and the winner is...

I need to say CONGRATULATIONS to Alec for making to the regional science fair a second year in a row. He is the only student from his school to get there twice. He has made a goal to make it that far all four years it's possible at Northstar. I'm hoping he continues on through High School. Unfortunately, he did not receive the 1st, 2nd or 3rd prize, but he did get called up on stage with two other students who all received the Ricoh Sustainable Development Award. This is the award for the student whose principals and technical innovations offer the greatest potential for increasing our ability to grow environmentally friendly and socially responsible businesses. I would say that is a pretty big compliment to a 13 year old. He was judged 6 times in the morning and said he felt confident and happy with the interviews. Some of the judges were really excited about his project and suggested that he keep it going next year and try to power something with the methane he produces. The rest of the day he and his friend, Marcus, got to spend on campus rock climbing, eating, going to the museum and checking out the college life! I am so thankful he has been able to experience something like this twice now and hope that he remembers how pleased he was with himself. He was a little disappointed he didn't win the big prize this year, but we are sure proud of him for winning the Uncle "Ricoh" award.

I think he was more disappointed that I lost my basketball game.

Losing makes me want to tear someones ear off of their head and throw it.

But I get over that quickly.

My basketball season ended last Thursday night. It was a sad, sad night. First of all I missed Alec's science fair. I hated that, and husband forgot to take a picture of him on stage and I hated that more.

I hate that we were ahead the entire game. Until the last two minutes when they tied it up. Then, both teams decided to press and unfortunately we couldn't handle it. We ended up behind and trying for the desperation three point shot. It didn't work and we had to foul. They made their free throws at the end, and I wanted to take a free throw at the girls head. (Did I say that out loud?) Anyway, it was a great game and my team is still the best from Herriman EVER! Really, truly, it's been the best Christmas in a long time. I love those cute little ladies, and we're coming back next year with some extra help from a couple pregnant girls! We'll get them next year, I know it!

Let me introduce the ballers. We have Emily on the left, she's a lefty with a wicked 20 foot bank shot. She's the most fun to sit with on the bench because she's a screamer. I mean she can scream! Emily is the one who taught me how to sew, she's very multi-talented. Number 5 there is our spunky Puerto Rican, Wanda. She won't let us have Relief Society on the court, and if we do, she's quick to shut us up! Wanda is also quick on the court, she plays point guard and never cusses on the court! In back of her, #50 is my little-tall sister, Cyndy. How fun that I get to be a part of the 'twin towers' with her. You can catch her yelling in someones face or diving on the floor to get a ball, all while her ankles are killing her. #20 is our most improved player, Andrea. She was crucial in our win against snotty girl. She had some unforgettable steals, and she's quick to apologize when she runs over girls!! On the right is our captain Camille. You may have seen her sweet face on a Smith's commercial, but on the court, she's just as sweet! She can NOT tell a lie. Even when the ref calls it out on the other team, she will raise her hand and say, "no, that was actually out on me." She's aggressive and fast and will now be working on NOT saying, "I can't make a free throw." Stephanie was missing in this picture but we loved having our youngest player show us old ladies some moves. Shandra-our sick comedian, Diana-our pregnant perfect passer, and Amanda-our pregnant professional will all be back next year. In the mean time we have our pick up games to get us through.

This is Emily and I excited about the aprons we are going to sew next.

This is me, trying to be husband.

This is me, trying to be Milsap.

This poor girl is getting sandwiched by the twin towers!

So needless to say, the winner is NOT me. It was most definitely not my weekend because when I ran 15 miles on Saturday the left knee didn't like it. I guess it's actually the IT band that didn't like it. It was a fabulous morning until mile 11. That is when the unhappy knee started giving me grief. I was told I probably didn't stretch it good enough, and I will now be spending my time trying to make the IT Band happy for May 16th. A doctor will be involved.

Losing is not my favorite, and things that slow you down really frustrate me. Those things are also what makes us stronger. Better. If something doesn't go your way or throws you off course, don't quit. Never, never, never give up. I'm thankful I was able to lose, because that meant I was able to play. I hope to always be 'playing' something. I'll keep winning and losing for the rest of my life, which means I will have played.