Spring Snow

One step forward, two steps back . . . spring keeps teasing us!  

We'll call this late March snow a gift ;)

(We had already put away winter gear, oops!)

Florida 2022

A spring break trip tour of Florida!
2 vehicles, 11 days
Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve
Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, Gulf of Mexico
visits with family and lots of gators ;)

Sisters

Family is more than DNA.  

We are so thankful for how God has grown our family.  What a beautiful (challenging, humbling, overwhelming, sweet) blessing it is to be called "mom" by 13!  

There are 7 sisters in our family, while they don't all share DNA with each other, they're sisters.

Each one is a blessing.

That said, I'm so glad these two sisters are both in our family ;)

See that you do not despise one of these little ones.  For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 18:10

*When did they get so big!?  Addy will be 7 in May, Alarie will be TWO!*

Indoor Track - State 2022

 

 

Indoor Track is a different beast.  Most of the high school athletes train on their own, and choose their own meets.  This is a "bonus" season.  The tracks are short (200-300 meters), the turns are tight, the infield is crowded with spectators and athletes, and the air is dry and warm.  Invitational meets are typically held at college venues and often attract athletes from many states, hours away.  

This indoor season, Tesfaye ran in 7 indoor meets - focusing on the 4x800m relay, 800m, 1600m, and 3200m races - pushing himself to cut times and better his PR.  Tesfaye trained with his 4x800 crew - these guys worked independently (without coaches) all season.  The guys each ran alone at many meets, and came together once to race their 4x800 - qualifying for State!!! (ranked 6th with a 8:11.67)

• Tesfaye also qualified for State in the 3200m - ranked 17th in the 3200m with a 9:34.11!

Tesfaye and his 3 teammates traveled (with their mamas!) to the SPIRE Institute Olympic Training Center to compete in the Ohio D1 State Indoor Championship Meet in the 4x800 relay.  Tesfaye and a teammate also ran in the 3200m race. 

 

 

At the State Competition, these guys ran the best relay of their careers!!!   Tesfaye ran the final leg of the relay, bringing the team home 4th at State!!!  7:59.71!!!!

So proud of our guy and this crew.  This strong team of  boys worked hard, training through the winter months, supporting and pushing and motivating one another - they missed having the support of coaches along the track at these meets, but that just makes their accomplishment all the more impressive.  

Way to go boys!!!

 

They're already looking forward to the spring outdoor track season - they have their sights set on State in June! 

God our Father, You have created us to strive for the best. Grant to all athletes, strength to pursue excellence during this season. We pray for the safety of these athletes; Protect them from injury and harm. May they face up to disappointment, accept defeat with courage, and be truly humble in victory.  Thank you, Lord for the opportunity for these athletes to compete and use their talents in sports.  Remind them they are called to give their best and to finish the race while caring for others along the way.  In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.