Poetic Justice

Can't help but feel a little smug this evening as the high school basketball regular season has just come to an end, and Copper Hills did not make it to the state tournament.  Kent took his team to state the last four years in a row...even made it to the quarter finals one year...but was fired anyway for stupid, selfish, political reasons.  He has received a ton of feedback all season long--and especially lately--from players, parents, coaches, students, faculty and fans that his firing was a BIG mistake, and they all know it. Not only did Copper Hills not make it to state, but this was their first losing season in five years. They lost big with a final record of 8-13. Kent loves each one of those varsity boys, and sincerely wanted them to be successful this season, he took no satisfaction in their failure. He followed their stats and scores all year long and cheered for them from afar.  He also has nothing against the new coaching staff, they did what they could.  But Kent knows those kids, he knows their potential and is confident that their record would have been much different had he still been in charge.  I have no doubt.

On the other hand, Bingham has had a great season and Kent has had a lot of fun this year with them.   He and the Bingham coaching staff have become great friends, both on and off the court. Their first play-off game is Monday morning.  Good luck, Miners!   

Bumper Analogy

As I mentioned in my last post, last Sunday Braden spoke in Stake Conference.  Not an easy thing to speak to such a large crowd!  The Stake Center was filled to overflowing, and the meeting was broadcast to two other ward buildings in our stake.  His assigned topic was, "The Blessing of a Living Prophet."  Braden began his talk by telling the story about his car accident last month, when the bumper was torn off our car. He and the other driver pulled over to the side of the road and began arguing over who was responsible for the accident.  Before anyone could remove the bumper from the middle of the road it was dragged away by another vehicle, never to be recovered.  He and the other driver stood and watched it disappear down the road, there was nothing they could do.  Braden said that without a living prophet to guide us, we would be just like that bumper, tossed to and fro without any control or direction.  The way he told the story was so funny and cute!  He did a great job on his talk and we were very proud of him.  But still mad that he wrecked our car.

February Bullets

Things have been very busy at our house!  Here are a few recent significant happenings...

• Wedding plans are coming along great.  In fact, I told Rachel she should become a professional wedding planner!  Nearly every detail is already decided, bought, booked, or ordered.  I can hardly believe how smoothly everything is coming together, and am proud to say that we have not had even one disagreement. Hooray for us! 
• Our only disappointment was when we called to book the Salt Lake Temple and found out that it will be closed through most of July for cleaning.  Bummer, because she had her heart set on a summer wedding in the Salt Lake Temple.  Rachel and George had to decide if they would rather change the date, or pick a different temple. June was not an option because of our cruise and George's twin sister's wedding.  August meant waiting yet another month...after an already long engagement.  They finally decided to keep the date as is, and chose instead the Mt. Timpanogos temple.  Rachel was sad at first and shed a few tears, but I think she feels better about it now.  We are blessed and lucky to have several beautiful temples nearby for her to choose from.
• The reception will be held at Sleepy Ridge in Orem.  It is fancy and elegant!  Kent and I recently attended the wedding and luncheon of one of his former basketball players there and we were so impressed!  Rachel and George did their homework, visited several venues, debated the pros and cons of each and finally made the decision.  I think they chose well!
• Mission preparations are also moving in fast-forward.  It is quite a process!  We now have his dental and medical appointments taken care of, and his wisdom teeth removal appointment is set for next Friday.  He hopes to submit his papers by the end of the month, and could receive his call by mid-March!  Wow!  He will set his availability date for mid-June, just after we return from our cruise.  We are wondering if he will be around for Rachel's wedding?  And since the wedding is on a Wednesday, and new missionaries report to the MTC on Wednesdays, we are crossing our fingers that they won't both happen the same day!!
• Two weeks ago the Stake President asked Braden to speak in Stake Conference which is coming up tomorrow morning.  His assigned subject is, "The Blessing of a Living Prophet."  I asked him this morning if he is prepared, he tapped his forehead and said he has it ready up here.  Okay then!  I liked it much better when he was in primary and I wrote his talks for him! 
• That's all for now.  A drop in the bucket of all the excitement going on around here!  Stay tuned for more updates soon...

Winter View

The view out my living room window.

 

This has been the coldest, snowiest, harshest winter in recent memory.  We have been absolutely socked in with an endless, nasty winter inversion.  When the air pollution reaches a certain level, school children are not allowed to play outside during recess.  We have had about 2 weeks straight of inside recess, either due to bad weather or bad air quality.  Ugh!  Spring will not come soon enough for me!  Saturday was Groundhog Day, and I blessed that sweet little groundhog for predicting an early spring.  Hope he was right!

Patriarchal Blessing

"Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life's dangers. . . . Your patriarchal blessing is to you a personal Liahona to chart your course and guide your way.”  President Monson

Last Thursday evening Kent and I had the privilege of accompanying Braden as he received his Patriarchal blessing.  It was one of the most powerful, spiritual experiences of our lives, and made us feel so proud and grateful to be the parents of this wonderful son.  It helped us to feel less anxious about sending him on a mission, because we know he will be successful and have profound experiences that will shape the rest of his life for good.  So exciting!

Bingham Basketball

This has been an interesting basketball season.  Kent is handling it like a champ, but I know it has been hard for him to watch his former team being coached by someone else.   Coaching is such a political business.  I shake my head at all the craziness and drama involving parents and administrators, it is ridiculous!  I would have walked away long ago, and have even encouraged him to do so, but he loves the game and the boys too much to do that.  He has had a great time at Bingham this year, although I am pretty sure it is temporary.  He is itching to be back in a head spot, and I suspect it is just a matter of time before he is there. This picture was taken in San Diego this past December after Bingham won a big Christmas tournament.  Currently Kent's JV team is 15-3.  Go Miners!