The little team that could

 Spencer signed up for Sandy City Jr. Jazz mostly because they practice and play less than a mile from our house.  Usually my kids are placed with other kids from their same school or schools nearby but this time he was placed on a team all from around Brighton High area and everyone except Spencer were friends and all on the same soccer team but none of them had ever played basketball.  

Days before the season started, a plead for a coach was emailed out.   Sundance prevents Bart from committing to coaching in January,   Luckily someone else took the job.  Soon we got a text from a mom saying she signed up because there was no other volunteers but would love some help because she knows zero about basketball.  Bart told me to text back he would help coach if she's ok with him being gone a couple of weeks in January.   She gladly accepted and said she would do all the communication if he would run the practices and games.

The First practice was a disaster.   One boy got hit in the face the first time someone passed him the ball and decided he didn't want to touch the ball again.  No one except Spencer had ever dribbled or even passed the ball.

The first game didn't go any better.  The final score was 0 to 32.  Spencer was so discouraged thinking his team sucks so bad.  Bart wasn't discouraged because he saw a lot of hustle and heart.  Things he said you can't teach someone.   I was nice to watch Bart coach with constant encouragement for each boy.  

Throughout the season the team improved a little each game but they were still losing.  Around the middle of January the weather was so mild that Spencer started playing driveway basketball everyday afterschool with a couple other boys a little older than him.   Many nights they would play for hours.  One night well after dark I told Spencer it was time to come in and he said "I can't until the tournament is over."  He was smiling and gloating all over the place when he finally came in all sweaty and out of breath saying he finally won!!!   

That next game a very confident Spencer stepped on the court.  Any chance he got he would steal the ball and make a fast break down for an easy lay up.   The kid who would shy away from shooting if someone was up in his space guarding him had no problems driving the ball past them and putting up a shot.   

Spencer led his team to their first victory scoring 25 of the 29 points for his team.   It's amazing what a whole lot of driveway basketball can do!   The next few games Spencer killed it in his games but also started looking around and seeing how to help his teammates improve.   During one game in particular he had an open shot but noticed Ben under the basket and told me he thought "I could make this but I bet Ben would really love to make a point in the game."  He passed him the ball and Ben made his first game basket.   Spencer said "it was great to make all those points but I think I liked it better seeing en be able to make his first basket.  

I loved watching him take a leadership role with his team.  Bart and he would talk game a lot about what to work on in practice and made sure the others had opportunities to improve.   

Here's the video of Spencer stopping and passing so his team mate could get a shot

Spring Break 2024

 We started our spring break at Brian Head Resort where we met up with Ally's family.   It was a bright warm day.  Perfect day with cousins.

We all came back to Teasdale where we enjoyed cousin time. 

Highlights:

watching old VHS movies on the little TV in the basement.

Hiking Cassidy Arch.    Everyone split up on the trail. Aaron, Jane and some of the teenagers ran up first.  Roy joined another family ahead of us and was in the lead.  They asked him where his family was and he said I had to leave them my brother and sister are whining to much.  Meanwhile I was with Spencer, Ally's friend Lauren from Carlsbad and her son.  I was la la land following Spencer and his new friend and ended up at the edge of a cliff.   We made our way back and had to help each other over some big rocks to get back on the trail.   Meanwhile Allyson was at the back with a 12 year old with growing pains in his knees prodding him along and another child.   We all finally made it to the arch and like Spencer said Wow this arch was worth it. 

Spencer gave a talk in Primary about how just like this hike we sometimes get off the trail but we can help each other back on because the arch at the end is worth it.

All the kids had so much fun together playing games,  creating a play at the Lions head and walking all over town always ending up at the horse corral.  

Goodbye childhood hello adulthood

 I always knew with her strong spirit that Emily would be an easier adult than child.  I feel like I won the lottery with her because not only is she a hard working, happy and independent person she is also just so dang delightful!!!!  Happy 18th Birthday!!

Here are some fun Senior photos Sami took of her a couple days after she turned 18.  

She a doors him .... Prom 2024

 Liam and his mom Kim put so much thought and time asking Emily to prom with meaningful scavenger hunt.  It made Emily's day to be asked by someone she adores.  

Emily knew it was time to go big or go home with her final dance reply for her "bae" as she calls him. 

Liam's mom sent me this door cam of Emily and her bestie Alix using all their muscles to manipulate leaving the massive door on the front porch.  What a good sport she was to have to deal with a life size door afterwards. 

The boys took the girls axe throwing for the day date.  

They ate at Setebellos authentic pizza place downtown.   

The dance was at the capitol again so were able to relive their very first date 1 year ago. 

 

They even took a then vs. now picture to commemorate.  

 Emily was stunning in her dark blue gown.   I love that she wore her hair down (she usually does an updo for dance photos) and thanks to her Aunt Raquel who gave her a spray tan she looked like a goddess!