"Mom, how many days NOW until Christmas," says Youngest on his way home from school yesterday.
"Well, Youngest, we now have five days to go," I patiently informed him.
"Tell me what we do for Christmas. Tell me how it goes."
"No problem, buddy. We go to church service on Christmas Eve. When we come home we get to open one Christmas present each. Then we go to bed and in the morning when we wake up it's Christmas and we open all the presents."
"Mom, you should have written my name on more of those presents that are under the tree right now. You should have written my name on lots of them. My name is only on, like, one or two."
"Don't worry, buddy. Daddy and I are going to do some more shopping. We'll get you some more presents."
"Good! Can I come?"
"No, buddy. The presents are a surprise. I can't take you with me!"
"I can pretend. I can pretend like I don't know what the presents are. Please? I want to come shopping with you."
"No, buddy. It has to be a surprise."
"Well, I can forget. After we go shopping I can just forget what you bought. I can be really surprised when I open them!"
Well, friends. You really can't argue with the determined logic of a five-year old. I can tell you he didn't convince me, but he DOES make a great case.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Another "W"
Fun, fun time at Bball Girl's game on Saturday. We brought the Ma-In-Law, just for kicks. She no doubt, added spice to the event. She did point out one bit of interesting information that neither the Hub nor I had yet noticed...Bball Girl is shooting for baskets with her left hand. She's right-handed but both the Hub and I are lefties. Interesting.
The girls earned another win, finishing 25-22 with a strong 6 points from Bball Girl. That's up 2 points from last week's game. She's progressing nicely. She had two excellent steals and many attempts. Her team pretty much dominated the scoreboard throughout the game.
The part that I couldn't make up to you if I tried would be about the opposing team. I promise you this coach/dad coaches his team to pass the ball, at all times, to his daughter. And with good reason, friends. Everytime she shot the ball she made the basket. Still...I'm so glad my daughter is not on that team. There was no shame in his game. Loudly, from the sidelines, he would tell her to take the ball all the way, so no chance of passing it, and tell the other girls to get the ball to her. I am quite sure all of their 22 points can be attributed to his daughter. Well, friends, that's just yucky. I mean, what in the world is this teaching the rest of his team. And what is it teaching his daughter? Well, we found out. At the buzzer, his daughter burst into tears. Apparently they were undefeated until they met us. She wasn't prepared to lose. What a setup.
Bball Girl, on the other hand, had a fire in her eyes. She figured out in the last three minutes of the game that the only way to stop them from scoring was to keep this other girl from shooting. Hence, the two beautiful steals. Never mind that this wasn't the girl she was supposed to be covering. Hey, who are we to call her out on that? The girl was determined. Maybe a bit too determined? The coaches went ahead and benched her for a few minutes. Probably a good thing, she turned up the aggressive volume to maximum.
On another note, our church FCFC, had a lovely Christmas lunch yesterday. These are some of the most amazing people. We even had a few guests from our past and it was simply a pleasure to dine and visit with them. You can check out some of the pictures here. In your life, I hope there is a time when you can reflect and say "this was really fun." Not work, just fun. No pretending, just relaxed and being yourself. For us, our not frequent enough visits with our families is like that. Our lunch yesterday can be placed in that same category. Fun. We opted to not exchange gifts this year and exchange a card of blessing instead. Some of these thoughts put down on paper were far more priceless than any gift that could have been bought. This is a special group of people and we are so blessed to have them in our lives.
The girls earned another win, finishing 25-22 with a strong 6 points from Bball Girl. That's up 2 points from last week's game. She's progressing nicely. She had two excellent steals and many attempts. Her team pretty much dominated the scoreboard throughout the game.
The part that I couldn't make up to you if I tried would be about the opposing team. I promise you this coach/dad coaches his team to pass the ball, at all times, to his daughter. And with good reason, friends. Everytime she shot the ball she made the basket. Still...I'm so glad my daughter is not on that team. There was no shame in his game. Loudly, from the sidelines, he would tell her to take the ball all the way, so no chance of passing it, and tell the other girls to get the ball to her. I am quite sure all of their 22 points can be attributed to his daughter. Well, friends, that's just yucky. I mean, what in the world is this teaching the rest of his team. And what is it teaching his daughter? Well, we found out. At the buzzer, his daughter burst into tears. Apparently they were undefeated until they met us. She wasn't prepared to lose. What a setup.
Bball Girl, on the other hand, had a fire in her eyes. She figured out in the last three minutes of the game that the only way to stop them from scoring was to keep this other girl from shooting. Hence, the two beautiful steals. Never mind that this wasn't the girl she was supposed to be covering. Hey, who are we to call her out on that? The girl was determined. Maybe a bit too determined? The coaches went ahead and benched her for a few minutes. Probably a good thing, she turned up the aggressive volume to maximum.
On another note, our church FCFC, had a lovely Christmas lunch yesterday. These are some of the most amazing people. We even had a few guests from our past and it was simply a pleasure to dine and visit with them. You can check out some of the pictures here. In your life, I hope there is a time when you can reflect and say "this was really fun." Not work, just fun. No pretending, just relaxed and being yourself. For us, our not frequent enough visits with our families is like that. Our lunch yesterday can be placed in that same category. Fun. We opted to not exchange gifts this year and exchange a card of blessing instead. Some of these thoughts put down on paper were far more priceless than any gift that could have been bought. This is a special group of people and we are so blessed to have them in our lives.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
These Are The Days
Youngest has been home sick with a fever everyday this week. His idea of a sick day:
This morning I wake up and come out of my room to find him sitting on the edge of his bed. Wide awake. Just parked there, by the door...waiting. Waiting for someone, anyone else in the house to get up so he can announce: "there's no snow out there." The boy has been waiting. He heard the weather rumor mill like the rest of the family and he's been waiting. Friends, it was a little Twilight Zone-ish.
Last night we had the distinct privilege of attending the football banquet for the Chantilly Chargers. If you've never been a part of a team of some sort, let me just tell you that watching these boys eat together, laugh and share good times, genuinely have a connection and enjoy their time together, it was touching. Moving, actually. This really is a family and I get the connection. Their bond represents such a special time in their lives. It will never be replaced or duplicated. And they know this.
My boy, Oldest, won the award for Most Improved Defensive Player. The coach's comments in presenting the award were: "This player has improved the most from freshman to senior year, constantly working out, and 'everyday is a bicep day, coach' was his motto. He's had the most improvement of any player I have EVER coached." Wow, friends. Big rounds of applause. You would have been proud of me. I kept it together, straight faced (okay, big smile) but NO tears. Didn't want to embarrass the big guy.
The banquet conclusion was watching a highlight film DVD that the coach was kind enough to make and to provide copies to each senior boy. The boys fell silent and you could sense in the air that the seniors were just soaking it all in. Enjoying watching it again, but a little melancholy that this is the last of their high school football days. The Hub likes to make fun of me for my Friday Night Lights loving self, but what I love is the connection those characters, and these football boys, have with each other. It becomes a family. They are tied by it, they watch each other's back, they understand each other, and they live for their Friday night games.
As we are leaving the banquet, walking through the parking lot I could sense the heaviness of my Oldest. All I got a chance to say was "you okay, Oldest?" and friends, the tears flowed. Hollywood could not have paid someone to show the feeling of this moment better. The Hub stepped right in and gave him a big hug as we walked to the car. Now you know, I didn't bother to hold anything else together after that. Sigh...I almost broke out in song, singing Boys II Men's "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye...To Yesterday." You know you want to sing it with me. This was no episode of Glee, so I didn't break into the song that the moment called for, but it was tempting. It's so hard for him to say goodbye to this time in his life. Change is hard. Especially when it involves leaving behind something you treasure so greatly.
Now, this morning Oldest tells me he was teary-eyed when he got his award. Really? Man, I could have had my moment too, then. I was trying to be tough for him. And looky here, I think I got jipped of an emotional moment! Today as he went off to school he wore his Letterman's jacket for the first time. You know he wouldn't let me take a picture. Besides looking oh-so-handsome, he was walking proud. He has loved this team, loved this season and he worked hard for success.
Have I mentioned that he's trying out for Lacrosse in the spring. Stay tuned to the athletic channel here, friends. This will be a whole new world for me.
On another note, I was truly blessed with a video camera for my birthday. Truly blessed! The outside world has no idea what they are going to get a glimpse of now. I WILL be filming Bball Girl's game on Saturday. And getting Youngest on film doing anything? Priceless
This morning I wake up and come out of my room to find him sitting on the edge of his bed. Wide awake. Just parked there, by the door...waiting. Waiting for someone, anyone else in the house to get up so he can announce: "there's no snow out there." The boy has been waiting. He heard the weather rumor mill like the rest of the family and he's been waiting. Friends, it was a little Twilight Zone-ish.
After the usual morning hustle and bustle to get the girls ready for school, Youngest was complaining about his ailments. I laid him on my bed and not two minutes later he was fast asleep. As in snoring, asleep. That kind of deep breathing stuff that had me thinking he would be there for awhile. I go downstairs to do some laundry. I have a large mirror over the staircase that when downstairs will show you the top landing of upstairs. As I hit the stairs to come up I see Youngest's feet planted squarely in the center of the landing. Again, a little Twilight Zone-ish, friends. Picture seeing just this:
Last night we had the distinct privilege of attending the football banquet for the Chantilly Chargers. If you've never been a part of a team of some sort, let me just tell you that watching these boys eat together, laugh and share good times, genuinely have a connection and enjoy their time together, it was touching. Moving, actually. This really is a family and I get the connection. Their bond represents such a special time in their lives. It will never be replaced or duplicated. And they know this.
My boy, Oldest, won the award for Most Improved Defensive Player. The coach's comments in presenting the award were: "This player has improved the most from freshman to senior year, constantly working out, and 'everyday is a bicep day, coach' was his motto. He's had the most improvement of any player I have EVER coached." Wow, friends. Big rounds of applause. You would have been proud of me. I kept it together, straight faced (okay, big smile) but NO tears. Didn't want to embarrass the big guy.
The banquet conclusion was watching a highlight film DVD that the coach was kind enough to make and to provide copies to each senior boy. The boys fell silent and you could sense in the air that the seniors were just soaking it all in. Enjoying watching it again, but a little melancholy that this is the last of their high school football days. The Hub likes to make fun of me for my Friday Night Lights loving self, but what I love is the connection those characters, and these football boys, have with each other. It becomes a family. They are tied by it, they watch each other's back, they understand each other, and they live for their Friday night games.
As we are leaving the banquet, walking through the parking lot I could sense the heaviness of my Oldest. All I got a chance to say was "you okay, Oldest?" and friends, the tears flowed. Hollywood could not have paid someone to show the feeling of this moment better. The Hub stepped right in and gave him a big hug as we walked to the car. Now you know, I didn't bother to hold anything else together after that. Sigh...I almost broke out in song, singing Boys II Men's "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye...To Yesterday." You know you want to sing it with me. This was no episode of Glee, so I didn't break into the song that the moment called for, but it was tempting. It's so hard for him to say goodbye to this time in his life. Change is hard. Especially when it involves leaving behind something you treasure so greatly.
Now, this morning Oldest tells me he was teary-eyed when he got his award. Really? Man, I could have had my moment too, then. I was trying to be tough for him. And looky here, I think I got jipped of an emotional moment! Today as he went off to school he wore his Letterman's jacket for the first time. You know he wouldn't let me take a picture. Besides looking oh-so-handsome, he was walking proud. He has loved this team, loved this season and he worked hard for success.
Have I mentioned that he's trying out for Lacrosse in the spring. Stay tuned to the athletic channel here, friends. This will be a whole new world for me.
On another note, I was truly blessed with a video camera for my birthday. Truly blessed! The outside world has no idea what they are going to get a glimpse of now. I WILL be filming Bball Girl's game on Saturday. And getting Youngest on film doing anything? Priceless
Monday, December 13, 2010
It's Just A Game
Friends, so happy to relay the positive results of Bball Girl's 2nd basketball game. My friends, I must now admit that I was getting a bit concerned. My girl was developing a nasty habit of being a passer. Every time her hands touched that ball she was looking for a way to get rid of it. Now, mama didn't raise no scaredy cat so I was puzzling as to why she would be demonstrating this fear and intimidation. After several stern talks about being confident on the court, our girl came out and played her heart out. The Fury won 24-16, with four of those delicious points coming from none other than Bball Chick. She was looking hot out there, dipping and diving, dribbling and (finally) shooting.
My favorite scenario is her fast break, dribble up the court and take the shot. With more practice this girl is going to be dangerous. I know you think I am obligated to pump her up just so, and perhaps that's true. But seriously. The hardest part about watching these games is the constant self-reminder to breath deep and remember it's just a game.
With the Christmas season upon us, we have been inundated with the joys of warm fires, happy, cuddly families on the tv screen. They almost always include snow. Youngest would like to know "when's it going to snow in our world?" I'd like to know that too.
And in true Copeland fashion I thought I would create an-around the dinner table fun game last night. "Let's all take a turn saying one thing we love about someone else here." Amidst eye rolls and heavy sighs, I forced these lovely people to participate. Several of my favorite family members were kind enough to choose me. Am I the bomb enough to be so worthy? I couldn't help laughing hysterically. "That was my plan, family. Get some Rach props for my birthday!"
"Cheap move mom," says Bball Girl.
"Yeah mom, that was just dirty," says Soccer Chick.
"Really Rach? Pitiful," says the Hub.
Hey, if we can't have fun, what can we have?
My favorite scenario is her fast break, dribble up the court and take the shot. With more practice this girl is going to be dangerous. I know you think I am obligated to pump her up just so, and perhaps that's true. But seriously. The hardest part about watching these games is the constant self-reminder to breath deep and remember it's just a game.
With the Christmas season upon us, we have been inundated with the joys of warm fires, happy, cuddly families on the tv screen. They almost always include snow. Youngest would like to know "when's it going to snow in our world?" I'd like to know that too.
And in true Copeland fashion I thought I would create an-around the dinner table fun game last night. "Let's all take a turn saying one thing we love about someone else here." Amidst eye rolls and heavy sighs, I forced these lovely people to participate. Several of my favorite family members were kind enough to choose me. Am I the bomb enough to be so worthy? I couldn't help laughing hysterically. "That was my plan, family. Get some Rach props for my birthday!"
"Cheap move mom," says Bball Girl.
"Yeah mom, that was just dirty," says Soccer Chick.
"Really Rach? Pitiful," says the Hub.
Hey, if we can't have fun, what can we have?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Don't Do As David Does
If you check out the near end of David's life in 2 Samuel of the Bible, you will discover a lonely, sad, disheartened man. This is the great King David? This is the man who paved the way for the temple to be built in Jerusalem? Surely, there's a piece missing. That piece? His personal choices.
We can read all about David's successes in his professional life. The man was a good king. But what about his personal life. We can count at least 8 wives and numerous concubines. What's up with that David? Now you and I know God never told David he could have all them ladies. Obviously, they kept him busy. David had countless children. While David was busying doing what David was doing, he had children at war with each other. You know about Amnon and Tamar? You know about Absalom absolving his sister's name and bringing a quick end to what used to be Amnon? David's children duking it out. Where was king David? The great and powerful king? Weeping alone. David chose not to respond to the chaos that was brewing. The outcome? David's house was a wreck.
There are tons of modern day Davids. Rich, powerful, seeming to have it all together. Yet, a closer, microscopic look would show what goes on behind closed doors. The things we do not want to see on the 6 o'clock news.
What about your house? Are you successful at work but the home life is not so much so? If you succeed at work but don't succeed at home with your family do you really succeed at all? God would place our focus on our families; those that have been entrusted to us for a time. Let's be introspective for a minute. What's the state of the relationships with your loved ones? Is it all good? Or is there trouble there that shouldn't be ignored? Perhaps your spouse and/or children are having a "beef"...resolve it. Perhaps you have a loved one you have broken communication with...fix it. If that news camera came into your home and saw how you and your special folks interacted what would that look like?
Don't be like David and live a glorious public life and a damaged, broken and pitiful home life. It catches up to us. David, ousted from the kingdom by his own son, enters the last season of his great life being destitute, homeless, without a wife or child to love him. Alone. Because of his choices. If we live as if God sees everything and every day matters, we'll work just as hard to perfect our family life as we do to perfect our careers. It's hard work, but then...God never said it would be easy.
On that note, Youngest would like to know what "nog" is. As I contemplated what in the world he was asking us this morning, the Hub said "oh, as in egg nog?" That's exactly what the boy was thinking. "Yes Dad! Exactly. I know what makes the egg part but I can't figure out what makes the nog." Stumped again my friends, stumped again.
We can read all about David's successes in his professional life. The man was a good king. But what about his personal life. We can count at least 8 wives and numerous concubines. What's up with that David? Now you and I know God never told David he could have all them ladies. Obviously, they kept him busy. David had countless children. While David was busying doing what David was doing, he had children at war with each other. You know about Amnon and Tamar? You know about Absalom absolving his sister's name and bringing a quick end to what used to be Amnon? David's children duking it out. Where was king David? The great and powerful king? Weeping alone. David chose not to respond to the chaos that was brewing. The outcome? David's house was a wreck.
There are tons of modern day Davids. Rich, powerful, seeming to have it all together. Yet, a closer, microscopic look would show what goes on behind closed doors. The things we do not want to see on the 6 o'clock news.
What about your house? Are you successful at work but the home life is not so much so? If you succeed at work but don't succeed at home with your family do you really succeed at all? God would place our focus on our families; those that have been entrusted to us for a time. Let's be introspective for a minute. What's the state of the relationships with your loved ones? Is it all good? Or is there trouble there that shouldn't be ignored? Perhaps your spouse and/or children are having a "beef"...resolve it. Perhaps you have a loved one you have broken communication with...fix it. If that news camera came into your home and saw how you and your special folks interacted what would that look like?
Don't be like David and live a glorious public life and a damaged, broken and pitiful home life. It catches up to us. David, ousted from the kingdom by his own son, enters the last season of his great life being destitute, homeless, without a wife or child to love him. Alone. Because of his choices. If we live as if God sees everything and every day matters, we'll work just as hard to perfect our family life as we do to perfect our careers. It's hard work, but then...God never said it would be easy.
On that note, Youngest would like to know what "nog" is. As I contemplated what in the world he was asking us this morning, the Hub said "oh, as in egg nog?" That's exactly what the boy was thinking. "Yes Dad! Exactly. I know what makes the egg part but I can't figure out what makes the nog." Stumped again my friends, stumped again.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Legend Begins
As I close the chapter on my dearest Oldest's football days, I gleefully open a brand-new chapter on Baseball Chick's newest endeavor...basketball! Last night, my dearest Baseball Chick had her very first practice. Friends! The girl is a natural. Not that I am surprised. We've watched her on the hoop outside our house for a whole year, shaking our heads, saying "this girl needs to play basketball." She's quick, she's aggressive and she makes baskets. I'm smelling a point guard.
Girlfriend was clearly a whole foot smaller than all the girls on her team. As I sat on the side watching her learn some ins and outs, I marveled at how much smaller she is. I'm guessing parents of particularly tall girls tend to think basketball will be a good thing for their kid. We look at our Baseball Chick and say her small height, incredible speed and surprising aggressive play is going to be the ticket for her.
Speaking of "her", her name must now officially change. I think we have fallen in love with a new sport. Her new name will naturally be "Bball Girl." To be fair, we're talking 8 year olds here. But even with that, my girl was doing her thing. There was the skill practice and warm ups and then the fun of a scrimmaging another team. Now this, friends, was delightful. To be clear, there was a point where Bball Girl's team had the ball and Bball Girl should have been trying to make herself open for a pass. What she was actually doing was blocking the defender. The Hub, smirking, said "um...that's not what she is supposed to be doing." True, but the best part of it would be the skill with which she was blocking. She was all over that player. The poor girl couldn't get past Bball Girl. Okay, so she has to figure out when to do what, but that will come with practice and game play time. The beauty was certainly in her natural ability to move over that court. The girl has found a home for her heart.
The very best part of the evening would have to be Bball Girl's ridiculous steal from the opposing team. Coach blew the whistle and explained to the team there's no stealing allowed (at this age level). Well, shoot! Clearly, if they let her steal she's going to be all over that ball. This sport is not ready for this girl. After practice the coach's only question was has she played before. And her only statement was "she's good."
Friends, I think this will help me to get over my football-mom grief. Just a bit. First basketball game on Saturday. Can. Not. Wait.
Girlfriend was clearly a whole foot smaller than all the girls on her team. As I sat on the side watching her learn some ins and outs, I marveled at how much smaller she is. I'm guessing parents of particularly tall girls tend to think basketball will be a good thing for their kid. We look at our Baseball Chick and say her small height, incredible speed and surprising aggressive play is going to be the ticket for her.
Speaking of "her", her name must now officially change. I think we have fallen in love with a new sport. Her new name will naturally be "Bball Girl." To be fair, we're talking 8 year olds here. But even with that, my girl was doing her thing. There was the skill practice and warm ups and then the fun of a scrimmaging another team. Now this, friends, was delightful. To be clear, there was a point where Bball Girl's team had the ball and Bball Girl should have been trying to make herself open for a pass. What she was actually doing was blocking the defender. The Hub, smirking, said "um...that's not what she is supposed to be doing." True, but the best part of it would be the skill with which she was blocking. She was all over that player. The poor girl couldn't get past Bball Girl. Okay, so she has to figure out when to do what, but that will come with practice and game play time. The beauty was certainly in her natural ability to move over that court. The girl has found a home for her heart.
The very best part of the evening would have to be Bball Girl's ridiculous steal from the opposing team. Coach blew the whistle and explained to the team there's no stealing allowed (at this age level). Well, shoot! Clearly, if they let her steal she's going to be all over that ball. This sport is not ready for this girl. After practice the coach's only question was has she played before. And her only statement was "she's good."
Friends, I think this will help me to get over my football-mom grief. Just a bit. First basketball game on Saturday. Can. Not. Wait.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Heavy Hearts
With great sadness, I write to tell you Oldest and his team suffered a huge loss on Saturday. The end of his youth football days came to a crashing halt as we all sat dumbfounded in the stands. Lake Braddock is amazing. I think we kind of figured that out on play 1 of the game when our quarterback fumbled the ball. Could it be his nerves were ruffled at the size of the opposing team? Good golly. These boys were huge. To say they were huge is an understatement. Oldest and his crew hardly had a chance. We would have needed a miracle. And as I sat in the stands praying for God's favor on our spectacular team, I was sure enough praying for a miracle. Yet, it wouldn't be in God's plan that way. So our boys lost a sad 59-18. I'm even surprised we got those 18 points. By the looks of our creaming, I don't know when or where we earned those 18. Perhaps they ran the touchdowns for us, just to help us out. It was bad, friends. Really bad.
Oldest handled it with the utmost character and poise. His team was saddened, a little shaken at the sudden end to their football careers, but resigned to the state of things, and ready to move forward. Next chapter: getting Oldest into college. Goodness, just shoot me now.
Oldest handled it with the utmost character and poise. His team was saddened, a little shaken at the sudden end to their football careers, but resigned to the state of things, and ready to move forward. Next chapter: getting Oldest into college. Goodness, just shoot me now.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Charge Ahead
And those Chargers did it again! Oldest and his team of brothers came out to the game on Friday night and shut down Centreville. Final score 30-13 and how that team got that 13 is beyond me. I believe the second string was sent in, giving Centreville a moment to put themselves on the scoreboard.
Friends, amazing game. Uh-May-Zinggg. It has to be written that way, because it was every bit so. I was so nervous going in. This was the Regional semi-finals game and who knows what Centreville was bringing to the party. Admittedly, they beat us in the regular season, so there's the added anxiety that they could somehow do it again. On the other hand, Oldest was ready. His team was ready, and they were all feeling like they owned this game before they stepped on the field. Shutting down the trash-talking running back was job #1. Oooo boy. Did they shut him down. Centreville didn't score a single point until 4th quarter. We ran right over top of those boys. All year we have been heavy on defense and ehhh on offense. Our defense has been carrying our wins. Yet, this game, offense came out and showed some real talent and skill for putting the points up.
Let's just say, this lovely mama had NO appetite until 2nd quarter. Two minutes into the game Chantilly scored. Made it look so easy, even I could have done it. Okay, we know that's not true, but that run was sure beautiful. By the time we reached the 2nd quarter I could finally exhale a little bit. When we pulled ahead of them by 20+ points I hit the concession stand. During my food visit, I apparently missed the play of the game in the Copeland household. Oldest had a tackle on that running back that probably left the boy seeing stars. Now this is important because this young man happens to be the same boy who got a full-page spread about him in the newspaper last week. Over-confident and sounding a little arrogant, he went into this game knowing they would win. Boy, was he mistaken. From the stands, it was plainly obvious that every chance he got, he was in our boys face talking some serious smack. We could see the finger pointing, neck rolling. And Oldest, just as calm and cool as can be. Oldest said, "scoreboard, baby. scoreboard." Yes, friends, the points don't lie. Nor did they disappoint.
So while I missed that huge tackle, www.gamedaymagazine.com has a fabulous picture of it that i intend to purchase in a size extra large. Let me just tell you, Oldest is all over this boy like white on rice. What a fun game to be a part of. We are all very proud of this team. We advance on Saturday to face Lake Braddock for the Regional Finals. Can you see that we are inching our way to States? Lake Braddock is a good team, with a star quarterback. But they will be shut down. Just like the other teams we have faced. Our defense is ridiculous. Teams that are historically scoring in the double digits have struggled to score at all.
Worst and best part of the game: At the conclusion of this fabulous game, our boys line up to shake hands. Where is Centreville? Oh, man. They are huddled in the corner of the field. It takes a few short seconds to realize they have no intention of shaking hands. None. Really? This coach wasn't insisting that his boys showed good sportsmanship? Tacky. So amidst my screaming for Chantilly to go over to them, show them what class looks like, our fabulous coaches tell the boys to do just that. And thank goodness for that. If you can't take your butt whipping fair and square you have no business playing. With the county league of elementary and middle school boys, I can understand having a hard time swallowing the loss. But these boys are almost men. Too old to be acting like babies. I know if we lost we would have still lined up to shake hands. Disappointed, tears flowing, but would have shook hands.
As Chantilly crossed over to the corner huddle spot, Centreville clearly still wasn't interested in shaking hands. Our boys did their best and congratulated them on a good season. Oldest told me that when they reached the third quarter, trash-talker running back actually stopped running his mouth and tears were flowing down his face. Oldest said at that moment he truly felt bad for him. They totally expected to win, and when the realization set in that they wouldn't and that this was the end of their season, his heart began to ache. I felt bad for him too. You know I did. But...I must move on. Lake Braddock on Saturday. Um. They have a quarterback with a verbal commitment to attend Conneticut on a four year scholarship. Um. They are a good team. They lost one game this season, to Robinson, and we beat Robinson. We have more than a glimmer of a chance. We can shut them down. This past week, Lake Braddock won the game, against Robinson in the playoffs by 1 point. They obviously had to fight hard for that win. We'll give them something to fight for. Saturday, friends...Saturday.
Friends, amazing game. Uh-May-Zinggg. It has to be written that way, because it was every bit so. I was so nervous going in. This was the Regional semi-finals game and who knows what Centreville was bringing to the party. Admittedly, they beat us in the regular season, so there's the added anxiety that they could somehow do it again. On the other hand, Oldest was ready. His team was ready, and they were all feeling like they owned this game before they stepped on the field. Shutting down the trash-talking running back was job #1. Oooo boy. Did they shut him down. Centreville didn't score a single point until 4th quarter. We ran right over top of those boys. All year we have been heavy on defense and ehhh on offense. Our defense has been carrying our wins. Yet, this game, offense came out and showed some real talent and skill for putting the points up.
Let's just say, this lovely mama had NO appetite until 2nd quarter. Two minutes into the game Chantilly scored. Made it look so easy, even I could have done it. Okay, we know that's not true, but that run was sure beautiful. By the time we reached the 2nd quarter I could finally exhale a little bit. When we pulled ahead of them by 20+ points I hit the concession stand. During my food visit, I apparently missed the play of the game in the Copeland household. Oldest had a tackle on that running back that probably left the boy seeing stars. Now this is important because this young man happens to be the same boy who got a full-page spread about him in the newspaper last week. Over-confident and sounding a little arrogant, he went into this game knowing they would win. Boy, was he mistaken. From the stands, it was plainly obvious that every chance he got, he was in our boys face talking some serious smack. We could see the finger pointing, neck rolling. And Oldest, just as calm and cool as can be. Oldest said, "scoreboard, baby. scoreboard." Yes, friends, the points don't lie. Nor did they disappoint.
So while I missed that huge tackle, www.gamedaymagazine.com has a fabulous picture of it that i intend to purchase in a size extra large. Let me just tell you, Oldest is all over this boy like white on rice. What a fun game to be a part of. We are all very proud of this team. We advance on Saturday to face Lake Braddock for the Regional Finals. Can you see that we are inching our way to States? Lake Braddock is a good team, with a star quarterback. But they will be shut down. Just like the other teams we have faced. Our defense is ridiculous. Teams that are historically scoring in the double digits have struggled to score at all.
Worst and best part of the game: At the conclusion of this fabulous game, our boys line up to shake hands. Where is Centreville? Oh, man. They are huddled in the corner of the field. It takes a few short seconds to realize they have no intention of shaking hands. None. Really? This coach wasn't insisting that his boys showed good sportsmanship? Tacky. So amidst my screaming for Chantilly to go over to them, show them what class looks like, our fabulous coaches tell the boys to do just that. And thank goodness for that. If you can't take your butt whipping fair and square you have no business playing. With the county league of elementary and middle school boys, I can understand having a hard time swallowing the loss. But these boys are almost men. Too old to be acting like babies. I know if we lost we would have still lined up to shake hands. Disappointed, tears flowing, but would have shook hands.
As Chantilly crossed over to the corner huddle spot, Centreville clearly still wasn't interested in shaking hands. Our boys did their best and congratulated them on a good season. Oldest told me that when they reached the third quarter, trash-talker running back actually stopped running his mouth and tears were flowing down his face. Oldest said at that moment he truly felt bad for him. They totally expected to win, and when the realization set in that they wouldn't and that this was the end of their season, his heart began to ache. I felt bad for him too. You know I did. But...I must move on. Lake Braddock on Saturday. Um. They have a quarterback with a verbal commitment to attend Conneticut on a four year scholarship. Um. They are a good team. They lost one game this season, to Robinson, and we beat Robinson. We have more than a glimmer of a chance. We can shut them down. This past week, Lake Braddock won the game, against Robinson in the playoffs by 1 point. They obviously had to fight hard for that win. We'll give them something to fight for. Saturday, friends...Saturday.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Big, Big Game!
Are you excited, friends? Big game tonight. Centreville vs. Chantilly. We have the powerhouse momentum to take this team down. No penalties, no injures = game in the bag. Stick with me, friends. This one's a big one.
When we win, we'll advance on to round 3, regional finals. Regional. Finals... Let's Go Chargers! Can you tell I'm a bit excited?
When we win, we'll advance on to round 3, regional finals. Regional. Finals... Let's Go Chargers! Can you tell I'm a bit excited?
Monday, November 15, 2010
Full Speed Ahead
Well friends, if you haven't friended me on Facebook then you don't know Oldest and his team had a big win Friday night. What an exciting game. I inadvertently even punched my oldest daughter in her prescious arm during a particularly lively moment. It was that intense! I was blessed enough to have my dear, sweet baby sister in attendance and her dear-sweet husband by her side. What a game, what a game!
Our outstanding defense held Westfields to 0 points. A big, fat "goose egg," as Oldest likes to refer to it. We won 7-0. I was confident in our defense holding these boys back, but a little concerned about our offense scoring. Finally we got a touchdown on the board and a anxiety-ridden mama could exhale. I was texting my mother updates along the way. Love that she wanted to know. It's nice that someone else jumps in my mini-obsession besides me. Besides that, we are all rooting for them to make it to the State Championship game and get the chance to play in my hometown of Charlottesville. How completely cool would that be? If you are in the Charlottesville vicinity, you WILL be invited.
Best part of the game for me would have to be that my guy had a big job to do: push back two dudes. Have you seen high school football-playing boys lately? They don't come small, particularly if they are on the line. So here my boy is holding his ground, pushing two boys back, getting in there for tackles. An extremely good game for him, for sure. He was thrilled when he got home. Just kept repeating: "We beat Westfield, Rach. We beat Westfield." This game had the boys on edge. This was the one they had a second thought of maybe this win is questionable. They believed in their strengths, but there is major rivalry between these these two teams. This was a big one.
Great news is we are on to round 2 of the playoffs. This Friday's game is a match up against Centreville. Now this is just too perfect, friends. Remember, weeks ago in regular season when I blogged all about the referree issues with this game? It has been all over the sports news articles and open forums. It's well-known that the regular season went to Centreville by the direction of the referee and their ridiculous calls. So here we are, set to face them again. The ones who broke our winning streak. The game we should have won. We can't wait to tear them up. Oldest is so fired up about this. I feel sorry for the other team. The desire of our Chargers to chew up these Wildcats and spit them out is extreme.
Soccer Chick ended out her season with a fabulous win in the early morning hours of Saturday. Her team won 4-1 with 3 of those fine goals scored by Soccer Chick herself. We advanced to the second game with a loss of 3-1. I'm not sure how it happened, but three less-than-powerful goals just crept their way right on into our goal. Ah well, I am confident Soccer Chick is happy for the season to be over. Put this one to bed, I say. What will these three youngest children do with themselves on Saturdays for the next few months...Why, drive their mother crazy, of course.
Our outstanding defense held Westfields to 0 points. A big, fat "goose egg," as Oldest likes to refer to it. We won 7-0. I was confident in our defense holding these boys back, but a little concerned about our offense scoring. Finally we got a touchdown on the board and a anxiety-ridden mama could exhale. I was texting my mother updates along the way. Love that she wanted to know. It's nice that someone else jumps in my mini-obsession besides me. Besides that, we are all rooting for them to make it to the State Championship game and get the chance to play in my hometown of Charlottesville. How completely cool would that be? If you are in the Charlottesville vicinity, you WILL be invited.
Best part of the game for me would have to be that my guy had a big job to do: push back two dudes. Have you seen high school football-playing boys lately? They don't come small, particularly if they are on the line. So here my boy is holding his ground, pushing two boys back, getting in there for tackles. An extremely good game for him, for sure. He was thrilled when he got home. Just kept repeating: "We beat Westfield, Rach. We beat Westfield." This game had the boys on edge. This was the one they had a second thought of maybe this win is questionable. They believed in their strengths, but there is major rivalry between these these two teams. This was a big one.
Great news is we are on to round 2 of the playoffs. This Friday's game is a match up against Centreville. Now this is just too perfect, friends. Remember, weeks ago in regular season when I blogged all about the referree issues with this game? It has been all over the sports news articles and open forums. It's well-known that the regular season went to Centreville by the direction of the referee and their ridiculous calls. So here we are, set to face them again. The ones who broke our winning streak. The game we should have won. We can't wait to tear them up. Oldest is so fired up about this. I feel sorry for the other team. The desire of our Chargers to chew up these Wildcats and spit them out is extreme.
Soccer Chick ended out her season with a fabulous win in the early morning hours of Saturday. Her team won 4-1 with 3 of those fine goals scored by Soccer Chick herself. We advanced to the second game with a loss of 3-1. I'm not sure how it happened, but three less-than-powerful goals just crept their way right on into our goal. Ah well, I am confident Soccer Chick is happy for the season to be over. Put this one to bed, I say. What will these three youngest children do with themselves on Saturdays for the next few months...Why, drive their mother crazy, of course.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Game-Ready
Ah, first round of playoffs tonight. Can I say that I have been nervous about this all week? Whoever said "it's just high school football" is seriously mistaken. Seriously. For this team to have come this far, against so many odds, and play so cohesively is simply amazing. And as the parents of a kid on that team, we are extensions of the team. Honorary cheerleaders, if you will. Everybody has "Tilly Fever!" So, tonight the fever will be raging more than normal. This is a big one. Facing Westfield, oh boy. Cue the nervousness.
If you have never been to a high school football game you simply don't know the fun. There's no way college or professional ball even compares. This is up-close, live action with boys that you know and a team you can wrap your head around supporting. Besides, if you can't get some joy out of the crazy, ballistic parents yelling from the stands, well...then something is plainly wrong with you.
We're hoping for a big win and advancement on to Round 2 of the Regional Playoffs. Oldest is geared up with an incredibly tough week at practice all week. These boys come prepared to take the win. Let's Go Chargers. A little supernatural favor is being invited on the scene and any positive thoughts you want to send this way are welcome too!
Saturday morning Soccer Chick has to be up way too early and on the field for her first round of a tournament. Not saying I'm hoping for a loss, by any means. But friends, you know, this season, with this team, has run it's course. If they win, they play again in the afternoon. If they lose, that's it. If her eyes are awake and she can focus to play, we'll see what happens. We'll see if I'm able to report back to you what the outcome was. Those sports chairs on the sidelines can be mighty comfy in the cold, wrapped in a blanket...
Don't forget to cheer on those Chargers tonight. How cool would a win be??? I'll let you know when we get it!
If you have never been to a high school football game you simply don't know the fun. There's no way college or professional ball even compares. This is up-close, live action with boys that you know and a team you can wrap your head around supporting. Besides, if you can't get some joy out of the crazy, ballistic parents yelling from the stands, well...then something is plainly wrong with you.
We're hoping for a big win and advancement on to Round 2 of the Regional Playoffs. Oldest is geared up with an incredibly tough week at practice all week. These boys come prepared to take the win. Let's Go Chargers. A little supernatural favor is being invited on the scene and any positive thoughts you want to send this way are welcome too!
Saturday morning Soccer Chick has to be up way too early and on the field for her first round of a tournament. Not saying I'm hoping for a loss, by any means. But friends, you know, this season, with this team, has run it's course. If they win, they play again in the afternoon. If they lose, that's it. If her eyes are awake and she can focus to play, we'll see what happens. We'll see if I'm able to report back to you what the outcome was. Those sports chairs on the sidelines can be mighty comfy in the cold, wrapped in a blanket...
Don't forget to cheer on those Chargers tonight. How cool would a win be??? I'll let you know when we get it!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Holding Our Heads High
Friends, this is one blog post I didn't want to have to write. Who wants to spend time reflecting on the demise of a certain "sure-win?' Well, sure as I was, Oldest's team proved me wrong. They lost to Oakton, 17-14. By a simple kick of the foot; a swing really. Nothing spectacular or awe-strikingly beautiful. Yet, worth three lousy points. I fear, I am still in shock. I've had plenty of distractions throughout the remainder of the weekend but all in all, I can't get away from thinking I'd never thought they'd lose.
Actually, I must say it probably hit me at about the third quarter when Oakton got on the scoreboard. Somewhere around that time, they were playing sharper and our "sure thing" was losing it's shine. There was just something in the air. Maybe we picked the wrong section of seating on the bleachers. Something was just..."off". Our defensive team played spectacularly. Oldest and his lineman really don't give up much when it came to yardage. There were plenty of tackles, not much gain for the Cougars. You know, the Cougars, the one with the literal Cougar roaring sound played out of the Commentator's box. Or perhaps you know them by the gun pop that they insisted on shooting off at every (arguably) good play the team had. I think that gun thing was just to ruffle my nerves. I, friends, am not bitter. As you can plainly see.
I can not attribute this atrocity to referee ridiculousness or even to them being a better team. Our offense simply wasn't able to rack up the points as they should have been. Being the amateur at this game, I can't tell you if there were a lot of mistakes that we made, but I can tell you there was a sad, sad moment when I realized, for the first time that night, we may lose. Friends, actually losing was so much worse. Up until the last two minutes of the game I was thinking we may have a sliver of a chance. That was, of course, until I realized these Cougars (Roarrrr, inserted here, apparently) are just ticking away at the clock. Just shuffling their feet on the field, willing to have the Delay of Game penalty, as the time just ticks terribly by. That was hard to sit and watch. That's the kind of thing that makes you yell at refs and shake your fists at players. Of course, I did neither of those things. You know me better than that.
Nonetheless, Oldest and his guys walked off the fields, with their heads held high enough to see the tears streaming down. This was for the District Title. What senior would like anything better than to earn the distinct privilege of being District Champions? Instead, across town, the only other team to beat them in regular season, Centreville, went down without a prayer, costing themselves the Title too. There was a little yelp of joy attached to that. The Title, by default, went to Robinson. Did they earn it? Technically, yeah, I guess. But emotionally, no way. Chantilly has poured their guts into this season and man, it would have been really nice to see them get that Title.
Oakton needed the win to make the playoffs so we knew they were bringing all they had on Friday night. We, on the other hand, were in either way. So other than the Title loss, it's a moot point for us. Except that I wanted my boy to earn that Title. Can I tell you from the minute I realized we lost this game I started fretting over next week's game. Oh, my. This one is going to be a whopper. We play our biggest rival, Westfield. Oh, my. The only team to give us trouble this year, beating us 14-0 until the 3rd quarter when we came back to beat them 17-14. Here we face them again and the nerves are already a twitchin'. This is not the team we wanted to face in the first round of playoffs, friends. This week will be a week of massive preparation for the Chargers. They simply must come up with a few new plays (so says my football loving Hub), they simply must take Westfield by surprise, and they simply must win. The defense will have to bring an A++ game and the offense, well, they just have to bring it. period.
Saturday morning we got to finish up the regular season of baseball with a chilly, chilly day and the regular season of soccer. Baseball Chick did wonderfully and enjoyed an end-of-season party to boot. Youngest scored no less than 4 of his team's 6 goals in this final game. My favorite would have to be when the other team kicked off and after a half second hesitation by both teams, Youngest was off. Took the ball down the entire field and straight to the goal. Teammates and opposing players stood stunned, not quite sure if they could believe it themselves. It was beautiful.
Must of have been the Mohawk. Youngest begged (begged, friends!) to get a Mohawk like his brother. He is officially an honorary Chantilly Charger football player. He is sporting that thing around and as if he didn't get enough already, is getting ALL the attention from everyone. He's one cool dude.
Soccer Chick's game would also be a reason I delayed posting today. I've told you before how frustrated she has been with this season and this week's game was no different. My role here is just keep telling her to keep her head held high. She tied the game up 1-1 with a beautiful side shot, sunk deep in the net. Gotta love that left foot. And I swear, we blinked, and they scored 3 more. We lost 4-1 just like that. I think I must have bent to get something out of my purse, looked up and we were facing a losing game. We apparently are still at the level of all girls having equal playing time and rotating positions. Rotate-schmotate, I say. Let's win some games for goodness sakes! Frustrated doesn't begin to explain how this poor girl felt. Soccer Chick, I mean of course. You know I don't get too attached to these games or anything...
Just when Soccer Chick thought "good, I can put this season behind me?" we discover, all teams play in the tournament this upcoming weekend. With our 2-5 record this season, can we just put this thing to bed? Apparently not. Before these girls' eyes will be fully open next Saturday morning, we will be up on the field trying to save face. If we lose, Lord help us, we're done for the season. If we win, we play again in the afternoon.
In the Copeland house, we're down to two out of four athletes left in games. When you get a minute this week, say some happy thoughts for those Chantilly Chargers. Wouldn't that be fabulous for Oldest, advance to the next round of playoffs. C'mon, you want it much as we do. Start your happy thinking today. You got all week to practice.
Favorite Youngest moment of the weekend:
"Mom, do you know what hot chocolate is made out of?"
"No, Youngest. What is it?"
"Hot and Chocolate. I've seen the chocolate at the store but I haven't seen them sell the hot yet."
Actually, I must say it probably hit me at about the third quarter when Oakton got on the scoreboard. Somewhere around that time, they were playing sharper and our "sure thing" was losing it's shine. There was just something in the air. Maybe we picked the wrong section of seating on the bleachers. Something was just..."off". Our defensive team played spectacularly. Oldest and his lineman really don't give up much when it came to yardage. There were plenty of tackles, not much gain for the Cougars. You know, the Cougars, the one with the literal Cougar roaring sound played out of the Commentator's box. Or perhaps you know them by the gun pop that they insisted on shooting off at every (arguably) good play the team had. I think that gun thing was just to ruffle my nerves. I, friends, am not bitter. As you can plainly see.
I can not attribute this atrocity to referee ridiculousness or even to them being a better team. Our offense simply wasn't able to rack up the points as they should have been. Being the amateur at this game, I can't tell you if there were a lot of mistakes that we made, but I can tell you there was a sad, sad moment when I realized, for the first time that night, we may lose. Friends, actually losing was so much worse. Up until the last two minutes of the game I was thinking we may have a sliver of a chance. That was, of course, until I realized these Cougars (Roarrrr, inserted here, apparently) are just ticking away at the clock. Just shuffling their feet on the field, willing to have the Delay of Game penalty, as the time just ticks terribly by. That was hard to sit and watch. That's the kind of thing that makes you yell at refs and shake your fists at players. Of course, I did neither of those things. You know me better than that.
Nonetheless, Oldest and his guys walked off the fields, with their heads held high enough to see the tears streaming down. This was for the District Title. What senior would like anything better than to earn the distinct privilege of being District Champions? Instead, across town, the only other team to beat them in regular season, Centreville, went down without a prayer, costing themselves the Title too. There was a little yelp of joy attached to that. The Title, by default, went to Robinson. Did they earn it? Technically, yeah, I guess. But emotionally, no way. Chantilly has poured their guts into this season and man, it would have been really nice to see them get that Title.
Oakton needed the win to make the playoffs so we knew they were bringing all they had on Friday night. We, on the other hand, were in either way. So other than the Title loss, it's a moot point for us. Except that I wanted my boy to earn that Title. Can I tell you from the minute I realized we lost this game I started fretting over next week's game. Oh, my. This one is going to be a whopper. We play our biggest rival, Westfield. Oh, my. The only team to give us trouble this year, beating us 14-0 until the 3rd quarter when we came back to beat them 17-14. Here we face them again and the nerves are already a twitchin'. This is not the team we wanted to face in the first round of playoffs, friends. This week will be a week of massive preparation for the Chargers. They simply must come up with a few new plays (so says my football loving Hub), they simply must take Westfield by surprise, and they simply must win. The defense will have to bring an A++ game and the offense, well, they just have to bring it. period.
Saturday morning we got to finish up the regular season of baseball with a chilly, chilly day and the regular season of soccer. Baseball Chick did wonderfully and enjoyed an end-of-season party to boot. Youngest scored no less than 4 of his team's 6 goals in this final game. My favorite would have to be when the other team kicked off and after a half second hesitation by both teams, Youngest was off. Took the ball down the entire field and straight to the goal. Teammates and opposing players stood stunned, not quite sure if they could believe it themselves. It was beautiful.
Must of have been the Mohawk. Youngest begged (begged, friends!) to get a Mohawk like his brother. He is officially an honorary Chantilly Charger football player. He is sporting that thing around and as if he didn't get enough already, is getting ALL the attention from everyone. He's one cool dude.
Soccer Chick's game would also be a reason I delayed posting today. I've told you before how frustrated she has been with this season and this week's game was no different. My role here is just keep telling her to keep her head held high. She tied the game up 1-1 with a beautiful side shot, sunk deep in the net. Gotta love that left foot. And I swear, we blinked, and they scored 3 more. We lost 4-1 just like that. I think I must have bent to get something out of my purse, looked up and we were facing a losing game. We apparently are still at the level of all girls having equal playing time and rotating positions. Rotate-schmotate, I say. Let's win some games for goodness sakes! Frustrated doesn't begin to explain how this poor girl felt. Soccer Chick, I mean of course. You know I don't get too attached to these games or anything...
Just when Soccer Chick thought "good, I can put this season behind me?" we discover, all teams play in the tournament this upcoming weekend. With our 2-5 record this season, can we just put this thing to bed? Apparently not. Before these girls' eyes will be fully open next Saturday morning, we will be up on the field trying to save face. If we lose, Lord help us, we're done for the season. If we win, we play again in the afternoon.
In the Copeland house, we're down to two out of four athletes left in games. When you get a minute this week, say some happy thoughts for those Chantilly Chargers. Wouldn't that be fabulous for Oldest, advance to the next round of playoffs. C'mon, you want it much as we do. Start your happy thinking today. You got all week to practice.
Favorite Youngest moment of the weekend:
"Mom, do you know what hot chocolate is made out of?"
"No, Youngest. What is it?"
"Hot and Chocolate. I've seen the chocolate at the store but I haven't seen them sell the hot yet."
Friday, November 5, 2010
Who's Ready...
Friends, I hope you're ready. Chantilly Chargers are set to take down Oakton tonight. In a tough competition game, Chantilly is looking to take home the Concorde District Title! With many humble apologies, I tell you we want to see Centreville take a face down, mud-kissing, boot-licking fail to Robinson tonight. Don't be shocked at my language. As out of character as that mean-veined response sounds, Centreville's loss will literally be our gain. Their loss and our win will give us the title. Two wins would be a co-District title. Who wants to share? All's fair in love and football.
Cover your ears, you will surely hear us screaming from Oakton, VA tonight. It's going to be a big one. A hurricane compared to last week's quiet and subdued crowd. We won't even talk about Saturday's games. It's the end of season ordeal for two of our three younger athletes. And it's going to be cold. I hate the cold.
Cover your ears, you will surely hear us screaming from Oakton, VA tonight. It's going to be a big one. A hurricane compared to last week's quiet and subdued crowd. We won't even talk about Saturday's games. It's the end of season ordeal for two of our three younger athletes. And it's going to be cold. I hate the cold.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The Lesson of the Loaves
Sunday's sermon was "The Lesson of the Loaves." One of my favorite things about God is how He can take a story we've heard forever. I mean forever, and give a new spin to it. Everyone knows the story of how Jesus fed the 5,000 followers with five loaves of bread and two fish. Amazing, God. We know that story and we know the point behind it. God is a miracle-bringing, people-feeding, dynamite Man. He is The Man.
Sunday, I listened to a fresh perspective. Instead of reviewing the facts and hearing about faith for God to provide, my Pastor preached about how we have to be in close proximity to God to watch Him work. Jesus had doubters around him, like Philip, who questioned whether or not this meal time was possible. Yet, Jesus knew this was going to get done. What's required for us to be up close in such a miracle moment? Proximity. Getting close to God to watch Him work.
I'm reading a book, Prayers That Avail Much. It's a much needed refresher on how to approach God, when to approach God and why to approach God. And, maybe more importantly, why you want to make sure that you don't miss opportunities to approach God. We have to be close with Him to receive from Him. We won't know His voice if we never have a conversation with Him. We have tons of conversations with tons of people about tons of problems. But we can take one problem to One God and get THE answer. God is not a give-you-everything-you-think-you-need God. But God is simply, that great, and that reliable. We can expect that when we pray, God moves. Get to prayin' and let God get to movin'.
Sunday, I listened to a fresh perspective. Instead of reviewing the facts and hearing about faith for God to provide, my Pastor preached about how we have to be in close proximity to God to watch Him work. Jesus had doubters around him, like Philip, who questioned whether or not this meal time was possible. Yet, Jesus knew this was going to get done. What's required for us to be up close in such a miracle moment? Proximity. Getting close to God to watch Him work.
I'm reading a book, Prayers That Avail Much. It's a much needed refresher on how to approach God, when to approach God and why to approach God. And, maybe more importantly, why you want to make sure that you don't miss opportunities to approach God. We have to be close with Him to receive from Him. We won't know His voice if we never have a conversation with Him. We have tons of conversations with tons of people about tons of problems. But we can take one problem to One God and get THE answer. God is not a give-you-everything-you-think-you-need God. But God is simply, that great, and that reliable. We can expect that when we pray, God moves. Get to prayin' and let God get to movin'.
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Monday After...
The great big news is Oldest and the rest of the Chantilly Chargers plummeted poor Herndon on Friday night. It was slightly entertaining that Herndon had essentially a zero fan base and slightly disappointing that Chantilly fans thought we had this so "in the bag" that we didn't bother to show up or show out either. The 30 degree weather with wind had a little something to do with it. Nevertheless, we did stomp those poor boys 27-10. Why we let them get that 10 points is beyond me. The Herndon squad is having a rough season to say the least; coming into our game with a 1-8 record. This was their final game of the regular season, playoffs are out of the question and the talk on the line was "thank God this season ends tonight." Hats off to them; they played well despite their slim to none chances of taking a win.
We huddled up on the bleachers and did our best to cheer our way to warmth. Special treat in the mama and sister and two fabulous nieces coming to join the show. Just a pinch of sadness that this particular night was so cold that our usual rowdy fan base was nonexistent. Someone made some lovely "face on a stick" contraptions that were quite fun. Blown up picture of Oldest, attached to a stick. Great, just great.
With this win added to our belts, we head on to the last game of the regular season. Oakton. Oakton's having a pretty good year, with a 6-3 record. We will certainly need to not sleep on this one. Great news is the one team that beat us this year (let's not relive the trauma attached to that), lost on Friday night. Making their record identical to ours, 8-1. We both head into this last game with a lot on the line. They are playing Robinson. A squad we beat, but gave it everything we had to do it. There's a strong possibility Centreville could lose on Friday night, giving Chantilly the Concorde district title, and moving us into regional playoffs with a big smile on our faces.
I missed Baseball Chick's baseball game as we had to do the "divide and conquer" thing with our two overlapping games. I hear she played well. After the way the soccer game turned out, I really wish I would have opted for baseball. It was bad, folks. Just...bad. Soccer Chick's team lost 2-0, and with two pitiful goals. Just...pitiful. Our defense is nonexistent and the goalie literally left the goalbox, um...chasing the wind I think, to give them a wide open shot with no resistance. No. Resistance. Painful to watch, folks. Just...painful.
I'm going to get on my mom-soapbox for one minute. Just one minute. For some reason the Coaching staff continues to put Soccer Chick on defense. Seeing as how this is a U11 squad, I would think we were beyond the rotating positions, and "everybody gets fair playing time" thing. I would think that when we lost our second consecutive game of the season we would have reevaluated who plays what positions better and who sucks at what positions and don't dare put them there. That's kind of like Soccer Chick on defense. It ain't happening. She performs poorly, to say it nicely. It's not a good thing, at all. Put her on forward, or even mid-field and she's a soccer over-achiever. Put her on defense and you might as well hand the ball to our goalie and say "throw it in behind you Chick", cause it's going in.
Here we are Saturday and Soccer Chick is on defense. I already told you the outcome of the game, so I won't relive it for us here. Soccer Chick comes out at her "fair playing time" interval, and is in tears. Tears, friends. She is so frustrated with this team and with the skill level and the lack thereof. We got one more game left and with a 2-4 record, such as we have, I seriously doubt we are getting a shot at the end of season tournament. We need to put this baby to rest, so I'd be good with that. I comforted Soccer Chick by reminding her this is House league. This is what you get. We don't play Travel because of the Sunday games, but I sure can see why folks opt for the commitment of Travel. House is...let's just say, frustrating, if you are even semi-talented at soccer. My theory is that the longer you play the more kids that drop out as they become interested in other things. I would think that opens up the door for more competitive play. That's what I think, anyway. That's what I hope, anyway. Poor girl. She had a rough game to play Saturday. And watching it from the sides, folks, was just brutal.
Later on in the day Youngest had his game. In the ripping, ridiculous wind, his team tied 3-3. Of course, no one is supposed to be counting at this age, but you know how we roll...we are counting. Two of those beautiful goals belonged to my man Youngest. He was doing his thing out there, unfortunately ripping the ball from his opponents and teammates left and right, zipping up and down the field. It's U5 soccer, so you know they don't know what a team is yet. Just every man for himself. And that young man understands how to get the ball, take the ball down field and get himself a victory. The coach for the opposing team came over to our sidelines and asked who Youngest's parents were. We nonchalantly shrugged "Oh yeah...that's us." with the best "no big deal" attitude we could give. "That's not Youngest out there. That's Pelle." Yes folks, that is Pelle. Moves, grooves and soothes all the way to the goal.
Favorite weekend moment would have to be at Soccer Chick's game, Youngest wants to go clear on the other side of the field. "No, Youngest. That's too far. I can't see you clearly."
"Oh mom, Just look through the players and when you see the half size kid," Youngest replies with his hands stacked one on top of the other, like a half of something, "you'll know that's me. I'll be the half size kid."
We huddled up on the bleachers and did our best to cheer our way to warmth. Special treat in the mama and sister and two fabulous nieces coming to join the show. Just a pinch of sadness that this particular night was so cold that our usual rowdy fan base was nonexistent. Someone made some lovely "face on a stick" contraptions that were quite fun. Blown up picture of Oldest, attached to a stick. Great, just great.
With this win added to our belts, we head on to the last game of the regular season. Oakton. Oakton's having a pretty good year, with a 6-3 record. We will certainly need to not sleep on this one. Great news is the one team that beat us this year (let's not relive the trauma attached to that), lost on Friday night. Making their record identical to ours, 8-1. We both head into this last game with a lot on the line. They are playing Robinson. A squad we beat, but gave it everything we had to do it. There's a strong possibility Centreville could lose on Friday night, giving Chantilly the Concorde district title, and moving us into regional playoffs with a big smile on our faces.
I missed Baseball Chick's baseball game as we had to do the "divide and conquer" thing with our two overlapping games. I hear she played well. After the way the soccer game turned out, I really wish I would have opted for baseball. It was bad, folks. Just...bad. Soccer Chick's team lost 2-0, and with two pitiful goals. Just...pitiful. Our defense is nonexistent and the goalie literally left the goalbox, um...chasing the wind I think, to give them a wide open shot with no resistance. No. Resistance. Painful to watch, folks. Just...painful.
I'm going to get on my mom-soapbox for one minute. Just one minute. For some reason the Coaching staff continues to put Soccer Chick on defense. Seeing as how this is a U11 squad, I would think we were beyond the rotating positions, and "everybody gets fair playing time" thing. I would think that when we lost our second consecutive game of the season we would have reevaluated who plays what positions better and who sucks at what positions and don't dare put them there. That's kind of like Soccer Chick on defense. It ain't happening. She performs poorly, to say it nicely. It's not a good thing, at all. Put her on forward, or even mid-field and she's a soccer over-achiever. Put her on defense and you might as well hand the ball to our goalie and say "throw it in behind you Chick", cause it's going in.
Here we are Saturday and Soccer Chick is on defense. I already told you the outcome of the game, so I won't relive it for us here. Soccer Chick comes out at her "fair playing time" interval, and is in tears. Tears, friends. She is so frustrated with this team and with the skill level and the lack thereof. We got one more game left and with a 2-4 record, such as we have, I seriously doubt we are getting a shot at the end of season tournament. We need to put this baby to rest, so I'd be good with that. I comforted Soccer Chick by reminding her this is House league. This is what you get. We don't play Travel because of the Sunday games, but I sure can see why folks opt for the commitment of Travel. House is...let's just say, frustrating, if you are even semi-talented at soccer. My theory is that the longer you play the more kids that drop out as they become interested in other things. I would think that opens up the door for more competitive play. That's what I think, anyway. That's what I hope, anyway. Poor girl. She had a rough game to play Saturday. And watching it from the sides, folks, was just brutal.
Later on in the day Youngest had his game. In the ripping, ridiculous wind, his team tied 3-3. Of course, no one is supposed to be counting at this age, but you know how we roll...we are counting. Two of those beautiful goals belonged to my man Youngest. He was doing his thing out there, unfortunately ripping the ball from his opponents and teammates left and right, zipping up and down the field. It's U5 soccer, so you know they don't know what a team is yet. Just every man for himself. And that young man understands how to get the ball, take the ball down field and get himself a victory. The coach for the opposing team came over to our sidelines and asked who Youngest's parents were. We nonchalantly shrugged "Oh yeah...that's us." with the best "no big deal" attitude we could give. "That's not Youngest out there. That's Pelle." Yes folks, that is Pelle. Moves, grooves and soothes all the way to the goal.
Favorite weekend moment would have to be at Soccer Chick's game, Youngest wants to go clear on the other side of the field. "No, Youngest. That's too far. I can't see you clearly."
"Oh mom, Just look through the players and when you see the half size kid," Youngest replies with his hands stacked one on top of the other, like a half of something, "you'll know that's me. I'll be the half size kid."
Friday, October 29, 2010
Funny Guy
I have an all-natural, organic, original version comedian in my house. As the fella is watching TV last night and progressing from sitting to jumping on my bed, I request not once, but twice, that he sit down. When we reach time number three, he knows he's blown it.
"Turn the TV off and go play in your room," I instruct him.
Friends, Youngest did exactly what I expected. Not five minutes later, as my 8 year old is being bribed to play hairdresser (amounting to a free head massage, duh!), in walks Youngest.
"Mom..." he ever-so-politely says in his most charming voice, as he softly and gently places his hand on my arm. "Can we just..." (total dramatic pause for emphasis) "...start over?"
"What?!?" replies Baseball Chick. "That's what people in relationships say to each other."
"Of course, Youngest. We can start over." In other words, suckered once again to giving in to the most adorable child in this entire world. As the Hub would say: "SUCKA!"
I know you fine folks are wondering what this weekend has in store. We are geared up for a terrific night of football. Chantilly Chargers are chowing down on Herndon tonight. Considering the Herndon Hornets have had a just plain awful season so far, we're not thinking this is going to be too big of a spectacle. The Hub told Oldest to make sure his team plays smart; don't be overconfident and face a ridiculous upset. Biggest news might have to be that it's going to be all of 30 degrees out tonight. Can you say El-Freez-O? Brrrr....
The really, really big news would actually have to be that this is Senior Night. Our baby boy gets to escort us. Or we escort him? Can't quite figure out who's escorting who. In any case, the Hub, Oldest and I will be strutting out on that field to show our bright smiles, proud hearts and our senior boy as he wraps us his final high school football season. Regular season anyway, We're anticipating district, regional and duh...state wins! As my fellow fans of Friday Night Lights TV show know all too well...we're going to States!
Once we thaw out from tonight, we've got 2 soccer games and 1 baseball game tomorrow. Regretably we have some overlap. The baseball and 1 soccer game convene at the same time. And just in time to interrupt an afternoon nap for me, Youngest plays at 4pm. If Soccer Chick's team can pull out a win Saturday they will pull their record from a jaw-dropping 0-3 record to 3-3. Who in the world knows what Baseball Chick's record is. I don't think anyone truly knows at this point. Good news is her team is full of good hitters. Miraculously games are not lasting for 2 hours any more. That's enough to cheer for right there. And Youngest, well, I have a sneaking suspicion Youngest is going to dominate that ball again this week. He's gotten warmed up and refined those dance moves, those hips-shaking, those comical facial expressions to create a soccer star even David Beckham would want to meet. There is no package quite like this one.
"Turn the TV off and go play in your room," I instruct him.
Friends, Youngest did exactly what I expected. Not five minutes later, as my 8 year old is being bribed to play hairdresser (amounting to a free head massage, duh!), in walks Youngest.
"Mom..." he ever-so-politely says in his most charming voice, as he softly and gently places his hand on my arm. "Can we just..." (total dramatic pause for emphasis) "...start over?"
"What?!?" replies Baseball Chick. "That's what people in relationships say to each other."
"Of course, Youngest. We can start over." In other words, suckered once again to giving in to the most adorable child in this entire world. As the Hub would say: "SUCKA!"
I know you fine folks are wondering what this weekend has in store. We are geared up for a terrific night of football. Chantilly Chargers are chowing down on Herndon tonight. Considering the Herndon Hornets have had a just plain awful season so far, we're not thinking this is going to be too big of a spectacle. The Hub told Oldest to make sure his team plays smart; don't be overconfident and face a ridiculous upset. Biggest news might have to be that it's going to be all of 30 degrees out tonight. Can you say El-Freez-O? Brrrr....
The really, really big news would actually have to be that this is Senior Night. Our baby boy gets to escort us. Or we escort him? Can't quite figure out who's escorting who. In any case, the Hub, Oldest and I will be strutting out on that field to show our bright smiles, proud hearts and our senior boy as he wraps us his final high school football season. Regular season anyway, We're anticipating district, regional and duh...state wins! As my fellow fans of Friday Night Lights TV show know all too well...we're going to States!
Once we thaw out from tonight, we've got 2 soccer games and 1 baseball game tomorrow. Regretably we have some overlap. The baseball and 1 soccer game convene at the same time. And just in time to interrupt an afternoon nap for me, Youngest plays at 4pm. If Soccer Chick's team can pull out a win Saturday they will pull their record from a jaw-dropping 0-3 record to 3-3. Who in the world knows what Baseball Chick's record is. I don't think anyone truly knows at this point. Good news is her team is full of good hitters. Miraculously games are not lasting for 2 hours any more. That's enough to cheer for right there. And Youngest, well, I have a sneaking suspicion Youngest is going to dominate that ball again this week. He's gotten warmed up and refined those dance moves, those hips-shaking, those comical facial expressions to create a soccer star even David Beckham would want to meet. There is no package quite like this one.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Hugs, anyone? 10.26.10
Maybe it's just us Copelands, but seems we are some hugging people. I have been noticing lately how whenever we see anyone we greet them with a hug. Not just family, but friends from present and past, teenage friends of ours, neighbors, anyone. Alright, well, no...not anyone. I'm exaggerating. But it seems that our hug policy just about applies to anyone...
Every Friday night at a football game we encounter high school friends of Oldest. What do we do? "Hey girl!" and hug ensues. When those said teenagers see Youngest, arms fly wide open, big enough for him to run into them for his hug greeting to be applied. To his credit, often he is the only one greeted by some of these teenagers and we know that is his booming personality in full effect. Everyone loves Youngest.
What is this hugging thing, you think? I was contemplating today, why are we such huggers? Sometimes the Hub will hug someone and then the Hub says to me "why did I just hug her? I don't even know her like that." Today as I'm thinking why do we have such a connection-driven need to get our hug on, Youngest says "Mom when can we go to the girl and boy's house again with the double babies?" He would be referring to the awesome football-watching, lunch-having time we had at my cousin's house on Sunday. She has twins..."double babies."
"We had so much fun there mom." At that moment, I got it. We are huggers because of that connection. We, as people, in general crave connection...with somebody...often anybody. For us Copelands, it's our way of connecting with that person who we really like. They have made it past the first phase of just being "alright", into the real deal of "we like you."
So when we see you if you get a hug you know where you stand. Kidding, friends. Some moments are not hug moments, but for the most part we find ourselves reaching in to get that connection going. We know we are "like that" with that person, and our hug seals the deal. They know it too. Connected.
Every Friday night at a football game we encounter high school friends of Oldest. What do we do? "Hey girl!" and hug ensues. When those said teenagers see Youngest, arms fly wide open, big enough for him to run into them for his hug greeting to be applied. To his credit, often he is the only one greeted by some of these teenagers and we know that is his booming personality in full effect. Everyone loves Youngest.
What is this hugging thing, you think? I was contemplating today, why are we such huggers? Sometimes the Hub will hug someone and then the Hub says to me "why did I just hug her? I don't even know her like that." Today as I'm thinking why do we have such a connection-driven need to get our hug on, Youngest says "Mom when can we go to the girl and boy's house again with the double babies?" He would be referring to the awesome football-watching, lunch-having time we had at my cousin's house on Sunday. She has twins..."double babies."
"We had so much fun there mom." At that moment, I got it. We are huggers because of that connection. We, as people, in general crave connection...with somebody...often anybody. For us Copelands, it's our way of connecting with that person who we really like. They have made it past the first phase of just being "alright", into the real deal of "we like you."
So when we see you if you get a hug you know where you stand. Kidding, friends. Some moments are not hug moments, but for the most part we find ourselves reaching in to get that connection going. We know we are "like that" with that person, and our hug seals the deal. They know it too. Connected.
Monday, October 25, 2010
A Week's Worth of Weekend...10.25.10
I'm thinking I don't even know where to begin. This weekend was so full it was literally running over with stuff. Great news is I have so much to tell you! Friday night football game...amazing. Wait-more like Uh-May-zingggg. For background purposes you should know that in the history of these two teams playing together, Chantilly has never (never, friends!) beaten Westfields in the regular season. In addition to our terrible loss the week before, there was just a lot riding on this game for these boys. By the time we reached halftime I had sadly written this off as a loss for us. We just were not playing well offensively and at halftime when the scoreboard says 0-14 there was just a collective sadness about. The rivalry between these two teams is so serious that the cheers and calls from our side sounded most like "We hate Westfields" rather than "Let's go Chantilly." It was intense, friends.
I have discovered in the world of high school football that a lot happens in the locker room at half time. Not sure what happened for us, but somehow, in the face of a pitifully sad game, we managed to come out and tie up the score. Let's just say Westfields was not happy about that. An unsportsmanship like conduct call later, we are gaining momentum. With four minutes left and extreme difficulty in passing their defense, what's a team to do? Why, get a field goal no doubt. As the time wound down, we miraculously scored a game-winning field goal to gloat with a 17-14 win. First time in history folks. The crowd storms the field, kids are jumping everywhere. I literally swooped my kin to safety to avoid the trample of raging emotions and joy by teens oblivious to anything but the win. It was truly amazing. I didn't think they would pull it out, but friends, all that matters is they took home a win. A much needed win for our pride and our stats. Two regular season games left and then we start regionals.
After an emotionally-charged evening, we were up bright and early for the rest of the family's game-life on Saturday. Early morning baseball game for Baseball Chick. This girl did some damage out there. She had her game face on and was all about making those plays. Two singles and a double to be proud of. My favorite part about this section of our Saturday would have to be the post-game races. The older brother of one of her teammates challenged her to race him on the field. You could see in his eyes that this boy recognized how fast Baseball Chick is, but also that he had a need to prove to himself that he could beat her. At the presentation of the challenge, I looked at him, then at Baseball Chick and said, "take him." She raced that boy two years older than her and I swear she whooped him something good. She says it was a tie, well, because that's just her nature. She didn't smoke him so she gave him the benefit of saying it was a tie. I say she beat him. Next comes the little brother. The one who actually is on her team. Well, you know, big brother does it, I gotta do it too. Let's just say Baseball Chick put this boy so far in her dust, he didn't even have time to eat it. No contest...the girl is fast.
Second game of the day would be Youngest's soccer game. Amazing, friends. Again, better said like this: Uh-May-Zinggg. This boy, with his hips shaking and fancy moves, scored all three of his teams goals. I think he's got the hang of it now. He was all over the ball. The very best part is watching his post-goal moves. There's a dance and a hip shaking and a whole lot of moves involved. At the last second of the game the boy was going for his 4th goal. Just shy of the net and he missed. From the look of disappointment and frustration on his face, you would have thought it was the World Cup.
Third game of the day was Soccer Chick's. Again, friends...I can't make this stuff up. Uh-May-Zingggg. Both teams struggling to score, and I do tell you I could feel Soccer Chick's pain. You can see why people upgrade to playing travel soccer instead of house. It can be frustrating playing with less than talented kids. I don't say that to be mean, but I do say it because the girl is serious about her soccer. She plays an intense game, very focused and likes to win. When kicks are missed, defenders are sleeping and goals are easily scored, it's frustrating. Somehow the opposing team scored and all us parents on the side are thinking "we already have a 1-3 record, we really can't lose this game." A goal is made and the score is tied up.
Well, no one wants to take home a tie either. Soccer Chick is in the game with seconds left to play. She's down the field, weaving in and out past defenders and to the goal, fakes out the goalie and shoots...she scores!!!! Whistle blows...game ends. Crowd goes crazy. Okay, well..."crowd". It's only us parents out there, but still. A handful of people at best, but still. She scored the game winning goal to win 2-1. YEAH!!! What a morale booster. It was a beautiful shot. The girl has talent and easily passes defenders. Soccer scholarship here we come...
And lastly, I would rob you of a smile today if I didn't share a Youngest moment with you. Riding in the car at night on Saturday. Just me, the Hub and Youngest.
"Mom," he says, in the dark...
"Remember that time daddy wasn't home and you let us eat pizza upstairs because we weren't supposed to but daddy wasn't home so you let us. Remember that time?"
Trying hard not to choke, I slowly turn towards the Hub. The overhead light switches on and he looks at me and says, "Really Youngest? That's what you do when I'm not home?"
"Yes daddy. You were out somewhere and not home and that's what we did because you were not home."
Now friends, I'm crossed between laughing and choking.
"I was working Youngest. That's what daddy is out doing. Working so you can eat pizza buddy."
"Okay dad. But remember that mom. When we did that? We weren't supposed to do that but we did do that. That was fun. Can we do that again?" Not likely to happen I'm afraid...What's a girl to do? I can't erase his memories and I can't stifle his timing. Classic, just classic.
"I expect you will be blogging about this, won't ya honey."
I have discovered in the world of high school football that a lot happens in the locker room at half time. Not sure what happened for us, but somehow, in the face of a pitifully sad game, we managed to come out and tie up the score. Let's just say Westfields was not happy about that. An unsportsmanship like conduct call later, we are gaining momentum. With four minutes left and extreme difficulty in passing their defense, what's a team to do? Why, get a field goal no doubt. As the time wound down, we miraculously scored a game-winning field goal to gloat with a 17-14 win. First time in history folks. The crowd storms the field, kids are jumping everywhere. I literally swooped my kin to safety to avoid the trample of raging emotions and joy by teens oblivious to anything but the win. It was truly amazing. I didn't think they would pull it out, but friends, all that matters is they took home a win. A much needed win for our pride and our stats. Two regular season games left and then we start regionals.
After an emotionally-charged evening, we were up bright and early for the rest of the family's game-life on Saturday. Early morning baseball game for Baseball Chick. This girl did some damage out there. She had her game face on and was all about making those plays. Two singles and a double to be proud of. My favorite part about this section of our Saturday would have to be the post-game races. The older brother of one of her teammates challenged her to race him on the field. You could see in his eyes that this boy recognized how fast Baseball Chick is, but also that he had a need to prove to himself that he could beat her. At the presentation of the challenge, I looked at him, then at Baseball Chick and said, "take him." She raced that boy two years older than her and I swear she whooped him something good. She says it was a tie, well, because that's just her nature. She didn't smoke him so she gave him the benefit of saying it was a tie. I say she beat him. Next comes the little brother. The one who actually is on her team. Well, you know, big brother does it, I gotta do it too. Let's just say Baseball Chick put this boy so far in her dust, he didn't even have time to eat it. No contest...the girl is fast.
Second game of the day would be Youngest's soccer game. Amazing, friends. Again, better said like this: Uh-May-Zinggg. This boy, with his hips shaking and fancy moves, scored all three of his teams goals. I think he's got the hang of it now. He was all over the ball. The very best part is watching his post-goal moves. There's a dance and a hip shaking and a whole lot of moves involved. At the last second of the game the boy was going for his 4th goal. Just shy of the net and he missed. From the look of disappointment and frustration on his face, you would have thought it was the World Cup.
Third game of the day was Soccer Chick's. Again, friends...I can't make this stuff up. Uh-May-Zingggg. Both teams struggling to score, and I do tell you I could feel Soccer Chick's pain. You can see why people upgrade to playing travel soccer instead of house. It can be frustrating playing with less than talented kids. I don't say that to be mean, but I do say it because the girl is serious about her soccer. She plays an intense game, very focused and likes to win. When kicks are missed, defenders are sleeping and goals are easily scored, it's frustrating. Somehow the opposing team scored and all us parents on the side are thinking "we already have a 1-3 record, we really can't lose this game." A goal is made and the score is tied up.
Well, no one wants to take home a tie either. Soccer Chick is in the game with seconds left to play. She's down the field, weaving in and out past defenders and to the goal, fakes out the goalie and shoots...she scores!!!! Whistle blows...game ends. Crowd goes crazy. Okay, well..."crowd". It's only us parents out there, but still. A handful of people at best, but still. She scored the game winning goal to win 2-1. YEAH!!! What a morale booster. It was a beautiful shot. The girl has talent and easily passes defenders. Soccer scholarship here we come...
And lastly, I would rob you of a smile today if I didn't share a Youngest moment with you. Riding in the car at night on Saturday. Just me, the Hub and Youngest.
"Mom," he says, in the dark...
"Remember that time daddy wasn't home and you let us eat pizza upstairs because we weren't supposed to but daddy wasn't home so you let us. Remember that time?"
Trying hard not to choke, I slowly turn towards the Hub. The overhead light switches on and he looks at me and says, "Really Youngest? That's what you do when I'm not home?"
"Yes daddy. You were out somewhere and not home and that's what we did because you were not home."
Now friends, I'm crossed between laughing and choking.
"I was working Youngest. That's what daddy is out doing. Working so you can eat pizza buddy."
"Okay dad. But remember that mom. When we did that? We weren't supposed to do that but we did do that. That was fun. Can we do that again?" Not likely to happen I'm afraid...What's a girl to do? I can't erase his memories and I can't stifle his timing. Classic, just classic.
"I expect you will be blogging about this, won't ya honey."
Friday, October 22, 2010
Sigh...
I want all you moms out there to sigh with me. Ready...sigh...If you didn't do it on cue, you will soon...I drop Youngest off at school this morning to the sounds of his rattling on about how excited he is to be doing the Fun Bus today. That's a converted school bus that pulls up in front of his daycare every Friday to zap my pocket of twelve bucks and let him play crazy inside. Went to sleep dreaming about it, he said. Dreamt the bus took off and he was doing "whatever he wanted" inside. I call this a nightmare, but he says "dream."
Today is also toy day. Youngest brought a motorcycle and a guy to ride the motorcycle and a dinosaur. Nothing spectacular but as we entered the room and a fella from across the table spotted Youngest's toys, they apparently were perceived as exactly spectacular. "Oh! I have that same guy at home," he says as he approaches to come closer. And here, friends, is where I insert my sighing behavior. Youngest, in all his four years of wisdom and perception, glances at the friend and back at me. I lean in to give him my usual hug and kiss and he pulls back and says "s'up." As if he is the coolest cat that ever walked.
Again he looks at his buddy, who clearly is oblivious to Youngest's apprehension, "Mom! No way. Totally not cool." And then seeing my...um, let's see...terror, horror, panic, confusion..."Okay fine," and proceeds to give me the most pitiful hug you've ever seen in your life.
I could have sworn I had a few more years before he was self-conscious about hugging his fabulous mother in front of his friends. He's 4 for goodness sakes! I already know that Youngest's intelligence and perception skills are way beyond that of a four year old so I shouldn't be surprised. Not surprised, but definitely sighing...
Sigh...
Today is also toy day. Youngest brought a motorcycle and a guy to ride the motorcycle and a dinosaur. Nothing spectacular but as we entered the room and a fella from across the table spotted Youngest's toys, they apparently were perceived as exactly spectacular. "Oh! I have that same guy at home," he says as he approaches to come closer. And here, friends, is where I insert my sighing behavior. Youngest, in all his four years of wisdom and perception, glances at the friend and back at me. I lean in to give him my usual hug and kiss and he pulls back and says "s'up." As if he is the coolest cat that ever walked.
Again he looks at his buddy, who clearly is oblivious to Youngest's apprehension, "Mom! No way. Totally not cool." And then seeing my...um, let's see...terror, horror, panic, confusion..."Okay fine," and proceeds to give me the most pitiful hug you've ever seen in your life.
I could have sworn I had a few more years before he was self-conscious about hugging his fabulous mother in front of his friends. He's 4 for goodness sakes! I already know that Youngest's intelligence and perception skills are way beyond that of a four year old so I shouldn't be surprised. Not surprised, but definitely sighing...
Sigh...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Permission to Blog
"Ring Ring..."
Thanks to caller ID, the Hub greets me with "A farmer has to plant 8 rows of corn. He has already planted 7. What fraction of the rows have been planted." Dead Silence.
"Are you serious?" I ask. He's quite obviously working with Baseball Chick on a homework assignment.
"Dead serious." and he repeats the stumper.
"Hub. You're not serious. 7/8ths. 7 of the 8 rows have been planted. Hahahahahahahahahaha. You aren't serious."
"Wait. What?" He quietly repeats the entire problem to himself.
"Oh. Haha. Um. Yes. I was serious. Haha. Soccer Chick did you know the answer? Baseball Chick, it's 7/8ths. Rach, you have my permission to blog about that."
Thanks to caller ID, the Hub greets me with "A farmer has to plant 8 rows of corn. He has already planted 7. What fraction of the rows have been planted." Dead Silence.
"Are you serious?" I ask. He's quite obviously working with Baseball Chick on a homework assignment.
"Dead serious." and he repeats the stumper.
"Hub. You're not serious. 7/8ths. 7 of the 8 rows have been planted. Hahahahahahahahahaha. You aren't serious."
"Wait. What?" He quietly repeats the entire problem to himself.
"Oh. Haha. Um. Yes. I was serious. Haha. Soccer Chick did you know the answer? Baseball Chick, it's 7/8ths. Rach, you have my permission to blog about that."
Just For Fun
Evening dinner tradition usually includes a discussion starter sometime around when everyone's mouths are full of food, eager to dig in and happy to finally be eating. You know that quiet that embarks 2 seconds after you say grace? That one. Usually at that time I throw out my traditional "tell me something about your day" kind of thing. Yesterday I decided to change it up a bit...
"So...who can tell me something I don't know?"
Me in all my mom wisdom was thinking they will tell me something they learned at school today, and try their hand at stumping me.
Baseball Chick offers: "You don't know about possessive nouns."
"Yup. You got that right. I sure don't. Do you?"
"Haha," she says, "maybe not."
"I got 5 things you don't know mom," says Youngest.
"Alright, give 'em to me." I reply.
"One...You don't know how to make a sculpture. And that's one. This one." He says as he gestures to his thumb specifically.
"Two...You don't know how to make a bowl." Where exactly are we going with this?
"And three...You can't really cook." Rounds of laughter erupted as his dead-on analysis of his mother.
"And that makes 5 mom. 5 things you don't know."
"Baseball Chick, do you have that wonderful letter you wrote to your teacher in your backpack?"
"Oh yes, mom."
"Great. But by the way, her name is spelled J-O-H-N, for Johnson. Not J-H-O-N. Just keep that in mind for next time."
"Oh, okay. I was sounding it out, you know. Sounds like J-H. But you know, I think we are equal."
"Equal?" I say.
"Yup. She calls me Lay-a so I'm sure we are equal."
"Oh look Youngest! There's your brother's football team practicing!" I exclaim as we drive home from daycare, past the high school.
"Oh wow...Mom, what is a football practice like?"
"I don't know Youngest. I've never been to a football practice. You should ask your dad when we get home. He would know."
Dead silence...and then: "Nothing's happening."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm asking him. In my head...right now. I asked him and nothing's happening. I can't hear anything."
I walk into the daycare to pick up my dearest Youngest and go to get his stuff out of his cubby box. The lovely little place for his jacket, his extra clothes, you know...stuff that belongs to him. Lo and behold, a tiny little hand is racing to beat me to it. Youngest quickly pulls out a toy sculpture from building squares he has obviously made, and promptly became attached to, today. He gives me the look. You know the look. The one where he's trying to melt me with his eyes. Kind of exactly like the look Dr. Avery gave on the last episode of Grey's Anatomy. Totally using his charm and ability to sway me for what was coming.
"Put it back." I say, quite simply.
"Mom," he says. "If you could just...give me some time." with precise Academy Award winning precision. As if this is his request in saying goodbye to his one true love about to leave the country and his heart forever.
We are talking about plastic one-inch building squares.
"So...who can tell me something I don't know?"
Me in all my mom wisdom was thinking they will tell me something they learned at school today, and try their hand at stumping me.
Baseball Chick offers: "You don't know about possessive nouns."
"Yup. You got that right. I sure don't. Do you?"
"Haha," she says, "maybe not."
"I got 5 things you don't know mom," says Youngest.
"Alright, give 'em to me." I reply.
"One...You don't know how to make a sculpture. And that's one. This one." He says as he gestures to his thumb specifically.
"Two...You don't know how to make a bowl." Where exactly are we going with this?
"And three...You can't really cook." Rounds of laughter erupted as his dead-on analysis of his mother.
"And that makes 5 mom. 5 things you don't know."
"Baseball Chick, do you have that wonderful letter you wrote to your teacher in your backpack?"
"Oh yes, mom."
"Great. But by the way, her name is spelled J-O-H-N, for Johnson. Not J-H-O-N. Just keep that in mind for next time."
"Oh, okay. I was sounding it out, you know. Sounds like J-H. But you know, I think we are equal."
"Equal?" I say.
"Yup. She calls me Lay-a so I'm sure we are equal."
"Oh look Youngest! There's your brother's football team practicing!" I exclaim as we drive home from daycare, past the high school.
"Oh wow...Mom, what is a football practice like?"
"I don't know Youngest. I've never been to a football practice. You should ask your dad when we get home. He would know."
Dead silence...and then: "Nothing's happening."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm asking him. In my head...right now. I asked him and nothing's happening. I can't hear anything."
I walk into the daycare to pick up my dearest Youngest and go to get his stuff out of his cubby box. The lovely little place for his jacket, his extra clothes, you know...stuff that belongs to him. Lo and behold, a tiny little hand is racing to beat me to it. Youngest quickly pulls out a toy sculpture from building squares he has obviously made, and promptly became attached to, today. He gives me the look. You know the look. The one where he's trying to melt me with his eyes. Kind of exactly like the look Dr. Avery gave on the last episode of Grey's Anatomy. Totally using his charm and ability to sway me for what was coming.
"Put it back." I say, quite simply.
"Mom," he says. "If you could just...give me some time." with precise Academy Award winning precision. As if this is his request in saying goodbye to his one true love about to leave the country and his heart forever.
We are talking about plastic one-inch building squares.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Emotional Rollercoaster
Rewind to Friday night. Saddest football game of my football-mom career. It's an all defense game. We enter the half tied at 7 and it was a fight for either side to even make that. Somehow we made the non-intelligent choice of sitting next to Chantilly's student section. Well...let's just say it was a "white out" (everyone wears white to support the team) and along with the white clothes, baby powder is apparently a necessity. Every good play by Chantilly's stellar team, called for a shaking of baby powder like you wouldn't believe. At the end of it all, we sure did smell good.
We were tickled pink by a young friend of Oldest's finding us in the stands and sitting with us. It took half a minute to realize she had his football number plastered on her beautiful face. The Hub took every opportunity to grill her about that and about her intentions with our boy! Youngest, being the ever-popular person he is, had no less than 5 of his own high school friends who came up to the stands to greet and hug him, high fives and "what's up man?" all around. The kid is ridiculously popular at 4.
Chantilly was able to fight for a second touchdown putting us at 13 with the wind stripping us of our field goal for the extra point. With 40 seconds left on the clock, our only job is to hold them back and keep our lead and win the most intense game ever. The fans are on their feet. Thank God I had an ex-high school footballer behind me, telling his girlfriend the play-by-play of what's what. Let's just say the Hub is too engrossed to do that for us. With those puny 40 seconds left, Centreville drives for a touchdown. It's 4th down and they are on no more than the 10 yard line. You know my eyesight is bad, so don't quote me on the yardage. 4th down and it looks to me, my family, the entire student section, all of Centreville, all of Chantilly, that this Centreville guy has failed. We are all celebrating! Louder than loud, Chantilly is literally jumping on top of each other with joy. When wait- what's that? The ref says it's a touchdown. I know that every parent facing a devastating blow would say the ref cheated. But friends, we're all in agreement the refs cheated here. Everyone-I mean everyone (including Centreville) felt like this boy did not make it into the endzone. I take as my evidence the fact that the opposing team was sporting their disappointed loss all over their hung faces. Yet, 2 seconds later, Centreville is elated. The ref's got his hands in the air like his life depends on it and it's a touchdown Centreville. You gotta be kidding me.
So we're going into overtime folks. Each team gets 4 downs to make a touchdown. We are now tied at 13 and Chantilly is on offense. We fight for a touchdown and miss the field goal. We stand at 19. Let me interrupt the playback by amusing you with the sight of all the student body (completely in white remember) rushing from the stands to the end zone fence. It was like a stampede. Remember we were sitting close to them. We quickly held our loved ones close and let them scamper by!
Centreville's turn and they manage to score. They also miss the field goal, so friends, we are tied again at 19. Friends! Think of the emotional exhausting time we were having. Our turn again and we score. So we're at 25. Sadly, we miss the field goal again. And this is from a kicker who hasn't missed all year. It was, in his defense, an extremely windy night. If it was me, the pressure alone would have done me in. It's Centreville's turn, they fight hard for another touchdown and we are tied at 25. What do they do? What would you do, Coach Reader? They go for 2. They are going to push to run the ball in for 2 points rather than risk a field goal and the wind have it's way with them.
Everything lies in the hands of our incredible defense right now-everything. They have played an incredible game (almost the entire game) and have to be exhausted. Yet, they know what's on the line. Sadly, friends, they rush and within inches make the end zone. My stomach dropped out of my feet. Centreville goes crazy, rushes the field. And incredible win for them. They fought for it all night, on their home field, senior night, and coming off a record of 4 wins for the previous 2 seasons combined. This is the first year they have played well in the last three years and they take the lead with the 7-0 record. While we, on the other hand, walk home with our heads hung down, and stand at 6-1. It was the saddest, most ridiculously called, game ever. You know the Hub was looking for one, just one, of those refs after the game. By God's intelligent grace, we didn't see any on the way out.
Oldest came home with the saddest looking face I have ever seen. The Hub and I surrounded him and gave him condolence hugs; told him how proud we were and did our after-the-game ritual of dissecting what went right and wrong. Oldest says they lost the game themselves with those missed field goals. That and those lovely refs. The best part of this tragedy would have to be Oldest's after-game-shake-hands-with-the-other-team thing. He's got tears streaming down his disappointed face and, for the first time ever, he had opposing players surrounding him telling him what an incredible job he and the defense did. That's right, they recognize our ferocity. It was a defining moment for him.
Somehow we managed to arouse on Saturday morning for a new round of games. Youngest played a soccer game like I have never seen before. Sadly, they lost 10-3. I am not sure how in pee wee soccer it can be so easy for them to score goal after goal and so easy for us to just watch it go in...over and over and over... Youngest has developed a kick jump that is out of this world. Every single kick is a performance and involves some sort of dramatic leap in the air and landing twisted around. It's incredible. So, soccer may not be his thing...His team did score three. As Youngest approached us for some water, he was elated at the score. "YES! WE GOT A GOAL!!! But it wasn't me though!" Hilarious.
On to Soccer Chick's game. I almost yanked her out of the game myself for her sullen attitude when put on defense. I mean, so you don't want to play defense...so what? Suck it up and go where the coach tells you. But that, in fact, was not what she did. She pouted, let the ball roll by her and was surrounded by "Soccer Chick! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?" The team they played was far, far less than great and we dominated the field the entire time. It was a windy day and we hit no less than 8 attempts and still no goal. I must remind you her team stands at a season of 0-3. They seriously needed to win this game. With Soccer Chick on offense, she fights, literally fights, for a goal. Parents go crazy! Somehow they manage to come back and score again. We score again and friends, we take the win. Superb! Favorite part of this game would have to be when Soccer Chick ran over, literally ran over, an opposing player near my sideline. "That's right Soccer Chick! You run her over if you have to!", says her wild mother. And the poor child stands up...and she's small. Half the size of Soccer Chick. She looks over at me, thinking what kind of mom would tell her daughter that? So I mouth, "oh! sorry..." to her and try to save face. In my defense, I had no idea the child was small.
On to Baseball Chick's game. She hit three singles and had a great game from what I caught of it, that being only about 15 minutes near the end. All in all, it was a busy, terrific weekend for games. Except for that devastating loss on Friday night. I'm still shaking my head. This Friday, is our biggest rival. Westfields. This is a game to win. They HAVE to win this game to reclaim their dignity and ranking. It's a must. It's a home game and while we won't be bringing baby powder, we will be plenty fired up.
Youngest antic to set your week off right: In children's church yesterday the lesson was on becoming a better giver. After a thorough explanation of what we can do to be more giving (i.e. our time, our hugs, our help, our things, etc) I worked with Youngest to create his "Giving Chart". We came up with some good ideas: "Give my shirt to my neighbor friend."
"Um...okay."
I say to Youngest, "What about your mouth? Can you be a bigger giver with your mouth?" I'm thinking give away compliments and kind words, right?
A puzzled look is stricken on his face as he replies matter of factly, "I think I'd like to keep my mouth mom."
We were tickled pink by a young friend of Oldest's finding us in the stands and sitting with us. It took half a minute to realize she had his football number plastered on her beautiful face. The Hub took every opportunity to grill her about that and about her intentions with our boy! Youngest, being the ever-popular person he is, had no less than 5 of his own high school friends who came up to the stands to greet and hug him, high fives and "what's up man?" all around. The kid is ridiculously popular at 4.
Chantilly was able to fight for a second touchdown putting us at 13 with the wind stripping us of our field goal for the extra point. With 40 seconds left on the clock, our only job is to hold them back and keep our lead and win the most intense game ever. The fans are on their feet. Thank God I had an ex-high school footballer behind me, telling his girlfriend the play-by-play of what's what. Let's just say the Hub is too engrossed to do that for us. With those puny 40 seconds left, Centreville drives for a touchdown. It's 4th down and they are on no more than the 10 yard line. You know my eyesight is bad, so don't quote me on the yardage. 4th down and it looks to me, my family, the entire student section, all of Centreville, all of Chantilly, that this Centreville guy has failed. We are all celebrating! Louder than loud, Chantilly is literally jumping on top of each other with joy. When wait- what's that? The ref says it's a touchdown. I know that every parent facing a devastating blow would say the ref cheated. But friends, we're all in agreement the refs cheated here. Everyone-I mean everyone (including Centreville) felt like this boy did not make it into the endzone. I take as my evidence the fact that the opposing team was sporting their disappointed loss all over their hung faces. Yet, 2 seconds later, Centreville is elated. The ref's got his hands in the air like his life depends on it and it's a touchdown Centreville. You gotta be kidding me.
So we're going into overtime folks. Each team gets 4 downs to make a touchdown. We are now tied at 13 and Chantilly is on offense. We fight for a touchdown and miss the field goal. We stand at 19. Let me interrupt the playback by amusing you with the sight of all the student body (completely in white remember) rushing from the stands to the end zone fence. It was like a stampede. Remember we were sitting close to them. We quickly held our loved ones close and let them scamper by!
Centreville's turn and they manage to score. They also miss the field goal, so friends, we are tied again at 19. Friends! Think of the emotional exhausting time we were having. Our turn again and we score. So we're at 25. Sadly, we miss the field goal again. And this is from a kicker who hasn't missed all year. It was, in his defense, an extremely windy night. If it was me, the pressure alone would have done me in. It's Centreville's turn, they fight hard for another touchdown and we are tied at 25. What do they do? What would you do, Coach Reader? They go for 2. They are going to push to run the ball in for 2 points rather than risk a field goal and the wind have it's way with them.
Everything lies in the hands of our incredible defense right now-everything. They have played an incredible game (almost the entire game) and have to be exhausted. Yet, they know what's on the line. Sadly, friends, they rush and within inches make the end zone. My stomach dropped out of my feet. Centreville goes crazy, rushes the field. And incredible win for them. They fought for it all night, on their home field, senior night, and coming off a record of 4 wins for the previous 2 seasons combined. This is the first year they have played well in the last three years and they take the lead with the 7-0 record. While we, on the other hand, walk home with our heads hung down, and stand at 6-1. It was the saddest, most ridiculously called, game ever. You know the Hub was looking for one, just one, of those refs after the game. By God's intelligent grace, we didn't see any on the way out.
Oldest came home with the saddest looking face I have ever seen. The Hub and I surrounded him and gave him condolence hugs; told him how proud we were and did our after-the-game ritual of dissecting what went right and wrong. Oldest says they lost the game themselves with those missed field goals. That and those lovely refs. The best part of this tragedy would have to be Oldest's after-game-shake-hands-with-the-other-team thing. He's got tears streaming down his disappointed face and, for the first time ever, he had opposing players surrounding him telling him what an incredible job he and the defense did. That's right, they recognize our ferocity. It was a defining moment for him.
Somehow we managed to arouse on Saturday morning for a new round of games. Youngest played a soccer game like I have never seen before. Sadly, they lost 10-3. I am not sure how in pee wee soccer it can be so easy for them to score goal after goal and so easy for us to just watch it go in...over and over and over... Youngest has developed a kick jump that is out of this world. Every single kick is a performance and involves some sort of dramatic leap in the air and landing twisted around. It's incredible. So, soccer may not be his thing...His team did score three. As Youngest approached us for some water, he was elated at the score. "YES! WE GOT A GOAL!!! But it wasn't me though!" Hilarious.
On to Soccer Chick's game. I almost yanked her out of the game myself for her sullen attitude when put on defense. I mean, so you don't want to play defense...so what? Suck it up and go where the coach tells you. But that, in fact, was not what she did. She pouted, let the ball roll by her and was surrounded by "Soccer Chick! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?" The team they played was far, far less than great and we dominated the field the entire time. It was a windy day and we hit no less than 8 attempts and still no goal. I must remind you her team stands at a season of 0-3. They seriously needed to win this game. With Soccer Chick on offense, she fights, literally fights, for a goal. Parents go crazy! Somehow they manage to come back and score again. We score again and friends, we take the win. Superb! Favorite part of this game would have to be when Soccer Chick ran over, literally ran over, an opposing player near my sideline. "That's right Soccer Chick! You run her over if you have to!", says her wild mother. And the poor child stands up...and she's small. Half the size of Soccer Chick. She looks over at me, thinking what kind of mom would tell her daughter that? So I mouth, "oh! sorry..." to her and try to save face. In my defense, I had no idea the child was small.
On to Baseball Chick's game. She hit three singles and had a great game from what I caught of it, that being only about 15 minutes near the end. All in all, it was a busy, terrific weekend for games. Except for that devastating loss on Friday night. I'm still shaking my head. This Friday, is our biggest rival. Westfields. This is a game to win. They HAVE to win this game to reclaim their dignity and ranking. It's a must. It's a home game and while we won't be bringing baby powder, we will be plenty fired up.
Youngest antic to set your week off right: In children's church yesterday the lesson was on becoming a better giver. After a thorough explanation of what we can do to be more giving (i.e. our time, our hugs, our help, our things, etc) I worked with Youngest to create his "Giving Chart". We came up with some good ideas: "Give my shirt to my neighbor friend."
"Um...okay."
I say to Youngest, "What about your mouth? Can you be a bigger giver with your mouth?" I'm thinking give away compliments and kind words, right?
A puzzled look is stricken on his face as he replies matter of factly, "I think I'd like to keep my mouth mom."
Friday, October 15, 2010
Game Day!
I would be remiss if I didn't stress to you that today is GAME DAY. Big, big game against Centreville. Big game. Both teams are 6-0 and only one will walk away with a win. Who will be it be? Why, Chantilly of course. Super excited to see these boys take Centreville downnnn... They are going downnnn, I tell you!
This morning as Oldest left the house: "You excited about the game Rach?"
"Yup. Very excited. Are you going to do something?"
"Yup. I'm going to kill somebody. We're going to kill them."
"That's my boy." as I pat him on the those big, hulking shoulders.
"Now go to school, and kill some people this evening, like a good boy."
"Okay, Rach. I'll do that. And don't wear my jerseys tonight. I'm so serious. I'll be so ticked if you do. How embarrassing. The world doesn't need to know you are #92's family. How seriously embarrassing."
Question is, folks...Will the jersey get worn tonight???
This morning as Oldest left the house: "You excited about the game Rach?"
"Yup. Very excited. Are you going to do something?"
"Yup. I'm going to kill somebody. We're going to kill them."
"That's my boy." as I pat him on the those big, hulking shoulders.
"Now go to school, and kill some people this evening, like a good boy."
"Okay, Rach. I'll do that. And don't wear my jerseys tonight. I'm so serious. I'll be so ticked if you do. How embarrassing. The world doesn't need to know you are #92's family. How seriously embarrassing."
Question is, folks...Will the jersey get worn tonight???
Wisdom From Youngest
Standing in line at a checkout, Baseball Chick says "I HATE long lines...wait - mom I already know what you are going to say 'don't say HATE'...I don't LIKE long lines."
"Great," I say, "glad you fixed it."
Youngest replies, "Yes, don't say ‘hate’. Or else you're life will be NO GOOD."
Baseball Chick: “Dad, how did you make that ice tea that fast? I didn’t see anything but water in there.”
The Hub: “Easy, I just scrubbed some of my skin off into the container and tah-dah! It turned to from water to ice-tea.” He says, as he demonstrates scraping his skin into the pitcher.
Baseball Chick: “No! Dad, really!”
Youngest, as he stares intently at the Hub and and his hands: “No. not possible. You still have skin left. If you scrapped your skin off you would be white.”
Youngest jumps onto an escalator going down, finds himself balancing between two steps, and remarks: “whoa! That was dramatic!”
“Pnut, your other name is Pnut. Do you know what that means?”
“No, boy. What does that mean?”
“It means that when you grow up you will turn into a peanut. Because that’s what happens when someone is named Pnut. They have to turn into a real peanut.”
Riding in the backseat home from daycare, Youngest ponders: “Mom, how come the car goes by itself sometimes.”
“When do you see the car going by itself, Youngest?”“You know, sometimes the car is moving and your hands aren’t on it. How come it does that?”
“Where would my hands be, Youngest?”
“You know, on your cell phone, reading a book, you know…when your hands are not on the car.”
“OH! Ummm… (haha) well, um. UM…there’s this thing called a pedal and when you push the pedal…” – my weak attempt at changing the way this conversation was going…
“Oh! Mom! There’s that store…Five Below. Can we go in and buy something?”
“No, Youngest. Not today. We’re not shopping today.”
“No, mom. Not ‘shop’…’buy’. ‘Buy’, I said. I don’t want to shop, just buy something.”
“That’s the same thing, Youngest. Two words that are the same.”
“No, mom. Shopping is when you go to the mall and you walk around. Buy is when we go to five below and ‘buy’ something I want. See, you understand now?”
Around the dinner table, Soccer Chick shares a story she read about an 8 year old girl who is a fantastically gifted artist, selling her works of art for up to $25,000 a piece.
I say, “My only question is with all of you here at this table, who’s got something that can make us some money? Surely, one of you has something.”
Soccer Chick – “You know I can sing mom.”
Baseball Chick – “I can play baseball and I love to read. Will that work?”
I say, “Youngest, I am going to put you on TV.”
“Okay mom. I am sneaky. I can sneak around and take people’s money when they aren’t looking.”
“um. Okay, No!”
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Yesterday afternoon I get a phone call at work from Soccer Chick. "Mom! You have got to stop with these yard signs! Enough already." I promise you I had no idea what she was talking about. Apparently some mysterious Chantilly fan went around and delivered yard signs (like the kind my realtor husband uses) that say "Go Chargers. 6-0. We're on a Thunder Roll." So that you understand the reference, when the mighty chargers are walking from the locker room to the field for a game, they walk down an open corridor between two tennis courts. Aka...Thunder Alley. There is always some crazy "Thunder" song playing and it does the trick in getting everyone, including the boys super hyped. Thus, the "Thunder Roll" sign in my yard. Containing my excitement over the phone, I calmly and sweetly told my darling Soccer Chick, that while, yes, I did purchase the first yard sign, a beautiful flag with my boy's varsity jersey number on it, I did not purchase this additional sign. But I am sure am excited it's there.
When Oldest returned home from football practice he promptly scooped it up and carried it to his room. To our perplexed expressions, he states: "I don't like cocky parents." The boy takes shy and stay in the background to a whole new level. Okay, we shrug. Whatever you want. It's about support, but take how you want. Hey, I didn't pay for the sign, so if he doesn't want it there...cool. After all eyes are closed and sleeping is ensuing, we hear the garage door open. Oldest puts the sign back. Some things we just need a moment to wrap our head around to be comfortable with. Most of all, I'm just glad to see others equally pumped so the Hub can lessen the fun-making of me!
So this game on Friday is big. As in REALLY big. The opposing team is also 6-0. They are, apparently, being carried by their running back who is single-handily racking up wins for them. If Chantilly wins, not only does that put them at 7-0 (which is amazing) but it also breaks the winning streak of the only other team in the Concorde district. The game is sure to be packed as the excitement mounts. You just might hear us cheering from where you sit on Friday night. If it's not at the Chantilly-Centreville game you are missing out! Friends, Centreville is going downnnn. Does that sound "cocky"?
When Oldest returned home from football practice he promptly scooped it up and carried it to his room. To our perplexed expressions, he states: "I don't like cocky parents." The boy takes shy and stay in the background to a whole new level. Okay, we shrug. Whatever you want. It's about support, but take how you want. Hey, I didn't pay for the sign, so if he doesn't want it there...cool. After all eyes are closed and sleeping is ensuing, we hear the garage door open. Oldest puts the sign back. Some things we just need a moment to wrap our head around to be comfortable with. Most of all, I'm just glad to see others equally pumped so the Hub can lessen the fun-making of me!
So this game on Friday is big. As in REALLY big. The opposing team is also 6-0. They are, apparently, being carried by their running back who is single-handily racking up wins for them. If Chantilly wins, not only does that put them at 7-0 (which is amazing) but it also breaks the winning streak of the only other team in the Concorde district. The game is sure to be packed as the excitement mounts. You just might hear us cheering from where you sit on Friday night. If it's not at the Chantilly-Centreville game you are missing out! Friends, Centreville is going downnnn. Does that sound "cocky"?
Saturday, October 9, 2010
First Fact, Then Football
Oldest shared a story with me the other night that made my heart just a little proud. All of us parents, mentors and all-around good folk can only hope that when we try to share the "how to be a good person" lessons, that these kids are listening. I had a moment when God really let me see that inside this huge, 17 year old, 210 frame, a boy is listening, and, as my mother would say, he "has a good heart". Here's the scene:
Oldest is walking down the hall at school and sees a "fat, white kid" get thrown up against the locker by the throat by some other kid. Following the neck-love, the poor boy falls to the ground and the bully walks off. Oldest approaches and helps the poor bullied kid off the floor. "Hey man, you okay?", he says as he helps him to his feet. The boy, looking petrified (wonder if he was thinking if this football player is going to assault him next?), says "it's okay. I'm fine". Oldest replies, "no man, it's not fine." At which point Oldest yells for the bully to come back. Petrified boy, takes off running and bully boy comes back. Oldest asks, "Hey, what did you do that for?" Bully boy offers some lame excuse about how petrified boy pushed his backpack off the desk. Oldest says, "Dude, don't do that. You don't treat anybody like that. If I find out you are picking on this boy again I'll shove my fist down your throat." Awww, it's enough to make a mama proud. Bully boy gets the message and now becomes petrified boy number 2, replies okay and takes off running himself. If Oldest had of come at me like that I think I would get the message too. Loud and clear.
Now, you would think this was a scene out of a movie. That's what I thought as Oldest was relaying it to me. I asked him several times to leave out the exaggerations and enhancements, but he swears it happened just like that. He said that was the first time he had ever witnessed bullying first-hand. I told him I was really proud of him standing up for this poor kid. Oldest felt bad for the boy who, obviously, according to Oldest, was just a kid that was going to get picked on. Oldest used his physical and social stature to help this kid. Bully boy and Petrified boy will never forget that experience. Who knows, that moment could be life-changing for both boys.
And on to more exciting news...I wish, friends, you could be with us at just one Chantilly football game. We're talking major, major excitement. Last night, Chantilly faced Robinson. Robinson, who just the week before, took down the number one ranked team in the Region, Lake Braddock. Robinson, feeling high and mighty off that previous week's win, came out to play some serious ball. Chantilly knew they would have to play hard, no mistakes, and come prepared to fight for a win. When we reached second quarter and Robinson was the first to score, I became a little concerned for the first time. I'm very confident in our boys, but Robinson was showing us a little something-something. I'm happy to say Oldest was back out on the field and because it was an away game, I can't report to you how many times Oldest's name was called by the announcer. Although we couldn't hear the play-by-play from the announcer's microphone on the other side of the field, we could see that the Defense was doing big things. I would venture to say that the amazing Defense is what won that game. One teammate did get a beautiful interception that led to a run stopping quite near the end zone. That one play led to a touchdown for us. And with that change of momentum, Chantilly was in it to win it. Final score 24-14 and Robinson, try as they might, just could not come back from Chantilly's lead.
The boys played well and won only because their heart was in it, Defense (my boy!) was outstanding and Offense was able to make some plays. We gotta work on that offense, especially leading into next week's game, which no doubt will be THE game of the season. Next week we face Centreville is the last team in our district to be 6-0, just like Chantilly. This is going to be a serious match-up and only one team can win, so no doubt both teams will be fighting for it. The boy's 6-0 record is a first time in Chantilly football history. Oldest says he didn't play as well as he could have, but I tell you friends, he was in some serious tackles. He was double-teamed with two big guys facing him. Still he managed to get through them, get into the quarterback's zone, and take him down a few times. Very nice.
And lest you think this boy is a perfect teenager, living a happy, gleeful life, I must tell you he pouted his way to his this morning. Just like a sullen, 17 year old, pouty teenager would be, he didn't disappoint his tribe. Grumpy and grouchy he went. Not happy to sit for a 4 hour test after that exciting high last night. My loving, empathetic motherly response: "get over it."
Oldest is walking down the hall at school and sees a "fat, white kid" get thrown up against the locker by the throat by some other kid. Following the neck-love, the poor boy falls to the ground and the bully walks off. Oldest approaches and helps the poor bullied kid off the floor. "Hey man, you okay?", he says as he helps him to his feet. The boy, looking petrified (wonder if he was thinking if this football player is going to assault him next?), says "it's okay. I'm fine". Oldest replies, "no man, it's not fine." At which point Oldest yells for the bully to come back. Petrified boy, takes off running and bully boy comes back. Oldest asks, "Hey, what did you do that for?" Bully boy offers some lame excuse about how petrified boy pushed his backpack off the desk. Oldest says, "Dude, don't do that. You don't treat anybody like that. If I find out you are picking on this boy again I'll shove my fist down your throat." Awww, it's enough to make a mama proud. Bully boy gets the message and now becomes petrified boy number 2, replies okay and takes off running himself. If Oldest had of come at me like that I think I would get the message too. Loud and clear.
Now, you would think this was a scene out of a movie. That's what I thought as Oldest was relaying it to me. I asked him several times to leave out the exaggerations and enhancements, but he swears it happened just like that. He said that was the first time he had ever witnessed bullying first-hand. I told him I was really proud of him standing up for this poor kid. Oldest felt bad for the boy who, obviously, according to Oldest, was just a kid that was going to get picked on. Oldest used his physical and social stature to help this kid. Bully boy and Petrified boy will never forget that experience. Who knows, that moment could be life-changing for both boys.
And on to more exciting news...I wish, friends, you could be with us at just one Chantilly football game. We're talking major, major excitement. Last night, Chantilly faced Robinson. Robinson, who just the week before, took down the number one ranked team in the Region, Lake Braddock. Robinson, feeling high and mighty off that previous week's win, came out to play some serious ball. Chantilly knew they would have to play hard, no mistakes, and come prepared to fight for a win. When we reached second quarter and Robinson was the first to score, I became a little concerned for the first time. I'm very confident in our boys, but Robinson was showing us a little something-something. I'm happy to say Oldest was back out on the field and because it was an away game, I can't report to you how many times Oldest's name was called by the announcer. Although we couldn't hear the play-by-play from the announcer's microphone on the other side of the field, we could see that the Defense was doing big things. I would venture to say that the amazing Defense is what won that game. One teammate did get a beautiful interception that led to a run stopping quite near the end zone. That one play led to a touchdown for us. And with that change of momentum, Chantilly was in it to win it. Final score 24-14 and Robinson, try as they might, just could not come back from Chantilly's lead.
The boys played well and won only because their heart was in it, Defense (my boy!) was outstanding and Offense was able to make some plays. We gotta work on that offense, especially leading into next week's game, which no doubt will be THE game of the season. Next week we face Centreville is the last team in our district to be 6-0, just like Chantilly. This is going to be a serious match-up and only one team can win, so no doubt both teams will be fighting for it. The boy's 6-0 record is a first time in Chantilly football history. Oldest says he didn't play as well as he could have, but I tell you friends, he was in some serious tackles. He was double-teamed with two big guys facing him. Still he managed to get through them, get into the quarterback's zone, and take him down a few times. Very nice.
And lest you think this boy is a perfect teenager, living a happy, gleeful life, I must tell you he pouted his way to his this morning. Just like a sullen, 17 year old, pouty teenager would be, he didn't disappoint his tribe. Grumpy and grouchy he went. Not happy to sit for a 4 hour test after that exciting high last night. My loving, empathetic motherly response: "get over it."
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Guys, perhaps I didn't do a bang up job describing how fun this weekend was. As I have been reminiscing over the last few days I realized in my blog post I left out the perfectly timed disgruntled answer of my in-her-90s grandma griping that she only had 5 minutes to write something to my mother. Really? You've known her for 60 years. You need more than 5 minutes to say what you love about her? Classic and yet, still amazing.
I also left out Youngest rolling on the floor in genuine glee. Something like this:
Just that good old, belly-aching kind of fun. I also left out how neat it was to sit with my favorite aunt (only aunt? - never mind that...FAVORITE) and chat about stuff. Just chat about nothing and everything. With the Hub standing nearby, eyes just a rollin' as we discussed some tv shows that have captured our hearts.
Speaking of which, I want to advise you that if you haven't already, you might want to check out Modern Family. Few shows make me chuckle out loud but this one does. The Office always has, and will continue to but Modern Family is quickly becoming a favorite. My facebook post last night was so good. Classic mom response to raising pre-teens and teens. The mom, Claire, is hilarious. Check this show out. I think you won't regret it.
The last thing I want to tell you today may weigh heavily on your heart. As we get into this school year, I am starting to think there is a conspiracy to make me suffer. It's October, people. OCTOBER. And we have already received senior pictures, of which we get the supreme delight of paying what amounts to a car payment to see his smiling face plastered largely around the house. And last night, he plopped, literally plopped, down a package for graduation announcements. Um...it's OCTOBER. Took my poor breath right away. Just sucked it right out of me. Good grief...really? We have to begin our savings for another bit of what amounts to a car payment for graduation announcements...already? It's OCTOBER!
Alas, senior year is here. Did I mention that when he was doing that plopping of that said graduation announcement package I was busy at my desk working with the three others on what we want to submit for his yearbook senior ad. You know, that space in the back of the book where you get to submit all sorts of embarrassing kid pictures of him and write something sappy. I asked Youngest what he wanted to say and he said "hmmm...let me think about it." as he thumped his head with his pointer finger. "Well, I think I want to say he is the one who broke up my drum set when I was 2. Now that my birthday is soon...in like 40 days...I think I need a new drum set." Does it matter that this is not true? That what really happened is Youngest, with his engineering mind, figured out how to unscrew the bolts and stick toys inside the drums, poke holes into the drums, and otherwise literally beat the seat to death? I guess that doesn't much matter when he's looking towards his 40 day away birthday. It's actually just next month but the boy loves the number 40, apparently.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)