GA Weather

Growing up in Maryland, I expected to have snow in February. Since living in NOLA and North Carolina, I expect to have spring by the end of February. Yesterday, we woke to lots of thunder and lighting and the loss of power for a few seconds. We later found out that the areas around us actually had tornado's, with lots of damage. We were blessed to have just the heavy rain and wind. Our weather forecaster said that we should expect COLDER temps today, and then tomorrow it will be in the mid 60's again. After Brent left for work (and I was still in bed) I called him to make sure he had gotten off okay, only to find out that it was SNOWING IN GA!!! It is 32 today with a high expected of 34! The forecast is still saying mid 60's tomorrow. I DON'T GET GA WEATHER!!

We start Baseball on Friday. We should have started last week, but because of rain, we will start this weekend. Brent is coaching 5-6 year old boys. Yet another challenge is before us. As an update, we finished basketball last weekend, with a record of 1-6. Every team at North Metro gets to the tournament. It's a double elimination. We were double eliminated right away. Oh well, better try next year. As one of our parents said, it's not the win loss that we would have wanted, but the boys had so much fun and learned a lot about basketball and the Lord. During the half time of our last game, I told the boys to go out and do their very best and they could still win this game. One of our "star" players looked at me and said, "it's not about if we win or lose, we just have to do our best." They were right. That's what Brent taught them all season. We had a group of boys who many of them had never played b-ball. Our kids were a little smaller than some of the other teams, but that didn't matter because they played their best (most of the time.) Maybe we will do better in baseball, and if not, as Brent says, it's not about the wins and loss, it's about how you played the game!! (leave it to my husband to always have the positive spin on everything! Guess that's why I love him!)

Our Uncle Bob

One thing I remember growing up, was that most people have an "Uncle Bob" in their family! But none had an Uncle Bob like we had. In fact, soon after Brent and I got married, we went out to CA to see my Uncle Bob, at which time, Brent immediately loved my Uncle Bob like the rest of our family. My Uncle Bob was the twin brother of my dad's mom and the family patriarch. But still you ask, so what's the big deal with my Uncle? Well, he lived his life to the fullest. Uncle Bob was a scenic artist. If you have ever had the opportunity to enjoy the ride at any Disney around the world, and rode "It's a Small World" you have experienced the art of my Uncle Bob. His work goes way beyond Disney. In fact he worked on movies with Elvis and Michael Douglas to name a few. He also did work at Hershey Park, Knotts Berry Farm and several others places. In November 2004, my uncle passed away after a very short battle with Leukemia. He was 84. Brent had the honor of officiating his memorial service later that Spring in Mass. One of our favorite family traditions, for those of us who were married before Uncle Bob passed, was that we got a painting as a wedding present from him. Our painting hangs above our bed. It is a simple, yet incredible picture of a small church in New England. Not that we could ever forget our Uncle Bob, but having a piece of his legacy in our home, helps us remember him daily. You would think that would be enough for us to keep his memory alive. But, soon after his death, Brent decided that the first dog we got together, he wanted to name it Wrigley. The name is after Uncle Bob's favorite baseball team, the Cubs!! Our furry bundle of energy name is so fitting for many reasons, but one is because Uncle Bob played golf with his four some friends until close to the end of his time here on earth. He lived his life to the fullest.

I decided to blog about him today, because I came across the website my cousins put together displaying his art work. I know for sure there will be an art gallery this summer in Mass to honor his work. But, like I said, you don't need to go to far to remember my Uncle Bob, just the next time you go to Disney, ride It's a Small World. As you admire the beautiful scene you will have a new memory of the man behind the "scene." Our Uncle Bob!

April 26, 1920- November 1, 2004

What a difference a year makes

Some of the guys Brent works with, at a retreat center in GA.
(Notice our friend Luke, the guy in blue. He's not standing on anything,
he is that tall!! Former NBA player, now chaplain)

I have been trying to come up with something new and exciting to blog about, but can't seem to find anything fun. It has been yet another busy season for the Spears family. Brent and I both were sick for several weeks, fighting sinus infections, colds, coughs, the "just want to stay in bed and die" feeling you have when your sick in the winter stuff. We both have FINALLY come out of that. Jenna got the opportunity to go to Austin Texas to visit friends and Brent's half sister. It was a great week. As I look back and reflect, much of the time I remember was spent eating Mexican food, shopping and just exploring a little bit. A few days after I came back, Brent left for his twice of year trip to Simpsonwood. It is a beautiful retreat center near our house that Brent and some of the guys he works get to go yearly. They always have a blast. The only picture I have posted is of them on their retreat. Besides that, we of course have been playing basketball (we just started the tournment and we lost the 1st game and play one more time on Saturday, unless we win!) On Saturday we also begin baseball. (is anyone else out of breathe from all of the practices and games we have been to since Football back in August?) Brent is stepping out and coaching a different age group this year. Last year we worked with 3rd and 4th grade boys, and although Brent was "head coach" it was by title only. We were able to work with two great coaches that season. Now he will coach 5 year old boys. Because of a basketball game on Saturday that Brent had to attend and coach, I went to the "tryouts" for the 5 year olds. Let's just say attention spans will be our primary enemy this season. Several of the kids made it to second base and then thought the butterflies and bugs were cooler than catching the ball. They were all too cute. It will be a great time.

It's hard for me to believe, as I look back on when we started this blog, that around this time last year I was beginning my adventure at the Bair Foundation. Now, I am counseling in a private practice. Last year, I went from being so stretched on time and energy from working insane hours, to trying my best to come up with ways to introduce our practice to other people around town. But through it all, God provides. He gives us the time and strength to get it all done, and for His glory! Just amazing what a year makes.