some Washington pics

The Miss Leslie Gottschalk posted some words and photos about our trip to Olympic Nat'l. She's funny. Les, when and where next? I'd have written that to Heidi as well but she doesn't blog.




The Miss Leslie Gottschalk's Blog


Look at how wildernessy she is. She shimmied across this nothin trail like it was her job. I on the other hand was slow like a turtle and shaking like an aspen in the breeze. But we have pic to prove we DID it.

I love that I have friends who get me to do such awesome things and get out and enjoy God's creation. Its time to go again... Without coaching I'm not sure what to do with my time. That's a prayer item and I'm excited to see what comes along.

Maybe some day

God's love is. That's it, it just IS. Maybe some day that will click in my mind. This can be a very difficult concept for me to grasp because the kind of love that I experience, feel and compare to is human love. In my life human love has been earned, lost, won over, conditional, a checklist, missed the mark, temporarily fulfilling and disappointing, incomplete. I've both been on the receiving end and been the giver of this human act of love. When I meet someone there are times without trying to I bring along a checklist. Is this person attractive? do they annoy me? are they intriguing? what makes them tick? can I listen and converse with them? are they real? will they accept me if I'm honest? what benefits are there from knowing this person? What will a friendship with them require of me? Am I willing to give that? I can almost guarantee that I would fail God's checklist for me to earn His love. Do I have a checklist for my relationship with my Creator? How ridiculous! The awesome thing is, He loves me. He LOVES me. HE loves me. He loves ME! and YOU. No one is worth His love but he loves us anyway, more than we can grasp. Wow. What will it take for me to understand this? Maybe some day...


I cuddled a 2 month old peanut over the weekend. He was simply perfect and my kind of baby. He was so content being all bundled up and outside in the 40 degree weather around a campfire, nookie in mouth. Someone made the comment that I looked so natural with a baby in my arms. My comment in return was simply, "maybe some day." If I may be real... I admit that being a mommy is something that I don't let myself dream about. I guess I could adopt as a single parent but there is no WAY I'd want to tackle parenting alone. Raising children takes two. A community even. Seeing as how I am as single as I have ever been and no indication from the Big Guy who holds my future of whether my soul mate is really out there, I gently push that desire aside and continue enjoying freedom that is young adulthood singleness to come and go as I please. Maybe some day...

You go Girls!

I just can't quite get enough of the game of soccer. I'm over half way to 50 and I'm still playing. Its not quite at the level of college competition... far from it. Its just a great way to trick myself into working out. I admit that I compare my skills and endurance to check if I'm really getting old or not. Some days I think not, seeing as how I can take it to my high schoolers in skill, sprints and endurance runs. Sheesh, some of them are half my age. I feel to young to be able to say that but its true. Anywayzzz, this post is to share how proud I am of our girls.
They made history Saturday night by becoming Schuylkill League Champs. I've only been involved with the program 3 years but just 5 years ago the squad was started thanks to go-getter Jan Hoffner the head coach. I hear stories of their first year getting just drowned by teams, a hundred goals against and 3 measly goals for the season, going 0-16. Now fast forward to ever improving records and the ladies earn the title of League Champions. The seniors had a very proud moment of carrying the Saturday night earned trophy to the Athletic Director Monday morning.
The game that decided the title was an hour and 45 minute bus ride to Tamaqua (a predetermined site) for two schools that are only 15 miles apart, Halifax and Millersburg. Ironic. These two teams always show up to play each other for pride is at stake. We beat them soundly 2-0 earlier in the season. The funny thing to me is that they all practically know each other either through youth group, dating kids at each other's schools or other sports teams involvement. My girls mentioned more than one text message from one of the opponents saying "good game." I just shake my head (internally) at this small town I find myself in while being sure I'll always be a bit of an outsider, not related... not from around here, by choice. I need something to set me apart. :)
The Pottsville Republican wrote up a great article of the scoreless double overtime game that was decided by 7 penalty kicker rounds. The seniors are an awesome group of hard working, dedicated ladies. They lead by example and positive input and their faith. We pray as a team in a huddle before taking the field. I love that the girls had the chance to share that their help in maintaining composure in such an intense situation was a contribution to their faith in God... through whom they can do all things through Christ who Strengthens them.
Newspaper Article

This week we start District playoffs... incidentally our semi-final game is against Millersburg. Woo doogie, round 3.