Tag Archives: Steel

NCAA Collegiate Athlete

All parents dream that their children will someday go to college.  It’s one of the primary goals.  We didn’t just hope and pray, we planned and worked to make sure that Steel would have the opportunity to continue his education.  Participating in an NCAA sport that he loves while going to college is icing on a very rich cake.  Today is the moment that all of those collectives hopes, wishes, dreams and desires came to fruition.  Today was one of those days that I’ll never forget.  I’ll always remember how it felt to be there.

We flew from Sacramento early this morning to Portland.  Today was the home opener for Pacific University’s Football season. After a 19 year hiatus, Football returned to Pacific University for it’s 100th season.  The whole town was electric with enthusiasm and anticipation of the game.  It was such a great atmosphere.  Everywhere we went fans and students were dressed in their spirit wear and talking of the game.  Earlier this week, I received an email from the head coach informing me that there would be a “media credential” waiting for me at the Will Call window.  He remembered my request to shoot the game from the sidelines.  I had not mentioned the conversation again.  I was satisfied with just being there. Actually getting to be on the field was more than I could imagine.  What a privilege.

Pacific University Hat


The anticipation of traveling to Oregon to see Steel and to watch Pacific’s first game is reaching a fever pitch around here.  We are very excited about the trip and being a part of the history making moment when The Boxers take to the gridiron again after 19 years.  I have a devious smile that I can’t wipe off my face.

We never made it to the book store when we were there in August… so we were not able to stock up on spirit wear… so we’ve made our own.  We now have shirts, hats, jackets and outer wear all with the Pacific University logo.  We’re ready to go.  I can’t wait to wear it.

Media Coordinator

Not having access to Steel’s “football” life while he’s away at school is going to be difficult.  Lots of people with the best of intentions have been hounding us about the adjustment.  I keep telling them that I’m good, but I have to admit the first time he takes the field for a game and I’m not there… it will be a different story.  I’ve only missed one of his football games.  (I drew the short straw and had to go to the family wedding and that just happened to be the fist game that he scored a touch down.  I haven’t missed one since.)  Information about and regarding Steel is hard to come by these days… He’s too busy to give us the play by play and so we sit here starved and waiting anxiously for news.

That is why I am so thankful for Pacific’s Media Coordinators.  They have been posting video and photos of the boys at practice and I’ve been able to spot Steel in each installment.  What a treat!   Of course, in a perfect world, I would be the one taking the pictures, but at this point, I’ll take whatever I can get.  The photos are fantastic and I know he’s working hard.  (Looks like he’s having some fun too!)

K…. Bye…

There’s a line from the Brad Paisley song “Anything Like Me” that has been stuck in my head all day.  “I already dread the day. He’s gonna hug his momma he’s gonna shake my hand. He’s gonna act like he can’t wait to leave. But as he drives out, he’ll cry his eyes out… If he’s anything like me.” Yesterday was hard day.  Saying goodbye to us wasn’t a big deal because we were going to see him 24 hours later… but saying goodbye to home and to his grandparents was another story… Especially since it may very well be a permanent goodbye to this home.

We went over to the campus early to see if we could sneak in before the scheduled time.  No such luck, but we did get a tour of the locker room, field and athletic facilities.  After the boys checked in to get their student ID cards and the keys to the room, the mad rush began.  We hauled all of the boxes upstairs (only the 2nd floor thank goodness) and began to unpack.  We sent Steel over to get fitted for his travel sweats and uniform.  It took a while, but we get everything unpacked, and put away.  (There’s lots of built-in storage so everything fit nicely.)  I did forget to pack a USB cable for the printer so we made a quick trip to Target.

When we got back, it was almost time for the parent/player meeting.  I sent the boys over and stayed behind to set up the printer.  When I was done, I took these pictures, locked the door and walked over to the meeting… not knowing what was in store.  As I walked in, I was bombarded by crying parents.  They were quickly leaving the auditorium as I was trying to get in.  Leroy told me that the coaches had just asked all of the parents to say goodbye and to leave now so that they could get started with camp.  I wasn’t sure WHEN the goodbye would happen, but the decision was made for me.  Just like ripping off a band-aid… it was over, just like that.  A hug, a kiss on the cheek and a request that he continue to make us proud and he stepped into his new, independent life.

If I had to choose how to do say goodbye, this would have probably been the way I would have chosen.  No drama… just get in and get out.  But not having a choice has left me a bit in shock… but also overwhelming thankful for a coach that has taken the reins and recognizes the need for these boys to become independent, accountable young men… and they can’t do that still attached to their mommas.  Steel is in the perfect place for him… I can’t be sad.  He is doing EXACTLY what we had hoped and prayed for since he was born.  A dream come true.  I can’t WAIT to see what he accomplishes from here on out.

Stuff

Moving day is almost here for Steel. We didn’t think he’d be taking much stuff… but when we first started putting it all together we had to move the project into the dining room for more room. I don’t know if we’ll fit it all into a dorm room… maybe we’ll be bringing some boxes back. At least I’ll be confident that he has everything he needs.

Fantasy Football

Football is in the air… and with the anticipation of cheer on the live games, football also takes over our fantasy lives as well. It’s a lot of fun to put together your “dream team” and compete against friends and family.

Steel has decided to be the commissioner for a league and has signed Brandon up as a participant. Here they are watching the draft on the laptops anxiously awaiting their chance to place their own picks. I’ll keep you updated on the progress throughout the season.

Nicole and Dusty

The countdown has started.  We are now approximately 10 days away from an empty nest.  While I am very excited for this transition… there are a few things that I know I’m going to miss.  One of them will be the constant flow of kids in and out of the house.  I love it when my kids’ friends are here.  These two pictured with Steel (Dusty Killian and Nicole Green) have been regulars around here this summer.  They are really terrific kids and always a joy to have around.  I’m going to miss the meals, sleepovers, fights over the Playstation and mostly the laughter.  I’ve told them all that they can still come over and see me when Steel leaves for school, but I have a feeling that it won’t be as often as I would like.

Laundry

As I prepare to send Steel off into the real world (or college, at least) it occurred to me that the one thing that he has no knowledge of is laundry.  Sierra was doing laundry for me in the 4th grade, but I’ve never taken the time to show Steel, until today.  I told him that the most important thing about laundry was the sorting of the clothes ahead of time.  As the words were leaving my mouth, I realized that he would never believe me until he screws up and washes bright red towels with his favorite white shirt.  Then he’ll remember and heed my advice.  Some things you just have to learn through experience.  No bother.  He’ll be washing his own stuff, so I’m not really that concerned about it.  He seemed to catch on pretty quickly… either that or he was just going through the motions so he could move on to something else.  We’ll see how long it takes him to call me with a laundry related question.

Thank You Notes

Steel has been blessed with an abundance of gifts to honor his graduation.  I cannot believe how kind everyone has been.  For the last couple of weeks, he has been hand writing his thank you notes.  I know this has been a time consuming process, but it seems so trivial in comparison to the generosity that has been shown towards him.  I set him up with all of the essentials.  He has a list, address labels, note cards and pictures.  It was important to him to write personal notes to each family and I know he is taking the time to send sincere sentiments.