Skating Lessons

This weekend, Steven has been pulling out all of his old hockey gear to see what still fits him. He is starting  a new job as a hockey referee at Silver's Creek Sports Complex (where he used to play). In his search, he found some old small skates that looked to be the perfect size for Dave-o. Steven put them on him and took him outside to practice. I don't know if Dave-o was more excited to learn to skate or more thrilled to have Steven spend quality time with him. It was cute to watch. 

Dave-o started out gliding back and forth on the grass to get a feel for the skates and figure out how to balance. Then Steven progressed him onto the sidewalk. (And all of this in his church clothes. Family time is always a good Sunday activity.) Steven promised Dave-o he would practice with him everyday. Then he made Dave-o promise him that he wouldn't give up (which Dave-o usually does when he gets hurt.) It will be interesting to see how far Dave-o will let Steven take him.

What's Going Down

Steven started a new season of roller hockey in the 14-17 age bracket. He is really going to have to prove himself as he is MUCH smaller than all the other youth. Justin is signing up to coach for the league. (He's finding more and more "cool" things about being 18.)

Tonight, while the boys are at a church dance in Saratoga, I plan to relax with David on the couch and crochet. There's just something cozy about sitting in a warm house crocheting on a cold winter's eve. 

Below is a recent project that I finished for my niece Melissa, who is having a baby girl in May. I'm so excited for her and Parker.

Roller Hockey Playoffs

Most of our afternoon was spent watching Steven participate in his hockey play off game. His team, the Gladiators, made it through the 1st round, but lost the 2nd.

(Steven is #5)

Steven has a couple of weeks break before spring season kicks off.

The Gladiators

Professional hockey season may be on hold this year because of a lock-out, but we still get to enjoy the sport through Steven, who is back from his hiatus. This season, his team is called the Gladiators and the uniform bares the San Jose Shark's colors.  Dave-o loved watching Steven play, but couldn't understand why Steven couldn't hear him calling to him.

 

I am thankful for the self confidence, good sportsmanship, and teamwork skills that playing a sport teaches. Winning doesn't come easy (as Steven's team learned in their first game that they lost 1-15). You have to work for it. There are setbacks, defeats, and even injuries. How you handle it says a lot about your character.

Sharks

David and I got to attend a Shark's game tonight. It proved to be a very exciting game as San Jose won 7-2. Five of the points happened in the first quarter.

Our seats (sec. 216 Row 10) gave us a great vantage point of the rink. I had only one complaint: There was a British guy sitting behind me who talked to his buddies (who were sitting beside me) the entire game. The language he used was crude and very offensive. In practically every sentence he used the "f-word".

I love watching the Shark's play and it was such a treat for me to see them in person. I was even kissed by "Sharkie".

Thank you for the tickets, Michael!

Why are you Lucky?

 Strange things tend to happen at our house on St. Patrick's Day. Cups of water sitting out turn green along with other food items such as, pancakes and mashed potatoes. Kirsten and her friend Fiona would periodically run in the house (from playing outside) to see if any leprechauns had played more tricks.

For English, I had James, Steven, and Kirsten write an essay on "why they are lucky". Kirsten wrote about being lucky to have a best friend, James stated his luck on living in the United States, and Steven felt lucky to live in a home in California with a family that loves him. Then we made our traditional green slime. They had fun playing with it in their hands while listening to my History lesson.

Once school was over, we made yummy cupcakes with a lucky 

chocolate gold coin to top it off.

I am thankful for fun traditions.

Slime
Ingredients:
4 oz (1/2 cup) Elmer's white glue
1 1/2 cups of water (divided)
1 tsp Borax
food coloring (optional)

Directions:
Pour the glue into a bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup of the water and food coloring. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of water and 1 tsp. of Borax powder. Slowly stir the glue mixture into the bowl of Borax solution until it forms a ball (this happens almost instantaneously). Knead the slime in your hands until it feels dry (Don't worry about the excess water remaining in the bowl). The more the slime is played with, the firmer and less sticky it will become.

A Silver

It's just a game...It's just a game...It's just a game...

USA was soooooooo close to winning. When I saw Zach Parise score, tying the game 2-2 with 24.4 seconds left in regulation, I thought we'd win. Then Canada's star player, Crosby, scored in overtime, crushing the hopes and dreams of many Americans. James was so upset that he banned Crosby's name to be uttered in our home. He refers to him as the "C word".

My heart went out to Miller, the USA goalie, as I watched him kneel beside the net refusing any consolation from his fellow team mates. My heart went out to the entire team as they hung their heads down to except the silver medal. Anyone watching could feel their defeat.

But, life goes on. I'm sure that Canadian names like Thornton, Marleau, Heatley, and Boyl in time will be spoken in our home with respect instead of with disdain. If not, than this is going to be a short hockey season.

Darkhorse

When you first step inside our home, you immediately know that boys live here. The coat rack is adorned with hockey sticks, helmets, and baseball caps. The left side of our computer/work area is covered with RC cars, helicopters, and controllers. Shoes of all sorts scatter the floor; sneakers, basketball shoes, flip flops. In the family room, our big screen TV is almost always turned on to the sports stations. Hockey, basketball, or football is the choice of our household, depending on the time of year it is. Stinky duffel bags filled with hockey gear find their way inside the house as well (even though I remind the boys every week to put it in the garage).
If you look really close, you might be able to see a feminine touch scattered here and there. Drapes decorate the windows, pictures are hanging on the walls, and a tablecloth covers the table. But that's about it. I have applied the saying, "If you can't beat them, join them" quite literally. It's not hard to do though. I love sports. Football and ice hockey are my favorites to watch. They are fast moving and full of action and excitement. Call me a barbarian if you want, but I even enjoy watching the fights that occur during every hockey game.
A week ago, on what was called Super Sunday, the US hockey team beat the Canadians in the Olympics for the first time in 50 years. We were on our feet for most of the game screaming and cheering our team on. At times it felt weird rooting against some of Team Canada's players like, Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Dan Boyle, and Dany Heatley, who all play for the San Jose Sharks. But we are first and foremost Americans.
This afternoon we get to watch the gold medal round between USA and Canada. Going into the Olympics, no one expected the US to medal. They weren't a favorite. It was predicted that fifth place was the best they could do. The nicest term anyone used to describe the USA hockey team was "darkhorse".
Surprisingly, the Americans have been the dominant team in the hockey tournament. They’ve never lost and never trailed. These aren’t even the 23 best American players. These are the 23 American players Burke believed would make the best team. This isn’t an all-star team. This is just a team.
Will we see another Miracle on Ice? I hope so. After church, we are all putting on red, white, and blue to cheer USA on.

My Day

A look into my Wednesday.

The kids did their school.

Dave-o gnawed on wood. James calls him his "toothless beaver".

I took Kirsten to her piano lesson only to find her piano teacher not home.
Don't know what happened there.

Ate lunch (a protein shake).

Raked the leaves off the grass.

Justin came home and found that his Rockets' jersey had FINALLY been delivered.

Kirsten and I embellished her blue shirt using Jessica's tutorial at Craftiness is not an Option. Then, Kirsten rode bikes with her friend Fiona. Fiona made me promise not to take any pictures that showed her missing teeth. It embarrasses her, especially when the kindergarteners stare at her (kindergarteners always stare at the first graders when they walk by).

Then I took Steven to hockey practice and brought home a pizza from the sport's complex
(my favorite pizza ever!)
Steven took a 2 minute shower while we scarfed down the pizza.
I then drove Steven, James, and Justin to scouts/YW.
I came home, put Dave-o to bed, helped Kirsten study her spelling words,
and headed back to the church to pick up my boys.
Now, the kids are in bed and I just finished watching "Throwdown With Bobby Flay"
(I love watching him cook).
At some point I'll go to bed.

Hockey

The fall season of hockey has begun. James played in his first game today with his new team, the Seals. The uniform is the same as before (gray and black), but this time he is number 2.

James looked great out on the rink. He skated an aggressive game and his puck handling has improved a lot.


Update: There is a rough edit on the 2nd and 3rd period of Steven's 2009 Squirts Championship game on Youtube. Look for Steven in the very beginning of the video with two goal attempts. He is number 1 wearing a red and black jersey. Click here to watch.

League Champions

Three cheers for Steve-o!
Hip-Hip-Hooray! Hip-Hip-Hooray! Hip-Hip-Hooray!

This afternoon Steven's team, the Islanders, were named Rollin' Ice League Champions. They won the first playoff game 9-7 and the championship game 7-2. Steven took a couple of awesome shots at the goal and made some great defensive plays. On the drive home, Steven made the comment that it felt like he was playing professional hockey during the championship game. I asked him why and he said that the crowd was very loud. The cheering of great plays and the "awwwws" of disappointment were heard loud and clear. It was very exciting to watch and be apart of. I am so proud of Steven's attitude and team spirit that he showed throughout the entire season.

Car Problems

These past few days we have had our fair share of car problems. When it rains, it pours! It all started on Wednesday evening, which is our busiest evening of the week. This is the day when Steven has hockey practice and scouts; Justin and James have YMs and scouting.

Earlier on in the day, I got a phone call informing me that our sectional was ready to be picked up. So, David and I met at the store and loaded half of it in the Durango. David went back for the second half and when he pulled into our driveway, he noticed the front tires were smoking. It took him a good 5 minutes of hosing them down before the water stopped bubbling off the tires. We were blessed that it didn't catch on fire. So, now we're down to 1 car; David's car, which only seats 5.

Saturday brought us more problems. David, Dave-o, and I went to Steven's hockey game. We drove to the facility in David's car, since we were still unsure of what was wrong with the Durango. An hour later, the game was over (Steven's team lost in double overtime), and we were anxious to get home. David turned the ignition switch, but nothing happened. He tried again and got the same results; over and over. He left his pride in the car and went back inside the facility to ask for help. A man who worked there tried jump starting our car, but that didn't even work. This nice gentleman then gave us his AAA card to use for help. AAA arrived 20 minutes later and 10 minutes after that we were on our way home in our car with a new battery.

I think it's time that we start car shopping for a new family car. The Durango is starting starting to become unreliable.

The End of Summer Vacation

This is our last weekend of summer vacation. Saturday was especially busy! In the morning, Kirsten attended our ward primary activity where she enjoyed lots of fun water activities. While she was at the church, Steven was at his hockey game where he scored his first goal of the season. In the end, Steven's team, the Islanders, won 8-1.

In the afternoon, David and I designed a sectional couch to fit in our game/school room. It will be ready to pick up in a couple of weeks. I can't wait!

The evening followed the same pattern of busyness. Justin attended a stake youth beach party. I believe it was held at Seacliff beach. He had a great time seeing his Zion's Camp friends and playing football.

James didn't go to the youth activity because he and Dad had tickets to an Oakland A's game. This was a gift that James had given his dad for Father's Day. Even though James is a San Francisco Giant's fan, he was a good sport and rooted for the home team. David came home wearing a new A's shirt. James didn't purchase any memorabilia. That's where he draws the line.

While the older two were gone, Steven and Kirsten had fun playing in the sprinklers.


Good-bye vacation!
Hello school!

Rollin' Ice

This season, James has been participating in a roller hockey league called Rollin' Ice. It's been a great learning experience for him. Indoor hockey is a LOT different from street hockey, which is what he's used to. While living in Texas, James played street hockey through the YMCA. He was really good at it too. James' speed and aggressiveness made him one of the best players on his teams.

Indoor hockey...A completely different feel. First of all, James has had to get used to new indoor skates. They aren't as tight around the ankles, which bothers him. And stopping in them took a while to figure out. The rink is different as well. The surface is smooth, which also adds to James' difficulty in stopping. But the look of it is amazing. It's patterned after ice hockey rinks. The puck has been another stumbling block for James. Street hockey uses a ball. Passing and carrying the puck has taken a lot of practice to get used to.

James was very conservative in his first few games. The other players, who for the most part tower over him, intimidated him. Speed has always been his strength to compensate for his size. Without that, he seemed lost. He was just lacking confidence.

The last 3 games, we have seen his confidence grow. James is more aggressive and is making game changing plays. He's getting quicker on his skates and shows no fear of keeping up with the bigger players. James even threw himself in front of the net to stop a puck from going in. He has earned the respect from his team.

Now that this first season is almost behind him, James can look forward to playing again in fall. With his new skills and confidence, he'll be unstoppable. I'm so proud of you, James, for never giving up or in.

Sick House

Our Easter week is over. Deborah and her family have come and gone. They came with healthy bodies and dreams of a fun-filled week. Our family welcomed them with the same expectations.

But Monday morning greeted us with a very sick James. Everyday after that, another victim fell. One after the other...Each succumbing to this "plague" that had infested our home.

"When will this end?" Deborah and I kept asking each other.

In the midst of fever, pain, coughing, sneezing, lack of sleep, etc. there were little moments of fun that kept us all going.

On Monday, we took Kirsten, Sean, Aaron, and Kamea to the park.



I taught Deborah some sewing basics. She even made a miniature quilt (doll size).

Thursday evening, James was able to attend a San Jose Shark's playoff game versus the Anaheim Ducks with Grandma Zinn (he was the only one healthy enough to go). Unfortunately the Sharks lost, but James still had a blast. He was able to spend valuable time with his grandma, he sat on the first row behind the goal, and was shown on TV many times.
Back at home, we watched the game and excitedly yelled, "There's James!" every time the camera panned his area.

Friday evening, David came home from work early to watch the children while Deborah and I escaped the "sick house" for a couple of hours. Even though we were both sleep deprived, we enjoyed this break. Deborah faced her fears of "buffet style" restaurants and agreed to eat at Fresh Choice. Then, we went to the mall in search of a nursing bra for myself and new clothes for Deborah.

Saturday, Thavee made the drive here from San Diego to take his family home. We (the adults) spent this last evening going out to dinner, grabbing a slice of cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory, and eating it at home while watching Twilight.

The kids enjoyed their time together. Even the time spent being sick. At least they had company in their misery. Kirsten especially enjoyed having Sean to ride scooters with. They were together the entire week. And I enjoyed being with my sister. We will for sure never forget this week.

The next time we see the Douangaphiavong family, we will have a new member to our family. Only 4 more weeks before David joins us.

The Family Unit

It's about 5:30am.
I've been up for an hour now. Contractions are keeping me awake.
I still have 42 days left and am far from being ready to have this baby.
So, I sit in the office, which was supposed to have been turned into the nursery by now, writing this blog in hopes that my pains will go away.

In the March Visiting Teaching message, a quote stood out to me.

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "I call upon members of the Church and on committed parents, grandparents, and extended family members everywhere to hold fast to [the family] proclamation, to make it a banner not unlike General Moroni's 'title of liberty,' and to commit ourselves to live by its precepts. . . .

"In today's world, where Satan's aggression against the family is so prevalent, parents must do all they can to fortify and defend their families. But their efforts may not be enough. Our most basic institution of family desperately needs help and support from the extended family and the public institutions that surround us"

I am blessed to have an extended family who supports and loves my family. I am especially grateful to my mother and father-in-law, who while living close by, have taken an active role in helping David and I raise our children. I have recently felt inadequate in my role as a mother. I have been at a loss in how to deal with a child who is pushing me away. Who doesn't seem to want me as a part of his life.

Acts of love from my in-laws have been my strength. My mother-in-law calls me regularly not only to check-up on Justin's progress, but more importantly to fill me up with words of love and encouragement, which I have so desperately needed. I don't think she realizes just how much those simple words of, "You are a wonderful mother, Dixie," have helped me. One Sunday morning, a few weeks ago, my father-in-law even called to "lift me up". Little did he or I know that that particular day would turn out to be emotionally difficult for me. But, I had his earlier words of praise and encouragement in my heart to get me through the day.

On Tuesday my mother-in-law took Justin to a Sharks game. For months she has been telling him that if he raised his grades, she would take him to a game. Well, it worked! Thank you DeLona for following through on your promise. Justin had a great time at the game and he is working a lot harder in school now.

Wednesday was an especially memorable day. David and I were able to walk inside the temple with two of our children, Justin and James. Ray and DeLona, who had already spent the day fulfilling their assignment of temple workers, had invited and arranged for us to help them do temple work for deceased family members.

David, his dad, Justin and James spent an hour doing baptisms for the dead. DeLona and I were to do other temple ordinances. But because of the large group doing temple work that evening, my mother-in-law had to play the role of a temple worker in order for me to do some of the names. That was one of the most special experiences I have ever had in the temple. Not only was I able to perform work for some of the Persinger family, but I was able to look up into my mother-in-laws eyes and see and feel...LOVE. The power of that feeling was so strong. The strongest I had ever felt. I know that this was a combination of her love for me, and my Saviour's love for me.

David has always put his mother high on a pedestal. In all the years I have known him, (19 years) he has never spoken unkindly or ill of her. In his eyes, she has never fallen. I would have to agree with him one hundred percent!

I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who knew and still knows the importance of the family unit. It is the strongest unit on this earth life and in the after life.


P.S. My contractions are easing up now. I haven't had one for about half an hour now. They were coming every 5-7 minutes.
Stay in there baby. At least for another two weeks.

A Perfect Neighborhood?

Is there such thing as "the perfect neighborhood"? When the decision to move back to California was finalized, David and I promised the kids that we would find a neighborhood with lots of children. This was a top priority for us. I knew the move was going to be a hard adjustment on all, especially for our teenage son, Justin. He was mad at us for taking him away from his friends.
The next few months, while waiting on our Texas house to sale, we spent a lot of time on our knees in prayer asking our Father in Heaven for help in finding a house that would be best for our family.

We have been living in our new home for 3 weeks now. I know without a doubt that the Lord had a hand in us finding this house. The day we moved in, James and Steven excitedly ran up to me saying that the people three houses down had a hockey net. Any of you who know us must realize the importance of this discovery. All three of my boys have an obsession with roller hockey. The next day, the kids and I went for a walk around the block. When we approached the house with the hockey net, a lady came outside and introduced herself to us. She has two boys that are James' and Justin's age and they love to play hockey. She went on to tell us that there are usually eight neighborhood boys that get together almost daily to play the game. What do you think we did next? We went home and rummaged through our boxes until we found their roller hockey equipment.

Since then, I have been blessed to meet many of our neighbors. They are all very nice people. There are even two little girls close to Kirsten's age that live across the street. They race on their scooters or play Polly Pockets together in a pop-up tent outside. A boy that lives across the street is teaching Justin skateboarding tricks. He is an older brother that Justin has always wanted.

My neighbor, Bonny, shared a story with me that describes our neighborhood in a nutshell. A couple of years ago, the people of San Jose experienced a really hot, long summer. Hotter than anyone could remember having. As a result of the heat, there were rolling blackouts almost everyday. Apparently, because of the way the grid is laid out, only one side of the street was without power at a time. Bonny said she wished now that she had taken a picture of what happened next. Imagine in your mind extension cords running across the street from one house to the next. Each neighbor taking turns to give power to his neighbor across the street.
Is there "the perfect neighborhood"? I believe we found one very close to perfection. I have no doubt that there is a God who listens to our prayers and answers them. He knows each of our needs. Even ones that seem small and insignificant, like living on a block full of hockey players.