When I was in college, my aunt sent me a quote that hung above my desk for my entire time there.  "Life is like an ice cream cone, just when you think you have a part licked, another part drips all over you."  This sums up how I've felt about this fall.   What a season this has been, we have had our share of struggles, joys, and laughter.    As we move forward, we are taking with us the crazy fun memories of the week.   Thursday night we celebrated the Seniors with a trip to the neighboorhood Mickey D's and then made signs (that were environmentally friendly!) and screamed our heads off.   We cheered as the JV team beat Thomas Johnson.

Friday night found us hanging out in the middle school home ec. area while I made dinner, and Cameron and Dylan tried to figure out how to display a movie.  (P.S.  Cody NOW just realized it's not showing!)   We then took our hot chocolate and ventured out the back door to watch the football team take on Smithsburg.   More laughter came with the night.   By the way, Jess never told us what type of toothpaste she used!  Carly and I are curious!   We delivered cold pizza and cold chocolate to Ben who didn't get to join us because he was fulfilling his duties to the band.   We screamed A LOT for the band members as they took the field.   They looked and sounded awesome, just another example of one of the reasons we stand proud as Blazers.  How about that Alyssa Brandt ,the drum major!?  The football team gave us an exciting first half and we were so proud of you guys.

Saturday morning we headed to Middletown for the relay meet.  Taking a baton to a cross country meet was a new experience and we had a quick lesson on "exchange zones".  What a beautiful day and place to run.  We HAD to take pictures in front of that water front, it was so great.

To the team, I am so grateful for the time we spent together this week.   I feel blessed every moment we are together.  Thank you for supporting each other, thank you for providing laugher, and thank you for being who you are.  Counties this week -- should be another awesome day!

The first post season accolades earned:
Mikaela and Matt - ALL- MVAL honorable mention.
Matt's 15th place finish and Mikeala's 19th place.

What a day it was.  I just love this team.  Thanks to the girls team who I saw out warming up and doing all those "little things" we've talked about all season.  Lexie actually pushing through the pain...and realizing it was exactly what she needed to eliminate the pain.

I loved the boys team members who I saw out doing their jobs as athletes.  I value you and appreciate you stepping forward and doing the right things in the absence of leadership.

Our team had a collective 8:37 improvement since our races there last Saturday.  That's over a minute per day better (66 seconds actually). :)

This week includes Senior recognition at the Volleyball game on Thursday and team dinner/football game on Friday.   It's true, in this pile, the best things bloom.   Let's continue doing this together, with laughter, dedication, and in support of one another.

Consider it great joy whenever you experience various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces endurance.  But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.  James 1:2-4

What a great day to run at Smithsburg.   We return in 6 days for the MVAL Antietam Championships.   Pretty amazing races by Mikaela, Morgan, Matt, and Garrett.   80% of the girls team made their goals.   Those who didn't love their performance today are ready to go back and prove things to themselves on Friday.

I was very stressed to learn that Cookie Monster has been replaced by the Veggie Monster, but, amused to think of a mini Morgan and mini Katrina camped out watching Barney.   And...I was told that "The Count" does have a last name...he is Count Von Count.

I can't wait to return to Smithsburg on Friday and see what we can do!

We had an awesome Homecoming weekend meet.  I don't know where to start.  Multiple people beat their goals by mulitiple minutes.  I'm still beaming about performances too amazing to put into words.  Top finisher of the day, Morgan finishing in the top 30.  Some of us are finding our groove and just starting to roll.  Others are rediscovering the fire.  While others are being held up by their teammates in love and support.

I'm still laughing about the Windmill Cheering while we were waiting on our bus.   I'm still smiling about Cameron and Keith accidently jumping into a box with Urbana's Varisty squad and racing the Large School Varsity Race.  

One more meet and we head into the post season meets.  The next two weeks find us climbing Agony Hill at Smithsburg.  Lots of fun to come...stay tuned CSXC fans, the best is yet to come.....