Cameron Cheering For The Chargers...

Justice Spent All Week At The Holiday Tournament--Cried When We Lost Like A True Team Player...

Reflection

Today while on a gum search in Coach's bag I found this old email I sent him folded up. The paper was wrinkled. The corners were torn. Not to mention the once white paper was dingy. The email was dated February 19, 2011. The significance of the date was the sectional title IW played against QND. This short note has multiple meanings. I was touched he had kept it. I was moved he has read it more times than one by the dirty prints left behind. I thought it was time to share my note to the blog world....


Coach Keene,

When tonight’s game starts--give it your best. The opportunities are there to be anything you want it to be. But wanting to be something isn’t enough; dreaming about it isn’t enough; thinking about it isn’t enough. You have to study for it, work for it, fight for it with all your might and all your heart and all your soul, because nobody is going to hand it to you.

Success does not come to you---you go to it. I am proud of your swagger, I am impressed with your leadership, I am intimated in your will to win, and I am overcome by your love of the game. Passion makes every detail important. Tonight, take some time to enjoy the “small detail” of everything you, as a coach, have overcome this year. Not to mention the success you have molded. It took years to get to this point. Now take it in, and evaluate where your heart tells you to go next on your journey…

Your biggest fan,

Mrs. Coach Keene




.......How often do we actually stop and reflect on all our hard work? Do we wait until New Years Eve to evaluate the last 12 months? Or do we wait until tip off of a 8 year run? I think Keene's push and push; really never stop to think how far I have moved the needle. This needs to change.

I asked our whole family what their New Years Resolution was....

Justice, "Spent more time with Dana." Just a side bar--my dad comes every night to see the boys...How much MORE could the kid possibly get. Anyhoo--

Cameron, "Candy..." Just what the low key kid needs, more sugar.

Andrea, "Find Healthy, physically and mentally." I plan to continue to work hard with my trainer in 2012 and take a day every month to do something for me.

Zach, I will just plead the 5th on his....

As for our Family's New Years resolution....“Now take it in, and evaluate where your heart tells you to go next on your journey…”

Happy New Year!!!

Twas The Night Before Christmas....Keene Style

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, well, except for Coach Keene...
As the game film was playing on the flat screen he stare,
In hopes that the basketball elves would soon offer care..


The Keene children were nestled all snug in their beds,
with visions of jean jackets dancing in their heads....
While mom at her computer and I getting a snack,
Had just settle our minds for a short winters nap...


When out at West Adams there rose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter...
Away to my window tons of snow in a flash,
I tore open my phone and gave it a lash ...



This year was almost over, now new fallen snow,
gave yet another day to prepare before meeting our opponents below....
But what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a new "competitive attitude" from our family we hold dear...



With our foursome press as the driver, so lively-so quick,
I know at this moment what made our family tick..
More rapid than eagles the closer they came,
I whistled and shouted and called my vision by name...



Go Zach, Go Andrea, Go Justice, Go Cameron,
You only need each other and the rest will roll...
To the Top of the Leader board, To The Top of the Poll
Now Dash Away, Dash Away, Dash Away All...



They spoke not a word and went straight to work,
Filled the board of life with points and turned with a jerk..
Coach Keene laying a finger aside of his head,
and giving a nod, they dropped another opponent like lead..



Coach sprang back to West Adams and gave them a whistle,
and away the family flew like a down of a thistle...
But I heard coach exclaim, as the they dribbled out of sight,
"Your heart has the answer, now follow that light!"


Merry Christmas from Our Family To Yours.....

BIG THANK YOU to Ashleigh Burgess Photography---She did a great job on our family pictures! More to come...

My Boys and Basketball---Our Life!

Sign Language

As a person who believes that the glass is half-full, would you believe that I have days when I don’t know how I am going to make it. There are days when I wonder if I am making a difference here on earth or at best just being an annoying echo.

It is in these rare moments, and I do mean rare, when someone will e-mail me or call out the blue with the greatest words of encouragement. How did they know that their words were just what I needed to hear at that exact moment? Did they have ESP or were dialed into a higher power? Well, whatever caused them to take a minute and make a positive contribution deposit into the soul of another is powerful, I am forever grateful.

The Keene’s received a gift this holiday season. The present was strategically wrapped and left on our driveway. The symbol had more significance than just three words carefully painted. The card handwritten by the author was genuine. The writer thanked us for kind gestures, meaningful tweets and blogs of inspiration. It could not have come at a more divine time.

Being a coaching family is never easy. It’s not all about the W’s and L’s; it’s how you play the game of life. In two thousand eleven this family has played more run and gun defense than Grinnell ever intended when this style was created. Our legs are worn-out but our effort is solid and our heart bleeds school pride. A life lesson we teach the boys--finish everything you start. As parents we must live those values at work and home too.

A couple of take-a-ways from our special present---

1-STOP---One of the weaknesses of being controlling and urgent you want to go 100 miles an hour 24 hours a day. One speed….urgent. We must remember in our dwelling to STOP and smell the roses. Change is the only thing constant in this world and when we are going so fast how can we enjoy the experiences.

2-RED---Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear. No matter what you see on the side lines or in the office our family cares more than you could ever imagine. Coach and I give everything to facilitate our teams to be successful, on and off the court. We teach and hold people accountable. I urge you to look deeper than the plays being called on the sideline. I insist you to look at the full picture of what happens in the office. Nine times out of ten you will find both of us going the extra mile behind the scenes. Don't be so quick to judge our heart when its gives off high energy heat everyday. Who doesn't want to warm up by a high energy personality?

3-OCTAGON—This eight sided sign represents the eight parts to our Keene values; Faith-Marriage-Children-Family-Careers-Household-Opportunities-Risks. Just like everyone in the world these eight values are always shifting in importance. Sometimes hourly. One thing will never change is our commitment to each other. No matter how nutty it gets, the day always ends at home with the people who matter most. I have a goal—never let "it" steal OUR family time. Basketball can turn our octagon into a circle of madness. Often I have to be the advocate for the kids or myself—-and I can be quite persuasive! No one will ever value time like we do at home. Ever. Managing our octagon is a full time job.

4-DON’T STOP BELIEVING—This motto has been adopted as our family mission statement for a few years. Opportunities are always present. Occasionally it’s hard to recognize the sun for all the clouds. Then---God sends a sign.

Yep, Did you hear that? God sent a sign...Don't stop believing--Ever. The clouds are beginning to part because opportunity is already calling.

Not feeling the Christmas love this season. I am trying to over compensate my anger with spending to much dinero on the boys. And yes I have. I think they will have more Christmas gifts to open on Jesus's birthday than all the years combined. And guess what? I don't really care. Very UN-Keene like. Mind you I have not been in a store yet. Just me and the computer. Coach has been so wrapped up with basketball I realistically only have one day to hit the mall. This Sunday--I will probably be so tired from single parenthood from the entire week, including Saturday, I will just throw in the towel. I need to clarify, not angry with Coach. You will just have to wait until my book comes out in August next year to find out....

Speaking of angry, to the man who yelled after the game tonight he, "wanted to kick in that coaches teeth and teach him a thing or two"....your 0-11. Get a life buddy. WOW, and we wonder why the youth of America is screwed up. People like this Einstein are raising them. Not to mention the man from Galesburg that tried to start a fight with my two year old. I am not kidding. What is the world coming to?

On a note from Albert Einstein he once said, "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." No matter what you do in life someone will try to steal your joy. Although a very hard lesson when we lead from the heart we must remember the valuable rule of what YOU can control. No one can take your passion, your drive, your heart, your desire, your love of the game, your smile, your motivation, your goals, your ability, your competitive edge, your student of life attitude, your connections, your risk taking path, your professionalism, NO ONE--and I mean NO ONE, can take those things from you. Lead great spirit, don't change for the mediocer. One day you will lead greatness and this is just a stop along your path.

Well--gonna hit the bed. I am exhausted. Until we see a light at the end of this tunnel I will just continue to spend to much money on Christmas....from my computer.

P.S. Asking Santa for an attitude adjustment for 2012.

Seeds of Thanks

The boys and I collected acorns and planted our thankful tree in the living room one day after school. All four of us sat around the kitchen table and labeled the leaves with things that are important to us. Justice used his best penmanship and Cameron shouted this thoughts. Coach very strategically placed a "understanding wife" on the back of this "healthy family" leaf. I think that might have been more of a request than a praise. Anyhoo, it was fun and the boys were very proud when we planted the tree inside the vase.

What am I thankful for? I thought about this question for a few hours. I guess the answer is--Seasons.

Seasons of friendships, seasons of school, seasons of children, seasons of careers, seasons of basketball, seasons of family, seasons of life. I am thankful for all the ups and downs along the way. In all the seeds that have been sown that have led me to this new season of gratitude. Without all the periods that have come before there could not be this time, this stage of life, this clarity about what is really important. Each seed sprouted an idea, an experience, a part of who I am today. And today, I am even more grateful for life's blessings, for the love that exists, for the love that remains when friends and family have passed, and for the love that will be.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Keenes!

Justice was "reading the paper" and Cameron was watching Bubble Guppies...

Justice's Family Tree---creative leaves, dont ya think?

Flowers from Coach Keene Delivered Before Tip Off Of The First Game This Year! Yes...I was home with the kidos--at the gym behind the bench in spirit!

Buzzer Beater

Every time I think about sitting down there is a buzzer going off at my house. Microwave, stove, washer, dryer, phone, doorbell, alarm clock, you name it--its buzzing. Funny thing about it, I can never catch up. Only two solid weeks in to basketball the only buzzer I wish I was hearing is the elevator door closing to my private Hilton suite to rest. I am tired. Sometimes I wish there was a buzzer in my head that told me when I took on to many projects. Ding--overload.

Speaking of all time buzzer beaters--its a tradition at Keeneville when you leave our house, you honk to say good by. The boys stand on the porch like little puppies and wait for it. Justice says the more times you honk the more the driver loves you. Well, we all honk. We have honked for a good year. Grandmas, Grandpas, friends, Aunt Ashley--did I mention even the handyman we hired honked. Seems like most honkers are enjoying the blast of the horn as they drive down Adams street. Almost like a licences to be loud. The only people who don't appreciate the beep beep of the horns are our neighbors. I should mention these are the same neighbors that when I took them a housewarming gift they barely opened the screen door like I was the riff-raff across the street. They also don't wave, EVER. Can you say not neighborly. Guess they did not find any humor in our honks because they contacted Century 21 for a huge for sale sign. Yeah--can you say fun police.

Justice and Cameron have their golf clubs packed up for the winter and are in total basketball mode again. Justice is back to his stat book and Cameron on the clock. Our basement is currently converted into a basketball arena with the scorers table. Pencils are sharp and the possession arrow is plugged in. Justice made 98 points in two minute last night. As soons and the timer buzzed, he thew himself on the floor. "Whats the problem?" Justice with tears rolling down his face, "I was trying to beat the buzzer and make 100." Rule of life #98--try again. This kid is so competitive.

Speaking of the two monsters, pretty sure a bell was dinging in my head yesterday at Kmart. Coach and I ran in just to look at their Christmas trees. Ten minutes--tops. The boys were like animals. Screaming, grabbing, hitting each other, knocked over the reindeer...it was beyond words. It was a buzzer beater moment once we got back into the car. (deep breath)

Buzzer beater moments rarely happen during the season. I can remember one buzzer beater moment in Carthage Bluegirl history we Keenes are STILL scarred about to this day. Anyhoo, everyday there is a buzzer moment in Keeneville. If its not something for me to do, it something for me to referee. Its a good thing I have a whistle to call a time out and re-group. Week three---Here we go!

Summer Trip Helps Chargers---Quincy Herald Whig

By FRANK CASH
Herald-Whig Sports Writer


CARTHAGE, Ill. -- Nearly everyone involved in the Illini West girls basketball program would agree one of the highlights of the year is when the team takes its annual summer trip.

For the last four years, the Lady Chargers have loaded the bus and gone to team camps at Tennessee, Duke, North Carolina and Michigan State.

This past summer's trip to Louisiana State University might have been the best of them all.

"It was unbelievable," Illini West senior Katelyn Jacoby said. "Great campus, great facilities. Plus, we got to go to New Orleans one day."

The trip to Bayou Country was beneficial in another way. It helped the upperclassmen bond with the incoming freshmen.

"That really helped us," senior Lauren Gronewold said. "We got to know the freshmen we didn't know yet. And they got to know us and learn how to be more comfortable with us."

That could pay off more than normal this season.

Don't be surprised if some of those freshmen -- particularly Michaela Gronewold, Josie Finch, Aubrie Carlisle and Shelbi White -- see some varsity action.

Illini West returns seven letterwinners from last year's 26-3 Class 2A sectional semifinalists, but there may be times when the freshmen are called upon.

"We've got a lot of experience back, but a lot of that is role-playing experience," Illini West coach Zach Keene said. "There will be times, especially early in the season, when we may need a freshman on the floor for a stretch. I think they'll be ready."

The loss of Graci Bastert may require Keene to call up some of the freshmen earlier than he would like. The sophomore point guard was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her lower back earlier this fall and isn't expected to play until mid-December.

Bastert, the first player off the bench last year, averaged 7.6 points and three assists per game.

"Right now, about all Graci can do is shoot free throws," Keene said. "We could speed her along, but it's one of those things where you have to look at the big picture. Do you want her playing now or do you want her healthy later on?"

Despite not having Bastert available, there hasn't been an Illini West team this far ahead of the learning curve in the program's five years of existence.

"That's been a big help," Lauren Gronewold said. "We worked on a lot of stuff this summer and everyone got on the same page so we didn't have to start at the beginning once practice started."

Don't be surprised if Illini West is a little faster-paced this season. The Lady Chargers graduated the program's all-time leading scorer and rebounder in 6-footer Carter Wear.

Wear, who is playing at St. Ambrose, averaged 19 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season and was a two-time all-stater. She scored in double figures in the last 34 games of her career.

"Always in the past, it was â Give Carter the ball, let her score,'" Jacoby said. "Now, we'll need to be a little better with our perimeter shooting. It should open up some of the offense."

Wear didn't always score to be effective the past three years.

"A lot of times, teams would key on Carter and that would open up opportunities for Lauren and some of the other players," Keene said. "But now it's time to pass the torch. There are three girls out there who played an awfully lot last year who are ready to take it."

And they want to help the Lady Chargers take the next step. No Illini West has yet to win a sectional championship, one of this year's goals.

"What it comes down to is do these girls believe in themselves," Keene said. "Do they have what it takes to make that next step? Do they have the focus, the desire, the determination to continue the tradition? If they work hard, I think they can do it."

Outstanding Caregiver of 2011

In celebrating the month of thankfulness the State of Illinois gives an outstanding caregiver award. Over 120 Supportive Living Communities compile their best of the best stories and submit hoping their employee will win this great honor.

My phone rang yesterday at 4:15. My assistant says, "OMG Andrea, its someone from the State of IL Department of Aging." Yes, when you manage a state regulated anything, anytime you hear the word S-T-A-T-E you get alittle hot and bothered. I answered with my most relaxed voice.

"The is Maureen and your applicant was chosen as our 2011 Outstanding Caregiver of the Year. There was no doubt after the 1400 applications the picture you painted was the clear winner! Congrats---" AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH----So excited. We get to travel to Chicago and be honored by the Governor at a luncheon. I am so happy, but mainly honored to have this special lady as an employee.

Here is the letter---ENJOY!

White tennis shoes dazzling, check.

Apron pressed to perfection, check.

Life-size beam on her face, check.

This is the daily check list 72-year-old Mary Bice checks off before clocking in as a server at Grand Prairie Assisted Living. Mary is full time in the dietary department as well as full time in the customer service division. Mary exemplifies what it means to be significant in senior’s lives.

The best part of waking up at Grand Prairie is Mary Bice’s coffee brewed to perfection. She greets every residents with a colorful, “good morning” and definitely means it. Mary knows the residents likes and dislikes when it comes to mealtime almost compared to the back of her hand. As soon as Ruth walks in Mary places her “usual” with the cook and serves it fresh with a grin. Mary turns Grand Prairie’s dining room into mom’s kitchen table and makes you feel like family. Mary, just like mom, knows when something is on a residents mind. She has an approach of helping to ease their disposition. Sometimes it’s a cup of her famous hot chocolate, now and again it’s a hug, and from time to time she shares a few tears. Mary is real. Mary is a 72 year old wonder.

Mary’s attention to detail is immaculate. She mentors the young servers on the proper way to wash, launder and fold the table cloths. Mary teaches this in a way the servers want to do their best. Mary can be a leader without being the leader. That is special. Mary is so particular about creating a family atmosphere in the dining room she is often caught clocking out to finish last minute details before she leaves for the day. Yes, clocking out to make Grand Prairie shine.

My expectations are high as a leader. Mary’s expectations are high as a server. I have heard the later years of life are called “the golden years.” Mary is the spokes lady for what I hope to be at 72. She chooses to spend her time giving back to her peers, teaching the next generations a skill or two, and making peoples day-everyday. Thank you Mary Bice, you are a gift to our community.

Super Proud Of This Note In JC's Backpack Today...He's Come ALong Way From August 25th!

Our Rocket Landed at Grand Prairie...Nothing Like Making Our Residents Smile on Halloween!

I've Turned Into My Mother---Pictures on the front porch....Love these little spacemen!

School Parade---One Small Step For Justice!

Trick or Treating Aunt Ashley and Tyler...

Lincoln School Parade, Can you See JC's Fan Club...Aunt Ashley, Dana, Bev, Papa, Grams, Cameron..Mommy was gone to a meeting but look at all the love!

5 Sets of Golf Clubs...Can you believe this kid??? OR GRANDPA, Should I say...

Keene's in the Homecoming Parade!

Headlights

I had the opportunity this weekend to hear author and motivational speaker Mark Sasscer. What an awesome experience. Talk about challenging you in every role of your life. His main focus was being in the moment. I mean eye ball to eye ball moment, not making your mental grocery list and facebooking at a stop light while you take your child to school, IN THE MOMENT. Two exercises hit the entire room of top executives pretty hard. One was finding three people you work with in the room. Sitting face to face, eye to eye. While being truly in the moment with a paper and pen ready asking, "what can I do to be a better partner to you?" The second one was finding as many people you work with in the room in ten minutes. Again, while truly in the moment telling that person why you appreciate them. Seems pretty simple. Many relationships were mended, I saw tears and laughter. Seems pretty simple, but why as leaders, mothers, friends, spouses, siblings, coworkers and so on dont we do this more often. Two simple questions brought out feelings and healings beyond a corporate room of leaders. It was special.

So being the outside of the box thinker I am decided to bring this little moment of spiritual awaking home. As we were sitting around the kitchen table I asked each Keene while eating their potato soup, "What can I do to be a better mommy to you Justice?" He thought for a few minutes. His answer, "Serve crackers with our soup." Well, one down two to go. I asked Cameron, "What can I do to be a better mommy to you?" Cameron looks at me with a frowny face and says, "yet, not yet." That means in Cameron language he does not want to participate. As for Coach Keene, "I asked him what I can do to be a better partner to you?" His reply, "I know you have had a 2 1/2 hour drive to make your massive list for me, so I need some time to think." Just then Justice spilled his soup and the moment was over. Postponed due to a rain delay, cloudy with a chance of potatoes....

On the last weekend before basketball starts Coach Keene checks all his boxes. Alone time with each boy and alone time with Mrs. Coach Keene. Coach and I went to see Mighty Macs. Yeah, shocker a basketball movie. Hey ladies, I take what I can get! :) Anyhoo on our ride back home after our fun filled afternoon Coach Keene breaks out his answer to my dinner table question of "what can I do to be a better partner for you?" I started bracing myself when he had songs strategically downloaded on his ipod to go with each request. Since this is a G-rated blog, some requests will be censored. The big request was simple. "Be a headlight all season, including late nights, long practices, wins and losses, missed holiday events, missed dinners and quiet Saturday mornings alone. Don't let the season bust out your light. I get it, its tough. But your tough and don't end up halfway through the season with one headlight busted out or both for that matter. We are in this together." And fading in the background was the song....One Headlight.....Corny, but effective I must say.

I guess this is the part where I should share my suggestion to Coach Keene on my idea how he could be a better partner. No, I did not make a list for the record. I only have one. Be more appreciative of the little things. Keene's are very hard to impress, therefore its harder for us to pay a compliment. Ask a player in an Illini West jersey or an employee at my job...We need to compliment more. Basketball season makes every simple task seem that much harder. I asked for "kudos" and "great jobs" for just the normal everyday tasks. An appreciated spouse offsets that spiral into bitterness. We shook on both and promised to keep the pact all season.

Embarking on Season Nine. Ready or not. We have learned many lessons on this basketball journey. Some of those lessons tough, but again, we are stronger for it. Many people have passed through our lives leaving marks that no one will ever replace. What will orange and blue do for our family this year? I will promise you one thing, we have our brights on this year...and we won't dim them, no matter who you are when we pass! Brace yourself--wear shades.

Jumpy House Fun

Mirror Mirror on the Wall...

Learning to lead yourself is one of the most important things you will ever do as a leader. Leading yourself means that you hold yourself to a higher standard of accountability than others do.

The "Mirror Principle"--The first person we must examine ourselves. If we don't look at ourselves realistically, you will never understand where your personal difficulties are coming from. I will be honest, sometimes when I look in the mirror the image is often hard to take. I have developed as a leader over the last 15 years and I can see different images, at different times, on my journey in leadership.

Most people use two different sets of criteria for judging themselves and judging others. We tend to judge others according to their actions. A great example of this is the virtual world of facebook we live in. Actions on facebook rarely give people life consequences. Often a post can truly hurt real feelings not to mention break up marriages. It's very cut-and-dried. However, we judge ourselves by our intentions. Even if we do the wrong thing, we let ourselves off the hook if we believe our intentions are good. That's part of the reason we allow ourselves to make the same mistakes over and over again before we are willing to make real changes.

Here are a few keys to follow...
1. Learn Followership--learn to obey. Only a leader who has followed well knows how to lead others.

2. Develop Self-Discipline--It's said one day, that Frederick the Great of Prussia was walking on the outskirts of Berlin when he encountered an old man walking down the street in the opposite direction.
"Who are you?" Frederick asked the old man.
"I am a king", replied the old man.
"A king!" laughed Frederick. "Over what kingdom do you reign?"
"Over myself," was the proud man's reply.
Each of us is a monarch over our own lives. We are responsible for ruling out actions and decisions.

3. Practice Patience
Leadership isn't to cross the finish the finish line first; it's to take people across the finish line with you.
In which of the 3 preceding areas--followership, self-discipline, or patience--do you most need to grow? What new tasks or practice could you take on to develop in that area? Give yourself a concrete goal and a deadline.

4. Seek Accountability
Accountability isn't just the willingness to explain your actions to others. It begins ling before we act. It starts with seeking and accepting advice from others.

Leading yourself means that you hold yourself to a higher standard of accountability than others do. Leadership is a trust, not a right. For that reason, you must "fix" yourself earlier than others may be required to.Thomas Watson--"Nothing so conclusively proves a man's ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself." What leaders do day-to-day always pays off in the long run. Success or failure isn't an event, but a process.

Just like this mirror is reflecting the light of a chandelier, I only hope my light shines brightly as a leader. As for facebook, Mirror mirror on the wall, is your post the greatest one of all? Don't judge others actions without judging your own intentions....

Just Breathe

Speechless…Very rarely am I at a loss for words. The moment my anticipated birthday weekend surprise arrived---I couldn’t breathe.

For three months my husband had a secret. He was very strategic. The man knows I am snoopy. From deleting his text messages to the history on the computer searches; I almost got a complex. I got a card on my birthday telling me how to pack and that was it.

We checked in at the Embassy Suites in St. Louis and primped for the night. Zach and I went down to the bar for a drink. He was more nervous than I was. As I was sipping my drink trying to be calm and collect waiting for the night to begin Zach says very casually, “Ready for your surprise?” I looked over my shoulder and standing in my presence was my best friend from Southern Miss—Jen and her husband Ryan. OMG—I couldn’t breathe. My husband had ONCE AGAIN pulled off a surprise of the century. The plan was put into action three months ago and the planning has not stopped since. After our emotional hellos and OMG’s we fixed our make up and hit the town. Dinner was perfect on Main Street of St. Charles and drinks at the Q.

It’s AMAZING how Jennifer and I can be apart for minutes, days, weeks or years; we always pick up right where we left off. Jennifer and I are the true meaning of best friends. We have laughed, cried, been through a near death experience together, broken hearts, fairy tale endings, motherhood, and so much more. One thing never changes, our connection. We met on a double date, neither of us kept the relationship of our male companions, but as for us—inseparable since. Actually pretty funny when you think about it…We were crazy at Southern Miss and I have a GPA to prove it a few semesters. Yikes…

Saturday was perfection. My husband got tickets for him and Ryan to cheer on the Cubs at Busch Stadium behind home plate. How can you beat seats like that? Unfortunately the Cubbies didn’t win, but I heard the BBQ Nachos eased the pain. While the boys were double fisting it at the stadium Jen and I had a morning of shopping and an afternoon of the spa. Yes, all coordinated by Mr. Coach Keene. The spa was incredible. The price tag was a little incredible too, but who puts a price tag on THIS weekend. It was priceless. Jen and I laughed and cried. I think the spa thought we were nuts. Well, we are nuts that’s a fact. After a little Starbucks and a rest; we met back up with the guys for dinner at the landing.

When I tell you the weekend was flawless, it was with no doubt planned with heart. The worst part was goodbye. I hate goodbyes. I used to experience goodbye so much when I lived in Mississippi. I was a professional at it. Yes, in the middle of the total ugly cry I promised to my BFF would make this visit a yearly thing. I am already planning a trip to the Big Easy next year so we can hit a Southern Miss football game. There is NOTHING like the eagle walk and a date at The Rock cheering on those golden eagles. I might have to pack my dad in my suitcase; he loves the eagles more than me.

Big shout out to Ryan for putting up with Jen and my crazy. I wish Southern Miss would have brought you into our circle. Everything happens for a reason and I’m just glad Jen’s fairytale began again out of terrible circumstances. You are her rock and she is a better person for you as her partner. I always knew something was missing back then. Jen didn’t sparkle like she does now. Thank you for giving her that light. I will always love you for that…

As for my husband….you did it again. Jen might be Cinderella (inside joke) but I am definitely married to Prince Charming. How many husbands go to THIS much trouble just to see their spouse smile? Less than two percent I am sure. As for Southern Miss, it was a grand time in my life, but the moment I met you MY lifetime experience began. Anyone who has been around us knows--from day one--we have had something pretty special. It’s visible in our connection, obvious in our support of one another and lived through our kids. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You always have a way of reminding me to take a deep breath. Exhaling>>>>>great friendships and husbands only come once in a lifetime.

Zach and Ryan

Eight Rows Behind Home Plate

Its A Suprise...

I don’t do well with surprises. I guess it’s because I am a control freak and I need to know how to plan. For my birthday Coach is surprising me with a three day getaway WITH no details. Although he did give me an itinery of attire for each segment of the day. On a side bar one of my coworkers pointed out to me, "Only Keene's set an agenda for a relaxing getaway. He knows us to well! Immediately my pulse was thrown into overdrive and I started to stress. Ridiculous, right? All I could think about was being gone for three days and how would I get everything caught up for another week if I was off lallygagging around where ever the destination was. Pathetic, I know.

I got a real smack in the face when listening to a radio program yesterday. This young preacher’s wife and mother of 5 little ones got a gift from her husband. The story started out sharing that the preacher’s best friend was a salesman. The Salesman had won a trip for 6 to Italy. The salesman met with the preacher and invited him and his wife along on the expense paid trip. It was going to be fabulous. The minister was so excited to tell his wife. That day also happened to be Valentine’s Day. The preacher constructed a homemade card with the vacation declaration inside. He waited for just the right moment to give his wife the card that Valentines evening. As she was reading the thoughtful lines he had formulated; he was waiting for her to squeal in excitement. And—waiting—waiting--it never came. The preachers wife stood up, closed the card and said, “Absolutely, not!” He was heartbroken. She said, “I have way too much to do. I would fall so far behind. What would we do with the kids? I would rather stay home!”

BOOM---it hit me. My crazy working mother mind can only think about how far behind I will be from being gone all weekend---- that I forgot about the thoughtful gesture my husband planned for me. So TODAY, I have declared- I WILL BE EXCITED about my trip to the unknown. I even bought a new outfit and scheduled a spray tan. How’s THAT for being on board... Ladies, eat your heart out!

Happy 2nd Birthday Cameron

Dear Cameron,

Happy 2nd Birthday!! Rooaarrrr. We celebrated with a dinosaur party equipped with a cute chocolate dinosaur cake and chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. You and your brother entertained the thousands with a few encores of Journey's--Don't Stop Believing. You are as sweet as the fudge Grandma Bev brought to the party. Year two has made you a talker and one of your favorite activities is to brush your teefff (that's how you say it)--which you do 12 times a day. You can hold your own when you wrestle with big brother. You love John Deere mowers and being outside. Justice is your hero, you do EVERYTHING he does. You love to color and are very strategic. You have patients when helping in the kitchen, especially when we make cookies. You always ask for a towel to, "cwean." AKA: Clean..and you are actually very helpful. You shoot hoops and play t-ball with daddy every night. You love to swim in the bath and do the spider man before you get dressed. You teach your brother to share and that lesson is priceless. You always kiss mommy good-bye and want everyone who comes over to honk when they leave. You run down the front porch like you are chasing the car every time, and yes, you learned that from your brother. The best part of my day is coming home to your big bear hugs and eating dinner around the table. You sit quietly and set a good example of cleaning your plate. You rarely complain, but you do have mind of your own. Terrible two's here we come...but nothing about you is terrible. I love your surprise face. You keep us all guessing...I cant wait to see whats next to come.
Happy BIG TWO little love. It only gets better from here on out...

Love, Mommy

The Natives Are RESTLESS Waiting For The Dinosaur Party Guests To Arrive...

Cameron, Twinkle Toes Of Leatherneck Future...

At WIU J.C. Keene---Full Scholarship In Training...

Balloon Glow 2011, Cameron LOVED it, Justice Freaked When They Pulled The Fire...

The Boys On WIU's New Field....They HAD To Try It Out!

Justice and Mercy

Can you say emotional roller coaster. That's the only way to describe the last 4 weeks of kindergarten. Justice was very confident on day one. After that it was all down hill.

He cried himself to sleep the first three days. The little man would wake up at 5:30am crying until I left his sight at Lincoln school. It was TERRIBLE. Poor Mrs. Clark. I did the working mother unthinkable on day five of kindergarten drop off. You ask WHAT could be so terrible. I went into the full on ugly cry in the middle of the cafeteria as Mrs. Clark ripped my oldest son off my leg and said with a smile on her face, "Have a great day." On a sidebar--Still embarrassed four weeks later. Everyday Justice got braver. Tears would start in the car, the next day not until we got to Casey's gas station, a day later when I turned the car off in the parking lot..and slowly they finally stopped. I got smart. I called Papa to take him to school. My mascara and my employees could not handle the am tears anymore. Justice was fine after that. He still complains its to long, but hes getting braver by the day.

Last Friday, I only had to walk Justice to the Lincoln sign; I got a high five rather than crocodile tears. Such a proud moment. I cried when I got in the car that day only because he has came so far.... Man, I have been crying alot. I turn 35 and my emotions are a handful.

Now, to my life lesson. I am pretty sure the Lord had so many prayers for Justice in the last four weeks about school he needed a secretary. It was emotionally exhausting for all of us. I would pray literally ALL day while he was at school and every time I woke up in the night before school. I was a prayer machine. Not to metion an emotional basketcase.

I heard a sermon one day on the way to a meeting about justice and mercy. Mercy is the compassion toward others and justice is fairness. I was sure pourng my heart out to God on the school situation but JUSTICE was not being served. I was trying not to get angry. If you know anything about my personality, its well controlling and urgent. Exact ally what the personality test I took six months ago revealed, but I don't think we needed a test to already know that. :) I then changed the verbiage of my prayers. I began asking for mercy while my five year old was being David--in what he thought was a school of Goliath's. When I changed my thinking from Justice to mercy, God listened. I cant control everything--shocker. This sermon taught me a very valuable lesson that just because I wanted justice on a situation, I need to think of it as mercy from the Lord.

Four weeks later Justice is adjusting. Adjusting so well I got a note from the teacher he has visited the "time out chair" a time or two. Maybe Justice needs to learn the value of the sermon. ;)

One Little Monkey

Cameron and I spent Friday just monkeying around! We went to the park, made a stop at Mommy's work, ate lunch, played with purple play dough, farmed with our tractors, danced to Mickey Mouse, took a nap and we still have 2 hours left before Justice arrives. This is one of the hand fulls of times I have ever been alone with Cameron. He is a good listener. He is happy. Gives lots of hugs during the day. He has also told me "I wuv ew" more times than I could count. Zach normally puts Cameron to bed. Last night he wanted mommy. I wonder if he has felt alittle left out with all the kindergarten talk. Cameron is special in his own way. He is so much like Justice, yet so different. Hard to believe he will be two in just a few weeks. I am so glad I still have his little toes to tickle and his kisses to steal. Well, off to enjoy playing in the jungle with Cameron while we are still alone today! Before long that yellow bus will be picking him up too...

Not So Much

Second day, not so much. Coach Keene prides himself on 32 minutes of hell defense. No kidding, I spent a solid 67 minutes of defensive hell getting Justice into Kindergarten today. Holy Cow! This is the first morning of his entire life I have ever had to wake him up. The kid is a real life farmer, gets up at the crack of dawn DAILY. Today, not so much.

Today he was hysterical from the moment his eyes were peeled open. This is not the leader from yesterday. I think he was exhausted. I had to literally dress him. I did everything but chew up his breakfast and spit it into his mouth like a mother bird. I had to cheer him into the car--but funny story about this picture!

As we were walking out of the house, full tears and all, Justice says, "My gosh, aren't you gonna take my picture today?" Thinking, okay--maybe this will get him to feel better. I walked back in the house, grabbed my camera, snapped the picture...AND back to crying. Not so much. We played I Spy all the way to school. When it was my turn he cried, his turn he was fine. Fun game making him happy, not so much.

Justice got braver the closer we got to his classroom door. We said our good-byes....AND Cameron started crying. "Me stay...me stay." I had snot on the left shoulder on the way into school from Justice's tears. Once we go back into the car I had Cameron's snot on my right shoulder. OMG--Glad I took Friday off. I am one hot emotional mess!

Just in case you see me in Wal-mart today, no Coach is not beating me--my eyes have been through 48 hours of parental hell this week. Who would have known I needed my defensive stance for kindergarten. (DEEP BREATH) Sure hope the homemade chocolate chip cookies, Orange slices and cheese wedges make for a happy camper snack once the yellow bus arrives today. As for mom pulling her self together today---not so much!

1st Day Project

Getting Off The Bus...I recieved a SPECIAL NOTE via email from Mrs. Clark.

Dear Zach and Andrea---

Hi there. I just wanted to let you know that Justice had a great first day of Kindergarten! He was our leader today. He was sitting so nicely when we were getting ready to line up for Art, I asked him to lead. He really seems like a great kid!!! He made some new friends and followed directions all day! We practiced the routine, learned about the classroom and practiced the things we learned! I hope he enjoys Kindergarten and if you ever have any questions, please let me know!



Thanks!

Jennifer Clark


WOW--Justice's teacher takes the time the first day of school to send an email. What a great surprise. And as for Justice being a leader---I told you he walked in like he owned the place! :)

OFFICIAL FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!! Justice's class is the purple ovals--in case they get lost :)

Kindergarten Or Bust

In the bathroom, the living room, the front porch while taking the pictures, in the car on the way to school, in the parking lot, at work in front of my employees and again before bed---yep, this is the list of all the places I lost my composure today. AND ITS NOT THE FIRST FULL DAY YET---wow, I need meds. How does a strong business lady lose it all over McDonough County. I guess I am just a mom.

Justice was raring to go today. Coach and I both took him to Lincoln Elementary to 'meet and greet" his new teacher and classroom. Kindermat and all, we loaded up in the car. Before departing for school Justice ran down the stairs with his train whistle--which he used as a microphone and pulled up his favorite song on you tube. Yes, the 5 year old sang at the TOP of his lungs, into his train whistle/microphone, "Don't STOP BELIEVING...." Seriously. I love this song but the kid has sang it so much this summer I despise Journey. He can tell more facts about Steve Perry than most 55 year olds.

Anyhoo, once we found the class and his cubbie Justice was comfortable. He wanted his picture taken all over the classroom, the library, the gym and the front sign. It was hilarious. I am pretty sure this will be the only time its ever cool for his mother to be snapping those first day of school pics.

Speaking of first day of school pictures Cameron had to have his picture taken with Justice today too. He is really gonna miss Justice. He has been saying, "me..school?" No little buddy, time will go fast. I wish I could stop the clock.

Well, my BIG prayer tonight is to keep the full ugly cry inside until I get out of Lincoln Elementary tomorrow. I keep thinking about not being in control of his situations....PE, Lunch trays, Rest time, and of course the bus ride home. Justice told me tonight while laying in bed, "mommy, don't worry, Jesus, Grandma Barb and Dr. Seuss will protect me." Love this kid. Kindergarten or bust. Wish us luck!

Special 1st day after school snack to share with his brother. Banana pudding treats....

parfait

Mrs. Clark's Classroom

Justice REQUESTED this picture! Wonder if he will pose in front of Macomb High someday? :)

Ready or Not! Here WE go...

Justice AND Cameron :) The little guy is gonna miss big brother!

Lovin My People

True leaders will never tell you it’s lonely at the top. If you are at the top all alone, then no one is following you. Get off the mountain, and go find your people and connect. When leaders lose touch with people, they become ineffective. You need to walk slowly through the crowd, listen to your people and open your ears to what they are telling you.

Do you know the difference between a dream and a fantasy? A dream is a big idea with a strategy. A fantasy is a big idea without a strategy.

Value people. They are your only appreciable asset. Do this by avoiding positional thinking. Leadership has nothing to do with what your position is. It has everything to do with what your influence is. The more insecure a leader is the more titles they want.

You must understand the law of significance: One is too small a number to achieve greatness. So love the people you lead. Remember that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Kleenex, Check!

All Good things must come to an end, including summer. We played in the pool, the sprinkler, had picnics on the deck, bike rides down Adams, mower rides to Meadow brook, golfing at the Keene links, made tents in the living room, trips to Bonkers and the Children's Museum and a few vacations to boot. Jammed packed fun, but man time flies.

Kleenex, check. Justice starts kindergarten on Thursday. Coach and I are both taking some time off that morning to take him into class and look around. Not sure who will need the moral support, me or Justice? Definitely, me. More details to come...

Kleenex, double check. Friday will be the first time Cameron will be alone during the day. He's gonna love some of the extra attention from the Grandma's, but when that bus drops Justice back home at 3:20 I bet he will be pumped!

Well, wish us well this week. Its gonna be a tear jerker....

The Boys Performing "Don't Stop Believin'...."

Justice's Bunkbeds--and Cameron is ONLY allowed to visit he says...