Love Is Spelled T-I-M-E

Successful people get more out of 24 hours than their competition. I did alittle time stamp last week, between a full time job, 2 kids, a Thanksgiving feast for 217 people and 3 basketball games--I clocked around an 90 hour week. I am not kidding. I would get up early and not get back in bed until after midnight. Each "tick tock" of the clock, I was doing something meaningful---well, lets not count the World War 3 moments Justice fought sleep since Coach was away. Just to make sure I am getting all the pity I can, I must mention Cameron has YET to sleep an entire night too. Keene children have two gears, hyper and asleep. (DEEP CLEANSING BREATH)

After all the drama is said and done I'm pretty sure I am still made to be a coach's wife. I love the moment right before tip off and I live for a pounding heart as the minutes roll off the clock before a win. School spirit is in my blood. This year has started off great for the Chargers 3-0, but hard for this mama.

Being a Coach's wife also means putting your children first, even when your heart wants to be at the game. Since Justice is in school, a schedule is a must. Cameron also needs the routine. Traveling as groupies for the Chargers does not really fit into those requirements this year. Again, very hard for mama. Every coach preaches that "everyone has a role." Sometimes that role is in the starting 5, sometimes it's the spark off the bench! My role this year, during game time, is stability with our kids. Justice and I tune into WCAZ990 like clockwork. I do my best to get Cameron down in the first quarter. Justice shoots hoops and I listen from the rocking chair. Justice and I act silly and cheer from all corners of the house. It's our special time. Justice announces the score and holds his breath when we are down. He's so serious...he's so Zach! FYI-This picture is Justice dancing at 9:30 after we beat Galesburg! He's gonna love this pic when he's 16!

Again, successful people get more out of 24 hours than the competition. Three wins, three practices, 8 interviews and a radio show, both boys and mommy all got some "quality alone time" with Coach! Justice helped put up the snow fence. Yes, he's praying for snow now because he says, "were ready!" Cameron and daddy made dinner and played while JC and I went to Grand Prairie. And mommy got a DATE NIGHT to the VIBE Gala Fundraiser, all dressed up!

Love is spelled T-I-M-E. Not only did the Chargers score some lovin this week, but so did the Coach's family! Its a great day to be a Charger...

CHARGERS ARE 3-0! Great job ladies and keep up the hard work!

Dear Friends, I miss blogging. (deep sigh) Stay Tuned for more stories...

Cameron Cleaning. Everytime He Sees A Washcloth, He Starts Scrubbing!

Getting Buzz and Woody To Hold Still For A Picture Was Like..."INFINITY and BEYOND"

A Trip To Good Hope For The Halloween Lights

Aunt Ashley's Annual Pumpkin Carving

Justice's FIRST School Friend Birthday Party!

Buzz and Woody---Trick or Treat

Let's Get Ready To Rumble....

Meals planned, check. Extra laundry soap for 2 outfits a day, check. Suits to the cleaners, check. Schedule printed and posted on fridge, check. Pep talk to Justice about listening to mom at night, check. No, I'm not planning for WW3, just basketball season 8 officially kicks off as soon as the sun rises! (Can you hear the excitement in my blog...)

Yes, we Keene's live for chaos in an odd sorta way. And I tell you what, if you have never been a coaches family, then you have NO IDEA how much chaos is ahead of our "home team" for the next four month. Lord help us, and help mommy. P.S. Winning is nice too..

Just a few warnings in advance. If I don't return your calls, I apologize. If I have that glazed look in my eye while I head into work, I apologize. If I am just alittle bit snippier than normal, I apologize. Even though Keeneville preps all year for the official start of Illini West Chargers Basketball, you never know what the future holds. That's the exciting part! So the next time you attend a sporting event or watch one on TV, just as the singer gets to the "and the land of the freeeee, and the home of the brave", take 3 seconds to think of all the millions of families that sacrifice to help add to the spirit of this American tradition! Let the games begin...again!

Giving Thanks...

They say that what you focus on expands. If you concentrate on what your grateful for, rather that on what's troubling you, you tend to be happier. At the top of my gratitude list are my two boys, Justice and Cameron. I miss them. I wish I could bottle up time and make weekends longer and workdays shorter. I do my best to make quality time. Also, on my gratitude list is my multi-taking husband. Coach is one of those "not afraid to get his hands dirty" kind of dads. He does it all, and without complaining. I don't think many women can honestly say that. Yet another thing I am grateful for is my career. My work is meaningful. I appreciate everyday, even the dreadful ones.

I was having a terrible day this week. I went to pick Justice up at pre-school just looking for a few moments to sulk in self pity while I was sitting on the bench in front of MacArthur. Another mother came early too, she sat beside me. I said, "How are you?" Honestly, just trying to be nice. She said, "Terrible!" Her lip began to quiver and a tear started down her cheek. "My niece was the two year old girl who died in the fire yesterday in Macomb." At that moment, my world seemed perfect. How could I continue to pout around feeling sorry for myself after hearing this? It hit home, straight through my heart! Justice came running out of the school building. I hugged him tight. Bear hug tight. He says, "mommy, you look sad?" I said, "Justice, these are happy tears from heaven." The song playing on the raido on my way back to work was, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Here's your sign. As November is upon us, and Thanksgiving is on the brink, take time to make a gratitude list. Even if only a mental one. Everyday, I challenge myself to be thankful for what I have and more aware of the blessings before me!

Not Just Your Average Kid...Coach's Kids!

To all the moms (and dads) out there who worry about the amount of time coach is gone, how public the coaching job is, how much criticism the children hear, how moving and change effect them, and even how the children are treated; let me put your mind to rest. Coaches' kids are some of the greatest people I know! Thinking back to the kids I grew up with, not to mention the coach's kid I married; several traits of coaches' kids stick out to me.

First, they have an incredible work ethic. Think about it. Have you ever known a coach's kid who was a slacker? Not me! These kids have watched their coach work hard day in and day out. They have observed mom or dad working at home, or at a job, and then taking up the slack when coach was unavailable. They have witnessed hard work and responsibility daily from both parents, and it has translated into a work ethic like none other. They grow up and become the kind of responsible citizens our country needs.

Next, they understand teamwork and loyalty. Coaches' kids have watched mom and dad live it out as a couple, and they have experienced it as a family. They have learned to win together and lose together. They have watched new staffs develop unity, seen teams become as close as brothers, and observed whole communities united in support of the team. They have witnessed teams that got it done and others that did not. Coaches' kids understand that each team member has a role to play and that loyalty to the team is essential for developing trust and working together. They realize that selfishness cannot exist on a team.

Coaches' kids also learn early that life is full of ups and downs. They quickly recognize that it is not far from the "penthouse to the outhouse." From this they grasp that it is not what others think or say about you that matters, but what you know about yourself. Coaches' kids learn that "pride comes before a fall" and recognize the importance of being humble in good times and gracious at all times. (Some learn faster than others!) Knowing that life can be hard is a great lesson that prepares them for adulthood.

Hand in hand with this comes the ability to adjust to what life brings. The children who have moved often, or had to switch schools, or even just watched as a new head coach came in from time to time, have learned to take life as it comes and make the most of it. They realize there are good people everywhere and experiences are what you make of them.

Another trait that makes coaches' kids so special is that they know how to achieve goals. They have watched young athletes go from the "C" team as a freshman to a starter for the varsity their senior year. They have watched walk-ons earn scholarships and seen young men and women be the first in their family to graduate. They have watched kids earn college scholarships, play professional ball, and even come back and coach with dad or mom. The opportunity to see goals achieved year after year allows coaches' kids to dream big and to know they can achieve anything they desire.

Finally, coaches' kids have the ability to handle themselves well in public. They are well-spoken, friendly, courteous, and able to maneuver through social situations. They have been introduced to people all of their lives, listened as mom and dad visited with parents and fans, sat through banquets and special events, helped host staff gatherings, and learned to be polite even in difficult situations. This skill carries them far in life as they move ahead to college and into their careers.

So, moms (and dads), put your mind at ease. Keep being the examples you are day in and day out. Keep demonstrating responsibility, hard work, teamwork, loyalty, a humble spirit, and graciousness. Keep adjusting well, believing in dreams, setting goals, and handling the ups and downs of life as they come. Keep being the great coaches and parents that you are, and let your focus be on the joy in the journey of raising a coach's kid!!

PaPa Pre-Arranged A Tour Of The Firehouse! What A Fun Time...

When You Least Expect...

Cameron's birthday was the first family "event" since my grandmother passed away. While I was frantically getting ready for the party, I let myself reflect for a minute. Hard to believe my grandma was celebrating Justice's birthday in March. We sat in the kitchen and ate ice cream together. I poured her coffee. My mom, Ashley, and my grandpa talked about the battle before my grandma, like it was years, not months. Wow, we were naive.

My grandma always brought a bouquet of flowers when she came to visit. And always on special occasions, which brings me to back to the party. "Ding, Dong." Our doorbell rang, guests were arriving. My grandpa was waiting at the door, with his gift in one hand, and a bouquet of flowers in the other. I did everything I could to fight back the tears. He said, "grandma would have wanted you to have these." I did a really good job, being the actress I am, to hold back the tears until ALMOST all the guest had left.

Ashley and I cried on the porch swing. Yeah, it was a moment. I don't really know why? Maybe because we didn't treasure her more while she was on earth. Maybe because I swear Justice saw her at pre-school the first day. Maybe because I think of her everyday at my new job. AND MAYBE I just need to be on hormones!

Ironically, this picture was captured. The pink flowers represent my grandma. The table represents my family. Its amazing how she shows up when I least expect it.

I have shared before my Grandma served the helpful, the helpless and the hopeless. I can only hope my light shines like hers as I serve people!

Yep, The Party's Here...

I gave myself the gift of "the moment" for Cameron's 1st Birthday. I hired Erica Clark Photography to capture all the smiles while our family celebrated this milestone. I got to celebrate Cameron and she got to work her magic. I have downloaded a few of the pics! Shout out to all the hard working mommas out there who are planning the party, cleaning the house, doing all the last minute touches to make the birthday perfect, to put the icing on the cake and HIRE SOMEONE TO TAKE THE PICTURES!! You can exhale at the party and enjoy...ahhhhhh, thanks Erica! Your great! P.S. Also known as America...

September 21, 2009 Cameron Meyer Keene Was Born...

Let The Party Begin, John Deere Party That is...

One IS Fun

Dear Cameron,

Happy 1st Birthday! Time flies when you live in the Keene house. Seems like yesterday Justice was running down the hallway at Cottage Hospital exclaiming in his best outside voice, "Come meet my brother everyone, he's over here!" Yes, this was followed by a parade of people filtering into that clean hospital room to greet you for the first time. You are my special little love. You are my mamma's boy. You like mommy to rock you to sleep at night and you cry everyday I leave for work. You sleep in your crib, unlike your older brother, and you walked at 11 months old. You just "like" your pappy, and you sure hate socks! You learned words this year like, da da, ball, tractor, kitty, cookie, ma ma, and ni ni. You have a mouth full of teeth and your smile melts hearts all over Macomb! One of your favorite things is riding the tractor with Justice and Gan-Pa Dana. You are the perfect completion to the Keene family, and I would not have it any other way, even when you don't sleep. :) This is going to be a great year. Justice started school and you learn something new everyday. Mommy is so lucky to have three blessings in her life, Daddy, Justice and You. I love you Cameron Meyer Keene and I will always be your biggest fan!

Love, Mom

Special Moments With Great-Grandpa Terry

Enjoying Unwrapping All The Gifts...

Cameron Showing Off His New Ride With Great-Grandpa Al

Me and My Boys!

John Deere Birthday Party

Birthday Cake! Happy Big 1 Cameron

I Need A Nap...Even If It's Only Ten Minutes

I am losing my mind. I am over-committed, over-worked, over-stressed and just plain over it! I would like to punch the woman in the mouth, fifty years ago, who thought women needed to be liberated! I am literally burning the candle at both ends. If I am not at work, I am working at home like a mad woman. If I am not at home, I am working late at my job. Geeze, I gotta find some balance. Basketball is right around the corner and I am wondering who will have a nervous breakdown first, me or coach. I can honestly say, I cant remember the last time either of us just "took five", seriously. Anyhoo...yeah, I know, get over it. Parenthood is exhausting, just let me lie down for ten minutes.

Hence, crazy life, I have not had a moments free time to blog. This IS my outlet and I have not had time to plug in for weeks.

Let's see in the last three weeks; I have celebrated my birthday, yep 29 again and again. Justice told me I was 112. Spent a child-less evening in St. Louis with Coach. I had a little R&R at the spa while he watched football in the hotel, then we partied like Rock Stars till the wee hours of the night. Good times! Probably the first time, in over 5 years, we let our hair down. Celebrated Cameron's birthday. More details to come. Yes, Cameron's party gets a post of its own.

I have to wonder, how do other parents do it? Coach and I give so much to our jobs and so much to our kids, when we DO get an extra moment--we just want to lie down for ten minutes! I feel guilty 24/7 about my of role in motherhood. I regularly feel nothing is ever enough. My house is a mess, well, most of the time. Laundry always needs done. I am not a very good cook. When I am home playing with my kids, I am often mentally at work. Again, balance. I am so VERY LUCKY to have a spouse that is commited to helping with any and every task needed to keep Keeneville going! I am beginning to think some of the negativity I hear ALL DAY at work is showing up in my blog tonight. Yikes. I need to adjust my attitude. I apologize. Better yet, I think I need to go to bed....

May the force be with all the mother and fathers who are trying to find a balance this week...

Are You A Baby?

Cameron Meyer Keene is pure genius. You ask why? Well, because he has already mastered 6 keys to success:

1) Persistence: he never quits. Ever. When he wants something… to be fed, to be changed, or hold a toy… he does not stop until he gets what he wants. Right now he is learning to walk… and he spends hours and hours “practicing.”

How persistent are you in getting what you want? How relentless are you in your development?


2) Communication: he speaks his mind. Granted, it’s in the form of crying, grunting, laughing, and Gibberish... but he does communicate. And he is an attentive listener. When elmo is talking, Cameron is listening! He communicates with me (the leader) and he communicates with Justice(teammate).

Does everyone on your team know their role? Their strengths and weaknesses? The team’s goals? Is this being communicated among coaches and players?

Quick side note: I am the Head Coach of our family; Coach Keene, the lowly assistant. Sorry dear, I told your secret...

3) Enthusiasm: he has a passion for everything he does! When he is happy, he bounces around and his face light up the room. When he isn't, he flail this limbs and cries like a wild hyena.

How much passion do you have for the game? Is your enthusiasm contagious? Do you raise the level of those around you?


4) Structure: he is on a schedule. He goes to sleep at the same time every night, get up at the same time every day, and eat (and nap) at scheduled intervals. He has a consistent routine.

Do you have a daily routine? Do your workouts/practices have structure or are they haphazard?


5) Uninhibited: He does not care about looking cool. He will (literally) crap his pants while staring directly at you. He don’t care if he falls on his face or vomits on my shirt. He is comfortable at being Cameron, and hes not afraid to make mistakes.

Are you worried what others will think if you make a mistake? Do you only practice the skills you are good at so you don’t look bad?


6) Imagination: Cameron thinks outside of the box. He can spend an hour playing with a ball of tissue paper. He makes the most of what he has.

How much imagination do you put in to your own workouts/practices? When you are doing drills, do you imagine there is a defender… or do you just do the drill?

So there you have it, Cameron has figured out the 6 keys to success. Now, it’s Coach Keene and my job, as parents, to make sure Justice and Cameron maintain these traits as they get older. If they go through life with persistence, can effectively communicate, have an unbridled enthusiasm, have a consistent daily schedule, aren’t afraid to make mistakes, and can think creatively… they will be successful in whatever they choose to do. So I ask, Are you a baby?

Happy Labor Day from Our Family to Yours!

The Tub People

We ARE the tub people. We buy more rubber maid tubs to store crap in than anyone in Macomb. We have every color of tub under the rainbow in our basement. Coach had a brilliant idea yesterday, to clean out our storage areas and re-organize all our crap for the winter. I was thinking on this beautiful Labor Day weekend to, ummm, RELAX? On a side bar,that is yet another thing the Keene's are terrible at, relaxing. We are high strung by nature, from daddy bear all the way to the wee little bear..anyhoo. Mission accomplished, one storage area organized, yet about 4 more to go. So what do you think the hold up was? Yes, indeed, we needed more rubber maid tubs. The entire Keene tribe made a fast trip to Wal-Mart, two carts and all, and loaded up with more flipping storage tubs. I swear we are nuts. After 12 long family hours of organizing, we threw in the towel, at least for the night. We have the basement left and my closet. Oh wait, and another closet. Good progress for 1 day, but believe it or not, we need more tubs. Good gravy...

Speaking of tubs, have you ever read the children's book, "The Tub People?" A drama in the lives of seven wooden figures: parents, grandmother, doctor, policeman, child, dog. Mostly, they stand in that order on the edge of a bathtub; sometimes they have adventures in the bath--riding on the soap, bobbing about. One day, as the others watch in helpless dismay, the child goes down the drain; the others mourn his absence till at last the drain clogs, a plumber is summoned, and the child is restored to the family--which gets a new home on a windowsill whence the vast mountains of a rumpled bed may occasionally be explored. And now, for the first time, the child quietly changes position to stand between his parents. The unspoken, unseen other story, in which a human child plays with these toys, makes this curiously intriguing. Justice really likes this book. I find it rather unusual, but it works.

Well, guess I will get my dirty little people into the tub. We had a fun day at Grams and Papa's and this momma bear could handle a few quiet minutes tonight in the tub herself...Happy Labor Day!

I Am A Purpose...

Oh, be careful little feet where you go...
Oh, be careful little feet where you go...
Because the Father up above is looking down with love,
Oh, be careful little feet where you go...

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

Such a crazy week, this small thought today is actually a great meditation for a weekend. No matter the path, the road is already paved. Breathe, one day at a time.

P.S. I love Cameron's teeny lil' feet....dirt and all!

Cameron LOVES His John Deere's