Cheerleading Banquet 09

"Competition Cheerleading

Makes Stars!"

Makenzie's middle school cheerleading career official wrapped up tonight with a Red Carpet Affair! I have to say that this year has not always been easy. In fact, Makenzie has faced a lot of challenges this year, and we could not be any prouder of how she has handled her self. She has worked hard, did things she did not like to do, was a team leader and a team player. Makenzie is amazingly disciplined (definitely not a trait she received from me!) and it "shines" in everything she does.

Northeast Georgia Invitational

 Makenzie competed in her very last

Middle School Competition today.

It was definitely a bittersweet day.

 We are so proud of her work ethic and determination.

I cannot do everything ...

but I know Someone who can!

Today was one of those days where it becomes crystal clear that I cannot be everything to everyone! Our day started out at 5:00 am. The Cheer Devils competed at Morgan County High School today. The caravan pulled out of the middle school at 6:30 am. The Marching Red Devils competed at Lassiter High School, and they had to report in uniform at 8:00 am. Mitchell's soccer match was late in the day -10:30 am! So, what is a mom to do? I can pray! I can pray that my children will be well rested and give their all. I can pray for their safety. And, mostly I pray that His presence will be with them ~ encouraging and guiding their steps. (and flips & kicks!)

I can praise Him for loving my children more than I ever could.
I also can thank God for Aunt Tammy!

Hurricane Storm Invitational

Okay, to be fair, we were warned by the name of this competition that it would be a DISASTER! The girls competed at Monroe Area High School today and again, looked awesome. That was not the disaster ... this disaster was man-made, by the organizers! At the middle school level the schools are divided into two categories, small and large, based on how many cheerleaders take the floor. Without going into great detail - because of how we are scored, points for amount of tumbling, amount of stunts, etc. it would be nearly impossible for a team of 16 (small) to compete with a team of  20-30 (large). Well, apparently, the organizers of this competition did not know this (very scary thought!) or didn't care, or maybe, didn't want to buy a lot of trophies with OUR money. So, our girls placed second behind the only large school competing. We had no idea that we would be scored together and to make matters worse, the judges didn't know they were scoring all teams together, either! Oh, wait a minute, there is more ... Makenzie's stunt group participated in the "lib-off". The goal here is to be the last group standing in a "liberty". (Her group was the only middle school stunt group to participate.) They out lasted every group competing with the exception of one. The DISASTER here is the flyer in the other group dropped her leg at least three times, obviously not a liberty, and was never called out! So, again, Second Place for the First Place team!

But, here is where it gets good ... is that why we allow and encourage Makenzie to cheer? For the medals and trophies? For the glory? No, of course not. We want our kids to enjoy life, find their passion, learn about teamwork, but mostly, we want to mold Godly character in each of them. So, today, we have the opportunity to teach (and model!) just that! James says it like this, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (2-4 The Message) So, today I am praying that her Second Place finishes are growing her into the the Godly woman that above all else is pleasing to Him.

Grayson Ramfest

First Place for the Cheer Devils!

We had a great start to Makenzie's birthday. Her team competed in Grayson and looked awesome. It was the first competition  for some of her tumbling, so that made it especially nerve racking  exciting! Several of her sweet friends brought her gifts and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to her as we went in to the school. She is blessed with great friends in her life.

Dawsonville Tiger Classic
Today was the day we  Makenzie has been working for since April - the first competition of the season. Our Red Devils looked HOT, and I know we have an awesome season ahead of us.

My First Blog Video

... how Makenzie spends all of her free time!

*edited to add per Makenzie* "This is a horrible 'full'. It looks terrible!" insert huff and eye rolling  When will they learn this is about me, not them! I am not taking down my first video!

Cheerleading Try Outs Begin!

'Try outs" begin today ... praying for safety ... and for Makenzie, too!

3/13 * update! * Makenzie will be cheering for the Loganville Red Devil's Competition Cheerleading Team this fall. She is one of four returning athletes. Congratulation's Makenzie. We are so proud of your winning spirit!

So thankful for ...

thankfulness in review...

where did November go?

an end to a fun and safe soccer season ...

an end to a fun and mostly safe cheer season ...

an end to an election season that did not end the way I wanted ...

still serving an all knowing, in control Savior & Lord ...

a long, safe weekend hiking...

a long weekend in jammies and decorating for Christmas ...

a week in Illinois with family and friends ...

a photo shoot in a junk yard ...

Cheers to the Cure!

Area cheer squads will be performing tonight at the high school to benefit "Team Telesa". So exciting... to have a tangible way to make a difference in the lives of women everywhere. 

Update:

over $13,000 was raised tonight to fight breast cancer -- in honor of Telesa, may God be glorified.

Awesome Weekend!

We had a crazy, fun weekend.  The kids were out of school Friday for a "teacher workday", although I know one teacher who didn't work!  We left Friday morning for Columbus, Georgia for a cheerleading competition. This was our farthest competition, so we stayed the night before which gave the girls a little extra rest and a lot of time spent with friends. So fun!  We brought home another 1st place trophy, especially exciting considering the level of competition we faced. Our girls were awesome. Makenzie landed everything. Marshall had a football game Friday night and competition of his own on Saturday, so he was not able to go with us. Of course, I am sure the only thing he would have enjoyed was the steak Friday night! It is very strange not having our family of five. Moments like these are becoming more and more common. (but not any easier for me!) As soon as the competition awards were given, pictures taken, and hugs shared we headed home. At least for a minute! We  stopped at the grocery store (giving me one less errand to run this week), unpacked the car, made breakfast for Sunday School (our turn!), changed into warm Red Devil clothes, and left for Marshall's competition. The band looked great and received all 1st rankings. And, then came Sunday... awesome teachings from Bro. Ronnie... we were definitely challenged this morning and again in SS. Thanks Chad. I have thought a lot today about one simple statement... Have you experienced God? For me, the quick answer is, "Yes!" I have experienced the indescribable gift of salvation. But, do I "experience" God when He is working in my life? Did I "experience" God when Makenzie told me again that she was not at all nervous when she took the floor Saturday. I pray for that each week, but do I really "experience" Him there with her. Did I "experience" God seeing Marshall perform on that field knowing that he is using gifts that God has given specifically and uniquely to him. Yes, it is easy to praise Him when we have had great weekend and everyone is home safe, but, this week I pray that I will really "experience" God working in my life and my family's. He is and I don't want to miss a thing!