It’s not about winning. That was mom’s opinion of a failed attempt by the Green Bay Packers to continue their journey to Superbowl 48. Today our beloved Packers fell to the San Francisco 49ers 23-20 in a playoff battle to remember. 
It was Carter’s first Packer game, and (while he didn’t stay awake for any of it) that brought with it a new kind of excitement. Packer Sundays are filled with traditions in the Schmidt home, and this Sunday was no different. Except it was. My people prepared the usual delicious smelling food, dressed up in their Packer Sunday best, and cheered on the beloved team.
And it was an exciting game, filled ups and downs. Packed with moments of joy and moments of frustration. So when the clock ticked down to nothing and the loss was imminent, mom’s words brought to the situation into perspective for me.
This game, or any game for that matter, is much like life in that way. Filled with ups and downs. Moments of joy and moments of frustration. All of this is experienced as part of a team, which is sometimes greater than the sum of it’s parts. I was reminded in that moment how blessed I am to be part of this particular team. I know we aren’t going to win every battle. But that’s okay, because I wouldn’t trade any of them for the world. They are happiness to me.
“Winning isn’t everything,” Packer coaching legend Vince Lombardi suggested, “it’s the only thing.” And in most other ways, I agree with him. But he was wrong about this. It’s not about winning. It’s about enjoying the game.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Our Carolina Panthers will be ready for those mean 49ers.
Well thank goodness for that. I do find some comfort in this. 😉
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sorry I was cheering for the 49ers since the vikes were out before our season started 🙂 should i send you a purple scarf wiley?
Thanks so much for visiting! I’m hoping to see more of you again very soon, even if you’re a Vikings fan. No thanks on the purple scarf – it clashes with all of my Packer fashion pieces. 😉
I don’t inderstand much about American football, we brits play it with a round ball, but I do know I love meeting your forever mum and dad in that photo. Lovely shot, a real family shot.
I’m so glad you finally got to “meet” them. Thank you for your kind words as always, dear friend!!
Lots of love,
Wiles
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Beign part is all of it, that is what I say as I usually lose games I play with my boys…. and I still love playing with them. And you are all in the same colours, wow what a Sunday that was. Enjoy the extended f amily and all you are doing!
I appreciate this idea so very much – that we can actually not enjoy the game too much, but it’s the time you embrace.
Lots of love,
Wiles
I love this picture, and as an ardent rugby fan I can appreciate your enthusiasm…
We definitely have enthusiasm when we wear such things. 🙂
That is a wonderful family portrait Wiles 🙂 I don’t know anything about American football, except that they wear lots of gear when they play. I’m a cricket girl myself and am delighted that we beat the Brits 5-0
LOL sorry, AngloSwiss to rub it in 🙂
Dear Lyn,
It’s okay that you don’t know much about American football…I love you tons regardless! 🙂
Awww, thanks Wiles xox
My mom always says, “It isn’t whether you win or lose. It’s how you look when you play the game.” And you guys look GREAT! Ready to take on the world. Mommy and Daddy and their two best boys. xoxo
Love and licks,
Cupcake
I like that idea, dear Cupcake! Leave it to your mom to come up with another gem like that.
Love and licks right back at ya,
Wiles
How beautiful!♥♥♥♥♥♥
Aw…thank you!
What a beautiful family. Sorry the packers lost.
Eh, it’s not about winning – it’s about enjoying the game. Which we did. Success!
Great game to welcome the little one.
🙂 Thank you friend!
I love this tradition, it’s great to do things like this together as a family :o) I think even when your team not wins such a sunday is always a win :o)
You’re spot on as usual, dear brother. I like the new profile pic, by the way. Have a fabulous day!
Lots of love,
Wiles
Such a happy happy family! Woooooowoooooo!
Happiness becomes us. 🙂
My husband and I are not football fans, but it sure looks like you all had a fun day! Congratulations on your little Carter!
It was definitely a fun day! Thanks – and it was nice to see you again!!!
You’re welcome! You, too. 🙂
Wiles!!!! LOVE your family photo…tell your mom she looks fabulous, can’t believe she just gave birth!!!! I’m not a football fan, but I’ll always cheer for you tater!!!!
Oh my goodness, dear friend…as you may know (I’ve shared it once or twice) mom has very low self esteem/body image issues so every kind word like this means the world to her. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, and for being on my cheering squad. A doggie is only as strong as his support system, and I would say mine is pretty swell. Thanks for being part of my blog family.
Lots of love,
Wiles
Awww…what a beautiful family Wiles! Just seeing your joy in all being together is a win-win situation! Yes, life may bring ups and downs, but you always have each other ~ a FAMILY ~ and THAT always makes it a Win-Win!
Please tell Mom that she looks awesome ~ can’t believe she just had Carter! ♥
You’re right about the power of family – in a word, family is joy. It happened again today – there was a moment we had today and everyone was together and happy and I felt the most overwhelming peace rush over me.
And thank you thank you thank you for your words about mom. She’s very tough on herself and any and every compliment of this sort absolutely makes her day. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles
Wiles, then you must tell her how special she is every single day as it’s sometimes (as you know) the little things that mean the most. It’s a tough job to have a baby and kindness is a precious gift to bestow as it reminds her that she matters so much. Big hugs to Momma ~ remind her to sleep when Carter naps ~ and remember no barking when it’s nap time ~ I know you’re not a barker, but just saying…xo
I do my best to make sure she knows she’s loved, and I suppose that’s all I can do. Little things mean the world…like the sleeping while Carter sleeps. I will admit to enjoying all the extra nap time around here. It almost makes up for the crying. 😉
Sorry to hear about the Packers, but like we always always say here in Cleveland, OH…”Maybe next year”. What a great family photo! I love it! You guys should take MORE family pics like this! You have such a warm and wonderful family!
Maybe next year indeed. Apparently the little person already has a great deal of Packer gear to wear in the 12 month size, so we’re all set! 🙂 Thanks for your loving words….perhaps more pictures like this will surface again in the future. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
That photograph of you with your family made me smile so big when I saw it! The best photo ever!
Aw, well thank you. I know mom is kind of camera shy, so maybe your words will influence her. 😉
Tell your Mommy that she is beautiful!
Aww….tears again. She’s still hormonal, you know. 😉
If I have to send her a sticky note for her to stick on the mirror, I will. It will say “I am beautiful”. Tell your Mommy that she is beautiful from the inside out!
Aww…you are beautiful for telling her this. Thank you for the reminder. Lots of love to the entire HuntMode family!!!
Lots of love,
Wiles
43 responses, Wyles! You are now the BIG game in town! Truthfully, I could care less about football, but I care about my loved ones who enjoy it tremendously. You’re all looking good in the photo. Now, it’s two to two – glasses on the two big players and none on the little guys. Will Carter grow up to wear glasses? Stay tuned, folks! Being silly, HuntMode
I had no idea so many responses accumulated! Well that’s darned exciting – thanks for celebrating this with me. 🙂 I think you’re probably right that dear baby Carter is destined to have glasses…he’s cute no matter what to me, so I suppose ultimately it doesn’t matter. 😉
Lots of love,
Wyles
Hey, Wyles – according to “Dress For Success,” if you wear glasses, people automatically consider you more intelligent. What’s not to love?
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
Winning isn’t the only thing.