Game Face

Markus' game face

Coach Jeff giving Marko some last minute tips

Whatever he told him must have worked...

because when Markus hit the ice he scored

not once, but 3 times! Dang, wish I had been wearing a hat.

He also had 4 assists and almost all the players on his team scored goals as well.

Markus could probably tell you the score, but I lost track.

ba, ba, ba, ba, ba...he's lovin' it.

Date Day

Markus and I went on a date Monday. He had a coupon from his birthday to Build-a-Bear workshop that he wanted to use so our first stop was the mall. He picked out a camouflage teddy bear.

Giving teddy his first bath

After we walked around the mall for a bit before going to the dollar movies.

When we went to go see Gulliver's Travels it was sold out, so we bought tickets for the next showing of it and went to dinner while we were waiting. 

He wanted to go to Salt City Burger Co. again because he LOVES their burgers!

After we shared a strawberry shake and went to Hobby Lobby (my first time!) and he was so cute walking around looking at all the art supplies with me for over an hour. Then it was finally time to go see the funniest movie I have seen in a long time. Markus was rolling in the aisle he was laughing so hard. Love that little man of mine!

May the Sun Shine on You Today!

{You are my sunshine}

It always amazes me how something as simple as a smiling face, a hug from my son, a text from my teenager, a note in the mail, or seeing a friend can brighten up my day. I also know that my happiness is my own responsibility, that I’ll just have to be happy, no matter what. I have two tips for how to be truly happy, no matter what our circumstances...
Yes, I sure do! First off, spend a little time alone each morning before your day gets underway. It is so much easier to keep our spirits up if we can listen to our heart. Even if all you can manage is a minute of meditation and a two minute prayer in the morning, it can work wonders if done with the right spirit. The act of writing my thoughts has been almost magical in drawing me closer to being able to listen to how I am really feeling. I know it is not easy to find the time to do this, especially with young children. There is power in simply asking for help when your heart is soft and open. I am not a diligent student of the scriptures, and I regret that I wasn’t a better example to my children. However, I am often joyfully reminded that God is merciful. He continues to offer me various opportunities to share my testimony with my children. I just have to keep on the look-out for them.

My second tip would be to have (or develop) a grateful heart! Continually focus on the good in your life—from the beauties of the earth, to the comforts of life you enjoy, to the goodness of people you interact with, to the little serendipitous things that happen as you go about your day—and give thanks for each of them. Many of us miss the power of gratitude because we have difficulties that consume our attention. We have to discipline our minds and constantly refocus our eyes (and our hearts) on life and it's goodness. I know we all have trials, but try to rejoice! The weight of our burdens is lifted as we rejoice in the certainty of the things happening for us, not to us. This certainty is developed through writing, together with earnest, joyful prayer.

Live, learn & love.

Semi-Final

Ready for battle

Game 5 was played at County

Second place team Regulators vs. Third place Lightning 

Start time 7:00 A.M.

So close to being in the championship game against Wyoming.

It was a lot closer game then the score reflected: 6-4. The Regulators scored four unanswered goals in the third period. 2 on a power play, 1 by one of our own players and 1 on an empty net.

I am so proud of Max and how hard he worked at this AA tournament.

Quatro

Game four was against the L.A. Hockey Club

Max, playing left wing

In the zone ready for the face-off



Max is on the left, Kaleb on the right



Time-out Lightning

Keeping it in the zone was another story

Another win 3-1

Next game: Semi-Finals

Numero Tres

Game Three was also played at Acord

The Lightning were ready to play hard!

Sammy is the only girl on the team and a pretty good goalie.



The Renegades were from Colorado



Max played forward for this whole tournament.

This was one of his firsts shots on the net.

Both teams played well...

but the Renegades pulled out a win 3-2.

Game Two

Lightning vs. Regulators 4-1

Volker with his son Sidney and Max after the first win of the tourney.

Game One

 The first game of the Great Western showcase hockey tournament for the Lightning team was today versus Team Wyoming at Accord.



If the warm-up gives any indication of how the game will turn out - it was going to be a great one!



The Lightning team played well in the first period and came out strong...

but they started to get tired in the second and third periods.



{Wyoming 4 Lightning 1}