Soccer and Basketball Camps

This was the sports camp weekend for the Medina family. Caleb attended the Advantage Basketball shooting camp and Madelyn attended the ASU Striker/Keeper camp. Dad took the little ones and headed for North Scottsdale with Caleb. And I stuck it out in the sun for 2 days straight, 6 hours a day to make sure Madelyn didn't have a mental breakdown for Mom not being there :)

Dad said Caleb did well, but was a little disappointed because there was only 1 coach to 30 players. He did learn the correct shooting techniques and over time will be benificial. The Advantage Baskeball camp is known nationwide, and families come from out of state to attend them. They are very well known to be a quality camp and money well spent!

Our goal for Caleb was to help him perfect his form. He started getting a little side twitch to his shot, and we thought it was important for him to fix it now, so he doesn't create a very bad habit to break. Repetition and perfect practice is going to make perfect for him...

Madelyn's camp was at the girls ASU soccer fields, in the scorching 110 degree heat. I don't know how those kids made it 2 days...I barely made it...in the shade. The ASU assistant coach Blair Quinn and his wife were the main coaches, with a few ASU players and additional coaches, helped keep the ratio down. The ages were from 8 yrs to 18 yrs...I think Maddy was the youngest one out there.

The goal was to help build on her technical skills as well as build the confidence she needs to be a "finisher." Even coach Blair said, anyone can be a forward, but to be successful as a forward, you need to learn to be a finisher...to score that goal! The weekend was spent on finishing tactics...touches after touches...attacking the goal.

It was nice for Madelyn to get a new perspective and new coaching techniques from another coach, especially the ASU coach. And it was neat for her to play on the ASU fields also...that was exciting for her! She was also reunited with her old soccer mates from Barza...Baylin, Anisa, Sophia, and London. I was a little nervous, thinking they were going to throw balls at me or something, but they were very nice and understanding of our move to Arsenal.

A neat NOTE: Coach Blair's wife played pro ball, and her only Red Card in her career was plowing over Mia Hamm. What an exciting memory to have, even though it was a Red Card...it was Mia Hamm. Something she'll be able to share for years and years to come...

It's Picture Time Girls!

We finally got the girls 5 and 8 year pictures. I always go to Target because they produce good pics and because they are very affordable. The girls that work there are always so good with my girls. It's always so hard to decide what pictures to get...I end up getting more than my wall can hold. At least they'll enjoy looking back at them eventually...hopefully...

I love my girls...

Our 5th and 6th Children

Our children on 4 legs have really become part of the family. Jazmin is an old veteran of course...I've had her since Christmas, 1996 before we got married. Joseph gave her to me as a Christmas present, so Cyrus would have a friend (Cyrus has since passed from a brain tumor). Since then, we have tried many other puppies over the years to try and get Jazmin a friend. However, Jazmin wasn't having it! She would fight with any dog that came through the backyard. She wasn't too bad when they were puppies because the puppies would usually back down to her. But as they got bigger and started to stick up for themselves, fights broke out making it was very scary. We didn't want anything happening to the dogs, but more importantly the kids. Especially Jacob who thought he could jump in the middle of them and break them up. Jazmin has really become protective of Jacob...they're new best friends...which I think caused some of the fights over the years.Anyway, we continued to try new puppies and new puppies hoping it would eventually work out. I had almost given up...but Madelyn kept bugging and bugging me about a small puppy...she's always wanted a dog that stayed "small." We finally gave in and found what we were told was a Teacup Poodle! She was so little, but so playful and immediately took a liking to Jazmin. Jazmin, of course, had to show her who was boss...but she didn't care. She just wanted a friend to play with and continued to bug Jazmin the best way she knew how.

I am so happy to know that, for the first time in 5 years, Jazmin has finally found a new best friend. At 12 years old, Bella has really brought the child back into Jazmin. It is quite entertaining watching them play in the backyard. I think it's so important for a dog to have another 4 legged friend...especially for the times when we're not home. They get along so well now it's amazing. You can't even tell Jazmin is 12 and nearly blind. She will play and chase the ball and chase Bella all around the yard. Hopefully it has given Jazmin at least another 3-4 good years.

As you can see from the pictures, Bella is NOT the Teacup Poodle we were told. In fact, she is only 8 months old and will probably grow a little more still. The lady that sold her to me obviously lied to me. I've often thought of calling her about it, but decided I'd just leave it alone. We were told from the petstore that she could possibly be a Maltee-Poo...part Maltese, part Poodle. I guess we'll never really know... Thank goodness we still love Bella the same. In fact, it's probably worked out for the best, since she is not so "breakable" now...for the sake of her safety.

The other night the kids decided to run through the sprinklers. They were having so much fun Bella decided to join them. She looked so pathetic when she got wet, I just had to take some pictures.

Jazmin didn't care to get wet, while Bella attacked the water and played and played. She may have been having more fun than the kids. It was hilarious to watch her play...

Then into the shower she went with the kids. And came out as clean as a whistle, and as happy as can be. It's amazing this is the same dog...

We love our Bella!

Tawny's Graduation

It seems like just yesterday, it was her first day of Kindergarten. I even remember the little denim dress and sunflower hat she wore...with her long pony tails...so young and innocent! Hollin and I took a trip with them to Disneyland, before Joseph and I even started dating...we were already friends with Paul and Marcy and Shawn and family...

Now, 13 years later...Class of 2008...Tawny has finally graduated and into the real world she'll go. She was so excited this day had finally come. I can't even believe it's been this long and she's 18 years old. She graduated with FFA honors and of course with her sports...playing soccer and running track through her high school years. School is not over for her yet though...it's only the beginning of bigger and better things. She plans on attending Central Arizona College and trying out for Track there.

The Basha High graduation ceremony was at the Wells Fargo Arena at ASU. So, of course we had to take some pictures by the stadium bell... We are so proud of her. She is a good kid and I hope nothing but good comes her way. We love you Tawny!

And.........Since we were at the Wells Fargo Arena, I had to stop and pay a tribute to my Grandfather's Hall of Fame plaque on the wall of the Arena. He played football for ASU, and was the first player to be drafted by the NFL. He play with the Chicago Bears for 2 years, then ended up leaving to pursue teaching and coaching (pro players didn't make much money back then). He taught at the UofA first, then ended up at ASU, where he taught Hygiene and P.E., and coached Swimming, Gymnastics, Football, Tennis, and Golf. He was the MAN who started Gymnastics at ASU and was given an award last year for 50 years of Gymnastics at ASU. There has only been 3 coaches in the history of ASU Gymnastics and he was the first. He was one amazing athlete and man, and I only hope that one of my children accomplish what he did in sports and education!

End of Year Cottages - June, 2008

The kids end of the year cottages were a Science theme. This is the biggest project of the year for the kids and much time is spent on it. They work on it throughout the whole last quarter, and are so proud of their accomplishment.

Caleb's project was on the Desert Tortoise. His scientific question is How did the Desert Tortoise Outlive the Dinosaur? He wrote a whole report, with an opening paragraph, a 3 paragraph body, and a closing paragraph. I was quite impressed with what they accomplished as 3rd graders...and the process to get to the final draft. Along with this they had to make a board about his question, the procedure, and the results, as well as a model of their reptile, and attach the final report to the board.

And.........he had to do a presentation in class on his scientific question. Along with his model of the tortoise, we also brought Rexy and Minnie (our pet desert tortoises) in for the class to see. I think his presentation was the hit of the day.

So, the whole procedure for this was quite large, but he accomplished it, he memorized his whole presentation (which Miss O'Brien was very impressed with), and got a 100%! Great job Caleb!!!

Madelyn's Science project was Dinosaurs. Her subjects were the Pterodactyl, Apatasaurus, and T-Rex. Her question was "What kind of dinosaur pet would you like?" Madelyn's project, as a 2nd grader, is a little more low-key...not as much required. And she didn't have to present this year, which I was amazed because she had to last year as a 1st grader. I had her present to me in the classroom though, as I video taped her. She did a great job!

Madelyn also showed us some of other special projects she completed over the quarter. PopPop came to see both Science Fair presentations, and the kids really enjoyed him being there and were glad he came.I'm not quite sure why they save the biggest project for last...there's already so much to do in the last part of the school year. Maybe so we can have the summer to recooperate. I sure could use some R&R, and I know the kids are ready for it too.

Right now, no big plans to go anywhere this summer. It's only a 7 week summer anyway. We did have plans to go to Caleb's Las Vegas bball tourney in July, but it falls on the same week our kids are back in school. And for funding reasons, the kids need to be present on the first day of school or they can lose their place. I'm pretty bummed about it because I was excited to go visit Sheri and Trent. But I think I've come to terms now. Joseph and Caleb may be flying out for a quick tourney, then back again...still to be decided. We'll see, hopefully everything works out.

Madelyn's Baptism Day - May 24, 2008

Today is probably the most special day ever for Madelyn...she turned 8 and got baptised and confirmed by her Dad. She was so high-spirited that day...something about her...a special glow to her. She was smiling from ear to ear. Maddy told me was a little nervous but very excited too.
Many people came to watch her get baptised...family, friends, neighbors. Her cousins were there, which she loved, especially Whitney. Her and Whitney get along so well and have become great friends. Sadie from school, Camille from soccer, and Morgan from church came which meant a lot too. These girls have become very special to her too over the past year. And there real good girls...hopefully they remain friends for a long time to come. Dad talked on Baptism and did an amazing job. Grandma talked on the Holy Ghost, and gave Maddy a special blanket. Her talks are always neat and special. It's kinda become the tradition in my family. She did it for Caleb, and now Maddy, and I'm sure I'll have her do it for Abby and Jacob. Always my favorite part...the kids get up and sing, "I am a Child of God." I love that song, and love it even more to hear the children sing it. It's so pure and sweet. I pretty much bawled the whole hour. Caleb gave the opening prayer and did an outstanding job. He always amazes me with his prayers and testimonies...he is going to be something big someday. He's even had 2 different families get up in sacrement, and as part of their talk, have talked about Caleb and how pure his prayers and talks are...which is a great compliment...I am so proud of him! Dad wrote a few things down for him and asked him to read them, so he can kind of think about what he's going to say in his prayer. We didn't want him to freeze up and get embarrassed or anything. He shrugged us off and said, "I'm just going to say my own prayer mom." And sure enough he did, and did it well! PopPop gave the closing prayer and did well too...as always, short and sweet.Nana and Tata, Aunt Shawn, and Tawny and Brenden came as well. They are not LDS, so it meant even more to have them there. I know Tata got emotional when Dad gave his talk. Hopefully they felt the spirit...if not, we still love them anyway. Great Grandma came too. She was getting over the flu, so I'm glad she felt well enough to come. She turned 89 this year, and still goes to Water Aerobics every morning and is in great health! I hope I'm in as good as shape and health as her when I'm her age...if I'm still alive. She can still talk your ear off too :)
We had everyone back over to the house after and ate pizza, wings, salads, and cake, and just hung out. Sheri came into town and was there, and was amazed at Joseph's talk, and says I need to print it and put it in a book for her when she gets older. I think that's a great idea. She'll definitely need to be reminded of these things when she hits those teenage years :)
We actually headed for the hospital later that afternoon...Brynn had surgery on her spine and we wanted to go visit her at Phx Children's Hospital. We brought Maddy too see her and visit with Whitney. I think she was more excited to see Maddy than her Aunts. That's okay though...as long as we brought a smile to her face. Brynn was feeling much better, and was able to go home 2 days after that. She is doing well so far thank goodness. We are always so grateful it's not worse than it is, but keep hoping it gets better and better.



I'll leave this entry with Joseph's talk...I can't wait to share it with Madelyn even a few years from now, and remind her how much her Dad loves her and is proud of her...



Madelyn, it seems like yesterday I was holding you in my arms. Now you are too fast for me to catch.

I am more proud of you on this day, than any goal you have ever scored!

I have those same ansious tingles in my belly, like you get in yours before each game.

You are amazing in all that you do and have a magical spirit about you. Sometimes I love to sit and watch you play, because everything you do is so innocent and pure. What truly amazes me the most is that you find a way to communicate even by not saying a word. Your eyes and your smile, speak more loudly than the serenity of your voice.

You are so mature and have great character. But what I love the most about you is that you are so humble. You take your successes and your accomplishments, enjoy them for that moment, then you are on to the next thing. It is amazing to see how you never live in the past. You are so happy and content with living in the present and savoring in the now.

You take everything in stride and I can only remember one day, where I can say you ever had a bad day. I even remember crying for you and getting angry that day, because you were too tough and would not cry for yourself.

I would like to say that today is a special day for you, but with your wonderful personality, everyday seems to be a special day. Nonetheless it is a special day for our family!

Do you know why our church believes that 8 is the proper age to be baptized?

We believe that children do not reach the age of accountability until they are 8 (D&C 68:27; Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 17:11). "They cannot sin, for power is not given unto Saten to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me" (D&C 29:46-47).

Do you know why wer are baptized by the immersion in water?
Baptism by immersion in water is symbolic of death and resurrection. More importantly, it is an ordinance of the gospel and is necessary to become a member of our church and to receive eternal salvation. All who seek eternal life must follow the example of the Savior by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Immersion is symbolic of the death of a person's sinful life and their rebirth into a spiritual life. Jesus himself was baptized by immersion. Therefore, he instructed us through his example and you too are performing the same ordinance he did.

Being baptized today, you will enter into a covenant...or a pinky promise...with God and take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ, keep His commandments, and serve Him (Mosiah 18:8-10; D&C 20:37). Basically, you are promising to live the gospel, listen to the promptings of the Spirit and to "Choose the Right," and try to live righteously so you can return to Heavenly Father and be with your family again someday!

By keeping the convenants you make here today at your baptism, the Lord promises to bless you for your faithfulness. Some of those blessings are having the gift of the Holy Ghost, the remission of your sins, and the privelege of being spiritually reborn. Upon living faithfully, we are promised eternal life (2 Nephi 13:19-20). Each Sunday that we attend church and partake of the sacrament, we are all renewing our covenant we made (D&C 20:77,79).

Madelyn, there is no doubt in my mind that I am confident that as you grow, you will continue to live your life in a righteous manner. Being humble is one of your greatest strengths. I pray that as your testimony grows, so does your confidence in yourself!

I want to bear my testimony that I know this church is true. I have faith in Christ's teachings and accept his will, knowing that he knows what is best for me. I have faith that he will help me to help myself become a better father and husband to my family. Forgive me for being tough on you, you know that I love you and only want you to be the best at whatever it is you do.

I have faith in myself that I will follow the teachings of the church so that I can return to my savior and enjoy everlasting life with my family. I have faith Madelyn, that you will be by my side.

Madelyn, I love you and I am blessed and proud to be your father! And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Closing of Spring Baseball - May, 2008

Caleb's end of the year baseball party went well, at PPP. I forgot my camera at the big celebration and awards ceremony, but the "Big Hurt" (Caleb's nickname) did well. They all got trophy's for being "undefeated" for the season.Half of the Caleb's team came from his basketball team. Call it a small sports club, a group of boys who play together in all sports...basketball, football, wrestling, and baseball... That's part of the reason they play NYS (National Youth Sports)...so they can stick together. They wouldn't be able to do that with National Little League, where every team has to do a draft. Anyway, it's great to watch these athletes stay together, becoming great friends, getting great excercise, and kicking some butt every now and then...
No one could touch them this season. I really enjoyed watching them have fun and kick some butt at the same time. Caleb did very well, playing 1st base the majority of the time. He did get a chance at pitcher a few times and did quite well. He definitely has the speed, but needs a little better accuracy...which would come if he actually practiced the position. He had 3 KO's each time he was on the mound, which is awesome! He also had an in-the-park homerun (no fence), along with a few doubles and many singles.

Joseph helped E-Rock's (Erik) dad coach. Caleb really liked having his Dad out there coaching...most of the time. Joseph is hard on him and expects a lot out of him, but he is his best friend and would do anything for him, and is so proud of him (notice he's almost as tall as his dad at age 9...Joseph better start being nicer to him :).

Overall, he had a great season...the team had a great season. Now, on to the next sport...football...to be continued...

Abby's Preschool Graduation - May, 2008

Abigail graduated preschool on May 22nd, 2008, from Arnette Montesorri Preschool. She went there for only 1 year, even though it was a 2 year program, and did absolutely phenominal! She grew so much socially, mentally, physically, and especially educationally (is that a word)! Her teacher's Ms Camille and Ms Suzanne, who were a mother/daughter duo, were just wonderful. The Montessori method is a little different than what Caleb and Madelyn did in preschool. However, I am quite impressed. Abby left there being able to know by recognition and sound out every letter in the alphabet. She also knows how to spell her name, first and last. And she is starting to sound out words. I've started working with her on the "Sam" books that are introduced in Kindergarten at Edu-Prize. She can sound out a word, but still has difficulty combining it together and saying it smoothly. It seems her penmanship is miles ahead of where Caleb and Madelyn were at this time...not sure if her neatness is because of the Montessori, or because it's just Abby. Either way, she is doing awesome and is ready for Kindergarten.

Abigail got along so well with her preschool class. All of them were her best friends, although she talked a lot about Brooklyn and Maggie. Of course Gracie and Nathan were top of her list too. Jacob even joined the fun and can't wait to go to Ms Camille's for preschool. Hopefully when he's 4 he'll have an opportunity to go...Abby is going to miss her preschool but is so excited for Kindergarten; to go to school with her big sister and brother. I am so excited for her too, and I know she is going to do very well.