The Real Meaning of Thanksgiving

Have you ever thought about the meaning of Thanksgiving? We usually all have a Thanksgiving day routine, something that has turned into a tradition of sorts. Whether it is splitting up the day between two family households or gathering at your home with everyone sitting around the table sharing stories, eating and laughing.

This Thanksgiving I was reminded of the true meaning of this great American holiday. I placed my annual Happy Thanksgiving phone call to my mom and dad in Utah. I expected the usual chit chat about the great meal, family in attendance and how much they missed us, but instead I received a much needed reminder of what this holiday is all about.

My sister and her husband have a friend staying with them who has had a really hard life. He never had the joy of celebrating holidays with his family. His girlfriend and her two children have been staying in a homeless shelter after being abused by her father. My sister asked my mom if it would be okay for them to come to their house since they had no where else to go. My mom was a little stressed about the amount of food, but for some reason she had actually bought two turkey's this year, and said, "Of course!" With everything that has been going on with my dad's health and his recent return home, my family had thought that this was going to be a "normal" family only holiday. However, often times things do not go as planned...we get the opportunity to step outside the "normal" and be blessed by helping others.

My parents ended up with a packed house, my nephew Johnny and his mom, Tyler's mom, Debbie, Tyler's friend and his girlfriend and kids. There was plenty of food, love and sharing. The gift of thanks and giving was in full effect. My dad held and fed the girl from the shelter's baby while she ate. There was plenty of food and it was a TRUE day of Thanksgiving!

My dad shared a special story that really put everything into perspective:

Several years ago there was a micro burst of extreme winds that ripped through Utah, tearing off roof top shingles and knocking down trees throughout the city. As a policeman, my dad was assigned the task of going to the cemetery and surveying the damage. As he stood looking around the grounds, large old trees uprooted, strewn about the grounds. He noticed that all the trees that were torn from their deep rooted homes were the ones that stood alone. The trees grouped closely together, were still safely standing, branches swaying in the wind, shading the grounds with their majestic beauty, sheltering each other from danger. He quickly realized how much trees are like our family's. With every storm of life...struggles, hurt, heartache, and illness, if we stand alone we will fall. However, together with your family's love, support and comfort we can get through the hardest storms of life.

Sometimes others do not have family in which to turn to and have been standing alone for so long that they continue to fall. Those of us blessed with a strong family unit can band together around those less fortunate and provide love, strength and support...just like a group of strong majestic trees providing safety from a fast moving storm.

HAPPY THANKS GIVING!

Family Day-San Diego Chargers vs. Indianapolis Colts

My husband's favorite football team is the Indianapolis Colts, and one of our friends has season tickets for the San Diego Chargers...they gave us four tickets to the game last Sunday. We took the two little guys (I know, I know, they're not little anymore, but we still see them that way). We got there about an hour early, ate some lunch and hung out in the parking lot throwing the football around. It was pretty cold out for us, probably in the low 60's...brrrrrrr...it's rough weather for us So Cal people, hahahha. So we bundled up in our heavy winter coats and headed in.

Now, I like the Chargers, Green Bay is my FAV team, but now that Favre is with the Jets, I like them too. It doesn't matter though, any team my husband likes I automatically root against just to get him riled up. We sat in a pretty rowdy section...especially for those people dressed in Colts gear. Anthony doesn't have anything so we were pretty safe. But I did rat him out to the people sitting behind us. They said, "What's up with all these stupid Colts fans?" Then looked at us and said, "You're Charger fans right?" I shot back, "OH, I AM, but he is a BIG Colts fan!" Anthony looked at me and said, "Way to throw me under the bus honey!" Everyone just laughed and the game started. People were throwing things at the people down below in the Colts jerseys as they stood up and antagonize everyone. The beer was flowing, with every new cup the crowd grew angier, louder and meaner.

I have a confession to make, I have a pretty bad temper and smart mouth. I can be very confrontational if I'm pushed. Since becoming a Christian and really trying to be a better person, I've been able to keep it under control...until this short, little weasle decided to cause trouble. Here's how it went down: We were in line to get something to drink when this guy pushes his way right next to me. The line starts moving and I can tell he is trying to cut. So I make sure I stay right up on the guy in front of me and position myself to box him out. He shouts, "Hey, I was here first...the line's back there." I said, "No you weren't and yeah the line is back there so get back where you're supposed to be." "NO I was here you get behind me." "No you weren't freak" (yes my mouth tends to have a mind of it's own once I let it loose). He yells, "I'm not a freak, you need to get behind me." I said, "Okay you little weasle, what kind of a guy cuts in front of a girl and then tries to cause a scene? You're a freakin whack job!" "No I'm not...I was here!"

By this time Anthony came walking up and the guy looked at him. He has now stepped in front of me. I said, "Pretty sad when you cut in front of someone just to get a beer one person sooner, you're an idiot!" I guess you can say I was really ticked off because I usually never would have let him win. Anthony just looks at me and said, "Let it go, he's drunk and I am going to end up hitting him and get kicked out of here."

So I make a motion like I'm slapping the back of his head and then walk away to watch the monitor of the game while Anthony stays in line. I walk back over and now the idiot is complaining that the line is moving too slow. "How long does it take to get beer...I've been standing here for an hour!" The mouth suddenly shoots back, before I can stop it, "Yeah moron, maybe you should cut in front of those guys too so you can get to the front even sooner." He didn't say another word. Definitely not one of my finest moments, but I hate to let people get away with pushing other people around (I feel like if I confront them, maybe they'll think twice before they do it again).

Fast forward to the end of the game...the cops are arresting people left and right. One guy wearing a plastic hat shaped like the head of a colt had about three beers thrown at him all at the same time, drenching him...the cops came and took more people away. I look up to see who they are arresting now, only to see the little weasle getting yanked out of his seat by two cops, hands behind his back and handcuffed. As he walked down the stairs, head hung low, stumbling, I started clapping and screaming "Yeah...get the little weasle out of here!" I looked at Anthony and said, "See, it wasn't just me being crazy, that moron was bugging everyone!"

Oh the game...it was exciting too, even though we lost in the last few seconds when Vinaterri (however you spell it) kicked a 52 yard field goal...WHAT A GAME!

Christmas in Utah

I was informed that my work will be closing down for the holidays (Dec. 24th - Jan. 4th). I decided that we would all go up and spend Christmas in Utah. It's been 14 years since I've spent Christmas with my family. I told my mom and dad and they're both very excited. As my dad battles his illness, we will all be together for love, support and the joy of spending time together as a family.

This will be the best Christmas ever...I'm already starting the countdown, I haven't had a vacation in 3 years because as an independent contractor, I don't get paid when I'm off. We received a recent gift from an AMAZING family that will make this trip financially possible. I will tell you all about it in a future post. It brings me to tears every time I talk about the love and kindness that people have shown our family!

Please continue to pray for my dad, Dave, for a miracle healing. Thank you all so much for your care and concern.

"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
Matthew 21:22

Our Family Needs Your Prayers

As our family struggles with recent news about our dad’s health, I received this e-mail and found it very inspirational as we strive to stay positive.

Q: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?

A: Psalms 117

Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible?

A: Psalms 119

Q: Which chapter is in the center of the Bible?

A: Psalms 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118Add these numbers up and you get 1188.

Q: What is the center verse in the Bible?

A: Psalms 118:8

Q: Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives?

The next time someone says they would like to find God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to be in the center of His will, just send them to the center of His Word!

Psalms 118:8“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man”

Now isn't that odd how this worked out (or was God in the center of it)?

I would like to ask all my friends to please pray for my dad, Dave Bolda who was diagnosed with Lung cancer. We are all having a very hard time but we will put our trust in the Lord.

STOP AND ASK

As I left my step sons football banquet at about 6:30 p.m. (it was over earlier than usual), I started to go my usual route home but then the light turned green so I took a different way. It was already very dark outside...I hate the time change. I pulled up to a light and was waiting for it to change, when all of a sudden I see an elderly woman walking across the street. She had a walker that had a seat on it, which currently carried her purse and a bag of groceries. She was very hunched over and slowly making her way across the street. The light turned green but people had to wait for her to finish crossing. I looked around to see if anyone was with her and just lagging a little bit behind...nope, she was all alone. I consider my town pretty safe, however I don't even walk alone at night. I drove through the light and then decided to turn around and see if she needed a ride. I thought she would probably be a little scared and not accept...but I decided to stop and ask.

I pulled up along side of her, rolled down my window, "Do you need a ride somewhere?" She pushed her walker closer to the curb, leaned forward, trying to get a better look at who was offering and if she thought it would be safe. "Oh, God bless you, I had to walk all the way to Walmart and now I'm still only halfway home." I said, "Well, I'm more than happy to give you a ride." I got out and started to load her things into my car. She told me where she lived and I was shocked that she had walked that far (about 2 miles each way)!

Then she proceeded to tell me that she was 93 years old! My 13 and 14 year old kids wouldn't even walk that far! She said that her husband had died three years ago and he drove her everywhere. Now she rely's on her nephew who lives with her for free. He unfortunately had to go by some parts to spruce up his car and told her he couldn't take her (nice, huh).

She was so sweet and spry...she even knew how to get in the back way to her house when I missed the turn. We pulled up to her house and she said, "Oh look, he was nice enough to leave the porch light on for me." I wanted to get out of the car and go smack her nephew in the face! But since I've gotten so much better at holding my temper, I helped her out, set up her walker, put her things in, and gave her a hug. I also handed her my business card and told her what time I got off work and to please call me if she ever needed a ride because I'm always out and about running errands. She thanked me again and told me how much the Lord has blessed her. I told her, he definitely loves you! She smiled and said, "I know"! With that she slowly headed up the driveway.

I wanted to share this story with you, not to have you think..."Oh look how nice Lisa is!" I hope to try to inspire EVERYONE to NOTICE the needs of others around you and STOP AND ASK if you can help them. Let me know who you find to help today...I would love to hear other peoples inspiring stories, no matter how small or insignificant...PLEASE SHARE!!

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Matthew 22:39

It's Done

Well our season is done, they chose Bishop Amat for the final spot. I'm pretty upset and can't believe that it's over just like that. Jullien isn't really talking about it too much right now. I'm hoping he will continue to play in Jr. College. The Santa Ana coach contacted him and really wants him to come play for his school next year. He went and met with the coach and received passes to go down on the sidelines to watch one of their games. He will be going to Santa Ana College to become a fireman. I told him that as long as he is there, he may as well play football too. We'll see what happens...I just don't want to stop watching him play. He is such a gifted and talented player.

WORST POSSIBLE SCENARIO!

Tonight's game was a DISASTER! If we beat Esperanza, we would be sole Sunset League Champions. If we lost...it would be a 5 way tie for first place and would come down to pulling out of a hat to see who goes to playoffs. WE LOST!!! We all hurried back to Edison, and waited, held our breathe and hoped for good luck. Only 3 teams would receive a playoff spot...two would be automatically out depending on what number they pulled out of the hat. Edison pulled spot #4...this leaves us with a slim chance that the CIF officials will pick our league to receive the "At Large Berth" tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m.

It was terrible...Jullien and the seniors were DEVASTATED! He didn't get to play in his last high school game, on his birthday and this might be the end of his season. Everyone keep your fingers crossed that the CIF officials will choose our school to be the final playoff spot!! I haven't seen him this upset in years. He has worked so hard to earn a starting position and make it to the playoffs, to have it all come down to LUCK is hard to swallow.

HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY JULLIEN

Today my little Juju is 17 years old! The years have flown by and he is almost an adult. I took the day off of work and Jullien, me and Anthony all went downtown and ate at the Sugar Shack, took pictures and he got to open his BIG present so he can wear it down on the sidelines tonight as he sits out this final league game. Good news, his headaches have disappeared so he should be able to play in playoffs next week. I'm off to my stepsons football game and then the varsity game, so I will be back later to tell you about the rest of the day.

Another Trip To the Dr.'s

Jullien's still getting headaches after his concussion. The CT scan came back clear that we had done at the emergency room, which is a good thing...but I was concerned that the headaches aren't going away at all. So, I decided to take him into the doctor's today for a re-check. She said it's normal and it'll just take time. However if the headaches don't go away by next Monday, she wants us back in again for more tests.

He has his final league game and 17th birthday on Friday...he wont be able to play obviously, and is pretty upset. The next game will be CIF, but the doctor said he can't play until 7 days following a complete PAIN FREE day. I think he's hoping that everything will clear up by Friday so he can at least play in next weeks game.

I feel so bad for him...this is his senior year and he has to miss the last league game, poor guy!!

Edison vs. Fountain Valley-What a Game!

Edison had their big cross town rival, Bell Game last night. This is always a HUGE event...with this years game having a Sunset League Championship on the line. With a sold out crowd of 9,000 people, the boys stepped onto the field, into a college/pro game atmosphere. The noise was electrifying, the stands were filled, people shoulder to shoulder, kids sitting on each others laps trying to squeeze in. Edison started the game very flat, the defense spent the entire first half on the field. Fountain Valley's blitz was killing our quarterback (we're primarily a passing team). Sack after sack, we would hold our breathe, hoping Matt Viles would get back up. The defense, tired but determined to stop Fountain Valley's Kyle Middlebrooks (averages 8 yards a carry) played with all heart. Jullien came up with a big play...reading the hand off to Middlebrooks, he tackled him for a loss of 2 yrds (see 7:27 of Varsity Times Blog). It's 0-0 heading into the half, Fountain Valley held us to only 18 yards in the first half.

Our offense looked defeated...we waited through half-time hoping that our NORMAL Edison team would return to the field. Without an offense, our only hope was to hold them and score on defense. The defense stepped up continuously throughout the 3rd quarter and held them again.

In the fourth quarter, we fumbled and the crowd sat down, quietly awaiting the inevitable. Fountain Valley took this opportunity along with help from several Edison penalties to move the ball down the field and punch it into the end zone. The game had taken a turn for the worse...now we would see what this team was made of. With Luke Gane attending his first game since his bone marrow transplant, the team had a determination far and above the Bell and Sunset League Championship Title...they were playing for a fallen teammate. A brother who has been going through the battle of his life.

The FV touchdown seemed to breathe a new life into Edison's offense. Edison used a trick play, straight out of the Boise State play book. Viles pitched the ball to Davion Orphey who faked a sweep...Orphey then tossed it back to Viles, he threw it 38 yards to Will Andrew. The offense was finally ALIVE. With 5:38 left to play, we scored on a short pass to Jordan Zumwalt. The crowd went crazy, the noise was deafening, the team was fighting back. We had momentum and didn't waste it.

The defense stepped onto the field, flapping their arms, signaling the crowd to make more noise. This strategy would drown out the quarterbacks count and cause an offside penalty, it worked! Holding them once again, they proudly stepped off the field, now confident that they could rely on the offense. They were not let down...with 1:36 left in the game, Mikey Rivera caught a touchdown pass, 14-7 Edison.

The kickoff would then be returned 88 yards for a touchdown by Middlebrooks. A flag in the backfield signaled a Fountain Valley penalty, the touchdown would not count. The defense came out determined to finish the task. With seconds left, Jullien went helmet to helmet and stayed down hurt, he stumbled to get up, 2 seconds left and FV on our 20 yard line. As Jullien made it to the side lines, he passed out, as the trainer tried to carry my 6'4 son. Final play, a deep, desperate pass thrown into the end zone, sailed past the intended receiver, we won! The team grabbed the Bell and hoisted Luke onto their shoulders...carry both to the center of the field with pride.

Jullien was on the sidelines repeating himself, trying to stand up to return to the game, unaware that it was already over. He had received a concussion. He walked over to shake hands in a daze, went and took pictures with the Bell and Luke Gane. The trainer followed him around, foggy he asked over and over again, "Did I shake hands and take pictures with the Bell?"

Our night ended with an incredible high and a trip to the emergency room...WHAT A GAME!!

Check out the Varsity Blog Insider live report of the game. View game on IBNSPORTS.com (click on demand, then Edison HS @ Fountain Valley) (Edison is in white-Jullien's #9)...WHAT A GAME!

My Baby's Done-Mixed Emotions

Last Saturday ended a family tradition...Elijah (my baby) had his very last Pop Warner Football game. We have been playing in the league for 15 years, my husband and I met and fell in love on that field, all of our kids played and my step-daughter was a cheerleader. We have been doing this for what seems like FOREVER.

Elijah's team made it to the playoffs, lost their first game and went into the loser's bracket. They played their final game at 8:00 p.m. last Saturday. I thought, "It's finally done, no more drama, politics and drama!!" You sports parents know what I'm talking about, half of the parents are living vicariously through their kids, one would think that these kids were in the NFL. I was ready to be done, or so I thought.

As the game was winding down, we were slaughtering the other team...I started to get a little emotional. This is the last time I'm going to watch my baby play youth football, how weird this is! The clock slowly ticked away, the buzzer sounded the final game of my son's Pop Warner career. As they were going to shake hands, I normally wouldn't even pay attention, but I found myself standing alone off to the side, watching and taking in the moment...my baby would now be playing in high school. The final end to a perfect game, the kids pouring the ice cold water in the cooler over the coaches head (who also finished coaching his very last game), laughing, cheering and hugging.

As we were walking away, very quiet, a cheer coach, Amy, came running up to us, hugged us and said, "I can't believe you guys are done! You have been here ever since I started coaching 15 years ago...it's going to be weird next year not having you guys around." That did it for me...I got a little teary eyed, I hid it from my son and husband. As we got into the car, I asked Elijah, "Are you sad that it's over?" He said, "Kind of but I'm ready to play high school." My husband was still quiet, we drove out of the parking lot...honking, waving and saying our final goodbye to our Pop Warner family. I'm shocked that 15 years has gone by SO FAST!
THE MEMORIES

Elijah way back when running strong.

Elijah now...still out running the competition!

One of many touchdowns to come!

The final year...touchdown #???

Vote!

I just got home from voting a little while ago...with all the speculation and talk about long lines, I had my game face on ready to be patient. I lucked out, either I beat the crowds (I was there around 4:45pm) or everyone sent their ballot's in. I had only two people in front of me, one of them was a young kid, probably just turned 18. It was kind of cool to see someone so young taking an interest...I know I didn't at that age.

My sister's son registered (just turned 18 in October) because she is very involved (politically). She will have no part of a child in her house who is old enough to vote...stand by and let their vote be wasted!LOL! That's the one area that she definitely puts her foot down with her kids. I need to find out how that experience went for him. He didn't really want to, but I'm sure that she briefed him on everything since she reads and re-reads everything to make sure that no one is trying to trick her with the verbage! He will be one VERY informed 18 year old when he walks in to cast his vote, whether he likes it or not.

I hope everyone took advantage of their right and privilege to vote. We are so lucky to live in the USA, please be sure to take the time to do your part...our ancestors fought and died for this right. They gave us the gift of having the freedom to choose who will lead our country. Your vote counts!

Pacific Coast Hoops Fundraiser/ Season Kick Off

I have been working on the fundraiser/kick off luncheon for PC Hoops and Mike Burk's family. I finished the article and submitted it to the newspaper, hopefully we'll get some donations mailed in. Here it is...if something is tugging at your heart to help this family, please feel free to mail in a donation of any amount to the address listed below~

PACIFIC COAST HOOPS SEASON KICK-OFF / FUNDRAISER FOR THE BURK FAMILY

Pacific Coast Hoops will be holding a Season Kick-Off Luncheon/Fundraiser for an active member of the Huntington Beach Community. Mike Burk spent several years coaching youth basketball, soccer and baseball. His love for his family and the children he coached was evident to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Mike passed away on September 2, 2008 and will be greatly missed. PCH would like to extend our sincerest support to Mike's family, wife Karen and their boys Richard, Michael and Matthew.

Please join us and help make a difference:
WHEN: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH
WHERE: EDISON HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM.
WHAT: POT LUCK LUNCHEON
PRICE: $5.00 A PLATE - ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE BURK FAMILY

We will also be having a sample sale: Fourstar, Altamont, Emerica, ES and Nixon, with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Burk family.

A Memorial Fund has been set up for the Burk Family; all contributions would be greatly appreciated. Please send your support to:
PCHYBL/BURK
P.O. BOX 5811
H.B., CA 92615.

PC Hoops is currently accepting players for the 2008-2009 season. If you're interested in playing for a league that gives back to it's community, please visit our website at http://pchoops.net .


(Mike is wearing the red hat and his son, Michael is #24)

Weird Halloween

Last night, the kids got ready and had us drop them off with their friends. We received a phone call around 11:00 p.m. to pick them up...this is the first year that we didn't go out with them. My baby's are officially all grown up. I feel so old, this is the first year that we didn't go with the "little guys." That's what we still call them even though my little guy is taller than me and Adam is getting there.

Me and Anthony went and had some sushi, rented a movie (Leatherheads) got some ice cream and went home. So it was definitely a weird one. Makes me sad to think that my days of getting them ready, walking around from house to house and sneaking candy out of their bags when they weren't looking is over. Now I guess I'll have to resort to sneaking the candy out of their rooms.

Unfortunately they get a lot smarter when they're older and they hide the stash. My husband is actually worse than me when it comes to chocolate. He would leave the kids in tears when they would reach for the one BIG candy bar that they were lucky enough to get...only to find the empty wrapper in its place.

Now begins a new chapter...we are old!