Tag Archives: Family

Football Mom of the Year!

It is of no surprise that the Hilmar High School Football team voted for my sister-in-law, Anne as a “Football Mom of the Year” during their homecoming festivities this week. Homecoming is a big deal in Hilmar. The whole damn town shuts down for the parade and game… Their floats rival those in the Rose Parade and everything is done top notch and first class. So when the team chose to honor particular individuals for their support throughout the season, choosing Anne was a no brainer. Anne shares this distinction with her friend Tracy Giuliano who is her partner in most of the her endeavors.

Anne is wholeheartedly devoted to those boys. That is her team, and she works tirelessly to ensure that they have all they need to be successful. Anne (and John too) have worked with all levels of football in Hilmar from youth, to high school… and even for those who have gone on to play in the NCAA. She never limited her work to where her sons played…. As far as she is concerned, they are all her sons.

Congratulations Annie… I know what those boys mean to you. There are not enough parades, flowers or honorific titles to show the appreciation you deserve. Good thing that’s not why you do it.

Blessing Gift

Many of you know that last year I kept a “Blessing Blog” where I wrote about a blessing a day for an entire year.  I look back on that experience and realize that I was being prepared for the trials that we would be facing.  I know in my heart that the Holy Spirit moved me to commit to that project for my own good.  By forcing myself to focus on the blessings on my life, I was (and still am) able to see the positive and not focus on the negative… at least most of the time.

I’ve also been keenly aware of the love, support and prayers that have surrounded us during this transitional period.  We have felt them.

Today, when I got home from work, there was a surprise package waiting for me on the kitchen table.  My dear sister-in-law Sue sent me this gift along with a note of love and concern.  Her timing was perfect.  She is one of those individuals who I know I could call at a moments notice to ask for help.  Sue has always been special to me.  She was my babysitter before she married into the family.  She took care of me now and 30+ years later, she is still there when I need her.

Gridiron

We hosted the CCHS Gridiron Dinner once again this year.  Dinner was delicious New York steaks cooked on site by Amaro and crew… and the rest of dinner (including her famous appetizers) was catered by Mary Alice.  It was great.  We had about 110 people there and the evening was perfect.  We usually host the dinner just before the Hilmar game, but I moved it up for fear of rain.  Just as luck would have it we almost had our first rain of the season, but it held out.  Sierra came home from Chico and attended (her first one) and we had other guests including the Almeida’s and Leroy’s parents.  Dessert were “helmet” cookies from Mari Varni.