Joshua's First Official Training Session

On Sunday, we met Curtis and his son at a gym in Rocklin where Joshua had his first session. It lasted about an hour and a half. Curtis worked Joshua out really hard! It was constant running, dribbling, shooting, footwork drills, ball handling drills, and so on. He focused all on fundamentals...all the things Lance loves and would love to integrate into his own practices.

Needless to say, Lance and I were very impressed with Curtis' training session. Joshua fully enjoyed it. Even though he was huffing and puffing, sweating, and a little sore, he had a blast! He said he loved it and can't wait to go again!

Joshua is so lucky and we are so thankful and grateful to Curtis for offering his services to Joshua. What a blessing!We're so excited for Joshua and the experience, knowledge, and strength he will gain from his new mentor, Curtis. Again, what a huge honor and privilege it is to have this great opportunity for Joshua to have quality one on one training with a pro like Curtis!

We'll keep you posted.

I just realized something, in a recent entry, I asked if you thought we'd be able to add anymore basketball into our lives...we just did! In addition to two weekly practices for the boys, two weekly games on Saturdays, Lance's weekly games on Sundays, now we'll have training for Joshua 2-3 times a week with Curtis! Wow! That's a lot of basketball!

Joshua's Mentor

Last Thursday at basketball practice, while Jayden was on the court with his team, Joshua went to another court to shoot around. When I looked up, I noticed that he was shooting with a father and son. As usual, Joshua was swishing all of his shots in a friendly game of HORSE and a free throw contest.

After a while, the father, Curtis approached me, introduced himself and asked if Joshua was taking any basketball trainings, how long he's been playing, how old he was and so on. Curtis told me that Joshua is a great shooter and has LOTS of potential. Apparently, Curtis used to offer some training sessions at the Hardwood Palace but got out of it for various reasons. He didn't like the fact that they charged so much for the extra trainings. He felt that if you have the knowledge,experience and the desire to want to teach kids, why charge? He mentioned the fact that when he was growing up, all of the camps and trainings he attended were all free of charge and felt that this is how it should be.

Curtis played Pac-10 College ball for Oregon. Obviously he has the skill, knowledge, heart, and experience.

He went on to say that he trains with his 5th grade son and opens it up for kids who he sees has that "potential". His son is a great player, we've seen him play in the past and it's obvious that he has the skill. Curtis works with a small group of hand-picked kids.

Hundreds of kids are at the Hardwood Palace each week and Curtis said there are only just a couple here and there that he sees who stand out in the crowd and last week, it happened to be Joshua! What a great honor!

Curtis has a full-time job and commutes to and from Stockton and yet he chooses to train 3 to 4 times per week. That evening, Lance and I both talked to Curtis, exchanged numbers and planned to meet up with him on the weekend to have Joshua try it out.

I'll post a new entry after the training session. I have a feeling that it'll be a great experience. We are all looking forward to it.

Back In The Game...

Lance is officially "back in the game. What game you may ask? Basketball of course! He might as well, he coaches, both boys are playing, why not add himself in the mix?

He's playing at the Hardwood Palace (the place that Joshie and Jayden play at) in the Men's D Division. Supposedly, it's for the guy who wants to just have fun, run around, get some exercise, and get back into it.

His team has played in 4 games and so far they are 2 and 2. He's having a great time and that's the main thing. The team is doing well especially since most of them haven't played competitively in years! We were trying to figure out when Lance played last and we believe it was back in 2000!

Do you think we can add anymore basketball into our lives? Between Joshie and Jayden's practices, games, and now Lance's games, we practically live basketball! I have to admit, it is a lot of fun!

Jayden's Youtube Debut Video

Here's the official link to view Jayden's youtube video. Here you can view it in full screen. Enjoy!

Presenting..."Air" Jayden

Check out this video featuring Jayden in his Hotshots basketball debut. The very first game of his career...8 points for our little shooting guard! Press play, turn your speakers on, and enjoy!

Jayden's First Basketball Game

Last Saturday, Jayden played in his very first basketball game for the Hotshots league. He was so excited to play. The moment that he stepped onto the court, he just couldn't hold back his smile. He was so happy to be there.

Out of the 5 shots he took, he made 4 of them. Can you believe it? He scored 8 points in his first game! Although his division is non-competitive and scores are not kept, Jayden was keeping his own stats.

Just imagine, teams consisting of preschoolers and kindergarteners. Uniforms that are oversized for most, players who can barely dribble or reach the 8 ft. high baskets, and players who carry the ball across the court! It was hilarious!

Jayden did really well with his ball handling, passing, and of course shooting! He was incredible!

He can't wait for his next game...neither can we!

More On Coach Lance

The winter league of Hotshots is now in session. Lance will be coaching his fourth season of basketball. In addition to coaching Joshua's 3rd/4th grade PAC division (the highest division in his league), he will also be coaching Jayden's team, Pre-K/Kindergarten.

Each session of basketball, Lance continues to get praise from parents who enjoy his coaching attitude, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Many parents request Lance to be their child's coach and this session was a big one. He had about 14 players requesting him but he could only take 10 players total.

He's lucky and always ends up with great boys/girls with wonderful supportive parents. This session is no different.

What Lance is excited about is the fact that Joshua's team was placed in the highest competitive division in their grade level. Most likely, the competitors will be mostly AAU teams and/or fourth graders. Our team is on the small size, but Lance feels confident in the boys and I am confident in his coaching ability.

Let's Go Warriors (Joshie's team) and Pistons (Jayden's team)

Introducing Corinne Milla!!

Here she is, baby Corinne Milla courtesy of proud new Mommy and Daddy (Jovi and Brad).

What a cutie! Can't wait to see her in person!

Coach Lance's 1st Ever "Skillz Camp"...

Two days after Christmas, Lance put on a 2-day, 3-hour long basketball camp for 16 kids. Most of the campers were boys who are on Lance's current team or who have played for him in the past. With the exception of my niece and nephew and two other boys, all campers have played competitively before.

The camp was filled with fun, important fundamentals, drills, contests and games. Lance had everything under control and was very well organized. He had an assistant coach (Greden's Dad, Brian) who filled in and helped out. At the end of the camp, we supplied a pizza party and gave out awards and recognition.

All of the kids seemed to have enjoyed themselves and I got a lot of positive feedback from parents.

It was a positive experience for all involved, including the kids, coach, and parents who observed.

Out of all of the many basketball camps that Joshie and Jayden have taken in the past, I'd have to honestly say that Coach Lance's Skillz Camp was by far the best camp they ever took. I know I know what you're thinking, "it was better than Bibby's camp?"...Well...minus Bibby it was definitely the best one...okay, okay...even with Bibby it was still the best one!

What can I say, Lance is just the most fun, most positive, enthusiastic, well-liked, and respected youth coach out there. He teaches the kids important values and skills while making sure that he remains positive and energetic. His knowledge and love for the game comes out during his coaching sessions and the kids seem to really soak it up.

I guarantee that this won't be the end of Coach Lance's Skillz camps for sure...more of his camps are yet to come! All campers be ready to sign up and fast!

A Healthy Christmas Break

This year was the first Christmas celebration in a while where all the kids were healthy. If you recall, last year, our household was hit hard with some type of a stomach virus, including being rushed to emergency for dehydration etc.

Before Donnie, Lisa, Alex, and Marisa arrived from Colorado Springs, they came down with something. But, by the time they arrived here, they were all better!

It was a nice Christmas, however we did miss Lance's sister and family and my other brother, Kevin and his family.

Santa made his stop at our house again and as always, the boys were bombarded with gifts galore. The majority of their gifts this year were pretty much all basketball related: jerseys, autographed cards, trading cards, books, posters, prints, games, video games and so on.

We hope that you all enjoyed your Christmas celebration with your family and loved ones as much as we did!

Happy New Year...Hauoli Maka Hiki Hou!!!

Happy 2008 to you all! Here's to a brand new year filled with love, health, prosperity, success, fond memories, and fun!

Welcome Baby Honda!

On December 30th, Brad and Jovi welcomed their brand new baby girl into the world. Baby Corinne weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz. and was 21 inches long.

Congratulations to Brad and Jovi! We can't wait to meet Corinne!

Big Spoon(ers)

On Saturday, we went to visit our great friends, Steve, Stacy, Kayla and Andrew. We finally had a chance to get together and hang out.

After dinner we headed out to the Big Spoon. What a fun experience! What a great concept! You go in and build your own frozen yogurt sundae. First, you choose your yogurt, then you go to the fudge station, and then to the nuts and candies stations. They have everything from gummy worms to giant sprinkles, chocolate rocks to bubble gum! I think Jayden had vanilla with giant sprinkles, and bubble gum. Joshie had chocolate/vanilla swirl with hot fudge, chocolate rocks, chocolate sprinkles, heath bar bits and whipped cream.

It was fun, yummy, and very affordable. They charge you by the weight of your yogurt concoction. So, for the 8 of us, we paid about $15 total!

Stacy told us that they built one in Rocklin, we've already googled it and know exactly where it is! I guarantee you that we'll be hitting that place soon and often!

Thanks S,S, K and A for the super fun night! Hopefully, we'll be able to hang out again SOON!

Averie

On Friday, I went to visit my really good friend, Kristi, her husband Scott, and her Mom, and met Averie for the first time. Kristi, Scott, and Averie were visiting from New Jersey.

Averie is such a cutie and although she was under the weather, she was still such a sweet and very good baby!

I can't wait to see you guys again!

Gingerbread House

Yesterday, Jayden went over to his friend Jacob's house to make gingerbread houses. It was Jayden, Jacob, Dillon, and Canyon. What a great day it was. The four boys were focused, determined and very patient I may add even when the walls kept falling over.

Not once during the building of their masterpieces did they sneak a taste of anything! All of the Moms were shocked! Just imagine, there were cookies, sprinkles, m&ms, gum drops, marshmallows, sugar, sugar, and more sugar!

After completion of the houses, the boys went off to play and it was unanimous, no one wanted to eat their creation!

Thank you Kerri for inviting us over for such a fun day!

New Pets

Last weekend Jayden wanted to go look at the pets at the pet store. With Jayden's cat allergy and Joshie's dog allergy we thought we'd be a pet-free family. Not anymore!

The boys both had an interest in getting a fish. So, we ended up with two beta-fish that day.

Jayden named his fish, "MJ" and Joshie's fish is named, "Nash"...duh!!!

So far so good, they are "taking care" of their new pets and giving them extra tlc by talking to them each and everyday.

Jayden is a little more fascinated with his fish than Joshie. He genuinely worries about MJ when we aren't home and wonders if he'll be okay by himself, etc.

So we went from a "pet-free" home to a "2 pet household"...no complaints here!

EXCELlent Report Cards

Joshua and Jayden received excellent report cards and as always, we are extremely proud of them both!

At the parent-teacher conferences, both Joshie's teacher and Jayden's teacher had nothing but positive things to say. Apparently, they are both the high achievers in their class, are leaders, respectful, independent, and well-liked by their peers. How wonderful!

Congratulations to our boys!

To celebrate, we took the boys are to see the Harlem Globetrotters. It was a fun night!

First Trimester Awards

Before Thanksgiving break, Joshie and Jayden received their First Trimester awards. Only two students per class are given the Academic Award and we are proud to say that both Joshie and Jayden received this award. Joshie also received an award for Perfect Attendance.

We are very proud of both of our boys and know that they will continue to excel in everything they do!

Awesome Teachers

This year, Joshua and Jayden have the most wonderful teachers. Jayden has Mrs. Pennington who has been teaching for 35 years (Joshie had her in Kindergarten). She is the reason why Lance stood in line at 4:30 a.m. in the freezing cold to make sure Jayden was placed in her class. She is the warmest, most loving, patient and positive teacher you could ever imagine. She's like a baby whisperer or in this case, a "kindergartener whisperer". Children and parents adore her and we feel truly blessed that Jayden is in her class...what a wonderful start to his education!

Jayden is constantly surprising Mrs. Pennington with his knowledge of basketball. She is always praising him for his writings and reading skills. For example, at "free choice" when most kids enjoy playing dress-up, trains, and play-doh, Jayden chooses to write the full names (correctly spelled), team they play for, and jersey numbers for all of his favorite players. He has a list of approximately 10 favorite players who he places in order.

Joshua has Mrs. Taxara who is by far the most creative and challenging teacher he's ever had. Joshua has always excelled in school and zipped through the curriculum. Mrs. Taxara is always on top of things and comes up with such creative and exciting projects to keep her students enthusiastic. Mrs. Taxara has a group of "high achievers" in her class and Joshua is one of them. For these students she gives them extra work and projects. For example, for their book reports, she chose to teach these students how to do a power point presentation. They met once a week afterschool and worked on their presentations. Joshua absolutely loved it! He got to use cool graphics, sound effects, and music. Soon, he will be starting another afterschool project called, the Odyssey of the Mind. Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Kids apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and World level. Thousands of teams from throughout the U.S. and from about 25 other countries participate in the program.

Joshua is naturally competitive and loves that he is always at the top of his class and "ahead" of most. He scored 100% on his state testing in math and is the only one who scored this high out of all the third graders! From the start of the year, he was placed in fourth grade math and he is continuing to excel in this as well.

Another exciting thing that Mrs. Taxara did was nominate Joshua for the National Young Scholars Program. The National Young Scholars Program is designed and created specifically for the nation's most highly acclaimed 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students, each of whom have been personally selected for nomination by a teacher. NYSP is a renaissance of interactive, hands-on learning for young leaders eager for knowledge and ready to celebrate the joy of discovery. No other program of this depth and magnitude exists exclusively for the high-achieving 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade student.

The four of us are fully enjoying this terrific school year and are looking forward to the rest of the year. We are so thankful and feel truly blessed to have these wonderful teachers guiding our children!

What Was That Holiday Again?

In between the ghosts and goblins, the black and orange and the snowmen and reindeer and the red and green, there's another holiday tucked inbetween.

If it weren't for the "biggest shopping day of the year", most would probably have bypassed Thanksgiving. Once the Halloween decorations go to 50% off in the stores, the Christmas ones are set up right beside them. The commercials with Santa start popping up on Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network...but what's this holiday called Thanksgiving?

Something about pilgrims, turkey's, feasts...and oh yeah, the start of the holiday shopping. In school I remember Thanksgiving being a big deal, we celebrated, we studied. Well, they still study and celebrate now, but we are overwhelmed by the retail industry and their desire to "capture the dollar" for the end of the year profit report.

Interesting to read about the history of Thanksgiving. You can re-introduce yourself to it as well here: History of Turkey Day.

If anything it is a day to be thankful...for the things we should be thankful for each and everyday, but I guess some people are so busy, that a day had to be established for people to take a moment and focus on those things.

Each day, I am thankful for my beautiful, healthy and happy wife and two boys and for my health. I am also thankful for all events in my life that have led to me where I am today, as I feel I have become a better person because of them. The list is long, and I won't bore you with them all here. Please take the time today to stop planning your "Black Friday" plan of attack and be thankful for those people and events in your lives and carry that over to each and every day of your lives.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!!!