They may be clumsy but...

they sure were fun to coach last night.

I coached my first soccer practice last night. My team consists of seven 6-8 year-old girls. We tried to learn names, but most had trouble remembering. We tried to learn how to kick a soccer ball with the inside of your foot, but most toed the ball. We tried to show them how to stop a ball with the inside of your foot, but most stopped it with their toe, bottom of the foot, head, arm, hands or any other way they could. We even tried a little scrimmage for about ten minutes.

Though the soccer skills aren't quite there yet, they instantly played together and got a long well. They instantly accepted one another and acted as if they had known each other for years. And when it came time to go home, none of them were ready. They wanted to play some more.

Maybe I'm the one that learned a few things last night...

What's normal?

We're getting settled into a routine. Tomorrow is Jenna's birthday. 2-year-olds are so fun. She was right there in Target when Deana and I bought her birthday present but she had no idea. Of course we got Julia a congratulations-you've-been-a-big-sister-for-two-years present as well. We'll celebrate tomorrow. Deana's parents are coming into town on Labor Day weekend but I'm leaving for an area-wide retreat with a group of students so I'll only see them Friday night.

I'll let you know how soccer goes. I'm looking forward to coaching this year. Our first practice is Tuesday and I'm attending a coaching clinic on Sunday.

Watch out Ronaldo

We signed Julia up for soccer last week online. Deana asked me if I would be interested in coaching and I said yes, so she checked the box for assistant coach. We didn't hear anything from anyone until last night when I was informed that I could pick up my coaches packet at the Bryant United Methodist Church. I thought I might get a call and would be able to ask questions. Nope. Apparently I am the head coach of Julia's team. I played soccer in 8th grade.

Today I was my first official day at LRC. I was treated to lunch at Sticky Fingerz Rock-n-Roll Chicken Shack which was great. One of the seniors baby sat tonight while Deana and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. I took her to Sonny Williams Steak Room in Little Rock. Of course it wouldn't be a complete experience without a trip to Wal-Mart.

The U-Haul is outside just waiting to be loaded. Most of our things are in boxes. I never realized we had so much stuff! I don't remember having all this. And just think, we're down sizing. I can't say enough good things about my family who sent us off tonight. We did hear a few Arkansas jokes, but what a blessing the night was! All I have to say is that I hope Little Rock Church is ready -- for my girls that is! At one point one of the teenagers who's no longer a teenager talked about how we have helped her with all the "crap in her life." She realized she said "crap" in a mic to a mixed crowd and blushed. My darling bride who's always so soft spoken just shouted "Hey, call it what it is! It's ok!"

Anyways, I hate saying good bye, but I'm so excited about the work at LRC. We will load the truck tomorrow and begin a new chapter in what has been an amazing walk with God so far. So, LRC ready or not here we come!

Yesterday was a big day! Deana had a birthday and we signed the closing papers selling our home. Needless to say it was a bittersweet day. You don't realize how much you've invested in a home until you turn it over to someone else. There's a black mark high on one living room wall from a shoe mark made by a family member. Julia's room was painted blue, but we left her closet pink because she wanted to have a memory of our family before Jenna was born. Our walls are decorated with Julia's art work from over the years.

We've sat in our living room crying and praying with students over the years, hosted 24/7 groups, Bible studies, birthdays, and graduation parties in this house. We've had James Bond 007 video game parties, superbowl parties and New Year's Eve parties in this home.

Of course I know we can do the same in another home. But we loved this home. Though old and drafty, occasionally buggy it was a great home. Julia thought it was a perfect home. We will miss this home.

But, we're excited for the new owners. They'll get to figure out the quirks and adjust to the different sounds this old home makes at night just before you drift off to sleep. They'll get to mow the nearly 1/3 acre lot every 4 days. They'll get to listen to that ole creaking storm door. So, God bless the couple that lives in this home as he has blessed us through the 5 and a half years we've been here.

Oh yes..and with all the events of yesterday I must confess that for the first time since I've known Deana I forgot her birthday! What a shmuck I am! I'm trying to make up for it today. Any ideas?