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!