Game on

I never played soccer.  I ran track and I was a cheerleader. But now all of my kids play soccer.  It is huge down here.  Ella has been playing on the Academy/Travel team.  This is her second year.  Keelin plays in the Recreation League in the same organization because she said and I quote, "I want to have a life."  An Academy schedule is pretty much a full time commitment!  Ella practices twice a week for 1.5 hours each. She then CHOOSES to go to goalie training twice a week for hour long sessions and then a n extra skills session for an hour a week.  The weekend is reserved for games.  Yes, this is JUST Ella.  Keelin's practices have not started yet but they are twice a week for 2 hours and games on Saturday.  Max is starting on a team this year.  Josh is coaching :)  He has an hour long practice and then a game on Saturday.  Got all that?  I email Josh on a weekly basis so we are on the same page about who is picking up or dropping off who and where!  I also have a color coded schedule on the refrigerator door.  Oh I forgot, Keelin also has voice lessons and Josh starts with basketball in October.  Then it REALLY gets fun for me!  Anyway, Ella started her season today.  She and her team are in a tournament in Atlanta.  They lost the first game 2 to 1.  It was a little heartbreaking.  Ella played goalie first half and she did not allow a goal.  Then there was a direct penalty kick and really weak goal for the second half goalie.  The girls tried hard but didn't really gel.  The second game they won 11 to 1.  Ella, again, did not allow a goal the first half.  It blows my mind how much she can process in her 8 year old brain.  We were so proud of her.  She was a leader, directing her defense and she did well in offense, calling for the ball when open and just overall impressing us.  It opened my eyes to how much she has learned.  I know she is competitive....she is my kid! and Josh's...she stood no chance! We have a game in the am which will determine the final. We are optimistic:)  Go UFA! 

xo~M

 

Down for the Count....

So we are back at school less than a week and Max picks up a little cold.  He plows right on, sounds a little congested but no worse for the wear.  He still has endless energy and needs coersion to go to bed.  I catch Max's cold....and I feel like I was hit with a ton of bricks.  No fever, no aches....just a runny nose then congestion.  But boy was I wiped.  I got up on Saturday, but just barely.  We had plans to go to dinner.  A real live date night!  We had a sitter and I was not giving THAT up!  So I laid in bed alternately reading and watching TV with a kleenex sticking out of my nose, because I was sick of blowing it.  I  know, sexy right?  Oh and I did throw a few cat naps in.  I dragged myself out of bed at 6:00 pm to shower and we left the house at 6:45....armed with a dose of sudafed.  Had a great time:)  Again dragged myself out of bed to get to church on Sunday.  The girls love their church groups and I know Josh doesn't LOVE taking them alone so we went to church.  But then this girl was on the couch all day.  I realize the body needs rest but it seemed super unfair to wake up feeling so much better JUST to go back to work!  Don't get me wrong, I am extremely greatful to be healthy.  I just covet my weekend/family time so much.  Plus I barely took pictures this weekend.  I will add a few of my daisies though....so HAPPY they are growing here.  They are my happy flower.  Onward to the 2nd fill week of school and to a hopefully illness free one too....

xo~M



8-9-12
Growing up....
I don't remember my first day of middle school, but I remember middle school.  When I was in school middle school didn't start until 7th grade.  Today, my first baby-Keelin started middle school as a 6th grader. 

She is so excited that she came home today not being able to wait to go back tomorrow.  (I definately do not remember feeling like that!) She is in a school that houses 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.  I have heard about all of her classes and teachers, including one who was a tomboy (big plus) and another who is a lover of comic books and super heroes (another plus!).  Keelin helped her locker neighbor with her locker and made it through her 7 period (every time she says it - she giggles) day.  Josh is trying to get her to call them class periods instead of "periods."  Ha ha...
I have caught Keelin's excitement.  I am so glad that this new part of her life excites her and makes her happy.  I would love to re-live middle school through Keelin.  I spent 6th, 7th, and 8th in three different schools in three different towns.  This seems much better:) Plus being at daddy's school is a big help. 
Ella began her school year as a 3rd grader and the only one at my school with me.  She had a great day and loves her teacher.  Max is in PK at a nearby school.  His biggest complaint:  uniforms and having to sleep on a cot , which he says is "like being in the baby class."  Not a fan!  It did not hinder him from passing out on said cot for nap time though....

Have a great school year:)

xo~M