It Is What It Is

Weekend Warrior

Well, fall activities were in full color bloom this weekend.  Starting with a few firsts, specifically for Youngest.  Starting after school Friday, the talk of the class was a middle school dance being  hosted by a neighboring high school.  "Everyone is going mom!"  After a few phone calls from other moms, (there's strength in numbers-we needed a united front...)  it was decided our darling daughters could attend, with a few rules. 

Can you feel their excitement?  I was on the pick up end of the evening, and I had to laugh listening to these girls talk about their night.  They had a great time and can't wait for the next "dance."  Personally speaking, I can...they're getting so old, too soon.  Mercy, it's just the start of the 6th grade. 

Youngest said to me after everyone was dropped off, "Mom, it wasn't anything like I thought it would be." 

"What did you think it would be like?"

"Well, for one, I was expecting the lights to be on...it was really dark in the gym, they only had the lights from the DJ and a disco ball." 

"It was super crowded and super hot, too!"

"Anything else?" I asked.

"Yeah, no one was really dancing, as much as we were just jumping up and down shaking our arms in the air..." 

I like the sound of that....

Next up, first volleyball matches of the season. 

These little dynamos were on fire!  They worked together as a team and showed a lot of spirit.  So fun to watch -when everyone's clicking.

Finally, my little cheerleaders came out this weekend for their first sideline performance. 

They are in their "warm weather" ensembles.  Can't wait to bring out our "vintage" sweaters.  These girls have been working so hard on their half time routine, I can't wait for them to break it out at next week's game.   
  
 

 

Sometimes You Have to Own It

Since everyone seems to be all about the Olympics these days- I thought I'd share a little about the slalom run of emotions I've been experiencing of late.  It's been a real downhill of yuck for me. 

My professional life has been a total luge run of death.  (Sorry- I mean no disrespect.) But, it's been one negative thing after another.  Eldest has been snowboarding her social life and crashing her school/career life.  Middle one is pushing all of my buttons and it feels like I've been run over by a bobsled or at least pelted with curling stones.  Another area of my life that I've devoted a lot of time and effort to feels like a triple axle spin/throw and my partner just dropped me on purpose. 

Needless to say, it's putting me in a very bad place.  I'm probably not the nicest person to be around.  Especially to my family.  Actually, most definitely to my family.  And okay, I'll just say it- I'm a bitch. 

I was lamenting this fact to my buddy, B and she put it in perspective for me-

"You're a dues paying bitch, so own it."

I couldn't agree more- and so I will. 

Wrapping it Up...Part 2

**In true procrastinating style-I bring you the rest of my year in review, three days into the new year. 

Once school started, things moved along pretty fast.  Middle One was extremely busy with high school football.  (He's #78 at the bottom of the shot.)

Beloved was the Coach of Youngest's volleyball team.  This was a new sport for the entire family. 

I took on the task of coaching the 5th Grade Cheerleading Squad-Yep- there were 19 cheerleaders under my command.  Truth be told- I had a blast!  I was as proud as a Mama Peacock of how these girls performed and they looked cute too!

One more- I can't resist their "vintage" looking sweater ensembles!

We played Trivia to help raise money for a worthy cause....

Mixologists hard at work...

More mixing...

Beloved played the role of Trivia Master...and did a fine job- no too much controversy...
 

The "Last" ever Halloween parade that I will attend.  Youngest will be in 6th grade and they don't participate- they become  part of the crowd watching the fun...

That's not to say we won't be participating in Halloween- so keep your cap on Miss Muffet!

(Side-note- please disregard chipped paint left behind from Roofing job- mentioned in previous posts- it has now been scraped and painted....but don't you think it adds to the spooky factor?) 

We learned about Native Americans.

Graduated from the D.A.R.E. program...

Finally, the Holiday season was in full swing...

Time spent with family near and far...

Isn't it sweet how the big boys are showing the little boy how to play with his new game?

Sisters- together again.

Time spent relaxing, talking, watching the games...

Happy to have Grandma and Grandpa so close.

Taking full advantage of "close family time."  (Primarily to stay warm!  Have I mentioned how cold my house is?  Oh, my it's cold.  It's so cold, that the butter I set out to soften overnight was still refrigerator stiff in the morning...please Dad, turn up the thermostat!)

From our family to yours- Wishing you a Brilliant New Year!

 
 

FOOTBALL- A Love Story

 

For the last four years, I have spent my Sunday afternoons  in the fall watching young boys play football.  It has been my labor of love.  They started as 10 and 11 year old boys in the 5th grade and now they have become 13 and 14 year old young men approaching high school.  Some of the faces have changed, their voices have become deeper, they certainly are taller; however the constant that I am reminded of is their absolute love of the sport. 

Football is the ultimate team sport.  Yes, there are the few "glory" positions.  The ones who throw the ball and the ones who make the touchdowns, but without the guys on the offense line blocking, none of it would happen.  Those guys are my heroes.  Week in and week out, they are the steadfast and the proud.  Nothing makes my heart sing more than  hearing the sound of a great block.  Don't get me wrong, I love watching a terrific run or fantastic catch too. 

 

I love the defense!  The most exciting games are the ones that are won by strong defensive battles.  Again, I adore the sound of crunching pads as the d-line attacks the opposing team's offensive line.  My favorite part is when the quarterback is sacked or the defense can stop a team on fourth down with only inches to go.    What I love to watch most is the genuine happiness on the faces of the players when the play is executed exactly the way it was intended. 

I love the coach!  I have watched this man grow into a role he was meant to play.  His genuine love for this game comes through each and every time he takes the field with his players.  He has nurtured this team from the start and is finally getting the season team's dream of.   I've watched him worry over comments made by unrelenting parents.  I've witnessed countless hours spent planning with his staff.  I've listened to the numerous phone calls he's had to endure from parents who's only concern is "their son" while he has to think about what's best for "the entire team."  I feel his joy with every victory and his sorrow with each loss.

 

So, as this final season winds down, it is with a glad heart that I report we are currently undefeated with one more game to go.  We have secured our spot in the championship game.  This is so gratifying to watch, as these same boys a year ago, lost every league game they played.  We refer to that time as our character building year.   What a difference a year makes.   Those who stayed will be  champions.  They certainly deserve it! 

 

Next year's fall will certainly be different.  I'll miss these boys, but I look forward to the men they'll become.  I'll cheer for each and everyone of them regardless of the high school jersey they will wear.  I thank them for the fun and most especially, for the love. 

Soccer- How do I live without it?!

This past weekend, youngest one and I went on a travel soccer weekend.  Just me and my girl and the rest of the team and their moms, parents and one lone dad.  Cant' say that I love the game, but  my daughter enjoys it, and more than anything, she loves hanging out with her soccer buddies.  Seriously, these girls thought it was the coolest thing hanging out in the hotel, running from room to room, swimming in the pool, sitting in the hot tub, going back to the pool.  Oh- the absolutely best part- the free breakfast buffet!  Oh my lord, how fun is it making your own mug of hot chocolate?  I certainly enjoyed experiencing these things through the eyes of nine year old girls.  So many giggles and screams- they had a blast!  Let's not forget the reason for our trip- SERIOUS SOCCER!  Our record- 3 losses and 1 win- but memories that will last a while.

Showing off our footskills!

 

Always time to clown around.

   

Nothing says soccer more than a bunch of girls standing in a fire pit.  It's all about the posing!

   

Soccer- it's a good thing.  Anyone ready for hot chocolate?