love birds.

at a quick glance, this photo could just appear to be my parents wearing some silly hats. thankfully, there is much more behind it. my mom finished up her 16 weeks of chemo treatments a few weeks ago - we are still celebrating that in every way possible. of course, it takes time for the hair she lost to grow back, so she is still sporting her very trendy hair alternatives - such as the red one in the photo, and the blue/purple one my dad is wearing. no, that is not just a very tight winter hat on his head. dad cracked us all up sunday afternoon when he came down from getting to go for a walk with my mom wearing exactly as you see (he was struggling to stifle his own chuckles until we noticed). so while they look like goofballs (which they are mind you), the photo actually depicts a supportive love that has continued to grow over their 35 (almost) years of marriage.

"spring break".

just some pictures for now...mohonk 2008.

ECMS Girls Basketball 2007-2008

not the best quality picture, but a group photo nonetheless, of the 2007-2008 ECMS Lady Eagles celebrating their season at Outback (minus casey). i am thankful for the blessing that each of these girls are to me.

sledding 2008.

some photos to commemorate sledding at nan and pake's house after the beautiful snowfall.

not sure about the facial expression here...

he actually loved it, despite his serious look.

looks like we're heading for danger.

maybe we're laughing cause i am wearing pake's monstrous boots.

this is the life.

elizabeth and i set some good distance records.

lacking a creative title...

kristen traub, heather tanis, sarah mc graw.

sports psychology.

the past few weeks has reminded me of how much mentality and attitude play a part in athletic performance. i remember how much it effected me as an athlete. now i see it in each of my girls that i coach - middle school girls basketball at eastern christian. they have the potential to be an undefeated team, and yet their record currently stands at 8-6 with their last game to be played tomorrow. even if they lose, they have a winning season. for the past six games, they've been playing themselves...not their opponents. its been a struggle with confidence, challenged by losing a starting member to an injury. its an interesting thing, the psychology of sport.

its been a struggle for me too, as their coach. its amazing how emotionally attached you get to a group of 15 girls in less than 3 months. despite the hormones that create girl drama and bickering at every practice, despite their inability to stop talking and listen to me for more than a minute, despite their teasing me...i love each and every one of them. in this team, i see such a clear example of what Christ meant by "the body of Christ." each girl brings her unique contribution to the team, and therefore has a unique role and responsibility as a member. from the best player on the team down to the least talented girl (talented in terms of basketball skils), each one has a purpose and significance. i pray that each of them be blessed, and that each be a blessing in this world.

feliz ano nuevo.

here it is, the first blog of 2008. let us now let go of all grand expectations that come with a "new" year, and enjoy a few more photos from the end of 2007 - saturday afternoon/evening at the new york botanical gardens in the bronx, ny (a.k.a. "the botanical") on december 29, 2007..."train show: sold out."