Zach scanning the road the entire way home. I think he was looking for a point guard to move in and call him dad! HA!! Followed by a quiet dinner at Biaggi's. Laughed alittle more. Moral of the Story--Laughter is an instant vacation, even to a Coach's wife in the middle of the season!

Love Much--Yep, it only took two weeks. Two weeks after meeting Coach Keene to know I was sold. In those two weeks, I was flourished with his attention, flowers, a hand made German Chocolate Cake (my favorite, that ironically he had to hand mix, since he didn't have a mixer) rode his bike to see me at the golf course, (and if you know how steep that hill is out there you would know THAT was love) he introduced me to a group of friends I still love, and numerous late night conversations about hopes, dreams and values. Now, two kids and 7 years of marriage later....still sold. I guess in light of Valentines Day around the corner, maybe I will share some of the "Coach Keene" that I know. Not the screamer, stomp-er and ranter on the sideline, but the thoughtful and--alittle on the romantic side, guy I fell for. Moral Of the Story---Love is blind, Marriage is the eye opener!

You Might Be A Coach's Wife If....

Like Jeff Foxworthy says.....But a twist.....You MIGHT BE A COACHES WIFE IF......


1-Your husband has more clothes than you do...

2-93% Of your Conversations are over Text....

3-During the season your husband leaves for work so early and comes home so late, that when you get up in the morning you really have to think if you saw him or not...

4-You rarely see your husband in anything but Dry-Fit Clothes or suits...

5-When your husband is home, you tell everyone you have company and you will need to call them back...

6-ESPN is your main source of News...

7-The idea of having a workweek and a weekend are Beyond Comprehension...

8-You use "seasons" as a measurement of time...

9-Your wardrobe only consists of your school colors...

10-March Madness is celebrated in your home like a National Holiday...

11-Disciplining the kids is done over the phone OR "wait till your dad gets home" and you honestly have no idea when that will be or if you will even remember why the kid was in trouble...

12-People want to share ideas for a press breaker via the wife...

13-You NEVER sit with the crowd at a game...


Hey--I am out, if you have any more ideas....send me a post!! Have a nice Saturday! Today is my "Suprise Day" I heard I am being blindfolded to a secret location...Hope I need my passport, OR a movie would be nice too...tootles!

Bottom Line

Bottom Line--We have to many bills

Bottom Line--I need to lose 40 pounds

Bottom Line--I need a maid

Bottom Line--I need more hours in the day for motherhood and career

Bottom Line--I need a date with NO children

Bottom Line--I have not went to the bathroom alone in weeks

Bottom Line--While I am dreaming, I need SUN and SAND...back to reality, Bottom line #425 Bills

So, I guess I have been using that word alittle to much. I am just busy and I want people to get to the point! So Justice says today, "I need a snack, something chocolate, BOTTOM LINE!" Okay, time to change my vocabulary...

Speaking of Bottom Line (Last time, promise) I recently had my quarterly "come to Jesus" meeting with Coach Keene. Something must have hit home because he is being all sneaky about this weekend. Stay tuned for that one...

Watch out Chargers...Justice is coming to practice tonight. Grandpa Dana is bringing him over. Justice says, "Gotta get some shots in before bitty ball on Monday. We might work on offensive slides!" What is that? I said... "mom ya know....like Lauren, and Dana, Carter and Leah, and Bailey and Kate, and ummm, is that most of the team?" He is a carbon copy of Coach Keene. Love basketball with every breath he takes....If I could just catch my breath with those two...

Lastly, Cameron is good too. I rarely Blog about him. He just smiles most of the day. He is definitely mommy boy! I cant imagine what will come out of his mouth someday :)

Today Is Brought To You By The Letter "P"

Since my return to work from maternity leave, I have opted out for a reduced schedule for 12 weeks. (Gotta Love those French Companies!) I dont work on Friday until the middle of March. Honestly, I work harder on Friday at home than any day of the week. By Friday, the house is a mess, laundry needs to be done and I am exhausted from the work week. And to think, I actually thought, ohhh I dont work Friday..I will be able to go to every Thursday night game..NOT! I would need a caffeine drip to make it through this first half with two kids!

Justice and I officially named today "P day". We are wearing PJ's all day, had pancakes for breakfast, plan to have a picnic in front of the fireplace for lunch equipped with Peanut Butter and Jelly. Justice is P-laying basketball, big surprise. After lunch we are making brownies with Pink icing. I hunted up some puzzles to put together...and only time will tell what "P" activity we will do next. Oh, Justice did say today, "mom, dont touch my computer...I have to Poop...Its "P" day. duuhh...and I will be listening to see if touch my game film!" Can you say, "obsessed!"

Daddy has late practice tonight. Already called in some back up about 4:30 so I can take a 45 min walk on the treadmill. My other stress reliever. Ashley and I are taking a muscle pump class at the YMCA and today, I am feeling it...ahhhh go away baby weight, and I P-romise not to eat the pink iced brownies today.... :)

Leadership Can Be Lonely

Yep, I am struggling with the one word today---BALANCE. I cant figure out how to balance my own interests and careers with that of Coach Keene. In most cases the bulk of domestic responsibilities for a coach's wife -- especially raising children -- fall on our shoulders. It does not matter how much you like it, it's still lonely...

You can hear a pin drop right now at the Keene compound! I just got both kids to sleep, praise God, and I am listening to end of the game on the radio....wishing I could have attended. I often wonder if people think I have lost my commitment for supporting the Chargers, nope, never...motherhood got in the way.

While coaches' wives in big cities may be able to go about their business normally, those in small towns often find there's no escape. At the grocery store, the gas pump and even the doctor's office, everyone it seems wants to offer some bit of advice to the coach through his wife. I was actually pumping gas today in Macomb and a guy asked me, "Aren't you Coach Keene's wife?" I said, "depends" He said, "whats happened to Carthage basketball" My answer, as I paid at the pump, "It became Illini West" He looked at me like....wow, she didn't get the question, but I got it buddy....

By far the toughest part of being a coach's wife is dealing with negative comments by "fans" in the stands, radio and sports columnists. Nearly every coach's wife has developed personal strategies for coping with these idiots. My thoughts, sit behind the bench and stay to yourself. Don't worry, I hear it...everywhere! I hear it from people I can't believe are even saying it! I was in Carthage working recently and I overheard a nasty conversation in the doctor's office between two old men, the topic, my husband. SUPER-- I finished my business at the office. Walked over to the two, in the heat of the conversation. Handed them both a business card and told them, if they wanted to complain directly to Coach Keene's personal assistant my cell phone number is at the bottom. They both were beat red and obviously embarrassed.

Thought of the night...Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving.” Maybe I need to take my own advice...

Good Night, Sleep Tight...I am going to pass out!

Date Night---Sorta?

Well, here we are, about 4 weeks left of basketball. Almost survived this season. Just like birth, as the end nears, so do the labor pains of two words--POST SEASON! There is no greater pressure for a coach, when all you want to do is survive and advance. All season long is a dress rehearsal for the beginning of the end.

Coach Keene has been burning the candle at both ends lately. Between games. late practices, and small children, we rarely spend time together this time of year. I was actually trying to think of the last time we were alone, Decemeber 16th.....Yeah, I will admit it....I need a date...an actual meal with no children that I don't have to cook. So, I decided I would take this matter into my own hands.

A lunch date at school on Tuesday, pushed two desks together, and enjoyed 30 minutes without the interruptions of little ones. It was kinda nice. A full thirty min interaction and we DIDN'T talk about basketball. Just goes to show, sometimes a coach's wife must be creative to get some quality time!

JC Takes Bitty Ball

Grandpa Dana, Aunt Ashley and I attended Justice's first basketball practice. It was ages 4-6. Mommy, being the sales lady she is, got the coach to accept Justice even though he's 3! I am telling you, Justice is a natural....but I am bias!

Before we left home Justice handed Grandpa Dana his stat book and a blue crayon. "Dana, your keeping my stats, right?" As you can see in the picture, he is checking them out.

He did great...daddy was sad he missed it! The program goes until March 6th, so there will be plenty of performances left for Daddy to see...

I have to say, I think Justice was born to lead, just like his daddy...I am a true believe that you cant be taught to lead and this kids got what it takes to move mountains! The sky is the limit little man...

First Things First

Over Christmas I read, First Things First on Kurt and Brenda Warner. It was a fun read. Truly made me realize that sports families are all alike! The Warner's emphasize the Family Rules they have created to keep their lives humble. This book puts a priority on family! This book brings to life that if you consistently put "first things first", life, marriage and raising kids all get a whole lot easier!

Just like the Warner's have family rules, so do the Keene's. I have never actually wrote them down, well until now, but these are our Family Rules.....

1-We eat at the table as a family, we don't get up until everyone is finished (this one is a work in progress with Justice)

2-During the holidays we will always share our blessings with less fortunate families. (Since we have a "family coaching philosophy" the girls basketball team fits into this one too.)

3-Santa and the Easter Bunny is for little kids and Jesus is FOREVER (share the love of Christ with our kids)

4-When the going gets tough, make some quality time for each other

5-Don't Dress for the job you have, Dress for the job you want

6-Play hard at home, work hard at work

7-Be each others biggest supporter, live their hopes and dreams too

8-Always keep a supply of Reese's Cups... :) Justice and mommy LOVE them

9-Start more Family Traditions--we make Caramel corn at Christmas and watch Christmas Vacation

10-Have a party every year at our house inviting people who touch our lives!

Keene Team Goals...

What would a team be like without goals? If you don't get into the habit of writing your dreams down, then how will you hold yourself accountable? We have, a very cheesy, GOALS bulletin board by our garage door. Everyday we must walk out into the world and hold our self to a higher standard knowing we have to walk back by the board when we get home. The goals board has family goals and individual goals.

Little do some people know when Zach and I met, I was the coach. (I am definitely the less dramatic Keene on the sidelines!) I coached golf at Western Illinois University for five years. For two years of our marriage, we both coached. I was gone in the fall and spring, he was gone in the winter...not the best arrangement, but we made it work. In 2005, I took a major career change into the Pharmaceutical Industry. Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals is the 3rd largest pharma company in the world. I LOVE IT!! I have taken my coaching attitude and my love for leading people into that career as well.

Rules about Goal Setting

1-Be Decisive 2-Stay Focused 3-Write your Goals 4-Plan Thoroughly 5-Involve Others 6-We come Failure 7-Take Action 8-Inspect what you Expect 9-Reward yourself 10-Maintain Personal Integrity

Like Mike...If JC Could be LIKE MIKE....

Justice is starting Pre-K basketball on Monday at the YMCA. He asked me when I signed him up, "Will there be a shot clock." I informed him that it would not be that intense.

Grandpa Dana came over and surprised JC with a new pair of basketball shoes... I think he loves them ALMOST as much as the green stat book. He has been listening to the song, "If I could be like Mike and Don't stop believin" while wearing his Jordan's as he shoots hoops...

Highlight of his day---Got to go to practice today with daddy and talk on the radio...Go Chargers..

Our Stat Keeper...

This is the Official--un-Official stat keeper of the Illini West Chargers at the Beardstown tournament. Actually, this was a turning point for our beloved green stat book. The Chargers got behind and Justice took his score book, ripped the cover off and began beating it against the bleachers. He then says to me, "mommy, I just want to win sooo bad!" Since then we have added 3 new stat books to our life...He also has three new heros...Joe/Dana-Stat keepers, Tommy--Clock, and Keith, Raido. He sets up my ironing board, takes his McDonalds register (clock), puts on my headphones (Keith) and watches game film with his green stat book (Dana/Joe) This kid is totally nuts about BASKETBALL!!

Top 10 Reasons Why Being A Coach's Wife is like A Running a Small Company

10-You have weekly board meeting..... to discuss the status of each player, their progress and update your husband on EVERYTHING you have been doing while he is in the gym :) This is where my blog therapy kicks in...love ya

9-Your the subject of a hostile takeover--REALLY ...why should I be able to have a full nights rest without a 3 year old showing up to take my covers and pillow in the middle of the night just about the time I get the baby to sleep...

8-Your sentenced to several years in a maximum security facility. Its funny how I thought I would NEVER miss a game, even when I had kids...Now I feel its easier to be on lock down at home than get my tribe ready for a game...not to mention how wild my three year old is upon return from the gym...Usually takes till midnight to get him to sleep..

7-You hand out sweet bonuses---Hey Justice, if you go to bed before daddy gets home, I will give you a Reese's..He will do anything for a Reese's ...Yeah..bad mommy

6-Your on constant market watch---Newsflash....Coaches don't get paid what they are worth...We spend so much $ on two kids now I am actually reading the grocery sales to stock up on all our favorites....and coupons, I know, you think coupons...I saved over $1000 in three months...I am SOLD!

5-You will GLADLY accept a bailout--Grandma!

4-Your about all the perks....Since you can verily get through the day without 4 cups of coffee

3-You keep a sharp eye on interest rates... green veggies, educational TV, exercise and chores

2-Always wanted a girl---now I have like 23 in my life---love my boys, but I need some girl talk every once in a while. Kinda got disconnected last year due to a small incident. Lets just say, no more teambuliders at our home....or at least for awhile...

1-Your bonds are extremely rewarding...quality time, not quantity...I work as hard as I can at work...and play as hard as I can at home...Coach Keene is the same way! I would not survive without those moments...

The Homefront Huddle

Well, I officially decided. Blogging is cheaper than therapy. I have created "Behind the Bench" to share all the eventful days as I, Mrs. Coach Keene, try to raise two boys and a basketball coach.

Life's not easy in a never ending season. There is always film to be analyzed, players to position, media to accommodate, late night bus rides, weekend of practice, summer camps, fundraising, motivational brainstorming, and not to mention the day to day life of our family! In my 7 short years "behind the bench", this year takes the cake. A three year old and a 3 month old is how I started November of 2009.

My goal is to share the happenings of our household huddle a few days a week. Let's not forget all the roles this blogger has in life, wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, housekeeper, cook, errand runner, grocery getter...oh yeah AND I work full time. Wish us luck, 7 years down, 35 more to go!