{Five on Friday // Hockey, Fall, Jury Duty}

This week has been well, very heavy and just weird, to put it frankly! Monday started off on the wrong foot with my Internet being completely down until late morning, which threw my whole workday into a mad dash of catch-up. From there, things never really slowed down...just one busy day after another. Tuesday was packed with work and then hockey practice from 6–9:30pm. Wednesday was Jury Duty (my first time ever, and not exactly something I’d call fun), and now somehow here we are already at Friday. Since I didn’t get around to writing my usual “weekend wrap-up” on Monday, I thought I’d use today’s Five on Friday post to share a little peek into our weekend and a few other highlights from the week.

{ONE} //
Hockey is officially back in session, and it feels so good! We had our leveling games this past weekend, and I can’t even explain how happy I was to be back at the rink with our hockey family. The kids played so well...we came away with two wins and one loss. That loss was a tough one, though… it was intense from the very first puck drop until the final buzzer. Honestly, though, it only made me more excited for the season ahead. I can already tell it’s going to be such a great year filled with memories, growth, and lots of fun hockey moments.

We only had 5 goals against us throughout the 3 games and we scored 18 goals. These kids played so hard. We found out Thursday night that they bumped our team up from the silver division to the gold division. We are officially in the highest division available for high school. And, if I have been told correctly, we are the first gold team our organization has ever had. WOW! I am just amazed at the level of talent of these kids. 

{TWO} //

Speaking of hockey...I know I already mentioned being excited for this season, but when I say excited, I truly mean it! We have a new head coach/director this year, and he has completely rebuilt the program from the ground up. His vision, fresh ideas, and level of professionalism are taking things to a whole new level. For example, at Tuesday’s practice alone, the kids had sessions in strength and conditioning, then hockey yoga, next on-ice power skating, followed by their team practice. These weren’t just regular drills/sessions either...he brought in extra professionals to lead each area. It’s wild to see, and honestly just so cool. On Friday, Coach is bringing in a professional to give a presentation on "Mental Performance". I can’t wait to watch how all of this translates into their growth on and off the ice this season.

{THREE} //

When my Internet went out on Monday morning, I’ll admit I was pretty stressed. I could already see what kind of day it was shaping up to be, and being without Internet felt like the last thing I needed. But as it turns out, it was the sweetest little blessing in disguise. I stayed in my pajamas a little longer (while working as best as I could from my phone), knocked out some laundry, and then headed over to my in-laws’ place once the Spectrum technician arrived since our properties share an Internet pole. While I waited outside, I ended up sitting with my father-in-law for a good 45 minutes, just watching hummingbirds dart around everywhere. There were so many of them! It was such a peaceful and special time together, and we both found so much joy in simply sitting and soaking it in. God reminded me in that moment that not everything has to go my way, and sometimes the sweetest blessings are found in the pauses and interruptions. 

{FOUR} //

Thursday evening...our one free night this week...I took Mason to get a haircut. Right next door to his barber is the cutest little place called Mochinut. We had a few minutes to spare before his appointment, so we popped in to check it out. Mason ordered one of their infused sodas — Sprite-based with added flavors and those fun popping beads. I’ll admit, popping beads aren’t really my thing, but the drink itself was actually pretty tasty! Have you ever been to a Mochinut? Their menu is such a fun mix...mochi donuts, Korean rice flour hotdogs, bubble tea drinks, and even soft serve. Definitely a unique spot to have right next to the barbershop!

{FIVE} // 

The mornings here have been absolutely glorious lately! A cool, crisp 65 degrees has made my morning walks feel like such a gift. With such a heavy week, those quiet walks have become my respite… my time to breathe deeply, worship freely, and simply rest in God’s presence. One morning as I was heading back home, I noticed a little cluster of colored leaves on the ground, and my heart skipped a beat. Fall is near, and that tiny glimpse filled me with so much joy. This week especially, I’ve been holding tightly to those small but beautiful reminders...little glimpses of God’s goodness all around me.

And that’s a wrap for this week, friends. As we head into the weekend, my prayer is that you’ll find and hold tightly to those little glimpses of joy...the simple reminders that God is still good and still near, even in the heaviest of weeks. Take time to rest your heart, to open His Word, and to spend quiet moments in His presence. May your weekend be filled with peace, refreshment, and the gentle assurance that He is with you always.