SkyZone Trampoline Park! We celebrated Cole's birthday today in jumpin' fashion. Next weekend we will celebrate JD!
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Sunday, September 07, 2014
Fall Soccer (the good, the tough and the reality)
Fall soccer is upon us. And for the first time in sports, we have had a very challenging predicament with you boys. For the last 3 soccer seasons, you both have played on the same team together, with Dad as your coach. For the last year (last fall and this past spring), you played with some of the same kids both seasons and got to know some really fun kids. You both flourished in your own ways and adored your team mates.
Fast forward to fall this year and there was debate about playing for a "travel" soccer team, rather than the community league that we have been playing in with the BAYS. This travel team is for kids who are a bit more dedicated to soccer and have a bit more natural soccer ability. With this, comes "tryouts" for the team. Only a select few (13) make the team. Tryouts arrived and before that day, we had to decide if both of you were going to try out or if just JD would try out.
Cole, up until now, your soccer experience was more for the social aspect and the fun of it. You enjoy the game but more than that, you love to be around your friends and laugh and joke around on the bench. Most days, you would have preferred not to go to practice, but did so to support your team (and we wouldn't let you skip practice). And most of the games you would have just as soon skipped - and elected not to play if the coaches would let you sit out. And make no mistake, we allowed you to decide if you wanted to play at the beginning of the season and you did.
JD, you had a little more spark in your game and were a little more competitive. You practice at home more often and never don't want to play. Your heart is more in it and you consistently say it's your favorite sport. With that said, there was no question that you were going to try out for this team.
It became obvious to Dad and I that we needed to make a decision on how we would handle one of you making the team and the other not making the team. We weren't sure if we should have both of you try out, or encourage Cole to hold on it this year and continue to play at the community level. Either way we presented this, we knew this was going to be hard on you Cole. It hurt my heart to think about it, much less have to have this discussion with you.
It didn't go well. You cried. You got angry. You didn't really understand how if you had played with all of these kids for this many seasons that you wouldn't be included in this team. We tried to explain that you would enjoy the community league much more because it's much more laid back and fun. We tried to explain that you could play with some of your old pals and make some new ones. Tryouts came around and we held you back. We thought it would be harder on you if you didn't make the team than if you just didn't try out. Not sure what the right choice was but we had to pick one and stick with it.
After tryouts, the travel team was set. JD made it. Along with a few of your other past team mates. But not all of them made it. We told you it was your choice on whether you played for the community team or not. It took you weeks to decide. One day you were in, the next day you were out. You eventually decided to play. And you have awesome coaches - Coach Denise and Coach Pat.
Unfortunately, with sports these days, the level escalates early - way too early for my liking. Eight year olds should not be faced with this - you're too young. But I lost that battle and we moved forward against everything I believe. Much to my dismay, we were signing up to be that family who has an eight year old traveling too far from home for games every week, with pressure that should not be at this young age. It went against everything that I believe kids sport should be these days. The level of play is significantly higher and the rules are like the big boys. Although much faster paced and fun to watch, the jury is still out on whether or not it's too much. Time will tell.
So, our first games were this weekend. And both of you did amazing! Cole, you had the earlier game and contrary to how you played last year, you got in there and played like a champ. You turned it on! You hustled, went after the ball and actually seemed like you were enjoying it. Although you froze up a bit when we first arrived, you loosened up a bit and never hesitated to go in when coach asked you. Milestones sweet boy. Milestones.
After your game, we had to drive over an hour to JD's game. We got there just as the game started and for the first time ever, you actually sat and watched and cheered on your old pals. You took pictures and videos with my phone and luckily, didn't seem too sad to be there!
JD, you played amazing. You loved it. It was so cool to watch you play with such passion - your heart was in it 100%. Your team looked terrific - and your coaches (Dad) were so proud. And a bonus was that you boys won your first game!
It is absolutely my favorite thing to do - to watch you boys play sports. Watching you flourish with your team, coaches and the game itself is awesome. Every parent on the sidelines is proud of their kid(s). Spending the mornings with these parents, watching our kids play together is so rewarding. We live in a wonderful community where everyone is so supportive - and I was reminded this weekend of how special that is. We have a great season ahead for both of you. Although it's a much different season since the two of you are going in different directions with different teams, it adds to the fun. I feel so lucky and blessed to have healthy, fun kids who have something that they can grow with and be passionate about. Whether it's sports or something else, we will continue to encourage you to foster a passion. As long as it's fun & enjoyable, keep going for it!
Fast forward to fall this year and there was debate about playing for a "travel" soccer team, rather than the community league that we have been playing in with the BAYS. This travel team is for kids who are a bit more dedicated to soccer and have a bit more natural soccer ability. With this, comes "tryouts" for the team. Only a select few (13) make the team. Tryouts arrived and before that day, we had to decide if both of you were going to try out or if just JD would try out.
Cole, up until now, your soccer experience was more for the social aspect and the fun of it. You enjoy the game but more than that, you love to be around your friends and laugh and joke around on the bench. Most days, you would have preferred not to go to practice, but did so to support your team (and we wouldn't let you skip practice). And most of the games you would have just as soon skipped - and elected not to play if the coaches would let you sit out. And make no mistake, we allowed you to decide if you wanted to play at the beginning of the season and you did.
JD, you had a little more spark in your game and were a little more competitive. You practice at home more often and never don't want to play. Your heart is more in it and you consistently say it's your favorite sport. With that said, there was no question that you were going to try out for this team.
It became obvious to Dad and I that we needed to make a decision on how we would handle one of you making the team and the other not making the team. We weren't sure if we should have both of you try out, or encourage Cole to hold on it this year and continue to play at the community level. Either way we presented this, we knew this was going to be hard on you Cole. It hurt my heart to think about it, much less have to have this discussion with you.
It didn't go well. You cried. You got angry. You didn't really understand how if you had played with all of these kids for this many seasons that you wouldn't be included in this team. We tried to explain that you would enjoy the community league much more because it's much more laid back and fun. We tried to explain that you could play with some of your old pals and make some new ones. Tryouts came around and we held you back. We thought it would be harder on you if you didn't make the team than if you just didn't try out. Not sure what the right choice was but we had to pick one and stick with it.
After tryouts, the travel team was set. JD made it. Along with a few of your other past team mates. But not all of them made it. We told you it was your choice on whether you played for the community team or not. It took you weeks to decide. One day you were in, the next day you were out. You eventually decided to play. And you have awesome coaches - Coach Denise and Coach Pat.
Unfortunately, with sports these days, the level escalates early - way too early for my liking. Eight year olds should not be faced with this - you're too young. But I lost that battle and we moved forward against everything I believe. Much to my dismay, we were signing up to be that family who has an eight year old traveling too far from home for games every week, with pressure that should not be at this young age. It went against everything that I believe kids sport should be these days. The level of play is significantly higher and the rules are like the big boys. Although much faster paced and fun to watch, the jury is still out on whether or not it's too much. Time will tell.
So, our first games were this weekend. And both of you did amazing! Cole, you had the earlier game and contrary to how you played last year, you got in there and played like a champ. You turned it on! You hustled, went after the ball and actually seemed like you were enjoying it. Although you froze up a bit when we first arrived, you loosened up a bit and never hesitated to go in when coach asked you. Milestones sweet boy. Milestones.
After your game, we had to drive over an hour to JD's game. We got there just as the game started and for the first time ever, you actually sat and watched and cheered on your old pals. You took pictures and videos with my phone and luckily, didn't seem too sad to be there!
JD, you played amazing. You loved it. It was so cool to watch you play with such passion - your heart was in it 100%. Your team looked terrific - and your coaches (Dad) were so proud. And a bonus was that you boys won your first game!
It is absolutely my favorite thing to do - to watch you boys play sports. Watching you flourish with your team, coaches and the game itself is awesome. Every parent on the sidelines is proud of their kid(s). Spending the mornings with these parents, watching our kids play together is so rewarding. We live in a wonderful community where everyone is so supportive - and I was reminded this weekend of how special that is. We have a great season ahead for both of you. Although it's a much different season since the two of you are going in different directions with different teams, it adds to the fun. I feel so lucky and blessed to have healthy, fun kids who have something that they can grow with and be passionate about. Whether it's sports or something else, we will continue to encourage you to foster a passion. As long as it's fun & enjoyable, keep going for it!
Friday, August 29, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
EIGHT!
It's your birthday eve - and as I sit here wanting to write, I'm having a hard time. It's been a long busy week of getting back into the school/sports routine. We're all pretty exhausted. I have cried every day this week. Until about an hour ago, I chalked it up to watching the other Moms around me with Kindergartners sending their kids off to school for the first time. Every day at the bus stop this week, a different family said goodbye to one of their kids who was starting school for the first time. I cried with the Moms who were standing there crying as the bus pulled away for the first time. I'll never forget that feeling of watching that bus pull away with my most precious beings who were now in someone else's control.
But as for the last 7 years, I am reminded that it's "that" time of year again. While you guys long for your birthday all year long, I have mixed emotions about it because it's also the day that your sweet hero brother went to heaven. It's funny - this week I have had several occasions where Calvin's name and story have come up. Just a few hours ago at soccer practice, I told another Mom about him. And it was then that it dawned on me that my tears and edgy sadness all week is coming from your birthday, which is also the anniversary of Cal's death.
These are tough emotions for me. I find myself excited for the two of you - and so thankful that God gave you to us. But my heart also hurts, missing your brother. We usually let a balloon go for him to heaven on this day. And wish him a happy birthday. We'll be sure to do that again tomorrow. In the meantime, I hope that he's looking down on us - smiling and having his own special party in heaven tomorrow.
It's certainly a day to celebrate two of the most amazing eight year olds there are on this earth. I could not be more proud of the boys you are - and may you always know how much I love you!
But as for the last 7 years, I am reminded that it's "that" time of year again. While you guys long for your birthday all year long, I have mixed emotions about it because it's also the day that your sweet hero brother went to heaven. It's funny - this week I have had several occasions where Calvin's name and story have come up. Just a few hours ago at soccer practice, I told another Mom about him. And it was then that it dawned on me that my tears and edgy sadness all week is coming from your birthday, which is also the anniversary of Cal's death.
These are tough emotions for me. I find myself excited for the two of you - and so thankful that God gave you to us. But my heart also hurts, missing your brother. We usually let a balloon go for him to heaven on this day. And wish him a happy birthday. We'll be sure to do that again tomorrow. In the meantime, I hope that he's looking down on us - smiling and having his own special party in heaven tomorrow.
It's certainly a day to celebrate two of the most amazing eight year olds there are on this earth. I could not be more proud of the boys you are - and may you always know how much I love you!
Monday, August 25, 2014
2nd Grade!
How on earth did we get to SECOND grade already? I feel like you were just starting kindergarten! You guys were more excited than I was this am - I've been dreading back to school for weeks. You both were up very early this morning (well, earlier than usual) and clothes on, teeth brushed, rooms clean and ready to go. Only we had a whole hour before we needed to leave!
You were rushing ME out the door this am - and could not wait to get back to school. I think the meet and greet last Thursday made you much more excited to go - you've missed your friends and old teachers.
There was one kindergartner at the bus this am (they have staggered start through the week) and he was a little bit nervous at the bus stop. He is usually very talkative and boisterous - but not today. I leaned over to you Cole and said "Do you remember how hard it was on your first day of Kindergarten; how scared you were about going and riding the bus?". You answered with a shake of your head and said "Can I tell Nicky about it?" So you proceeded to tell Nicky how scared you were on your first day but you eventually got over it and loved the bus the most. You told him how awesome his teacher is and how much fun he will have. Just then, the bus turned the corner and it was time to load up. You turned around, looked back and went back to get Nicky to help him along on the bus. My heart just about burst wide open.
As I stood with the Mom of the kindergartner, watching the bus drive away, both of us cried. She cried because her baby went off to school - a feeling I remember so clearly and will never forget. I cried because you have grown into such a compassionate caring boy and I could not be more proud. You are truly amazing.
I love your sweet ways Cole. You have the biggest, sweetest heart. Love you buddy.
You were rushing ME out the door this am - and could not wait to get back to school. I think the meet and greet last Thursday made you much more excited to go - you've missed your friends and old teachers.
There was one kindergartner at the bus this am (they have staggered start through the week) and he was a little bit nervous at the bus stop. He is usually very talkative and boisterous - but not today. I leaned over to you Cole and said "Do you remember how hard it was on your first day of Kindergarten; how scared you were about going and riding the bus?". You answered with a shake of your head and said "Can I tell Nicky about it?" So you proceeded to tell Nicky how scared you were on your first day but you eventually got over it and loved the bus the most. You told him how awesome his teacher is and how much fun he will have. Just then, the bus turned the corner and it was time to load up. You turned around, looked back and went back to get Nicky to help him along on the bus. My heart just about burst wide open.
As I stood with the Mom of the kindergartner, watching the bus drive away, both of us cried. She cried because her baby went off to school - a feeling I remember so clearly and will never forget. I cried because you have grown into such a compassionate caring boy and I could not be more proud. You are truly amazing.
I love your sweet ways Cole. You have the biggest, sweetest heart. Love you buddy.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
LAX
It's been such a fun season watching you play JD and watching Dad coach your team. The two of you are a blast to watch on the field. It takes me back to the days when I used to watch all of our friends play in high school and college. Only a hundred times better because it's my sweet boy! You have learned so much this year - you were lucky enough to get on a team with some experienced boys that are one and two years older than you. It's been a challenge but you are doing so well. You are the smallest boy on the team - but you're one of the fastest! And you are all heart.
This weekend you scored your first goal! I was bursting with pride and excitement for you. And I know Dad was too. Mimi and Grampy, as well as Grandma and Grampa were there too and got to share in the excitement. What a game.
You still say soccer is your favorite sport right now. We'll see what the years bring. For now, we're so proud that you're trying lots of things and finding your strengths. You work hard and it's paying off. We've got lots of years ahead and I can't wait to watch you continue to grow. It's definitely one of my favorite things to do - watch you play.
Thursday, March 06, 2014
Art Show
We are so proud of you JD. You had your first Art in the Broadneck library school art show! We went to the reception tonight. Your chinese dragon was displayed. I think it was the best thing there, of course.
Your art teacher said such nice things about you. I'm so proud buddy. Love you!
-Mommy
Friday, February 14, 2014
Sweet Valentines Day
I came downstairs to such sweet creations this morning. I was a bit speechless at the cuteness.
You boys (Daddy included) know how much I love homemade crafts. You sure know the way to my heart. These are the cutest things I have ever seen and I will treasure them forever. I can't think of a more awesome gift.
I can't wait to get home to all of you tonight for a nice Valentines dinner. I'm a lucky, loved, spoiled Mamma. My heart is full.
My sweet Valentines, you make my life worth living. All of you.
I love you.
-Mommy
You boys (Daddy included) know how much I love homemade crafts. You sure know the way to my heart. These are the cutest things I have ever seen and I will treasure them forever. I can't think of a more awesome gift.
I can't wait to get home to all of you tonight for a nice Valentines dinner. I'm a lucky, loved, spoiled Mamma. My heart is full.
My sweet Valentines, you make my life worth living. All of you.
I love you.
-Mommy
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
You should be proud, I am!
You already know, you have an awesome Dad. I am so proud to be married to such a great man - and I'm so proud that such a great man is raising the two of you. I'm not sure I could ask for anything more in my life. Really.
Yesterday, I received an email from Daddy that he sent out to all of your basketball team parents. Early in the season, he wasn't including me in the team emails because he didn't figure I needed the details. But as requested, he started copying me on them. And it was then that I got to witness the awesomeness that he shows as a COACH.
Here's the email that went out yesterday. It left me with my mouth hanging open. Not because I was surprised, but because it's not often that I witness this side of Dad, in writing, to others. It's the end of the season...
· Our game this Saturday 2/15/14 is at 2pm
· This is an elimination tournament. Only winners advance to second round.
· Second round will be next Saturday 2/22/14, should we advance this weekend. If not this Saturday will be our last game.
Keep in mind, that this was his first season coaching you in basketball and you did not win one single game. You lost every one. After the first few losses, Daddy was extremely frustrated and came home feeling defeated. Every Saturday. As the season went, the losing got easier. But every single game he said to me "I hate to lose!". And we talked quietly hoping you never heard him say it. You could have cared less whether you won or lost - which was just the way it should be, for 7 year old sports. He stayed positive and continued focusing on some of your team mates who had never even played before. Part of the frustration was that some of the kids were new to team sports and basketball. They had no clue how to even shoot a basketball. Low and behold, a few games from the end of the season last week, the improvement became so evident. Everyone on your team got a little better - and you all had fun. Kids who had never played before scored their first baskets. Their smiles were amazing.
Before the season started, when the draft was done for teams, your Dad and Coach Casey took kids that nobody else would take. The other teams coaches were stacking their teams with the big, experienced kids. When there were 2 kids left at the end that nobody would take, it infuriated Daddy and Casey - and they willingly took those kids.
That's one of the things that makes your Daddy so amazing. His gentle, kind manner with kids makes me smile just thinking about it. Every kid deserves a chance, and needs to be coached. He learned from his own Dad. Compassion, love, patience and understanding of people who are a little less fortunate or experienced in life is so important. He gives so much to others, selflessly, and in many ways. He's humble, sometimes to a fault. These traits are things you would never notice as a kid - but later in life, you will realize why these traits are so meaningful. Someday, you will truly understand - and it will make you smile just as big as it makes me smile. We're so lucky to have him in our family. Not only is he a cool Dad, he's always got your back. And he's one amazing coach!
Lots of love,
Mommy
Yesterday, I received an email from Daddy that he sent out to all of your basketball team parents. Early in the season, he wasn't including me in the team emails because he didn't figure I needed the details. But as requested, he started copying me on them. And it was then that I got to witness the awesomeness that he shows as a COACH.
Here's the email that went out yesterday. It left me with my mouth hanging open. Not because I was surprised, but because it's not often that I witness this side of Dad, in writing, to others. It's the end of the season...
Parents,
We received the tournament schedule for the next 2 weekends
this morning and it is attached here. A few things to point out:· Our game this Saturday 2/15/14 is at 2pm
· This is an elimination tournament. Only winners advance to second round.
· Second round will be next Saturday 2/22/14, should we advance this weekend. If not this Saturday will be our last game.
I want to take the opportunity to thank you for your
support this season. I have had this conversation with most of you
already, but I am really proud of the way the boys hung in there all
year. As most of you know, as a result of varying circumstances, we had
the youngest and least experienced team in our league this year. But they
showed up eager to learn and get better every week, and we have certainly seen
great improvement over the past 3 weeks in particular.
I know for some of the boys, this was their first time on
an organized team . For others, hopefully it allowed them to further
their skill set and learn more about the game. Either way, we hope you
and your son found it a productive season in your own way.
Coach Casey and I could not have asked for a more
coachable group of boys this year. Our only requirements were to have fun
and respect the game, their coaches. their teammates, as well as
opponents…….easier said than done as we hit some rough patches early on
Saturdays. But we are very proud of the fact that there was not a
single occasion we needed to reiterate those values to any of the boys. This is
certainly a credit to the support you have provided throughout the season, and
Casey and I are most appreciative for that.
Many Thanks,
Coach Chuck Keep in mind, that this was his first season coaching you in basketball and you did not win one single game. You lost every one. After the first few losses, Daddy was extremely frustrated and came home feeling defeated. Every Saturday. As the season went, the losing got easier. But every single game he said to me "I hate to lose!". And we talked quietly hoping you never heard him say it. You could have cared less whether you won or lost - which was just the way it should be, for 7 year old sports. He stayed positive and continued focusing on some of your team mates who had never even played before. Part of the frustration was that some of the kids were new to team sports and basketball. They had no clue how to even shoot a basketball. Low and behold, a few games from the end of the season last week, the improvement became so evident. Everyone on your team got a little better - and you all had fun. Kids who had never played before scored their first baskets. Their smiles were amazing.
Before the season started, when the draft was done for teams, your Dad and Coach Casey took kids that nobody else would take. The other teams coaches were stacking their teams with the big, experienced kids. When there were 2 kids left at the end that nobody would take, it infuriated Daddy and Casey - and they willingly took those kids.
That's one of the things that makes your Daddy so amazing. His gentle, kind manner with kids makes me smile just thinking about it. Every kid deserves a chance, and needs to be coached. He learned from his own Dad. Compassion, love, patience and understanding of people who are a little less fortunate or experienced in life is so important. He gives so much to others, selflessly, and in many ways. He's humble, sometimes to a fault. These traits are things you would never notice as a kid - but later in life, you will realize why these traits are so meaningful. Someday, you will truly understand - and it will make you smile just as big as it makes me smile. We're so lucky to have him in our family. Not only is he a cool Dad, he's always got your back. And he's one amazing coach!
Lots of love,
Mommy
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