Jakob Plays Soccer

Just about over a month ago Jakob started playing soccer with an indoor soccer league that plays up at the U of U. His team is the Chivas. Our family's friends the Mendoza family all play soccer and they invited Jakob to start playing with them. Normally, Sergio the Mendoza family's Dad is the one who plays on this particular league that was for adults only but this season the league decided to open up for kids and Sergio decided to coach. I think that with Sergio being the coach and having Nina, Sergio Jr., and Jonathan on the team Jakob is enjoying soccer more than he ever could imagine that he would. Alora has asked to play next season if the league keeps the kid division going and Eethan Negrete wants to play too. There is talk about splitting the team into two for next season because there are so many kids who want to play. And I figure hey, I drive the van - why not be a fan! Right, kids! - Hanna

Goodbye 2008 Hello 2009

Well another year gone and a new one on the horizon! And I'm really not sure how I feel about all of it. I know most people are excited to see the dawn of a new year - a chance to start fresh and to make resolutions - but at this moment as I reflect back on the past 12 months I am saddened to see it go. 2008 was a great year! It was filled with so many wonderful things; Matt and I finally married, the kids found activities that they love being part of, and they really settled into school, Baby Ava was born and we were also able to do some amazing traveling. I suppose that I am a bit anxious in thinking of what is to come - will it compare to the greatness of the year that's gone? Will it be better? Could it be better? And now I think HEY wait a minute Hanna!! There were struggles of 2008 too, how soon you forget! Matt was laid off not once but twice and he also had to have surgery to remove his incredibly infected gallbladder which we had no health insurance to aid in the cost! And after an emotional and costly legal fight Sydney moved to Moreno Valley, California with her birth Mother. So it has occurred to me (and only now as I am writing this post) that things will be just fine in the year to come. And I know that we will find the joy, the fun, and the fulfilment in 2009 just as we did 2008! So now without hesitation - I say "Welcome New Year, Welcome" - Hanna