Chaze Blessed the Sacrament

Today was the first day Chaze was able to bless the Sacrament - I know it sounds kinda of silly to blog something like this, but Chaze and Sam it is about all the little things in life that allows them the chance to say 'Way to Go!' or able to recognize what amazing Young Men they are!

I try during my post NOT to go over board about how impressed I am with 'my booooooys", but the truth is I can't even explain the feelings I have for each of them and how much they have brought into my life.

It is a great feeling to be able to do what Micah and I have chosen to do, but the truth is (for me) I am glad that Sam and Chaze have been able to share their life with me and with Micah.

SHS vs. Northridge

Another successful game for the Titans! As you can see, Chaze is not feeling 100% - in fact before the game started the trainer called Micah and I out of the stands to talk with him.

Our biggest disappointment for the week was that Micah and I missed the JV Game against Northridge, where BOTH booooys got to play! Micah's truck broke down, so we had to have it towed and we had to take it to the mechanic to only find out that he needed to have his 'hubb' replaced. Needless to say, Micah and I were surely disappointed when we learned both boys got to play!

Baby Boys

Yet another Sunday afternoon . . . . .

Endowment Game

Syracuse Titans vs. Cooperhills 17-14

Neither of the boys played tonight, but we; Micah, Sadie, Kayson, Kenzie, Megan, Adyen, Jaelyn and I had a great time sitting in the stands supporting the the Titans and the boys!

J.V. vs. Varsity Scrimmage Game

Today Chaze and Sam had a scrimmage game – JV vs. Varsity.

In the last three weeks the boys have been attending every practice in hopes of being able to catch up with the current team; and Micah and I are proud to say that they have been doing a great job!

Micah and I were so excited to go over to the High School and watch . . . It was not until we arrived that we realized neither of the boys ever told us what number they were. So the first twenty minutes of the game we spent trying to figure out which guys were ours! (Of course Chaze told me that for game days he actually has a different number; just means I am going to remember a new number for him and Sam.)

Last night it was so exciting to be able to sit in the stands and cheer them both on - Chaze was so excited to be out there the majority of the time showing the coaches what he is made of. Sam is still working on learning the Offensive Line plays, but is hoping after this week to be able to prove himself to the coach and be able to play in the next few weeks.

Roy Aquatic Center

After morning practice I took the boys to the Roy Pool – Since the last week and a half had been so crazy I told them I would take them to the pool. This place seemed to have endless hours of fun – there were two slides the “curly one” and the “super fast one”. The afternoon goal was prefect the routine needed to make it from the top of the “super fast one” to the ropes that separated the two pools.

After work Micah came to join us and the rest of the day is history! Well that’s not true Chaze challenged me slide down the “super fast one” – did I mention I am afraid of heights? I had conquered the challenge of the stairs most of the afternoon so that I was able to enjoy the “curly” slide . . . but seriously climb the stairs and slide down the “super fast one” . . . a deal is a deal! I, Tanya Laroche Smith being of crazy mind and able body slide down the “super fast one” and lived to tell about it!

Happy Birthday Chaze

Today is Chaze’s 17^th Birthday . . . And he had told me that he doesn’t really care for birthdays and I usually support such a choice, however, this one time I couldn’t do that! I know - - I know - - it is such a shock for me to decide to do what I wanted to do!

The boys started two-a-day practices this week; 8am to 10:30am and then again at 6pm to 8:30pm. Since it was Chaze’s birthday his mom was going to be in town to time to spend the afternoon with him and take him shopping. So off Sam and I went to run the list of errands I had to get done in time for everyone to come over for a sweet treat at 8:30 this evening.

After taking Sam for his football physical and going to my school to get the right text book – off I went to get a few “extra” things for Chaze’s get together a.k.a Birthday Party.

I know how it feels to not want a birthday party and not having a big deal made over me and I truly wanted to give that to Chaze, but I can’t imagine a time in life where having a big deal made of you would be so important! Chaze has such an amazing family, very supportive and have such a bond you can’t help but see how deep the family ties are in his family. However, not being able to have that surrounding you 24/7 and on such an important day as today could be a little down – so Micah and I just wanted to be to take his mind off it and allow him to enjoy his day if just for a few hours.

So I invited all of Chaze’s newest and best friends forever; Ayden (5), Jaelyn (4), Braxton(6), Kylie(4), Brecken(4), Kayson(8), Hunter(8), Kenize(6) and Brynlie(4).

Just Another Sunday Afternoon

In attempts to make up for the late supper last night I made French toast this morning. Soon after, the boys(Sam, Chaze and Micah) went to church while I stayed home in attempts to complete three weeks of homework that I am behind (and is all due by August 17th). Did I mention I was placed in the wrong class and once I was able to figure that out I was confused with the reading material and assignments – Only to find I was given the wrong book also!?!?!? I was able to complete a handful of assignments and ‘googled’ the few questions I was unable to find in my “wrong” book.

The afternoon was great!! We were all able to have a chance to relax, snack and watch Friday Night Lights, Radio, and Remember the Titans. I don’t know what it is, but I just love movies about Football. I am still looking for Invincible and We are Marshall to add to me existing collection.

While dinner was finishing up cooking inside the four of us went outside to enjoy the nice weather. And did I mention that Chaze and Sam filled up some water balloons to through at the little kids in the neighborhood!?!? Every summer we have our share of water balloon fights and I thought it would a fun time for the older boys to have started some fun and safe mischief.

I am surprised everyday at the interaction these older boys have with the kids of the neighborhood. I cannot walk out the door, or pull up in an empty car without one of the neighborhood kids asking me “Where is Chaze and Sam? When will they be home?” or my favorite “Can Chaze and Sam come out to play or ride bikes?” Sam and Chaze are never too cool or too busy to toss a football around or ride bikes with them up and down the cul-de-sac. They are excellent role-models to these young boys; they explain the importance’s of taking turns, how to be a good team player, and giving endless amounts of support to help build these little guys (and the little girls) self esteem.

Micah and I are both so grateful to have these young men in our life and look forward to watching them to continue making such great progress in their own lives.

Football Pads

The boys got their football pads today and just had to try them out before they went off to practice.