What a game!!

Danny and his Ruby team were down 12-0 in the second half Saturday when they caught fire! It was an exciting game. They won 24-17 and have advanced to the State Semi-finals on Memorial Day. Regardless of the outcome, it will be an AWESOME day because most of our family will be there (Andy & Troy will be the only absentees). In the pic to the right, Danny just scored the try (5 points) that changed the tone of the game...he was EXCITED!!!

I left the game VERY hoarse...but it was sooo cool!

A Saturday to Remember

It was a GREAT plan!!!

Pick-up my pants from the tailor, go to ally's Mayfest performance, see Danny's Rugby match and then enjoy the Leadership and Saturday evening sessions of Stake Conference.

Like most GREAT plans, it quickly required revision. Ally's Mayfest performance lasted 2 hours, not 1 which meant it ended just after Danny's AWAY Rugby match started. In the past, I have been BAD about letting my feelings show when things don't go the way they were "supposed to" (sorry, Laurel!!!).

This time I was prayerful about 2 things:

1. That I would be patient...remembering that I couldn't do anything about the fact that it was going to end just after 2.
2. That I would be able to catch the end of his game (which was happening down by the Indianapolis Zoo).

After Ally's performance, I was upbeat and positive. We shared an enjoyable ride home chatting about things that happened during her show. I left her @ home and, without any tension, just kept praying for 1 & 2 above.

I made it to the Rugby field w/4 minutes left in the match (it was their second game of the state tournament). They were down 10 - 5. It was beginning to rain (thankfully, Mom keeps umbrellas in the car!!). With about 1 minute left in the game, Danny got the ball. He knifed into the center of the field. First one Cathedral player hit him, then another until he had drawn 4 guys to him. He was fighting forward, standing tall and just as they were about to take him down, he passed the ball. That pass led to 3 more as his team reversed their direction and ran to the left. Two of their fastest guys were on the wing. Around the corner they went...and scored a try!!! Five points...it's tied!!! Because the try was touched down near the sideline, the kicker had the most sever angle possible to kick and score 2 more points to win the game.

As time was expiring, the kicker drop-kicked the ball through the uprights...it was good!! Make that GREAT!! Two more points...the Nobleville Rampage had won!!!

They have a game Saturday and if/when they win that one...they go to the State semi-finals in South Bend on Memorial Day!! I'm looking forward to a Family Reunion picnic @ the State Semi-Finals in South Bend!!!

Immediately after the game was over, I hopped back in the car and drove to Muncie for Stake Conference. I cried for several minutes because it was clear to me that the Lord had answered my prayers. I felt so blessed!! I was so happy for DAnny & his teammates!!

I made it to my meeting about 10 minutes late. The rest of the evening was full of GREAT talks from inspired sons and daughters of a loving Henavenly Father.

It was a Saturday to remember...and I always will!!!

It sure is quiet!!

Mom's in the beehive state
Todd's at work
Danny & Ally are @ school

It's WAY quiet in the house when I'm home alone!

Danny's rugby team won their first tournament game last night 20 to 5. They play again Saturday. Ally's choir sings @ May Fest Saturday as well. Stake Conference starts Saturday...it will be a busy day!

Indifference

I have been pondering the concept of indifference for several weeks now. It's a sad concept! To feel nothing about an idea, a person, a family...not positive or negative...just indifferent. So empty. So lazy. I believe indifference is a choice. I believe it'san easy way out of difficult situations.

I've been trying to settle on an antonym of indifference that made sense to how I have been feeling. I couldn't settle on a single word, but the phrase "make a difference" just connected as I was cutting the grass last week. It fits with the outlook on living that I believe brings happiness.

I'm choosing to "make a difference"...in everything I do (or trying to anyway). It's hard...but I am becoming more of the man, the husband, the father, the priesthood holder, the Oracle employee the Lord intended me to become because I AM trying.

Perhaps "making a difference" resonates w/you as well. It's worth thinking about and acting upon...

Happy Birthday!!!

Mom celebrated her 54th Friday!

She grows more beautiful every day...

We celebrated by spending Thursday - Saturday in St. Louis w/my parents and Sister...Dr. Aunt Trish. Trish bought a home and we helped her settle in. Mom & I enjoyed the chance to help...painting, unpacking, fixing small things. It was GREAT to be together!

Fast & testimony meeting today was amazing. Person after person bore testimony to how they had been blessed by the service of others. It came at a time when some members had become weary of all the service they had been providing. I felt uplifted both for them and for myself!!

Losing myself to find myself...