Brother Stephen

Steve received quite a surprise a few weeks ago when he was asked to be the second counselor in our bishopric. He was very flattered, but also feeling a bit overwhelmed and wondered if he would be able to do it. But, as we are often hear, the Lord qualifies those that He calls and so Steve constantly has to exercise faith that Heavenly Father knows what He is doing. So far, of course it has been very busy with various meetings, home visits, etc. but he is learning so much. It has been almost exactly 4 years since he was baptized. He has grown so much in the church, and I know that his growth will continue to multiply immensely as he serves in this calling. We have a wonderful, patient bishop who will be perfect in guiding and training Steve to do all he needs to know how to do. I have gained a new appreciation for how much time the bishopric puts in for their ward. Everyone always says that the blessings outweigh the sacrifices and I can already see that.

There are two things that I have been quite tickled  by as I reflect on these changes. First, my husband is a leisurely Southern bred man who takes his time getting ready to go places. Sunday mornings were often a source of irritation for me as he would wait until almost the last minute to get ready, often resulting in being late. The joy I feel now as I wake up Sunday morning knowing that Steve has already been at the church for a half hour for early meetings. It is sweet.

Secondly, as Steve was growing up he would spend HOURS at church each Sunday and at least a few evenings at church activities during the week. His dad is a Baptist preacher and it came with the territory of being a PK (preacher's kid). So, as a young adult Steve rationalized that he had "done his time" all those many hours spent at church growing up, so he didn't make it a priority to attend church each week. Without fail, every Sunday Steve's mother would beckon him to come to services. "Stevie, you comin' to church?" (Insert southern accent). Steve was quite an expert at dodging the bullet, and sometimes he would go, sometimes... not so much. That being said, I can't help but imagine that Steve's mom is looking down on him from heaven and just getting the biggest kick out of what has become of her little Stevie. Here he is.... every Sunday at church from sunup to sundown, and busy with various activities throughout the week.

I've been grateful for all the prayers and support of our family and friends, and also appreciate the well wishes and encouragement shown by ward members. I'm sure that their confidence in Steve does wonders for him.

Not even five years ago, I never could have fathomed that I would be sitting alone in church, not because I was truly alone as I did for so many years, but because my husband was sitting up on the stand as a member of the bishopric. It just goes to show that you never know what the future holds.

Andrew's Game

My nephew Andrew plays football for Southern Utah University which is about 3 hours from Salt Lake, but last weekend they played at Weber State in Ogden so we were able to go watch his game.

Andrew is #93. He's always been tall, but when you go to college to play they seriously bulk you up. He is huge! (In a good way, not in a fat, blobby way.)

A guy Steve coaches high school football with has tickets for up in the box (that you can see on the opposite side of the field). He had 3 extra tickets for Steve, Alex and I, so when we first got there we were up in the nice warm box where we dined on  free brownies and lemonade. But then I figured we'd better go mingle with the "little people" to show them that we still know how to keep it real. Totally kidding!

Stephenie and her cousins had a sleepover the night before and then went to the game together. I love that they are not just cousins, but also buddies.

 

I absolutely love this adorable picture of Andrew and Alex, I could just look at it all day.

It was nice that the team was able to visit with friends and family after the game before heading back.

Andrew and Uncle Steve have always had a special bond through their love of sports, topped off now by the commonality of both having played college football.

 My brother Eric and his gorgeous family.

We have a family joke that no matter where Steve goes, he will run into an old friend. It really made his day that he was able to watch 3 young men play that he coached back in his Kearns High days. Karl plays for Weber and Fatu and Toa play for SUU. He also coached Sa, the young lady in basketball at Kearns.

We're really proud of Andrew and all he's accomplished. He's really grown up to be a fine young man. (Wow, that statement just made me sound really old!!)

Halloween Twenty-Thirteen

This year I am the head room representative for Alex's 1st grade class, so I was in charge of planning the class Halloween party. Luckily, Alex has a willing big sister who came along and helped. I thought the party was a success. The kids were really cute and a lot of fun. All the first grade teachers dressed like Minions, it was super cute.

Alex has been completely obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog for quite a while now. He would make a good actor, he gets very  much in character when he's wearing his costume. In his mind, he is Sonic.

Alex requested a Sonic jack-o-lantern. I have to confess I was kind of impressed with my mostly free-handed attempt.
Alex gets a little freaked out when he is trick or treating and comes across a scary looking house. So, after a couple blocks he had had his fill. No complaints here. Even better, within just a few days after Halloween he had already forgotten about his candy stash. His dentist would be so proud.

Girl's Weekend

Back in October my sister Lorna and I flew to California for a special "girls weekend" with my mom and other sister Lesley.

We had a wonderful trip. It was nice to just lounge around and relax.

 I hadn't been to Napa in the fall in many years. I loved seeing the vineyards in their harvest colors. My dad, Lorna and I took a walk early Saturday morning and saw probably 10 or so hot air balloons above as we walked along the vineyards. Heavenly.

We went to a production of "Pride and Prejudice" in Sacramento. Before the play, we went to Lesley's house for a "tea party" to be in the proper Jane Austen mood.

On Sunday all the California family got together for dinner. We sure do have some cute grandkids/great-grandkids in our family. I sure wish my Alex would eat like his cousin Abram. He loved his pumpkin pie.

Little Aila is one of the happiest, most smiley babies I've ever seen and I am totally in love.

 

Alexis rules the roost wherever she goes. With that red hair, crystal blue eyes and cheeks that you could sink your teeth into, I think she is already aware that she's got us all wrapped around her finger.

Lorna and I are hoping to make this trip a new tradition. (Not sure if our families know this yet!) Actually, they were all very good sports about being mommy-less for a few days. Only 11 months to go till our next trip!

Josef's Wedding

In September, my nephew Josef married a most beautiful and wonderful girl, Christina. Josef's dad is from Finland, Christina's mom is also from Finland. You can imagine how thrilled their parents were that the two lovebirds met at good ole' BYU.

The night before the wedding, there was a wedding dinner where all but a few of my family members were able to attend. It was especially fun to see the newest babies in the family.

My niece, Alexis

My great niece, Aila

Uncle Steve trying to dip Alexis' toes in the sauce so he can nibble on those tasty morsels.

Josef's brothers and best friend played ukeleles and sang, so cute.

The bride and groom.

 

 

My family, a good lookin' bunch if I do say.

The wedding ceremony was at the Logan Temple. As you can see, the bride was stunning.

The reception was really nice, all decorated really cute reflecting all the many travels the couple have taken over the years, and will continue to take, as Josef's new job has taken them to China! (Now that is what you call true love... leaving your family and friends to go with your new husband all the way to China!) I am so happy for Josef and Christina, they are a wonderful match.

Flag Football

Alex is trying a new sport this fall, flag football. After being exposed to football his whole life because of his dad coaching, I think he's excited that he now gets a turn to play. What he was most excited about is that his dad is his coach. Steve usually has the "I don't want to be my own kid's coach" philosophy, but flag football is all about teaching the kids fundamentals since it's their first exposure to playing the game, and who better to teach kids than the guy who has been coaching for the past 17 years or so. (He didn't really want to do it, but I asked him to because I knew the kids would benefit, plus he's very patient.)

Alex is one of the youngest, so he's not super aggressive, but he's having a lot of fun. One day, before they had their first practice, I overheard him having an imaginary conversation as if he were talking with his teammates. He said, "Hi guys, my name is Alexander Nile Lilly. This is my dad, Steve Lilly, and he's the coach." And later I again heard him imaging a conversation where he said, "The coach might pick me first, because he's my dad". Apparently he's thinking that being the coach's son will bring a few perks.

Interesting pose....

Alex's turn at kick-off.

Poor Steve, it is so hectic trying to get 8 kids lined up properly between each play, trying to make sure each one gets an equal chance to hike, kick or be quarterback. I try to help him out from the sidelines by being in charge of subbing kids in and out and making sure everyone takes a turn sitting out for a few. That alone stresses me out just a little!

Alex was excited that he got to "verse" (as in versus) his buddy Kane who lives down the street.

Future star in the making.

1st Day of 1st Grade

Alex started first grade last week and I'm happy to say that so far, so good. He is happy to go every morning and reports that he had a great day every afternoon. He switched schools this year and is going to the elementary school that Steph and Jordan went to. So far I am really happy with the change, it kind of feels like "going home", as corny as that sounds. His teacher, Mrs. Beecher is only in her second year of teaching but I've heard good things and am impressed so far. It's strange to have him gone all day, but it's kind of nice to get more sleep after my night shifts. Ok, it's reallly  nice!

We scored big with Alex's new lunchbox. He is obsessed with Beyblades! I thought he looked so handsome in his first day of school outfit. I wonder how many more years I'll get to dictate what he wears without him caring....

I am sorry to say that as of the other day, these gorgeous curls are history. And yes, tears were shed. (Mine, not Alex's, he could care less.) There is an unfortunate story as to the demise of those curls that I was so in love with, but I'm trying to move on from my post traumatic stress, so I'm not going to expound upon it at this time.

Alex was so excited when he found out he'd be at the same school as "his best church friend" Sawyer. They aren't in the same class but it sounds like they play together most every recess.

It's kind of fun to think that Steph was in this same classroom 15 years ago. I just found out that I'm going to be the head room representative for Alex's class. I told Steph she's going to have to help me, she's very creative with coming up with crafty ideas. Pinterest here we come.  (Sidenote: As I was typing, Alex was looking at this picture and told me that there is now another student sitting between him and the boy on Alex's left. Apparently the two boys were doing too much talking. Something I'm pretty sure never happened to Steph when she was in this classroom!)

 

 

Tarzan!!



Alex and I were invited by my sister to go see a production of Tarzan at the Hale Center Theater. Alex had never been to anything like that before so I was really excited to see how he liked it. I was so impressed with the production, they did an amazing job.
At one point in time, Alex leaned over to me and said, "Mom..." in a quivering voice. I was wondering why it sounded like he wa about to cry. He said, "I'm about to cry... it's just so cute." (This was during a song that was rather tender.)





After the play, the actors lined up by the exit of the theatre so that you could say hi to them. This is Terk, Tarzan's gorilla friend. He was so sweet, he knelt down and talked to Alex, asking him his name, how old he was and so on.



He also got to get his picture with Tarzan and Jane. When we got home, Alex was telling Steph about his experience seeing Tarzan. He made sure to tell her, "Jane told me she thinks I'm cute. Ahhhhhhh." Alex's first crush, perhaps?

Deseret News 10k 2013

I had such a good experience doing my first 10k last summer for the Deseret News Classic on Pioneer Day, I wanted to do it again this year. I was really hoping to improve upon my time from 2012. I had a really crappy night of sleep and was feeling it the next day, but I tried to push it and I shaved off a minute and a half from the previous year. I was happy with my pace, a 9.2 minute average. (It kinda helps that the first half of the course is on a slight decline!)

As he did last year, Steve dropped me off, then found a place mid-route to cheer me on and take pictures. Again, he almost missed me, even though I was frantically waving my arms in the air as I was approaching him and yelling his name.

I got his attention just in the nick of time.

At this moment, I am saying to Steve, "I'm TIRED!" And he goes into coach mode by telling me, "You're 3 minutes behind, let's go, let's go, LET'S GO!"

I immediately start running faster, then think to myself, "He's full of crap, he's just saying that to 'motivate' me". Well, I guess it did work, for a moment anyhow.

 Hallelujah, I'm done!

I compare running a race to childbirth; in the midst of it, especially towards the end when you are wearing down, you think to yourself, "this sucks, I don't wanna do this again." But then when it's over and you recover, you realize how awesome it was and can't wait for the chance to do it again.