Sole Searching

Running shoes, high heels, flats, sandals, golf spikes, strappy shoes, flip flops, going out shoes, peep toes and much more. My excuse for rarely posting in the last few months; sole searching. Ironically, each shoe in my currently messy closest represents the many roles and personalities I wear in life. In my self reflection and discovery in the last 90 days I wear one shoe all the time. Even when I change shoes, just like Mr. Rogers, I am still mentally wearing that same darn pair. And the Oscar goes to...the black high heel. All business, all the time.


How many of you own a GPS. We have two in Keeneville. Love that thing. But how about the times you know for a fact you have taken the right turn but the silly machine says, "recalculating, recalculating." Frustrating--frustrating. Last week, while driving in one of my deep moments of thinking it hit me. What about your INTERNAL GPS? Sometimes don't you ever wonder, "how in the world did I get here?" Often we may think we have missed the exit or maybe drove to far, but truthfully we are right on pace. Mile marker 34 for this Nike lover says its been all uphill for the last few months. I am just gonna keep on driving, petal to the metal style.

If you hear that voice in your head saying "recalculating" just slow down and refocus. Maybe your soul just needs to pull off to a rest area. Fill that gas tank again. (Andrea--this is the little voice inside your head saying--take a vacation!) You may not know what your purpose is right now. That’s OK. I have to remind myself of that often. The important thing is to make it your life mission to find it, live it and share it. To help find your passion, seek out experiences that allow you to use your strengths and gifts. If you DO hear the "recalculating" voice over and over again; quit for the right reasons. Don't quit because work is hard or you're experiencing challenges. Quit because in your heart you know there is something else for you to do. Quit because you are not benefiting yourself or the organization you work for. Quit because you are absolutely certain you are no longer supposed to be there. The quest for your purpose is not a straight line. It is filled with mystery, signs, obstacles, victories, dead ends, delays and detours. Your job is to stay optimistic and faithful on your quest.

The last question to be answered on this stormy night is, what shoes will you wear to get there? I need to do a better job mixing that black high heel of business with Dorothy's ruby slippers. There IS no place like home or the 3 boys that live in it on West Adams. The seriousness of my career often has a trickle effect over to my fun-o-meter. I need to make myself mentally toss the black heels of business in the back seat this upcoming 3 day weekend. (exhale and BIG deep breath) Stop the press, I just might go barefoot!

Bigger Is Better

Time flies when your having fun, but what about when things aren't so rosey? Hours can feel like days and days like weeks. Its funny how goals we want, may not always be the plan God has. Let me clarify, I didn't say not Gods plan, just not the plan-- right now.

I vividly remember living in Mississippi feeling broken. God had a plan, and the plan was even better than I had anticipated.

I remind myself of a time about 8 years ago the Keene's wanted a certain coaching job beyond words. It did not work out. God had a plan, and the plan was even better than we had anticipated.

I can also remember a couple who really wanted this certain home. It did not work out. God had a plan, and the plan was even better than we had anticipated.

I can also remember getting a certain phone call that caused me to re-evaluate my pharmaceutical career. I was devastated. God had a plan, and the plan was even better than we had anticipated.

I am sure you are getting my point by now. We often think in our earthly minds that the perfect opportunity is being presented. Guess what? The perfect opportunity that is being supernaturally formulated is greater than we ever anticipated. So, in light of my positive attitude, I have declared myself LEADER and Grand Pooba of the Coach Keene Training Camp for the positive thinking. Knowing how Keene's like to get the most out of everyday and every minute, I may demand two-a-day mental workouts. Listed below are the down and backs I am going to push Coach Keene to ponder in the next few weeks as he sets his sights even more focused on his goals.

1-When you face a setback, think of it as a defining moment that will lead to future accomplishments...

2-When you encounter adversity, remember, the best don't just face adversity; they embrace it...

3-Know the key to life is staying positive

4-When you face naysayers, remember the people who believed in you and spoke positive words

5-Tune out critics

6-Take a morning walk of gratitude and prayer

7-When you fear, trust

8-When you fail, find the lesson and move on

9-When you head into battle--visualize success

10-Stop thinking about the past or worrying about the future. The NOW is the power

11-When you want to complain, identify a solution

12-Don't let self doubt crowd your mind

13-When you feel distracted, focus on your breathing, observe your surroundings and clear your mind

14-God makes all things possible

15-When you feel alone, think of all the people who have supported you along the way

16-When you feel lost, pray for guidance

17-Finish Strong

18-You can do ALL things through Christ that strengths us

19-Focus on what you can control

20-When you are in a high pressure situation and the game is one the line, and everyone is watching you, remember to smile, have fun and enjoy it. List is short; you only live once. Seize your moments

I am going to rap this Zig Ziglar speech up with a big CONGRATS on the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year award. You give 100% 365 days of the year. I wish the media could spend a year with you to showcase how you spend your time. (On a sidebar--Can you imagine a Keene reality show? That would be scary! Justice would have to be censored, daily...)Everything you do, everything you touch, everything you own, everything you stand for is a class act. You do it with style, everyday. Don't ever let the naysayers take you down. You have to many people on your spirit wagon to ever let them steal your joy. Chin up. Remember, God's plan is better than we have ever anticipated. That's a promise!

Head Of The Class

I’m like the country mouse in the city when I head to Chi-town for a conference. Driving in the traffic makes me a little looney. My hands get sweaty. I double and triple take exit signs. I even wear my glasses! AND...I got the finger, twice. Next time I am taking the train. Bottom line…

The most memorable event at the three day conference was a motivational speaker named Simon Bailey. Wow, the man can lead. He can also inspire the weakest of personalities. He entertained the convention for over an hour with his stories to push the shift to be the shifter. In sixty minutes he made me laugh, ponder, cringe, cry and dream. In the final segment of this production he took the last three minutes to thank a special person in his life, his wife. He shared his success is attributed to her sacrifice. He said she believed in him when no one else did. She taught him the stream you drink from is the stream you think from and eventually the stream you become. She was his best friend, chief fan, earnest motivator and the finest visionary he knew.

Why I am I telling you this story? Great leaders are exceptional communicators. Simon Bailey; great communicator. Behind every influential leader is a piece of the puzzle behind the scenes. This motivational guru didn’t have to take the last few minutes of his fame in front of thousands of people to say “thank you” to this wife. Honestly, she never would have known either way. He did it because they were a team. The team is significant.

How many coaches wives got a hand written, stamped in the mail, thank you note from their husbands at the conclusion of the season this year? I did.

I debated whether to share this. I won’t go into detail, but this one page note meant more to me than any thank you ever had before. It was heartfelt. It was hand written. It captured the meaning of our connection. We are a team.

I felt pretty low this season missing so many games. 26-3 is something I wanted to feel a part of. Duty called at home. Their names were Justice and Cameron. Most people go to watch the game. I go to watch him lead. He inspires me.

If you know my personality, it’s not really the “behind the scenes” type. Coach recognizes that and still honored me for the sacrifice. My aspiration is for him to attain his goal. A goal I believe he will conquer, sooner rather than later. Watching Simon Bailey on stage, doing what he does best--lead. Then before the applause a special thank you to his missing teammate. That was a class act. The other class act I am married to…

Your Heart; Not Your Mind

You can almost predict the month when you walk into our abode. March Madness now has migrated two, yes two, hoops into my living room. Between the big one getting fouled every two minutes and the little one screaming "hoop, hoop" I am one short quarter away from getting T-ed up into insanity! I guess it could be worse. The daddy could have insisted on a hoop over the couch.

Anyhoo, Every Keene in Keeneville filled out a bracket, daddy bear all the way to wee baby bear. Last year Justice won the big pool at Illini West High School. He spent his big money on Dr. Seuss books. Gotta love that! His bracket---not looking so swell this year. The other night we were all filling out our brackets. (On a side bar--is that normal? Yes, we had a family meeting in our PJ's around the kitchen table on the eve of the tournament. Normal? naaaa!) Justice says, "Mom, pick your wins with your heart, not your mind. That's what I do!" So I took the advice of my ever so brilliant five year old and did just that. Justice, of course, picked Duke as his big winner.(shocker-brainwashed) Mommy went for BYU. Yeah, I know, its a long shot but I have grown to like Jimmer. :) Yes, Coach Keene I do agree Jimmer could play alittle more defense, but nobodies perfect!

Speaking of no body's perfect, I need a housekeeper--STAT. I hired someone to organize my kitchen. Just need to pick the date. I hired a contractor to re-do our fireplace and some other projects around the house we have neglected. Now, I just need a housekeeper. Coach and I are like a machine at night, cook, clean, baths, make dinner for tomorrow, books then bed. When I come home, I want to concentrate on my kidos. I feel like a slave to housework. AND its still never perfect.I think I am more worried about keeping up the image of having it all together, then actually having it together. Probably every working mothers problem. I should once again take the advice of the five year old ESPN commentator, "pick with your heart, not your mind." This might be my new housework philosophy too.

A Birthday Is Not Complete Without Cotton Candy!

Coach Kessler and Whitney, Thank You For The Sugar Rush!!

Birthday Speech!

Justice Keene never ceases to amaze me. Once the birthday goodie bags were delivered and every classmate had a Spongebob cupcake a silence rang across the classroom. The kids were all eating and smiling. In the quiet moment of the party Justice sits down his cupcake and says, "Well MOM, are you gonna say a few words?" To my wonder, I stood up and said, "Happy Birthday Justice." I was thinking in the back of my mind, what does this kid want? A locker room speech on his birthday? Anyhoo, after I gave my best happy birthday wish Justice says, "NOOO MOM, aren't you gonna tell that kid who hit me on Friday he was in big trouble?" At that point, red face and all, I told him I would talk to his teacher. Nice, eh? A first party to remember...

Pre-K Party!

Birthday Morning!

And MANY MORE.....

Happy 5th Birthday!

Dear Justice,

Happy 5th Birthday! Where is the time going?

We are very proud of you. Just think how far you have came this year. You started school and you ride a bus! You get to sit on daddy's bench and go into the locker room for the half time talk. You play outside alone and you have already out grew your little bike. You love your brother and share, well, some of the time. You eat like a ten year old and will do just about anything for ice cream. Basketball is your great love, and you asked for a "real hoop" for outside. In your spare time you are either memorized by Spongebob or the perfect green John Deere tractor. You and daddy read books everynight. Sometimes I sit on the stairway in the quiet dark and listen to your thought provoking questions. I laugh and cry. You are very smart. You are growing like a weed! You outgrew 2 sizes in the last 7 months alone. You are tall and strong. And your hands are huge! Better to dribble with, my love. Mommy wishes she was home more, but you seem to understand. And you help Cameron understand too. That makes my heart happy. In a world where most people judge, you don't. Everyone tells you to calm down. Yes, you are electric! But mommy reminds people you are only little once and secretly, don't care what they say. You be yourself Justice Keene, we all need to learn in our own way. You are special. I love you with all my heart and can't wait to see all the new adventures 6 will bring.

XOXO,
Mommy

Cameron Was Practicing Blowing Out Candles For When He Turns 2!

Five IS Fabulous!

Its hard to be five.
I'm little no more.
Good Ole Days are gone,
One, two, three, four...

Its hard to be five,
Ive got to keep going.
My clothes cant keep up,
cause my body is growing...

At five I hear "don't and no"--
I just cant win.
When balls bowl inside to my ten juice box pins!

Its hard to be five.
Parents want you all clean.
But washing my face makes me
crabby and mean...

Its hard to be five.
All I want is to play.
I'm starting at school.
and my whole world must change.

Its hard to be five.
It takes SUPERMAN skills
sitting in circles,
Sitting so still...

At five I'm a worker--
a bee among bees.
I build things and grow things,
say thank you and please.

Its hard fun to be five,
so strong and so loud.
Give me five cause I know it,
I'm here and I'm proud!

Happy 5th Birthday...

Justice Playing For Duke...Watch Out Coach K, This Kids Is The REAL DEAL!

Cameron Getting Brave Putting HIs Face In The Water

Swimming at Fun City

Justice Put Up 24 points in 20 Seconds!

Our Room Had A View Of the Waterpark. Justice and Cameron Completely Engaged In Watching Out The Doors- And Yes, Cameron Was Snug In The Trash can

Daddy and Cameron Playing

JC Loving the Waterpark

Primary Colors

Its been a hard week in Keene Country. Unless you live it, you cant understand the grieving process a coaches family goes through when the season ends. We didn't lose by the lack of heart. We didn't lose by the lack of preparation. We just lost to a better team. Tell that to the little scorekeeper.

I picked Justice up from school on Wednesday. He was very quiet in the back seat. I said, "Whats wrong buddy?" I notice in the mirror Justice has two little tears going down his cheek. "Mommy, I wanted to go to Redbird." I said, "Justice, we will. Daddy and I will take you this year. We can watch the games." Justice put his fist up in the air and exclaimed in this moment of passion, "NO--I only want to go with the Chargers--I will wait until then!" Wow, at that moment, I realized his heart was broke. He was angry. Not to mention his fathers heart was a little torn too. I hate feeling helpless. When I dropped Justice off at home after school, I got out of the car and hugged him. This time he actually hugged me back. Yeah, I am not to proud to say I drove back to work with tears in my eyes that turned into the total ugly cry around Grant Street.

Once upon a time the Keene's were purple and gold. We didn't look to be blue and white, they found us. And what a great ride. After being blue and white, we never thought for a minute we would be orange and blue. Now on the finale of another season I have to wonder what life has in store for this coaches family. I believe in supernatural paths. Coach and I both have very interesting career stories of how we got to where we are today. God has a plan. Our story is one piece of evidence.

Justice Keene I promise you, we WILL play in the big game someday. And we will win it all. What colors you, me and Cameron will be in behind the bench is a mystery. The only thing I can tell you is it will be well worth the wait.

Justice and Gan-pa Dana Keeping Stats!

One Last Huddle...

“Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail.”

Dream BIG

Have you ever seen the movie Dreamer? A down-and-out horse trainer is given an equally broken-down, but once great racehorse, as severance pay. It will take the unwavering faith and determination of his daughter to bring these two damaged souls together in a quest to win the Breeder's Cup Classic. Love these kind of "feel good" movies! I love it when the underdog prevails...

Coach Keene is a dreamer. A motivational dreamer. He can drive the team and energize the players to believe anything is possible. The huddle is where the dream begins. The hardwood is where the dream comes true.

Justice Keene takes in every word during these sacred time outs. The players listen to a piece of the dream, even when its hard to hear. A quality coach does not always tell you what you want to hear, but tells you what you need to hear. I believe Justice will be the next "dreamer" in the family. Keene's love basketball, it's just in their blood. I am not sure who is more intense, Coach or JC?

Tomorrow night we play for the sectional title. 26-2 is beyond respectable. Young chargers all over Hancock County will pretend to make the game winning shot against QND. Tomorrow night orange and blue will get that chance. I anticipate it will be a fight till the end.

No matter how the story ends this 2010-2011 season--just like the famous line in the Dreamer movie--You are a great champion. When you ran, the ground shook, the sky opened and mere mortals parted. Parted the way to victory, where you'll meet me in the winner's circle, where I'll put a blanket of flowers on your back...

Already made a date with "my dreamer" at Redbird Area in the winner's circle. Biggest question, which suit to wear when we win a state title. It always goes back to pinstripes or solids. :)

The Blizzard of 2011 Dampered Vistors To Our Front Door For 4 Days!

JC and Daddy Working On The 6ft Drift In Our Driveway!

Snow ABOVE Our Mailbox

REGIONAL CHAMPS!! 26-2!

Second Nature

I do realize January 26th is a little delinquent for a Christmas story, but I feel I must share this rare Justice Keene moment. Justice is sitting in the front. Cameron is sitting on his dads lap over to the right of the picture, hiding. He's not a crowd kinda kid--yet.

On Christmas Eve Santa made a guest appearance to Momma Keene's place of employment. I read to the 20+ kids anticipating Santa "Twas the Night Before Christmas." After the book was finished, we had a few minutes to kill while Santa parked his sleigh. I asked the kids if they wanted to sing a few songs while we were waiting for the big man to arrive.

So Justice, being the shy little kid he is, stands up and addresses the crowd. Not planned or coached, just gets up and stands in front of the chair. I would estimate there was about 60 adults and 30 kids. Justice says in his teacher voice, "So, we went to Quincy last night. Santa's was in a house outside of Sears! I waved at him. So now, I would like to sing a song." Justice clears his voice and stands up straight to address the crowd, yet again. "Weeee wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas. We wish you a Merry Christmas....and a Happy New Year. Thanks everyone. Now lets just wait on Santa." I was laughing so hard, I started to cry.

Coach's kids are born leaders. They see their parents addressing the crowd with ease. They see their parents, truly in their element, when in front of large groups. Justice has picked up on this trait with style. Whether he is going to Saturday morning practice watching his father address the players or he comes to work with mommy and watches her direct the crowd, he sees us leading.

The Keene boys are destined to be leaders. Its in their blood. I guess you could say its just second nature!