LAX love

When I went to Cal Poly in 1998 I had never seen a lacrosse stick nor did I have any interest in learning the sport. At the end of the first quarter of my freshman year, I watched my dorm Bible study leader, Natalie, play a lacrosse game and that was all it took for me to be hooked. I talked to the coach afterwards and asked if I could practice with them. She agreed and thus the journey began. I left Cal Poly in 2002 with 2 lacrosse National Championship trophies and photo albums full of memories. It was a wonderful addition to my college experience and has changed my life forever.

Every November I visit Cal Poly for the alumni weekend where all of us old farts dust off our sticks and challenge the current college team. We had never won an alumni game until this year. Unfortunately, A.J. kept me from playing but it was still fun to see my old teammates and cheer them on to the victory.



When I worked for Campus Crusade for Christ after graduation, I helped coach the Cal Poly team. It was a great experience and something I wanted to continue doing once Alex and I got married. When we moved to Carlsbad in 2004 I started coaching the Carlsbad High School team and have been with them ever since. I enjoy passing on my passion for the sport to these young women and watching them grow a love for lacrosse. They will always hold a special place in my heart.

Last night after practice the girls and some of the parents threw me a surprise baby shower. I was TOTALLY surprised which doesn’t happen often. I can’t believe all of the 14-17-year-olds were able to keep it under the radar for so long. Way to go girls! A.J. received lots of cute clothes, blankets, books, and encouraging notes. I guess he is going to be the new mascot. What a stud.

And the Christmas parties begin...

Our Growth Group celebrated our last meeting of the year with a fun Christmas fiesta. We ate enchiladas, chips & dip, rice, beans, and some yummy BTS cake. The kiddos kept us entertained as well as the the gift exchanges we had. My favorite time of the evening though was taking communion and reflecting on God's goodness to us over the past year. We have so much to be thankful for and it is all because of Him. Thank you Lord for your grace on our lives. It's definitely been a year that we will never forget.

36 Weeks and Growing!

As you can see, AJ will be making his debut very soon!

Thanksgiving in the desert

The Coulson family decided to spend Thanksgiving this year in Palm Desert. We had a relaxing and fun long weekend of playing lots of games (Mexican Train, Canasta, Ups & Downs, Yahtzee, and croquet) and eating yummy food. Oh, and we also spent a good couple hours of taking Christmas card pictures. My mom wanted to take them in front of every fountain and tree in the entire Marriott resort. Love you mom.

GAG shower

My wonderful college friends threw a baby shower for me in the central coast. It was fun to visit SLO and to hang out with my girls. Like always, they spoiled me with baby love and gifts. I love you!

2 boys and a girl

God welcomed 3 of his beautiful children to the world this week. Brady Pray came first (11/2), then Matthew Williams (11/3) and finally Hannah Vanoli (11/8). Kelly, Chrissie, and Michelle are wonderful friends and I know they will be fantastic moms. Congratulations ladies...can't wait introduce your little ones to AJ. :)

AJ's first shower

Four of my mom's great friends threw me an over-the-top baby shower. It was fun to spend the afternoon with family and friends and a bit overwhelming to open so many generous gifts. It makes AJ's arrival seem even more real (and soon!) with all of the baby stuff taking over our living quarters. Thank you to all who showered AJ and I with baby love!


The adorable and yummy petifores

Auntie Myra (who flew all the way from Austin, Tx just for the shower!), Me, Mom (or Mimi to AJ), and my mother-in-law (or Nana to AJ)

I love this shirt!

My dear friend Jenny and I