Well, well, well. I was cleaning up my Favorites list and I ran into this link. I have all but forgotten that I was a blogger. Well I guess that's not quite correct. I have a blog, I just fail to actually use it. I started reading some of my old posts and I was struck by a harsh realization...my girls may be older, but our lives are the same. Still crazy busy, still way too many activities. But as those of you who know me would attest...I wouldn't have it any other way.

But for the 1 or 2 people who'll read this that don't know all that much about me, let me give you a brief update. My oldest daughter Sarah, is a vibrant 13 year old who is fortunately or unfortunately...depending on how you view it, exactly like me. And that leads to a lot of head-butting. But she is an amazing young lady. Great student, terrific athlete, great (most of the time) big sister...and just one of the nicest kids you'll ever want to meet. She has had her share of adventures in the past couple of years. Lots of traveling with her softball teams, including enduring a F5 tornado in a hotel bathroom. She's had her share of heartbreaks in her athletic endeavors, but each time she's fought through the heartache, and came out stronger than ever before. She could have easily given up, or given in to what others have said or done, but she is one of the most resilient kids I've ever met (And yes, I am proudly biased).

Emily is 11 and in her 1st year of middle school. She is also quite athletic as she is becoming quite proficient as a goalie. She still has a lot to learn, but she loves to learn and gets better every time out. This kid will be the death of me however. Stubborn to a fault, but also a great student and sister. She also has had her share of adventures with her soccer and softball teams. And if you haven't seen her lately, be prepared to look UP. She has grown 4 inches in the past few months and now sees eye to eye with Lisa. We just bought school clothes a month ago and now have to go back and get NEW clothes as she has outgrown the ones we just bought. Oh well, more clothes for Aly.

Speaking of Aly...she is developing into quite the athlete/dancer. I guess watching several hundred softball and soccer games will do that to you. She's the first child that's wanted to be a pitcher, she's definitely the most athletic kid at this age, and she just simply loves to dance. Anytime music is playing...she's dancing. She'd take dance classes every night if we'd let her. But we don't...softball and soccer get in the way of that.

As for me, I've morphed into a chauffeur/coach/tutor. Every night, I'm either driving someone to practice, picking someone else up..its quite the interesting life. Heck, I have to come to work to get some rest. On any given week, we have at least 7 to 8 practices. Then weekends...oh good lord!! If we have less than 3 games, its like a vacation. There have been weekends where we have had 8-10 games between the 3 girls. But they love what they do...so we keep doing it. I thank god every day for having good friends that help with the driving, the shuttling, the watching over my kids til we get there...it truly takes a village.

So that's an update...our fall will be very busy as we have lots of sporting activities to deal with, as well as some very challenging school activities (My God, did we have this much homework when we were this age??). So if you don't see me much, I expect that you'll understand.

I am really going to try and update this page just a little bit more, call it my on-line diary. I'm hopeful that someone cares enough to read this stuff, and hopefully the next rambling will have something interesting (if this one didn't)..and until then...take care of yourself.

Mike