Cameron walking in the first day of school. He hopped out of the car so fast he refused to take a picture. One kids a crier, the other cant get out fast enough!

Justice loves playing school. He put a sign up before he went to bed. Told me he was going to a teacher meeting and needed to put up a Sub note so the kids dont get scared!

Cameron getting pretty with mommys jewerly

Getting Ready To Party! Yeee Hawww

Cameron Turns THREE

Dear Cameron, Happy 3rd birthday. You wanted to have a cowboy party. You are my sweet little lamb. You are quiet and slow to wake up each morning. You love your pappy and travel everywhere with pepper and blue blankie. We dont dare leave home without it! You want to be just like Justice. You are starting school next week. You are smart. You love to paint and color. You are detail orienated and finish every task until the end. You love to be a helper. You like to cook and bake. You examine bugs on your hands and knees. You will do just about anything for chocolate. You are offically potty trained! Yah! You send everyone off with a, "see ya later sucker." Followed by a, "bye bye lollypop." John Deere green is always in your wardrobe as well as Bomber orange. You hate getting your haircut. Apple juice is a staple in your diet. Nothing else will do. Your favorite food is hotdogs and ice cream. You are the perfect ending to a stressful day. You love to snuggle bug and read books each night. I cant wait to watch you change and grow this year. I love you lolly-pop... Love, Mom

Follow The Yellow Brick Road

LIONS and TIGERS and BEARS, oh my. No, serious—I mean it. Here we are almost two months later from my last post. And on a side bar-- I just had to walk away from my computer for ten mins to tell golfer #1 in the yard he could not swing when golfer #2 was in front of him. Is there really NO PLACE LIKE HOME? Probably not when you are trying to relax. I shall bring you up to date on what you have missed in KANSAS over the last 60 days. Justice is still working on the COURAGE to get out of the car and walk into first grade. For one of the most outgoing kids in MUNCHKIN LAND he sure is tearful in the morning. Last year I was stashing makeup kits in my car and desk for that morning drop off mess, but not this year. I have Coach here in Macomb to endure those weepy moments. I vividly remember calling Coach at school last year, about week 3 into the “peal Justice off my leg bawling don’t leave me mode” crying myself. I said, “I can’t take it anymore.” I got a very unsympathetic suck it up speech. This year—Coach gets it! Did I mention I HEART Macomb? I realize we are in the honeymoon stage of being orange and black, but wow it feels right! Hard to believe how much time has been saved by not making that drive on 336 everyday. Speaking of drive, my husband’s attitude about work culture and coworkers is fan-tab-u-lous. Yes, I just made that word up! I would love to go into details, but I know some of the WICKED WITCHES OF THE WEST read this blog just looking for a reason to complain. I would like to send them a formal “GLENDA” thank you note for the termination. As for BRAINS that award is going to mommy for not losing her marbles. My job is on the brink of a very large construction project. I am busier than I have ever been in two years. (Have blood pressure med, will prove it.) My kids are a real handful. My house always needs cleaned or something needs cooked. When my body tells me to take a big exhale my brain just keeps pushing me to do more. I have a few large speaking engagements in the burner, not to mention some travel here and there. I think I am being lead down a path right now, but FLYING MONKEYS often slow me down. Are we all in search of the perfect EMERALD CITY? Well I am convinced I am going to have to live through more than one TORNDAO to find the keys. I also sure hope I am not disappointed with all the sacrifices I have made along the way to only find the MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN is just a joke. Well, the best advice I know is just to FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD…..

For Better or Worse

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, or so the song goes. I must declare that Team Keene is rock solid after this year of marriage. Just when you think you have life under control a major change alters all your thoughts and feelings. I am very proud of the way Coach and I developed an even deeper companionship over heart ache. Looking back, and yes hind sight is always more vivid, I wouldn’t change it. The time we spent in crisis, in the privacy of our own home, was a reflection of our connection. The late night consultations and early morning tears were there, but we had each other. Someone who knew exactly how you felt. Out of the darkness and into the light of hope we had a new answer. God knew we needed a change. Now we get to start another story right here in our own town, together. How lucky are we? The kids are happy. The grandparents are happy. My job is happy. It’s a perfect match, in so many ways. A happy marriage is what happens while two good people are busy trying to make it through another year of paying their bills, raising their kids, doing their chores, keeping sight of their dreams, and somehow, always finding the time to show how much they care. The Keene way is always busy, and though we may not show our heart each day, what really matters is the secret to our success, teamwork. Happy BIG NINE to my best friend.

First week of basketball camp down. Wow, I had no idea how much easier life would be coaching and living in the same town. Incredible. Justice was a gym junkie this week and spent his AM’s doing drills with the younger kids. His love for basketball is so Coach Keene. Coach asked the girls what some of their goals were for this year. On a side bar this exercise was a little like deer in headlights to the players. Not sure they have ever thought about their hopes and dreams beyond the pregame warm up. Justice was real quick to say HIS goal was redbird area! He’s six and he gets it. Now I am sure some people look at our family and think—yep, fanatical—but I beg to differ. We are living life lessons right in front of our children. Coach and I are not interested in being our kids best friend, we are in tune to teaching them life IS their best friend! If you push yourself, even sometimes when it’s not popular-- the end result will always be worth the struggle. Speaking of the wedding end in mind—my sister is getting married in 13 days. I have spent the last six months holding the title of Matron of Honor. She is going to be a stunning bride. Long Blonde hair with the prefect amount of curl, dress fits like it was made for her, blue eyes with the perfect amount of makeup, and her adorable blue shoes. I have been searching for just the right words to toast her and her new husband at the wedding for weeks. Every time I put my pen to paper, I change my angle. I guess time will tell; I work best under pressure. Not to mention the pressure of the wedding day getting my six, two and thirty two year old “ceremony ready”. That will be a blog of its own; I am convinced. I am exhausted just thinking about it…quick, somebody get the smelling salt. Speaking of pressure, I get the pleasure of being audited by the state this week. Ready or not, but I am ready. Nothing freaks a person out most then being scoped and probed with a fine tooth comb. I am very fortunate to have a top notch staff that makes me look good on a daily basis. I only anticipate this week for us to shine like the Dominican Sun. Man, I miss that sun. Busy next two weeks, the wedding, a baby shower, basketball camp, and our anniversary. Nine years of wedded bliss and basketball. Wonder how many star spangled banners I have heard in nine years? The BIG question is, how many in a lifetime?

Ready Or Not---SEASON 10!! Excited to be ORANGE AND BLACK!

Fifty Shades

I am not sure if you have heard the hype of Fifty Shades of Grey, but wowzers! I am pretty sure every woman at the resort was reading this steamy book. Upon recommendation of my colleagues; I also caved and purchased. I was blushing the entire trip. I decided the certified book of the Dominican Republic was none other than this sweltering trilogy. Perfect read for 100 degree days by the pool. Anyhoo--Fifty shades of sunshine did the Keene's very well. The Dominican Republic is a beautiful place to have some quiet time. It did take me 24 full hours to melt into vacation mode, but once I got there...wow, was it nice. Coach and I read, relaxed, took a five mile walk everyday on the beach, had a slushy drink in our hand almost hourly, napped, read some more, had deep conversations and congratulated ourselves on making it the last six months. Let me say this again, Coach and I needed this time away more than ever before. Big kudos to our family for watching the boys. The kids had a full few days too equipped with swimming, campouts, more swimming, parks, cookouts and endless snuggles. Speaking of Fifty Shades, I am pretty sure Coach Keene hit all fifty drinks offered in the tropical menu this trip. Every year he declares a challenge upon arrival at our tropical destination. On another note, this is the first trip in nine seasons that was not consumed with Fifty Shades of basketball. Yes, I know--shocker! He did spend some time reading and writing like a stenographer, but not the entire trip. We set some professional and personal goals and did a lot of snoring poolside. Well, maybe I was the one snoring, He rested quietly. It’s often hard for me to not feel I am in Fifty Shades of competition with Coach. Sometimes I feel my success is invisible to his. Being recognized nationally in my profession was not enough this year to overcome questions about “what’s next for your husband?” Yes, I realize inquiring minds want to know, but there are two Keene’s trying to change the world. Often I am juggling so many aspects of life; I forget to enjoy my own. The bible says a wife should be a compliment to her husband, not in competition. I do my best to make his weakness, my strengths. I can honestly say his strengths are my weaknesses. Match made in heaven. Lastly, I am looking forward to Fifty Shades of Bomber Basketball that will start our Season 10 next week. Season 10--where does the time go? Its gonna be a great year. I'll bet Fifty Shades of sunshine on it...

Nope, He never takes a break...

Two Tickets to Paradise....

Yes, we are packing our bags and leaving today....whooo hooo!

Just finished four great days in St. Louis with the boys. Went went to the City Museum, Fitz's root beer, hit the casino for dinner, Magic house, mall, Cheesecake Factory, Water park, watched a movie and much more. It was a blast and the boys were excellent. I am pretty proud of myself for coming home with a mound of laundry and having it all washed and repacked in less than a few hours. Thats efficent! The boys are going in three directions for the next few days. Yes, I made a map in case they get lost! Coach and I are putting together our reading material for our four day adventure to Punta Cana pool/beach side. This trip is different. Normally we are comming off a 30 days of basketball madness. This trip is the calm before the storm. He's got an agenda on this getaway to create some hype around Macomb basketball. Yes--Believe the Hype people, its gonna be BIG! I am looking forward to quiet rest, not to mention not cutting little peoples food up or wiping faces for a few days. My biggest treat is escaping technology. Cell Phones, facebook, twitter, text---exhausting. Coach is a slave to that stuff--his phone buzzes and whistles all night long, everynight. Officially unplugging---see you in a few days.

Justice had a great time dancing the night away...

Congratulations! UBUNTU--Always

Kurt and Whitney's Wedding--What a fun day!

Justice at T-Ball--NOT his favorite sport....

Words of Wisdom from Cameron at T-Ball

Cam and Dad--best buddies

Justice at the City Museum

Water Room at the Magic House

Can you see who is "directing" all the kids in the Magic Market?

Dr. Keene taking care of all the new babies

Dr. Keene at the Childrens Hosptial in the Magic House

Magic House in STL

Magic House Masterpiece

Fitz's Rootbeer Factory--Of Course we had rootbeer floats!

City Museum in STL

One Sleep Away...

(BIG—BIG—EXHALE) I am on the brink of a two week vacation. We are taking the boys to St. Louis for three days. The agenda is jammed packed with a water park, the city museums, Fitz’s Root Beer Factory, the zoo, and much more. The boys are pumped. On a side bar, this has been the best summer. The boys have been in heaven having Coach around. Practices, camps and shootouts seem like nothing when it’s only a four minute ride the gym. Last Sunday, we all jumped in Air force One, took a ride to the gym and brainstormed ideas to enhance the atmosphere. Here we are, all four of us, laying on the gym floor throwing out ideas. Justice said, “We should put in a spot light.” Cameron’s idea was, “Snacks.” Coach thought it would be really cool to paint the bleachers and I was looking at motivational ideas for the locker room. Believe me; we came up with a list. For the first time, in a long time, we are all genuinely excited. You can’t put a price on that. After we play hard with the boys for a few days—and recover—Coach and I will board a plane to the Dominican Republic. Yes, All inclusive-- Adults only--six golden apples--tropical paradise getaway! We went to the Dominican for our honeymoon nine short years ago and thought it would be a great place to venture back to for refection. Not to mention the crystal blue water and the sandy white beach. We both need this vacation more than any other trip we have taken. There is something about getting fired publically that makes days seem like years. Honestly, I am on empty. One a positive note, it only made Team Keene stronger. Sure seems like all these attempts to hurt our family really backfired. Anyhoo—Now, to work on my book selection for the beach and the pool….

NEW COAT, NEW LIFE

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about Joseph. Joseph had eleven brothers. Joseph was very special to his father Jacob and he spent a great deal of time with him. So Jacob had a special robe made for Joseph. It was very beautiful and had every color you could imagine in it. All of Joseph's older brothers saw this and they got very jealous. They got so jealous they couldn't even say a kind word to him. One day Joseph had a dream, and he went to go tell his brothers. He said, "Guess what? Last night I had a strange dream. We were tying up bunches of grain out in the field when suddenly my bunch stood up, while all of yours gathered around and bowed to me." The brothers looked at each other in disgust, but Joseph continued. "Then I had another dream that the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to me." "Who do you think you are?" The brothers said. "Do you think that you are better than all of us? Do you think that we would ever bow down to you?" This made the brothers dislike Joseph even more. The brothers made a plan to kill Joseph. So when Joseph came to them, they took off his beautiful robe and they threw him in an empty well. A little while later a group of people came by that were wanting to sell some things in Egypt. One of the brothers spoke up, "Why don't we sell him to these people, this way we never have to see him again, and we don't have to kill him." The rest of the brothers took Joseph's beautiful robe and dipped it in animal blood and took it back to their father. When the father saw this he cried, "Some animal has killed my son." And he cried for many days, so much that nobody could comfort him. In our darkest hour, God has a plan. He had a plan for the Keene's. Look at Joseph--jealousy, enslaved, backstabbing, evilness, and jail--pretty grim circumstances for a child of God. Just like Joseph, the Keene's continued to pray. The last few months have been very difficult in our very public battle. I have tried to keep my emotions quiet, but I have publically cried more than most people understand. Mourning the loss of orange and blue has been touch and go daily, sometimes hourly. My 6 year old lost sleep, my two year old went from potty trained to diapers again--it was like a death in our family with a never ending public funeral. As for Coach, he’s been a rock---on the outside. This year has made us all stronger. Justice asks, "Mom, we will always love the IW girls, right?" Yes, Justice. "Mom, the girl’s didn’t fire daddy, right?" No, Justice. "I am going to miss them..." with big tears down his face. As for the four board members and a few other nameless souls, just like Joseph's brothers--they too had personal vendetta’s against a loyal family member. As Joseph continued to lean on God in times of hardship he was rewarded and eventually, as the story goes--BECAME KING! Like Joseph, we Keene's will continue to follow our dreams. I only hope that someday when IW needs something, like Joseph, Coach Keene will show you mercy unlike you did for him. God has JOSEPH-SIZE plans for the Keene's. Tick Tock......Looks like we have a new coat of many colors--ORANGE AND BLACK! P.S. Its better then we had ever imagined!

Thank you for the hundreds of notes, letters, posts, tweets, calls, highlights, interviews and articles of support to our family. So Very touched!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

P.S. Don't Stop Believin...